Mandana Jones Net - Online Since 2001
THE MJ NETTERS OTHELLO DIARY
Many of the members of MJ.Net have been to see Mandana in Othello. This is a diary of events from the day we found out to the final day of the tour in Harrogate. Many thanks to everyone who did in some way contribute towards our diary of events.
22nd December 2002 - Jayne and MJ.Net recieve an email off Mandana. This is a strange way gets the ball rolling...
February 2003 - Jayne @ MJ.Net sends Mandana a valentine card from all of us. And asks Mandana, was the e-mail from you? I return to Dorset, miles away from Sara (my other half) to continue my studies.
Thursday 13th Feb - Mandana posts a letter to Jayne @ MJ.Net.
15th Feb - Saturday evening just before 12 midnight I received a phone call from my mom, which she ends with, "Oh and you had a signed picture off someone!" My heart skipped a million beats, I knew it had to be from Mandana because I hadnt written to anyone else! I didnt sleep a wink that night! Phoned Sara and told her the exciting news as my mom had relayed it...
Sunday 16th Feb - I go to my parents and ring their door frantically at 8.30am! I finally get in. I go through and calmly as possible I look at the letter from Mandana. I find its not just a letter... theres news of a play... and she's on tour in Othello right now! I have to tell everyone as fast as possible... which aint easy at the moment when my own computer isnt hooked up to the internet... Get back to my brothers after phoning Sara and breaking the news to her... As soon as we can, me and Sara post the news on the MJ.Net messageboard and on this site. Then its a case of trying to order a ticket! Disaster! The box office at Bath is closed... it's a long wait until tomorrow. Meanwhile, the messageboard is amazed by the news and everyone is thinking how they can go at short notice.Monday 17th Feb - Disaster strikes again, COOL and VBG inform us Bath as sold out!! Sara phones Harrogate and speaks to a really friendly lady on the phone, by the end of the conversation we have Row C centre-ish seats for the 18th and 19th March to see Mandana in Othello!
Tuesday and Wednesday - MJ.Net members are busy making arrangements to see Mandana, no matter how far, we all want to be there. Sadly for some it is completely impossible... but for others, tickets are finally booked and the first contingent leave for Basingstoke tomorrow.Thursday 20th Feb (a week after Mandana posted that letter) - COOL, VBG and CB set off to Basingstoke to see Mandana in Othello. The following is their seperate reports of that day...
Very Bad Ger
(2/21/03 1:24:56 am)Just back from an absolutely wonderful experience. Wow!
We all enjoyed 'Othello' immensely..and Mandana was magnificent. She has such 'presence'..both on stage..and off! Yes, we all got to meet and greet her...she was utterly charming and thrilled we were the first contingent of 'MJNet' supporters.
So we've photos, autographs, hands that have been shaken (and stirred!), cheeks that have been kissed, (ha!) and many happy memories.
The rest of the evenings details will follow when we're all rested..and back with our feet firmly planted on the ground! A real treat it was..thanks for the company Cool and CB...oh, and Mandana!countryboy
(2/21/03 3:49:33 am)Yes, good morning everyone
I have just got home (I told you the ferries were intermitant at night)
As VBG says .......brilliant evening.
Going to post a 'review' so if you don't want to read it just skip .......
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The play is totally contempory, with minimal but effective scenery. The actor who played Othello unfortunately had little charisma or stage presence. He looked the part but he didn't really connect at all.
Iago made an excellent and believable villian, though his diction wasn't always clear. He played his very part well.
And Mandana? Well, Mandana was superb. ( And I am not being biased). She was excellent. Her expressions and emotions carry across the auditorium. Totally charasmatic on stage and breathtaking in the second scene. (Those that see or know the play will understand what I mean... it's very dramatic)
Oh and she can sing
Good play. I'd love to see it again.
CBcountryboy
(2/21/03 3:56:31 am)I went to the Stage Door before the performance and waited to see Mandana. She was warm, funny and very natural. I got some pics which I will pass on to SLN. And she signed my programme 'to countryboy!'
We were also lucky enough to catch her at the end of the night, too, before she raced off back to London.
Mandana, if you read this....thank you for your time today. You're a star
CBVery Bad Ger
(2/21/03 8:44:30 am)A quick post before a busy day ahead.....I'm rested but still 'floating around' a bit I think!
Well done CB. I don't think my head would have coped with reviewing at that time of the morning!
I was fortunate to meet Mandana in the foyer before the show, when she was just grabbing something to eat. Quite surreal really-just her, me..and the snack bar attendant! She was very friendly, wanted to know where I was from, and if we'd met before. I explained Bath was sold out..hence the three of us had all travelled a good distance to catch the play. She was very appreciative and said she hoped we'd all think it was 'worth it'! (Erm.....yes!) She then suggested we meet her afterwards and told me she had some other friends coming to watch her that night too. Such a lovely, natural lady!
The theatre had done a 'page to stage' session that day for local students....one of those things for Year 11-13 where they hear talks from the director about the play/production in the morning,then watch the play in the afternoon so she said she was already exhausted! Well, it certainly didn't show in her superb performance
....as CB has already noted,whenever she was on stage her charisma came through and you were totally 'drawn-in' to her sublime performing.
She has done a lot of theatre previously..and much of that appears to be Shakespeare... The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, Cymbeline, A Midsummer Night's Dream...but personally, I thought the Desdemona role was exactly right for her...
I'll leave Cool to do her bit now but, like CB, I would love to see it all again!Very Bad Ger
(2/21/03 3:14:00 pm)...I think my jaw just dropped when I entered the foyer and she turned around to face me. I seem to remember saying something like 'Wow.It's you Mandana. They'll never believe me'! Hopeless innit!
Btw, meant to say earlier, I asked her if she had anything else lined up for after 'Othello'. She said there was nothing definite but that she'd let us, (you presumably sln!) know when she had. We got the feeling there was something possibly in the pipeline but I wouldn't like to speculate too much. about what it might be!COOLUK1
(2/21/03 9:39:26 pm)Sorry about not popping in before..it's been one of those days .
I can't add much to what VBG and CB have said...her acting was wonderful her delivery beautiful...stunning to look at and very friendly !!
She autographed my Jonathon Livingston Seagull book as well
Love her hair longer and straighter too!
COOL21st February
Mandana's interview with the Basingstoke Gazette is published!countryboy
(2/22/03 8:54:32 am)Mandanas was required to sing the song in what was an emotive and in some ways wistful moment towards the end of the play. It is a song that used to be sung to her and, forsees a tragic ending. (It's ok ..no give away storylines here .. we all know what happens in Othello)
To be able to open and sing, totally unaccompanied on an almost empty stage takes some doing but Mandana has no problem holding a tune. Her voice reflects her speaking voice in that it has a range of tone and I think she sings the Willow song beautifully.
There are a couple of musical moments in the play. The actors are a talented bunch
CBCOOLUK1
(2/22/03 2:40:39 pm)M's singing voice was quite soft and gentle [although projected beautifully of course] ..her voice is quite light when speaking to. I have to say that the whole experience was DesliciousCOOLUK1
(2/22/03 3:32:15 pm)I 've downloaded some info so I'll curl up with a cup of tea and peruse...
Also just found in my travels ...
DESDEMONA
[Singing] The poor soul sat sighing by a sycamore tree,
Sing all a green willow:
Her hand on her bosom, her head on her knee,
Sing willow, willow, willow:
The fresh streams ran by her, and murmur'd her moans;
Sing willow, willow, willow;
Her salt tears fell from her, and soften'd the stones;
Lay by these:--
[Singing]
Sing willow, willow, willow;
Prithee, hie thee; he'll come anon:--
[Singing]
Sing all a green willow must be my garland.
