Clocks go back tonight #clocks #onehourback #fallback

Do not forget if you live in the United Kingdom your clocks need to go back tonight!! If you are out partying an extra hour out and if you are sleeping, an extra hour in bed!!

A saying to help you remember

"Fall back in fall and spring forward in spring"

Clocks back in Autumn and clocks forward in Spring.

The trouble is my clock is a vintage wind up clock and chimes on the hour and half hour and so I have to go through all the chimes before I get to the right time!!

It is the first time I have had to do it in our new home so there are bound to be some I forget! We also have a new car and I have no idea how to do that!! I will be glad when it is summer and the time is right again!!

It is sad to see the end of summer but there are some exciting events ahead and winter gives you an excuse to close the curtains, watch a good film, drink hot chocolate and stay in your pyjamas!!



"If happy little bluebirds fly, beyond the rainbow, why, oh why, can't I?" ~ Harold Arlen

Images copyright: Lorna Liza

Let Me Entertain You #theentertainer #livescreening #kennethbranagh #play

On Thursday night, Pirate Mick and I had tickets booked for the Parkway Cinema, Cleethorpes who were screening live the Kenneth Branagh production of 'The Entertainer' written by John Osborne.

I do not know if you are aware of the play but it is about the life of a music hall song and dance man, Archie Rice.  Sounds like just my sort of thing.  I love variety and music hall, as you know.

Here is the trailer for the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company's production of The Entertainer, broadcast live to cinemas across the UK and around the world on Thursday 27 October.

The Entertainer

I had been organised enough to get the tickets, bought online, printed off at the cinema beforehand and so we could just arrive shortly before the start and was directed to the screen.  We found some seats at the back and settled down.  Although advertised to start at 7.15pm the show did not start until 7.30pm although there was a pre show documentary but the lights in the cinema were up and so people did not settle down until the main show.  The lights were not switched off until quite a good few minutes into the play and again the same thing happened at the interval. This was a bit disconcerting and I was pleased when the lights were finally dimmed.

I am not an expert on plays however I thought Kenneth Branagh played a good part, but almost too good.  In my eyes he was portraying a musical star not a music hall star.  The show girls confused me as they wouldn't had looked like something out of Copacabana and I think should had looked more like out of the burlesque show in Gypsy. More sordid and bawdy than polished and professional.
The part of the father was meant to initially be played by John Hurt and I would had liked to had seen that, however Gawn Grainger took on the role as the father Billy and portrayed him well. Greta Scacchi played Archie's wife Phoebe, although it took me a while to work out the relationships.  Sophie McShera, who starred in Downton Abbey, took on the role of daughter Jean, sounding very much like Judi Dench when she played Sally Bowles in Cabaret. The voice did not come across that well on screen and in fact there seemed to be quite a lot of shouting from all the cast, which in the theatre would probably come across fine but with the stereo sound grated a little.
I was also not sure on the combining the music hall and the family home and confusion reigned a few times. 
I thought the play would be more about the music hall and the struggles but it was more about the political movement.  The ending left me with more questions. 'Why did Jean not have a ticket to go to Canada?' She leaves her boyfriend to look after her step mother Phoebe but is not given a ticket by Phoebe's brother. Did Archie Rice die at the end or accept his fate of prison or not paying his taxes?
I do not think they were questions for us to answer I think I just did not get it!

The Entertainer is playing at the Garrick Theatre, London until November 12th 2016.

Have you seen the play or the live screening?  What did you think? Do you recommend another play for me to try or am I just a musical, variety girl at heart?



"If happy little bluebirds fly, beyond the rainbow, why, oh why, can't I?" ~ Harold Arlen

In the witching hour #louth #cobbles #burlesque

 Haunting Hello!! Following on from last post as it was on Halloween https://carryonovertherhinestonerainbow.blogspot.co.uk/  and because it is still October and I love Halloween, this one is as well!!


As I said in my last post I was looking forward to the Halloween event at Cobbles in Louth, Lincolnshire.


In the day, Pirate Mick and I headed into Louth.  We spent the morning looking around the shops and having a coffee and scone in Millie May's at 26 Upgate.  It is a very pleasant coffee shop with a varied menu of homemade cakes and snacks. It is clean and tidy and staff are very helpful. I really like their fruit scones but Pirate Mick always wish they did date and walnut as they are his favourite.

                                              
After a lovely few hours we headed home for a rest and to get ready for the evening.  Sadly the people who were meant to attend with us were unable to come and so it was just Pirate Mick and I travelling from Grimsby.

As is often the case before going out I was not sure what to wear.  I wanted it to be Halloween inspired but not fancy dress costume as such.  I tried on my black satin shorts and then my black sequin shorts! No, I just did not feel right. Clothes discarded around the bedroom looking like a disaster had happened.
In the end I went with a black PVC dress with a net top.  I wore my panda stockings with my over the knee suede boots.  I teamed it with my skull and cross necklace.

