So where are we at this stage of the game...

The last two weeks have been hecktic to say the least...

Sunday

Wilson started us of with a singing rehearsal which went very well... although some of the guys need to work a bit more on their harmonies!!!

Peter was also up again for rehearsals and attendance/committment from the cast was as always great. We ran the whole of Act One and it is shaping up fantastic. Highlights have to be Windy City, the CanCan and the girls dancing in Keep it under your Hat. The energy and vibrance is excellent.

Also Hilary provided more costumes which Meike picked up from her on Saturday. Now all girls are provided with a Gingham and Ball Dress. Some Frock Coats and Tails for the guys were also given out. Then as Peter arrived he showed us the costumes for Keep it under your Hat... all we can say at this point is ... the guys will love them... there is not much material but they are stunning.

So these are all the posive great things... On to the headache things...

Set... We originally had s Set coming but due to unforseen circumstance the Set Builder was unable to do it, so we had to come up with a plan B as we would call it. So it was onto the phones/websites to see where we could hire a set in the given time. Luckily Les had already done some research and had found a Company in England.  Now that we had found a set it still had to be booked which turned into a bit of a run about  for some of us as  a  Contract had to be signed and  a deposit sent off A.S.A.P.  All in all we finally managed to secure the set and it will be delivered  in time for  Dress rehearsal. Well done to all involved in this.

Monday

First and foremost we had a Committee meeting. The primary point of discussion was the very poor ticket sales to date. At that point we had sold around 10% of the tickets... well short of break even. The Committee discussed the viability of putting the Show on at all or whether we should do a reduced run to save a bit of the cost. We decided that it ticket sales had not picked up by Friday then we would re-look at the situation.

Les and Peter gave a great talk to the cast to motivate everyone into ensuring ticket sales will pick up. Everyone was up for it and that night loads of cast members suggested various ways in which they would help selling tickets.

The reharsal went well and we ran Act Two. Peter also set Black Hills of Dakota and also the Finale.
We believe we have a great show and it would be such a shame if we had only a small audience to play too.

During the week all sorts of things happened...

U 105, where very helpful in publicising the show on Radio, running a ticket competition with every presenter and also inviting Calamity, Danny and our Secretary into the Station for an Interview. This went very well. A huge thank you has to go to MJ and his crew for all the support they have given us.

Some of the Cast sent in requests and texts to other Radio Stations to get coverage... keep it up guys...

Others sent out E-mails to all their address books and also texted all their friends. Les sent too many which resulted in his email not working for 24 hours... and he uses this for his business!!!

Some of the Bangor girls offered to hand out flyers in the streets in costumes.

Drew went to stand outside the Opera House to hand out flyers, Gareth sent out an email to loads of people in the Civil Service, David and Jen took out time to go into Stranmillis College to put up Posters, Kim and Rebecca went round all the shops on the Lisburn Road giving out flyers... and so the list goes on and on. A fantastic job done by everyone!!!

Onto Thursday

Wilson called a Principal Music Rehearsal which by all accounts went very well. The quality and standard of our principals is next to none!!!

Meanwhile Les had sat all day in his house to await the arrival of our costumes from Limerick, to be delivered by DHL. Unfortunately they did not arrive!!!

Friday

Meike then tried to chase the missing costume delivery. This proved somewhat difficult as it was St Patricks Day. DHL gave her the run around transferring her from one Call Centre to another but with no joy in the end.

Wilson had called the guys  at  7.00 for a sing through of the harmonies in Adelaide. With a bit of practise they will be grand.

Peter then arrived early... We all moved into the big rehearsal hall and ran the full show. Unfortunately it was a bit tricky as Calamity and Katie where gigging elsewhere, so our very own Peter stood in for both of them sometimes having conversations with himself as he has quite a few lines with Calamity.

The rehearsal went very well and we can report that everyone is ready to go onto the stage and perform.

