A Perfect Day In Manchester !!

It had been a hard few days for me leading up to my trip to Manchester to see the final show of 'That Day We Sang'.

Work had been stressful but my main concern had been for my dog Max who had been staying at the veterinary hospital with suspected stomach cancer. Thankfully the exploratory operation came back clear and he seems much better but we have to wait for the biopsy results before we'll know the final diagnosis.

I needed something to lift my spirirts and the opportunity to see Faye in Victoria Woods brilliant play for the second time helped get me through the week.

However, what really made my day and for a few minutes at least made me completely forget all my worries, was my chat with Faye.

We'd arranged to meet inside the Royal Exchange at 6:30pm. I got there a little early but I didn't have to wait long before she came out and gave me a big hug.

I know how busy she is and that she had a show to prepare for so I thought she might just have time for a quick hello but we chatted for what must have been nearly 20 minutes.

When you're talking to someone you admire as much as I do Faye you have a million thoughts spinning round in your head so come the end you feel a little dizzy and retaining the finer details of what you've discussed isn't that easy but I'll give it a go.

We obviously talked about 'That Day We Sang'. Faye explained how much she enjoyed playing her part in such a fabulous play at one of the UK's most iconic theatre's and how great it was to work with such a wonderfully gifted cast. She also praised Victoria Wood, saying that her brilliant script made every cast member feel important and an integral part of the show.

We also discussed other shows and potential roles. I even found out she's a fan of Jersey Boys which is currrently my favourite West End show. She once auditioned for one of the lead female roles but unfortunately on that occasion missed out. Needless to say it's a highly competitive business and nobody gets every role they audition for.

She has of course worked in London playing the roles of Frenchy and Sandy in the hit musical Grease and she's hoping that further opportunities to perform in the West End are just around the corner. I'm sure they are, Faye would be an asset to any show.

As I may have mentioned after my first trip to see Faye at the Royal Exchange she has just agreed to take on a FANTASTIC role in an INCREDIBLE musical which has me buzzing with excitement. I can't release any details just yet but trust me you wont be disappointed, so keep checking back to the blog for the big announcement.

She really enjoyed performing in the BBC show Atlantis and would love to do some more TV work. Thankfully she has recently made some contacts which could help make that possible. She clearly has the talent and ability to be equally amazing on screen as she is on stage. 

We talked about various other things - most of which are now a little hazy - before I had to let he go to get ready for the final performance of 'That Day We Sang'.

The show as you already know from the numerous reviews I've featured on the blog is an absolute treasure and I'm looking forward to seeing the TV adaptation later this year but the highlight of my day was definitely my chat with Faye. She probably doesn't realise how much it meant to me but hopefully she'll read this because I'd like her to know how lucky I feel to be a fan of someone as wonderful as her.

She's beautiful inside & out and a star both on & off stage. Thanks Faye, you're the best.

That Day We Sang - 1 Week To Go !!

A bit random I know but I love this picture.

@Faye_Brookes

Missing my soul sister... http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=530957474&mt=8 … pic.twitter.com/OdY1gOWSz7

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You now have just one week left to see Faye in Victoria Wood's remarkable play 'That Day We Sang' at Manchesters iconic Royal Exchange Theatre.

Unfortunately last time I checked there were no tickets left available but there may be returns so keep checking the website and you might get lucky.

All being well I'll be there on Saturday for the final show and hope to have the opportunity to see Faye before she sets off for London to support Gareth in Dancing on Ice on Sunday. Don't forget to vote for him.

BOOK 'THAT DAY WE SANG' TICKETS

Here is yet another glowing review of this very special play:

THE GOOD REVIEW
Posted by Rachael Gavaghan

The Royal Exchange is full of the usual well-heeled and savvy crowd but there is a distinct buzz of Xmas amidst the chinks of coffee cups and pre-show drinks. We are gathered for Victoria Wood’s musical which was originally written for the ever successful Manchester International Festival, and performed at the Opera House in 2011. I have to say upfront, I am no fan of the musical genre, however this is Victoria Wood – she of so many BAFTA’s it’s boring to list them, of Acorn Antiques and a little light masochism with the Woman’s Weekly!

