GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST – 4. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

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Here we have part 4 of my series of GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick – Christmas 2002.

Click here to read all about it: https://richardatkinson.org/ghosts-of-christmas-past-4-alices-adventures-in-wonderland/

Please also feel free to add your own memories of the show – either in the comments section at the bottom of the page, or on the Twitter & Facebook posts.

You can see all the GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST on the dedicated page here: https://richardatkinson.org/ghosts-of-christmas-past/

I set out with this blog to help remind myself and others that whilst the current situation is dire, there have been many moments of Christmas joy in the past, and will be again in the future – particularly now that vaccines appear to be on the way. It’s important to try and keep on top of our mental health, and this is certainly helping me do that – and hopefully others too. I’m thrilled by the number of comments coming in, and look forward to seeing others as they come in.

For anyone who feels they are struggling – there are some great resources listed on the “Freelancers make theatre work” wellbeing page: https://freelancersmaketheatrework.com/wellbeing/

GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST – 3. The Wizard of Oz (New Vic)

Richard Atkinson Leave a comment

Time for part 3 of my series of GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST – The Wizard of Oz at the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme – Christmas 1999.

Click here to read all about it: https://richardatkinson.org/ghosts-of-christmas-past-3-the-wizard-of-oz-new-vic/

Please also feel free to add your own memories of the show – either in the comments section at the bottom of the page, or on the Twitter & Facebook posts.

More Ghosts are on their way soon….

You can see all the GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST on the dedicated page here: https://richardatkinson.org/ghosts-of-christmas-past/

GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST – 2. Scrooge

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The second in my series of GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST is SCROOGE!

Actually 5 GHOSTS, as I’ve been involved in 4 tours, plus a run at the London Palladium.

Click here to see it: https://richardatkinson.org/ghosts-of-christmas-past-2-scrooge/

Please feel free to check it out, and leave a comment or anecdote of your own if you saw the show, or were involved.

More Ghosts are on their way soon….

You can see all the GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST on the dedicated page here: https://richardatkinson.org/ghosts-of-christmas-past/

Ghosts of Christmas Past…

Richard Atkinson Leave a comment

Christmas for many in the Entertainment industry is going to be very different this year – myself included. I will be one of the many who will be without work this Christmas – although I count myself lucky to have qualified for the Self Employed help from the Government (Unlike many of my colleagues – please support #ExcludedUK to push for assistance for those who have had nothing since March).

I have been fortunate to have worked on many shows over the Christmas period during my career to date – so I thought I would revisit some of them, to help remind myself and others that whilst the current situation is dire, there have been many moments of Christmas joy in the past, and will be again in the future – particularly now that vaccines appear to be on the way.

It will also give me a chance to re-connect with some of the wonderful people I have had the pleasure to work with, share some memories of those who are no longer with us, dig out some of the music I’ve written, and hopefully a few will join in the fun, and share some of their memories too. One of the most difficult things I have found to deal with during the pandemic has been the lack of a sense of direction, and I’m hoping this may help with my own and others mental health.

It’s a difficult and uncertain time for most people at the minute – but if anyone is in a position to help support others, you can do so via the M.U. and Equity hardship funds here:

Musicians Union Coronavirus Hardship Fund: https://musiciansunion.org.uk/Donate

Equity Benevolent Fund:https://www.equity.org.uk/about/benevolent-fund-subscriptions-solidarity/how-to-donate-to-the-benevolent-fund/

Bectu don’t appear to have a specific hardship fund, but you can find details of help on offer here: https://bectu.org.uk/coronavirus-support/

I will also share links to any venue fundraising where appropriate.

The first “Ghost” will be visiting shortly, so keep an eye on the GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST page here: https://richardatkinson.org/ghosts-of-christmas-past/

Louise Page

Richard Atkinson Leave a comment

I’m very saddened to hear of the death of playwright, Louise Page.

I was lucky enough to work with her as composer on her adaptation of ROGUE HERRIES – staged by Theatre by the Lake in 2013.

 Theatre by the Lake production of
ROGUE HERRIES
by Hugh Walpole
adapted by Louise Page
directed by Ian Forrest and Stefan Escreet

(Photo by Keith Pattison)

I also spent some time working with Louise on ideas for two pieces for children – based on the works of Beatrix Potter, and the Uncle Remus stories.

Louise had a fierce intellect, and a real eye for detail.

Sending much love to Louise’s family, friends and colleagues.

 

10 Albums that influenced my taste in music

Richard Atkinson Leave a comment

I’m very much enjoying seeing everyone posting lists of 10 albums that influenced their taste in music – and indeed casting judgement on people in light of their choices! (Who hasn’t cast their eyes over a friends cd collection and re-evaluated how they see them??)

I don’t have the patience to post 1 a day for 10 days, so here are my 10 all in one go.

Feel free to start casting your judgement on me now (although few of these will come as a surprise to those who know me)….

 

Mutual help for Youtube users

Richard Atkinson Leave a comment

This is an idea that’s been floating around, to get Youtube users to help each other reach the required thresholds to monetise videos.

By subscribing to each others channels, and watching content, we can help each other to get to the point where we can start generating some income from our channels.

Please visit my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJBlSX91tiSq7wMfqdSLP3g – press the red “Subscribe Button”, and I will in turn subscribe to your channel.