tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211444666263343402012-02-16T07:16:41.814ZDavid Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.comBlogger821100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-33757396477120147402012-01-07T12:11:00.001Z2012-01-07T12:11:41.256Z

I have just run further than I have ever run in my life! 6 whole miles!I've discovered that running can be a great way of giving yourself space to think. I have been thinking a lot about the cabaret I'm organising with my Yale cabaret convention friends and I realise that I have a choice about whether to stress about it or just go with the flow and enjoy it. Guess which path I'm choosing to

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-72533687242128406212011-12-30T18:20:00.000Z2011-12-30T18:21:04.854Z

It's the last night for the Uglies in Market Harborough and Mr Tiddles himself is in the foyer presiding over the merchandise. Here he is looking awfully pleased to be here!

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-27716154722251111672011-12-28T18:29:00.001Z2011-12-28T18:29:19.423Z

Hooray! Is that a banana in your pocket or are you just pleased to see us?

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-33921644116627613062011-12-27T23:44:00.001Z2011-12-27T23:44:49.815Z

I'd be lying if I said we weren't nervous about presenting our little show to a near sell out audience of big and little kids here in Market Harborough. But we needn't have worried! A wonderful time was had by all... and Dereck even managed to say the line about the "north Northamptonshire south Leicestershire border" without tripping over his tongue. In fact the audience were so impressed they

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-91650041047275638202011-12-27T10:17:00.001Z2011-12-27T10:17:41.072Z

It's a glorious day here on the north Northamptonshire south Leicestershire border. Annie and Fannie are about to hit the town!The team have arrived at Harborough Theatre to set up... sound and lights are being set. I'm waiting for Dereck to arrive from London. I'm nervous and excited at the same time!!!

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-76701993307794355512011-12-05T13:45:00.001Z2011-12-05T13:45:50.766Z

It's Miss Christina here! I'm here waiting for my cue here at the Market Drayton Festival Centre. Once again I am sad to report that the audience is full of misguided youngsters who think my sister and I are ugly. Who does Cinderella think she is anyway?

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-67110340198702242752011-11-22T12:33:00.000Z2011-11-22T12:34:49.537Z

It's very exciting to be bringing our little show home to Market Harborough! Here is a photo of Dereck and myself rehearsing one of the new numbers for the show which opens on 27th. Harborough Theatre is a lovely venue and we're so excited!

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-42003030286359919532011-11-16T20:30:00.000Z2011-11-16T20:30:17.331Z

I've been writing songs as well as running and programming.... honest! And to prove it, here is one of them...Even StillHope you like it!

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-6491856698934144612011-10-22T12:41:00.001+01:002011-10-25T07:12:56.805+01:00

I woke up to a glorious blue sky and put on my new trainers and went for a run in sunlit Hyde Park. And I've decided to go public. I am in training to run the Milton Keynes marathon on April 29th 2012!!! I'm sort of in pre-training mode at the moment... I go out 4 times per week (mustn't overtrain, you know!) and my current routine is to run for 20 mins, then walk for 5, then repeat. In a few

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-39926359405151224652011-10-21T23:41:00.000+01:002011-10-21T23:42:07.395+01:00

Me and the lovely Fiona Jane Weston just after we'd sung our respective numbers. "I Lived This Summer" went down well :)

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-66433843656267809712011-10-21T17:00:00.000+01:002011-10-21T17:07:37.985+01:00

Tonight sees the first performance of a new song and I'm nervous! I'm sitting on the train on my way into London to meet up with a couple of my friends from the summer's Cabaret Conference. We're going to a bar in the heart of the West End for "Show Off" - an open mic night where all of London's hottest cabaret talent pop in from time to time. The new song is a long distance collaboration with

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-38399451497165635912011-09-23T14:31:00.001+01:002011-09-23T14:31:49.473+01:00

We're on the first day of our holidays!!! Driving down to my cousin's wedding in Wiltshire, we've stopped off at one of the two Little Chefs overhauled by Heston Blumenthal (the other one is 6 miles from our house on the A14 but we've never made it there 'cos it's too close to home). Simon's drinking FRESHLY SQUEEZED orange juice no less!!! Very posh... And delicious!

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-59287743510171823972011-09-17T10:54:00.001+01:002011-09-17T10:54:46.971+01:00

... and I'm pleased to announce that Dereck and I will be Cinderella's Ugly sisters this year for George Critchley and his company PMA Productions. It will be a two centre panto!! The Festival Drayton Centre - Friday 2nd December to Tuesday 6th December, 2011 Darwen Library Theatre - Thursday 8th December to Saturday 24th December, 2011 HOORAY!

