This week, it’s been back to earth with a bump after Sophie’s final flight in Chitty as Jemima Potts when her run in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang came to an end.
From sending off her video audition last December, through to in-person auditions in January, starting rehearsals at the end of March and then shows from the end of May, Chitty has been a huge part of our lives this year. And what a joyous ride it has been – the excitement of getting a call-back for Jemima, being cast as Jemima, meeting the other Jeremys and Jemimas in rehearsals, making her professional stage debut and the magic of getting to fly on stage. It has been such a wonderful opportunity and experience for her and she has absolutely loved it. It’s been magical for us too – getting to watch her perform on stage in such a brilliant show – it was honestly one of the best things I have ever seen on stage and never lost its magic even with seeing it 12 times!
Sophie had two shows last weekend, one of which was the final show of the run. It was so special for her to be there for the closing show. She did get emotional during her final bow, which was to be expected, but her last performance was outstanding and I was so very proud of her. I ended up sitting next to the director when we went into the tent outside for the scene with ‘Me Ol’ Bamboo’ and he said some lovely things about her which was really nice to hear.
The post-show blues have certainly hit hard with this one, not surprisingly. We’ve had a lot of tears and sadness this week that there is no more Chitty on the calendar, and Sophie has missed her friends in the cast and the sheer joy of being in the production. I’ve even missed the 2-hour round trip to and from the theatre – it was a long drive, but Sophie and I had some lovely chats on those journeys so they were special in their own way too.
Getting back to rehearsals for the next show has helped to ease the blues a little. Sophie’s next role is quite a different one from Jemima though as she’s playing Chee Chee, the chimp, in Doctor Dolittle. I love that she’s put just as much effort into this role though – watching videos of chimps and studying their movements when we saw them at the zoo. It’ll be fun to do something different, but Chitty will certainly always have a very special place in our hearts.
What I’ve been grateful for this week:
- Day 254 – I am grateful for a Costa trip with Sophie while Thomas was at Boys’ Brigade.
- Day 255 – I am grateful that Thomas enjoyed going to see Sophie in her penultimate performance in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
- Day 256 – I am grateful for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It has been the most amazing, magical experience for Sophie to perform in as Jemima and we have made the most wonderful memories through the summer. So grateful for everyone who has been part of this amazing show. Very sad to see Chitty fly for the last time but thankful for the joy that this show has brought us over the last few months, from the excitement of finding out Sophie had been cast, through all the rehearsals and making new friends within the cast to the magic of all the shows. Chitty, you have been epic. Thank you too to everyone who has supported Sophie and come to see her perform.
- Day 257 – I am grateful for an evening spent venturing Into the Woods. One month until opening night!
- Day 258 – I am grateful for a chilled out afternoon and evening.
- Day 259 – I am grateful that Sophie and I now have our show T-shirts for Doctor Dolittle, our next show with WOS Productions.
- Day 260 – I am grateful for the little moments, just enjoying being outside and spending time together.
Other things that have made me smile this week:
- All the lovely cards and messages that Sophie received in her last week of shows and seeing friends and family coming to support her.
- Getting out with my walking group for the first time since the summer holidays.
- Time at the park with Thomas while Sophie was at her dance classes.
Joining in with Raisie Bay for Word of the Week.
Also joining in with #Project365: