Wednesday 29 May 2013

Children's poet laureate Julia Donaldson (3)

The auditorium was packed with children of all ages, excitedly anticipating the spectacle ahead. And Esme. Who had told me she had not wanted to come only an hour before, and now kept asking me for another sweet to chew. Sweets so sticky they stuck to their wrapper. Sweets that surely must have been stashed in a cupboard by a radiator at the Hall, for potentially a decade of entertainment?

A hush fell over us all and then there she was. Julia Donaldson. On the stage and resplendent in blue. Wearing her children's poet laureate medal with pride. Looking, well, normal! 

Julia announced how happy she was to be back in Haslemere, and then, she announced how sad she was, that this was to be her final show as the children's poet laureate. And then she began.


A song. A story. A poem. And so on. 
It was delicious. No. It was scrum-diddly-umptious. Everyone sung, cheered, clapped, hoorah-ed, guffawed and giggled. After watching The Singing MermaidEsme turned to me and said, 'Mummy, I did my hardest ever clapping for that.' Along with, 'Can I have another chew?' In the end, because of the dimmed light, I think she ate as much paper, as sweetie.

More applause, another sticky sweet, a bottom shuffle, and finally, and fortunately, Esme was chosen to perform. Thank God because, at every given opportunity prior to that, when Julia had asked for children to help, Esme had put up her hand, extending her arm till it was almost out of its socket, lifting her backside into the air. I had kept placating her with overtones of, 'There'll be another opportunity for a turn later.' But this time was the was the last, and as if she had known it, Esme had actually stood atop the chair and practically teleported her way to the stage. Anyway, that and the Jedi-mind tricks my gregarious 4YO is so adept at, had her picked.

Serious all the way, Esme walked to the stairs to the stage, and on reaching Julia, announced, (the microphone picked up EVERYTHING), "My Mummy has my book with her for you to sign. She wants you to do that." Ever the professional, Julia replied, "You can be the hen." From that moment on Esme, enthralled, entranced, engaged, never spoke another word, but squawked, as and when required.

They began to act out the story of A squash and a squeeze, and I thought I may die laughing when Esme was instructed to lay an egg. Everyone roared. But I honestly don't think Esme was even aware, for she, confidently concentrating, took her part of hen most seriously. Continuing to chase about the table, long after her fellow animals, had tired. Only when the hen in the book quit flapping, did she rest.

And so ended with a delightful bow, (a little bit earlier than everyone else), my daughters acting debut; her role as chicken. The chicken that had us all eating out of the palm of her sticky hand.  





12 comments:

Elizabeth said...

What a wonderful tale of a debut on stage. I loved reading it. Here's to start of an incredible acting career x

Writing Life As It Is said...

Ah thank you! Although, you do realise Esme's acting career actually begun as a neonate! Have a great weekend!

Stephanie said...

Brilliant, look out Hollowood! Would love to see Julia Donaldson live, sounds great.

Writing Life As It Is said...

Oh Stephanie, she was absolutely fantastic. And so very normal! Check out the photos in my next post to get a sense of how the show works... Thanks for stopping by LIFE AS IT IS

Unknown said...

THe chicken on the head is fantastic!! What a star.

All At Sea said...

Well done your girl! The show sounds fab - so pleased she got picked - my son always bottles it slightly when the moment is upon him - need to try the arm out of socket trick ;-)

Writing Life As It Is said...

Isn't it just brilliant. Thanks for the comment Judith.

Writing Life As It Is said...

It was the first time Esme was in a position to ever go up on stage. I was amazed at how cool, calm and confident she was up there. She's always been uber confident, so I supposed I ought not to have been SO surprised, but actually being up in front of so many eyes, you'd think may have deterred her? But she was so caught up in the action, she really couldn't have cared. I hope it stays that way for her...

H said...

Sounds like and amazing day, sounds like she did very well on stage in front of all those people!

Unknown said...

Oh Esme, you truly are a star in the making. I adore Julia Donaldson's creations and The Snail and the Whale still brings a little tear to my eye. I love a squash and a squeeze too. Thank you for sharing this lovely xx

Writing Life As It Is said...

Thanks Vicky, didn't my girl do well?!

Writing Life As It Is said...

A-MAZ-ZING darling! And yep, a proud moment for Mummy!