Just touched down in London town...

Whenever I think of London, I can't help but start singing the classic tune: American Boy (hence the slightly random title - it had to be done). This week I 'touched down in London town' three times in the space of four days and so I thought I would write about these mini adventures.

Sunday 12th - LAMDA

Sunday was the day of my final drama school audition, this one was at LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Drama). During my time at school I took the LAMDA acting exams, finishing with the Acting Grade 8 Gold Medal for which I was awarded a Distinction (one of the things in my life that I'm most proud of lol). I learned so much from these exams and so really wanted to try to get the opportunity to train there. However, as with the other places I auditioned for this year, it is so insanely competitive - particularly for girls in their first year of trying. As always though, I gave it my best shot and had a good experience there - although when I came out I felt that it hadn't been enough. Sure enough, on Wednesday evening I received an email to say they couldn't offer me a place this year. So there we have it, my auditions are over. I need a bit of time to process this and think about what the next step is and then I will be writing about my plans.

The crucial pre-audition nerve calming cup of tea.

LAMDA's building is gorgeous.

Tuesday 14th - Galentines

Tuesday was much more relaxed and enjoyable! My friends Darcy, Tabby, and I took a spontaneous trip to London together. Before we went we said we'd do some shopping but then go and visit the National Portrait Gallery and be all cultured... Yeah that didn't quite work out. We just shopped all day in Oxford Street... NO SHAME. It was so nice to completely have some time off and really enjoy each others company. We are all so busy and rarely get to spend time as a trio these days but, amazingly, we had a day off fall at the same time - hooray!

Bus life

I bought lots of fab new clothes but no mugs thanks to the mother haha!

Just the guy from the Great Pottery Throwdown (Keith Brymer Jones) making some pottery in a shop window! Only in London aha!

My gorgeous girls.

Thank you to Darcy and Tabby for the most wonderful day... I love you both and am grateful for our Galentines celebrations (who needs a fella when you have your gals, amma right?)

Wednesday 15th - MYCO Trip

On Wednesday MYCO (the Musical Youth Company of Oxford) took a trip to London to visit the Imperial War Museum and to watch 'The Book of Mormon' in the West End. The museum visit was to do some research for our show 'The Hired Man' that we're working towards at the moment. The musical covers WW1 time and part of the story-line focuses on how war affected Britain's working class. I found the visit very informative and moving. It has definitely helped me to relate to my character and appreciate what it would have been like for her to see her son and husband go to war - from the pride and excitement at the start, to the horror that followed.

The Imperial War Museum and a beautiful sky.

Post-museum tea pit-stop featuring Abi.

 After the museum visit and a lunch break, it was on to watch The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre. I have wanted to see this show for so long so was beyond excited to finally get to see it! It's fair to say I was not disappointed. I can't remember the last time I laughed that much watching anything. It was so, so hilarious and the standard of talent was on another level - everything from the acting to the singing to the dancing to the comedic timing. I loved every single second and desperately wanted to sing a long! If you've never seen it I would highly recommend it - although be prepared as it's controversial to say the least!

Interval excitement: Finlay, Amber, and my shining forehead.

Of course, I loved the museum and theatre visits but what made this trip so special was the people I was with. MYCO has welcomed me with open arms and I am so grateful. I loved every moment of chats, laughs, and of course singing along to musical tunes on the way home. I have so much love for you all.

Please get your tickets for our show which we're performing from 11th-15th April this year at the Theatre at Headington before they sell out! You can buy them here. Here's one of my favourites from the rehearsal shots... poor Dan having to be dragged off stage by the scruff of the neck - fun for me but not so much for him!

Thank you as always for reading. If you read my blog regularly, please click the little 'Follow' button - it's free! And would mean a lot to me.

Love,
Katie xxx