6:45 AM wake up call!
Simon Adkins
Onesie is on and, like every English guy, I have to start the day with a cup of tea (and it IS tea - ignore the suspicious bottles behind me!)
Simon Adkins
Clean!
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Being driven to work by my driver (also known as my friend Emma) in a mini that I don't fit into. It's comedy on wheels.
Simon Adkins
Coffee time on the road to the day job. Wild Bean Cafe is one of the gas station's finest blends.
Simon Adkins
Outside my day job in Essex (head east of London and you end up in Essex) with my colleague Keeley.
Simon Adkins
Putting my Second Year students through their paces.
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Showing my students how it should be done (a special thank you to Christina for being my unwitting partner in this shot).
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Lunch in nearby Basildon and a well deserved teacher gossip fest.
Simon Adkins
On the train headed to London's West End. Catching up on some tweaks to the script by our illustrious writer Jennifer Saunders.
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2.30 pm outside the Piccadilly Theatre in London - home of VIVA FOREVER!
Simon Adkins
Quick line run with some fellow company members Hatty Preston and Ben Cura before the director arrives. (Note the performers of past Piccadilly productions observing us.)
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Rehearsals commence on the Piccadilly stage.
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Tried to take a snap of company in rehearsal. Obviously I failed in this task. They might have spotted me in the fly tower.
Simon Adkins
Rehearsals done for the day. Now give me some pre-show food!
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But wait…… who's this strapping fellow sporting the MC Hammer throwback pants?
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Taking time out before the show. Which of you spotted the salad bowl in my hand before the pizza crusts in the box?
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Warm up on the Piccadilly stage…..aaaaaand stretch…
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Vocal warm up with Adam, our beloved assistant MD
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Any excuse for a Viva company photo!
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Ben Cura (who plays Angel and is my dressing room buddy) reads to me as I put my face on pre-show.
Simon Adkins
Ready to start the show. Wannabe no. 60661 come on down!
Simon Adkins
Tamara Wall (who plays Karen) expresses her judgement of my choice of reading matter in one look.
Simon Adkins
First quick change of the show - transforming into Leon - it's ALL about the hair!
Simon Adkins
Yet another, dashing look for my alter ego Leon.
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Just time for a quick snap with the fabulous Sally Dexter (who plays Simone) Not all those wigs behind us are hers.
Simon Adkins
Me and "Minty" (played by Hatty Preston) strike a pose for a snap onstage during the performance. Cheeky! #DontTellJudyCraymer
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Managed to grab the wonderful Sally Ann Triplett (who plays Lauren) for a quick snap in the stage left wing mid-show.
Simon Adkins
You're not generally allowed to smoke backstage at the Piccadilly….unless you're a 12ft, mustached, Spanish carnival creation. (thanks to my long suffering dresser Sean in this snap)
Simon Adkins
Uh oh. The dressers have stolen my camera again. You guys haven't really taken the wigs of the blocks and put them on have you?
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Leon and Minty ready for the finale.
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Homeward bound on the Underground.
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Back in the onesie and time for some well earned TV. Can the eagle eyed of you spot what show I'm watching?
Simon Adkins
To enjoy a few extra minutes in bed the following morning I shave the night before.
Simon Adkins
Goodnight, Playbill!
Simon Adkins
