My First ever Blog!

I recently began the 2009 tour of my play 'I Shot Dirty Den' under the auspices of The Rural Touring Network. The remit of this organization is to promote suitable culture to remote areas that have no immediate access to the mainstream touring music and theatre companies, and a jolly good thing it is I can tell you. The modern village halls of England are a collective treasure where the locals can have a smashing night out, buy a few drinks, and share in their enjoyment of the spectacle in the familiar surroundings that they themselves have worked so hard to have in their midst. These halls are run on a voluntary basis and are in a way very much the ' WI ' of our generation. Of course if one were to mention the ' WI ' to today's children; most would merely think that one had mispronounced the name of the popular new parlour game " Wii " currently sweeping our nation and keeping good folks indoors. Whereas the Women's Institute ethos is that of getting people out of their homes and joining together in communal activities, enjoyment, and interaction. Not just jam. I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction of having a full house in a warm clean and proudly run hall, where nothing is too much trouble and everyone does his or her best to be as welcoming as possible. Indeed the weekend's performances quite lifted my spirits. The audiences had little of the highbrow disdain that is so often associated with city theatre; and once aware that they were being presented with a piece of quality work on their own doorstep, were more than a little demonstrative of their pleasure. Thank goodness this is a bit of "old Blighty" that has not been left behind, but provides a wonderful stage for the many peripatetic performers currently bringing great entertainment to so many.