I Am The Doctor

Oh, if only. If Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, this must be the worst. Everyone is coughing and spluttering and it’s everywhere. I see sick people. Even when I’m standing in front of a mirror. Still, the show (or rehearsal) must go on, even if numbers have been severely decimated (temporarily. We hope. I’m fairly sure it’s just colds and not a return of the plague).

On the plus side, it’s not all doom and gloom. Good news for Whovians (I’m presuming this is a thing and that I haven’t just incorrectly interpreted a bumper sticker. Which, incidentally, is where I get all of my know how) but we are working on a Doctor Who piece at the moment. Guess what it’s called? Go on, guess. I’ll give you a hint – I used it in the title. Great how things work out. Though I think they mean Time Lord rather than medical.

And it’s not just Doctor Who fans who are in for a treat. Children of the 80s and 90s – rejoice! We have some crowd pleasers from that era coming your way. And if you’re keen for extra cheese (and who isn’t? It is what holds a pizza together after all) feel free to belt out the lyrics as loud as you like. We know that you know all the words. Even I know the words and I spent a large chunk of the 90s playing with Barbie dolls (please note it was age appropriate at the time).

So where can you catch all this awesomeness? The first place we’ll roll out some of these new (for us) hits is at Araluen on the 18th September. Fun music, stunning location, gorgeous weather (fingers crossed!). What more could you want on a Sunday afternoon?

It sounds just like what the doctor ordered.

Memory

Is such a funny thing. You never know what is going to act as a prompt, to bring back moments you didn’t realise you’d forgotten. As I’ve said before, music can be one such prompt. In my experience I’ve found that hearing a song you haven’t heard for ages not only brings back people and places but also how you were feeling at the time. Worried, stressed and sad or young, carefree and joyful. It doesn’t matter. It brings it all back.

So why all the reflection? Well I spent the last weekend running around what felt like all of Perth (seriously, we went everywhere) with a childhood friend who is back in Australia for a year. Joined by my sister and her boyfriend we had a great time as we did some of the tourist things that you never do in your own city. Of course we spent a fair amount of time in the car which means one thing – road trip music! Of course we played all the greatest hits from our childhood, singing along (terribly, all that mattered was volume), adding in the occasional dance move (look, I never said we were cool).

Now those songs hold even more for me (other than questionable late 90s/early 00s fashion and dance moves that were daggy the first time around). Positive reinforcement if you will. Every generation has its own soundtrack that will always bring the past flooding back. Every person has their own greatest hits album with songs they will always sing along to. So what makes your top 10?

Now on the 18th September, you’ll have your own chance to add to your memory bank. That afternoon you’ll find us at Araluen Botanic Park, playing music that you know and love and some that you’re yet to be introduced to (and will hopefully love). Hopefully the weather will be perfect (cross everything!). Because an afternoon lazing in the sun, in a beautiful location while music dances through the air sounds like a wonderful day to hold onto. Definitely bring everyone you like with you.

Here’s to memories old and new – because it’s what we’re doing each and every day.