Let nobody blame him; his scorn I approve,-
Nay, that's not next.--Hark! who is't that knocks?
EMILIA
It's the wind.
DESDEMONA
[Singing] I call'd my love false love; but what
said he then?
Sing willow, willow, willow:
If I court moe women, you'll couch with moe men!
So, get thee gone; good night Ate eyes do itch;
Doth that bode weeping?Final day at Basingstoke Saturday 22nd February
A bouquet of flowers was arranged and sent to Mandana from all at MJ.Net today!amibrave
(2/22/03 9:24:10 pm)I finally made my mind up and went to see Mandana. Glad I made the effort. Can't say I understand Shakespeare and will ever become a fan, but I wasn't bored and didn't look at my watch once. I really did concentrate on trying to understand what was going on. Mandana was very good. Someone mentioned her diction and you could hear every word, even when Desdemona whispered before dying. I liked the actor who played Casio as well. But the Othello did not dominate the stage as he should have done and his diction was difficult to understand at times.
When I got to the theatre I got my ticket first and decided to look for somewhere to eat. Just over from the theatre is a 'resturant' and I looked in the window and I saw Mandana at the counter. Next thing I knew I thought I was being called and turned round to see Mandana, who I thought was looking at me? I must have looked disinterested because after Mandana said something on the lines of 'I thought you were looking....' she turned away and went back in. I then realised to my embarrasment that she had been talking to me!! Anyway after eating I returned to the theatre where I met Megs and her husband Keith (she recoginised me). I told her the story and that I wasn't sure about going back afterwards in case Mandana recognised me. Megs had been round already and met Mandana and said how nice and friendly she was. So I decided to go round with Megs and Keith afterwards. Guess what? Mandana recognised me. She was in fact going to recommend the resturant to me. I did apologise and as Megs (and everybody else) has said, Mandana is really friendly and very nice and she happily chatted, signed 'things' and posed for photo's, even with me. (Megs kindly took the photo with her camera. I hope it still works).
Mandana, if you read this, next time I will take your advice and not ignore you.Very Bad Ger
(2/22/03 9:55:02 pm)I know how desgusted you were with all Iago's plotting and scheming but I also think he 'sort of knew' he was a pretty evil fellow too. He called himself a 'devil' at one point...and did you notice how he continually tried to explain his actions to himself?
Plus he had a massive ego. Evil and inflated ego. A nasty combination that, but makes for a good story eh? Hope it didn't keep you awake worrying about all too much!
The fact that Cassio and Rodders believed him so easily is (if I remember correctly.. ) something to do with his reputation as an honest and 'down to earth' sort of bloke..he's referred to as 'Honest Iago' or 'trusted Iago' isn't he?? Hmm, better check that maybe!
I've descided! I'm definitely going to see if Bath has any last minute returns on the day.......how desperate is that!megs
(2/22/03 11:33:17 pm)SLN...Mandana said how lovely the flowers were & she will be getting in touch to say thankyou....she is gorgeous & Keith is definatly a fan now...The photos are great ..we are just sorting them out now...Mandana signed Paul & VBGs pics & I will have to get in touch with them to send them..one question I asked her..how tall is she...she is 5'10....but she is so slight..so slim...megs
(2/23/03 10:06:07 am)Morning everyone..thought I would start my report while my mind is still buzzing...
We arrived in Basingstoke & parked right in the middle about 100yards from the Theatre at 12 noon.Went straight to the Theatre & picked up our tickets Asking at the same time if Mandana was in yet..was directed to the entertainment manager who said she wasnt yet in but to go right round the back & ask the man there because he would know first when she was in the building....I met Susan who was there on thursday & took Pauls photo with Mandana...she was back with her photos for signing..we were chatting for about 10 mins...when Susan said..here she is..I turned round & she was walking up to us....looking lovely...I just said hello & she was so nice & put us straight at our ease...she remembered Susan..she signed a few pics & our programme...it was like talking to a very good friend....she was bending down signing & I came out with..Mandana your hair & she said yes this is straight out of the shower this morning all curly ..I have to get it straightened...I said but its so light..she said..well I have to put a colour in it now because I am going grey..she then showed me her grey hairs in the parting...she then had to go in because she was going over a scene but promised to come out straight after...give me 10 minutes then you can take photo's...
Well after that I was just shaking & still in a bit of a state..couldnt eat so we just had a coffee in the Haymarket cafe...it was there I first saw Pauline but she turned round & left before I had a chance to talk to her...we met later outside just before we went in...& had a chat while waiting for the doors to open...our seats were very central..Pauline was in front at the end of the row...good seats with an unresticted view.
Some of the play went over my head but Mandana's presence made up for that...to me she was the star..with Iago...didnt think much of Othello...the second half was better...loved the outfit M wore in the last scene but one...green long sleeve top with a long scarf & greeny coloured hipster trousers..
after the show Pauline was waiting for us & we headed round the back where Susan was waiting..she never saw the show again...just a few minutes later Mandana came bounding out..& we took photo's & she signed more things when others came around the corner...she asked us if it would take us long to get back to Devon...she remembered other people & their children...thats when I asked her about her height..it was all over too quick bacause someone came out & said does she want lunch(5.30!)& she said yes I am coming.. & that was that...I had also mentioned the website earlier & the email & also how long did she know about the part...she only got it just before christmas then went to Florida for christmas to visit her brother..came back to rehearsals...but next time she will let us know in good time...
well I am still up on the ceiling with all this..wont come down for a while... I did email the photo's last night..SLN..have you got them..if not I will do them again..megs
(2/23/03 11:17:39 am)Hi SLN...Mandana just said she received some lovely flowers & will say thank you later.I assumed they were the ones that we sent...but she was talking to someone else at the time & I didnt want to butt in...I was standing right next to her nearly all the time she was there...It was so nice that she remembers different people...it was funny what happened to Pauline & M knew that she had met P before(booksigning).(2/23/03 11:22:32 am)Just remembered something else...I wished Mandana Happy Birthday for next weds & she said yes the big 36...so she is not coy about her age.
Also she is definately in the whole run & they left out 10 mins of this play but only in BS..it will be in the rest of the run...something to do with timing.(2/23/03 11:29:17 am)She also said that there should have been something said about N&H..in S4...perhaps by letter to Shaz or Barbara..I said we waited we whole series for a mention....
I shall keep on remembering bits all day.COOLUK1
(2/23/03 2:55:44 pm)They all lined up together and took a bow then various people stood forward ..starting with the lesser cast members , working up to the big 3 ~Othello Desdemona and Iago ..as I remember M got a bigger cheer than Othello but Iago got just as big a one as her ..have I said that I thought he was brill...if a little unclear at times...oh but not as brill as M-- of course!!
COOL24th February...megs
(2/24/03 8:37:56 am)By the way when she posed for the pic she said *cheggers*
Something else she said..I had told her how much we loved CUFA...& I liked JS...she said he was nice wasnt he...then she told us how much fun June Whitfield was..
