Week 9: Theatre Crafts Allocation and Christmas

This week's post, I'm afraid, will be completely drama orientated. Reason being I have been absolutely immersed in the world of theatre as part of costume crew for Vinegar Tom. I must admit, it isn't one of the easiest things in the world to cope with. The technical rehearsal(s) is(are) horrible for the costume crew because we have to sit backstage for literally hours whilst the cast and crew work together in getting the lighting and sound cues right. I'm absolutely not kidding when I say 'hours', too, because one of my calls for the two tech days was about nine hours long. Late nights, too. I think that day ended at about 10.15pm. On Saturday at about 6pm my mood turned fowl absolutely because I was exhausted. Of course I did all my jobs with some enthusiasm but my mind was cast to my bed. It is amazing how something like that can make the feel of bed sheets absolutely heavenly. Actually being in that semi-awake, semi-asleep state before dropping off is something I daydreamed (no pun intended) about. That said, it did give me an insight into the world of student theatre. Once the performances began, the staff stepped back and the whole show was being run by students: third years performed, second years ran tech and costume crew and first years worked the box office, curtains, costume changes and other small jobs. My recurring job was to make Lydia's feet and hands look dirty by using green, black and red stage make up. The colour we ended up with changed every night. I wish I had pictures of the costume and such but I didn't take any. I did make detailed notes about each costume, though, because I have to write an essay on the process.

I'm struggling for things to write about this week because the above situation has absolutely taken over my whole week from morning to late evening every day. There is one thing: Christmas. When I came back from the first performance night, most of my flatmates were in the kitchen discussing the goings on before Christmas and what we would do together. I was just in time for the decision making which made me feel much happier even after such a long day. It was decided that we would choose the Secret Santa (everyone's name is written on separate slips of paper and folded up, everyone then choose a piece of paper and has to buy a present for that person unless they get themselves in which case the names are shuffled and chosen again) that night and would exchange gifts on Monday 7th December either before or after Christmas Dinner, which will be a flat effort with everyone making something. We're also going, together, to the German Christmas Market on Tuesday 8th December. I already went with my boyfriend on the day of the Millenium Point chaos so it'll be a bonus for me. We'll sip mulled wine and ride the merry-go-round. Good times.

I went to Birmingham today to find a present for my secret santa recipient yesterday as it was my first day off all week (oh yes, Saturday was taken too by matinee and evening performances, 1.30pm til 9.15pm call). I'd love to say it was so easy to find a present but with a limit of £5 it is very difficult to get something worthwhile and within the in-jokes and interest of the recipient. I know exactly the type of thing I'd like to buy but I spent over three hours trailing around the Bullring and Pallisades only to buy my lunch for today, to browse Selfridges for Christmas cards, to induldge in the smell of Vera Wang for men and buy my boyfriend his first of many small Christmas presents. I did find a few things that would be pretty good to buy my recipient but they were over budget so I had to look elsewhere. I'll try again on Thursday, which is the day I don't have anything written on my timetable and which I should really use for reading. Oh the joys of being a fresher.


The Bullring: Debenhams.


Birmingham centre at night: Selfridges and a Christmas tree.

Week 8: Quiz, Bowling, Money, Christmas and Gatecrasher

I can't believe I've gone through eight posts without mentioning the legend that is the pub quiz! I go to the quiz every Sunday at Rios in the hub at the Vale. The epic awesomeness that is Mike does the hosting most weeks, helped out by a taller-than-the-average-bear friend whose name I haven't overheard yet. Occasionally someone else chips in with a round or two. The prizes vary but usually they're a crate or something. There's also a bottle of sparkling wine for the third from bottom, every week. See, if they gave a prize to bottom or second from bottom then that would be easily cheated and people wouldn't take it seriously. Perhaps I take it too seriously. The team names are always interesting. Quizzie Rascal are a team who haven't changed their name since the first week. My past team names have included JLS Crowd Surfers (response to the drama at Millennium Point); Goth Detectives Part 2 (a Hallowe'en choice - if you know the reference, you win at life); The Good, The Bad and We Left Nathan At Home and various other names that are perhaps inappropriate for a blog that's meant to be within good taste. If you want to know, leave me a comment. They're really not that special, though, so I doubt it's worth the effort. The vale quiz consists of six rounds: Round 1, general knowledge; Round 2, topical (has been Sport, Geography and Music alternating); Round 3, picture round variable; Round 4, interchangeable (usually music/film); Round 5, double points (usually mimicking the intros round from Buzzcocks, sometimes film quotes, sometimes lyrics); Round 6, knockout (each question is True/False, you can answer them all or answer only a few but they must be in order and if you get one wrong you lose the string but if they're all right you get all the points). My team, which now consists of me and my boyfriend, has scored a high of 41 and a low of 26 (out of 60). The low was last week and we managed to get the third from bottom prize of sparkling wine.