My hair was scrapped back and a hairpiece added. My makeup did not go as planned but I was pleased with my lipstick.  It is from 'Superdrug' and the brand 'Revolution'.  Lots of people commented on it.  It goes on like a lip gloss but has great staying power and for the price of under five pounds it is a mega bargain!  I also have pink and red and will look to build up my collection
even more. It lasted all evening.

Finally I was ready to go and it was time to rock and roll!

We arrived in Louth just before 10pm. Cobbles was already busy and had a great atmosphere.  Luckily we found a table which was just next to the stage.  A few of our friends were there and it was great to socialise with them. Roxy performed her 'Snow White' act which I have seen her develop over the years to perfection.  When she first began performing this act the cloak which I now own was used for the witch.  When I purchased it I had to get it shortened at a dressmakers and I said "Oh don't worry about the blood, it is my friends".  I then had to explain that it was fake blood from her act!!
There was a lot of fake blood and even fire! All acts were great an perfect for the evening.
Loki Films 'Shaun Hodson' was on top form, compering the evening, encouraging the crowd to become more raucous and enthusiastic as the night wore on.

The tunes played throughout the night kept everybody dancing and a fun night was had by all.

Pirate Mick and I  headed to the burger van, outside on the corner in Louth for a burger before heading home.

I would recommend looking at 'Cobbles Bar' Facebook page as I know there will be more burlesque next year.  So keep your eyes peeled and come and join us for a great night out.

https://www.facebook.com/cobblesbarlouth

The best part of the night?  Spending it with those I love, Priceless! Oh and so is the burlesque!!



"If happy little bluebirds fly, beyond the rainbow, why, oh why, can't I?" ~ Harold Arlen

Images copyright: Lorna Liza

Happy Haunting #halloween #happyhalloween

Photo by Matthew Kitchen Photography

Halloween is just around the corner. I bought a small pumpkin today from 'Tesco' for £1.00 to put on the balcony. I will miss the trick or treater's this Halloween.  I used to enjoy decorating up the window and porch for the little witches, ghosts and ghouls that came visiting.

As soon as it is October I get out my Halloween CD tunes and play them in the car. I then get out my Halloween decorations. This year we have recently moved and so I have mislaid some decorations. I have however found my light up pumpkin from Asda, which I purchased last year and I have observed that they do have them again this year, for the same price of £5. The light inside changes colour at regular intervals.
I also purchased a beautiful skull candlestick this year from TK Max. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. It is not just for Halloween but a gothic home decoration!!  The same can be said for my skull moneybox.
I also have displayed my Halloween battery pumpkin tree. Below is a photograph from last year.



This year I will be at 'The Cobbles' Louth for some of my Halloween horror fix. It is my beautiful friend Roxy Reveals' 30th birthday party and so I am looking forward to the free entertainment! If you fancy a Halloween night out for free then why not pop along?

Google Image

Last year it was 'The Cats Pyjamas Halloween Show' at Yardbirds, Church Street, Grimsby. It was an awesome night and a few of us continued partying the night away at 'Hype' in Cleethorpes.  Even though we were the only ones dressed up!! Never stops me from having a good time, standing out in a crowd!
This year the burlesque crown has been taken over by 'The Frou Frou club'.  Sadly this is on the same night as Cobbles and so I will not be there for their first show. I will be sorry to miss it and catch up with my Cats Pyjamas Family. The part of the show which I would love to see as I keep missing it is JOHN HEWER'S TOMMY COOPER TRIBUTE SHOW - Hot off his nationwide tour and after sell-out success on the West End, The Edinburgh Fringe, The Brighton Fringe and more! This critically acclaimed tribute show is full of magic and mirth - the perfect celebration of Britain's favourite comedian.
Here a couple of photographs from last year.

photo by Matthew Kitchen Photography

 

 

Photos by Matthew Kitchen Photography

Around Halloween time Pirate Mick and I, for years, visit the town of 'Whitby'.  It is the perfect Halloween town and where 'Dracula's Abbey and grave is reported to be. We have had such fun at Halloween there over the years, at the Goth festivals and Bram Stoker festivals.  We have been on midnight ghost walks at the abbey and partied with real life vampires. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another local place that I try and visit every Halloween is 'The Barge'  Freshney Place, Grimsby. I adore their decorations and they usually go to Halloween town!

 

I always try and watch Halloween films.  Can you guess what my favourite is?  'The Wizard of Oz' has a witch so that could be counted but with that aside it is 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show'.  I know that there is a remake happening in America at the moment.  I hope it is aired over here.  I love the madness, the songs and the drag.  What is your favourite Halloween movie?

 

Let me know your Halloween traditions and happy haunting!