My husband watched it last night for the 1st time & enjoyed it.Quietness follows... MJ.Net members take time to reflect on the past week. Having waited so long to finally see Mandana in the theatre and get that chance to meet up with her, its all been a little much to take in! Some of us still wait... those of us who will see Mandana in Keswick, Bath or Harrogate. But the time approaches...26th FebruaryWe celebrate Mandana's birthday for the first time online! Birthday messages are posted and the online party goes well... all in all a fun day had by all. Hope you had a great time too Mandana! :-)3rd March 2003Keswick - The Lake District.Mandana's work on stage continues at the theatre by the lake. One MJ.Net supporter will be there... lets hope Iris can report back to us with some exciting news of the day and a few piccies.iris reports back the following day...Had a great time. This is the itinerary, we arrived at Keswick approx. 13.45 went to the theatre which is in a beautiful setting to collect tickets. Then went for a pub lunch and a walk round the shops as much as they are, went back to theatre car park 16.20 approx, decided to take a few photo's of the scenery and as I did Mandana arrived in a taxi (how's that for timing).
I called out to her and we had a chat. She'd just come back from Manchester where she'd been shopping as what she wanted wasn't available in Keswick. I asked her if it was cold on the beach in Spain she said she was freezing. She also said she had been ill last week.
She was pleased to know that quite a number of folks were going to Harrogate. I mentioned you were going Tues. and Weds. and I was going Tues. and Saturday. Took a couple of photo's and kissed each other. Told me to enjoy the show and that it was long.
Went into the theatre at 18.00 to the cafe bar and saw Mandana again she was just grabbing something to eat, we had another chat then she said she would have to go to get her hair organised. The show is great and Mandana is brilliant as usual, and I am biased. What a day!!!!!!!!17th March 2003Jayne and Sara (SLN and ILOVESLN) get prepared for their journey to Harrogate - we are going to the shows on Tues/Weds/Thurs.
Two members from Holland have already set off on their way... meeting with Richard and Nicola12/mandanalover on the afternoon. Wednesday we meet up with even more MJ.Net members.18th March 2003Jayne and Sara arrive in Harrogate midday...Jayne's diary additionWhat an incredible day we had! Met Mandana in the circle bar late that afternoon. We were all laughing when Mandana arrived... what must she think of us! She asked what the joke was and I said "You!" Lovely way to greet my heroine for the first time *hides head in shame*.
After introductions Mandana sat with us for a while and chatted, I gave Mandana a pink silk rose :-) She thanked me and called me darling... (highlight of my week!) and said it would brighten up her room. Mandana said she had visited the site and loved the graphics.
Petra and Joan had drove all the way from Holland to be there and were introduced, Mandana was amazed that they came so far to see her... Richard was also there and we all had our photos taken before Mandana had to leave us.
The show was brilliant... but I will leave all that for the reviews section! After the show Mandana came downstairs to meet with us again and a few other fans. I told Mandana that the final scene distressed me because desdemona was killed, she said her neck was still a little sore from that! She signed things and chatted, had more pictures taken and then she left us, it must have been about 12 midnight!! The show is that long. It was a lot of fun and I cant thank Mandana enough for that day!Sara's Diary additionWe had packed and having got it all ready to throw into the car, our post arrived about ten minutes before we were due to leave. We had a wonderful note from Mandana, and the excitement went up another notch We hurriedly calmed down before getting into the car and the journey began. It was fortunately uneventful, and we found the hotel without to much difficulty. Just as we pulled our car up, Richard was hopping out of a taxi, so we made our way into the hotel together. We arranged to meet him later that day at the theatre, and after throwing our bags into the room, we were back out again walking into town - or at least we hoped that is where we were going, since we hadn't at that time got a map of Harrogate and it was by memory from a map we had seen online!
Fortunately for us we arrived into Harrogate to find ourselves at the back of the theatre. We popped into the theatre to pick up the tickets for Thursday night, having got the others already. As we got them, we heard someone come into the theatre, and a voice said saying our names.
We turned around and Nicola12 and Mandanalover from the Netherlands were there. Immediately hitting it off, we went to have a drink with them.
Making our way up to the theatres circle bar with Nicola12 and mandanalover, we grabbed some drinks and began talking. Time flew past, and before we knew where we were, it was 4 o'clock and Richard had found us.
As we sat, eyes kept fliting to see if Mandana could be seen. Eventually Mandana in her red coat was spotted darting in and then out again. We decided to move position and went to sit at the chairs at the top of the stairs. We got some more drinks, and waited patiently in the hope Mandana would reappear.
SLN kept thinking she saw her coat in the long tall mirrors that gave some vision down into the theatre foyer. It turned out on one occasion to be the fire extinguisher that she saw.
Anyway, another round of drinks was decided upon, and SLN stood up to get them. Just as she did and was talking to me, Mandana appeared up the stairs. Petra let out a “Yes!” and because of all the false alarms beforehand, we all began to laugh. SLN hadn't realised who had come up the stairs straight away, and as she swung around, Mandana had got to the top of them right next to us and asked “What's the joke.”
SLN's first words to Mandana was “You!”
She then asked “Who is Jayne and who is Sara.” so we made our introductions, and then Richard, Nicola12 and Mandanalover said hello, and she was told that they had come all the way from the Netherlands to see the show. She was amazed that they had made such a long trip just to see her, and said, “Oh, no pressure then.” referring to her performance with them having travelled so far.
She asked SLN and I whether we had received our card, and we told her yes we had, just ten minutes before walking out of the door to get to Harrogate, and thanked her for it. She then mentioned she had been on the site yesterday and had a good look, and asked SLN if she did all the graphics, because she loved them. SLN told she did do all that, and she then went on to say she had been there a few times before.
Although she did say she wasn't very good with these things -referring to being on the computer.
She also told SLN that other cast members were suffering with colds, which meant that we would probably hear 4 of them with croaky voices that night - little did we know just how bad it would get for poor Christopher Middleton who played Iago.
Eventually having allowed us to take photographs she made her way back stage…. Needing to “get her hair ironed” We all thanked her for her time and disappeared ourselves to get something to eat before the show. Show time arrived and we all found our seats. We sat completely memorised by Mandana's performance, and also thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the show. Our only concern then was the fact was Chris Middleton's voice began to go through the performance. The play ended, and we made our way around to the back of the theatre, a little unsure where we were going to meet Mandana. After freezing for a short time we made our way back to the theatre main doors and Richard disappeared upstairs to get Mandana who duly appeared, saying as she came down the stairs that she was expecting us to be in the circle bar, and joked she thought the play must have been terrible and that we had all run off.
She began to sign a mass of pictures and programmes, and chatted the whole time that she did.
Eventually SLN handed over the picture Little Miss Zippy wanted signing, which is the one of Zippy behind bars. Mandana laughed when she saw it, and her immediate reaction was “explanation please?” so we explained that it was a member of the message board that had the user name of Little Miss Zippy. Mandana then asked if she had built her own little prison cell and I said I didn't want to even think about that kind of detail and she laughed and replied “Your probably right, I'm not sure I want to know either.”
Photographs were rattled off, and another person who had stayed behind had some things signed and her picture taken, and eventually it was all done. We all said our goodbyes and made our respective ways back to hotels, Richard, SLN and I walking back to ours that first night, trying to come down off the high! Getting back we said goodnight to Richard…… and tried to sleep which was almost impossible. We know we have forgotten things that were said, and we just hope that Richard, Nicola12 and Mandanalover can help fill in the details18th March 2003mandanalover
Monday: Up at 05.00am our time, driving at 06.00am to France. On the Eurotunnel train at 10.30am. Wooowww in England at 10.10am . Driving left is peanuts, just the roundabouts are difficult . Traffic Jam London 2 hours, many accidents. Landed on the M11(oh..no!) Drove to Cambridge then toke A14 to the M1(thank God) staying overnight in Nottingham.
