Sarah Talbot

“Someday, everything will make perfect sense. So for now, laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears, be strong and keep reminding your self that everything happens for a reason.” – John Mayer

So I haven’t written for a long while…again.  So much has been happening.

Performing in the musical ‘Annie’ went very well. As one for the ‘Boylan Sisters’, I sang in the radio trio ‘You’re Never Fully Dressed without a Smile’. Putting on a little bit of ‘flouncy flirt’. Can only get so raunchy in a kids show, but got a few whistles from the audience. I was also a maid in ‘Warbucks’ household, so got to literally clean the stage for a bit. My knees were killing me by the end of show run, the dancing and having to drop down onto the same knee over and over, whilst singing crazy high notes (I had to do the same thing last year in ‘Evita’). Massive bruise, but it was so worth it.

It was a great experience for the kids, many of whom have not been in a semi-professional production before, let alone being allowed backstage and seeing the inner workings of the theatre. Hopefully, many of them will continue performing.

Final curtain call also meant a farewell to many of many of my ‘theatre folk’ as it will be a long time before I will see a lot of them again. Moving to London, will hinder direct communication, but at least I can stalk them on Facebook. Most of them are social media fiends like myself.

A week after ‘Annie’, I was on vacation, and endured the first of what will be many long flights to London. The main ambition was to see the sights and do the ‘tourist thing’ before making the actual move in December. May have made the credit card cry, but got to do a lot of stuff including;

• Buckingham Palace. I paid the extras fees to go into the audience chambers, so I got to go on the other side of the fence. I could see the public looking in from the street. Had lunch in the Gardens, checked out the various carriages and vehicles used by the Royal Family.
• Glass overpass at London Bridge. I videoed myself walking over it, just so you know it was me. Gave me the heebie-jeebies walking on cars and people.
• West End Shows. That’s definitely going to be a danger when I move over there. If I’m not at home, or work, you’ll probably find me there somewhere. I saw ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time’, ‘The Bodyguard’, ‘The Play that went Wrong’ and ‘No Man’s Land’, starring Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: Next Generation, X-men) and Ian McKellen (The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, X-men). Both brilliant actors. A friend also scored us tickets to a Ricky Martin concert, so had the added bonus of hanging out with friends, meeting new friends and enjoying great music all at the same time.

I didn’t get too many souvenirs as I figured that I’ll be moving there. When I do head back, I’m going to purchase some material patches or badges to put on my travel blanket (kinda remembered that I had that after I recovered from jet-lag).

Met with the agency whose helping me out with the start of my employment, Prospero Teaching Ltd. It’s going to be a struggle initially but hopefully, I’ll get picked up for a contract quite quickly and stabilise everything from there. The plan is to be able to go travelling around Europe during the breaks, but stability is important. Will also be looking at finding a creative outlet whether it be in choirs, theatre (or both), or try something completely different (extras work on TV and film, maybe?). Just dabbling.

Also got to meet the family I will be living with for a few weeks, whilst I find a flat to share and start work. Very nice people.

After returning from London, and recovering from jet-lag, which was much worse coming back then going to, I returned to work. Then I have to get the last of the logistics sorted for my affairs in Australia. Had a huge garage sale to move on most of my stuff, packed the last of the keepsakes and placed them into storage, still deciding what to do with my house (renting or selling?). Basically, trying to tie up loose ends.

I completed my singing exam for the Australian Music Examination Board (AMEB), sixth grade. The marks and comments came back last week. I got an ‘A’ (Honours). Had some nice comments from the Adjudicator, who I understand actually works at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music (Brisbane). According to other singing teachers in the area, it is a rarity that this particular adjudicator would assign A levels to any student, so big kudos for me. I will need to investigate as to whether I can get AMEB converted to a Trinity College equivalent (as this is the London syllabus for music examination).

I’m currently beginning the last of the Toowoomba Choral Society concerts. I’m performing a solo and trio, as well as choir stuff. Christmas always tends to get busy. There will be more ‘bow outs’ and goodbyes coming.

With all that is going on, it feels like my life is pulling in all directions, and that I’m trying to keep it all together without losing my sanity (like a puppy that wriggles in your hands). It’s not easy, but I know it will be worth it when I’m finally there…and drink wine, lots of wine.

Until next time…