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-42398066301191707802011-09-14T13:51:00.000+01:002011-09-15T08:57:01.915+01:00

Today I'll be auditioning in the shadow of Connie and Jason! I've come up by train to Manchester for a meeting (not with either of them, I hasten to add - they're just playing in the theatre opposite). But I do like train journeys: and the opportunity they give to sit back and watch the world whiz by. And this morning I started work on the next "Uglies" script. No, I can't tell you ANYTHING.

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-52305344523316080662011-09-07T07:38:00.001+01:002011-09-07T07:38:40.135+01:00

I couldn't be prouder of my babies! In a recent interview with Dale Winton on Radio 2, Dolly Parton described her songs as her "children". Just like Dolly, I am vaguely aware that some of my songs are prettier, stronger, and maybe more likeable than others, BUT I LOVE EVERY ONE! Today it feels like four more are going to be born: I'm off to spend the day in London with musical director Michael

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-78139438597264858892011-09-06T22:34:00.001+01:002011-09-06T22:34:37.912+01:00

... see? it wasn't my imagination! http://youtu.be/qF0qmY3pxbQ

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-27189934692791644152011-09-05T20:30:00.000+01:002011-09-05T20:31:11.239+01:00

Here is an atmospheric night time shot of the car that replaces my lovely green MG estate. I miss my old car, but the new one has got... Granny! She's my super sat-nav with the elderly voice. And as I write this I'm reminded of an old old American sitcom called "My Mother's a Car". Am I making that up? It was about a man who's mother comes back as a classic car. Much hilarity ensues. Go on -

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-56021372328530952052011-08-29T21:51:00.000+01:002011-08-29T21:52:01.862+01:00

I'm sitting in Henderson's vegetarian restaurant after our final show. I'm waiting for the others to bring our food and I'm listening to a wonderful jazz pianist play "Night and Day"And feeling more than a bit sentimental. When I look back over the last three and a half weeks I can see small audiences that loved every moment of the show. Large audiences that blew the roof off. Several critics and

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-3456422162345517042011-08-28T00:22:00.001+01:002011-08-28T00:22:18.945+01:00

Sunshine, friendly people taking our flyers on the Royal Mile, sell out show, drinks with the lovely Liza Keast, meal with the gorgeous John Moysen and Kenneth Tan. It doesn't get much better than this!

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-84731156422848981032011-08-25T19:45:00.000+01:002011-08-25T19:46:09.855+01:00

Here is my new friend, the comedienne Frankie Gallacher whose tongue is very long and who is known to her friends as Fannie. Oooo er!

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-46135040418135946862011-08-25T09:22:00.000+01:002011-08-25T09:22:24.574+01:00

Something rather odd happened to our heads yesterday. No, it was nothing to do with Annie experimenting on Fannie, but rather to do with our very kind review in the Scotsman. Suddenly, we weren't just doing our little show about two characters that we loved. Suddenly we were performing a "5 star" show. A "hot" show. It felt weird. And not necessarily in a good way. We found ourselves worrying

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-74868240027920405302011-08-23T10:56:00.000+01:002011-08-23T10:56:46.092+01:00

The last 24 hours has been a bit exciting for Annie and Fannie! It all started with a phone call from our Press Office, Valerie. The Scotsman (which, for the uninitated, is Scotland's national newspaper) was sending a photographer to take pictures of us for Tuesday's edition. Annie and Fannie paraded round The Grassmarket, jumping off bollards, hung out of telephone boxes, peered through flowers,

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-70879470755206073982011-08-20T10:03:00.000+01:002011-08-20T10:04:04.971+01:00

It's been 24 hours of extremes! Firstly, while we were out flyering in costume, the fragrant Miss Hodge took one look at Annie and made a face!Then we were treated to a delightful interview with Thos of www.musicaltalk.co.uk. During which he awarded us a FIVE STAR review.Then a family raced across the Royal Mile to thank us for a wonderful show and would we mind having our picture taken with Dad?