Gareth had brought his laptop to take cast bookings... we were very pleased to see so many bookings coming in... what a turn around from Monday. But guys we are not there yet... we still need to sell even more tickets. A huge 'Well Done' for everyones efforts.

It may have been St Patricks Day but it was also St Peter's Day, the esteemed ones birthday. The Cast had a surprise cake and card for him during break time. He was quite taken by surprise... the cake featured a set of boobs!!! Need we say more! Peter wanted to know who had modelled them!

After that it was on to the Pub. A bigger turnout than usual but conversation was a bit difficult as there was a disco playing rather loudly. The Writing Team left around midnight leaving some of the hardcore to have a few more!

Peter and Les returned to the B&B where they looked over the Set Plans. Peter was a biit concerned about how many items were in the 'flying' plan so he asked Mr P if he would phone the theatre the next morning to see if he could get access to have another look at what they had.

Saturday

9.00 am Meike rang DHL to make enquiries about the missing costumes. All she could get was voicemail saying the DHL were closed on St. Patrick's Day but would re-open again at 9.00 am on Saturday morning. Obviously not!! She also texted Pat McGann (the costume supplier) to see if he could shed any light on things.

Not knowing if the costumes would be delivered, there was a rota arranged to wait in Les' house just in case. Les took the first shift, then Peter and then Meike but still nothing arrived.

Meanwhile, Les had phoned the theatre and he too was put through to voicemail. But they did phone back and left a voicemail for him saying that access to the theatre was not a problem. The voicemail was quite funny as it was spoken in a miltary type way with the last word being 'Over'!

Peter left to go to the theatre around 2.30pm while Meike typed up a Running Order (including what costumes are needed) and also a Crew Scene change order.

Peter had called a rehearsal at 3.00 pm for Calamity, Katie and Danny and as we write this is still taking place. The rest of the cast are called at 5pm for a full run through.

Tomorrow

Get in Day. We are expecting the Set to arrive at 10.30 am and loads of the guys have volunteered to be there to give us a hand. Thanks Guys!

Wilson will be having a Band Call at 4.00pm with the Cast being asked to come along at 6.30 pm. After that will be the 'Tech'. This may prove a bit difficult as Peter (Wild Bill) is not able to make it! We think the first time that we will have a full cast on stage will be the Dress Rehearsal on Monday. We just hope the costumes have arrived by then!!!

This is all for now.

Until the next time

The as always busy Writing Team
Ulster Operatic Company

we do rule! We stood like planks....tryin to sell this show! we used great tactics tho.......for the dirty old men-it was a bit of the old flirtin and kel shoutin..."theres girls in skimpy costumes!! come c us!!"
then r sweet and innocent smiles worked a gem with the rest!!yeooooooo! wev got pics to prove we did it!! o yes! bring on the show! x0x0x0x

lol..hehe hu is th banga gal!! lmao xxx

Yes after many days of non diary posts by me...Im Back

So How flippin tired am I and the rest of the people who enjoy building sets, Im sure you're all wreaked aswell, It'll be a bit of a bitch to take down aswell, be eating into our well deserved rip time thats for sure but Im sure you'll all agree it looks the dogs bol*ox.

i cant wait until I never have to hear that flippin Black Hills song anymore, lol

Kim told me I flippin agreed to some Oklahoma shi*e in October last time I was drunk, a definite unfair advantage to the sober person, takin advantage of me there Kim, tut tut.

So Whats all your thoughts on the Show,

We all lookin forward to it ???

I expect replies

Mark (Arnie, I'll be Back)

hey guys! a big good luck for tomorrow!!! love all loads!! xx

Never a truer word spoken by Mark "The Hammer" Higgins. The set was hard to put up, but now looks fantastic - yet again many, many thanks for all the hard work put in from the lads (and lasses) on the get-in - most people don't appreciate how much work goes into the before and after of a show!! (For those who weren’t there, just mention “Truck 2” to get an insight into advanced swearing!)

