The Heart of Winter

Wow two posts in one weekend. I don't think I've managed that since the first week I wrote this blog. However it is good to actually write about something vaguely connected with writing for change rather than my body fat percentage. Seriously I'm not even interesting now let alone in many years time. Anyway this is worth paying attention for.....

So early tonight I dropped by the Leicester Square Theatre Basement Studio/Bar thing to watch the premier of a new song cycle called Heart of Winter…on a sunny Sunday in June. Well ok, not so sunny. Having felt like death warmed up due to extended hangover from 24 hours of clubbing (how hardcore am I?) I sat in the back row and busied myself writing the first part of this review in the hope that I would look like some very busy important theatre person rather than a Norman-no-friends. Why didn't I bring someone to this? Why am I even here?

Oh right, I forgot to say that this the reason I was attending this show was not only because it was a new show but because Lia Buddle, my former assistant at The Broadway had written, directed, produced and I suspect also provided the soft furnishings that decorated the set for this show (basically a twenty-something's bedroom although I don't think the cushion gaffer taped to the prompt corner was not part of the look).

What is this show about? Lia told me and I forgot. I'm sure it's on this free programme somewhere. Oh, not really but thankfully I can copy and paste from Facebook...

Realising her relationship of three years is over, Kate is forced to adjust to her new life without Alan – with the help of her mum, her job and a large tub of Ben & Jerry’s.Don’t miss one woman’s funny and touching story as she battles the harsh realities of winter to find the new hope of spring. This workshop production marks the world premiere of an exciting new musical theatre piece.

The show is inspired by Wilheim Muller's Wintereisse but the song cycle is basically story of single girl going it alone after dumping loser boyfriend and follows her in her journey to put her life back together. It's a one woman show. It's a sunday. I'm thinking Tell Me On A Sunday.

The show starts late and this is not a good thing considering I'm in danger of serving up a pavement pizza at any second. Am I really that hung-over?

The thing that really struck me about the show is how well all the elements are combined. The lyrics work with the music, which works with the actress and the direction. It's strong across the board.

STORY

The story is the weakest element and I think this could do with work. It's hard to keep up with the relationships that kate is singing about and their significance. The character moves from one to another and I'm not left with the impression that she's gained or lost anything in the process. Maybe that's life?! Songs fall broadly into 3 categories; "I'm happy being single", "I'm not happy being single", and "wait a second this is getting too intense songs" which are peppy and feature a good dose of laughs. This weaknessm however is cleverly masked with great lyrics and music that, while isn't amazingly memorable, is addictive and makes you want to go and see this show again.

MUSIC

Another great asset of this workshop staging is Tim Connor the composer is behind the piano.....or rather keyboard and his passion is clearly communicated in the performance. The music is technically challenging from what I can tell not being a pianist so I was able to marvel at some deft finger action. I can only imagine how much better the score would sound on a grand piano. The music is contemporary and rather American (think Last 5 Years). There are brief references from other shows but nothing recognizable enough for me to be able substantiate that comment! Tim has managed to create a sound that is original but not unnerving. The more comic songs have rhythmic energy and the more reflective songs have a meditative quality. Disappointingly the weakest melodic material bookends the show which leaves you with a sense that it's over just as you've really got into it.

LYRICS

Tim's strength as a composer is matched with strength in his lyrics. They remain conversational and avoid becoming over indulgent although I must admit I feel the through-line of winter is abandoned rather quickly. There is a great sense of reality to the songs and the exploration of the subject matter is very easy to relate to as a result. Highlights include a song about Kate's working day as a teacher where she describes her life as being covered in red pen. As Lia's friend it is fun to see that so much of her experience and outlook is in this work. Everything from Lia's vocabulary, mannerisms and thoughts make me wonder if whether Lia Buddle - The Musical might have been a better title. The result, joking aside, is a lovable, funny and endearing character which is more than can be said of Xander Hough - The Musical!

KATE ROSCOE, KATE DOUGLAS

Kate Roscoe who heads up this one woman show has West End written all over her and she's a real gem combining great emotional and comic acting with a voice that is well suited to the material and pleasant to listen to. She may not quite be a leading lady yet and while she's not given much opportunity to belt in this show (I'm a belt junkie), she does fever a nice mix of musical theatre staples that are reassuring and well placed by the directors.

The character is "northern" - a generic attribute to accompany a generic accent and while Kate does a good job with the accent (she gets more northern as the show progresses), I am left with the feeling this is just a device to make her more endearing or funny. The show would be equally good with any regional accent and the content doesn't link her background to her current experiences. If anything the songs seem rather "young professional in London" rather than say "single girl in Sheffield".

THE VERDICT

Yes this show needs development but it also deserves to be supported. It really is amazing at how polished the work is already and it makes my blood boil to think that this show could sit on the shelf when you see the rubbish that people are backing on the West End these days. Overall this show deserves a full production but one that respects the original charm of the piece.

My Plateau Hell

Last month provided some opportunities for reflection. One year on from the start of Operation Stop Being a Fat Bastard, it is easy to forget just how much progress has been made. Over the year I have lost 3 Stones and a third of my body fat. I've gone from barely being able to run ten minutes to running ten miles in under two hours.

Much as I enjoy the effect of this change I can't depart from my default behaviour of never being satisfied. Three Stones is good but far would have bear better of course. Moving from a 36 inch to a 32 waist is good going but I have my sights set lower. I may feel that the results have been worth the investment in terms of my time and energy but what about the financial Side of things? My gym subscription has cost £400. Pound per pound, as it were, I have spent £11 per pound of fat I have shed. Does this constitute good value for money? I can't say I'm convinced although it is great to have friends and family remark how much slimmer I look.

Where am I now? Well a frustrating 170 lbs and I've hovered around this mark for the past three months or so. I suspect this is due to a lack of discipline when it comes to alcohol and food at weekends combined with an ineffectual gym routine. Attempts to step it up cardio-wise result in being over tired or injury. Being stricter with my diet now seems to be a massive effort for little gain. True if I was truly dedicated then I'd probably be ok. True, if I had a personal training session at the gym to change my programme I'd get in shape faster but all these things require money and time and effort. While I should probably rearrange my priorities Operation Stobeafaba comes behind my two careers and social life. Maybe it would be better if I considered the belly that is refusing to go as a defiant statement that says 'hey I have other things to my life that are more important to me' rather than the barrier between me and being a Men's Health cover model.