All wrapped up

Just returned from paying in night. Actually that's rather an odd name. It used to be the time when people turned up to hand over all the money for the tickets they had sold. That's a long, long time ago. Now we are mainly paying out. Funds to all those who have run up huge credit card bills on behalf of the group by spending on wood, paint, props, materials etc. Strange how the old names stick.
Our party on Saturday night involved a moderate amount of drinking on my part but some outstanding word games with Ysabell, Albert, box office, high priest, director him and a whole range of others from time to time. This went on for a couple of hours. We all found out one thing. Don't pull your willie instead of the ripcord when using a parachute. Sound advice.
I was drinking Wychwood and Hobgoblin. Two of the ales in a case of 12 presented to me after the show in the bar. Black Magic chocolates too. But the things which mean the most to me are the card signed by all the cast, complete with photograph of DEATH and Mort and wonderful calligraphy, and the clapperboard and film reel with director her, director him and producer's names and the dates of the show written on.
Ysabell and Albert dropped secretary and me off at about 3.30am. The clocks had gone forward. What a nightmare.
We made it to set break at just after 10am, with footnote already in the kitchen putting her promise of bacon sausage and egg butties for the early arrivals into practice. I joined her, in the spirit of Harga's House of Ribs, having initially got to grips with some flats with a screwdriver. Then it was time to load up the van and take it to the shed. Amazingly this only took one trip as opposed to the three or even four it has often taken in the past. High priest, Albert, director him and producer unloaded and stowed away all the flats, platforms, chairs, stools and other assorted oddities and we were back to the hall in record time. We ended up sitting down eating a roast dinner in The George pub at the back of the hall car park by 3pm. When we got home, secretary and I both slept the sleep of the just and arose for only a couple of hours before returning to sleep more.
Today was fabulous. Warm and sunny. I spent a lovely hour or so with director her walking her dogs in Virginia Water, blowing the strains and aches of the week away, while secretary had the aftermath of a week of heavy make-up removed with a facial. Then the three of us spent a couple of hours over lunch and drinks outside the Rose & Crown chewing the fat about the aftermath of the show. Very relaxed and very pleasant. Certainly better than having to go back to work for the day.
So the sums are being done and we will find out how financially successful we have been. In terms of ticket sales, we have shifted a bigger percentage than any show since Stags & Hens in 2004 and before that Aladdin in 2002. Most of the costs seem to be under budget, so hopefully we will be in good shape. Director him will no doubt tell us at our committee meeting next Wednesday.
We also await the review from the National Operatic and Dramatic Association who came to see the show on Saturday night. This review is being done by a new rep, so there should be no holds barred as she doesn't know anyone from any past show. I know what I think, but I look forward to seeing it in print.

Thought for the day: 'Fly away on my zephyr, I feel it more than ever, And in this perfect weather, We'll find a place together.' The Zephyr Song. Red Hot Chili Peppers. Director her was playing it in her car. Tops.