Some jobs are so good you have to pinch yourself to remember you're actually getting paid for this!

The dawn of the eve of Midsummers's Eve was the call time for Global Fire Productions Wightlink Ferry shoot.   Dashing Rob Vowles was my  'other half' for the day.   A whistle stop tour of the Isle followed - Ventnor, Steephill Cove, the Needles and Yarmouth.  Perfect weather, perfect company and the perfect end to the day, fish and chips on the beach!

The result?  A lovely web commercial for Wightlink.  'Treat Yourself to a Relaxing Break'  https://vimeo.com/102112793

@theGlobalfire

May 3rd saw an amazing array of classic models strutting through Selfridges London as part of their Hello Beautiful Project.

We were 'Parisian Ladies', led by a dishy bellboy (Max Attard) and accompanied by accordionist Vicky.  Joining us were four poodles.  We had expected little woofas so it was rather a surprise to be introduced to rather large versions ... actually extremely large and I got the biggest, Sonny.  Despite being carried across the car park out of control at the getting-to-know-you meeting, Sonny behaved immaculately (well, apart from the big whoopsie on the floor during rehearsal ...) and by the fourth show was positively enjoying posing for the cameras and his adoring public.

A few weeks ago an intriguing email landed from Veronica Ellis, Assistant Director at the Melbourne Acting Studio in London.  She had tracked me down through this very blog.  The offer was to attend a complimentary workshop,  ‘Imagine, Explore, Achieve’, they were looking to meet with actors who use social media to promote their work and themselves.

My trusty friend Google was put to work and yes, MAS-L proved to be a respected and well-proven company who opened their London branch just one year ago...

Melbourne Acting Studio – London was established by Bruce Alexander in Australia in 1992. Today, it operates from headquarters in central London, offering group and private classes for beginner and professional actors. Acting showreels shot and produced at MAS-London are setting a new industry standard of excellence. The studio also offers communications training and career mentoring for professional people.

I arrived on a recent Saturday afternoon, slightly apprehensive, I had no previous experience with any drama school, workshop or any ‘luvvie’ organisation ... was this going to be a load of gobbledygook way over my head?  Not at all, I’m happy to say.  Veronica and Bruce’s warm welcome was outclassed by the star of the day, Mr Moo.  As long as you meet his approval, you’re an okay person!

There were four of us for the workshop.  A writer, an improv artist and an actor from California.  I admit to having to try hard to concentrate on Bruce’s introduction to his training technique.  But I persevered and got it!  He is celebrated for training students to learn how their brains work artistically, how to overcome any fear and doubts, and how to find and develop their own unique abilities that will give them the very best opportunities to showcase their talents in auditions and performances.

This was going well, until – the scripts were produced.  Comfort zone flew out of the 3rd floor window.  How embarrassing, not only did we have to read the lines in different styles but Bruce made two of us try to do it in an American accent.  Anyone who knows me knows I do NOT ‘do’ accents.  It was cringe-worthy ... but, we did it.

Two hours later and I’m tripping off down City Road feeling strangely motivated and optimistic.  Who can’t do accents??  Of course I can ... well maybe ... at least now I have the confidence to start practising.  Watch this space, one day I might just have an audio clip suitable to upload.

Thank you Mr Moo, Veronica and Bruce, you succeeded in taking this pensioner out of her cosy world with a challenge that worked.  All the best to you and your studio crew.

http://www.melbourneactingstudio.com/ MAS-L  @mActingStudio  https://www.facebook.com/MelbourneActingStudioLondon?fref=ts

Last Saturday saw us back at 195 Piccadilly for An Evening with Fredi 'Kruga' Nwaka @FrediKruga .  Not only we were treated to a rescreening of 'Some Things' @Nicollethemovie but Fredi also ran his hard-hitting short on gang crime 'If Only'.  Once again Fredi's brother Fidel @Fidel_44 and Farida Momtaz @FaridaMomtaz performed their emotive material especially written for 'Some Things'.
The evening was made all the more special as 'Some Things' leading lady, Shanice Archer @ShaniceAlexia, flew in from Florida to be there.

BlackVisions Tv-UK @BlackVisionsTV star presenter Colin Col-J Palmer @OfficialColj was there with his mike, look out for their video link on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/blackvisionstv?fref=ts

Since our first screening in December, the gorgeous and super-talented Chuma Oraedu has been signed by my agent, Sam Brown of BAM Entertainment, @SamBrownxX .  To top that, we've finally persuaded him onto Twitter @ChumaOraedu .  Facebook next surely?!

Glamour was present in abundance, topped by the beautiful Miss Jamaica, Cherelle Rose @iamcherellerose.  As always, my model soulmates the ever-lovely Samantha Tomlin @SamTomlin5 and Jana Forster were there along with the inspirational Jackie Cooper.  Sam was swathed in a glittering creation by Colleen Morris - me?  I was clad in my perfect dress, thanks to Matalan @Matalan !

Still coming down to earth after one heck of an amazing night at BAFTA for the screening of Fredi 'Kruga' Nwaka's powerful short film 'Some Things'.

The trailer was released last night and then this afternoon our long awaited eBay viral by Alessandro Grespan appeared on YouTube.

Both links are on my Mulitmedia page.  Please enjoy them as much as I did and share and share again.  Let's get the views up!

Fredi's screening was so successful that we're doing it all again, 1st February at BAFTA.  Please check with @GRIDLOCFILMSUK  and @FrediKruga for details.

Just spent two fun days filming an eBay viral for Alessandro Grespan. 
Storyline ... wide boy Grandson visits Grandma who gives him a woolly pully.  He imagines all the hard she has put into it, choosing the wool, braving the crowds, knitting away night after night ... Flash to the gym, Grandma is having the time of her life with the local hunks.  End shot, Grandma buying the woolly pully on eBay.
Alex Barnes was superb as the boy ( @AlexJamesBarnes) definitely one to watch in the future.
Obrigada to MUA Sandra Silva (@SandraStr8Up) for her hard work and the photo attached.
Has that encouraged to get down to my local gym?  No, I'll stick to my FitBit for the time being!

Angel Sinclair's Models of Diversity showed them how it's done (yet again!) at this year's Ideal Home at Christmas Show. 

Such a privilege to have walked for Angel once more and to have shared to runway with my many new Besties. 

This year I was swathed in two gorgeous creations, a short silk 'petal' dress by Kitty Ferreira and a long swishy jersey and taffeta number by Emilijia Walls.  How to make a pensioner feel like a million dollars didn't begin to describe it!


@ModsOfDiversity @KittyFerreiraUK @asksteve2c @thenicolegibson @SamTomlin5 @bandosbeach @fionachaffey @Megan_Emili @chelseyjay @FORSTERJANA