Philip Ashley - Singer, Producer, Singing Teacher

Printing Trouble Trailer

2011-10-19T08:15:00.000+02:00

Amadeus - Costa Blanca Entertainers

2011-08-04T15:49:00.000+02:00

West End Nights - Video

2011-06-05T13:34:00.000+02:00

A short video clip of West End Nights.

West End Nights - the morning after

2011-05-26T13:25:00.001+02:00

What can I say about last night – apart from well-done everyone involved. West End Nights took to the stage at the Casa De Cultura in Calpe and I think from the reactions of the audience members as they left it was very well received.

Yes there were a few issues with sound, and of course people forgot the odd move here and there, me being a prime candidate for that, but it’s live theatre and it happens. Take away the minor mishaps and the whole thing was very good, and no that’s not me being biased because I’m the producer, those where the comments from members of the audience whose opinions I value. I’m not one to write rave reviews and go into self-congratulation mode; yes there were areas of the show that could have been better. That however is not down to insufficient rehearsal it’s more about tryin to direct a show and being in it.

Anyways the video is currently being loaded into the computer, then I can sit and watch the whole thing properly and see exactly where things could have been better, what worked and what did not. It’s as much a learning process for me as it is for the company on a Monday night at rehearsals.

Onwards to the next production.

Anyone for bunting

2011-04-22T21:10:00.000+02:00

So what did you do on Good Friday – made bunting I replied. Like you do. With only a week to go till Merrie England there is some last minute frantic prop making going on. I have been gluing bunting together all day – red and white only – that is of course after I cut it all out to begin with.

Giulia I know was on the London bus front today. Saw the first draft last night at a rehearsal. First draft – it was over two meters long and about a meter and a half wide, if not bigger. Think draft may be the wrong word.

Have a minor worry about the show, that being one of the members is currently unwell and may not be with us, but we will manage – we’re English after all – stiff upper lip and we will get on with it. Actually most of us are English, there is some definite Italian in there and then there is a Dutch member as well. Remember William of Orange – no, neither do I so don’t worry, but the history books tell us that we asked him in to be King because the rest of us were far too busy that week. Sound familiar?

I just hope nobody comes to the house at the moment, not sure how you would describe it. There is a flat pack church organ in the lounge, a lamppost in the kitchen, bunting all over the place, boxes with assorted hats everywhere, pirate swords, overflowing beer mugs, assorted platters of food and various other paraphernalia all around. I have visitors next week, so I really need to get this sorted out, I mean the spare bed being a double is a great shelf, but think they may want to use it to sleep in.

Right I’m off the last lot of glue is set, onto the next bit of bunting.
If you want to come and see the show tickets are still available, just give us a call on 96 558 1483 or go to my website at www.philipashley.com and you can order them online.

Two Weeks to Amadeus Premier

2011-04-17T11:46:00.000+02:00

It’s been over ten days since I wrote anything and a lot has happened in that time. We had a wildfire outside the village, that went on for a total of four days by the time it was completely out, my mother was on a trip to England and broke her hip, and I with some friends have been painting the house. Of course in between all of this there has been the usual round of rehearsals and prop making for various upcoming productions.

I need a holiday!

So what am I currently working on. Merrie England is in the final stages of preparation. The singing and movement is coming along, and we are now worrying about costume and such like. We seem to be missing a couple of London buses, but nothing new there, would miss them if I was in London, you watch they will both come along at the same time.

Have been putting together a poster for ‘Tapestry’ the next venture for Amadeus in July. This one is the ‘Tapestry of Life Through Music’. Chris is sitting over at his computer working on the website for Amadeus, so I’ll post a link to that when it is up and running.

Making Props

2011-04-06T09:32:00.000+02:00

So what’s new? At the moment I’m busy making props for Merrie England and West End Nights.

Merrie England is about all things English, so I decided to sing the Flanders and Swann classic ‘The Gas-man Cometh’. Whilst wandering my way through the song the other members of the group will be building a flat-pak church organ. Yes you did just read that bit right. So have been busy building one, it’s truly amazing what can be achieved with some cardboard boxes, tubes and some sheets of polystyrene. I think what is even more amazing is the amount of people who said can it really play. I know it looks good, but come on, it’s cardboard.

And I know what you’re thinking now, why build an organ during that song? The next one is an Andrew Lloyd Webber medley and starts with the organ bit out of Phantom. Cheap gag I know, but it will all work out in the end.

So what else have I been making? Let’s see, there is the roast beef, gateaux, profiterole pyramid a lamppost and I’m sure there will be other things as well.
If you’re really interested you will just have to come and see the show in Orba on April 30th.

Anyway that’s it at the moment I’m off to the printer now to sort out the posters for West End Nights.

