Peoples Republic of South Devon

Inhale and hold #3

July 9th, 2008

On the last day of rehearsals before Inhale and Hold takes to the road/waterways, Matthew Robinson suffers the weather and back pain

What a day. I woke up and it was tipping down with rain and I had a bit of pain in my shoulder, but nothing too bad. I got my stuff together (as we were moving from where we have been staying) and then headed for the car. On the way this small pain in my shoulder/back became a massive pain (in terms of 1-10 I’d say it was about a 8), and by the time we got to the village hall I could barely move without feeling very ill.

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So I got into the hall (looking like some comedy zombie from ‘Shaun of the Dead’) and slumped in a chair in my hoodie. I managed to put some tiger balm on it, had some soup to try and warm up, and then dosed up on ibuprofen. But it has meant all I’ve been able to do is mark over stuff today, very helpful on the last day of rehearsals.

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We started by trying to put together the end of the piece, which has a chaotic and choppy feeling to it. I think it works well, and the very end is really effective. Hugh and Jamie have been great today, they’ve really worked on remembering stuff and they’re going to be fantastic in the performance.

The rain never subsided so we weren’t able to rehearse outside, which was a bit annoying, but we’re meeting early tomorrow to have a go at some stuff. It would have been crazy be outside though, I don’t know what’s happened to summer round here but it feels more like October, lets just hope it warms up because I haven’t got a coat and only have one jumper. When I left London it was hot.

After lunch, which consisted of more soup and plenty of tea I was able to get my hands on a hot water bottle (which Sarah went home to get - THANK YOU!!) and put that on my back for a while which I think helped; although it might have just been the ibuprofen kicking in (pain was about a 6 now). We then just kept running the piece beginning to end with notes from Sarah in between.

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The last two times we ran it were in costume so the swimming cap was out again, you’ve got to love the swimming caps. My blue one is still not playing ball, although I have mastered putting it on in one go. It just feels like my head is full of helium every time I wear it. Another problem is my shoes which have decided to fall apart (cue the super glue). I’ve only had them a couple of weeks, probably worn them about three times, not impressed.

Anyway as I said I’ve now moved and am staying in a bed and breakfast in Lynton where they make the BEST cooked breakfast (I’ve stayed here a few times), and I hopefully will not wake up with anymore spiders in my ear… or with a bad shoulder (pains about a 5 now)! Let’s just hope I feel a lot better tomorrow and that the weather clears as it’s the first two performances! Hopefully see you there.
- Matthew

• To get in touch with the dancers, email: inhale_and_hold@peoplesrepublicofsouthdevon.co.uk
or just comment in the box below

Follow the action at
Thursday July 10, 12.30 pm - The Manor, Lynmouth,
Thursday July 10, 5.30 pm - Landmark Beach, Ilfracombe
Friday July 11, 1.30 pm - Grand Western Canal Country Park, Canal Basin, Tiverton
Friday July 11, 7.00 pm - Hatherleigh Community Centre (river)
Saturday July 12, 12.30 pm - Roadford Lake, Okehampton
Saturday July 12, 7.00pm - Dartington Hall (riverside)
Sunday July 13, 2.00 pm - Moretonhampstead Swimming Pool
Sunday July 13, 5.30 pm - Tinside Pool, Plymouth

Read part one of the Inhale and Hold entries.

For more on Inhale and Hold, read the PRSD story

• Inhale in Hold is part of Big Dance and Dance-ing Devon.

Entry Filed under: Arts