Diary of a Diva

October News

noreply@blogger.com (loujameson) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:48:00 +0000

Just back from Woman Magazine’s party celebrating 10 years of Loose Women. What a glitzy do! The lovely Sherrie Hewson was there, who I have known since 1969. We shared a flat whilst at RADA and I since toured with her in ARSENIC AND OLD LACE.

Also today, I had a meeting with Matt Evenden who is taking over responsibility for my website, and has promised to nag me into monthly updates, so here is the first one! With apologies to those of you who tune in to hear the latest goss and it is missing! A new monthly leaf is turning!

I have cleared the decks until Christmas in the keen anticipation that a marvellous telly job will turn up. The beginning of February I am going to appear at Sonning in a new play written by Jill Hyem (of Tenko fame) which takes me through to being nearly 59 in April.

My eldest is now no longer emigrating for far too personal reasons to broadcast here. But there’s a small part of my heart that is dancing with the knowledge he won’t be living the other side of the world. My other boy is on the threshold of moving out, and then I feel my Act III will really begin with a mixture of sadness, release, anticipation and trepidation.

The Sunday Drama College (www.sundaydramacollege.com) brings me ENORMOUS pleasure. My new friend Janet Dibley told me it’s where she feels my heart is, and she’s probably right. 37 teenagers in all. One group in Tunbridge Wells doing a new musical called THE THREE LIVES OF PRINCESS CARABOO, and the other group in Eastbourne filming a satire called BIG SISTER, whilst the grown-ups are producing a Murder Mystery just before Christmas. I am surrounded by brilliantly talented people who seem to be non-stop creating.

Tune into The Lamb’s website in Eastbourne and check out the new fringe theatre and Murder Mysteries that are happening.

Also collaborating with John Telfer on a new musical for primary school age......... it’s all flowing, and I’m grateful for every last tiny bit of it.

February News

noreply@blogger.com (loujameson) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:04:00 +0000

O my Lord, we’re nearly into MARCH! I’ve had a couple of months out in order to concentrate on The Sunday Drama College (SDC) and writing. Both of which are coming along brilliantly.

January saw the first ever production of the SDC called I GOT HERE FIRST directed by the wonderful Nigel Fairs. I was so proud of them, they really couldn’t have had more commitment and energy. Nigel allowed their individual talents to shine through. Bloody marvelous.

I’ve been editing ROMEO AND JULIET for an open air production this summer with them, which will be an R & J like you have never seen. Adam Rood is on board to be the Musical Director. All very exciting.

The series that Lou’s Crew has been writing has now been pitched. Those of you that love me cross everything, pray to your deity, hold your breath… Ten of us have argued, laughed and fought over Episode 1, and six of us over Episode 2. My agent loves it, he’s taken it to the producer of his choice, and now we WAIT. ’Twas ever thus.

Needs must with the bank balance so I am about to go out on the road again with a moving and funny play called WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF HRT. You’ll find the tour dates and other members of the cast at the end of this blog.

Family is just dandy. Many changes abound. More of that next time. If you can, come and see the show. Also keep an eye out for the DR WHO DVDs, now with additional interviews… recorded them last week.

I may see some of you in Barking next Saturday, where I shall be interviewing Mary Tamm. I look forward to that.

Very belated but have a brilliant 2009 and I’ll blog again when on the road.

Love Louise x

p.s. I was recently featured in an article by Sarah Sturt in Kent Life Magazine. To read a PDF version, click on this link: kentlife_feb09.pdf

WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF HRT
Louise Jameson
Janet Dibley
Adan O’Neill

2009 Tour dates

March 31 – April 4 Harrogate
April 6 – April 11 Inverness
April 13 – April 18 Dundee
April 21 – April 25 Truro
April 27 – May 2 Wimbledon
May 4 – May 9 Cheltenham
May 11 – May 16 Darlington
May 18 – May 23 Winchester
May 25 – May 30 Southend
June 1 – June 6 Preston
June 8 – June 13 Poole
June 15 – June 20 Eastbourne
June 22 – June 27 Salford
June 29 – July 4 Coventry

October News

noreply@blogger.com (loujameson) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:13:00 +0000

Hi my dear readers, thank you so much for coming to site to see what is going on. Everything and nothing as it happens… I am still recording RIVER CITY, but instead of the anticipated increased story line I appear to have taken a back seat. Probably the best paid extra in Britain at the moment, but don’t tell anyone because I am using the free (waged) time to do some really exciting and innovative work. I’m thrilled that at 57 I am probably at my most creative. I wouldn’t have thought that a career as a writer or as a teacher could be so fulfilling.

