Maxfactormama’s Weblog

Well it’s over for another year and I must say I’m stuffed! The Spear & The Star was a huge success, judging by all the favourable comments we received. This was the biggest cast I’ve had to do makeup for so it was a big task and overall I’m happy with the results. We did experiment over the first couple of nights and ended up with some very “mankey” looking pirates I must say! LOL. The actors were very tolerant of the various potions and nasty smelling things I put on their faces or teeth. Dave D endured the worst of all and his neck scar was begining to look like a permanent one by the end of the 7 nights! But he was a trooper and just endured it with good grace – he might not be so willing next time! He was looking a tad exhausted by the end of it, as were we all! Everyone did an outstanding job and fully deserved the accolades. Great job everyone!

(Thanks to Jen Wood for the pic’s – I was too busy to get many!)

After five nights of performances I am feeling like things are a bit more under control as far as the makeup goes. All the spray tanning has been done (and the natives are looking quite gloriously “golden bronzed”). The team I have had working with me have done a sensational job and I couldn’t have done it without them, although supervising assistants while trying to do my own work is at times a little daunting. One of the actors commented one night that I reminded him of a chef running from one “dish” to the next, making sure all the recipes were being followed to the letter! We have experimented with a few of the natives’ “Maori” tattoos and found they look quite effective (tho probably not necessarily authentic!) I’m sure the boys taking behind the scenes video of the makeup area will have some interesting footage to show at the end!

The Thelma & Louise team have had a blast getting the “look” right for this show and I’m sure the end results will be worth all the effort. Tiring though it is, working with such a great creative team is such a thrill and I’m constantly amazed by the talent we have in the Mudbrick Performing Arts Company. Everyone is doing an outstanding job.

Still coming back to “normal life” after spending the weekend at Queenscliff for the annual music festival. Had a ball with our good friends Col and Jenny (alias Thelma). We enjoyed listening to a variety of artists but particularly enjoyed Geoff Achison (Acoustic) on the Blues Train and later with Souldiggers in the Shed. There’s so much talent out there – it was awesome! Our accommodation was “interesting” – not sure how long ago they got their 4 star rating but I suspect it was back in the 50’s! Will definitely book early for next year!