Yesterday's shows were fabulous.  In the afternoon we had mainly schools parties which were just lovely especially when they sang along to The Lazy Song with me at the beginning of Act II.  Also they were totally committed to the shouting out of course.  Then in the evening it was a more adult audience and our official press night (be gentle with us) and also we had the Friends of Devonshire Park Theatre in who know what to expect and yet still laugh uproariously.  The friends also very kindly laid on some food and drink after the show. The show is starting to bed in now and I am having the time of my life.  If you liked the show then please spread the word as I really think this year we have excelled ourselves.  Well Have to dash as have to go and do show number 2 for today.  TTFN(TA TA FOR NOW!!)

Martyn and Adam horsing around!!

Time for Bed. No it's time to start Act II 

Apologies for not posting on Sunday night but was absolutely shattered after an extremely long week.  Sunday nights show was particularly hilarious as James Luff or Luffer to his friends took a cue in the haunted bedroom scene a little too early and of course this led to much improvised hilarity between Martyn Knight and myself.  I really love it when things go slightly awry as I get to switch into naughty Carl mode and really send people up.  It is also such a rare thing to find a fellow performer who you trust implicitly in these situations and for me that is Martyn. Anyway I have to shoot for now as have another 2 shows today.  TTFN

Hooray we are open to the public.  Last night was one of the best openings I have had in panto.  Amazingly talented cast who are all lovely.  I know I am sorry but no gossip about actors tantrums I'm afraid.  There were a few hair raising moments but nothing major.  This will be a short one as have 2 more shows today.  Here are a couple of sneaky photos from stage wings and some shots of the props which you can't do panto without.  Thanks to Adam M and the gang for making them and making sure we go on with the right ones!!

This may need looking after by you all pantonians.

We've got a lovely bunch of coconuts! OOER!!!

WOW.  That was a another mammoth day in the theatre putting the finishing touches to Robin Hood the Pantomime before our first audience assembles tomorrow night. Her are some pictures of our amazing band with Aunty Sarah at the helm.  She runs a very tight ship you know!!

Lots of good work was indeed done today and I think we may just be ready in time for the first show although it will be seat of the pants stuff come 7pm tomorrow.  I am very much looking forward to getting an audience in as is Martyn as so much of what we do relies heavily on getting a reaction from our wonderful Eastbourne punters. 

I took this picture of my amazing partner in crime Mr Knight whilst he heaved on the make up with a couple of heavy duty trowels and a cement mixer.  This is just the finishing touches to his fizzog.

Well Pantonians I will see you on the green as they say.  Which is fittingly apt for this sylvan story of ours.  TTFN

Good (insert relevant time of day here) Pantonians.  

Well my day started with a walk along the sea front with my gorgeous dog and this amazing sky greeted us as we approached. 

 It was another incredibly full day at The Devonshire Park Theatre frantically trying to reach the finishing post that is the end of technical rehearsals.  As I think I have mentioned before, this production of Robin Hood is really ambitious in the amount we try to cram in and the time we have to make it all gel together into the well oiled creation you witness.  

Here is Aunty Sarah with our fantastic juvenile dancers doing some last minute harmony practice.

And here are some of the cast lounging in the stalls whilst we pause until a certain lighting state is fixed or more likely until Paul D and his band of MIB's (that is Men In Black) (although it is actually MAWIB's as in men and women in black but that didn't seem quite so funny!!) Come back from a well earned tea break.  Earl Grey and digestives are all the rage in the crew room I hear.  

And I was wandering around backstage and caught a glimpse of a truly legendary icon of the theatre.  Yes that's right here is a snap of the one and only Dame Vera Vague.  We bow down to your greatness.  

Who knows what stars we may come across tomorrow?  Good night all. 

Well here we are finally in the theatre pantonians.  The most exciting bit.  It really is a beautiful moment of theatre when the band and the costumes and the lighting and sound and scenery and technical crew and the performers suddenly come together to form the basis for a show.  It is also a little knee knockingly scary too when you realise you only have three days until you have to do all the things you do in front of an audience!!!!

Ah! the concentration demanded to learn 20 songs in two hours!!!! 

Don't worry Tracy hasn't got gangrene she just has long  boots on!!

I have some pictures of our first moments in the theatre but sadly they wont download so they will hopefully follow tomorrow.   I have some lovely photos of rehearsals though kindly provided by our gorgeous princess Francesca.  So here they are.  Enjoy. Sorry there is not more witty stuff here but the 12 hour days are catching up with me. 

Well That was a really long day.  We are starting to see the show take shape now.  All the elements of dance, singing and comedy etc are coming together.  If only they would stay in my head!!!  Only one picture today sadly as I was so busy. Anyway here it is.

The three not so wise monkeys desperately trying to learn lines and the order of things.  Good luck fellas! You're gonna need it!!! TTFA