After being brought to tears by the read through yesterday, I was determined that today I would toughen up - I didn't think I would have to be as brave as I was!

Well - we arrived at Cardiff Central for our day trip to the venue in Bridgend. As we were handed out our rail tickets it was like going on a school trip - I was a little over excited and buzzing off too much caffiene and broken sleep...but as we came out the other side in Bridgend, I had to pinch myself to check I wasn't hallucinating or hearing things as John issued us with our 'rules' for the first part of the day.

I was told I also had to be part of this 'mission' because 'as an emerging director I needed to emerse myself in the whole experience' - Oh.. jolly good... I thought as I scribbled down the instructions. We were then set loose on this poor town to follow people, accoust and chat to random members of the community, start washing things, sing in the street, venture into places we had never been before/ would never usually go - and gather our trophies along the way.

Reluctant though I might have been at first - I soon got into the swing of it. What a great way to explore a new town, just following interesting people to see where it might take you - I nearly got sussed a few times but managed to escape without getting into a fight..although I did put such blind faith in following one couple I got totally lost...but seemed to find the only person in the town who actually knew where Hobo's was and she put me back on the right track.

Somehow - I found myself in the 16-25 yr olds drop in centre ( somewhere I would obviously not go, being way too long in the tooth) flicking through the lealets on Clamydia and other STD - when a member of the centre came out and asked me if they could help - I actually uttered the words 'they are not for me they are for friend...' whilst scuttling back onto the streets. Members of the cast could be seen about the town - washing telephone boxes, placing bets, chasing men down the street ready to wrestle them to the ground for their crushed apple juice carton - that JUST HAD TO BE A TROPHIE! And strumming on guitars and.... singing for all to hear.

Back in the rehearsal space as we reinacted our encounters it started to paint a real picture of the town we were about to start working in. It made us all start to discover this town in a new and interesting way, you discover things that, had we all just walked from the station together straight to the venue, we would never have found and some of these things were real gems...and I have to say singing loudly in the street and saying morning to everyone you see - may make you appear a little unhinged - but it's a lovely way to start the day!

I could chat forever but I will leave you with that for now - oh who am I? Good question..I am Elise and I am lucky enough to be the emerging director on this play - I am already learning so much and v excited to be working on such an exciting piece - so thank you NTW!

I'll blog again soon and keep you updated