WAS IT GOOD FOR YOU?

A huge thank you to Simon Greiff for all the hard work he has put into creating this wonderful diary.

Many thousands of you have been regularly reading these diary entries, and eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Here are a selection of some of the comments that were sent to Simon.

A message from Cynthia DiCola "Must compliment whomever came up with the idea of the ACTOR'S DIARY and choosing Simon Greiff as the one to share this diary. Mr. Greiff has a most engaging style of writing mixing the reality of the situation with a healthy dash of humour that keeps calling the reader back for more. Hope you are getting good traffic at the site as it deserves to be shared with many." Dear Cynthia, Thank you for your kind comments. I had always hoped that my writing of this diary would appeal to ANYONE and EVERYONE. Acting and Showbusiness can be viewed as being an elusive Vocation ... It is a just a JOB. By reading my diary I hope people can understand the process of rehearsing and performing a show, and that for me (however draining, exciting and rewarding it can be) it is just my job. And YES, a job that I am very lucky to be doing ... and one that I enjoy!! Many thanks, Simon G (Actor and Leopard !!) x

A message from David Bedford "Simon, I've really enjoyed reading your Just So diary, and it's made me smile with recollections of the semi-pro productions (I'm the semi, not the pro!) I've done. It's good to see that the madness of the rehearsal period is magnified for a professional production. I'm disappointed that I won't be able to make it to Chichester to see the production, but I hope the plans for a recording go ahead, and I look forward to hearing your turn as the Leopard. Thanks for taking the time to do this in addition to the rehearsals, performances and general insanity of the season. David PS - I'm a little bit scared by the winking photograph!" Dear David, Thank you for taking the time to read my diary. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it! Sorry that you won't get to see the show, but I hope my account, photo's and the imminent Cast Recording (hopefully out for Christmas!!) will be some compensation. Best Wishes, Simon G (the Leopard !!) x

A message from RM "I love this diary. As a fellow Actor, I think it offers a very realistic inside view to the biz. I have always wanted to work in Chichester but haven't been lucky enough to get it. However,I feel after this account, I almost have! I wish Simon the best of luck in the future and hope he continues to write as it is clearly another talent he posesses! Good luck, for a Fellow Thesp!" Dear RM, Thank you for your lovely comments ... fellow thesp !! Chichester really has been a fantastic place to work, and I wish you every success for next years season !! You never know, I may see you there in 2005 (if we are both lucky in work!!). Best Wishes, Simon G (fellow Thesp, and Leopard !!) x

A message from Lee You were great and yummy to look at! You gave me a lovely smile in the car-park before a summer performance and really cheered me up! A great show...well done! Dear Lee, So pleased I managed to cheer you up with just a smile!! Thanks for coming to see the show !! Simon G (Cheshire Leopard !!) x

A message from Anita Louise Combe DARL, Haven't had a chance to read your whole diary (don't really have enough hours in the day) BUT what a brilliant idea. Fantastic graphics to. Who did your web design? If you did it then I'm thoroughly impressed and wonder when you're going to come and do mine for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL anita Dear Anita, Keep reading!! I think you'll appreciate it !! So pleased you noticed how great the design is. I just write the diary, the wonderful Philip Crammond makes it look so good !! LOL Simon G ('BobbyC' the Leopard !!) x