Disc Burning - It's Hot!

2011-03-25T13:59:00.001+01:00

Just to keep you up to date I have spent the week burning CD’s and DVD’s for a local duo 'The View'. I think I can say with certainty that whilst I suspected that I did not like Pink Floyd before this week, having watched a tribute concert for them a lot of times (quality control and all that) I’m even less of a fan. The musician ship of the performers on the DVD is great; it’s just me not really liking Pink Floyds music, but if you do happen to like Pink Floyd then you will love this DVD. Hey ho, only a few more to go now.

Whilst not doing that I have been sorting out the final pieces of music for ‘Tapestry’. This is the second show for Amadeus and will be performed in June. It is the tapestry of life through music, and covers everything form love, friendship, work, loss, faith, causes and even prejudice.

I have also been helping out making props for ‘Merrie England’ specifically an organ, and believe me when I say that I have heard all the jokes about people playing with Philip’s organ, so no more please.

Oh look another Pink Floyd DVD has finished!

One Show Over - Onto The Next

2011-03-19T12:24:00.000+01:00

Hi all – seems to have been a while since I wrote a blog, so a quick update. I have been busy! Was that quick enough?

Comedy Tonight in Careline at Alcalali and La Senieta in Moraira seems to have gone down well with the audiences. A few minor hic-ups along the way but this is showbiz so that is to be expected. However, the next principal singer who gets ill on the day of a show is going to be in trouble, just a friendly warning.

On a slightly more serious note however, between the two performances over one thousand five hundred euros has been given to two local charities so a well done to all concerned, especially the audience at Careline, it was a pretty miserable night – the weather not the performance.

Am now sitting at the desk burning CD’s and DVD’s for “The View” local entertainers who have been on the cruise ships for a while, and by the size of the order are off again.

Have just finished listening to the CD for the first time, and have to say that it was very good. When this next one finishes I’ll put that in and check that one – quality control you know – not sure how I’ll feel about the CD by the time I am finished and have listened to it about twenty times.

Comedy Tonight

2011-03-05T17:06:00.002+01:00

Well a week away from Sounds Familiars first show of 2011 and I think all the bases are covered. Running order is sorted, costumes organised, programmes at the printers, so someone please tell me what I’m forgetting.

Have this nagging little feeling that I have missed something along the way, but I’m sure it will come to me. Probably hit me like a shoe on the head, so then I’ll be looking for the next one because they always come in pairs.

Decisions Decisions

2011-02-23T19:55:00.001+01:00

There comes a time when you have to take a step back and take a long hard look at what is going on around you. It's all too easy to get caught up in new ideas and new ventures without really paying attention to the bigger picture. Sometimes, no matter what you want to do it is better to let something go. I was told years ago by my first ever singing teacher that it is "better to do a few things well, than many things mediocre". Jacob was right then and the advice is right today. Fortunately I have a great team I use for all my productions who I can talk to, get advice from and every so often they make me stop and look at things objectively before I make a mistake that may cost me, either personally or financially.

Today is one of those days.

I had been asked to take care of the singing for a production of Moulin Rouge, and whilst I feel it would be a great project to be involved with, at what cost?

I currently have four shows in rehearsal, am involved in another in a production role, and have three more projects in pre-production. Someone said stop! Step back! Look! and they were right. To take on another project, especially knowing what it would entail would be foolish. I would be in danger of losing control of the projects already on the go, and that would not only damage my reputation but also be unfair on all those who have worked so hard to get these shows to where they are now.

So all things considered I won't be involved in Moulin Rouge. Which is sad, but at the end of the day practical.

Palladium Nights

2011-02-21T15:53:00.000+01:00

Wednesday night last in Benissa saw Chris Allen and Barry Britten take to the stage in their two man show “Palladium Nights”. This was a two night gig paying tribute to the stars of the London Palladium, which celebrated its 100th birthday on December 26th 2010.

For anyone who has never seen Chris and Barry perform it would be difficult in a few words to describe their unique two man shows. Both are consummate professionals, who have definitely been there, done that and have a multitude of T-shirts to prove, or in their case posters, programmes and other memorabilia.

The show was a history of variety at the London Palladium paying tribute to the numberous stars that have appeared there, and Chirs and Barry brought all this to life for the delighted audiences. It was a privellage to see them in action once more and to be promoting two of the Costa Blancas best entertainers.
All being well I am looking at other venues to put the two on later in the year and also their other shows. So watch this space.

Where has the last month gone?

