EastEnders Eps

On train to Elstree to film the last scenes for the six episodes of EastEnders that start going out at the end of the month; availability checked to film some more eps in June.

Broadcast dates:

30th April

2nd,3rd, and 6th May

4th and 7th June.

Nuzzle and Scoop.

Back on CBBC on Friday and CBeebies on Saturday.

Scoop. CBBC Friday 10.55am.

Nuzzle and Scratch. CBeebies. Saturday 9.25am and 2.25pm

EastEnders

Filming another six episodes of EastEnders over the next couple of weeks, with the first one going out on 30th April.

Castings

Updated 8th March*

Disastrous casting on Friday. Well, sort of. I went to the wrong address and couldn't get back across town to the right one before the director had to leave. So that wasn't the most productive 6 hour round trip to London.

Back up to town on the train today for another casting. Went to the right address this time. Thrilled to get to read with the Writer/Director, Robert B. Weide (who produced /directed Curb Your Enthusiasm). Only a small part (one scene) in new tv comedy series, but it would be great if I could get it. Not sure how the casting went as I was a bit overawed at meeting someone from CYE, which is probably my all-time favourite tv comedy show.

*UPDATE - Friday 8th March
Didn't get the part, but... got offered another one instead. Only a couple of lines but thrilled to be working with a Curb Your Enthusiasm Producer/Director. Just how tacky is it to take in my CYB book for him to sign?

Bristol Bound

On the train down to Bristol to make a teaser for a possible new CBeebies show. Strangely, I last worked there this same week 8 years ago, filming Casualty in 2005.

February appearances

Following the premiere at the Odeon, Leicester Square on 5th February
I am now popping up in cinemas around the country in Ray Cooney's film of his farce
Run For Your Wife
http://www.runforyourwife.co.uk/

Back on CBBC next Wednesday as Paulo the Pizza Man
in the episode of Scoop I filmed with Shaun Williamson in 2009.
CBBC Wednesday 27th February at 10.55.
http://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/tv/scoop/episodes/1/2/

And in other news:

Next Thursday I am going down to Bristol to film a short teaser for a possible new CBeebies series.

Caught in the Net

Back at The Mill At Sonning till Sunday taking over as John Smith in Ray Cooney's Caught in the Net. It's all been a bit hectic. The Director, Ron Aldridge, had to take over the part when they lost Robin Asquith at the start of the run, and now Ron's had to leave the production for an eye operation; I got back from a lovely, relaxing, post panto recharging holiday in Lanzarote last Thursday at 9.00pm, and midday Friday got a phone call asking if I could take over the role. I foolishly (?) said yes. Well, Sally at the Mill has been very good to me and my wife, Lynette, over the years and given us a lot of work, so, really, what else could I say? Anyway, I drove to Sonning on Saturday and watched the two shows and then went through the blocking with Ron onstage in the break between and then again on Sunday before the matinee. I drove home Sunday afternoon, spent Monday learning the script, then drove back to Sonning yesterday morning, to rehearse with the cast. I'm going through the show again this morning with the very lovely (and extremely patient) DSM, Lottie before a full Dress Rehearsal at 3.00 and the first show tonight at 8.15.
I must just say that although it's all a bit of a blur at the moment, it's been nowhere near as stressful as I thought, largely due to the wonderful cast and crew who are all incredibly supportive, extremely patient, and, well, just lovely really.
Luckily, I did know the show (but not the part). I played the other lead, Stanley, for Ray Cooney in his first rehearsed reading of the play, whenever that was, and then again in The Mill productionin 2005, which Ray directed. Strangely enough, we had three John Smiths in that production too, with Ray himself playing the part at one point!
So, tonight's the night. The first time I've ever had to learn a play and go on in five days.
Wish me luck!