Tuesday: On the road at 10.00am, arriving in Harrogate at 12.30. After checking in the Hotel, with the car to the Theatre getting our tickets. About 3 o'clock we walked along the Theatre were we spotted Jayne & Sara, we went up to the Circle Bar to drink something and talked if we were friends for years. At 4 o'clock Richard joint us. After changing places so we could see whom came up the stairs we started teasing SLN and me, because we were very nervous. Just when Jayne was going to get something to drink, Mandana came up the stairs. I said "YESS" Jayne didn't believe me so we all started laughing. Mandana ask "what is the joke" Jayne said "you are" She immediately asked who is Jayne and who is Sara? After shaking hands, I told her I was Petra from the Netherlands, Joan told her the same and Mandana said Ohh...no pressure please. Then Richard shaked hands with Mandana. We started talking with Mandana and gave her the presents and toke pictures before she had to go to iron her hair.
After the play Mandana came down the stairs so we could talk about the play and made some more piccies. Mandana signed the photo's we brought with us and chatted while signing.and the reports as they were posted on the MB...iris
(3/19/03 1:39:18 am)
Hi everyone, just got back from Harrogate after another great night with Mandana. Met SLN, ILSLN, Nicola12, ML @ Richard in the bar before the performance. Iago was struggling with his voice in the second part of the play, he also got the biggest ovation at curtain call something with him being a Yorkshireman no doubt. We all met Mandana afterwards in the theatre foyer, and as usual she was really friendly and nothing was to much trouble for her, signing everything we gave her and posing for lots of photo,s. Mandana signed a copy of Othello, modern version side by side with full original text,for me. More reports from my fellow theatregoers later when they get home. Singing off now bed beckoning. Irisiris
Mandana Fan
Posts: 10
(3/19/03 7:34:50 am)
Yes it was nice putting faces to names. Mandana was well impressed with N12 and ML travelling all the way from Holland to see and meet her. BTW my copy of Othello is just one book, only read Desdemona,s parts so far.I love SLN
Hopelessly Devoted to SLN
Posts: 268
(3/19/03 11:52:59 am)
Sitting in an Internet Cafe in York!
Brief review of Othello
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Vision in gold appeared on our stage right!
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Vision sang
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End of this review!
Other than that it has been the most incredible time!!! Mandana is absolutely fantastic.
SLN anything you want to add?
*hands over keyboard*
SLN here.... There is so much to tell you all that we dont really know where to start, but i will tell you, we are having a brilliant time. We (me, ilsln,nicola12,mandanalover and richard) all met Mandana in the bar before the show. She was about to walk past us!!! Until I called her name Anyway, we got loads of piccies taken with her then and talked for a while, she even sat at our table, oh and said she likes the site!! Richard is now staying another night after Mandana pursuaded him.lol19th March 2003and were still talking about the 18th!richard
Mandana Fan
Posts: 33
(3/19/03 3:20:52 pm)
I had to find a handy computer (care of the library) and add my post. I was totally amazed that Mandana called out for Jayne and Sara when contact was first made. I had my back to her coming up so I was totally taken by surprise to hear her voice and more nervous than I thought I was. She is everything she has been made out to be in being totally and utterly genuine and a style about her that is utterly unique. Her performance in the play was in her unique style in 'living the character' distinct from BG and CUFA . She sounded that she had returned to theatre as her first love. at the end, we tried the outside door at the back and, not seeing her, yours truly was volunteered to pop to the upstairs bar where I saw her. Despite the colds running through the cast (and Iago's voice threatened to pack in in the closing lines) she gave very generously of her time and I think, second time around after the play, we had all relaxed.Jayne and Sara had picked up a postcard from Mandana (gulp) just before they were about to leave. And yes, right at the end, having only planned to watch one performance (what was I thinking of) Mandana urged me to stay. At which point, I have moved heaven and earth to get sorted out for another night. Nicola12 and ML deserve top prize for sheer dedication in this area which I am sure registered with Mandana. I think that she is sure that the people who go to see her are fans who are respectful but still BG type fans. I felt really proud for this site and for Jayne and Sara.
I have stopped feeling jealous of you guys who have seen her already and a lifetime dream is achieved!Wednesday 19th March 2003By Sara (ilsln)
A quiet start for SLN and myself. We decided to go into York since that was one place we had both always wanted to visit. We duly drove there and had a great time, visiting the Art gallery and looking around. Had a great lunch then made our way back to hotel, where it was a quick change and grabbing of things to take with us before heading back into Harrogate. Met up with Nicola12 and ML who promptly made us jealous by telling us they had bumped into Mandana in town and had spent an hour walking around with her!!
They said they had told Mandana how much they enjoyed the Mjnet site, especially the message board, and that everyone on it was friendly and so nice. They also said they loved it because people were always nice, didn't swear at others. Mandana then came out with the comment ‘My board is nice and clean then!'
It was during the walk around that Mandana told them her Mother and Step father would be at that nights show, in the second row!
We made our way to the Theatre and sat in the now customary place at the top of the stairs, when Mandana appeared. She was busy, but again she said hello to us. I forgot to add that SLN had given Mandana her South Africa Tour sweatshirt to sign on the Tuesday, and Mandana asked if she could take it away so she could sign something special on it. Mandana was amazed to see it, and asked SLN where she had got it from. SLN explained that a fan from SA had sent it over to her.
We went to watch the performance and as people filed in, I nudged SLN as it was obvious that Mandana's mother had arrived! You can see where Mandana gets her looks from…… so like her Mother. Slightly different in the nose, but other than that same facial features and even build…. That very slight slim look that Mandana has! Then, Mandana's Mother sat down in the seat right in front of me, her Step father just to my left. SLN and I were amazed to think we were sitting that close to her
Of course, you know from earlier on the board that as the interval came to an end and we had sat back down that Mandana's Mother turned around and asked if we were Jayne and Sara and after saying we were, she went on to tell us how much she loved the site. I said it was a shame she had come to the performance that Iago had lost his voice on, but she replied that she had been to see the play twice in Basingstoke, so it wasn't too bad for her. They had got away from London for a couple of days!! So, not only has Mandana got her mothers looks, you can tell straight away where she gets that lovely easy relaxed manner from. Her mother is great….. Although for some reason, as soon as we spoke to her, it was scary for me because she reminded me of my mother!! Why I have no idea…. There was just something about her that did
As we waited at the bottom of the stairs at the end of the performance, Mandana's mum appeared and said that Mandana wouldn't be able to make it to see us, since they had to have a meeting with the director to work out whether they could even continue the play!!! She had also very kindly brought back the sweatshirt that Mandana had signed for SLN……and she then was more than happy to take a folder with some additional pictures in for Mandana to sign for various board members, plus some small extra ones to hold back so we can run a few competitions on the site. Of course we were very understanding that Mandana wouldn't be able to see us, so asked her Mother to thank her and that we hoped the play wouldn't have to be cancelled. Then we all had the worry of would we turn up at the theatre tomorrow to find it would be!!! So not much sleep that night!simonelahbibnet
(3/20/03 11:39:48 am)
Mandana did say she thought we would find her boring now because shes no longer Nikki Wade.. but dont worry, we are going to make sure she knows overwise!
Anyway...we actually met Mandana's mother last night! (and step father) Me and Sara were sitting right behind her in the theatre and she said hello to us both...having been told by Petra and Joan that we were there!! Anyway, she said she visits the site all the time! And when Sara joked that I had better be careful, she said, Dont you change a thing.