The story is a Mancunian tale of love and rediscovery, based on the real life recording of “Nymphs and Shepherd’s” by 250 of our scruffiest and most melodious kids in 1929. Forty years later, a reunion of the young chorister’s proves the fillip for Jimmy Baker and Enid Sutcliffe to make a grab for the life they feel they somehow lost along the way.

The stage is strangely bare for the Exchange, indeed very few props are used throughout, but there are enough purple and brown outfits to place the action somewhere around the seventies. Old Jimmy Baker is played by Dean Andrews from the acclaimed TV series Life on Mars. He is almost unrecognisable from the archetypal male chauvinist ‘pig’ he played on the TV series, a credit to his skills in itself. Young Jimmy is played by the adorable William Haresceugh and, although I’ve heard better singing voices, between them they bring a realism and emotion to their character that transforms this little struggle for love from mundane to really quite moving.

Anna Francolini plays a very Enid-like Enid, she performed in Acorn Antiques – The Musical and is obviously well versed in Victoria Wood’s style of comedy. She has a great singing voice and her passionate second half ballad detailing Enid’s sexual frustrations provoked howls of laughter and thunderous applause. More comedic excellence is delivered by Sally Bankes who is quite magnificent as Dorothy Brierley and Pauline, delineating her roles with big hair and a big heart. With such fabulous female characters around him it was always going to be difficult for James Quinn. He plays the offensive Frank Brierley and positively “ungodly” boss Mr Stanley and delivered suitably unlikable characters, but, it was hard to escape the ladies’ shadows on the occasion of my visit.

The supporting cast were also brilliant, I simply can’t mention them all by name but Kelly Price was a loveable Gertrude Riall, Darren Lawrence carved out three distinct characters in no time at all, and Andy Brady’s Tango Dancer will stay with me forever. The highlight of the night for me was the Bernie Inn number, and the supporting cast’s performance as the waiters was quite superb. It was as though the piece had been originally imagined in the round and as a whole the play worked very well on the Exchange’s circular setting. Its excellent acoustics meant at times the live music was louder than the words and I was a little distracted by the conductor on the TV screens but overall this was a really good modern musical.

It’s worth mentioning that the younger players are drawn from Theatre Schools and acting classes across Manchester and of course parallels with the choir of 1929 are hard to miss. As such, the Royal Exchange’s Christmas Appeal this year recognises the positive impact that the performing arts can have on young lives and asks for a donation fund their campaign, which aims to help as many people in the region enjoy the power of live theatre as possible. Go on, it’s Christmas.

I happily gave this show four stars and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you like Victoria Wood you will like this and if you like musicals you’ll absolutely love it!
 

That Day We Sang - 15 Shows Left

Firstly, thanks for supporting Gareth on Dancing on Ice. I thought the judges were a little harsh but with so many former champions it was always going to be a high quality competition. Can't wait to see what he has in store next and don't forget to keep an eye out for his proud girlfriend in the crowd.

@Faye_Brookes

Wooooooooooooooooooo !! So proud !! @Gareth_Gates SMASHED IT ANGEL !!! x

It's now less than 2 weeks until the final performance of  'That Day We Sang' at Manchesters Royal Exchange Theatre but there are still 15 opportunities for you to see this very specail play.

BOOK 'THAT DAY WE SANG' TICKETS

I'll be making the long trip from Bristol to see the final show on Saturday 18th and I'll soon have to contact Faye to see whether it will be possible to meet up for a brief chat either before or after the performance. I'm guessing there may be an after show party so it may be more convenient to meet before?

Enjoy these videos and book your tickets while you still can. You'd be mad to miss it.

Support Gareth on Dancing On Ice !!

The live shows of Dancing on Ice kick off tonight and the ninth and final season of the celebrity figure skating contest promises to be the best yet with old favourites returning to the rink.

Please support Faye's boyfriend Gareth Gates. Not only is he a great guy and a superb skater but there is always the chance of seeing Faye in the audience while he remains in the show.

Happy New Year Everyone !!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2013 proved to be another memorable, exciting and successful year for Faye.

It started in snow covered Canterbury where she played Princess Aurora in the hilarious 'Sleeping Beauty' panto. Quite simply the best panto ever and such a treat to see Faye and Gareth sharing a stage again after their obvious chemistry during the Legally Blonde tour.

The summer was spent in Regents Park at the wonderful and unique setting of the Open Air Theatre where she played the role of Liesl Von Trapp in the award winning production of 'The Sound of Music'. Faye was kind enough to arrange tickets for me to see the final show and it turned out to be one of the highlights of my year.

