Coventry Market - The Musical!

4 November 2008

Posh frock? Check. Ticket? Check. Sister? Check. Right day of the week?? Oh yesssssssssss. No more sleeps to go! 

Coventry Market - The Musical! finally had its world premiere in Coventry's Lower Precinct this evening and I for one was very impressed. 

I arrived at the market this evening to find it alive with excitement and anticipation. Walking around in a bit of a daze (nothing new there) I was impressed at the efforts of stallholders to celebrate the occasion. People were dressed up in their 50's gear; others were selling their wares at 1958 prices and whilst I was taking it all in, my sister had zoned in to the very same place where I'd had my 'dinner' the other week during filming. Yep, you guessed it, the sweetie stall! No matter what age you are, pink mice will continue to entice and you just have to indulge…

Armed with a complimentary glass of vino, we walked along the very regal red carpet down into the Lower Precinct where a hub of activity was awaiting. I couldn't believe how many people had turned up for the event and I felt so proud to be a part of it all. Not only were we live on radio but we were also linking up with BBC Midlands Today and there were cameras and microphones everywhere!

The soloists who I've had the privilege of working with were equally as excited as me and it was great to see everyone suited and booted for the occasion. I couldn't stop smiling. We were fortunate enough to have our seats reserved for us and having been asked to sit on the front row, a comedy moment was about to occur. My sister sat next to the Composer, Benjamin Till who recognised who he thought was me. As a conversation began, I sat down and Benjamin's face was a picture of confusion. Who had he been talking to?? Had he drunk one too many complimentary vinos? Was he suffering double vision? Alas, none of the above, he had unknowingly met my identical twin!

This was the start of many a 'face of confusion' as I met with my fellow cast members, none of whom knew of my 'mirror image'. Rather than having to explain to everyone, my sister decided it was easier to accept her new 'star' status and talk of her role in the musical even though she wasn't actually in it!!

At 6.30pm, everyone sat mesmerised by the big screen. I was beginning to feel as though I had ants in my pants. I couldn't sit still due to the excitement. The big moment was only seconds away. An introduction to the premiere gave a history of the project and showed clips of auditions, rehearsals and interviews. I felt moved by the reminders of the previous six months and it brought home to me quite how far everyone had come on this journey.

With my blinkers on, I was absorbed into the big screen and as I watched, it felt like only seconds ago that we were all in the market filming our scenes. None of us who took part are professional singers or actors although it's obvious we all do like to sing! No one maintains that they are a star in any way or form but I think everyone will agree that they are proud to have been offered the opportunity to be in the musical and a part of history in the making. More importantly we are all able to say that we helped to celebrate 50 years of Coventry Market.

As I return to my 'ordinary' life, I will look back on the past six months with great affection. I've met some great people, made some new friends and experienced TV and radio like never before. This is my final diary entry as I'm obviously now waiting for Pete Waterman to snap me up. Perhaps he'll get on a train to Coventry and help me make my millions – I could be the next Kylie?? Alternatively I'll return to the world of health and safety . . .. . 

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