A message from David Strickland Simon, I congratulate you on this great diary, and I've really enjoyed reading your various insights. I have a few questions about the show (I live in the states, therefor unable to come see the show; it looks great, though). If you have the time I'd appreciate if you answered a few. Could you, in greater depth, describe the setting/environment of the production- I'd like to get a better idea of the "door wall" at the back of the stage and see what the "hooks" are used for, I've heard so much about. What do the Wannabe Wallibie outfits and Wildebeest outfits consist of? If to your knowledge, what does the crocodile in your production wear? Well, thanks for your time. I congratulate you again on this site, and hope to hear you on the cast recording! Dear David, Sorry you won't get to see the show over here. I know that the show will have a huge life after Chichester, especially across the pond (or should I say Limpopo River !?!) in the U.S.A. With regards to the fantastic look of our show, well that is down to Peter McKintosh (the JS costume & settings designer) and Alison Chitty (the CFT installation deisgner). To explain the door-wall further, I have to include my first view of the theatre from my OOTW journal [something I'm hoping will complement my JS Diary ... that will hopefully make a published book, one day!!!]: "As I walk into the Festival Theatre, the first thing I can’t help but notice is Alison Chitty’s installation design on stage. It is a very open ‘arena’ type space with twelve doors leading to the backstage area, and twelve windows above them. Either side of this are two large spiral staircases that lead to the ‘shelf’ above the windows. The shelf consists of two areas: the front will be used as a balcony for the production and the back, a larger space, will house the band for both musicals! As I wander onstage with the rest of the cast I can hear lots of “Ooohs” and “Aahs”… I think we all finally realise we are here… there’s no turning back now!! The main playing area is very big, circular in shape, and generally 'blue' in colour. The audience seating is almost all around this stage, taking in three sides of the auditorium. The Festival Theatre is not like most conventional theatres you’d find in the West End or Provinces, this theatre has no fly tower (the area where scenery is flown in from above) and very little backstage space… and no wings (the waiting area to the side of the stage!). Therefore all set has been designed to a minimum". Does that help with the 'look' ?? Above the acting space is the frame work of the actual building. Attached to these frames are pullies that work the ropes and hooks. This system has been designed as there is no fly-tower! Twelve of these ropes are flown in during the show, and attached to the hooks are either our animal cases, or the Parsee ingredients or the umbrellas that represent the jungle. The crocodile is 'operated' by the Eldest Magician. Keep a check on the Production Photo's in the JUST SO page to see him in action. Also I'll be adding a 'line-up' of me in all my costumes, very soon !! I hope this answers your questions David ?? Keep reading and enjoy the Recording !! Many thanks, Simon G (your helpful Leopard !!) x A follow on message from David Simon, Okay, Simon, just one more question; I hate to be knackering but "there's no harm in asking..." How does the elephant's trunk grow during the COME HITHER scene, does it remain this way for the remainder of the production? Thanks for your time, David Strickland Dear David, In answer to your question about the Elephant Child's trunk, during the show he wears a plain grey bowler hat. When the crocodile has him by the 'nose' in COME HITHER the actor replaces his single bowler hat with a 'bowler hat tower', consisting of about five hats on top of each other that decrease in size upwards. This represents his 'trunk' !! Hope that helps ?? Simon G (your helpful Leopard !!) x

A message from John Simpson (who played the Parsee Man in The Nevada Repertory Company's production of Just So) Thank you so much for doing this journal, Simon! Having just performed in Just So earlier this year (I'm missing it terribly), I was really looking forward to traveling to Chichester from the western United States just to see the show. Unfortunately, things didn't go according to plan. I have immensely enjoyed reading all of the entries and finding out how your production went. I also just about had a heart attack when I found out that you guys will get to do a cast recording! Thank God! I thought I was going to be Just So-less for even longer! Dear John, "Anyone for crab cakes?" I have been reliably informed that you were the Nevada Repertory Company's Parsee Man! I'm so pleased you enjoy my journal ... and I know that I'm gonna miss JS when it's over too. With regards to the Cast Recording ... well, it a huge privilege to be a part of ... and ... "isn't this a perfect way to leave us as our story ends!" Keep reading! Many thanks, Simon G (Fellow JS cast member!!) x

A message from Leighton Martin Just a short note to thank you for writing this wonderfully humourous and insightful diary. As a young aspiring-actor, getting a look at the way shows are put on professionally is a real help - and I'm somewhat happ and somewhat full of dread to see that tech weeks are no less stressful for professional companies than they are for amateur companies. Can't wait to read more, and am terribly upset I won't be able to make the Chichester performances. Best wishes! Dear Leighton, Thank you for you message. Tech weeks certainly are tough, but everyone pulls together knowing that we'll get there in the end !! Thankfully we did !! Whether you are paid to Actor or not, an Audience is an Audience ... and we all want them to enjoy the show !! Keep reading ... a new chapter is on it's way. Many thanks, Simon G (technical Leopard !!) x

