It’s a lovely feeling, to be part of a thing. This little company making a populated walking tour in The City… It feels like we are all singing from the same hymn sheet. I didn’t really understand the history of The East India Company – and certainly not in terms of how it changed the world. I was just doing my job, but my job inevitably involves learning new things. Anu Kumar has written this content, geared to be communicated in crowded public spaces. She has found Lisa, ex governor of St Helena, a woman with really deep history and knowledge. She has assembled a team of practitioners.
For me it really is a fantastic gig in terms of expanding. The thing I am always looking for and always finding is willing creative humans. I like the ones who are into the art in themselves much more than the ones who are into themselves in the art. A walking tour about an old company and the relics of empire – that’s never gonna make people famous, so there are no people working with us whose focus is there. It is a lovely bunch of geeky humans. “I have no idea how we get paid for this,” I said to one of them. “I’m not even really sure how much we’ll get.” “I’m not sure either,” she said. “I just figured I’ll do it when I can and find out when they pay us,” I continued, and she laughed. “Yes, me too.” This is not us being naïve, this is us being good judges of character and being trusting. I’m just a part of a machine here, but it is a lovingly made machine and these are people with integrity. It could well end up being a joyful repeating thing that sews itself into all of our gaps between jobs. I know that if I were to tell them I have major cashflow issues after my card got emptied by the car thief, they would immediately help. But I’m happy for now to let it open.
I’ve met some excellent new friends. Young actors, musicians and makers. I often worry that there’s no more room in my head, as I’ve got so many dear friends I never see and barely talk to. But life is so long and varied. We sometimes just stay in touch by staying the same, and only meet up to ring the changes. This is why weddings and christenings are important, I guess. Times where direction shifts need to be marked by the clan.
Ffion helped me with a sexy last minute self tape this morning before the show. I’m getting better at organising my energy these days. I was able to give full focus to the tape, then set back and focus on the opening show. Then dinner with a generous Tristan, who reminded me that I’ve stood him dinner when he’s been low. What goes around comes around. We both had pie and now I’m home and my only real gripe about today is that it really should be warmer. But then if it was too warm I’d be cooking in my Smythe costume.
We are going to be adding new shows as interest comes in. If you fancy it, the eventbrite is here. Multiple actors sharing all the parts so there’s no guarantee I’ll be there, but that feels respectful of our self employed nature, especially considering we will likely be running when possible for the next three years.
AlBarclay 