Tour 1 - Blyth

After working our way up the north west of England, it was time to cross over the Pennines to the east. We travelled right across country to Blyth via Dobby's Garden World in Ponteland for lunch (although a few of us went to the pub next door).

It was brilliant to finally make it to Blyth - 6 years ago we held a Wildfire previsit at St. Cuthbert's but the choir travelled to Sunderland to perform. Then three years ago we were all set for Jail Break when the theatre was double booked and we travelled to Cockermouth instead. So 9 years since Snakes and Ladders, CMM was once again touring in Blyth!

This time round Dave Cooper was responsible for the original booking, but then he had an army of helpers to take it on while he produced the local performance of Fiddler on the Roof! The choir was trained by Danny White and a couple of others, and Dave was assisted by the wonderful team of Glenys and Trudy in the administration side.

The Phoenix theatre was a pleasure to perform in. The sell-out audience felt incredibly close (we could see the light reflected from a hundred pairs of glasses), and there was plenty of room on the stage. I particularly enjoyed the little corridoor underneath the stage, but I'm not sure all the cast would agree with me! Also backstage there was a sound system, so that meant that those waiting to come on could hear every word...

We had our afternoon team meeting in the bar, but it wasn't open for drinks at that point!

The performance itself went really well. It was fantastic not to see an empty seat in the house, and God seemed to really bless all that were there. Alyson had been back in action singing since Penrith, and her voice was going from strength to strength, which was great to hear.