Croydon

[Michele Monro]

As you know both high Wycombe and Bournmeouth concert dates were cancelled but it turned out to be a bit of a Godsend as Matt's vertigo attack seems to be behaving itself after he spent the weekend resting. But it was business as usual last night at the Ashcroft Theatre in Croydon.
Named after the Croydon-born Dame Peggy Ashcroft, Fairfield’s 750- seat proscenium arch theatre stages a vast number of events throughout the year.

The Ashcroft stage is equipped with 30 counterweight flying lines, a 12 metre grid and a scenedock with 6 metre high shutters allowing access from the yard to the stage. The forestage in front of the proscenium can be electronically positioned at stage level, auditorium level or lowered to the orchestra pit.

Add to this disabled access, dressing rooms (most with ensuite), company office, infra-red system for the hearing impaired and a team of dedicated staff experienced in delivering clients’ needs with maximum efficiency, and you have one of the most flexible spaces in the South East. So what is wrong with it you may well ask?

It is only twenty miles from our house and if not for the Beck Theatre in hayes could be considered our home theatre - the problem is that those twenty miles can take over two hours of road travel. You have to use the South Circular and with five sets of speed cameras en route it is often a long and frustrating journey.

It didn't help that Matt's car has developed a problem when it comes to filling the car with petrol. It is extremely slow going but gives way to bursts of unpredictable nonsense. Of course Matt was far too busy looking art a rather fit 'bird' to notice when the petrol suddenly came gushing out covering his brand new beige suede shoes (wish they had been blue!)
The stains look rather suspect now.

Having said that this was Matt's fourth time there and the crowd didn't disappoint. One rather staunch fan, Peter was sitting front row, he actually travelled to Spain to see Matt work and has attended 9 shows on this tour already. I can only think he likes it!!!.

It seems that working to smaller audiences doesn't have an impact of their enjoyment - and Matt seems to work harder to compensate for some of the empty seats. He left here thinking he was going to hate it and absolutely loved it, thoroughly enjoyed himself so it just proves that quantity isn't everything.

Needless to say not only did Matt not use the hat, but he seems to have lost it completely - and it hasn't even been on his head yet!! He thinks it is in the sound crew's van, which he can't verify until Stevenage so you never know the Gordon Craig Theatre may get a treat that night. I am determined that he do the routine before the end of the tour.

Ten shows left. It's amazing how at the beginning you dread the long journeys and the thought of six weeks on the road and then suddenly there are only so many left and you are full of regret that it isn't longer.

Looking forwrd to seeing some of you over the next week or so
Till later