Well here we are in the last week of the tour. We spent last week in the rather space-age Lowry Centre in Salford Quays. It was great to get back to Manchester to have a look round all my old haunts and to pop in to see the in-laws. Manchester has changed a lot over the years I hardly recognised the city centre and especially the new look Royal Northern College of Music where I studied for six years.
Most of us stayed around the Quays in various Travel Inns and Holiday Inn Expresses. It was wonderful to run in to Caroline Clegg, my first movement coach at the RNCM, we reminisced over quite a few pints!
The shows were very well received by warm audiences. I now find myself an hour from home in Kent, at the Ambassadors Theatre in Woking, Surrey. Not often do I have an hour commute for an Opera North show. However with the M25 it can seem as long as driving to Leeds.
I did two interviews for local radio this morning, not too early, we talked about how Opera is accessible to all, which I do believe and judging by the people I’ve met over the last weeks Opera North do seem to attract people from all walks of life.
I took a long walk along the canal and met fellow cast members for a pizza. I’ve been on for the prologue and am now sat in my dressing room with Stephan Loges, Peter Wedd and Peter Savage who are my room mates for Roméo et Juliette. The sun is streaming in through the window as we head towards the longest day of the year. I’m looking forward to a performance of Dream on Midsummer Day.
My kids have been waiting for this week, as they are coming to see the matinee on Saturday. They are very excited! They may well add their own critique at the week-end so keep an eye out.