She is a very lovely woman, and we can see where Mandana gets her wonderful personality and good looks from. If your reading this *mom* Hi and thank you so much for your kind words, they meant a lot to us!
Sadly due to a meet up of the cast and director we werent able to meet MJ after the show, but fingers crossed for today. Mandana's mom did walk back to us and hand me my BGs sweatshirt though signed with a special message... (Mandana had my sweatshirt with her since tuesday.lol)I love SLN
(3/20/03 11:43:56 am)
Hello everyone,
Well, what an eventful 24 hours it has been. SLN, Richard, ML and Nicola12 are now all sitting in Harrogate library taking up an array of computers to try and write some of our own thoughts about Othello and MJ..... Where to start?
Last nights performance was fantastic, and the acting even better by all concerned. However, the only problem was Iago was unable to continue beyond the first hour because of his problems regarding his throat, but the rest of the cast were magnificent carrying on when his place had to be taken 'mid-stream' as it were.
It was a shame that the person who carried the role on didn't take the curtain call at the end because under exceptionally difficult circumstances, he deserved the applause.
Mandana unfortunately didn't have time at all to meet up with us last night. We did see her, very very briefly indeed though. well all except ML and Nicola12 who will be giving a report about their time with Mandana yesterday.
Mandana is incredible in theatre, and Othello seemed to jump up a gear for me last night. Where I thought he was patchy on tuesday night, with flashes of brilliance, which then went flat, he seemed to give a more even performance.
SLN will be giving details of other events that have happened. Suffice to say it has been an experience I could never forget, and I had forgotten just how much I enjoy a good production of Shakespeare.nicola 12
(3/20/03 11:51:52 am)
Hello everyone, here are nicola and ml from a internet cafe in Harrogate. We can't believe we are here after a long journey from The Netherlands to Harrogate. We had a safe trip and good weather and eyes open to drive left!!!!!!!!!
We met her, we saw her, we touched her and we took tons of photo's. We are still in shock it happend. pfffffffff soooo exciting!
Yesterday we had the luck to meet her in town and walked a hour with her around town and talking about everything!! I couldn't sleep last night!
We are so glad we met SLN and ILSLN they are soo sweet.
See you all Saturday night!
Nicola and MLSir Justus
(3/20/03 1:15:53 pm)
Well... where do I start!! I am absolutely lost for words, I have admired Mandana for a very long time (bet you hadn't guessed had you ) but last night... wow... she was absolutely amazing! When she walked on stage for the first time she absolutely took my breath away! I was mesmerised the whole way through... it was quite pathetic really!
I thought the whole Iago thing was a bit dodgy to be honest... I would have thought that a play of that size would have understudys who didn't have to read from a highlighted book. But hey, it wasn't that that I went to see! lol!
I could go on forever about how fantastic she was last night... sooooooo amazing... but I won't, because I'm sure you all know! All those familiar little mannerisms in there... and lots of laughing which was nice! Ok... shutting up now...
Quite importantly... I'm REALLY sorry that I didn't get to meet any of you last night... I was planning on trying to collar people on the way out, and then it was pointed out to me that I was a LONG time over in the car park (that'll teach me to underestimate how long Shakespeare can be!) and was goign to get stuck in there for the night if I didn't dash... so I'm really sorry about that (why are you all cheering...), maybe next time! (Because there WILL be a next time!).
As for Mandana as Nikki... well I haven't seen her as that for a long time. To me she's just Mandana (just... haha...) as a whole... all the stuff she's done (yes, including Robin Hood) and as a warm, friendly person. I just enjoy worshipping from afar as it were! lol!
I'm going before the giddiness sets in even more! Mandana (and Mandana's mum... that's great too! ) you were fantastic!!Wednesday 19th March 2003Mandanalover and nicola12 report on the mb...Joan and I had a lucky afternoon because .....we walked into Mandana in the centre of Harrogate.She walked an hour with us and we talked about everything. We walked to our Hotel were she looked at our car and sat in it. And ask not why but I didn't take any photo's, because we were enjoying the walk and the talk and had the feeling we were talking to a friend whom we haven't seen for years. Mandana thought also that people who met her would find her boring now because she is no longer Nikki Wade. But we told her we were coming for Mandana and the Nikki part is done! She told us that her mother was coming that night to see her play.
Joan saw her standing in the theatre and asked if she was Mandana's mum and she said Yes!! how do you know? answer: Mandana looks like you! We told her we were from Holland and she Ahhh... Mandana told me about you! She is a very nice lady. We didn't sleep that night we were too excited of the day we had.Jayne's report on the mb...Wednesday - Me and ilsln went to York for the day, came back to find out nicola12 and mandanalover had met Mandana, walked around town with her!! (Were we jealous!!) Anyway, we didnt get to meet Mandana today, she was so busy but we did see her on and off throughout the day whizzing about.lol
The play was disturbed as you all know by now by the rude audience, who decided to laugh there way through it... after chris middleton lost his voice the director took his place as iago... we thought it was an honor to see him on stage, whilst obviously others had no idea who the man was and just found it highly amusing. There were a lot of school kids in the audience that night though.
Highlight of our day was meeting Mandana's mom, who sat in the seats just in front of us with her husband. (which i excitedly told you about before!!) she was so nice and it was so good to meet her. We were really worried though by the end of the night when Mandana's mom told us Mandana had to go to a meeting about the play... we were dreading it being cancelled. Oh and mjs mom bought me back my sweatshirt from Mandana, signed with a great message! she put, "Everyone who gets out of here gets out for all of us..... mandana jones x" She had come back to let us know that Mandana couldnt meet us. I gave her a wallet full of pics to give to Mandana, just incase i didnt get to see her for a while, to be signed for various members of the mb who couldnt get to shows.mandanalover and nicola12 with more memories from the day...Wednesday: Sara and Jayne went to York. We decided to stay in Harrogate exploring the town. In the afternoon we met Mandana in the centre who was looking for an other hotel because she slept bad because of a cat! We walked about an hour with her and talked about all things. Joan asked her if it was difficult to lay dead in the same position that long every night. Mandana said my breathing is shallow, sideway's because it is stupid if people see you breathing normaly when you are suppossed to be dead. While walking Mandana was reading the birthday wishes, we told her we all have nicknames and told her ours. When Joan said that I was Mandanalover she reacted surprised and gave me a big smile.Joan started laughing. We were at our Hotel and Mandana sat in our car asking about the cruise control! We started walking back to the Theatre she was asking about the site we told her about the bunch of lovely people and that the board was neat, so Mandana said "my board is clean". We talked about the clip I found from London Bridge and Mandana could remember the Disco scene.Then we talked about the interviews on the BG DVD, Mandana didn't see them. She told us that her mum was coming that night so she had a little less time for us, but that was understandeble. Mandana thought that people would find her boring because they expected to see "Nikki Wade". We told her we game to see Mandana and Nikki was done.
That evening during the break of the play, Joan spotted Mandana's mum. Went up to her and asked "are you Mandana's mum" she was surprised but said how do you know?? Joan said well.....Mandana looks like you! MJ's mum asked who we were and told her we came from Holland she then said oh..... Mandana told me about you!