Anyway - we've had our dress-rehearsal - a fairly tight run (despite some minor problems). We all know where the shortcomings are, and where the guys in particular need to keep the "buzz" going. However, it still is going to be a brilliant show.

And now thanks - to all those who have put themselves out over the past weeks selling tickets - you have done a fantastic job, but can you do more? ;)

Sales of tickets from the cast have climbed unbelievably over the last week, but the (and I quote) "young, vibrant company" need to keep at it – you know how good a show it is, so let everyone else know! (incidentally, when I say young and vibrant company I am obviously excluding the Ugly Sisters, the PM and Mummy, who never the less are all still out there selling tickets).

It’s going to be a really fun show with lots of craic, which will be entirely due to the enthusiasm of the cast – both principals and the rest of us, so let’s go out there and enjoy it.

Joe (the exhausted) Barman :)

Well Folks,

Thanks Gareth for the kind words, Yeah a lot of work put in sellin tickets this week, well played to all, Hopefully the bangor girls get some dirty aul men to go after all their posin on Saturday lol

Truck 2 &^*%$ *()$£ &(**

Not a pal of mine, ropey flats 20ft high any call for it, scared the bejesus outta me as people there on the day will recall.

So its D-Day today

Good Luck to All,

Whip Crack Away

Mark (aka Grow hair on a billiard ball)

Hi I hope the show is going well, I'm from Manchester and my society is doing Calamity Jane in May and I cant wait, I'm having so much fun at the rehearsals so far.:) I hope you all enjoy yourselves and have a great show! as a fellow performer (hehe i sound all professional) I know what fun you will be having. Check out our society website, its at www.heywoodaods.co.uk xxx break a leg!

Hi I am Lisa I am 18 and am from Manchester. My society is doing Calamity in May so I know how much fun you are all having...I can't wait till our show. I wish you all the best of look and remember to smile and enjoy yourselves and I hope you have a good show! I'm sure you will!! I am enjoyin rehersals for our show so much, I was in this show once before when I was like 8 and to be in it again is amazing as I don't remeber much from it all those years back. Check out my societies website im chief web designer lol its www.heywoodaods.co.uk
Break a leg guys!!!

The Awards Committee would like to wish the entire cast good luck for the week and may the competition be as entertaining as ever!!

One or two rules of engagement though!!

We are slightly disappointed however at the lack of nominations to date for the new 'beyond the call of duty' award.

Remember, this is the only award which the Awards Committee do not decide the winner!! The winner will be decided by you!!

It is pleasing to see though that we have many nominations gathered to date for all the other awards!! - And we haven't even started the weeks run!!

Competition has never been so fierce!! Brilliant!!

We would remind you that the awards committee welcome tales of wrong doings, slip ups, gaffes, missed entrances, dancing disasters, script ignorance etc. etc. etc. - And, are also not averse to bribery - especially in the form of guinness and cider (although in separate glasses please!!)

Certain members of the cast would be well advised at this stage, that tale telling and bribery may spare them becoming an award recepient!!

Take note - Professor Higgins, Gareth, Wendy, David, Rachael, Paddy, Ande, Ken, Cherelle, Becki, Niall to name but a few!!

Break A Leg Everyone and long live the Faux Pas!!!

Regards

The Awards Committee

Well we did it !!

First night over, and apart from a few minor technical hiccups, a whip-crack-away success!

Who would have thought that a show with so little pre-preparation would come out so well? - bollocks to that - it wouldn't have happened without the PM and Mummy, with occasional assistance from the Ugly sisters, Baroness and Footman! - loadsa thanks from the rest of us! This has to include the (always fun) direction of our producer/director – our very own “Wild Bill Hickock”!

In my capacity as resident drinks pourer (both onstage and off), can I just state that the only comments that Mummy and I received at the interval and after, were positive – this means that you lot out there did a good solid show!!

Where do we go from here? Have we mentioned the SELL, SELL, SELL concept?
There's no point in having a brill show without punters to watch and appreciate it! (don't forget the iPod for best cast ticket sales is still up for grabs!!)

