Magic Lamp wanted

Back in June, we went and saw 1984 and can't really say we enjoyed it.  So it was with eager anticipation that we went along to see Aladdin at Her Majesty's. Aitana came along and had never been to a large stage production and really wanted to see "a musical". Boy was she in for a pleasant surprise (understatement).

This stage musical is based on the 1992 Disney animated movie. We all know how it goes, cute but poor thief falls in love with a Princess, finds a magic lamp, out pops a Genie and they all live happily ever after. 

Ah the Genie. Michael James Scott steals the show from the very first scene and you can't wait for him to pop out of that bottle and make magic.  Aladdin (Ainsley Melham) and his trio of thieves are fun and fabulous and Princess Jasmine (Hiba Elchikhe) has a great voice.

The whole stage is filled with wild colour and the scene in the Cave of Wonders where Aladdin finds the lamp is simply breathtaking.  That and the magic carpet ride whilst singing A Whole New World are just amazing and my two fave scenes.  Well those and every one where the Genie appears. 

The Genie, is sassy, sexy and hilarious (where can I get me one of those)? His rich voice singing a "Friend Like Me" is perfect and he had us all in stitches every time he opens his mouth.  Even the baddies are good - Jafar, the evil Grand Vizier and his funny, little henchman, Iago.

The whole show is just one big story of love and magic winning in the end and the colour, song and dance routines are highlights. A fabulous show that makes your cheeks hurt from smiling the whole time.  Absolutely loved it. It's just one of those things that you leave feeling good and even writing this I have a smile on my face.  Aitana was also blown away - what a perfect first musical to have the pleasure of seeing.  5 Stars and in my top 3.

So what type of a theatre goer am I?  Most definitely the funny, comical, musical, brightly coloured enjoying type and most definitely not the deep and meaningful 1984 type. I'm just not the philosophical, thought provoking seeking type.



The very funny and talented Genie (Picture: Deen van Meer)

Aladdin finds the lamp - I need to get myself one of those! (Picture: Deen van Meer)

Fabulous Fun! (Picture: Deen van Meer)

A goal without a plan is just a wish

Wow, December and 2017 is fast coming to an end and I thought it was time to start thinking about 2018.  Soon it will be time to review all my lists!  Ooh what new and exciting things can I add?

A couple of weeks ago, B and I went to a session on goals – how to set and stick to them.  Got me thinking about what are my life goals?  Maybe it’s the big things on my lists?  Not sure.  Procrastination. Instead of spending the time thinking and working towards life goals, why do we procrastinate and watch mindless TV or scroll through Facebook?

So, what do I still want to accomplish?  Is it ever too late to set goals – no way!  What are my life goals?  What do I truly want? And how the fuck do I work it out? 

1.     Brainstorming list
  - What’s important?
  - Where am I at today?
  - Where do I want to be?

2.     Life goals
  - What couldn’t I live without?  Narrow that sucker down
  - Set specific targets

3.     How do I get there?
   - Start with the last step and work backwards.

                - Focus on the main ones – rank them?

       4.   Get shit done
                - Pick a goal, break it down, stop procrastinating and get started

Right then.  I’m off to think and right those suckers down.  Because as they say, a goal without a plan is just a wish.