I am now the member of two writing groups… one I have hauled together and is (at the moment) flatteringly called Lou’s Crew. We have an idea for a new comedy drama that makes me laugh and cry in equal measure. We shall read through the first draft of the first episode on the 1st of November… and please, anyone that reads this, say a little prayer to whichever deity you believe in to bring us joy and prosperity with the project. Believe me YOU WILL LAUGH if it ever hits the screen… it has all the ingredients of a new cult series, and I am lost in admiration for the 9 people that I am working with.

The other writing group is headed by Nigel Fairs (who has written extensively for Big Finish) and I feel flattered to be seconded onto the group of 12. This time it’s a film script. Watch this space.

The Sunday Drama College has gathered a group of 22 young people. Mixed ability, extremely caring of each other, and a very creative atmosphere is forming that I am profoundly proud of. We have our first performance this coming January at Trinity Arts Centre. Anyone aged between 14 to 22 in the East Sussex/West Kent area, feel free to email thesundaydramacollege@hotmail.co.uk for further info.

Performances…. Colin Baker and I did a lovely evening at Trinity, a read play called LOVE LETTERS, to fund raise for them. The Arts Council, in their wisdom, have decided to slash the funding by 100%! And the local council have cut £30,000 from Trinity’s budget also! We raised a mere £2,000 but it’s a start. I am also doing another fund raiser on Nov 9th. Proceeds of which will be split between the Poppy Day appeal and Trinity. The Trio Lavolta (piano, cello, violin) will be playing some spectacular music (from Shostokovitch to Music Hall) and David Warwick and I will be giving you prose, poetry and quotes… all on the subject of war. LEST WE FORGET is the title of our evening, and a splendid one it will be too.

This coming Saturday (October 25th) I shall be performing at Oxford Playhouse. It is their 70th birthday. I spent many, many happy months there during the 70’s and have been asked to re-deliver one of my favourite speeches of all time. So if you live in that area, please come and support. Every theatre in the land is in need of a helping hand.

So, creativity in abundance. Most of next week I am filming in Glasgow, so no doubt one or two of you will cross paths with me at the Oram Mor… One of the best venues in Britain… Until the next blog, best wishes and love to you all, L x

August Goings On

noreply@blogger.com (loujameson) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:06:00 +0000

Well, it’s all systems go. RIVER CITY starts up again, filming through to December 6th. This weekend I am in Glasgow at the Purple Hotel signing for two days.... do come if you can. (2, Row Avenue, Renfrew, Glasgow, G51 4SY.) My writers group is scribbling away with some very exciting and FUNNY ideas, and THE SUNDAY DRAMA COLLEGE starts up on September 7th in Tunbridge Wells. (for further details please email thesundaydramacollege@hotmail.co.uk) Soon I hope to have similar workshops all over Britain. We start one in Eastbourne next January, and hopefully Lewes the following Easter.

I’ve just returned from a deluged but rather wonderful holiday in Biarritz... visiting my gorgeous niece, her new baby girl and two lovely sons. I was ‘the lady in the van’ for the week as their spare room isn’t built yet, but their converted monster van is. I was in luxury and slept sooooooooooo well. At least 10 hours a night. How needed was that?

My one woman show FROM WOMEN’S EYES (for further info please email tlcprods@hotmail.com) was a triumph in Eastbourne, (for their Shakespeare Experience Festival at the Underground Theatre) as was WOTCHA WILL. I had the privilege to work with 18 teenagers on a pot pourri of Shakespeare. What a talented bunch... and, if there’s a God, we’ll do the same again next year.

Between the teenagers and the rainy Sud du France, I did a week’s work at The Globe with Bill Buckhurst directing again. Nine of us were filmed 24/7 whilst workshopping Romeo and Juliet. They will only use 45 minutes of the filming on a DVD for teachers to reference, but I include it as one of the most enjoyable, informative and inspiring weeks of my career. I learnt so very much about teaching THROUGH text rather than ON it. Hard to explain, but it has completely made me re-think my methods of directing, not to mention strengthening my ambition to work on The Globe stage for real. I’m holding that vision.

Have to go and pack now for my weekend in Glasgow. Hope to see some of you there. Sending you love, and some sunshine... with what’s left of the summer, and thanking you for checking in... Love, Louise x

River City & Hamlet

noreply@blogger.com (loujameson) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 09:20:00 +0000

Hi all, what a year it's been so far. Feeling quite blessed. I spent from February until May recording RIVER CITY (see photo, right) and the feisty Viv has made her screen debut. Toy boy grabbing, internet dating, hairdresser, lush. A woman who behaves badly! She's a great character. God bless the soaps for taking care of actresses of a certain age. Most of my scenes are with the darling Barbara Rafferty. Talented, fun, welcoming... she's just great to work with.

