21st July 2006

End of the Road

This is our last venue – Birds of Paradise have been preparing for Mouth of Silence over a year and now we have reached the end of our tour.

I am going to catch a bus to Skye to see everyone – the bus takes seven hours, I’m not really looking forward to this journey – I buy food, magazines and a lot of water before I get on the bus, I believe you need to prepare for such a long and tiring journey. Once I’m on the bus, and outside Glasgow however I start to enjoy the journey, it’s a gorgeous sunny day and the bus is quiet – Reading, looking at the beautiful scenery and enjoying the occasional forty winks – I now think every Friday should be spent this way.

5 pm and I’m on Skye, I walk to the venue and grab a coffee, I’ve not had a coffee since I left Glasgow – anyone who knows me, knows how much I love coffee. About 6pm the actors, production team and Morven arrive at the venue – They are full of stories from their week on the Hebrides.

I have not seen the play since it was in Glasgow four weeks ago – I’m amazed by the difference in the show, the actors were so relaxed with their performances and signing is now a second language to them all, it was an absolute joy to watch. We had a wonderful audience for our last evening. Doing a get out (loading the van with our set and equipment) when there are so many midges is no fun for anyone—we have all sprayed ourselves with repellent and we are also holding incense sticks to keep them as far away from us as possible. To the pub for a couple of drinks—Friday evening and Portree is swinging—we are able to find a quiet pub get a table when the clock chimes midnight we all sing/sign Happy Birthday to Wendy (Sign Language Interpreter)


Shona Rattray – Projects Manager