Iago one of the players lost his voice that night and after one hour the director toke over. This was difficult for all the players, but they did superb. The director didn't take the curtain call and in our opinion he deserved it as much as the players, especially when you know that he wasn't on stage for 40 years, but he is a humble man. After the play MJ's mum came to tell us that MJ couldn't come because they had a meeting about the voice problem. She should see us ThursdayThursday 20th March 2003
By ILSLN
Met up as usual with Nicola12 and ML and we had a walk around Harrogate. And then it was…..yep, you guessed it, back to the Theatre for something to drink. Shortly afterwards, at about 2pm, Mandana appeared and stopped very briefly to chat once again explaining she had the educational workshop to attend. She let us know they were going to put some kind of show on - even if it was without Iago!! Although they weren’t sure how they were going to do it, it would require a major rethink, since Iago has about the most comprehensive part of any Shakespeare character, but they were going to do something somehow. We all commented on how brilliantly the director - who was going to be 75 on Saturday - stepped in and we all wished he taken the curtain call. Mandana said it was because he was such a humble man. We also told Mandana we had met her Mother the previous night and what she had told us about the site, which she seemed pleasantly surprised and pleased about. Then it was a quick goodbye so that she could go and get ready for the workshop.We took some pictures of us as a group outside the theatre…… and decided that since we had already done so much walking we would just basically hang around there. Mandana saw us briefly once more that day, and she told us we should move, go and do something…. We told her we had, although it certainly must have looked as if we had become rooted to the same spot lol
We also managed to talk to the director, and we all wanted so much to tell him how we appreciated what he had done the night before. He definitely does seem to be the humble man that Mandana described him as…. Saying it was rather apt with all that had just happened with Iraq that the Dunkirk spirit came out with the performance last night. He also told us that he hadn’t been on stage in 40 years, which left us feeling even more in awe at his performance and courage to do what he did. We all said we would have liked to have seen him appear at the curtain call since we felt he deserved the applause as well.
We asked if the show was going to happen tonight, and he told us that Chris Middleton had been to see a specialist that morning, and no more damage will occur, and that fortunately it wasn’t too deep an infection in the throat, so they were able to carry on with him using a radio mike.
Chris Middleton also saw us later that day, and he told us that his voice was much better and he was going on that night.
As we then sat and talked, SLN also said she would love one of the posters of Othello as we talked and Nicola12 was up on her feet and down the stairs getting one before I knew what was happening. Next thing, she was giving it to someone to take backstage so the cast could sign it
At about 6-20 that evening, Mandana appeared again and SLN and I were able to give her a present in the form of a cuddly toy Scotty dog. She said we shouldn’t keep buying her presents, it makes her feel guilty after we gave it too her. As she opened it she said… ‘that’s so sweet’ and she pulled it out of the bag for a quick photo telling us ‘I see you took the initiative’ pointing to her Scotty dog brooch as she did. It was when we also told her we had spoken to the director, and having heard he hadn’t been on stage in over 40 years, were even more in awe of his performance.
She also demanded to know what Richard was still doing there since he was suppose to have only been there one night lol He told her he was going back that evening.
Then she was off, because she had to get her hair ironed again, and this time she told us ‘it takes 45 minutes to get it ironed from curly to straight!’richard
(3/20/03 11:04:54 pm)
This is Richard now back in what seems an alien world (i.e. home) from Harrogate. I've quite a bit to add. To clarify, the person who understudied for Iago a third way into the performance, was in fact the director of the company who had taught them drama who hadn't been on stage as an actor for 40 years! This we know as Mandana told us! He picked it up cold, realising that the actor who was on stage for an hours was rapidly losing his voice (we know from comparing two evenings appearances) and did magnificently given the circumstances.A classic instance of 'the show must go on.' we got to speak to him and profoundly thanked him- he is looked upon by Mandana as a "demi god" (and presumably by the others). Just before the evening performance we had a chat with Mandana and 'gulp' I got a kiss on the cheek by Mandana.
a few thoughts before I go to bed. Mandana is an extraordinary artist yet has the knack of 'blending in' with us in a way that is incredible. Also, I have bitterly regretted not going to the BG events where Mandana was there. This time I feel I got more from these few days. Not least, my profound thanks to LR. SLN ML and Nicola12 who did so much to make my few days worthwhile, not least for 'being there'.
Thanks also for the thoughtfulness at MBers for our well being.Friday 21st March 2003simonelahbibnet
(3/23/03 9:24:17 am)
Friday - Weird day for us without nicola12 and mandanalover. But the nice thing was we got to meet some other members of the mb instead, some silent lurkers from nottingham (hi there!! lol) and v2thesecond! Also to our surprise Veronikki came over from Paris!! This surprised Mandana too when she sat down and talked to us for a bit. We only took a few pics as we felt we had got enough already.lol oh we handed MJ a letter, its so impossible to say everything you want to say, so we worked on that in the daytime before setting off to meet up with v2thesecond.
We went back to our hotel once we had met Mandana, as we werent seeing the play, ilsln's knees couldnt take it in those chairs another night!! oh and i did get my poster back, signed by the cast and the director. (who we had also spoken too...forgot to say, he was so nice!)The performance went remarkably well, and Chris Middleton managed to get through it using the radio mike. We had tickets in the Circle this time, and Nicola12 and I were both suffering with our knees by the time the play had ended because it is so cramped up there compared to the stalls!! Mandanalover worked some magic on my knees, and fortunately I was able to walk on them without too much trouble - and I am not joking when I say that after 3 nights of cramped theatre seating, it really had paid its toll on them, and I was really worried that by Friday morning I wasn’t going to be able to walk at all! And I knew I should have taken my guitar and busked outside the theatre! Bankrupt and crippled - What you endure to see Mandana in Theatre lol
Thursday night was Nicola12 and ML last one, so Mandana came down the stairs to say her goodbyes. I just snapped away with my camera wanting to make sure that they had plenty of pictures as a reminder of their time with Mandana. Just as she stood for the first time with Nicola12, I mentioned that she was suppose to be shy *yeah right and I’m really the queen!*
Mandana’s head snapped around as she said….”You, SHY!” which caused us all to laugh.
Personally I think Nicola12 must have had some anti shy pills hidden discreetly somewhere……
She asked SLN if she had got her poster back, that everyone had signed it, and SLN said no. Mandana said it was backstage, and SLN told her not to worry about it, she could pick it up tomorrow.
As pictures were taken, Nicola12 suddenly produced the piece of paper that SLN and I had written the questions about the advert and Oh Nicola, which had been nagging us hoping that Mandana would answer them…….. I wanted to hide at this point since I really didn’t expect Nicola12 to be quite so forthright ;o) lol although Mandana took it all in her stride. Of course you now know the answers to the advert and Oh Nicola debate……
As we began to say our goodbyes, ML and Nicola12 getting a hug and kiss each she told us not to hang around the theatre all day. We assured her we hadn’t - We did get out and see Harrogate and York lol - she recommended the Turkish baths and also said the park was beautiful.
It was a sad night for us since Mandanalover and Nicola12 would be leaving early the next morning. Having only met three days previously, we felt like we had known each other for years and already had become firm friends…….Our trip to Harrogate brought us 2 friends we didn’t expect to have and we were all fighting back the tears as we said goodbye to them at their hotel before the taxi took us back to ours.By SLN aka MJNWe met up with nicola12 and mandanalover, went to the library for our daily fix! Then went to theatre to see if the play was still going ahead, the told us it was, so we went for lunch and headed back to the theatre in the hope of seeing Mandana before the performance, she was very busy but spoke to us at one point before going to the educational workshop. She let us know that the show was going to go on... which was nice cos were all still a little apprehensive about that! Mandana also gave me the pictures back, all signed, Mandana you are fantastic for doing those!! I know I warned you there would be a few but still, you probably didnt expect that many!Oh and we gave Mandana a present, a cuddly scotty dog that we found in york, not a real one of course.lol... to which Mandana said, "I see you have been using your initative!"