As you know she's ending the year performing three roles in Victoria Woods big-hearted and nostalgic Manchester love story 'That Day We Sang' at the iconic Royal Exchange. I'm so looking forward to seeing the final show in 3 weeks time.

It wasn't just her stage performances that made it such a special year. 2013 also saw Faye make her TV debut in the hit prime time show 'Atlantis' on BBC1. Although there is nothing like seeing her live it was great to sit back and enjoy her performance from the comfort of my own living room.

However probably the biggest, most important and exciting news of the year came in August when Faye and Gareth confirmed they're a couple. Nothing compares to finding your one true love and I have a feeling these two are for keeps.

2014 has a lot to live up to but something tells me it's going to be another magical year for Faye and as always you'll be able to read all about it here on her #1 fan site.

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Here is another glowing review of 'That Day We Sang' written by Nikki Cotter for Manchesters Finest:

Originally premiered as part of the Manchester International Festival in 2011, and recently commissioned for a BBC2 single drama, Victoria Wood’s That Day We Sang has been tenderly tweaked and lovingly adapted to take centre stage as part of the Royal Exchange’s festive family offerings.

Primarily set in 1969, we meet some of the original children who’ve been reunited by Granada TV for a special documentary celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Manchester School Children’s Choir’s 1929 recording of Henry Purcell’s Nymphs and Shepherds. We’re introduced to two of the original children in the choir, now in their fifties, PA Enid (most definitely NOT a secretary) and insurance clerk Tubby (a fan of threp’ny bits but not of yogurts), who soon begin to realise despite their beige and lonely lives that the best may be yet to come. 

Running alongside these scenes we’re transported back to 1929 to enjoy the thrill and excitement of featuring in the choir which is beautifully brought to life by the 25-strong children’s choir featuring youngsters from across the Greater Manchester area. Special mention must go to the excellent William Haresceugh, who takes on the role of Jimmy, the young man destined to become warm-hearted Tubby in later years. These scenes are nostalgic and humorous, with the hilarious bible quoting Mr Kirkby (Craige Els) doing his utmost to control the children for firm but fair choir mistress Gertrude Riall (Kelly Price).

Award-winning writer and all round national treasure Victoria Wood stays true to her wonderfully witty, warm hearted humour and offers up laugh after laugh in this moving piece. The affection you feel for the characters is immediate. Moving effortlessly between 1929 and 1969 the two stories are beautifully entwined. The production sits well in the unique setting of the theatre with Royal Exchange artistic director Sarah Frankcom using her skills and knowledge to ensure this special space is used to its full potential, the intimacy of being so close to the action adds more uplifting sparkle to this nostalgic treat.

As you would expect Victoria’s Wood’s script offers up opportunities for some delightfully comedic acting, largely coming from Sally Bankes who takes on two roles, Dorothy Brierley, former choir member who’s ‘Keeping up with the Joneses’ is second to none, and Pauline, Enid’s gossipy work colleague who’s always on a diet, (hot water and lemon today with potted beef and water biscuits tomorrow) Bankes is perfectly complimented by a strong performance from James Quinn (Frank Brierley/Mr Stanley) whose near explosion at the disappearance a box of mint Matchmakers has the audience howling.

The songs penned by Wood feature her instantly recognisable comic rhyming and are pure perfection, charming, clever and brilliantly delivered, after all there’s not many people who could come up with the line “Would you like to grapple with gammon and pineapple”. Wood also gifts our leading lady Enid (Anna Francolini) with a totally tantalising opportunity to unleash herself from the constrains of her girdle and reveal to us her innermost wants and desires with the help of a tall, dark and handsome Tango dancing stranger.

Dean Andrews (Tubby Baker) and Anna Francolini (Enid Sutcliffe) are perfectly cast, meek and mild yet instantly likeable you desperately want things to work out for them, from trips to the Wimpy to a slightly awkward lunch on a bench at Piccadilly Gardens their love story is fascinating, tender and as Enid would say, totally ‘joyful’.

Showing at the Royal Exchange until 18th January, That Day We Sang is an absolute must see, this superb show will leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling that even a triple layered Berni Inn Black Forrest Gataux couldn’t compete with.