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-84797980562469252642011-08-19T10:19:00.000+01:002011-08-19T10:19:17.783+01:00

... is the name of a sell-out s how at our venue. It has a beautiful young energetic cast who have workshopped and written the most controversial sounding musical they could! They all came to see "Uglies" last week and were the perfect audience - laughing and whooping at all the right moments! So yesterday we returned the favour and went to see their show. It was great fun - lots of singing and

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-3628409477538281632011-08-16T12:51:00.002+01:002011-08-19T10:11:44.908+01:00

There are two things everyone wants to know about your show up here: a) what are your audiences like and b) how many stars have you got? Well, we now have a four star review (hooray) and it's here: http://www.britishtheatreguide.info/otherresources/fringe/fringe11-28.htm This morning's job is to cut out lots of little copies of the review and stick them to flyers. Given that Annie and Fannie hand

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-54431640448437134452011-08-16T08:13:00.001+01:002011-08-16T08:13:25.703+01:00

It was with a heavy heart that I signed the bill of sale for my lovely green MG ZT estate (the Uglimobile). Happily it's not gone for scrap but to an enthusiast who will replace the clutch and have many happy years driving it. I also signed the paperwork for my new car which I'll be collecting next Saturday. A little black Renault Clio estate (no I didn't know such a thing existed either!)But the

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-91696625724741298352011-08-13T11:09:00.001+01:002011-08-13T11:09:40.743+01:00

The producer of Neil and Christine Hamilton's show was due to come and see us last night. However, at 10 am we'd only sold one ticket - so Annie and Fannie had to go into flyering overdrive! (It's exhausting being rays of sunshine to hundreds of strangers!)However, mission accomplished. We drummed up an audience of 22 by showtime. And the producer LOVED us! So we MIGHT be on the Hamiltons' show

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-7055227608080204452011-08-11T13:34:00.000+01:002011-08-11T13:35:12.621+01:00

... and trying to ignore the soggy weather!

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-27646443620022485202011-08-11T09:18:00.001+01:002011-08-11T09:18:33.952+01:00

We've settled into quite a routine.I can't seem to wake up before 9 in spite of going to bed by 11 - Fannie obviously tires me out!!! We leave the flat in full costume to travel into town at about 1pm. The drivers on the number 22 bus are quite used to the sight of our pink and green hair at the bus stop. Then we check in at the Point Hotel and change into our street wear. After a French Fancy or

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-82234819837645474722011-08-08T07:44:00.001+01:002011-08-08T07:44:58.461+01:00

It was quite strange not getting Annie and Fannie out of the cupboard today! We all slept late then headed into town for some exploring. Dereck went browsing while we headed for St Mark's Unitarian Chapel for some spiritual sustenance; where we witnessed our first Unitarian baby naming.Lunch at The New Town Bar where we're appearing as part of a charity event in a couple of weeks. Then home for

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-15761651498798219412011-08-06T22:27:00.001+01:002011-08-06T22:27:23.969+01:00

ScotsGay magazine has recommended us as one of their recommended shows!!!Yesterday was a good day. In the afternoon Annie and Fannie handed out hundreds of flyers, posed for umpteen photos and on one occasion literally stopped traffic! Eight people at the show, most of whom were slightly bemused Americans!Today was also good. We recorded a podcast for 3Weeks.com, met some of the press and then

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-42862944540942006782011-08-04T23:05:00.001+01:002011-08-04T23:05:29.021+01:00

After yesterday's adventures with the broken down car, we began today's exploits with a tech rehearsal at 1000 am. For the uninitiated, a tech is where the crew practice all the technical stuff they have to do. Lucky for us the gorgeous Nick really knows his stuff so the sound and lights were great. Then we joined the Gryphon team in our first jaunt giving out flyers up and down the Royal Mile.

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-9669803085236669532011-08-03T22:59:00.001+01:002011-08-03T22:59:49.142+01:00

These are the stairs up to our real Edinburgh tenement! Yes, we finally got here after all our car breakdown adventures. The people at Gryphon are very nice! And we've taken all our stuff to the lovely theatre. Time for bed...!

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-82753325427528440292011-08-03T17:54:00.001+01:002011-08-03T17:54:27.889+01:00

After a triumphant send off from Maidwell, complete with gorgeous friends, supporters and press photographer, the Ugliemobile has broken down 6 miles from Edinburgh! So near yet so far...