Immediately after that I started rehearsals for Hamlet in Stafford which is where I am now, just about to enter our last week of performance. When the weather holds it has been absolutely fantastic, but just occassionally it has felt as if I were in The Tempest and not Hamlet! Part of a Shakespeare Festival, the performance is on the biggest stage I ever worked on in the castle grounds. Such an adventure, with the brilliant Joseph Millson playing the Great Dane and the very talented Bill Buckhurst directing. These two jobs simply couldn't be more diverse, and I'm LOVING them both.

I go back to River City in August, but before that, I fit in another Shakespeare Festival in Eastbourne, but this time directing 20 young adults... more of that in the next blog... and also another audio job for Big Finish, again written by the lovely Nigel Fairs. So the God of Drama is smiling upon me... I hope your summers are panning out well. Love L x

My Colourful Life on Alien Worlds and Planet Soap

noreply@blogger.com (loujameson) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 15:53:00 +0000

Hi one and all,

As you will see from the following article life has been a bit hectic recently.
Read The Herald article:

'My colourful life on alien worlds and planet soap'

Glasgow is terrific, although the commuting is hard work. I've just returned from two hours at the gym (a rare day off) because I can feel the flab piling on with the endless 'hurry up and wait(s)' that is now necessary when travelling. Got through some wonderful novels though, I can highly recommend 'The Time Traveler's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger...

Happy Spring! As I type I'm looking at a hillock of columbine and watching kids play in this glorious evening sunshine, it lifts the spirit this weather doesn't it?

Happy Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (loujameson) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:56:00 +0000

Can you bloody believe it? Half way through February already! Am looking out my window at a simply glorious spring day, daffs and snow drops and a clamour of birdsong.

I am currently commuting Glasgow recording RIVER CITY. My character, Viv, hits the screen in April. And I use the word ‘hits’ advisedly! Crossing my fingers that it isn’t all too over the top, but, she’s such an extreme personality, I aim to have fun with her… not an opportunity to be wasted.

The last two weekends have been spent with Big Finish. Firstly launching something extremely high tech which I didn’t quite understand. All to do with down-loading and I’m sure, if you go their website, all will become abundantly clear.

Secondly, recording a new and fabulous script by Nigel Fairs of Sapphire and Steel. Watch this space for it’s release date. I got to work with David Warner, just how thrilled am I?

Now then, some Dr Who personal appearance dates, most of these are confirmed, others a heavy pencil…

25th May, Glasgow
28th/29th June Blackpool (one of these dates)
13th July Western super Mare
23rd/24th August Glasgow
Sometime in September Coventry
15th November Newcastle

October 2009 – Florida!

So, so, sooooooooo sadly the BBC could not release me for two New Zealand gigs and one Australian gig. Hopefully the powers that be won’t cross me off their Christmas card list and I will be able to get there at some point.

If there are any teenagers who log into this blog, and who are would be performers/writers/camera operators/stage managers etc and you live in the Kent/East Sussex area you may be interested in a project of mine which is to start a Sunday Drama College for 14 plus year olds. It will be hard work, with two performances scheduled each year, and will take up most of your Sundays.

If you would like to know more email thesundaydramacollege@hotmail.co.uk. This is NOT a site for autographs, ONLY for students who are interested in taking part. I have two ‘taster’ sessions coming up in Tunbridge Wells on June 7th and June 14th, with the college proper starting sometime in September. There will be a website up and running by June.

Two other dates for your diary… Trinity Arts in Tunbridge Wells have had their funding whisked away. It is an absolutely diabolical and shatteringly stupid move by the Arts and local Councils. Please write to your MP, the Arts Council, Trinity itself and anyone else you can think of… Father Christmas if you think it will help! Anyway, Colin Baker and I will be doing a benefit on Sunday October 5th. A play called LOVE LETTERS by A.R. Gurney. It is exactly what it claims to be. A couple who write to each other from aged 6 to 66. It is funny, sad, poignant, observant and brilliantly written, I hope also, brilliantly performed. Colin is certainly fabulous!

And the second benefit will take place on Poppy Day, November 9th, with The Trio Lavolta (Sally Mays piano, Joyce Fraser violin and Felix Buser cello), and will be an extraordinary selection poetry, prose and music relating to war, from the powerful to the pacific and the horrific to the hilarious. Half the money will go to the Poppy Appeal and half to Trinity. Please do come and support either or both if you are able.

