Day 10! Caroline Rhea! Rain poncho...and "How fucking good are you?!"

Day...10? How the eff did that happen so fast....today, as I write this...I have to constantly look through the pictures I have taken to remember what I did.

It really is like a raging river here...just so fast and furious and you have to hold on, people, or you will get swept away!!! AWAY!!!

I have cards and fucking flyers of the people I have met and the people I want to see...I am just OVERWHELMED...in the good way...and, as Wayne put it so eloquently, to finish all of the days...there is a little thing called THE SHOW!!!

But the best thing is Georgie has gotten here...and everything seems managable!!

He has gotten right into it!

Here is he and Derrick afixing labels to flyers....

Checking out the Chip options...

And as a monster.

All of us having a celebratory feast...

And George, again, as a monster.

I had a ton of showcases that I am set up to do, one of them called Edinburgh Tonight! and I walked by the sign and this is how I was listed....

LOVES IT!

So, We woke yesterday morning...and you didn't know from my mood the kind of day it was gonna be...oh lord I was surly as we walked to the mile...the Royal Mile for our second street busking hell experience...but you do learn from experience...I knew what to expect...so Wayne and I figured out a slicker routine...and I had my cover of BROADWAY BABY in tow....

...a bit crumpled....but useful...it went alright...everything goes better when George is here....

Derrick has also gotten stickers made for the flyers that lay out my five stars, man!!! LOVES IT!!!

So, George and I went to the Half Price Hut and then the Fringe line up and sold a BUNCH of tickets...at least 15, and for my small room that was not bad at all...

Then the team went to Edinburgh Tonight with Joe Simmons...and they were just lovely...the people...the guests...what a great group!

And there, after the soundcheck, on a couch in the green room I met kindred spirit ( lordy, but eff off) and fellow Canadian Caroline Rhea.

She is something else!!!We have done a lot of the same showcases...we are all just trying to sell our effing shows.

She is funny and fun...and I lent her my fabulous DT Beauty make up for the show and this picture...she didn't know the show was being televised!!! Oh, it will be on Podcast soon...it is a really cool line up...they get some great guests!

It was a singular experience, really...with Caroline, Joe and his producer Terry...and the unbelievably frank reviewer for the Scotsman, Kate Copstick...remember how I wrote about her before? Saying I would love her to review the show?

Well, she was in the wings when I sang...Don't Stop Believin'...and she came and found me after and walked up and said "How fucking good are you?!" and George JUMPED up and said, "Can we quote you?"....and then she said "Yes!" and she said the quote 3 times in a row!!!

YAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!

That is the grail of what I have come here for, review wise!!

It was a great time....and people were pouring out after the show holding my flyer and some of them CAME!!!

And I met Caroline Rhea...did I mention that?And Kate Copstick!!!Oh lord...good times.....

Could it get any better....well...it started to fucking rain...and I was dressed to walk to the theatre in my pink satin FC dress....so Derrick pulled this poncho out of his bag....I looked like an asshole....

See.

The audience....was packed....really packed for the first time...and when they came in....I knew it was gonna be a good show...it was the best so far!!!

What a great show!!!

I kissed three guys I didn't know....enough said....I was a wild woman.

And speaking of Wild WOMEN!!!

Gillian...the silent auction winner of the tickets to the show in Scotland, the Edinburgh Passes and a drink got here yesterday!!! All the fucking way from TO!!!

The people from Edinburgh Tonight invited us to a party and we all went...Gillian in tow...we have got to show this lady a good time...and she is so very fun....

Great party...lots of artists...and lots of booze....I only had one...I am trying to know my limit....

And, Wayne's Mom, Wayne gets up every morning and looks at me accusingly...like the lateness is my fault...like he doesn't have his own free will...He could always go home....but he DOES NOT!!!

We are having a great time...sleeping as much as is allowed...selling the show...and meeting great people.

Life is good....good day.

COVER OF BROADWAY BABY!!! HALF PRICE HUT!!! DOUCHE!!! Day 7!!

Oh my two days...this place is freakin' crazy....just effing nuts.Yesterday I went here...

The Half Price Hut and flyering and tried to perfect my pitch....some people don't even make contact as they fling their hand into your face and say "NO." and others...well, when I stood beside them for a couple of minutes and then asked them casually if they "Wanna see a cabaret?"...like I am selling drugs....they get this funny look on their faces that is screaming "CONVINCE ME" and we are off to the races for about 2 minutes...I throw in as many movie titles, musical titles, review quotes...and then in the words of my dear husband I tell them that if they don't like it I will eat the bug of their choice...always finishing on a hopeful high note.It was a gorgeous day yesterday...a beautiful day to walk to the Half Price Hut....through the highways and biways...did I spell that right?

Anyway....here was my walk!

The kids and the producer from West End Glee Club came out to the show last night...so nice...it was a decent house...I still struggle with the obsession of filling the seats...but there wasn't anyone from the Half Price Hut.

Fuckers.

But we went out for Italian last night...

....during which whenever the young swarthy waiter came over to chat with the table Gwillim would call me a douche...he is so naughty.

I loves him...he is just the best sport!

And the awesomest player!!! Hi WAYNE'S MOM!!! She reads this...I almost didn't write the douche part because of that, but I can't curb my art, Wayne's Mom. Besides that you brought up the best boy!

Today, due to a fuck up on my part...some miscommunications that I heard wrong...does that make sense?...we walked over to New Town and were late and missed the well reviewed and Canadian Invisible Adam...I really fucked up...sorry Anthony!

I have been feeling a bit under the weather....fighting a cold and pretending that I am not tired...so while Derrick waited to apologize to Anthony (Invisible Adam) I went to the Half Price Hut...I was just so tired...a bit stressed about tickets...and fatigued...that I laid down on the grass outside the Half Price Hut...and looked at this view....

...and fell asleep.Lord.

For effs sake.

But kept my 2:00pm meeting with Erv Raible, head of the Cabaret Conference at Yale University...he has the distinction of having started MAC ( Mahattan Association of Cabaret Artists) and owned, at one time, Don't Tell Mamas and Eighty Eights among many other achievements...and he came to my opening night...he is a dear man and we had a great conversation...and he came to my show tonight.

Thanks Erv!What a great new friend...

Big House tonight!

We had bought an ad on the List for a couple of days and some people came due to that...some came due to my AWESOME reviews!!! WOOO WOOO 5 STARS!!!