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-40595910918863126872011-07-29T12:47:00.001+01:002011-07-29T12:47:48.503+01:00

Today our main task was programming the final concert of the conference in which we are all taking part. I feel honoured and blessed because not only did the group vote for my song "As I Am" to be the closing number of the show, but it will also be arranged specially for the whole of our group to perform.I'm in bed early (for the first time this week) because I've suddenly realised I need to be

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-71446810688827514062011-07-29T04:20:00.001+01:002011-07-29T04:20:53.172+01:00

Yesterday I had lunch with Amanda McBroom and then dinner with Julie Wilson. Amanda (for anyone who doesn't know) is the writer of Bette Midler's "The Rose" and my heroine. Julie is a Broadway and cabaret legend who, at a spritely 88 has forgotten more about this art form than I'll probably ever learn. This is Amanda and me!

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-14384673248605590222011-07-25T13:32:00.000+01:002011-07-25T13:33:29.521+01:00

No, Yale!

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-67848943826118227752011-07-25T12:46:00.001+01:002011-07-25T12:46:16.271+01:00

... and that's what we learnt about today here at the International Cabaret Conference. In the morning we had a really informative session with our three master musical directors, Alex, Paul and Tex. Hints in how to direct your pianist. How to collaborate with your MD to create fantastic, tailor made arrangements, and how to make sure you have the right level of detail in your charts (or dots as

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-43739786678311194112011-07-24T04:46:00.000+01:002011-07-24T04:47:08.367+01:00

These are my lovely new friends Leanne and Richard. We stayed out on Friday night for a quick drink and a bit of a dance...

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-2271254076168059682011-07-22T16:30:00.000+01:002011-07-22T16:31:06.450+01:00

And here is where I'm going to be sleeping for the next 10 nights.

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-24157355333684873542011-07-22T11:07:00.001+01:002011-07-22T11:07:15.012+01:00

In all senses if the word! I've arrived in Connecticut for the hottest day of the year apparently. Now if only I'd packed some shorts!

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-81744302290643199472011-07-22T01:21:00.001+01:002011-07-22T01:21:37.722+01:00

... In New Haven. Can't believe I'm here. Going out to find a good old American burger!

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-47117891891327515642011-07-21T22:45:00.000+01:002011-07-21T22:46:05.371+01:00

This is the view from my seat as the Acela Express whizzes me from Boston to New Haven.

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-52172402295720522932011-07-21T13:07:00.000+01:002011-07-21T13:08:02.380+01:00

... For the USA and the International Cabaret Conference at Yale. I'll keep you posted.

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-35942648002578555162011-07-21T10:47:00.000+01:002011-07-21T10:48:30.972+01:00

Annie and Fannie sweated a lot!I hadn't realised how nerve wracking the first performance of our show was going to be. It's one thing to find things hilarious in rehearsal, but would anyone else warm to our sense of humour?We were going to find out!The afternoon performance was as the little village hall in Maidwell and it was packed out with familiar faces. Flo and Julie came all the way from

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-74525141746980139402011-06-29T09:32:00.000+01:002011-06-29T09:33:19.143+01:00

... Down in Folkestone for my monthly session in the studio recording my weekly programme for Academy FM Folkestone. What an indulgence! A whole day of my favourite musical theatre tracks! Today I'll be playing Sunset Boulevard, The Rink, Cats, Into The Woods, and more more more!

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-73067710187587342492011-06-28T07:52:00.000+01:002011-06-28T07:53:04.403+01:00

I discovered I'm quite the prude when it comes to swearing on stage. Dereck and I performed an extract from our Edinburgh show last night at the RADA bar. On the bill alongside us was a collection of stand-up comedians who without exception seemed to think that a short cut to making people laugh was to say f*** in every other sentence. Unfortunately it doesn't quite work like that. Or am I in a

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-6435347289986778152011-06-26T22:01:00.001+01:002011-06-26T22:01:27.116+01:00

The London Gay Men's Chorus gave a thrilling concert last night in Islington. With a programme that ranged from Carly Simon to Bulgarian Folk to Taverner, the 100 strong male voice choir thrilled and moved the audience. The show was everything I could ask for: vocally accomplished, professional and passionate. The commitment of every single member of the choir was humbling! Here they are mid flow

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-81785318162407786512011-06-25T12:14:00.001+01:002011-06-25T12:14:53.578+01:00

... was amazing! So wonderful to meet so many new friends, and yet not be forgotten by old ones! Thank you Laurel, Carol, Anne and Molly for making the trek. Thanks Amanda for your lovely email. Thanks to the very fabulous Leicestershire Rainbow Voices. Thanks to Sir Peter Soulsby for his gracious comments. And a huge thanks to Arthur, Annie and the whole Unitarian team at Great Meeting. Here's

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-5589347610121251202011-06-24T19:10:00.000+01:002011-06-24T19:11:03.522+01:00

I'm sitting in the vestry of Great Meeting, Leicester as the audience arrives. I've done my scales, sound-checked, and rehearsed with the choir. Now the waiting begins...