I leave you with this little personal anecdote of single parenting. My son Tom, away ski-ing in France if you please, ‘forgot’ to pay two parking fines last April. The debt collector arrived last week, threatening to take his van away for non payment as the debt had accumulated to… wait for it… £940! As opposed to the original £60! I can’t print my re-action here for fear of having the blog banned. But this works as a comment about our society on many levels.

Well that’s it for now, the filming schedule is about to step up as my story line increases, but I hope to be back here in March with an update. Anybody who hasn’t read it I recommend THE SECRET. A book to comfort and, if you allow it, to change your life.

Everything in one place… All new Windows Live!

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (loujameson) — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 10:49:00 +0000

2008 January Friday 4th

HAPPY NEW YEAR to one and all. I was given the bestest of all Christmas presents which is a 6 month contract with BBC Scotland to play VIV in RIVER CITY. She is a single parent of two grown up children, her best friend is gay, she’s a hairdresser and she drinks too much. Why do you think they thought of me? Since before Christmas I have been commuting to Glasgow, a city I ADORE, and long may it last is what I say… 6 months and beyond… hold that vision.

For those of you who haven’t already, read THE SECRET, or watch the DVD. It’s stuff we all know anyway, but it never hurts to be reminded and to be given a nudge along that positive road.

Had a few little Dr Who related jobs during December, not allowed to say which stories but some DVD commentaries will be of particular interest to you Whovians. I’ve also been asked to New Zealand and Australia this year for 3 conventions; I’m waiting with baited breath to see if the BBC will please release me… I feel a song coming on…

I have been offered some Stand Up gigs but feel I need a bit more training before embarking full time, and think RIVER CITY may buy me some time to develop my material.

Two other projects for this year… if you live in the West Kent, East Sussex area then this may be for you. I am going to start a SUNDAY COLLEGE which will give 14 – 25 year olds a ‘taste’ of what drama school and the profession is about. We will run all the expected classes… movement, text, improvisation, audition skills, voice (speaking and singing) and in addition have the occasional guest speaker to entertain and inform. Called SUNDAY COLLEGE for obvious reasons, running 10a.m. to 4p.m. with top quality tuition. Not for the faint hearted, but for people with a serious interest in the media who wish to become better informed and want to hone their talent. It will have it’s own page on this web site by the summer, so keep looking.

My other project is to develop writing with 9 other writer performers that I know. I think between us we could make something very special and am visualizing a series on BBC 3.

Stay positive, have a FABULOUS 2008.

Stand Up in Manchester

noreply@blogger.com (loujameson) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 17:52:00 +0000

Stand Up dates in December 2007:
(All in Manchester)

9th @ The Comedy Store
10th @ Mirth
11th @ XS Malarkey

Stand Up!

noreply@blogger.com (loujameson) — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 11:42:00 +0000

Stand up is my big thing of the moment. I really LOVED a course I took in Camden Town at the LAUGHING HORSE which culminated in an open mike slot above the pub on the Sunday night…. And I have another gig lined up in December in Manchester, courtesy of Toby Hadoke, who I did a radio play for recently called MOTHS ATE MY DR WHO SCARF.

But more immediately I have been directing at Guildford School of Acting and we open on Wednesday and run through to the following Tuesday with a matinee on Saturday. THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. The students have been absolutely fantastic and a JOY to be with and learn from. If anyone reading this blog is free to come and see them strut their stuff the show starts 7.30 with a 2.30 matinee on Saturday (no performance on Sunday). It is innovative, sacrilegious, fun and short! I guarantee you will have a good evening, but I believe tickets are at a premium so book NOW on 01483 560701.

Swansea with the Dr Who fans was a weekend to remember. I look forward to two years hence when I have been coerced into 'coming out' as a stand-up comedienne and will be supporting the wonderful Charlie Ross who is utterly brilliant.

Upcoming Stand up dates (all in Manchester):
9th December @ The Comedy Store
10th December @ Mirth
11th December @ XS Malarkey

Love to you all, Lou x

Bedroom Farce

noreply@blogger.com (loujameson) — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 18:10:00 +0000

Next Monday (April 2nd) I embark on another adventure with Kenny Wax producing. BEDROOM FARCE by Alan Ayckbourne with Colin Baker and I playing husband and wife. Eating sardines in bed! Has it come to this? The tour opens in Bromley on April 26th and continues until mid August when I and my two sons will join my brother in the South of France for his 60th birthday. A week of my mad family all gathering in Bergerac, Heaven help us... I can't wait. But in the mean time there is mortgage to be paid and here is the tour route.