Anyway, I can hear the dulcet tones of my pillow calling me – so I shall leave you anon until tomorrow night (oh bugger it’s tonight !!)

Joe the Comatose Barman:);)

I thought it went well last night, not too many f**k ups nothing that cant be rectified quickly,

Can anyone tell me the craic about the Party,

I have heard very little !!

marco

Hi All

Anyone seen the review in the Telegraph yet?

It is great!!!

A huge well done to everybody!!!!!!

Belfast Telegraph Review - Show far from a Calamity

The Ulster Operatic Company is back with a bang.
Their first show for 6 years, Calamity Jane, is a proven favourite with several much-loved sing-a-long songs such as Windy City, Deadwood Stage, Secret Love, It’s Harry I’m planning to marry and Black Hills of Dakota.
Heather Dunlop in the title role delivered a polished performance mixed with the right measure of levity as the tough-talking, gun-toting wild west frontier woman who rashly promises to bring the Chicago stage star Adelaide Adams to Deadwood.
When she mistakenly brings Adelaide’s maid, Katie Brown, to town little does she realise that her life will never be the same again. The new Calam is soon transformed, however reluctantly, from a buckskin dressing spitfire to the belle of the ball who sweeps Wild Bill Hickok off his feet.
Kerri Quinn also made the role of Katie her own playing it with suitable spark and verve.
The company threw themselves wholeheartedly into the show with an energy and enthusiasm which only enhanced the audience’s enjoyment.
Calamity Jane is a light-hearted, fun musical and there are many superb singers in this company who deserve to be heard at their best.
The show runs until March 25 at the Stranmillis College Theatre.
:):):)

hiya evry1 jus wntd to say tht ur sho ws great! n good luk for tonyts sho n th rest of thm! ur all wee stars! sum1 ryt in n keep me posted on hw thy go! thnkz! xoxo

Well done everyone last night. You all gave it 110%.

Enjoy tonight. Will miss you all.

Cheers mummy I agree, we all kicked ass last night, even I looked kinda normal after I got over the initial shock of getting every move wrong in the first dance sorry Jen, I knew there was a reason for the back row...

So were all ready for another rip at it tonight!!! arent we???

On another note, ive been told the party is at my house, So whos on clear up duty for the next day??

Im doin a ROTA !!

There is only 1 bed available, mine so there will be no hopping on the good foot and doin the bad thing in my room, unless its me of course lol

Big Congratulations to everyone for a great show so far!! Great to see such enthusiasm from everyone!

It's going to be a fantastic week....

As far as the awards go - it's great to see so many people eager to get their hands on one of our coveted trophies.

Competition has been exceptional, from principals and chorus alike. Special mention must go to the following who are hotly contesting the run away leader spots in various categories (although at this stage we'll not spoil it)........

Prof Higgins
Kelly
Ken
Mr Kennedy
Andy
Prof Higgins
Ditanya
Wee Matt
Heather
Ande Gray
David Rice
Rachael
Prof Higgins
Niall
Wendy
Victor
Karen
Prof Higgins

Fear not however, there's still four more performances to go, so there's plenty of time for the rest of you to catch up!!!!

Regards

The Awards Committee

Balls to your commitee !!

4 TIMES --- I BET NONES FOR BEST PERFORMANCE YE BOLLOX'S

Well what can I say!!

An excellent show with an excellent cast and an excellent audience. Close to a full house for the first time - and the energy and enthusiasm on stage reflected this. All comments passed over both bars I served at were positive about the show and the performance. Just in case you weren’t aware, we even have people who came to see the show already, re-booking so they can see it again – either gluttons for punishment or else culture buffs!

However, the list of nominees for the HAMES awards is growing – you know who you are (this includes my traditional “find a piece of set and fall over it” routine) - Professor Higgins is quite perturbed at only being mentioned 4 times in the publicly revealed nomination list – surely there must be more dirt to spill?

