I hope all of my readers, loyal and new had a great Christmas. I know me and my family did. We were up early and to bed late,with lots of fun and merriment between. We followed our usual routine, with lots of presents shared and exchanged and Clive and Pauline (my uncle & aunty) were great hosts. had a smashing dinner again. And to top it off me and Sandy won a quiz or two!!! We're not a telly at Crimbo family, apart from HRH.
Although no one wanted another show to be cancelled there was, I have to admit, a small piece of me that was hoping for a phone call Christmas Day evening to say that the water was still posing a problem. Only you have to understand because of wanting more time with my family and Sandy. This is however part of the job and so we were up nice and early to allow us time for the drive, with traffic and weather related hold ups.
The shows WERE back on!! And althought the theatr was slightly damp, this post is dedicated to the hard working, back broken crew of the Arnaud! who once again showed their brilliance and dedication. Many of them had let thipeir homes late Christmas to make sure they were back for the early start; and here's me moaning about a shortage of time!!
They were in at 9 to start the massive clear up and rescue job needed if the shows were to go on. They were sweeping out the theatre foyer which had been under eight inches of water at the floods peak, bucketing out pooled water and trying to dry as much of the theatre as possible. Electrics were made safe, the band all wired up and smells banished as best as possible. When we got there, I couldn't believe the destruction the flood had caused. The whole of the foyer was sodden and the restaurant couldn't seat their bookings or cook any food. The disabled doors had to be left open to try and air the auditorium as the water had gone over the pit and reached the third row of the stalls - so there were some very soggy carpets!!
It made a change for the stage to be cold. It's normally boiling. There were plenty of "wet & watery" jokes again, with the audience showing great British spirit and understanding. Gerry went on with a mop and bucket before the show to announce to the audience what work had been undertaken and how lucky they were to be still seeing the show. He made an advanced apology for any slow scene changes, as the crew were now faced with a Krypton Factor style challenge to manoeuvre truck and flats, which of course, they did with ease.
I find it a little odd not having the band down in front of us. I like to reference them or give Anthony the occasional look. It's reassuring for me at times and and a bridge between the stage and the audeince. They however prefer it in the wings as they can sit in a tight huddle and hear each other without headphones. It seems that due to the continued wet weather after Christmas and into the new year, they will now remain there.
We had signs stuck to the front of the still flooded pit instructing no diving, swimming or fishing, which added a nice touch along with a little rubber duck floating in 'the pond'. The carpets in the foyer have all be pulled up, so extra heating has been brought in so that patrons aren't cold. We have the constant threat of the theatre flooding again since Boxing Day, and were still not out of the woods as the rain continues to pour down.
So congratulations to the marvellous Crew and staff at the theatre who got the theatre ready and usable in sich a short window. You all deserve a medal!!
JB-BB
P.S. Our little KA didn't make it I'm afraid. This was the scene on Boxing Day morning, a hundred yards or so from where it had been parked.
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