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-11380957466533516932011-06-22T19:00:00.001+01:002011-06-22T19:00:01.935+01:00

The new Uglies Do Edinburgh video is now live... please go and have a look at it and pass on to all your friends family and acquaintances (heck, if you've got the email addresses of any strangers, sent the link to them as well!) Watch out for Dereck's face at the end - it's worth watching the whole thing just for that lip smacking moment!

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-31732934410354906662011-06-21T21:39:00.000+01:002011-06-21T21:40:31.403+01:00

Do you ever get days where everything seems miserable even when everything ought to look bright? Well, today was one of those days for me. I've spent nearly the entire day trying to upload the new "Uglies Do Edinburgh" video to YouTube. Aaaaargh! Hopefully it'll be up there by the time you read this... But I'm not holding my breath...I felt so blue I nearly rang my friend Will to say I was too

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-5288875384661432082011-06-18T18:46:00.000+01:002011-06-18T18:48:49.713+01:00

This is Fannie consoling herself after filming the "Uglies do Edinburgh" YouTube promo. And in the end there was no special custard pie mix for the final splatter scene. So it had to be Strawberry Angel Delight. Scrummy!

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-5762965695011446992011-06-17T10:44:00.001+01:002011-06-17T10:44:54.852+01:00

I'm surrounded by energetic teenagers and other very young gorgeous people creating 50's props and practicing dance routines. Summer Lovin' comes to Northampton!

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-69237791954460759582011-06-16T17:42:00.000+01:002011-06-16T17:43:03.090+01:00

Well, for some strange reason there is a shortage of custard pie foam throughout London. Hmmmmm... Still, lunch was nice!Now I'm getting down to polish my songs for tomorrow. If I told you I was playing the part of Teen Angel, would you know what show I was appearing in (in Northampton's newest theatre venue)?"It's got a groove, it's got a meaning..."

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-55701248016906666322011-06-16T13:08:00.000+01:002011-06-16T13:17:18.279+01:00

Fannie thought she'd visit the home of an old friend while she was in London. Here's a view of her friend's palace garden from the Min Jiang Restaurant at the Royal Garden Hotel.

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-50952097489537692582011-06-16T11:15:00.001+01:002011-06-16T11:15:54.627+01:00

OMG IT WAS 23 YEARS AGO. I'm so OLD!

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-13546111152529741942011-06-16T10:49:00.001+01:002011-06-16T10:49:56.100+01:00

As I travel on the train into London I am listening to the soundtrack to Kander and Ebb's "The Rink". It's got to be 20 years or so since I saw it in London. I remember coming out with my companion, John Moysen, and raving about it. Why didn't anyone else like it? What's there not to love about Liza Minelli singing "Colored Lights"? I think it's about time for a revival. Who shall we get to play

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-88765031911463062462011-06-16T07:42:00.001+01:002011-06-16T07:42:45.713+01:00

Does anyone know where I could buy a toy cupcake for Fannie? www.ugliesdo.com

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-16828972140182727772011-05-14T08:43:00.000+01:002011-05-14T08:43:54.907+01:00

I've been spending too much time in the sunshine to be a good blogger I'm afraid! Yesterday was a day of contrasts, though... I got up at 5.30 to take the dog for a walk and saw umpteen rabbits, a young badger (well, I thought it was a badger - it looked more like a dark streak as it dashed across my path) and two deer. Then I got on the train and went to Canary Wharf to run some consultancy. I

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-34324038381016128012011-04-16T11:07:00.000+01:002011-04-16T11:07:21.225+01:00

Although I still love birthdays, I'm getting to that age where I'd rather forget how old I am! But on April 14th I had a lovely day, training on behalf of Liquidlogic at Coventry City Council. Here is a picture of my lovely delegates during a tea break... What is that they're holding? Yes! It's a box of French Fancies. When I go on to tell you that my presents from both Dereck Walker and the

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-72510303912567511322011-03-31T09:20:00.000+01:002011-03-31T09:20:10.565+01:00

My radio show launches this Sunday. Click the link over to the left NOW to listen to 105.9 Academy FM. Then come back at 3pm on Sunday to take in my Musical Theatre show. Don't forget to make a date with me every Sunday from 3rd April onwards!