So………

We still have tickets left for tomorrow and Saturday (particularly the matinee) so SELL, SELL, SELL (haven’t I said that somewhere before?)

Incidentally we have bookings directly attributable to the Bangor ladies (no longer girls) – so well done for your standing in costume chatting up dirty old men!

So again, thanks for all your efforts on stage and off (especially Drew who had to go and buy more wine to satisfy the wants of the punters).

Joe (the non-stop Barman)

awh iv missed so much fun on this!!! ooo....cmon the awards! i luv it! ok....so explain to me...wats the beyond the call of duty award???? im a wee bit confused!!
3 more performances to go.....:(! booooo!!
watcha all at??
im actually in tech 2day..can u believe it!??!...and im findin it rather difficult to type with my misshapen finger!! grr!!

mark....i luv how ur threatenin us all bout sleepin in ur bed...but u did that the last time...and look wat happened!??? hahahahaha!
mnaghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!! lol

Yes Rach, I do remember as do a few others, I will not name and shame... although its very tempting :-)

Great show last night folks, were gettin better as each show goes on, tonight and Satudays will be kick ass performances :-)

Im at home today, taking a well deserved rest, NOT. Have the whole house to tidy for you numbnuts, dont know why I bother it'll flippin look like Pearl Harbour in a Hour. Havent the heart to tell the neighbours that they wont be sleepin too much (gulp)

Oh well,

Talk to all you muppets later, I have to go play with the hoover lol.

Mnnnaaghhhhh hhhhhhhhhhhhh

yeoooooooooooo...wat a funni show tonite! almost dropped twice-that was amusin!! hahaha! 2moror will b go0d craic no doubt! n mark...i will try n helpp tidy ur house but no doubt i will b in charge of coffee makin like usual!! soriiiiiiiiiiii!!
nitynite all! ya did brill 2nite! x0x0

hiyaa evry1 jus wnt to say hello n wow th sho was like amazn!! ly all!! whts th nxt sho?? mwa xxxxooooxxxx

Hi All

I have just had the privelege of seeing the first rushes from Calam.

What can I say...

It is brilliant!!!

Such energy and enthusiasm on stage.

From a fantastic chorus to superlative principals. The show is so good. And I now know why the audience reaction was so positive.

Special mention has to go to 'Calam'. Heather is absolutely sensational in the part.

On behalf on my ministers and myself I would just like to thank everyone for their huge commitment and talent.

A show is all about the people involved... and you guys are just totally amazing.

We just hope that you will enjoy the craic for many a show to come!!


The PM.

Howdy Partners,

How are ye all,

Ive just about recovered from Sat night,

Aparently we lost an hour due to the clocks, I lost about another 5 due to drink lol.

Hope ye all had a great night,

Thanks to the boys who stayed behind to help with the clean up, you will be hired for this weekend again.

Thanks to Gareth for doin the food as well big man, pure legend just as your trophy says lad cheers.

Had to Laugh, the boys will understand this All Plan "a"s worked, even though it was tempting to upset the apple cart, all was good ;-)

Sitting here with a mountain of drink and crisps from the weekend which will only last 1 weekend due to more parties woo hoo...Poor Neighbours.

So Anyway I woke up this mornimg with an empty feeling in my stomach, (and it wasnt through lack of food cus I was sick as a dog yesterday) I actually think I will miss the performing and craic as it may be a while to the next Show.
Hope all of you will still stay in contact until the next time.

Think Im starting to enjoy this performing thing...even the dancing.

Who'd have ever thought???

Adios Amigos

Mark

Hi Guys,

Remember the great email flyer that Les created? I sent it to everyone in my address book within a 3-day stagecoach ride of Stranmillis, and these 6 people came all the way from Carrickfergus! I didn't even know that they were coming!

