A showcase evening for Theatre In TheVillages rural touring run by Aylesbury District Council.

Thursday 22nd March 2012

An unusual gig for us today - a round trip to Buckinghamshire for a showcase evening for Theatre In TheVillages rural touring run by Aylesbury District Council.

This was a rare pleasure for us as it meant meeting with and watching other acts who are on the same circuit. The thing about touring is that the one thing you never do is go and see touring acts; you're always on stage yourself, so it was a real pleasure to see who else is out there. And what a talented bunch they were! 

Madame Galina

The first person we met was Iestyn Edwards, otherwise known as Madame Galina, Prima Ballerina. Iestyn was clearly the only Welshman in the village that night - he is a real live wire and a proper hoot. His show - My Tutu's Gone AWOL - was hilarious; we've heard about him from other promoters but great to meet him. 

Michael Lunts

Then there was the ridiculously talented Michael Lunts - pianist, actor, singer and entertainer with his new show Coward at Sea. Three theatre companies - Multi Story Theatre, Mad Dogs & Englishmen Theatre Co and The Incredible Dr Guttmann -  all very different but amazing how they all managed to capture the audience's imagination so quickly and with limited means at their disposal. 

Cat Weatherill

We also met and watched the hypnotic storyteller Cat Weatherill who was very engaging. 

And top of the bill was Isla St Clare, who was delightful, sang and played beautifully and hasn't changed a bit since her Generation Game days!

Isla St Claire

So a great evening for us and also a chance to meet the promoters face to face over a Chicken Ticka and Rocket sandwich!

Plus we had the chance to strut our stuff just before Isla came on to the stage, well corner of the village hall!!