And some just curious and satisfied, I am hoping...

Then after the show Wayne and I came back to the place to chill before going to the 12:30am to 3:00am showcase at Lach's Antihoot....it is at the Gilded Balloon...what a fucking good time...You have to sign up and then you pick a number...I was number 9.Lord...I cannot remember the last time I sang that late...OH WAIT!!! I never have...The audience was VERY YOUNG....my youngest yet...very University...and frankly those people scare me...but I decided to be brave as Derrick looked on with curiousity...you have got to love that...he will see anything...and Wayne, on work vacation, two fisted a pear beer and a G & T (Wayne's Mom, he was still great to play...no worries!). We saw some great acts!!! you must go if you are over here...AFTER you have seen my show!

There are comics, bands, solo singers...a magician who got down to his bare ass nakedness (THEY CANNOT WAIT TO GE THEIR CLOTHES OF OVER HERE!!!) and Caroline Rhea was on the same bill...we are both also doing a showcase called "Edinburgh Tonight" on Saturday...fuck...tomorrow!!!

When we finally got to the stage the piano was ONE WHOLE TONE LOWER and I was just so tired that I was LYING down on the stage at the end...BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY strikes AGAIN!!! What a laugh!

The time is just flying so fast....Anyway...I forgot to mention before the show...that Derrick, when we met him at the Gilded Balloon, was very excited and then he showed me this...

This is Broadway Baby Offline....a HUGE DAILY Festival publication...and today... ALL DAY...I am on the cover with my 5 STAR review...I cannot believe it...WE WERE SO CHUFFED, as they say over here!! There are 2500 shows...and I was on the front...YAYAYAYAY!!!

I await the big papers coming...but I LOVE that the 5 star reviews I am getting are from the people...who are coming to see the show and taking the time to write about it...here are the three I got today...here they are all on http://www.broadwaybaby.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=46%3Acurrent-edinburgh-festival&id=7459&Itemid=68

Really Great Cabaret Show!

Rating: 5.0 STARS

Reviewed by Matt McPhaden

August 19, 2010

While I was attending the West End Glee Club (a fantastic show with some incredible young singers), the audience was introduced to a special guest performer named Sharron Matthews. I had never heard of her before, but will look out for her now. She sang an amazing version of Don't Stop Believing that had me forgetting Journey and Glee. After the show, someone gave me a flyer to her show, Sharron Matthews Superstar, so I attended last night. She was just as amazing in a full cabaret show as she was during that one number. I loved her voice and her personality and the stories she told to go with the songs she sang. Don't miss this show.

Sharron Matthews, Superstar? Yes, she is!

Rating: 5.0 STARS

Reviewed by Jane Smythe

August 19, 2010

We were a little apprehensive attending a show where the performer bills herself as a "Superstar", but she seemed to have the credits and notices from Canada, then she proved it live! This was a fantastic show from start to finish, and Sharron Matthews is an absolutely riveting and stunning performer.She performs a number of pop hits from the 70s to the present, sometimes mashing numerous songs together such as a mix of Shirley Bassey's Diamonds are Forever with Madonna's Material Girl, or a Disco Medley including Bee Gees, Gloria Gaynor, etc, to a beautiful version of Radiohead's Creep. Between the songs are stories of her life growing up in small-town Ontario to attending musical theatre school then starring in Les Miserables and appearing in films like Mean Girls and Hairspray. She is utterly charming and endearing, never outstaying her welcome with each story and song. The result is pure musical bliss. If you want to see a true superstar, go see Sharron Matthews!

"Sharron Matthews Superstar" Lives Up To Her Title!

Rating: 5.0 STARS

Reviewed by Laura McMaster

August 18, 2010

This cabaret performer from Canada rocked theSpace at Surgeons Hall last night with her powerful performance and winning personality. Well worth seeing if you're looking for something musical and entertaining. Highly Recommended.

Audience Review

Good Points

I loved the music she was performing, ranging from the Eagles Hotel California to Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody to Radiohead's Creep to Madonna, Shirley Bassey and Britney Spears. She has a powerful voice which sounded amazing in the venue and the time just flew by.

Bad Points

The show was over too quickly. She is a well-known performer in Canada and has appeared in films such as Hairspray, Cinderella Man and Mean Girls, and told a story about working with John Travolta. I wanted to hear more of those kinds of stories, but also wanted more songs as she has a wonderful voice.

GEORGE MASSWOHL ARRIVES TODAY!!! TODAY!!! YAYAYAYAYA!!

There are 2 filthy titles and one contageous title to this blog. DAY 6!

Title of August 18th Blog.

Holy effing bums in seats.

Subtitle of August 18th Blog.

Who the eff do you have to fuck in this town to get a reviewer to your show?

Alternative Subtitle of the August 18th Blog

I do two interviews and a showcase and try not to get the cholera.

So, a three fold blog, really.

Yesterday, Wayne and I rubbed our eyes bright and early after our fabu, yet, not reviewed (sadly) opening the night before.

I strapped on my converse sneakers and Wayne, his shirt from Oxfam (my environmentally movtivated friend Wayne has died and gone to heaven here with the great number of second hand stores that are moments from our flat!) and we went in search of Leith FM.

A tiny, well-appointed volunteer run radio station...they couldn't have been sweeter...Grahame the host, just fabulous. There was a lady there who interupted a "jam", as they say, to tell me that the song I was rehearsing with Wayne reminded her of someone she wasn't speaking to.

Well, that is alright then.

Here is a photo of Wayne "jamming"

After the interview Wayne put his melodica in a bag I put my sunglasses on and we walk 40 beautiful minutes uphill....getting back to the gym will be an effing godsend...and went to the Pleasance Courtyard to Fresh Air Radio...a student run station with a girl who had been left alone to DJ and had to have the two comedians who she was interviewing open the door to let us in.

LOVES IT!

We sang our stuff and did our thing and tried not to hug Shana, the DJ, who said she had the flu.

I effing hope she didn't give it to me...oh for fuck sakes...DON'T GIVE ME THE CHOLERA!!!

Then we went home where I thought deep thoughts and got ready for a showcase at the Zoo Roxy.There was a great show there but I am 'Sophie's Choicing' whether to mention the name or not...it is hard...I just ...it is just...I want you all to come to my show...I will have to search my heart and think about what I have done.

