Rehearsals Day 2 - Dancing up a storm

I must admit to being a little but "achy" this evening, following a good solid day of dancing. OK - maybe even more than a little bit, but it's a good 'ache'. Clearly my "youthful" outlook on life is not one shared by my ageing body! But it's all good exercise, so I can't complain.

(Here's Steph taking a bit of a breather...)

We spent the best part of today working with Jerry (one of the choreographers who is working on the shows with us) on the first section of one of our 'singers' shows "Hitsville USA". It's a FAB collection of songs from the 60s & 70s with a Motown influence- with some stuff from the Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Martha & the Vandellas, and a whole load more to boot.

We revised our vocal stuff first thing just to get our heads back into what we're learned yesterday. Yes, it may LOOK like sitting around, texting, gossiping etc., but it was in fact singing! Honest :-)

(Charles giving us his "Buttercup" while Ashley & Sarah look on...)

There's plenty of the show still to learn, but we got through the first medley of songs, with a fair amount of dancing for a group of "singers"! I even managed to get appointed "Funk Dance Captain" - who'd have thought... if you want the proof, you'll have to come onboard and see the show ;-)

(Ashley & Charles holding court ... discussing lyrics no doubt!) 

So - it's a hot bath tonight I think, as there may be a whole load more of the same tomorrow. And then another 7 shows to learn after that... easy. Bring it on!

Rehearsals Day 1 - Over Excited!

Which is exactly how I felt as we were talked through the array of shows we will be doing onboard the Azura from April!

Today was the 1st day of rehearsals, and - a la the first day of school - we all gathered in the playground....ok, the green room - and introduced ourselves, compared mutual friends, discovered jobs we'd all done etc. and all this whilst being filmed for the documentary that is being prepared of the whole process.

Once all together, we had an little "introduction" to our rehearsal space, the choreographers and MD we'll be working with, and then we were shown some little snippets of material for our onboard shows - which is where it really got exciting!

Not only does Azura boast an 850-seater, two-tiered theatre, it will be fully equipped with all the latest technology, so the shows can include all the staging effects you would expect to see in a West End theatre - and more.

There are a number of shows that are more dance-based, and a couple which are more singing-based so today the dancers focussed on one of their shows, and the singers set about learning our songs for our Motown show. It should be a good 'un! This one will be performed in the lounge (we get to perform in the theatre, in the lounge and also up on deck on the outdoor stage around the pool - how cool is that!)

I've spent the evening pouring over my lyrics and music to start the process of getting it all in my head - wish me luck!

Bright eyed & bushy tailed...

Well, it's early in the morning and I'm heading down to London for the 1st day of rehearsals - and really looking forward to it.

It seems an age ago that I did the auditions, and since then we've had contracts to sign, forms to complete, itineraries to check through... but now I guess the real stuff starts.

In addition to a generally "excited" feeling, I had the added bonus of hearing last week that my friends and colleagues in The WestEnders will be joining the ship during it's maiden voyage, so that is going to be one fun cruise!

So. Pencil in hand. Leg warmers in place - off we go!

Nearly there...

Well - there's less than a week to go before rehearsals start. Contracts have been dealt with, itineraries sent, rehearsal schedules forwarded - there's no turning back now!

From Monday 4th Jan 2010 there will hopefully be plenty to write about as we start to work on the brand new shows for Headliners onboard the Azura.

Watch this space!

Meet our Godmother...

Exciting news - the Azura will have Darcey Bussell as it's Godmother! Cool!

Have a look here - P&O Cruises -Azura - for all the details.

So I'm looking forward to meeting her on-board when she "smashes a bottle" on the top deck in April next year.

Come and join us...

Looks like the Dail Mail is running a competition to win an overnight stay on the Azura...

"Look out for your chance to be one of the first to sample the sophisticated delights of P&O Cruises' newest superliner, Azura - only in next week's Mail on Sunday.

During her launch week in Southampton, P&O Cruises are giving 25 lucky winners plus guest the chance to enjoy an evening of cocktails, fine dining and an overnight stay on the 8th April, prior to Azura's maiden cruise."

So click here to read more and see if you can win a trip to come and visit us!

P&O searching for memorabilia to showcase on the Azura

Here's a recent press release from P&O about the historic 'keepsakes' they are looking for, to have onboard the Azura:

"Find those old photos, track down those trophies, rummage for those relics and collect up those keepsakes - P&O Cruises is searching for memorabilia to showcase on its newest ship Azura.

Britain’s oldest cruise line is asking the country’s collectors to find historical items relating to the company. All items chosen will be displayed on Azura during her maiden season and will then be part of a travelling heritage display across its fleet of seven ships.

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow said:

"P&O Cruises began in 1837 and is proud of its long and illustrious history as Britain's oldest cruise line. The launch of Azura seemed a fitting time to celebrate this heritage by exhibiting memorabilia and works of art associated with our fleet. I am sure that many people have items of historical importance and sentimental relevance which we would love to share with all our passengers and have on loan for Azura’s maiden season.

"So whether people have Canberra on camera, images of Iberia or a souvenir from Strathaird or Strathmore, we want to share the stories. Our ships have played a significant part in the shaping of the cruise industry and I am sure that this collection will evoke many memories of cruises past. Our inspiration for Azura is ‘back to the future’, evocative of the elegance and glamour of classic British cruising at its best so this memorabilia will form a key part of the feel of the ship.”

You can find more details here. Should make for quite a display!