Windsor. 3 weeks to go...

It is 9.30pm and 26 degrees outside. There has rarely been need for more than a T-Shirt and shorts (or variable equivalents) all week. Sun cream has been applied, water drunk and enthusiastic attempts made not to waste what so rarely occurs here - a heat wave. You may think me boringly British talking about the weather but it is remarkable what effect it has. As I sit here in the interval of our 3rd night at the Theatre Royal in Windsor - window wide open, door wide open, fan blaring and cool sprays at the ready- I feel compelled to tell you about it.

Back in Basingstoke when we were quite literally snowed in, I felt rather hard done by in what little material makes up my prostitute dress. "Remember to take your jumper off!" became a common expression that quite rightly rang in my ears whilst standing in the wings - my worst fear being an outer body experience consisting of looking down on myself in the scene to discover a hoodied hooker! Whilst my Lisette costume (that goes over the top) provided some comfort, I found myself envying those dressed in full military uniform or ladened with layer upon layer of corset and vest. Now, much to the discomfort and envy of my fellow actors, the tables have turned. As I talk of scrabbling for space by the fan in between scenes and consuming gallons of water without time for the loo, I am perhaps sounding as though we are working in uncomfortable conditions. I assume you have heard of the expression 'First World Problems.' Whilst some theatres provide Air-Conditioned dressing rooms with water machines and a mini bar - (joking!) one has to remain in the knowledge that whatever the weather, this is a job, a great job, a fulfilling job and we have money to eat, sleep and go to the pub. As humans we adapt; we are amebae (<< slight laugh at myself) and can become used to things that in the grand scheme of things, could be seen as a luxury. Although perhaps if I had to wear a woollen military uniform, I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss the Air-Con, but I'm sure you catch my drift.

Windsor presented itself as our 3rd to last venue. Besides aforementioned thoughts on heat, the very fact that we are 3 weeks away, had a significant effect.

It is a beautiful place and provides an ideal setting for us as a touring company; a town riddled with History, a beautiful riverside location, most shops (eateries...) within walking distance of the theatre and many a public house to choose from whether it be a glorified Wetherspoons or independently run inn. 

Windsor Castle. We weren't asked for tea.

A real crooked house...that does great breakfast.

Sadly, at this stage, such things tend to matter less and less. Another advantage of its location is its proximity to London and therefore ease when it comes to commuting. This meant that most (including myself) were scattered to the winds, daily seeking comfort (and shade!) in the familiar surroundings of home. As previously mentioned, this always changes the dynamic of the group slightly. Where you would once have your fellow cast mates on tap either via social activities or afternoons spent in Costa, daytimes (bar fantastical boat trip on Tuesday!) were spent catching up with, dare I say it, the real world. Whilst there inevitably becomes a distance, an occasional week spent this way on tour can only be a good thing. Particularly at this stage.

We have been touring for 6 months - the job in total just shy of 8. Whilst there are of course longer tours, longer jobs, this is a substantial length for a theatre tour. I guess that explains the need for time at home and this week particularly, a sense of winding down. I wonder how much of this is us knowing the end is near and adapting to that, or whether we are just a bit tired. I recently said to one of the cast “I feel particularly tired this week, I don’t know why.” His reply was simply, “Polly, we’ve been on the road for 6 months.” Fair enough, but I wasn't convinced. I think the body and mind have a rather strange subliminal awareness of such things and it manifests itself in either fatigue, illness or mildly strange behaviour. Example - the "putting on your dress" song...  People tour for a year, 18 months. People work in the same job for 40 years. Harking back to my previous comment about "amebae," us humans adapt - not only by getting used to certain things and changing what we see as being a luxury or a given - but by preparing ourselves for what we know is to come. (When and if, of course, we have the luxury of knowing.)


Despite said challenges, we managed to have many a fun time this week!

• Boat Trip - We hired a boat from Kris' Cruisers and spent the afternoon basking in the sun with nibbles and music. Luckily, Tim VE and Liam were on board to deal with less thought through aspects of the day....like getting through the locks...great job guys.

• Emily's family hosted a lovely evening of post show drinks and nibbles. We were welcomed into a fairy tale like summer garden decorated with lanterns and beautiful solar powered lights and waited on with wine, pizza and delicious potato wedges! As deputy social secretary, Emily exceeded all expectations and provided a perfect post-show summer activity - a great way to relax in what could be described as a more manageable temperature. 22 degrees at 11pm.

• This week we got to see our producers, Anne-Marie and Jon, and Assistant Director, Charlotte Peters - all of whom have close connections with Windsor Theatre Royal - giving the show a rather special significance.

• We had our one and only back to back Saturday! Our matinee was at 4.45pm and evening show at 8pm. This meant we had 1/2 hour between shows - a strange experience but adrenaline fuelled and therefore quite exciting with the word deja-vu being the operative word. A huge highlight has to be Dominoes Pizza in between.

Contrary to evidence, I wasn't the only one eating.

Windsor has been a week of mixed emotions and Factor 30. Nostalgia and Extra Pepperoni. As we approach the home straight, we look back on this as a pivotal week, and the one we survived without Air-Con ;-)