We have some for future competitions on the site too and a personal one for the members of mj.net which is going on the site as soon as possible!
Then after the show Mandana as she promised met us and said her goodbyes to nicola12 and mandanalover, we got lots of photos again and things signed. This was when we asked the questions and about the site.
Felt very sad though leaving that evening, the fact that nicola12 and mandanalover were leaving the next morning made it pretty emotional for all of us. But still we treasure all the time we had together and with Mandana, we have some wonderful happy memories and we made two best friends! 3 if you count Mandana too.lol
oh and this day i got a othello poster and nicola12 (the shy one.lol) handed it over to a very kind person on reception who said she would arrange to get it signed for me. (Mandana asked me at the end of the night if I had got my poster back... I said I hadnt, but it was okay with us being there the next day too)By Nicola12 and MandanaloverThursday: Sara, Jayne and Richard came to our Hotel to use the internet connection. Shame didn't work, so we went to the library. After walking through Harrogate back to the Theatre asking the girl from the tickets if she could take some photo's from us outside the Theatre. Jayne wanted an Othello-poster so she ask Joan.Well.....as you all know by now Joan is a little shy, believe it or not, but decided to leave that in Holland she managed to get the poster signed by all actors. Jayne gave Joan a note with questions to ask Mandana on our last night in Harrogate. We toke some more pictures, we didn't have any . MJ signed our programs and after that it was time to say our goodbyes. She gave us kisses and big hugs and asked us to drive safe.
That night we also had to say goodbye to Sara and Jayne and that hurts, because they became best friends in 3 day's! We love you both.cexcil merlin
(3/22/03 10:06:51 pm)
Hello again.......
Wonderful to read all your reports about your exploits in Harrogate and your meetings with Mandana......
My report will be a rather shorter, because I only had chance to be in Harrogate for the play itself......
......which was FANTASTIC!!!
Mandana is stunning......... I was blown away by how beautiful she is in the flesh....... and her costumes really suited her well. She is a bit thinner than I expected, but they do say that the (tv) camera adds 10 pounds.... I can only say she looked fabulous.....
She had a real presence on stage, and you could hear every word, even in the quieter bits.....
As for the play itself, Othello wasn't one I'd seen before, and I found the story really moving, especially the part when Othello strangled Desdemona..... my heart was in my mouth at that point, I can tell you..... Othello was such a big fellow, it made it all the more convincing when he shook Mandana by the neck!!!!!!! Brilliant acting.
I have read some criticism on the MB's from the earlier reviews that Othello wasn't too clearly spoken.... I thought he was very good, but perhaps a little hampered by his accent..... The other players were very clear, and Iago was excellent considering all that has been said about his throat problems......
One slightly weird thing was quite a few emply seats in the first 3 rows of the stalls (I was in row D and had asked to be front and centre) when the rest of the theatre behind me seemed full........ must have been a bit offputting for the actors too......
Also they had run out of programmes too..... bit of a bummer that.
Still, a brilliant night, and a wonderful performance by Mandana and her colleagues.........And she is very gorgeous, but she knows that.......
Yours, still very definately......I love SLN
(3/27/03 8:37:01 pm)FRIDAY
We got into Harrogate for 10 am, since we had to be out of the hotel we were in by 11. Our first job was to put the one film in that I had finished to be developed. We wandered around having a look at shops while that was being done. We got the photos - still warm - and having looked at them and could see we had a few good ones we made our way to the library to use the internet.
Posted on the board, and having spent an hour in the library, we made our way back into town and decided that since we hadn’t had lunch in the theatre bar the whole time we had been there, we would do it today…… so in we went, got some drinks, sat down, looked at the menu and ordered something. Just as we sat back down, Mandana walked up the stairs talking to someone on her mobile phone. I just said ‘we don’t live here!’ and put my paper up to shield my face as she walked by having rolled her eyes at us! SLN and I couldn’t believe it…. The one and only time all week we decide to have lunch in the theatre and she walked past having told us not to spend all day in the theatre!!!
We then went to pick up the car out of the car park and made our way over to the hotel we had booked into just for the Friday night. We then just chilled out at our hotel, having not spent any real time doing that all week.
Eventually the time came around to meet Victoriathesecond from the board, so we walked back to the theatre getting there just before 5pm. V2 arrived then a little after 5 and we sat down, yep you guessed it in our usual spot at the top of the stairs…..
*cant understand why people think we lived there for 5 days*
Mandana arrived at 6-15 and said hello. Just at that moment someone from France came over, so we sat back to allow her to have time with Mandana. She asked Mandana to sign her Othello book which was in French and English. Mandana was asked if she spoke French and she said no, but she did read some of it in French and then spoke a little French. Another woman appeared as well and Mandana signed her Othello book. Once she had given them all some time, we just asked if Mandana could sign one of the photographs that we had developed that day for SLN, before I handed over my singing ‘jailhouse rock’ hamster.
Mandana thought it was amazing and listened to it laughing as it also jigs about. She then signed its shirt and stopped another cast member to have a look at it as they walked past.
As she first got there, Mandana went on to tell us all that her step father, who is Spanish had told her what Desdemona’s name meant in Spanish. Desde means Since, and Mona means Monkey!! So they change the name slightly in Spain Unfortunately we can’t remember what she said it was changed to…. Okay shoot us now! lol
She also told us she had a friend in tonight as well as someone in tomorrow night, and that she was going to be extremely busy tomorrow because it was 7 hours performing with the matinee as well.
We arranged to present her with the Mjnet flutes and champagne tomorrow (Sat), after a slight fright when she thought she wouldn’t have time to have them on the Sat. V2 said we would be shot if we presented them to her Friday night, but I said it was a risk I was willing to take lol As it was, we didn’t have to worry because she said she would be at the theatre for around 1pm tomorrow.
Someone also asked if she had any more work after Othello. Mandana replied
‘No after tomorrow night I fall off the edge of a cliff.’
although we know from the director that they are looking to see if they can do a Scandinavian tour because they have a lot of contacts in Scandinavian countries.
Mandana also said she has noises in the eaves of the room where she is staying. She said it sounds like birds scratching, although it could be rats, but she didn’t think so lol it had meant she had invested in a pair of wax ear plugs!
It then turned out that French woman and other one that had asked to have her book signed were both off the board. Veronikki had come over from Paris, while the other woman was a silent lurker, being fairly new to the internet, and was still a little unsure on how to sign up. We discussed just how wide and diverse the places people log in from. Estonia being the one that always amazes me with so many hits on SLN's site being from there, putting it in the top 5 countries from where people look at the site from!
So we sat and talked with Veronikki, our silent lurker from Nottingham and V2 until it was nearly time for the performance….. But SLN and I hadn’t got tickets for any more shows. Not just because of the cost, but also because I knew there would be no way I could manage another night cramped up without serious problems with my knees! So, we made our way back to the hotel stopping for something to eat on the way.
Saturday 22nd March 2003Domino
(3/23/03 8:18:19 am)
Good morning everyone
Yesterday was an awesome experience. The shock of almost being locked out of the car park didn’t register as much as it should have done due to still being in a daze from previous events.
Although pushed for time Mandana had gone out of her way to arrange to meet beforehand those of us who were there for the matinee. By the time she arrived quite a queue had formed, and although the time spent with individuals was brief, she quite happily chatted, wrote messages and posed for photos before she had to dash off for the performance.
