ending july

So, last week was good because I was seen for my first ever Panto, CINDERELLA! I was very excited as I was also up for Prince Charming. I put together 2 numbers, one of which with the intention of being 'funny' which the panel seemed to appreciate. I got to read a few scripts too which was great. All in all, a very fun audion. That was Friday. Today is Monday and just learnt I was unsuccesful! Oh well, no use crying over spilt milk. I did get some great feedback from my agent though so I am not too concerned.... can always try for Panto again next year. Maybe with the same Company?

I have been asked to go in an audition for a UK/Europe Tour tomorrow (for audition purposes, I should keep the name of the show quiet for the moment). I have been seen for this musical 4 times now so I hope I can do what it takes to get in this time.

More news to follow...

unfold

Well, the last week has been interesting....

I have been waiting to hear confirmation of getting into a show around Christmas. Its a few weeks work and great pay, but sadly, I was told I was unsuccessful after about 3 weeks waiting to hear back. No worries. I also decided not to audition to go once again BACK onto a ship for 6 months. I just feel I keep getting taken away from the UK and London when my whole purpose in leaving Australia was so that I could be closer to music theatre work. So again, no biggy. Lastly, I was offered 2 months work as a 'featured extra' on the upcoming film HUGO CABRET. I decided not to take it as it would mean 4 days a week and would take me out of the running for auditions. The pay wasn't anything spectacular and its deferred payment anyhow so how am I meant to live in London AND pay my rent and bills? Theres always a chance, as I found out in HOUSE FULL last year, that I could get pulled out of the scene and given lines or featured things to do, but it is a bit of a gamble. It has a great cast line up though so I'm a little sad I cant work with those amazing actors, but I know I have done the right thing (for now...)

A friend of mine, Cassie, has approached me about trying to get a cabaret off the ground which we never got to perform last year as we just became too busy. I am quite excited by this prospect as I have done a few cabarets in the past, and the fact that you get complete reign and artistic license within your show is an exciting concept to me. Soooo many songs to choose from! Where to begin?! In the next week, we will be meeting to begin development. We'll only stop if one of us gets long-term work! (so, lets put it out there to the Universe that we dont get to do the cabaret huh?)

;)

In other news, I went and saw a live band the other night... well, kinda an orchestra/band. They are called TONIC FOLD. The music is all written by a young guy called Shane Cullinan. Extremely talented. Look him up! Anyhoo, this is the 2nd time I have seen TONIC FOLD live and I love the music to bits. I play their cd a lot! Well, I have told Shane I really want to sing with his band or help record songs for him and he seemed quite interested. We'll soon see, but it was great to have him interested in me. He tends to get a lot of singers working for him at various events etc so this could be the start of something exciting for me.

1916: THE MUSICAL is about to audition people so it can extend its development cast. More great things are in store for this exciting musical so I look forward to sharing the developments with you.

I hope you are well. I'll drop you another line soon.

Lukey x

and so it begins...

I have begun this blog as a way of expressing myself and what I go through in the day to day life of living in London as a "struggling actor". There always seems to be a lot of auditions and yet, it seems so hard to break into the industry at a time when people just don't want to leave shows for fear of not getting further work elsewhere.

I am so grateful to have moved to London and for possessing a British Passport that allows me to stay here year on end without any rush to achieve deadlines. Its taken me 3 years to set myself up but finally, I am in with some great companies and have done some very interesting work.

To date, what have I achieved in the UK since I arrived here?

I have worked as a singer on a few cruise ships now (P&O's MV AURORA and MV ORIANA), done some featured extras work for Channel 4 and BBC3 (amongst other projects and TVC's) plus 2 weeks work on Bollywood film, HOUSEFULL. I have filmed a speaking role as 'Mark's friend' in a dinner scene in the movie, THE DOMINO EFFECT, soon to be released in cinemas. I have toured with Carl Rosa Opera's UK Tour of THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE and have worked for 10 months on an upcoming musical called 1916: THE MUSICAL in the role of 'Ciaran' and even got to record on a concept album in Abbey Road Studios and perform at West End Live 2010. The smaller projects roll in when I need them most...

My frustration lies in the fact I only seem to find work that is for 3-6 months at a time. I hope to keep you up to date on the exciting things I get up to, and eventually, talk about the music theatre work I become involved in along the way. I would also love to hear your stories and comments.... and so it begins!