2011-02-15T11:07:00.000+01:00

It seems that I was sitting here writing about the next production I was involved in – that being Grease. Then like just about everyone I know I had the flu. It didn’t so much as develop but rather hit me like I ran into a brick wall. So I did the first week of Grease dopped up and if anyone asked me to give them an account of what happened I would have to say that I could not. The second weekend was a lot better for me as I was sort of back in the land of the living. The show was great and all the kids did really well.

So we finish on the Saturday night, and by Monday I’m feeling like death again and what do you know but round two of the flu comes along and runs me over and did not have the decency to stay and see the damage it inflicted.

I’m still sneezing, my eyes are blurry, and I ache, but other than that I’m getting better.

So I’m now sitting at the desk wondering what I need to do to catch up. First there is “Palladium Nights” tomorrow and Thursday. Then Sounds Familiar are working on two shows, “Comedy Tonight” and “West End Nights” and finally Amadeus is working on it’s debut performance “Merrie England – A Sideways Look At All Things English”. So I’m off now to play catch up. Give me a few days and I’ll start to catching everyone else up with all these projects.

Another week bites the dust

2011-01-16T22:28:00.000+01:00

Well another week has gone by and it’s been busy once again.

Rehearsals with Sounds Familiar for a charity benefit, this coming Friday in Alfaz del Pi, Comedy Tonight in March and also bits and pieces for West End Nights in June.

Started rehearsing with a group of singers for a show in April entitled Merrie England, a sideways glance at all things English.

Put a set of music together for a concert in June entitled Tapestry.

Spent all day yesterday at a Grease rehearsal, and just finished the print files for the orchestra parts for H.M.S. Pinafore for Calpe Gilbert and Sullivan Society.

I think somewhere in all that I sold some tickets for Palladium Nights as well. I may have even slept some, but I’m not sure on that one.

What I do know is that it has been a busy week, and next week is going to be the same. Life is great! When words fail music speaks, that’s the motto and long may it be true.

Grease Is The Word

2011-01-11T22:32:00.000+01:00

Just seen the video of the rehearsal for Grease from Saturday. Got to say that everyone worked really hard, must have been a bit daunting for some of the cast members as we actually rehearsed on the stage at La Nucia, which is not the smallest one around.

Anyway for anyone who is interested, and all those that are not as well, Grease will be performed on January 28th & 29th in English and February 4th & 5th in Spanish. Show starts at 8.00 p.m. Be there.

Palladium Nights Comes to Benissa

2011-01-10T15:33:00.000+01:00

The London Palladium celebrated its 100 birthday on Boxing Day 2010, and to mark the occasion Philip Ashley is proud to present Chris Allen and Barry Britten in their show ‘Palladium Nights’.

The Palladium is acknowledged as the worlds greatest Variety Theatre, and Chris and Barry will bring to life the stars who have entertained over the years, in an evening of comedy and musical memories.

Anyone who has seen Chris and Barry in their show ‘The Wireless Years’ should not miss this tribute to the stars of the London Palladium, and if you have never seen Chris and Barry before, but want an evening of fun, laughter and good entertainment, this is a show not to be missed.

The show will be performed at the Casa de Cultura in Benissa on Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th February 2011. Starting at 8.00 p.me. (with doors opening at 7.30) and tickets

are priced at 12 euros. As with all shows Philip produces 25% of the ticket price will be donated to charity and on this occasion he is pleased to once more be supporting the work of The Friends of the Children of EMAUS.

Tickets are available by calling 96 558 1483 or by credit card on line at www.philipashley.com. For groups of more than 10 discounts are available please call for details.

Booking is advisable as previous shows have sold out quickly.

Happy New Year from Spain.

2011-01-06T22:34:00.000+01:00

The celebrations are finally over, ‘3 Kings’ has come and gone for another year, so we can now all start getting back to normal. Well as normal as it gets for me anyway.

Rehearsals have already begun for Sounds Familiar, and it looks like it may be a busy year for them. At least two shows booked before the end of June and the possibility of a couple more.

First up is “Comedy Tonight” on the 11th March, at the Careline Theatre in Alcalali. An evening of music and mirth. All the songs are funny or present in a humorous way. I’m still waiting confirmation of another date for this show.

Also for Sounds Familiar – “West End Nights” – our big production in June at the Casa De Cultura in Calpe, date pending confirmation, but we believe they have agreed to the 15th. When everyone is back to normal they promised to confirm this.

Also on the 16th and 17th February “Palladium Nights”, a show featuring Chris Allen and Barry Britten. An evening of comedy and musical memories form the worlds greatest variety theatre. Definitely not one to be missed.

Am also working on a couple of other shows, but these will only be involving about 8 people. “Merrie England” a sideways glance at all things English, and “Tapestry” a musical look at the tapestry of life (profound I know). So the year is looking busy.

Keep checking back and I’ll keep you all update with what is going on.