Finish Bromley on May 5th
May 7th - 12 Lowry in Manchester
May 14th - 19th High Wycombe
May 21st - 26th Belfast
Sunday 27th Dr Who Convention Belfast
May 28th - June 2nd Bath
June 4th to June 9th Llandudno
June 11th - 16th Guildford
June 18th - 23rd Cambridge
June 25th - 30th Richmond
July 2nd - 7th Brighton
week out
July 16th - 21st Truro
Sunday 22nd Dr Who convention in Birmingham
July 23rd 28th Oxford
July 30th - August 4th Cardiff
August 6th - 11th Glasgow
HOLIDAY for one week

Then who knows what is in store?

Next February I shall be touring FACE VALUE ... watch this space... and hopefully fit in a bit of telly between the two theatre gigs.

This year has been very pressured for me what with producing and performing and an extraodinairy learning curve... but now we have a good team together and the passage of the next FACE VALUE outing should be a lot smoother.

I am writing this from my aunt's sun-filled study, near stone henge. Don't you just love it when the clocks move forward? Balmy, barmy evenings on the way... thanks for looking in to my blog... Love Louise x

Face Value

noreply@blogger.com (loujameson) — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 16:01:00 +0000

First of all my humble apologies for those of you who have logged on to see my non-existent blogging. I had seriously meant to do a monthly round up, but have been useless. Bit of personal trauma, bit of ‘too much work’ – although I say that very quietly because I would hate for it to dry up, bit of laziness all contributing to the non-blog however read on please.

My venture of the moment is FACE VALUE, a comedic one-woman show written by Helen Goldwyn. We preview February 27th and 28th, press night on March 1st and closing night March 17th. The venue is The Acorn Studio at The Hackney Empire in Mere Street, London E8 1EJ. It is a very limited run, with very limited seating but I would love for you to come. Box Office 020 8985 2424 or you can book online at hackneyempire.co.uk. It is £12.50 with concessions at £9. Only me performing but I play 9 characters. My ‘anchor’ character is Jo Taylor, an ex TV presenter looking to revive her career does she go for the nip ‘n’ tuck? Does she give up and reach for the remote control and the chocolates? Does she listen to the advice of her daughter or her manager? Or might she just, in the end, listen to herself? Come and find out next week. It is by far and away the most frightening venture of my life. The mere graft of learning one hour’s worth of dialogue has been so hard, such a discipline. I will never winge about line learning again I can tell you.

Later in the year I am working with Colin Baker in BEDROOM FARCE, a doddle by comparison. It will be a joy to tour with him again, and I’m sure we’ll see you Dr. Who fans there. In fact when we visit Belfast there is going to be an event on the following Sunday that we will both attend. Will post details of that later.

It’s a little late in the day, but Happy New Year to everyone. I really hope that some of you will be able to come to Hackney within the next three weeks and see the premiere of FACE VALUE.

Love Louise x

April/May

noreply@blogger.com (loujameson) — Wed, 03 May 2006 15:59:00 +0000

I am in an episode of DOCTORS on Wednesday May 10th, 2006.

April 24th
Glorious, glorious holiday in Nerja
Bar-b-ques on the mountaintop, sipping good wine by the pool, paddling in the cold and dramatic sea, eating far, far too much, and getting extremely brown. Returned to a flooded house and an insurance company that doesn’t want to pay out anything, it seems to me. If the fight goes on much longer I shall name names!!! Kitchen ceiling down, and bedroom floor boards up! Shower out of the loop and all that glorious bon-amie-holiday-full-heart feeling completely down the pan.

Last Saturday I went with Dru Ashton to see MARY POPPINS with my dear friend Amanda Symonds in it, she has just taken over and is BRILLIANT, of course.

Am off now to do some more mopping up. Where did I put those wellies?

April 29th
I have spent the day in Croydon, promoting the jazz festival there, which they hope to turn into an annual event. Watched a fabulous concert in the shopping mall of all places, performed by Kymaera and various amazing visiting artists. It was extraordinary to watch people dancing on an escalator, and two year olds spontaneously jumping about with the thrill of the music.

Last night I saw SOUTHWARK FAIR at the National. Some brilliant performances, not least of all from Rory Kinnear, stunning, committed, honest, vulnerable. And met Simon Green in the bar afterwards who thought HOTFLUSH may have a future on the New York fringe – how exciting would that be, international artiste me! I went with Stephanie Cole, Ann Bell, and Veronica Roberts, after all these years, yet another TENKO re-union. It was Ann’s birthday, which was the reason for us liaising.

Rehearsals (such fun) gathering momentum for next Friday at The Beacon for the VAGINA MONOLOGUES. It really is going to be a great evening, nearly sold out so if you haven’t bought yet 01892 524252 is the number.

