Carol attends our Creative Writing Group at SRSB and she recently wrote a poem about her experience of performing in a Sheffield People's Theatre production called Something Old, Something New at Sheffield Theatres. Thank you Carol and very well done, we're proud of you too! Something Old, Something New, Experience by Carol Adams

I wouldn’t say I’m scared,

I wouldn’t say I’m not.

Memories of the past linger, rehearsing lines, adrenaline shot.

I’m older now, my memory not what it used to be,

Excitement in meeting new people, wondering what’s next for me.

It seemed so far off at first, and then wow—

So many more lines than I expected, right now.

On reflection, I wonder if I’ll learn them all in time,

Something new to dive into, but oh, will I shine?

Will I have to dance or sing, make the audience ring?

It’s a wedding scene, so will there be bling?

A lot on my mind - can I still stand tall,

After surgery, and pull it off at all? At first, I doubt myself, but then I take a stand,

Rehearsals begin, lines spoken, all carefully planned.

I hope to keep everything authentic and true,

Looking forward to knowing my lines through and through.

Then there are cues to remember, every one,

How many times will I pour my soul into this run?

Today is a day of rest, tomorrow’s the final prep,

Opening night looms, and I’ve got one last step.

We started in July, now the end is near,

Just a week to go, and we’ll give it all here.

The stage is set, the people I've met -

What will the critics say, what will we get?

We hope for success in every show,

And pray for applause from row to row.

I wonder about emotions, seeking approval high,

The lines in my head, will they stick when I try?

We all worry about missing a cue,

But the audience won’t know, they haven’t a clue.

There’s just one song, but I won’t be the singer,

My lines are rehearsed; I won’t be a winger.

I’m playing a registrar - does this role fit me?

I’ll give it my best and hope for victory.

I’m so tired I could sleep for a week,

But I carry on, though rest seems bleak.

The gym is my refuge at dawn’s early light,

Before trying to sleep, though it’s still a fight.

The dress rehearsal was a bit of a flop,

Missing lines and prop mishaps that just won’t stop.

Are we ready for this, is time on our side?

But then adrenaline kicks in, and I’m along for the ride.

The audiences are plenty, they clap as we leave,

There’s a buzz backstage, no time to grieve.

At our first party, everyone craves more,

But there’s still work to do, still things to explore.

Every day’s different, changes are made,

Lines and scenes cut, to make the grade.

Suddenly, confidence rises, and I find my stride,

It’s a great show, with pride I confide.

The audience laughs, and I make some cry,

Despite any noise, we don’t let it die.

At last, it’s here - we’ve made it through,

Knowing 600 people have watched our debut.

Now it’s all over, no more lines to learn,

We scream, shout, and take our turn.

The adrenaline fades, and I finally sleep,

With memories of this time, forever to keep.Thanks to all for their support - I’m worn out but proud,

Proud I did it, that I made it, I say aloud.

Proud of this unforgettable scene,

Standing on stage, feeling serene.

I owned it, just like the rest,

That registrar role, I gave it my best.