Isn't that just horrible?

Am I gonna go to hell??

I don't know whether to tell you about the other show....or keep your effing bums focused on finding their ways to my show and very comfortable (that is questionable) seats at the Surgeon's Hall tonight at 9:05pm....I am taking MY bum and the rest of me to the Half Price Hut in a few....gonna shower and see a cabaret and then off I go!!!

Oh for fucksakes...it is called 'West End Glee Club' and it is awesome....THERE!!!

BUT SO AM I!

COME SEE MY EFFING SHOW!!!

I am in bed and have been while working for the last two hours....

That is pretty much my speed this morn....but a gal has gotta go and DO!!!

SELL!! SELL!!!

I am surprised to find that one of my most challenging things here is to get a freaking reviewer to come to the show...Usually, as fancy and self involved artists, we try not to think about reviewers...we are all fucking fragile and don't want to know when they are coming... "Oh, don't tell me, I don't wanna know"

But here you are BEGGING!!!

And I mean literally BEGGING reviewers to come... "Please come...I will give you whatever you want! How can I get you to come? What kind of bizarre thing can I offer that will make you come" (Please don't read that as a horrible sexual overture...unless it might help)....it is such a shocking about face that it ALMOST makes me pass out.

And then there is that moment that I push away constantly where I think "What the fuck if they hate my show?" Push it away...push it away, Sharron...focus on other things...like the half price hut....yeah, focus on the half price hut.

The show had a respectable audience last night but I constantly focus on what I can do to get more bums in the seats...it is a fucking obsession....

But I did get my first review...from a lovely girl named Stephanie Walls who was in the front row the first night...it is on a site called www.publicreviews.com... I love it...it is from the people...LOVE IT!!!

Here it is....OH and before you read....she gave me 5 stars!!!

WOO FUCKING WOO!!!

'Hi! Are you here to see my show?' I look up and a very smiley lady in a huge flowery dress is offering to shake my hand. I say yes I am and she asks me my name, introduces herself as Sharron Matthews and thanks me for coming. She proceeds to greet a few more people in the foyer as we wait patiently with her for the over-running previous show to get out of the space. She apologises that we all have to be so quiet (the poor girl behind the box office desk has to shush the audience every 20 seconds as not to disturb the other shows in progress) and tells us we'll get in as soon as possible.I settle myself on the front row and within moments Matthews has handed me a couple of bundled up t-shirts and asked me to look after them for her. Matthews comes across as an instantly likeable, genuine person and when she starts her first medley of songs we soon find out she has an amazing voice to match. Intertwined with her wonderfully sung numbers are various stories and asides about her own experiences ranging from growing up as an awkward teenager in Toronto to putting together her own stool in her over crowded one bedroom Edinburgh apartment. We are absorbed completely in her tales and at times genuinely moved by some of the more personal anecdotes. We are laughing throughout and each song is cleverly arranged and beautifully performed.Sharron Matthews truly is a superstar and a performer as personable and instantly likeable is something rare both at The Fringe and beyond. She continued to be lovely and cut her own show short as to not disrupt the next show (despite the fact the show before her was to blame!) – She quickly tied up the loose ends and I am pleased to report I am now the proud owner of one of the 'Sharron's Army' t-shirts I was babysitting. I shall wear it proudly and I wish this lady every success in Edinburgh!

DAY 4 at Edfringe! Opening DAY!!!

Opening DAY!!!

Again!...A day of highs and lows...So tired...and not a bit drunk...okay... a bit drunk....

We started the day with Derrick and I walking down the street (Wayner was sleeping) and going to a music store to get a...wait for it...tambourine...god bless WAYNE!!!....to fill out our soung for the live UNAMPLIFIED gig on the Royal Mile...and let us be clear...there are about 10,000 people on the Royal Mile and half of them are selling their shows...It was not bad...I am a bit of a whoring busker...it was the UNAMPLIFIED part that I had a hard time with...the kids are all there selling their shows in groups of 5 -20...that is a bit easier...so...there are no pictures of this... because Derrick was handing out flyers...Wayne was playing the melodica and the tambourine (with his foot) and I was screaming at the top of my lungs...WOW!!!

I was a challenge...I have never done anything like that before...we have two more planned and Derrick asked if I wanted to cancel them...I am unsure if I will or not....it was a bit humbling, to say the least....but people did listen and I handed out flyers...it was something else.We walked home in a bit of an overwhelmed silence...And we needed to buy a stool...I have not often worked in a place that didn't have a stool...but we compared prices and bought one that had to be put together...which I did...two hours before the show....my life is glamourous / not at the same time.

I wanted a picture of that...but Wayne thought that video would be more affective...well, I will download it later, Spielberg.

We got to the theatre and I was shitting my pants...would people come...would I have 4 people in the audience?

But we were full!!!

Packed!

AMAZING!!!!!

The people before us went 10 minutes over...I was a bit mad...but Wayne, Derrick and our tech ran through the set up like motherfuckers...and I brought everyone in and we started...It was awesome...I was so fucking pleased...so please....And there was a huge Canadian presence...Halifax native Anthony Black, who has recently won an award here at the fringe AND gotten amazing reviews for his show Invisible Adam sat in the second row with his wife, Ann Marie, his promoter Sara and his Stage Manager Christian....they stayed after and we laughed, celebrated and drank to the night!!!

The girl who took our pic was smoking...I liked the ghostly affect...I have to go to sleep...

And we ate a lot of chips!

Average audiences for the first night at the fringe...for an untested show...is usually about....ready for it?

2.

So, I am proud...no reviewers tonight but a great show!!!

Then the fanciest thing?

The walk home in the rain!!!

2 interviews on the radio EARLY!!!
GOTTA SLEEP!!!
Night ALL for Scot LAND!!!

WAIT!!!
Two fave comments overheard...."She is like a mix between the female Jack Black and the female Bette Midler.."
"We were across the street at Porgy and Bess and left because it was shite...YOU WERE AWESOME!!!"
LOVES IT!!



Day 3! Highs! Lows! Tired! Short formed!

I am so fucking tired and I am live on the Royal Mile at noon....so I gotta short form this!

Here we got!

Cabaret Symposium.

Most awesome...different here...very circus and burlesque based....Camille O' Sullivan says that when you tell people you are doing cabaret they expect you to take of your clothes...me think "really?'...more on that later.