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-2748555567618716652011-03-28T12:16:00.001+01:002011-03-28T12:17:57.041+01:00

I'm pleased to announce details of my next cabaret. One Enchanted Evening at the Great Meeting Unitarian Chapel in Leicester. Friday June 24th They've set up a special website for the event here: www.davidkentevents.yolasite.com It has all the details, including how to get there. And I'm also announcing a new feature - from now on you'll be able to book for some of my shows ONLINE!

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-8790787766551583442011-03-25T12:50:00.000Z2011-03-25T12:50:37.882Z

What a joy to be reunited with the choir of Holy Trinity, and the Langtons' Phoenix choir! We're working on "Stainer's Crucifixion" and I am singing the tenor solos. Some very interesting and rather hilarious sounds came out of my mouth during the rehearsal last night. Fortunately everyone else knows what they're doing! There are two performances - Palm Sunday at Church Langton and Good Friday

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-8054611732316563972011-03-01T22:27:00.000Z2011-03-01T22:27:00.858Z

Thanks to everyone who wished me well at my recent audition for 2011's Cabaret Conference at Yale... I'VE BEEN ACCEPTED! http://www.thecabaretconferenceatyale.com/ I'll be one of just 36 delegates (yes, count them, only 36!) selected worldwide to study with some of America's top cabaret artists, including my heroine Amanda McBroom who wrote the Bette Midler song "The Rose". I couldn't be more

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-10064845707528790522011-02-21T11:53:00.000Z2011-02-21T11:53:31.816Z

What an end to the week! During "Cinderella" in Luton, Dereck and I had discovered a mutual love of afternoon tea, and in particular French Fancies. (Mmmmmmmm, thanks Mr Kipling). And we promised ourselves that early in 2011 we'd book tea at the Ritz to see if they served our favourite sugary treats. And those of you who know Simon know that cakes are his weakness, so when he got wind of our

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-73784802750108670352011-02-16T08:28:00.000Z2011-02-16T08:28:54.102Z

Thanks to everyone who came to the Valentine's Day cabaret on 12th Feb. There was laughter, slushiness and even some dancing! Oh, and Anna Karin, thank you for the goody bag of gorgeous jewellery. Perfect for a couple of Ugly Sisters! And speaking of which, the lovely Dereck Walker and I spent Sunday recording the first song from the first scene of our new show "Uglies Do Edinburgh"... YES!

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-63654731865297537752011-02-06T22:33:00.002Z2011-02-07T07:03:56.453Z

A big HELLO to all my new friends in Stevenage and from Hertfordshire County Council... and don't forget if you want to keep in touch, all you have to do is get in touch by clicking the "Contact" link on this page. ... and a reminder to everyone that there are a few tickets left for our Valentine's weekend dinner at the Angel Hotel in Market Harborough. I promise you that you don't have to be

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-44200018335895318562011-01-14T14:12:00.000Z2011-01-14T14:12:12.618Z

Now that the hurly burly of December has faded into a distant memory, and 2011 is settling down into its new routine, I wanted to thank you all for the amazing journey you took with me over the past three years while I was Choir Director at Holy Trinity. I remember well the first few months we came to church in Rothwell, with Chris, Brenda, Mary, Carol, Janet and Freda valiantly upholding the

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-38214039547592624662011-01-13T09:30:00.000Z2011-01-13T09:30:22.174Z

Well, I've been silent for a while because it seems to have taken a few weeks to get back to normal after all the fun and adventures in Luton. But I've not been letting the grass grow under my feet. There are some very exciting plans for the year ahead, so watch this space! Here's a clue to the first event (details to follow) on the 12th February...

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-37828225679731797152010-12-19T17:51:00.000Z2010-12-19T17:51:47.515Z

Sorry I've not been writing lately. Since the dress rehearsals I've been fighting a particularly horrible chest cold and it's been as much as I can do to get through the two shows each day. I'm nearly better, so will write soon...

