Sunday evening and a drive home from Malvern after the next round of meetings for Opera Sark, the weather and scenery are just perfect whilst listening to Phamie Gow’s “Moments in Time” – such a beautiful album.
My daughter and I always salute and grin cheekily as we cross back into our homeland and I recall my dad saying on many a trip that if he died in England he wanted to be dragged over the border before the undertaker arrived. It’s funny that over the years the boy from Carmarthen has travelled around the globe and dined at tables with Royals but being home and sharing the simple day to day joys are what makes me who I am. The school run singing along to Ed Sheeran or the classic musical tunes with Elaine Page on Sundays. Just perfect.
Well it’s Monday morning: School run done and here I am finishing off my article and thinking about the week ahead. Today is a day at home preparing for my return visit to Taplow Primary School. St Nicolas is a beautiful school in Buckinghamshire where I visited many years ago with the Welsh National Opera.
Last year I returned to the school but not for my normal singing day experience but to direct year 6s final show – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It was just remarkable that in 5 days we put together a full production. All of us, the pupils, staff and I were so proud of what we achieved. I even managed to get the head give us his Elvis impression.
This year it’s the “Lion King” and this time, I’m told it’s with most of the school. And breathe Mark!! I love working with children the energy and joy that they gave each day is infectious and I can really understand why the Youth Opera was my mother’s blood supply. So yes it will be 6 days of craziness but I will be inspired again.
Wednesday morning is exciting. I’m filming a teaser for a TV show that I’ve been talking about for what seems like ages and so the day has arrived. I can’t say any more at this stage. I’m sorry because if I do reveal anything a few people might kill me. Thursday & Friday teaching. Saturday a private gig for my manager in London.
Sunday I am doing a return concert to Burnham in the most beautiful St Peter’s church with my wonderful band who are always such a joy to share the stage with. There are still a few tickets so if you’re in the area pop along I would love to see you there. And now my 500 words are almost written for another week and so it’s time for Hakuna Matata and the circle of life.
This article was originally published in the Carmarthen Journal in Mark’s weekly column for the paper.