Tech rehearsal....awesome...the tech people loved us and kept us in the room 5 minutes past our time because they wanted to hear Bohemian Rhapsody...loves it.

Back to the flat...Derrick makes dinner while Wayne and I get ready for first showcase.

We are tardy getting there...but so are a number of people...one act is a dude wrestling a painting in a WWF outfit...there is a dragon who does comedy who is so effing funny...we then witness 3 of 7 acts take of their clothes...well, Camille...who knew?

All dudes.

And then the show is running so far over that I get....CUT!!!!

Oh well, tardiness doesn't pay....

But I am bummed as Derrick, Wayne and I walk across the North Bridge...we stop to take picture and run into these lovely people...she looks at me with wide eyes and says..."you...I know you....you're the actress...you are Sharron Matthews!!"

She is the lovely Bev from Perth, Ontario with her husband Bob who are on their 50th wedding anniversary vacation!

Recognizing in another part of the world number 2 people!!!

You know what that is?

World freakin' Domination!!!

Then with spirits lifted we go to next (fucking short form Sharron!!! GO TO BED!!!That is Derrick.) showcase and meet a band of young men from PERTH (who knew?) Scotland...and one of the guys named Garth who is 22 years old ( could be his effing mother) kisses me on the mouth when I am not paying attention...and I then miss George...and feel uncomfortable....and Wayne and Derrick mock me.

Then we watch another girl take off her clothes...and another....what the fuck is going on....

I do a number to an OKAY response and consider pulling off my dress...

LONG FUCKING DAY!!!

Wayne and I have revamped the 15 minute show for tomorrow... I AM GOING TO BED, DERRICK!!!

Here is Derrick and Wayne on the North Bridge.

Learned lessons and was stumped and humbled and lifted...it was a day of contraditions...

But the most important thing was that I pulled myself out of the doldrums after the lukewarm showing and figured out how to make it different!

Day 2! Wayne arrives, Joe Simmons, Meow Meow and short togas...

.

News Alert.Wayne is next door drinking a 4 pound bottle of Noname Irish Creme...so HE made it alive and was NOT kidnapped by druids...not that they kidnap anyone...I wouldn't want the druids coming for me...not that they do that either!

I got a 2.97 pound bottle of Pinot Grigio...or what I will call it...headache wine...from the same grocery store...you think we had never seen cheap liquor before...Day 2!!

A lot accomplished .... a lot seen and a lot done.Derrick and I had a meeting with the fabulous Louise at the Fringe Particpants Centre about contacts and who to invite and how to find them...she had some great and very helpful ideas.

I think the best thing is to get out and do as many showcases as possible...which sometimes means going to see the showcasess and introducing yourself...I have found that the creative begging I did to raise the money for this show has really knocked a bit of my shyness away.

Derrick and I went to a show called "Edinburgh Tonight with Joe Simmons" at the Surgeon's Hall (where I will be doing my tech rehearsal tomorrow!). It is a live variety show that is taped and put up on the net. It has a number of amazing guests...the ones who I cannot wait to see are "Baby Wants Candy" (improvisational musical theatre group from Chicago) and Lovelace, the Musical...it is about...you guessed it...Linda Lovelace the porn star...I kinda dug it. The bad hair, the polyester dresses....the rock tunes...I think I might go.

But, I have to say, my fave act was "When in Rome : A New Musical (Comedy)"....oh my lord...it was so...just so...oh my god...how I laughed...young, fresh boys in REALLY short togas who bend over ALL OF THE TIME...led by a very femme Augustus Caesar...oh, it was too very much when they led into "Backstreet's Back ALRIGHT!"...yes, I am not lying. It was so ...just soooo...I wanna see it. I COULD NOT STOP LAUGHING!

And Derrick won tickets to Frances Ruffelle's show!

Also Joe Simmon's had on the show, the end all be all when it comes to reviews, the Scotsman reviewer named Kate Copstick...and this woman...is not messing the EFF AROUND!!! It made my butt cringe when she was telling us her very REAL and sometimes super scary opinion of the shows she has seen...it actually made me a bit sick to my tummy...she was wearing a black Tshirt that said EVIL on it.

Nuff said.

EXCEPT! I am still gonna write her and ask her to review the show...I mean why the eff not...you only live once. WHY NOT?!?!?!?!

Oh and Frances Ruffelle was on the show...yes, that Frances Ruffelle...of Les Mis fame...you really never know who you will see here..

Joe Simmon's show is awesome...a huge undertaking to get a show like this going and on time in one hour and fifteen minutes!

If you are in Edinburgh GO before it is sold out ALL of the time!

After the show an American dude came up and told Joe (as I stood beside him), in the twangiest accent, that he was so good he could actually work in the States.

Imagine.

And tonight I went to see someone that I have been wanting to see for a while...Wayne and went to the Assembly Princes Gardens to see cabaret sensation, Meow Meow.

Her cabaret name is Meow Meow.

Loves it.

Here she is working...she asked us to take pictures and post them to FB...

Chris Lorway, the AD of Luminato, had suggested her to me long ago when I started on the World Domination road...and I didn't know it I would get a chance to see her.

She is a mix of old country German cabaret, burlesque, musical comedy...she is so many things and kinda refuses to be categorized...I love that...and she is all BALLS BABY!!!

She sang balls to that wall, brought her own roses to be thrown at her, her own smoke machine, her own dream sequence, her own lighting at one point and then, at the end, body surfed all the way from the stage to the bar AND BACK...OH! and made the band remove most of their clothes...in other words...she was amazing.

I know you are all sick of hearing it...but as she sang her last song...I was so moved that I get to be here...I just got all overwhelmed...and then three uppidy boys beside me began to talk and I told them to SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!

Wayne and I LOVED IT!

We introduced ourselves after...actually Wayne went to introduce himself to Lance Horne, her accompanist (who also plays for Alan Cumming) and I followed and we ended up knowing alot of people in common and then we ended up laughing and getting our pic taken!!!

Nice!

And we met some Torontonians as well!!! (They are in the pic at the end!!!)

Here is the tent we saw the show in and the Edinburgh Castle over top....

It is so excellent to see other people work...from all over the world...this is the part that I love..I mean, I can't wait to sing...but I love to learn...and see other artists in cabaret work.I ain't gonna lie...I am a bit nervous about my tech tomorrow and I am doing my first showcases tomorrow night as well...BUT I am very excited...this city is so full...and the work being done is very interesting.

