Our week in Norwich

This week certainly had a feel of nostalgia. There are 3 weeks left of the tour, 2 of which will mainly be spent commuting, so when we discovered there was to be a week of good weather? Every single day? We thought go on then, let’s have digs with a pool and a hot tub! 

6 of us stayed and everyone else came over to make the most of the good weather. On Thursday, it was Lauren’s birthday so we had a company BBQ...

Many sports were played and competitions won and lost. I took on Poppy and Alastair in what became a ruthless game of Badminton. Better luck next time you two...(thanks Frog ;-)

Water Polo Rugby, as it came to be known, occupied much of the afternoon. I’d had enough when it was decided there were in fact, no rules?!!! 

Liam, with Tim T helping (watching and eating), spent the afternoon slaving over the BBQ. Everyone else had 10 minutes as DJ - although I really do not remember being given my go. I seem to remember it was dominated by Tim S, Tim T and Gareth, so the summery afternoon was accompanied by the Beatles, the Who, the Jam and well, Dubstep. Sadly, Jon and Josh weren’t able to join us, but we’re sure to make up for that in Brighton with many a celebration planned.

I was lucky enough to have my Ma around for some of the week. She came to stay with friends in Norwich and on the Monday, which presented our biggest audience yet, they came to see the show. Of all the performances we’ve done, and all she’s seen (she could probably now be called a groupie) I was so glad she came that night. It was our biggest audience yet by double and we certainly felt it. The Theatre Royal Norwich seats 1300 so is a large space, but with that doesn’t lose its intimacy. Some theatres with that capacity feel cavernous and the audience distant, but this felt full, close and supportive. She had previously seen it in Basingstoke and Guildford - both of which seat around half if not less than Norwich, so I was glad there was some variable although she insisted it was still as powerful and poignant for her as it had ever been. Which was a great comfort. Her birthday fell this week and we were lucky enough to be taken out in a boat for a tour of the broads!

Her lovely friends, Janet and Terry, showed us the ways of the waters and the ladies were able to catch up on old times - they’ve been friends since age 11! (Which I'm assured feels like yesterday ;-)

For lunch, we were taken to the local brewery...where of course no drinking occurred, but where very tasty food was found as well as an idyllic location for one of the hottest days of the year.

Armed with freshly picked strawberries and Lemon Drizzle birthday cake, I headed back to the ranch to catch the last of the sun by the pool.

Norwich presented a week different to many others - mainly because of the weather and having the accommodation to suit it. It felt strange being in a potentially holiday like set-up, but very much being there to work - in the prominent form of 8 shows. In terms of relaxation it provided a contrast to the focus and concentration needed for a show but at times perhaps persuaded your body that you were able to completely relax, and therefore revving up for the show became more of a challenge. An odd paradox to reflect upon whilst the heat wave persists and our tour comes to its last weeks.

Next, we are in the beautiful town of Windsor. I, as social secretary, am assigned to provide wall to wall fun filled entertainment for all. But as most people are commuting, I suspect a calm week of gentle activity will be in order. Check back next week to see which path was taken...X


P.S. For anyone interested in a lovely poolside summer break in Norwich our digs address was...

Poolside Lodges
Salhouse Road
Rackheath
Norwich
NR13 6LD