I noticed that I haven't really written about the entertainment in Birmingham. Well, on Tuesday evening Flat 135 had a bowling night to get back together as a unit. We'd been missing each other because of the amount of work we each have to do at staggered times so we spent about a week or two reminding each other to make sure there's an evening free for all of us when we can do something together. Not being familiar with the entertainment, we just thought to go bowling and had a sheet of vouchers, provided by Katy's friend, for Lakeside Superbowl. Winner! The offer on the vouchers were misleading, though, so I really advise either phoning to check or expecting the worst. Ours said 'One Free Game per person per lane'. To me, that means one free game for everyone in one lane. To them, it means only one person gets a free game. The 'venue' wasn't too bad. It was pretty easy to get a strike or at least half-strike (or whatever it's called). We did book a lane beforehand which is most definitely advised because almost all lanes were in use when we arrived (about 8.30pm). I was told that the bowling alley in Five Ways has a student night on Tuesdays when you can pay £6 each for unlimited bowling, provided you have proof of being a student (usually NUS, sometimes they accept the University provided card). In retrospect, we should've gone there. Apparently it's closer to the Vale and it is far better value for money. We paid about £5.30 each for Lakeside Superbowl, for one game. I'll have to look into the Five Ways student night, perhaps for next week.

Apparently either Friday or Thursday was the official beginning of consumer Christmas because it was exactly five weeks away. From what I remember, that's where the countdown starts in the film Love Actually so it is officially the arrival of Christmas (though there is debate between the 5 week mark and the moment you see the Coca-Cola advert). I went to Birmingham to do some shopping in the Bull Ring (to get a hockey stick, purse, pub golf outfit and photos developed, if you're interested) and it was pretty busy. The queues for the escalators are always absolutely epic. Selfridges was getting rather busy, too, and that's usually comfortable. I am planning on doing my Christmas shopping between the 11th and 15th of December because that's when I'll actually have my Christmas budget, so I'll be able to report back about that before I take a break for Christmas and New Year (that's right, you're getting an extra week!). For anyone who has experienced Christmas shopping in Meadowhall, Sheffield, imagine a shopping centre far bigger than Meadowhall and multiply the number of people by about four. I'll confirm that estimation in whichever week that falls in. Technically week 12.

I feel like I should include details about CostCutter in here at some point. It is, after all, the most convenient place to buy the essentials (and more) if you live on the Vale. There's also Aldi, which is about 25-30 minutes walk from my flat and Sainsbury's which is 35 minutes walk. There's also a Tesco Express which is just 20 minutes walk in the same direction and a large Tesco in Five Ways which I've yet to go to. CostCutter, though, is topic here. For the weekly shop, the most popular option is to get together with a few people and order online from one of the major supermarkets because the more items you buy, the cheaper (sometimes free) the delivery. The convenience of getting it shipped to your door is good, also. There's something absolutely lovely about doing a big shop but then the carrying back isn't pleasant at all. It's surprising how uncomfortable a mildly heavy bag is to carry. I definitely recommend getting reusable, wider handled bags. It doesn't sound like a major issue but remember that living at Uni means you have to actually buy things yourself and can't depend on parents or guardians to do the weekly shop. On Wednesday I had a mini money and food crisis (that's what you get for allowing your desktop pc to get overheated and temporarily break, causing you to buy a laptop and reduce your budget from £80 to £30 a week) so I had to transfer over £50 from savings and do a logical shop at CostCutter. I spent just under £12 and got four chicken breasts, beef mince, cereal, curry, cheese, plums and I'm sure there was something else in there. Good value! I might, if I get some time, have a look round CostCutter and note down a basic price list for random stuff, just to give an idea.

As an aside, there is a fund open to people who come across hardship and desperately need some cash. There are conditions and I think it has to be repaid (though don't quote me on that). In any case, there's no need to worry about money when coming to University because there are ways to control cash flow and be efficient. Budgeting is encouraged and there are people who can help with students who are not sure where to start with money and financial issues.