I am singing at the Bongo Club and the Kabarett : Alternative !!!

I am excited for tomorrow...but till then? Headache wine, Noname Irish Creme and sleep...what a day!

That all sounds like a Dear Diary Entry...but I am effing tired!

Week 33 of WORLD DOMINATION!!! Edfringe DAY1

Not to be indelicate...but HOLY CRAPBAGS!

Here I am!

Here we are!!

So, it all began with an excited trip to the airport with the young and talented and incredibly supportive Michael Hughes...I packed lightly...I know what you are thinking George...but I did...I mean one bag was just Fashion Crimes...there are vid cameras, files, shoes, hair appilances...the list goes on! Being fabulous requires A LOT of maintenance!! A LOT!!!

So, Thomas Cook, who we thankfully got our budget flight on, a bit...hmm...what is the word...low class..and that is coming from a chick who grew up hanging onto the bottom of a dream of being ALMOST middle class....NOT!

They were surly...to say the least...pissed that they were not working for British Airways or something....so you are actually allowed to bring luggage that is about the size of a yoga bag on with you...or you are charged one MILLION dollars....so there was Hughes an I ...repacking an weighing the bag 4 times in front of a whole rubber necking bunch of people.

And then on the plane...

It was like a maternity ward...screaming babies EVERYWHERE!!!

Karma...see what happens?

I slept about 2 hours and our legs were crammed into our guts for six and a half hours....but it was worth it when we arriveD!!

Oh it was gorgeous today...we got to the Glasgow train station..

and we were on our way....our flat is awesome...just what we need...and clean...so clean...and well appointed...the landlord apoligized for not having milk and stuff for us but he was here a couple of weeks ago...wow, nice.

When you walk out the front door you can see Arthur's Seat....which is this....

Derrick and I went to get a phone, meet the PR people Geri and Neil, and generally lookd around...as we were awalking down George Street to the Underbelly Venue I heard someone scream "Sharron Matthews!!!"...I just about shit my pants...when I turned it was a young lady named Carly who told me that she had gone to see my show in Toronto a number or times...had gone to theatre school there and now had transferred to the Scottish Academy of Drama...really?!

So, I got recognized during my first three hours in Scotland...that has got to be a good sign right?

You know what that is?

WORLD DOMINATION!

And finally when I couldn't stand anymore I came back to the flat and had one of those sleeps that you wake up from in the same position you went to sleep in....and I had no idea where I was an what time it was....

Derrick and I decided that we wanted to go to see Allan Cumming's show at the Assembly Hall...

A 740 seat intimate cabaret space...when he came out...he was wonderful by the way...really...I was so glad to be here...just so glad to see him work...he did some really interesting stuff and told some great stories...and when he did a Hedwig Medley I began to tear ...my eyes began to water...you know what I mean...I thought back to when I saw Hedwig on Broadway and how it inspired me so much...and Allan...yes, I am just gonna call him by the first name talked about how he was staying at his friend John's apartment in NY and how John was working on a drag character to work into a show...which turned out to be Hedwig.I cried.He said a number of things that went along with the sidewalk recognition as being a great sign of good things...

Oh, and he sang effing "Taylor the Latte Boy"...when he started it made me think of Kyle Golemba!

In the best of ways!

Derrick and I went to our venue...it looks good...so good!!!

So, tomorrow we meet with the Fringe Participant helping lady...not her real title I assure you.

She is gonna help us with a further plan...and help us realize our goals of connecting with other promoters and ....other things I cannot think of right now!!1I gotta sleep...Oh ya...here is one of the 100 beer gardens....at 2:30am....these people know how to party.

Week 33!!! Musings from Plane and BED!!! I am GETTING UP NOW!!

I am tired...again...how do people fly this early...and WHY do they? I am stumped.
I am in Air Canada Executive Class.
Loves it.
That little curtain between this section and the section I usually fly in is the funniest thing to me...we would never want to be tainted by looking at the people who are STUFFED into their seats two feet behind me...wait...here comes the spacially challenged stewardess...I SWEAR to god she was two inches from my face...I saw her talking to someone sitting across and in front of me and it looked like they were kissing, she was so close.
The joke of it is...I couldn’t afford to fly Porter or any other airline...the only way I could afford to go was to use my points and fly Executive.
For one hour....what I WOULDN’T give to be upgraded on my 8 hour flight to Scotland...I am considering going to my doctor today to get some freakin’ Ambien...do they have it in this country yet?
What could I do to get upgraded?
CAN I get upgraded on a Thomas Cook flight?
I swear to god I am expecting to see a plane held together with tape and some gum and a Gap belt affixed to the tiny-teeny seat that I will occupy.
Those were musings from my early morning plane ride yesterday....
I ran around like a chicken with my head cut off yesterday...on about 3 hours sleep...I can’t actually believe how much I got done...
Fave moment of the day was going to Fashion Crimes...
I was nervous because, like me before my wedding, I have been so stressed I have gained a couple...of course the opposite of what I was trying to acheive...
But in a monument to all that Pam Chorley’s Fashion Crimes is...they made me feel beautiful and loved in moments and in less than one hour I walked away with 6...YUP 6...outfits...they are all in a piece of luggage waiting to go to the airport.
Thanks to my FASHION CRIMES gals...Kat, Amanda and Logan...Logan is the lone dude working there...adore him.
Then I spent HOURS balancing my budget...fucking fucking fucking hate that...but balance it did...after I spent one whole hour searching for $524.00 dollars that I had not accounted for!! FOUND IT!!! It was like I had found the effing Titanic...hey, remember when that was lost?
Anyhow...Paula B sent me some pics from our last day...and I cried and cried...




I woke up this morning with an email in my inbox from EVERYONE of them...all in a row!
Andrea is rehearsing for her show in Huntsville called “Andrea Martin: Final Days! Everything Must GO!”
You must go!! You must!!!
Check it out..the theatre is gorgeous...
http://www.algonquintheatre.ca/events/AndreaMartin.htm
Dear Paula is on set for ‘Being Erica’...
Louise is shooting the amazing ‘Star Portraits’...
And Mary is writing a movie in Newfoundland....
They are all busy...and I miss them....we were such a bunch of 12 year olds the last day!