--------

Niall

That was good touting for business - There was 6 of us went to see Calamity
on Thursday last. We all thought you were marvellous darling ! Roberta
liked the hat you wore in Act 2 "on the trail" to the fort, and I was
surprised to discover you were a song-and-dance man.
The tall bloke with the unruly fair hair fairly throws himself into the
performance doesn't he.

It was a grand show and a great production, obviously a great deal of
time,effort and money went into it. We all had a good time and there was
much praise from the older members of our group who have witnessed several
productions like these in the past.

All the best, and regards to your Mum and the rest of the family.

Drew, Roberta and party

-------

Anybody know who the "tall bloke with the unruly hair" might be??

Hope to see you all soon.

Niall

GASP! Did you just say you're starting to enjoy performing Mark or are my eyes still recovering from losing an hours sleep? It's a good thing you're coming to do Bangor's show then isnt it. I hope all the boys (& a few girls) remember promising to come down to Bangor for Oklahoma. I'll be chasing you all down in May.

Anyway, I had a great time doing the show. I'm looking forward to seeing the DVD. See you all soon.

PS - somebody remind Wendy she owes me a facial in exchange for the champagne

aoooooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!! wat is happenin??!!
great party....mark-those pics are very big.....n i l0oka complete mess...n i kinda remember sayin...just send them to the girls that are in them!!! hahahahaha!
hope ur house recovered ok mark!! even tho-we all were stickin to ur livin room floor!! lol

all the plan 'A's!!!wat u boys like!??! ur worse than us girls....:p!!

anyway...bring on next sat!!!!!!!!! then the dvd nite!! woowoo....me fallin on my ass! i luv it!
x0x0

A huge thank you to everyone who helped with the get out on Saturday. It was much appreciated by all of us.

Love
Meike (Mummy)

rite.....wer lackin in posts again...not impressed!!! cmon u guys!!! keep em comin...wat yas all bn at??
xoxoxo

Sleeping and recovering from hangovers ...... ;)

Oh thats rich Rach seein as you disappeared for weeks lol.

Im not hungover, infact its gettin near the weekend again...so Party again,

Hope you all can make it, and hopefully the floor wont be such a mess, but that doesnt matter as Rach and Karen have both promised to clean it, soo go nuts ha ha

Sooooooooooooo anyone else not whistling Black hills lol

Marco

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaooooooooooooowwwwwwww! Only me and Rach get that 1 lol! How is everyone? Im still recovering from lack of sleep and even though i have sooo much to do I miss you guys:( it was a fab show i enjoyed every min bring on the next one! sorry i cant be at your party Mark! Cant be hungover for London baby bring on the West End (were we all truely belong!! ohhhh yeah)
Well I'm off for a tanning session........... till next time mmmmwwhhha
Wee Mich xxx

o a "tannin session" i cud do with one of thoses! haha! but i actually mean a tan! mwhahahahahah!! anyhu?!! i had an excuse mark-my house was bein all done up the the comp had tobe removed!! so there!!! :-P! any interestin biz any1??? huz all goin on sat mark??? me n karen have gotta alot of work to do dont we??!! o manN!
xoxox

A Message from Peter...

"The show was really good. I am very proud of everyone"

High praise indeed from someone who directs loads of shows every year.

A huge huge well done to everyone!

Hope you are all doing the Summer Show!!

aloha!! so then tired peeps hows the form??are we all actually still tired i know ive been sleeping like a baby but it still makes no difference!! :-o mark, now in relation to your floor, good god man why wud you let them do that!! also that misconception about me and rach cleaning, i'll do my bit like not the whole feckin house!!
guys im in serious withdrawel from the show.not only from gettin to see you guys and dance off my pants every night it also means me and the young man with unruly hair dont get as much time together!!ahhh

small note to rach.......

MNYEEEEEEEEEAH!! we'l have to clarify on spelling!!

love and miss you all!!
karen xxx :):):)

Thursday, March 30th 2006 @ 8:49 AM

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...

Karen...just take over Marks house and move in... that way you get to see the guy with the strange hair more often.

Mark will love the company...