I’m starting work next Tuesday on the new Steven Berkoff play. A small but fabulous part. A comedy about death called SIT AND SHIVER with Himself directing. It’ll be an adventure! (www.newendtheatre.co.uk). I had to extricate myself from the Ayckbourn at Windsor, but Mark Piper was very generous and has in fact offered me the next one, CONFUSIONS, which will mean overlapping rehearsals and performing for my final week. I always used to do it, let’s hope I still have the stamina, and CONFUSIONS is such fun –I have played the line of parts before. It’s five small playlets, and really, as an actor, you just get to show off going from one outrageous interpretation to another at break-neck speed.

May 2nd
We had the read through for SIT AND SHIVER today, always a nerve-wracking event. But, hand on heart, one of the most electrifying first days ever. This is going to be something extremely special and I feel privileged to be part of it. Already Steven is putting in this suggestion, that nudge of direction, a little hint here and a slice of encouragement there. Good hands-on stuff.

Eyelids closing on me now, so shall climb the wooden hill. I’ll do another blog after our first preview night (May 24th) – hope you come and see it. Love Lou x

March/April

noreply@blogger.com (loujameson) — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 15:56:00 +0000

MARCH 17th

Well, Pete Searles was such a star and my first foray into producing was very successful. He set the whole season off with such an outrageous bang. www.the-beacon.co.uk.

The Gallifrey III went down a storm. Launch date will be some time in May. (www.bigfinish.com) We had such fun and I made some new and I suspect lasting friends, not least of all Charlie Ross, check out his web site. www.charlieross.co.uk. In order to raise money for the Ron Davis dyslexia Bursary I kept my script in pristine condition, got everyone involved to sign it, took a few photos, Lalla ward drew two of the mentioned outer-space monsters (and signed them), the engineer, Toby Robinson, recorded us recording four of the scenes with all the back chat and laughter etc. and I’m going to raffle the whole kit and caboodle. Details in next month’s blog.

The next producing ventures are Amanda Symonds and myself doing a charity night for V-Day with Jan Chappell and Helen Goldwyn.

I have been sent two scripts this week, one from Steven Berkoff called SIT AND SHIVER. It is absolutely fantastic. I met him on Wednesday, but don’t think I gave the best audition ever. Would absolutely LOVE to be part of that production, the play is stunningly written, and I’m sure he will direct it with huge imagination and nerve.

The second script is called MY GLORIOUS DIVORCE and this too I absolutely ADORE. The subject matter is poignant and distressing but handled with such wit, vivacity and chutzpah and will tour Britain and southern Ireland next Spring maybe.

I’m trying to loose weight in the gym and with my youngest son as my personal trainer I’m sure it will happen. Eldest son and I have just booked a holiday to Spain, most of the family congregating for Easter in Nerja should be fab.

APRIL 2nd

Gathering momentum for second producing adventure. Amanda Symonds, a dear friend and amazing performer is doing a new show with a new pianist Steve Rose.

Just got back from the Croydon Warehouse Theatre having seen a production of
BEING OLIVIA with my gorgeous friend from TENKO days, Veronica Roberts, being absolutely brilliant. Directed by Ted Craig. One of the best ensemble pieces I have seen in many a year. Fabulous production, I so hope it has a future. And it was one of those reunion evenings with Ann Bell, Stephanie Cole, Jill Hyem, myself and of course Roni Roberts, plus other old mates on stage and in the audience.

A week ago I split with my partner, so have found socializing a bit difficult. The wonderful thing about reaching this great age is that I know time is my friend and will heal my scarred old heart.

I have accepted a tour of ARSENIC AND OLD LACE. Haven’t got the tour dates yet, I know I start in Basingstoke around end of August, and as soon as I have the other venues I will post them, and if I’m in your area please come and see me. Let me know if you got the info off my web site, I’ve no idea if anyone is reading this.

My show HOTFLUSH is sooooooooooooooo gathering momentum and is sooooooooooooooo exciting. Susie McKenna has agreed to direct, Jacquie Gunn to design
and what a design is underway. The set up is going to take time, so sadly it will not happen now until early next year. I am waiting to hear back from Battersea Arts Centre with everything crossed. Watch this space.

APRIL 10th

Amanda Symonds was absolutely FANTASTIC at The Beacon last Friday, with pianist Steve Rose and friend Vanessa joining for two numbers. What an evening, hope you’re sorry you missed it. First Friday of next month c’est moi. The VAGINA MONOLOGUES and I will be joined by Jan Chappell and Helen Goldwyn. And the following month Helen will be strutting her stuff with a show called TURN THE LIGHTS DOWN LOW.