Go see the new cast of Love Loss and What I Wore......they OPENED LAST NIGHT!!!

Oh ya...I am such a lord that when I was in NY I walked by the theatre it was playing in there and took my freakin' picture...surprised?

Last night, after finding that FUCKING $524.00 and being the huge job of packing I took the puppies to our little secret dog park...and we played ball...and since they had been in most of the day I let them chew their...balls...and decided “Well, I need to go over it somewhere...” and out in the fresh air, in the secret crack park...I went over mys how...which I just cut 6 more minutes out...
Gotta make sure I run on time...
The dogs thought I was not bad...they wished I had slowed down a bit.
(I just wrote that joke in an email to Louise and have recycled it here...don’t judge me Louise...I liked it too much)
Anyhow...I have a ton to do today...little stuff...but a lot of little stuff...
What am I doing?
Lying in bed with the dogs writing to you guys...the three of you who read this...
I actually cannot believe it is here...I have already done Toronto, done New York and I am going to fucking Scotland tomorrow.
OH YA!....my show was the number one recommended pick by the Fringe Review for my venue...which is huge!
Checks it out!!!

http://www.fringereview.co.uk/pageView.php?pagename=FringeReview+at+The+Space

After my first foray into fundraising last February...I was very scared...I got money...but not a lot and I was terrified that I had put this huge task in front of myself and announced it...now I had to do it...and I laid down for a whole day...thinking about how I would do it and how I could GET OUT of it...but George told me I had to continue...it was TOO LATE!!!
Then the work....well, it didn’t begin...it continued in earnest.
I have so many people to thank...but I have to go to the bank and change dollars into pounds, so...in lieu of that...here is the latest donor list...
Thank you...so much...all of you...for your love, support, words, help, thoughts...and though I never focus on them for longer than a moment....even to the judgers....for SPURING ME ON!!! Just like Christina Agilera!!! Thanks for making me stronger BYOTCHES!!!
But I was made the most stongest...what?...by this group of people below...starting with George...who is not on that list...because...he knows...

General $2000.00 or more

BMO Financial Group
Joan Mathers
Mirvish Productions

Lieutenant $500.00 to $1999.99

Anonymous
Curtis Barlow
Dramac LTD-Charlotte and Tedde Moore
Gary May
The John McKellar Charitable Foundation
Jerry and Kathy McRoberts
Ian Epstein and Kathy Kacer
Kevin Finora
Michael Rubinoff
Nancy Ruth
Paul Butler and Chris Back
Perry Dellelce


Army $50 to $499.99

Adam Brazier
Amber Mills and Michael Rode
Andy Parks
Anna Hrazdira
Anonymous
Ari Weinberg
Becky and Kathy Liddle
Betty’s
Brian Goldenberg
Bruce Dean
Buddies in Bad Times
Canadian Stage
Carolyn Adams
Christopher Gurr
Clinton Walker
Dan Thompson Beauty
David Playfair
Dawn Rivard
Dianne Woodrow
Doug Price
The Elgin Winter Garden Theatres
Elizabeth Baird
Esther Yermus
Gabrielle Jones
Gillian Tooke
Greg Peterson
Guy Bannerman
Harbourfront Centre
Ian and Trudy McCabe
Ina Kerklaan
Jamie Porter
Janet Berkman
Jeff Moulton
Jim Betts
Judie Kavanagh
Julie Martell
Just for You by Alex
Kara Purdy
Karen Carpenter
Karen LeBlanc
Kate Bariss
Kyle Golemba
Lily Ling
Linda Yamamoto
Lise Payne
Lorraine Kimsa Theatre For Young People
Luminato
Lynne Jamieson
M. Road
Marcel Watier
Marcello Tulipano
Marie Baron
Marlene Smith
Mary Lu Zahalan
Mary Walsh
Melissa Doige
Melissa Yetman
Michael Gianfrancesco
Michele-Marie Beer
Michelle Hamilton Black and Darren Black
Michelle Monteith
Mitchell Marcus
Miriam Flynn
Mirvish Productions
Nadia Mear
Natalie Heron
Opera Atelier
Patricia Wilson
Peter Martyn
Randy Read
Rod Kelly
Ron Cameron-Lewis
Sandy and Max Reimer
Sarite Harris
Susan and John Masswohl
The Shaw Festival
Sherry Chandler
Soulpepper
The Stratford Festival
Sophie Radecki
Stefan Moccio
Stephanie Martin, Andrew Sabiston and Lucie
Steve Ross
Susan Henley
Tim Hughes
Veritas
Visit Scotland
Wayne Thomas
William Humenick

Sharron’s Privates People who have donated $25.00 to $50.00 and/or supported, given their free time and/or skill,promoted and/or helped Sharron immeasureably on this World Domination Tour!

Alex Saslove
Amanda Campbell
Andrea Martin
Ari Weinberg
Andy Parks
Barry Burns
Bea Campbell
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
Bruce Dow
Callandra Dendias
Charlotter Moore
Chris Lorway
Chris Mitchell
Constance Marlatt
Christine Horne
Chrystal Donbrath
Crystal Rickard
David Oiye
Diana Coatsworth
Doug Price
Ed Sahely
Evan Smith
Frances Donkevy
Gabi Epstein
Geoff Whynot
Grant Ramsay
Jay Turvey
Jean Stilwell
Jeff Breithaupt
Jim Russell
Julia Gardener
Karen Blackman
Kathryn McEwen
Keith Cole
Kelly Holiff
Kyle Golemba
Leslie Arden
Lindsay Burns
Louise Pitre and Joe Matheson
Mark Davis
Melanie Phillipson
Michael Gianfrancesco
Michael Hughes
Pablo Kessleman
Pam Chorley
Paul Sportelli
Paula Brancati
Paula Grove
Patricia Wilson
Patricia Zentilli
Patti and John Loach
Peter Phoa
Qasim Khan
Ramona Carmelly
Rob Kempson
Robert Missen
Sara Farb
Shawn Daudlin
Shelley Quinn
Sky Gilbert
Susan Bourcier
Sutton Foster
Suzanne Hermany
Thom Allison
Tracey Nolan
Tricia Lackey
Trudi Goodfellow
Wayne Gwillim
William Humenick

New York Night. New York Morn.

