Deborah Conway: 15th July 2001
I should have posted days ago, God knows I tried, really I did, but the server was asking for numbers that I simply didn’t have and frankly couldn’t be fagged getting hold of so I’ve had to leave you on the edge of your seats since my last missive.
Anyway the Novocastrians loved the show. Sensational review, “Civic shakes with applause as Conway sings Crazy” stuff like that. Said they loved all the cossies and that I looked like I’d been walking in high heels since birth. No-one fell off the stage I’m sure you’ll be relieved to hear, though 2 shows a day is one mighty big sing. 54 songs, sung flat chat after a week of performances is a big ask and I had trouble with my top notes in last night’s show. I haven’t said a word all day today except the bare minimum. It’s curious that people start talking to you like you’re deaf when you’re not speaking. Holding up fingers and making hand gestures and you have to stop yourself from shouting at them, “you stupid git, I’m the one the one with the matinee”.
I can’t sign off without saying that Newcastle is pretty damn gorgeous. You’d never know from the beaten track of Hunter Street. This was where the hotel and theatre were and in between, dozens of derelict shops, knockdown discount emporiums and lots of hoons. I got to know it well on the numerous walks up and back. It’s been a long time since I was growled at but I could safely count on at least one growl from someone a day, I think it’s a missing link kind of compliment in Hunter Street.
So when you wander down to the foreshore and there’s an amazing deep harbour, beautiful parklands, loads of cheap and cheerful but good fish restaurants, a view that rivals Rushcutters Bay, a brilliant surf beach at the end of the point, and people smile rather than growl, you get a nice surprise. I spent lots of time pounding the pavement in a t-shirt. Is it really supposed to be this warm in Newcastle in July?
Now I’m in Brisbane to do a show launch tomorrow, deciding whether to rent the movie or read my book. Back in Melbourne on Tuesday and opening on Thursday hopefully with a voice.
Sweet Dreams all
dc
added Sunday, 15 July, 2001