The play itself was very enjoyable, in particular Ricky Fearon (Othello), Christopher Middleton (Iago) and Tracy Sweetinburgh (Emilia) were excellent. As she does on the screen, Mandana has a ‘presence’ on the stage and your eyes go into ‘magnetic’ mode so as not to miss any movement or change of expression. Her ability to portray different and changing emotions is as outstanding in theatre as it is on screen, and I’m still amazed that she was able to remain motionless for what seemed an age in the final scene. She is a wonderfully gifted actress and hopefully it won’t be long before we are treated to her talents yet again.
I didn’t have far to travel to see her, so my thanks to those of you who did, it was nice to put faces to names.
Welcome to the board Loobylou, and to the other lurkers, don’t leave it long before we can put names to faces. Hope you all get/got home safely.Larkhall Librarian
(3/23/03 8:36:32 am)
Morning All
Had a little trouble sleeping last night, with all the events of yesterday buzzing in my head!
Can't really add much to what Domino has already said. Mandana was greeted by quite a crowd before the matinee but I think those of us, who hadn't met her already, all managed to have a quick chat, autograph and photograph.
As has been said on numerous occasions over the last few weeks, she was extremely friendly and generous with her time.
I enjoyed the play immensly. Contrary to some critics and other MBers, I thought Othello was very good and I heard every word! Iago was also excellent and he had recovered completely from Glenn Closeitis!
Emilia (Iago's wife) was also strong and had some powerful scenes.
Mandana? what can I say? She was mesmerick on stage and conveyed a whole range of emotions before the final, tragic scene. Have to say, that scene was quite disturbing to watch! I would imagine that a number of bruises will have resulted!
Anyone else have a slight chuckle when Desdemona was referred to as 'The Fair One'???
Final comment - Lovely singing voice - full of emotion and that's what singing is all about!
simonelahbibnet
Nikki Wade wannabe
Posts: 1863
(3/23/03 9:24:17 am)
Reply | Edit | DelSaturday - Well Mandana promised to meet us around 1pm so we could present her with the special gift off Mj.net (the champagne flutes and champagne). As we waited so many others turned up, we were quite surprised, we only expected it to be the 5 of us, me, ilsln,v2second, LL and Domino but some silent lurkers joined us and veronikki, loobylou... was so good to meet you all! And thanks for all your nice comments about the site.
While we waited i got my othello book signed by a few of the cast and told them we enjoyed the play.
Anyway, Mandana arrived and although pushed for time, she signed things and posed for photos, I just stood back and watched, it felt really good to know MJ.Net had bought so many people together and that they were finally meeting Mandana! A dream became a reality for many people. Mandana told me she will keep us informed of news...
so you all know where to look for the latest news flashes!! lol Lets just hope we dont have to wait another 18 months.
We left once Mandana had gone, totally fullfilled and happy from our time in harrogate. We had a brilliant time and met some many great people, the great thing was, we got on with everyone!
And of course I am now a fan of Shakespeare having had no interest at all in the past. I enjoyed the shows so much, Mandana's scenes were all great but I especially enjoyed the song that she did and the final scene, which was incredible and scary!! Overall, I am overwhelmed and I have probably forgotten tons of stuff! So much happened!Currer Bell
Mandana Fan
Posts: 39
(3/23/03 10:50:17 am)
Got home 3.30am after a really enjoyable time. Really sorry to have missed meeting up before the matinee, brake light probs.
Saw the matinee and evening show and was very impressed by the quality of the production. MJ was fantastic as were all the cast. I thought it all worked very well. Saw Mandana briefly between shows but she was busy seeing a friend off to London. After the show I thought she seemed shattered as you would be so just had a chat and prog signing. Didn't have the heart to get camera out which I regret now. No work in the pipeline apparantly. Ended up in same Indian and she made a point of wishing us safe journey as we were leaving. She really is a lovely lady and as I said to her I hope she gets the work she wants when she wants and that it brings her much satisfaction. Hope it's not long before we all see her again.Notso Silent Lurker
Mandana Fan
Posts: 1
(3/23/03 3:42:59 pm)
Greetings,
Well here I am, I've come out of hiding!
Well what can I say that hasn't already been said, I had an absolutely amazing day yesterday and am still buzzing, can't sleep, eat or concentrate on anything!
Although it was along day, it was well worth it and I'd do it again just to see Mandana weave her magic, something I only dreamed of!
She was totally awesome.............she really is an amazing, gorgeous and very talented actress. Nothing was too much trouble and despite her busy schedule yesterday she managed to spare us some time before the matinee and gave everyone a chance to have a chat, get some photos and a signature or two. She was very friendly and made everyone at ease.
I waited for her after the evenings performance so that I could tell her how much I enjoyed the performances and pass on the message from Petra and Joan, it was just like chatting to a friend, she is such a lovely lady. She was amazed that I'd sat through both performances yesterday, which she said was a total of 7 hours, it certainly didn't seem like that! Again we had a lovely chat, and she announced as of that moment she was unemployed and we had quite a discussion about acting and getting roles, it really is a tough life and a real labour of love, something I'd never realised. She certainly looked tired after such a long week and tour, hopefully she'll get the much needed rest next week. She said that she would let us know as soon as she knows where and when she is about to weave her magic, hopefully it won't be too long.
As for the performances, they were excellent. As others have said Mandana has a real presence on the stage and you can but feel yours eyes being drawn to her even when she was dead! how she managed to stay so still for what seemed like ages is beyond me! Everyone else was excellent too, glad Igao had overcome his troubles, with the comments and reviews I'd seen last week I wasn't sure what to expect, but I can honestly say it was even more brilliant than I'd expected it to be, why wasn't it this good at school?...maybe it something to do with Mandana's and the casts portrayal of the characters. I'm still shaking from the final scene it was so powerful and extremely well acted.
As Veronique and I left the theatre heading towards our respective hotel/car, Mandana caught us up and walked with us on her way to the curry house where they were celebrating the directors 75th birthday. Once again we chatted away like friends and once outside the restaurant, we said our thankyous and farewells. Mandana wished us both safe journeys home, especially Veronique who had come from Paris. I hope Mandana enjoyed her well deserved curry and beers and has a safe trip home to London today.
Well for my first posting this has turned out to be quite an essay...........sorry but there is just so much to say. I would like to say thankyou to those of you I met yesterday who helped make it such a memorable day, especially Jayne, without whom, I would not have know about it, if it wasn't for her excellent site.......keep up the good work! It was great to put faces to names on the postings that I have been reading over the past month whilst lurking, thankyou for making me feel welcome and amongst friends.
I hope everyone has had a safe trip home, looking forward to the reviews and photos
iris
(3/26/03 9:33:50 am)
HI, I waited until now to add my 1/2 pen"th while the dust has started to settle a little bit. I want to thankyou ILSLN for making yourself known to me last Tues. night and introducing me to SLN, ML, N12 and Richard. Enjoyed our chat if all too brief. Pleased you made the long round trip ML and N12 safely and had a wonderful time in Harrogate. Enjoyed your reports and everyone elses so far. Nice to have met you aswell Currer Bell on Sat. night glad you got to meet Mandana after the performance. I pick up my photo,s tomorrow so hopefully if they come out OK (fingers crossed again) I,ll pass them on to you SLN. A Fantastic Time Had By All. Thankyou Mandana. Keep up the good work SLN this is one special site.