So, I should still be sleeping...I did sleep the I-didn't-sleep-for-longer-

than-3-hours-the-night-before sleep of the dead for about 7 hours...which seems to be a good sleep for me now that I am in my 40's.
Fuck, I hope that doesn't turn into sleeping for 3 hours a night and calling that a good sleep like my Grama did. We shared a bedroom for 2 years or so when I was growing up...god that seems like so long ago.
Anyway, I should be still sleeping but the place I have been blessed to stay at here in NY has a terrace and it is stunning...with trees and flowers and a view of the river...gorgeous.
And knowing it was out here....here I am.
That picture is a self portrait, I will have you know.
After I got here yesterday and got settled I went over my audition, I will talk about that another day...I don't want to jinx it...yes, I believe in jinxing...then I slept a bit...then I rehearsed some more...then I went out in the night to find some food.
On my way down the hall to the elevator I could hear one of the neighbours having a smart Sunday night party...and they were playing beautiful jazz just under the conversation...I stood leaning on the wall waiting and thought..."That is New York".
When I got down to the street the wind was blowing cool/warm air and I felt very...free? Happy? Lucky? Tired? Hopeful?
Yes.
And I put my hands into the air for a second as I walked down the street.
I may close my eyes for another half hour.
I am living day to day...
I know that I fly back tomorrow...I know that I go to Edinburgh in 3 days.
That is being taken care of...nothing I can do about it today!
Well, I will take this chance to go over my show for a while after my audition...luxury.
It is gonna be hot today...but for now...breezy and gorgeous...

Domination, Luggage, Eugene Levy and not enough cake!!!!

I am tired....I spent about 3 hours today balancing and figuring out my books for the World Domination Tour.
I wanted to do it before the show tonight because LAST night during the show I found myself thinking "If I put $100.00 in the account for per diem in Scotland then I can....WAIT A MINUTE!!! WHERE ARE WE IN THE SHOW??!?!?"
Yes, people, let us be honest...it does happen every once in a while...BUT these ladies are so captivating and awesome that I wanted to make sure my books were in good standing so I could concentrate on the show!!!
There was a bunch of people who came to the show this week and I haven't had time to put up the pics because all space and intention on this Facebook site and twitter were devoted to the awesome fund raising extravaganza that you witnessed.
IT WAS AMAZING!
But the cast of Being Erica came to see their cast mate Paula Brancati...who today I nicknamed the Pauli-lama because that lady is so zen and has the answers to so many questions that none of the rest of us in the dressing room answers to that she must be the reincarnaton of the LAMA...and she is 21...I have decided that the Tibetan monks have been looking for her for years but haven't been able to find her...we shall keep her...Did you know that if you get your cellphone wet you can fix it by storing it over night in a bag of rice?
No...you didn't...but Paula did.
And she knows so many other things...and she knows that without an OUNCE of hubris.
That is what makes her....the Pauli-lama.
Anyhow...here we are the Being Erica Cast.

Not my best angle....but you get it!
And here we are with Eugene Levy!!! Comic genius!

And here we are at Mary's anniversary party!
It was her Wedding Anniversary and we wanted to celebrate it with a cake...but my piece was WAY TOO SMALL!!!

I got over it.

Today was an amazing day.
I ran around and picked up a bunch of cheques and received my final big cheque from Buddies in Bad Times!!!
It was surreal.
I was floating!
And to celebrate...and to visualize the REST of my World Domination Tour I did something I have NEVER done before...
I went to a high end luggage store and found the luggage I wanted...and then I went to Winners and found the knock offs for a third of the price.

I looked at 20 pieces and had them strewn all over the floor...I had to check depth...pocked size...lightness...and, most important, pretty colours...I have NEVER had matching luggage in my life.
I thought of my friend Karen's pink purse that she bought special...and felt that I needed to honour this special occasion in my own way.
I was so fucking excited I could have spit.
SPIT!
And they are red...I sent this same picture to George because I wanted him to see them...he thought from the picture that they were pink and I had picked that colour so that he could never borrow them.
NO!!!
But he still CANNOT borrow them.
They are RED...FOR CANADA!!!
And they are in anticipation of all the places I have YET to go to work...oh yes, one must visualize and plan.
So, I walked my luggage and my big old cheque from Buddies.
My dear friend Chris...

Told me that I could store the little case in the big one till I got to the car and I said, "Well, yes I could, but I wouldn't look as fabulous that way."
He concurred.
So, I was on my way.

With my chegue and my bags in tow.
Tomorrow is our last day at Love Loss and What I Wore....but today I rode my bike to work and then went straight to the hair and wardrobe room to catch up on the gossip and say the pictures of the next group of ladies in their ourfits...they look snazzy!
They really do.
I am gonna miss this job...and these ladies...I loved seeing them on and offstage every night and I learned SO MUCH from them in both places.
I feel a bit melancholy but there is really no time for that, people!
I fly to NY on Sunday morn early to go to an audition...before I leave for Edinburgh on Thursday.
Two Words....WORLD DOMINATION!!!
See what happens why you buy luggage?
Anyhow...I am sad and excited and happy and thrilled and choked up.
BY THE WAY!!!
The single biggest donor, besides the Mirvishes....Mirvish's....

Mirvishs...it is too late to figure that our ...but the biggest donor was....drum roll....it was YOU MICHAEL RUBINOFF!!!!
SO!!!
What is your song?
You get to pick a song for my next show!!!
And all you ringtones and tshirts!!!
You will get them when I get back....you will!!!
So, I am going to bed...lots to do...need rest....and again...
I thank you all for making my dreams come true....we did it $25.00 at a time....suck that granting bodies!!!!

I forgot one important thing...the ladies of LOVE LOSS all did a photo shoot for the PINK WIG campaign for Run For The Cure!
Look at Bus Shelters and Billboards near you....

This me and Patti, who is with the ad company in charge of the campaign!!!
RUN FOR THE CURE!!!

Week 32. I raised $30,000.00 and now I am just a bit drunk.

I wanted to start this with something smart and inspirational...but it is 2:00am...I had some Sangria with my smart friends John, Chris, Mary, Joan, Larry and Jeffrey at the FABU Wish after the show....and then I came home and am doing something I NEVER do...I am drinking some wine... ALONE!
Sitting beside my snoring dog on the couch.
So I am a teeny...just a tiny...bit drunkie.
Very skankie of me...but I don't CARE!
Maybe I look a bit like this...

Which was actually taken in Tobermory in Scotland!!!

