23 August 2017

Behind the Iron Curtain

I've recently been employed as a part time Personal Assistant for a woman who is blind. My mother works with her every week but I will cover her if she needs me too, if and when. For my first day of work, I was asked to take Laura on a tour of the New Theatre, Cardiff, as part of her bonus for being a member of their 'Friends of the New Theatre' scheme.

I was a bit nervous at first, you know, being someone else's eyes and guide when quite often I've tripped over literally nothing. However, Laura told me how my mother walked her into a trolley and a lamp post... so I figured, if I don't do that... I'm good. It just makes you so much more self-aware of things you take for granted every day, like knowing when the it's safe to cross a road if the 'Green Man' doesn't go beep because you can't just run into traffic and avoid the cars. It was a great experience, and the actual theatre tour was brilliant. Bonus points to me for not accidentally throwing Laura down the many steps we had to go up and down during the tour. She didn't break a leg, so, you know...

If I had to describe a theatre, I would without a doubt, describe the New Theatre. It's just the image of what I would call a traditional theatre. It really is beautiful. During the tour, we were learning more about the things you see framed on the walls - from a programme from the first ever show, to the discovery of the foundation stone, to what spade was used to lay it. These are things that you may not notice in a busy foyer when you're waiting to see a show. They are things I will now be pointing out to people who I take to this theatre, as it's always nice to have someone with a bit of knowledge about the things on the wall... at least, I think it is. They may find me incredibly annoying, but alas, I couldn't care less.

The man leading the tour had so much knowledge about the theatre, it was wonderful. It was great hearing about the theatre from someone who was so passionate about it. Learning about everything that goes on backstage at a bigger theatre was incredible, you really realise how much hard work that the backstage crew have to do on a regular show. Some people were worried that seeing how it all worked would ruin the 'magic of theatre', where in fact, it just made it more magical. Theatre and magic go hand in hand to create one perfect illusion that everything runs like clockwork. You forget about the people who are waving across the top of the theatre, to make sure the flats and scenery go in the right place, that the lighting and sound cues are on time, it's honestly amazing thinking about all the stuff that goes on behind the scenes, that as an audience member, you never see. It's quite easy to forget that a show doesn't magically put itself together.



Oh, and my goodness, the stage looks a hell of a lot bigger when it's empty and you're actually standing on it. Looking out into the auditorium was amazing. It just too me back to all the shows I've been in, looking out and seeing the people, or in most of the cases, just the lights. It was amazing, nonetheless. Maybe one day, I'll be lucky enough to perform on that stage. A girl can dream.









I also loved seeing the theatre from the orchestra pit. Looking up at the amazing theatre from an entirely different angle was something else. It's all about perspective, seeing a sight you've seen many different times from a different view-point, is like seeing it for the first time all over again.





Fun fact but not a fact (I hope): The boards under the rails of the orchestra pit are there so the musicians don't see up ladies skirts in the front row. Musicians must have a terrible reputation! A fun little nugget from our tour guide. He made the tour really interesting and fun! All in all, it was a great day, finished off with a Greggs.

What more could you want?







10 comments:

  1. It's very different seeing things for someone else. My mum has learnt this, not because I'm blind but rather am disabled so mum is constantly watching for hazards or ways out for me etc. It sounds like you were successful though!!

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  2. How amazing, I work with people with learning disabilities and it opens your eyes to things that we often take for granted. It sounds like you had fun x

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  3. The theatre sounds absolutely amazing and sounds like you did a great job being someone's eyes. As you said we take so many thing for granted.

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  4. That looks like a grand theatre. When we go to musicals or plays, I always look around first and really admire the old ones, just so grand! :)

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  5. Wow this theatre looks amazing! We love visiting the theatre and old, grand theatres are always the most magical!

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  6. The angle you are looking at the theatre from looks great. I have not visited a theatre in years.

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  7. Aw so lovely that you were able to look out for the blind lady and come with her to such a beautiful theatre. So sweet x

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  8. It must have been fascinating learning about the inner workings of a theatre! What a lovely thing for you to do x

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  9. I find looking around historic buildings really interesting but couldn't imagine doing it with someone who is visually impaired. Sounds like an interesting day all round

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  10. How amazing!! Yes we do take things for granted . I'm forever saying this xx

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The Final Countdown

So... 2 more sleeps until I head up to Scotland to begin my next adventure. Though I don't start rehearsals for another 6 sleeps, i...