Another thing I experience as new this week was Supersonic Vague at Gatecrasher. Birmingham's Gatecrasher, I'm told, is the biggest in the country. It really is worth a visit on a night even to experience it. Tickets for Supersonic Vague, which is the indie night every Friday with guest DJs like Razorlight and Reverend and the Makers, are available online for £3 plus £1.05 booking. The charge is to a debit or credit card and the ticket is sent to your phone. The ticket itself shows the logo, number of people to be admitted and has a black and white barcode-like image that is scanned on the door. It reduces queuing time majorly and makes for a smoother transaction. Inside Gatecrasher there are several themed rooms. The main room is where the guest DJs do their sets. I've heard stories about how busy it can get (so much so that you can't move, sometimes) but when I went I didn't have a bad experience at all. It was busy enough to create a good atmosphere but not too busy to feel claustrophobic. I only stayed in the main room, though, so when I go again I'll report back on the different rooms. The music wasn't too bad, either, with tunes from The Prodigy, Reverend and the Makers, Florence and the Machine, Calvin Harris and The Wombats to name but a few. That isn't restricted, however, because the other rooms keep their theme. For example, I think there's a room that plays cheesy pop and one that plays dub-step and doesn't change just because its Supersonic Vague in the main room. I may be wrong, though. More information is available on the Gatecrasher website.


My boyfriend and I at Supersonic Vague, Gatecrasher.

L-R Katy, Luke and Flo at Supersonic Vague, Gatecrasher.


Christmas in Birmingham.

Week 7: Jam House, Socials and Work Load

This week has been really difficult for me because I've had so much work to do. It has, however, been a satisfying week because I handed in my first essay (the one I've been talking about far too much) on Monday, which was a day early, and my lecturers are getting more friendly. Because of the nature of my course, there's a lot of contact time where the lecturer actually gets to know the student. Theatre Practice is taught in groups of about ten, the Dramatic Medium seminars are of a similar class size and PTPC is a discussion based module which allows for your own opinion (of theory) to be heard. Theatre Crafts is also taught in a smaller group and that was really interesting for me this week because we moved onto a new section: lighting. There's a lot of physics involved, in terms of how a lantern works and how the types differ, but it's really interesting. The group size makes asking questions much easier, too.

One thing that's really bothering me about the work load is that my Sundays are usually taken up by work. I'm definitely looking forward to 12th December when I can have a lay in and forget that I have an essay or two to hand in when I get back. I'm not going to lie, University really is hard work. There's a reason they organise accommodation: you have to have a study area to work and prepare for lectures and such. Of course there's the convenience of living with people so as to improve your social life and expand your social circles but having a room within a short walk to the University library is most definitely important. I may have mentioned before but the jump from sixth form or college to University can be a shock. That does mean, however, that the Christmas vacation is all the more rewarding. When the first year ends, that will be an incredible moment.

One highlight of week seven was the second/first year Drama social at Jam House. Jam House is a jazz bar/club owned by Jools Holland (the former member of Squeeze who hosts the 'New Year Hootenanny' as well as 'Later with Jools Holland', weekly) and is usually a 21+ venue (only admits those 21 years of age and older) but every Thursday is open to 18+. They are mainly a bar with live music but also serve food in a separate upstairs section that overlooks the band. I've been told that Jools not only owns the place but also makes appearances and performances every so often. My first experience of the place was a good one. The music was jazzy, as suggested by its owner's reputation, and atmosphere was really nice. I recommend this place to those who don't fancy getting claustrophobic in the massive clubs like Gatecrasher and Oceana. It serves as a fantastic place for a date as the mood is romantic but also provides an entertaining spot for a group to unwind. The beginning of the night was laid back with lots of sitting down and chatting about random things but once 10.30pm came, more people entered the dance floor and the joint livened up. You definitely aren't required to have a convincing dancing style but you are required to dress smartly. Jeans are acceptable if they are neither faded nor ripped. The girls wear cocktail dresses or smart trousers with a classy top. The website states that all male parties will not be admitted, which is a good excuse to get a female friend to transform into a swan for the night and have all eyes on her. The location of Jam House isn't fantastic, however, because I don't reckon it's a place I would walk to. It's definitely a taxi job. With places on Broad Street, it's possible to get a train into either New Street or Five Ways and walk the distance but Jam House is a little away from the hubbub of that area - though definitely not isolated.

Another highlight was Wednesday night: the first year drama social organised by one of my good friends, Katy. Because the second year rep (who apparently also caters for the first years) hadn't organised anything for the first years in terms of social events, Katy made an event on Facebook and found that most people on the course were well up for a fancy dress social to get to know each other. The theme was democratically decided as TV/Film Characters, to keep within the subject, and it was the talking point for the whole week prior. Ideas were exchanged and everyone got excited. The night was a fantastic success - no one had a bad experience. The costumes were fantastic, also, as shown below.


