Wednesday 13 July 2011

Hi my name is Siobhan and i'm obsessed with London!

The online dictionary describes obsessions as :

"A compulsive, often unreasonable idea or emotion"


Over the past three or so years I have wondered if my love of London, specific musical theatre stars and really, musical theatre as a whole, is simply a passionate hobby, or indeed an obsession. I mean if I broke down the above definition I can absolutely relate to all parts of it. I feel myself spending my time inbeween trips to London just waiting to be back there again and if I have nothing booked it’s like a compulsive need to remedy that.  The outcome is often - if not always -unreasonable (travelling 5 hours for one night) and the emotion attached to it is sometimes scary levels of excitement.

This is where I get confused. I am very happy with my life, my job aside. Although given the current economic climate I am grateful to be in a job that can fund said obsessions. I am surrounded by the most amazing people and have so many important relationships which I pride myself on maintaining. I have a stable home life and live in a very thriving city full of possibilities. Why is this not enough?

The internet world as a whole is a very foreign concept to most people in my life. They think twitter is “sad” and “a waste of time and energy, speaking to people you don’t know”. I have always been involved in this "www" world and love meeting new people  who have the same passions as me. So I don't know if it's just the case that people do not understand this side of me, because they do not embrace up to date social networking. Or if their worry for me is needed. 

So here lies the question. Am I obsessed? Or just passionate? 

Tuesday 12 July 2011

Legally take 3- cast changes!

After another flying trip to London, I am yet again on the 4.5 hour train journey home. Feeling bored and sick as I've packed uber light so no laptop, and I'm facing the opposite way than the train is going- severely bad times! Had an awesome time as usual though.

I experienced day seating for the first time on this trip- got up at 3.15 to travel to London so I would be in time for front row tickets for legally blonde, but only managed row N- so annoying! That aside I really like the idea of day seating, I think it's a great incentive for regular theatre goers. This is my third viewing of legally blonde since march and I honestly don't think I could ever get sick of it. There had been a few changes since I was last there. Lee mead is now playing the role of Emmett and I'm sad to say I was less than impressed with him. Don't get me wrong- he's not bad by any means but he's so forgettable in my opinion. His character is supposed to have struggled and worked hard to get where he is now and he just doesn't portray that in his performance. He almost fades into the background.

Carley stenson is now playing Elle and she did an amazing job, this was her first official Elle performance and she did really well. I always think you get attached to the people you see in a show first, and in this case my favourite Elle will always be Susan McFadden- she was outstanding- but Carley can certainly do the role justice and I wish her every success in her run.

Ellie kirk is another newbie, playing the role of margot, she's so adorable and has the part nailed already. She has a real likability factor about her and gives a very sweet yet professional performance. The star of the night for me though was Natalie casey- who now plays paulette- she just brings something fresh to the role and has really made it her own. Her comedy timing is amazing and I really want to see her more before she leaves. I always get a really sad feeling leaving London and this is no different. I don't know when I'll be able to get down again but I really hope it's some point in the not so distant future.