Opera

Gilbert and Sullivan - no not Gilbert O'Sullivan - wrote a song that goes, "A wandering minstrel boy am I". I've had that snatch of it sung for me so many times, on doorsteps, that I know it off by heart. If you know the rest of it, please keep it to yourself.

I never could stand the works of G & S. I think I got an overdose of it when in primary school. All thanks to the enthusiasm of one malaria infected teacher who thought that Cliff Richards music was the devils - and Elvis, don't even mention Elvis. I'm probably a bit more open, since I began to write, to listening to Mr. Gilbert's or Sullivan's (I can't remember which, even though I did see "Topsy Turvy") lyrics, but for me, their stuff is to opera, what ABBA were to rock and roll.

Guess what? I've been invited to do a gig at the Wexford Arts Centre, during the Opera Festival !!! Now Pavorotti I ain't and so won't be doing the old Madame Butterfly or Carmen numbers but I feel that I should get into the spirit of the festival and while I've never written an opera, surely it can't be that hard.

I was thinking of an epic story with lots of archetypal characters - I'd play them all and do the orchestra too. Something about five minutes long - the Reduced Puccini Company. I do a passable soprano, if the atmosphere is right and if not a true tenor, I'm confident that I'm more than a fiver.

I even made a start at writing it and then thought, "Why not weave a set list into a story - I've more than enough songs - and do operatic links to introduce them". That was yesterday and I've made a start already, in spite of ongoing car, mobile phone and to a lesser extent women troubles. I have until November 1st to finish and perfect it. If you are in the Wexford area, the gig is in the Arts Centre theatre and should kick off soon after one PM. (lunchtime)

Even if I chicken out on the above, you should enjoy the gig.

PS. My partner, who does smoke, thinks the previous entry "Smoke screen" is B*llix and disagrees with me totally. What do you think? Why not visit the discussion area and air your views?

PPS. There's a lack of pictures around here. Does anyone out there have a digital camera they don't want? Also, the back panel for the car (see "Women and Cars") hasn't turned up yet.