Some of the Drama first years at the Gun Barrels Pub for the TV/Film Characters fancy dress social.


Myself as Hermione Granger (Harry Potter) for the Drama social.

Week 6: Reading Week

Reading week is the equivalent of 'half term' but not in every sense. You are off timetable for the whole week, unless a lecturer rearranges a class or lecture which is likely but not common, and are expected to take the name of the week very seriously. In sixth form and college, half terms are a bit of a break to catch up on small pieces of work or do one or two hours of work that was given. Mainly, I used half terms as sleeping time and as a break. My first reading week at Birmingham was very different. I'd love to say I haven't stopped working but I did give myself, stupidly, a day or three off. I've still got most of my to-do list not crossed off. To be fair, I did have a few PC issues that distracted my attention away from the role of the chorus and audience in Greek Theatre and suchlike.

Following on from last week about my essay preparation, Monday wasn't necessarily a huge success with library findings. I did find similar books but not the ones I was after. That wasn't an issue, though, because as I mentioned the library has over 2 million volumes so even though I didn't find the exact titles I did find several useful books that I did use in my essay. That said, it was my first visit to the library (I do advise going to the library tutorials in Welcome Week or whenever your subject timetables them - I didn't because I was ill so I had to teach myself how to use the library... it's not difficult at all and you can teach yourself fairly easily but I can't help wondering if I might be able to find things less intimidating having gone to the tutorials) so I didn't expect to be an expert.

Having done an epic day of research, eventually finishing all my highlighting and note taking at 11.30pm, I was well prepared for Tuesday's essay writing day. Casually but carefully writing the essay, with perhaps one stop for a meal, 1500 words took me about four hours to type which isn't bad going. Nathan, a flatmate who just so happens to be awesome at proof-reading, had gone home for reading week so he agreed to proof-read from home through email. While I was waiting for him to get to that, I read through it myself (a printed copy, not on screen) and noted each mistake and phrase I needed to re-write. In my opinion, the tell of a good proof-reader is if they notice the same things as yourself if not more. I wouldn't advise getting a friend on the same course to proof-read unless they're in a different year because they'll have a set view in their head having done the same or similar essay. As the saying goes, the spectator sees more of the sport.

Perhaps something that may be of importance to people living away from home is computer trouble. A PC or laptop is an essential piece of equipment for university unless you want to rely on the library. When yours decides to die, it isn't a pleasant feeling. At least, it wasn't for me. Having bought all the parts for my PC (its a desktop) myself and let my PC genius brother build it for me, I have a bond with my tower that rivals the bond between me and my boyfriend. On Wednesday, when I came back from my first costume call, Mr Tower decided not to turn on. If I hadn't already done my essay, I may have panicked a little more than I did. I did (and still do), however, have an essay due for Tuesday 17th so a dead PC was not ideal at all. I'd been having issues with Mr Tower since Monday evening but it'd been nice to me so I spent about an hour leaving and returning to it to see if it would continue niceties. Apparently not. I didn't know who to contact about this because I hadn't paid the £60 for PC support, started this year by a company located in the refurbished area of the Guild, so I phoned the Vale reception (4040, free from your room phone) to ask if they knew who to contact. They told me to phone the main library and ask about their laptop surgery to see if they extended to desktop computers. I did that and the epically cool guy on the end of the phone said that the laptop surgery was, in fact, a trial thing that didn't quite work out so they weren't doing that any more. He did, however, shift me in the right direction to finding a company nearby who would help me out. I won't say the name of the company because though they got my tower to work again, they did manage to break something else then break the whole thing when trying to fix that, then when my boyfriend had a look he fixed it in under 20 minutes. In between trips to the shop and Oli being a legend, I did visit the Dell website and order a laptop. It's okay, though, because I got awarded a scholarship from University for getting AAB and when that money comes through in January I can replace it in my bank account. I was planning on buying a laptop, anyway, because it's far more convenient for library work and lecture (though being a Drama single honours student I only have one sit down lecture per week, not counting the lecture for my MOMD). So when my laptop comes through I'll have a desktop for work to be done in the flat as well as for procrastination with music and Facebook - and various other websites I'm addicted to like lolcats, Blogger, Youtube, Twitter, and the list goes on - and I'll have a laptop for work to be done at home and away from the flat in general. It also means I can test out the free Wifi in the library and various other hotspots on campus. And on trains. I've always wanted to do that.

Well I'd love to stay but I have reading group at 6pm at the Guild so I have reading to do!

Main Library