This posting is late for which I apologise, have been going through some personal turmoil and won’t bore anyone with the details. Suffice it to say that the August 4th performance at The Beacon has been cancelled.

Today I am leaving for Spain. A much needed and longed for holiday. My family (about a dozen of them) congregating for Easter. Can’t wait. When I return I start rehearsals on May 2nd for TEN TIMES TABLE, a mini-tour going to Peterborough, Windsor and Eastbourne. Then a barge holiday in France with some TENKO ladies (what an amazing time that will be!) then ARSENIC AND OLD LACE. Playing a dotty 70 something! What a joy! Will post venues when I have them.

In the meantime, thanks for checking in, I appreciate it. Same time next month, or hopefully a little earlier. Love Louise xxx

Beacon Season

noreply@blogger.com (loujameson) — Tue, 28 Feb 2006 15:54:00 +0000

February 25
First of all thank you so much to all of who have logged on during the past month and if its your first visit welcome. February started sadly with Henry McGees funeral. A very moving and loving event with many friends present. We hope he rests in peace and may that beautiful smile live on in our memories. I had the privilege of working with him quite recently in a tour of The Ghost Train, where he gave a fabulous performance, playing the old station master, Saul. Always on the edge of laughing when he shouldnt, he managed to bring joy to everyone he worked with.

I am just returned from a Dr Who Convention in Los Angeles (Ill post a photo as soon as I can work out the technology) where I had a truly fabulous time. It was extremely well run and the icing on the cake was a massive $6,000 raised towards the Dyslexia Bursary fund (see Links page). The generosity and spirit of the whole week-end was breath-taking. I then took a few extra days to see some old and dear friends, visit the Getti museum, sunbathe, watch the posers on Venice beach and eat far, far too much.

I have returned to a MOUNTAIN of mail and emails and shall spend the next week sorting through everything, losing those excess pounds at the gym and promoting the first of my season of productions which starts with Sex with Pete Searles (one night only) at The Beacon, Tunbridge Wells on March 3rd 8.00 till late. 01892 524252 is the box office for those of you who may be local and for those of you who are not, they do run a B&B, highly recommended.

adult café theatre
at The Beacon 8.00pm til late
Tea Garden Lane, Rusthall
01892 524252

PETE SEARLES - Friday 3rd March
Sex with Pete Searles
Part stand-up, part storytelling and part fantastic physical comedy. This is an hilarious journey through Petes entire sex life to date. From fearing he was pregnant at boarding school to tantric sex, he takes us on a candid, vulnerable, poignant and fascinating story about the making of love.

AMANDA SYMONDS - Friday 7th April
Amanda has traveled all over the world with shows as diverse as The Men I Have Had (an autobiographical piece) to Five Go to Illyria (Shakespeare a la Gyles Brandreth). In the last 12 months her smoky tones have been heard in Edinburgh, the States and most recently the West End. We are so lucky to have her, but for one night only, so book now for the amazing Amanda as she sings for her supper at The Beacon.

Charity Night for V day - Friday 5th May
LOUISE JAMESON (with Helen Goldwyn and Jan Chappell)
Vagina Monologues
This is exactly what it says. Eve Ensler has written moving, funny, informative, vulnerable, witty and intelligent monologues about the vagina. Shes gone where no feminist has dared to go before and the result is the funniest and most poignant of contemporary writing. Award-winning and post-West End this really is an evening not to be missed. Ladies it makes you proud to be a woman. Gents you may discover a thing or two.

Louise is probably best known as Rosa di Marco in EastEnders, but has done much classical work (both with the RSC and National Theatres). The series Tenko remains her firm favourite, although Bergerac too had its moments. She is local and has teamed up with John and Di to make this exciting and slightly risque season of plays possible.

HELEN GOLDWYN - Friday 2nd June
When Lights are Low
Pop open the champagne, roll out the sheepskin rug and join Helen Goldwyn for an evening of songs celebrating love, lust and downright lasciviousness! The evening will sensuously slide through classics of the 1940s, steamy jazz and some red hot favourites from musical theatre. Helen will introduce you to some wild and wonderful characters, all on the lookout for turning down the lights.

Miss Goldwyn has sung and acted her way all over the globe and also performs regularly with The Piccadilly Dance Orchestra (hosted by Sheridan Morley) at The Savoy Hotel and The Queen Elizabeth Hall to name but two. Do join us on the 2nd June and watch this Diva in the making!