A message from J I worked at CFT over the summer and saw most of the performances of Just So, and I have to congratulate you on creating a fantastic show that just never got boring and became something of a cult amongst FOH staff. On the day of the last performance tensions were rife because everyone wanted to see the whole thing! I got to see the second half... so I got the fantastic Julie Atherton solo and the flying bit- bonus. And I have to say, the ovation it got couldn't have been more deserved; it was a great end to a fantastic run. All my love and the best of luck to everybody involved. Dear J, I hope "Just So" will always be a show to remember (and be proud of), especially by the wonderfully supportive audiences at the CFT ... and especially by Me !! The end of the Season is definitely something I'll never forget. I hope my Diary does it justice !! Best Wishes, and thanks for your message! Simon G (your 'Proud' Leopard) x

A message from Jack I worked at CFT over the summer and saw most performances of Just So and Out Of This World. Just to say I thought you were completely fantastic in both. I'd seen Just So about six times before I realised you were the same person. That's a compliment, right? Can't wait for the CD!! I've been back at uni a week and already the Just So withdrawal is giving me the shakes. Good luck with whatever you do next!!! Dear Jack, I'm so sorry you have withdrawal symptoms. You'll be pleased to know that I've been in the Recording Studio most of the day today ... revisiting the Great Grey Green Limpopo River!! The Cast Album is on it's way !!! It is a wonderful compliment that you didn't know it was little 'ole me as Art O'Malley AND the Comedy Leopard !! I have therefore done my job and achieved my goal !! Enjoy the CD ... and best wishes at Uni !! Many thanks for reading ... my last Chapter will be on-line soon !! Simon G (Chichester's 'Chameleon' Leopard !!) x

A message from Joy came across this site several weeks ago and have enjoyed revisiting it weekly. Thankyou Simon for a very entertaining diary. Good Luck to you in the future and I will look for you on TV. Dear Joy, I'm pleased you have enjoyed my Diary. Keep checking the site for all 'hot' Stiles and Drewe news !! I won't be on tele sometime soon (unfortunately), but I will be on stage at the Soho Theatre this Christmas! "Who's Afraid Of The Big Bad Book?" is an adaptation of the Award Winning Book by Lauren Child and runs until January 9th. A new Chapter in my life !! Best Wishes, Simon G (Retired Leopard!!) x

A message from Katherine Wood I just wanted to say a BIG thank you for providing such a fantastic insight into what goes on behind the scenes in a repertory theatre. Your writing style is very accessible and I have really looked forward to reading new installments each week. CONGRATULATIONS on getting a part in Soho Theatre's Christmas show - you are a STAR and a very special friend. Can't wait to hear the Just So cast album. See you soon, love Katherine x Name: Katherine Wood Dear Katherine, You've made me blush !! Thank you for your kind words darlin !! You are a true friend. Soooooo pleased you've enjoyed my Diary. I hope the Soho Theatre job will be a fun new adventure for me, and one that you can enjoy too. In the meantime, bring on the "Just So" Cast Album !! See you real soon ... LOL SG xx

A message from Gerry Sloana Dear Simon, I have been an avert fan of "Just So", having seen it when I was 19 at The Trycycle three times (I'm now 31), I have also seen in at Goodspeed and then grabbed some friends from London to travel downto see it at Chichester. They both cried and cheered. Just hearing that score live was enough to make me cry, but your performance and the the others were excellent. I nearly fell of my chairwhen the Zebra did her splits! Its a wonderful show and one that leaves more on the mind than just how good it was. Your all destined for greater things and you'd be a great Bert in Mary Poppins, thankyou for making us smile, for sharing your diary and for being "Just So"! Dear Gerry, I'm so pleased you got to see JS at Chichester ... and enjoyed it so much. I understand that the show has changed and developed quite a lot since 1990 !! I haven't been able to see 'Mary Poppins' yet, but I hear it is fantastic. And would I like to play Bert ?? In fact you're not the first person to suggest it !! You never know !! Best Wishes, JS fan ... Simon G x

A message from Warren Seamans Thoroughly enjoyed reading your "diary" of JUST SO. Am looking forward to the CD as well. Listened to a "sound system" recording of the Goodspeed version while reading your words Dear Warren, Thank you for your message. Listening along to the songs as you read my Diary is a fantastic idea. I'll have to try it myself sometime !! Hopefully when the Chichester Album is released, people can listen along to that too while they read. Many thanks, Simon G x

