Hi everyone

As we go into Week Four of rehearsals on A Good Night Out in the Valleys, I feel it’s about time to introduce myself. My name is Ross Leadbeater and I am the Assistant Director on the show. I’ve been awarded the first of the NTW’s Emerging Director roles and I must say that the experience so far has been an amazing one.

Despite the rumours, I am not a member of Girls Aloud, nor have I been caught sending text messages to footballers (don’t you just love working with Boyd Crap, sorry Clack). The cast of six actors are a real joy to work with although for some reason they insist on calling me ‘Slick’. I don’t actually mind the name, but it does makes me sound much cooler than I actually am! Anyway, my responsibilities so far include assisting John and acting as another set of eyes and ears for him. Although, as I’m sure the cast will agree, his beady eyes don’t miss much. I am chief note-taker for John and I keep a detailed record of rehearsal exercises.

I have done vocal-coaching sessions with Amy, Sharon and Huw and I’ve shared my favourite warm-up song with the whole cast- plenty more songs to come so get exercising those vocal chords you lovely singers! I’ve also been filming some of the rehearsals for the weekly video diary.

I am thrilled to be involved with the first production of the National Theatre of Wales and the fact that we are rehearsing daily in the valleys (Blackwood being just a stone's throw away from my home town of Abertillery) and will be touring the miners’ institutes of South Wales with a play about valley characters makes the whole process an extra special one!

Tara for now

Ross