CAROLINE BERNSTEIN - Friday 7th July
A Bit of The Other
Comedian and impressionist Caroline Bernstein has been successfully donning wigs and teeth for over 20 years, recently appearing as Cherie Blair in the Panorama documentary Blair V Blair. She was one of the main actresses in LWTs Beadles About and part of the regular impression team on Who Do You Do. Carolines inspiration for her new show A Bit of The Other started last year, when she realized that she had accumulated 16 wigs and 4 sets of teeth! The celebrity look-alike industry was in demand and it was time to take her one-woman show out on the road.

DAVID WARWICK with SIMON JAMES - Friday 4th August
Behaving Badly
Davids life and times in the theatre. Not the posh affair you may imagine, but a wry look at what its really like to tour, the terror of a first night, how you cope with those what am I supposed to say next? moments. He will name names and make himself blush. An evening interspersed with beautiful singing accompanied by the brilliant Simon James. Simon is the leader and co-founder of Kymaera, the seminal jazz-rock band. As a solo artist he is an outstanding exponent of Spanish classical acoustic guitar. Davids credits include just about every sit com going (Only Fools and Horse, Reginald Perrin), hes been in Dr. Who (the classic and the new series), and had a eclectic career both in New Zealand and here, most recently concentrating on directing and performing farce. He does indeed have stories to tell.

February 28th
I have just returned from an absolutely fantastic evening at Battersea Arts Centre. Something Dark written and performed by Lemn Sissay. I believe it tours so if any of you want a moving, funny, profound, exciting, interesting, witty, intelligent, insightful evening book this NOW.

Sunday next we launch into recording the last of the Gallifrey series with Big Finish, always a lovely job. I am sworn to secrecy about the plot lines but there are some real shocks and surprises in store, so watch this space. Ill be back in about a month xxx

Happy Valentine's

noreply@blogger.com (loujameson) — Mon, 06 Feb 2006 15:50:00 +0000

Hallo everyone, my first attempt at "blogging". Just in time for Valentine's Day. (aaaaah). It would have been a January posting but due to Broadband problems, leaving me with complete and utter computer rage, it has not been possible. I'm sure most of you have been there at some point but this is my first real experience of such problems in the 13 years that I have owned a computer and it has struck at exactly the time when I am most dependant on the infernal machine.

Firstly my brand new website is now up and running as you have so flatteringly discovered. Kosha Engler has designed it, very reasonably and has been extremely patient and helpful despite my total ignorance and inability to grasp the simplest things concerning modern technology.

Secondly I am now a fully fledged producer as well as actress/writer/director and am starting with six one person shows which will be showing at The Beacon starting on March 3rd with the fabulous Pete Searles. Then there will be a performance on the first Friday in every month through to August. This needs the internet! Copious emailing, proof reading of publicity, keeping tabs on everyone blah blah blah!

Thirdly, and most importantly, my one-woman show Hot Flush is now ready to roll. Written by the wonderful Helen Goldwyn, another patient soul who has printed off and posted every re-write when it would have been so much easier just to press a key on her computer. Still the end result is fantastic, she is such a gifted writer and I am really looking forward to the start of rehearsals (end of April) for the first showing at the Tristan Bates Theatre (at The Actors Centre) on May 30th and 31st 2006, for two nights only, so if you want to book a seat the number is 0207 240 3940.

Hot Flush
An ageing Bridget Jones meets Women Behaving Badly. The diaryof a menopausal Diva. We follow Jo through 70 minutes of her life whilst she chats to us about the events that have brought her to this critical time of change. Does she assign herself to the scrap heap, go for the "nip-n-tuck" approach or venture out with the gorgeous young man who is flattering her with his attentions? Does she confront the builder, the ex lover or her nemesis, the stunning Loretta,or does she reach for the chocolate and the remote control? Women of a certain age will love this intimate show, and so will their children and husbands. No-one escapes the brilliant observational writing of Helen Goldwyn, or the acerbic, witty delivery of Louise Jameson. A "must see" evening. Enjoy!

I have just slipped in a performance at Leatherhead with Colin Baker of Love Letters on Sunday January 29th, and despite a small audience I think we gave it our best shot yet. They loved it and were extremely complimentary afterwards. Next show will be Middlesborough March 26th, watch this space. Two days ago I finished an episode of Doctors, viewing May 11th I believe and on return from a Dr. Who Convention in Los Angeles I shall be recording another in the Big Finish Gallifrey series. Add to that the fact that we are setting up a fund-raiser for the Ron Davis approach to dyslexia for February 12th (www.dyslexia-kent.co.uk) and going to LA for a Dr Who convention, it's all a bit hectic! But there will be stories to tell I am sure.
I will try and update around the middle of each month. In the meantime I hope your 2006 has leapt into action and is giving you everything you need and most of what you want. Thanks for checking in, and I look forward to the next one.