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-30519031171544317982010-12-05T09:28:00.000Z2010-12-05T09:28:40.109Z

So, here we are, about two thirds of the way through rehearsals, with three rehearsal days left before we open. We've laughed, we've cried (well I've nearly cried) and generally romped our way through "Cinderella". Here are some highlights: I located the only size eight extra wide fitting high heeled shoes in the whole of Luton thanks to the helpful staff in Evans: I made it to every

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-11880173476004887152010-11-30T07:17:00.000Z2010-11-30T07:17:45.493Z

Of all the mornings to be stuck in traffic! It has NEVER taken me more than 20 minutes to drive to Kettering station, but here I am sitting in a traffic jam thanks to "road improvements" being carried out on the main station approach. Come on! Come on! I CANT'T be late today. If I'm late it'll mean I'll miss the "Getting to Know" session. And, frankly, it's not going to make me look good in the

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-82593024482900563062010-11-22T10:08:00.000Z2010-11-22T10:08:15.630Z

I was so excited when my sister and I were asked to switch on the Christmas lights in Luton town centre on Sunday. "Zafira," said my facially challenged sister Tigra, "we're finally going to get the recognition we deserve. Imagine! His Worshipfulness the Mayor has specially asked for US!" Imagine our horror when that wretched kitchen maid Cinderella turned up along with our good for nothing

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-24339632345192277102010-11-12T09:20:00.001Z2010-11-12T09:22:40.643Z

...about the last remaining Great War veteran, who died last year by former Poet Laureate Andrew Motion http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11733436

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-41546182955165056012010-11-07T19:44:00.001Z2010-11-08T13:50:02.799Z

Today I've spent the afternoon with the Lions Club of Rothwell, a dance company called "In Sync" and about a hundred mature men and women from the local area. Yes, it was the Annual Rowell Lions Afternoon Tea, held at Montsaye Community College. How did I come to be performing there? It all started at a summer barbeque held by the twinning committee (Rothwell is twinned with Droué by the way). I

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-22676639362148852802010-11-05T14:38:00.000Z2010-11-05T14:38:22.820Z

Recently at an Impact Factory facilitator workshop I was talking to "school revolutionary" Asma Mansuri about  Neuro Linguistic Programming and I described myself as a "devotee". She reacted quite strongly to the term and it made me think... AM I a devotee? "Devotee" conjures an image of someone following blindly and unquestioningly. Of someone who isn't able to step back and evaluate. Is that me

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-88829799438725094522010-11-01T12:55:00.000Z2010-11-01T12:55:58.082Z

The Cinderella script has arrived and so now (finally) we know what we're called: I am the lovely curvaceous Zafira and Dereck is the slender Tigra! Our second costume fitting was just as exciting as the first, and it was thrilling to see everything begin to take shape. Here's Paul the costumier looking pleased with himself Our wigs have been flown specially all the way from Las Vegas!!! Dereck

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-17317406513158448432010-10-29T08:06:00.000+01:002010-10-29T17:41:03.456+01:00

I've just finished running a two day programming course (Excel VBA if you're interested...) and as usual I spent the day before the course rigorously planning what I was going to say. I perfected my lovely PowerPoint slides for the presentation of each topic and I thought through exactly what I was going to say and in exactly what order. I knew that the course was "officially" going to be based

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-10571118829539429452010-10-24T08:20:00.000+01:002010-10-24T08:20:05.091+01:00

After nearly 20 years, the musical I've been developing with writer Mette Jensen finally saw the light of day on Saturday 16th October 2010. In the village hall, a hand-picked selection of friends and relatives (thanks, Mum!) read through the first draft of Blitzrovia! It's something of a coincidence (an omen?) that the show is set EXACTLY 70 years ago, in October 1940. The intrepid band of

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-35532895317137114052010-10-22T08:41:00.000+01:002010-10-22T09:32:58.434+01:00

... that was what I'd written down on the measurement sheet when asked the size of my bust. And sure enough, when I tried on the boobs made specially for me by theatre costumier Paul Allerton, they more than lived up to their description! I was at the Central School of Drama's fitting rooms for the first fitting of my costumes for Cinderella. While Paul talked me through the designs, my head was

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421144466626334340.post-32607176672312337502010-10-22T08:13:00.000+01:002010-10-22T08:13:02.077+01:00

Yesterday was my first day back at school. Over the years I've done a lot of course facilitation: like most actors there seems to be a lot of time when I'm not actually acting, and I'm lucky enough to have a skillset that enables me to do the thing which I love almost as much as performing: helping people. Whether it's teaching them how to work with Microsoft Excel, or helping them improve

David Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282588033746111063noreply@blogger.com0