Google Image

 

 

"If happy little bluebirds fly, beyond the rainbow, why, oh why, can't I?" ~ Harold Arlen

Unless stated, all images copyright: Lorna Liza

I am what I am! Ladyboys Of Bangkok #iamwhatiam #ladyboysofbangkok #variety #show

 

My lovely friend won some tickets from the Grimsby Telegraph in the summer to see 'Lady Boys of Bangkok' at the venue 'Beachcomber' Cleethorpes and she chose me to go with her!! Amazing))

I decided to dress the part and wore my Collectif floral halter neck sarong dress with an orchid in my hair!

We were very lucky to have seats at the front, to stage left.  It was a cabaret setting with seats at large round tables.
If you love variety, which I do. If you love comedy, which I do.  If you love glitz and glamour, which I do and if you love drag, which I do. Then this show is for you.

Magnificent costumes changed with skill and ease and brilliant lip syncing, worthy of RuPaul's drag race. Comedy sketches and stunningly gorgeous lady boys.  What is not to love!
I was very jealous of their looks and gorgeous long legs.

It is the sort of cabaret that I always imagined I would be part of. I must admit I am in my element at these sort of shows. Cabaret and variety have such a varied portfolio. I love the simplicity portrayed on what is often a complex act.

The music chosen was current as well as favourites such as Abba and Britney and Liza Minnelli!

The one song that I love and which closed the show is 'I am what I am'.  I adore the lyrics of this song. 'I am what I am, I am my own special creation'
I identify with the lyrics as I am somebody who is different. At school, growing up I felt it was a bad thing.  I should fit in.  Luckily, as time has gone by I realised it is okay to be my own person.  So what if I did not listen to the same music or 'So what if I love each feather and each spangle.  Why not try and see things from a different angle!!'
The song was originally written for the musical 'La Cage aux Follies'  Have you seen the musical?  I love it.  I also enjoyed the film remake of it 'The Bird Cage'
The version that really hits me in the feels is when my idol 'Danny La Rue' sings it on his album. Danny did not admit, to the public, he was gay until not long before he passed away.  I always dreamt that I would marry Danny and we would run a late night cabaret club! See, I told you I had different dreams to others!!

Danny was a drag artist and these are genuine Lady Boys.  They were born a boy and are a transvestite or transsexual. Even if trans people have had genital reassignment surgery, they are not allowed to change their legal sex in Thailand.
The shows are a way of the girls and boys working in a safe environment.  This does not mean that the show is substandard.  They give a high standard quality show performance.

If you want good variety entertainment and fun then catch the Lady Boys on tour. Take a look at the link. below:
Lady Boys Tour

 

 

Here are a few following photographs from the night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am what I am
I don't want praise I don't want pity
I bang my own drum
Some think it's noise I think it's pretty
And so what if I love each sparkle and each bangle
Why not try to see things from a different angle
Your life is a sham
Until you can shout out, I am what I am

I am what I am
And what I am needs no excuses
I deal my own deck sometimes the aces sometimes the deuces
It's one life and there's no return and no deposit
One life so it's time to open up your closet
Life's not worth a dam till you can shout out
I am what I am

 

Songwriters: MARK OWEN

© Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC

 

 

 

"If happy little bluebirds fly, beyond the rainbow, why, oh why, can't I?" ~ Harold Arlen

 

 

 

Images copyright: Lorna Liza

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mud and the Mausoleum #mausoleum #woods #greatlimber #lincolnshire

 

As October starts it makes me think about my summer adventures. On one of the last days of summer I heard about a local woods that I had never heard of!! No idea why as it sounded just like my sort of thing. 'The Mausoleum Woods'.

Mausoleum Woods, Great Limber, Lincolnshire

 

I had been advised to get the map from the local shop but, we did not know until we got there, it closed on that day 31st August until next April and they had run out of maps, so Pirate Mick came back empty handed but insisted we could find our own way around!

Famous last words, we were lost in the first five minutes!!

 

I was dressed in denim shorts, bright coral top and green neon bra, glitter trainers and my hair out of the way in a red head scarf.

 

Entering through the trees you are greeted by the impressive mausoleum. It stands proudly on the hill surveying the rest of the woods.

 

We were the only ones there and so decided to head along one of the paths. I had heard that there were artificial caves in the woods but they were not on the path we had chosen! No, we had chosen the muddy path, the very muddy path! My poor shoes!!

 

It was a very fun afternoon and I decided at the end to run up the hill to try and get the mud off my shoes! Why I come up with these mad ideas I do not know.  As I have said before I can not and do not run! Plus it did not help the mud fall off and ended up in the washer when I got home.

 

 

 

We will definitely have these woods at Great Limber on our to do list next year.  Have you been? What did we miss?

 

 

 

 

I must try and not leave things as I have a habit of doing. We could had had a few lovely walks there but as it is it is something to look forward to in the not to distant future!

"If happy little bluebirds fly, beyond the rainbow, why, oh why, can't I?" ~ Harold Arlen

 

Images copyright: Lorna Liza