Before I really get to IT I gotta tell you we had a great house tonight, they are always great but this one was alive from the first laugh.
I was just staring out at the audience midway through the show...an audience filled with wonderful women...and men...who thrilled to hear a story just like theirs being told...they laughed with heartiness, and yelled with recognition and cried with sympathy and knowledge...it was amazing.
And then I looked up into the lights at one point and then back and forth down the line of actresses and just breathed in.
How lucky am I?
How did I get here?
Thank you Universe...and Karen and Michael....thank you.
It is a great show...I met Eugene Levy today...luckily I didn't see him till the freakin' show was over... I totally would have shit my pants...totally.
He was very complimentary...and very nice!
I CANNOT believe that we have only 4 more shows...
And that I go to New York on Sunday morning.
I gotta effing learn some music...oh ya...we will talk about that after the audition on Monday...nuff said...for now.
BAck on Tuesday morn...
And off to Edinburgh on Thursday next...
Holy eff.
George told me something on Monday morning...it was a very inspirational and personal email...I know you think I share everything...but I don't!!!...but here was the thrust of it....
"Have Faith and Go Deep"...
So, with his help, I did...
I called people I have not called before and I sent new emails...I resent to people who have not responded in 6 months...what is the worse that could happen?
And I wrote and wrote....and George wrote and wrote...and, proving, among other things, that Social Media is truly a thing with amazing and wonderful potential if NOT USED FOR EVIL...the community and beyond came through.
In spades...I raised over $5000.00 in two and half days and it continues to ROLL IN!!!
And it will all be used and put to this project...even if there is more, which there is...THERE IS!!!... it will go to development...because I still have bigger dreams for this project and this tour.
I just cannot believe it.
I was actually so over stimulated that I didn't know what to think or feel.
It was weird...I expected to feel different...to feel... I don't know...but I am relieved and not just a bit full of responsibility.
And I don't take this lightly.
I plan to work very hard while in Scotland.
I think, actually, I am still in shock...
I don't know how to thank everyone properly.
I am just so humbled at how people just stepped up and helped me....
I just...I am a bit drunkie...and need some sleep...I have been so stressed for the last....32 Weeks...and I still have a ways to go.
But I have the funds to do it...and to do it well.
God.
Thank you all!!!
I really can't express my gratitude enough!!

Here is the latest donor list!!

General $2000.00 or more

BMO Financial Group
Joan Mathers
Mirvish Productions

Lieutenant $500.00 to $1999.99

Anonymous
Curtis Barlow
Dramac LTD-Charlotte and Tedde Moore
Gary May
The John McKellar Charitable Foundation
Jerry and Kathy McRoberts
Ian Epstein and Kathy Kacer
Kevin Finora
Michael Rubinoff
Nancy Ruth
Paul Butler and Chris Back
Perry Dellelce

Army $50 to $499.99
Adam Brazier
Amber Mills and Michael Rode
Andy Parks
Anna Hrazdira
Anonymous
Ari Weinberg
Becky and Kathy Liddle
Betty’s
Brian Goldenberg
Buddies in Bad Times
Canadian Stage
Carolyn Adams
Christopher Gurr
Clinton Walker
Dan Thompson Beauty
David Playfair
Dawn Rivard
Dianne Woodrow
Doug Price
The Elgin Winter Garden Theatres
Elizabeth Baird
Esther Yermus
Gillian Tooke
Harbourfront Centre
Ian and Trudy McCabe
Ina Kerklaan
Jamie Porter
Janet Berkman
Jeff Moulton
Jim Betts
Judie Kavanagh
Julie Martell
Just for You by Alex
Kara Purdy
Karen Carpenter
Karen LeBlanc
Kate Bariss
Kyle Golemba
Lily Ling
Linda Yamamoto
Lise Payne
Lorraine Kimsa Theatre For Young People
Luminato
Lynne Jamieson
M. Road
Marcel Watier
Marcello Tulipano
Marie Baron
Marlene Smith
Mary Lu Zahalan
Melissa Doige
Melissa Yetman
Michael Gianfrancesco
Michele-Marie Beer
Michelle Hamilton Black and Darren Black
Michelle Monteith
Mitchell Marcus
Miriam Flynn
Mirvish Productions
Nadia Mear
Army $50 to $499.99 (con’d)
Natalie Heron
Opera Atelier
Patricia Wilson
Peter Martyn
Randy Read
Rod Kelly
Ron Cameron-Lewis
Sandy and Max Reimer
Sarite Harris
Susan and John Masswohl
The Shaw Festival
Sherry Chandler
Soulpepper
The Stratford Festival
Sophie Radecki
Stefan Moccio
Stephanie Martin, Andrew Sabiston and Lucie
Steve Ross
Susan Henley
Tim Hughes
Veritas
Visit Scotland
Wayne Thomas

Sharron’s Privates People who have donated $25.00 to $50.00 and/or supported, given their free time and/or skill,promoted and/or helped Sharron immeasureably on this World Domination Tour!

Alex Saslove
Amanda Campbell
Ari Weinberg
Andy Parks
Bea Campbell
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
Bruce Dow
Callandra Dendias
Charlotter Moore
Chris Lorway
Chris Mitchell
Constance Marlatt
Christine Horne
Chrystal Donbrath
Crystal Rickard
David Oiye
Diana Coatsworth
Doug Price
Ed Sahely
Evan Smith
Frances Donkevy
Gabi Epstein
Geoff Whynot
Grant Ramsay
Jean Stilwell
Jeff Breithaupt
Jim Russell
Julia Gardener
Karen Blackman
Kathryn McEwen
Keith Cole
Kelly Holiff
Kyle Golemba
Leslie Arden
Lindsay Burns
Louise Pitre and Joe Matheson
Mark Davis
Melanie Phillipson
Michael Gianfrancesco
Michael Hughes
Pablo Kessleman
Pam Chorley
Paul Sportelli
Patricia Wilson
Patricia Zentilli
Patti and John Loach
Peter Phoa
Qasim Khan
Rob Kempson
Robert Missen
Sara Farb
Shawn Daudlin
Shelley Quinn
Sky Gilbert
Susan Bourcier
Sutton Foster
Suzanne Hermany
Thom Allison
Tracey Nolan
Tricia Lackey
Trudi Goodfellow
Wayne Gwillim
William Humenick