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A few simple pleasures - Pieter Symonds
Posted by: Pieter on 14 November 2008
So, continuing with the subject the art of touring; apart from a reasonably-sized, warm stage, what are the little treats that can silence our normally vocal outcries? Lets talk creature comforts.
The town/city when touring
Not much required here. One gorgeous restaurant is all we need to smile. We can talk excitedly for weeks about the last meal we had in the amazing pub in Mold (of course no one knows its name, but it truly was the best pork I've ever tasted); or that stunning bistro in Edinburgh (with the flattering lighting and sticky date pudding to die for... I know, I should think about the tight, white Eternal Light costumes!). The vegans and veggies among us do appreciate a meal here or there too.
How to succeed in finding good digs
There are no hard and fast rules here. It takes years of trial and error (unless you are one of those lucky devils bestowed with the gift of ‘Digs Karma', like Renaud Wiser). Remember two straightforward rules of thumb: if it was good, write down the number. Secondly, call early for the next year (very early, and it's probably best to lie to your colleagues as well and tell them it was terrible and should be scrubbed off the digs list, in case they try to book it before you).
And remember, thinking of my first blog, sharing a room with anyone other than your partner is really just not appropriate once you hit a certain age. Space is good - especially if you are going to be sharing a dressing room, stage and dinner together later.
You see, the art of touring comes down to a few very simple things. Our small joys are really not that complicated. Nothing elaborate required, just food, warmth and comfort (and perhaps a glass of Pinot Grigio after the show...only a small one of course)!
Comments
By: maryjane O\'Reilly
Wednesday, 26 November 2008 19:32:58
enjoyed reading yr blog. had gone to the rambert website to find the web address for a teacher (schools) wanting to know more about a chor of Marks when he was in Limbs. Saw yr blog and decided to read it -as i am writing one myself (mjdancevoice@wordpress.com)- it was decided it was a good strategy to increase nz aud's understanding and appreciation of dance....well not sure about that and its been a bit of a chore but also pleasing to be able to write about NZ dance stuff - have my own voice - instead of just being writen about and sometimes feeling helpless about that. Not that i've got particularly political - yet!
about your blog - i laughed out loud - memories of touring came flooding back. would love to see you dance again Pieter -keep thinking i must try to get to UK while Mark is dir of Rambert....all good in NZ, 3 dance festivals happen in sept/oct each yr and i am dir of the ak one - Tempo (www.tempo.co.nz) - cheers
MJ