Next Phase...

Wow, it's been so long since my last post I don't know where to start...
Well basically, the state of play with the show is that I finished my period of research and development, which was useful, but I still feel like I have a way to go with the writing before I'm ready to do a full touring production.
However, I do at last have a bit of a team around me to help me make it happen. Ric Watts, the guy who helped me write my last Arts Council proposal has come on board as my official producer, and we've just finished writing the bid for the production next year. I've got dates booked provisionally at Contact in Manchester in April and we're looking at a couple of other venues that are interested.
My dream is to be able to tour the show by bike, though I realised I wouldn't be able to do this on my own and would have to find a technician/stage manager who was also up for cycling around parts of the country (I'll resist making a cheap joke about the physical attributes of most theatre techies I've met, but suffice to say I thought it would be a tough call!) and I've found him, in the shape of Dan Steele, who is also an excellent sound designer.
One of the main things lacking from last year's work in progress version was some strong direction, so I've got Dawn Walton, a fantastic director I've been fortunate enough to work with once before, interested in the project.
And then there's my mate Sumit Sarkar, one of the best young artists in the country for my money (don't take my word for it though, see for yourself: www.kriksix.com ) who will be designing publicity and some new set and costume elements.
Woo! Just better hope I get the funding now... Though with the current climate that's far from certain. If you're not involved in the arts you may not be aware that the government, in their boundless wisdom, have raided the lottery for money to cover the Olympics. This means that money available to people like me through the Arts Council has been cut by 35%! Boo. Still, I think it's best that we, as artists, don't rely too heavily on funding from one source, and try to create our own economy so we're not constantly reliant on hand-outs... Easier said than done.
Anyway, it's time for me to go, as even though I know no-one's reading this I don't want to waffle on too long. Now I'm getting on with the show again though I will be making regular contributions to this blog again, updating the progress of it, and dissecting any relevant topics that come up in the news as I do so... Whilst trying to be moderately entertaining.
Good luck.