Tour 1 - Manchester

You may be forgiven for thinking that after such a busy weekend, the cast were given a week off... But no. The wonderful instrumentalists and dancers were, but it was straight back to work for the cast, and this time it was the understudies that were given a full workout by Darren. And it was certainly worth it, as will emerge shortly...

Saturday morning arrived, and the touring party made their way to Manchester. This was the first time we had been joined by Brenda Earnshaw - Brenda has taken over the job of running the wardrobe in Ann Parkin's absence. It is her job to ensure all the costumes are ironed and washed during the tour week, and then to help with all the quick costume changes backstage - ably assisted by Barrie Renwick.

We arrived in good time for lunch (except the technicians who had been snarled up in traffic), and were provided a delicious hot meal by the canteen at the Royal Northern College of Music. The meal had been paid for by a member of the Manchester choir and family in memory of her husband, who used to love singing in the musicals. Thank you so much.

The technicians Dave, Steve, Michael and Tom finally arrived and set up in double-quick time ready for the choir rehearsal and matinee performance. The Bruntwood theatre boasts a fabulous large stage and steeply tiered audience seating, so no-one has a poor view. The dancers had a special dressing room high up above and to one side of the stage, up a spiral staircase, which they seemed to enjoy.

Both performances at Manchester went very well - particularly because of the large, excellently trained choir. The evening performance was attended by Bishop Chris Edmundson - bishop of Bolton, and former warden of Lee Abbey. Chris is a long-standing friend of CMM, and it was great to be able to have him on stage at the beginning. Our fourth bishop in five performances!

Thanks go to Walter Brisk for his choir training, and Tony Wallwork and Chris Goddard for all their hard work organising the event.