A message from Holly Tayloe Hi Simon, I was taking part in the festival production of 'Doctor Faustus' when I found out I could receive complimentary tickets to one of the other productions. I am sooo glad I chose 'Just So', and the last performance too. I have never been so entertained! I was starting to wonder what was so good about the musical score that my friend would not stop singing at every Faustus rehersal! (She had seen it a record 15 times!) Being a performing arts student, I was in total awe of the standard of acting and the whole cast were amazing. (I was also lucky enough to work with Cooking stove and Parsee on the dance involved in 'Doctor Faustus') I regret not getting your autograph on my programme when I was often in 'The Bell' after Faustus and managed to get Zebra, Parsee and Elephant's Child to sign it! However, I will forever bookmark your page as it was a brilliant insight into the life of a professional actor - and hopefully I will be doing the same thing in years to come! Thank you very much!

A message from Katy Auker Hiya Simon, Wow! I only just discovered this diary, I've been coming on this website for ages and completely overlooking the Diary of a Leopard thing. But I'm glad I finally found it :) I really, really want to do a production of this, but I don't have enough people. Or rather, I don't have enough boys...I go to an all girls school!! Thanks for such a great diary, and such an amazing show! It's now my favourite musical. I thought nothing could surpass Fame, but I've been proved wrong! Katy xxx Dear Katy, I'm soooo pleased you (finally) found my diary. And really chuffed that JS is your favourite show. I certainly won't forget the show in a hurry. I can only hope that I'll get to work with the great G&A again sometime ,,, Until the next diary ... Best Wishes, Simon G x PS: Check out 'Moby Dick:The Musical', it can be done with an all-girl cast !!

A message from Richard Hurst, Simon An amazing show mate and the diary is genius!! it was inspiration for me as a "wanna be" in the land of musical theatre!! If your in bristol next year call in at the bristol academy of performing arts, would be great if you could do a talk???? just so is my new fave musical it really is so bring on the cast album, when is it out??! i live in bath and came to watch it seven times, which might i add is a two and a half hour trip!! i loved it and your comic timing is fab mate!!! i wish you lots of luck for the future!! don't forget bristol!!!! let me know if you get this i watched the show seven times and was gutted when it finished !! i live in bath so it was a three hour treck to and from the theatre!! thanx for such a detailed diary, an enjoyable read!!! Dear Rich, I'm an inspiration ?? Well thank you soooo much. That means a lot to me. Best of luck with your training ... commit to it, and enjoy it ... and you'll be fine !! JUST SO seven times ?? Wow ... it may be a record. Best Wishes, JS fan !! Simon G x

From Linda Polan An enchanting read, Simon; you must continue. 'Keep a diary whilst you're young and it'll keep you when you're old'- tho' to achieve that, you may have to add some exotic content about you and GG and ideally a Member of Parliament. Add a sprinkling of cross-dressing & bestiality (after all, you do have the wardrobe for it) and your diary will keep you in the manner to which we'd all like to be accustomed.. Dear Linda, Thank you for you suggestion ... and for reading my Diary ... “Keep a diary, as one day it will keep you”- Mae West (1892-1980). She was also reported to have said "He who hesitates is a damned fool" !!!! Sound advice all round I think !? Many thanks, Simon G x.

Dear Simon, I, sadly, never got to see your production of "Just So", but I my school is putting on a production of Rudyard Kipling's "Just So", but it is much less professional, and I do not have time at this moment to read your diary. I was just curious about the way the Parsee Man acted on stage. I saw the pictures you had posted of him and saw his costume (very.... original). I was curious has to what his personality on stage was, because I am protraying him in my school's production. If you don't have the time to answer this, then don't. But your advice would be really helpful. Thanks alot.

Hi Simon Well done on this site - it looks great and must be a fascinating insight for people not familiar with the theatre business. I've just read your "finding digs" section and thought you should know about my new website: "www.showdigs.co.uk". Maybe you could return the favour and let me know what you think! Thanks Amy

 

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