http://www.chris-clarkson.com en-gb chris-clarkson.com 2012-3-20T00:00:00Z chris-clarkson.com http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#114876 Normal 0 false false false ENGB XNONE XNONE Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostylepriority99 msostyleparent msopaddingalt0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt msopa... 2012-3-18 20:52:44 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#112874 Normal 0 false false false ENGB XNONE XNONE Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostylepriority99 msostyleparent msopaddingalt0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt msopa... 2012-2-20 11:07:29 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#112872 Normal 0 false false false ENGB XNONE XNONE Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostylepriority99 msostyleparent msopaddingalt0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt msopa... 2012-1-23 11:02:39 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#108191 Normal 0 false false false ENGB XNONE XNONE Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostylepriority99 msostyleparent msopaddingalt0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt msopa... 2011-12-5 15:09:55 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#107188 Normal 0 false false false ENGB XNONE XNONE Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostylepriority99 msostyleparent msopaddingalt0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt msopa... 2011-11-20 17:36:24 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#107063 Normal 0 false false false ENGB XNONE XNONE Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostylepriority99 msostyleparent msopaddingalt0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt msopa... 2011-11-17 21:52:53 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#107062 Normal 0 false false false ENGB XNONE XNONE Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostylepriority99 msostyleparent msopaddingalt0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt msopa... 2011-11-11 21:42:44 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#105174 Normal 0 false false false ENGB XNONE XNONE Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostylepriority99 msostyleparent msopaddingalt0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt msopa... 2011-10-13 15:20:24 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#103459 Normal 0 false false false ENGB XNONE XNONE Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostylepriority99 msostyleparent msopaddingalt0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt msopa... 2011-9-28 13:34:05 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#100839 Yesterday I spent the day filming an infomercial for Philips in Antwerp Belgium. It was my second time in Antwerp in just over a year but my first time working for Philips. The gig was all about how to install recessed spots into your ceiling at home. I had to do the whole lot for the film measuring up sorting the electrics drilling the huge holes connecting up the series of lights etc. so I was in my element The only downside was that I spent the vast majority of the morning up a step ladder. Its not that I suffer from vertigo or anything like that it was physically really hard to keep repeating the same moves over and over again all of which invariably had me holding drills or fittings or screwdrivers above my head for the camera whilst in a very warm studio surrounded by hot lights. Still I got to play at DIY so I dont really mind too much If people ever think that my job is glamorous then think again. Although saying that I got to fly to Brussels to work might sound swanky ... 2011-8-19 11:30:15 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#100587 Normal 0 false false false ENGB XNONE XNONE Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostylepriority99 msostyleparent msopaddingalt0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt msopa... 2011-8-16 14:50:35 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#99073 Normal 0 false false false ENGB XNONE XNONE Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostylepriority99 msostyleparent msopaddingalt0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt msopa... 2011-7-25 14:07:01 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#97266 Normal 0 false false false ENGB XNONE XNONE Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostylepriority99 msostyleparent msopaddingalt0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt msopa... 2011-6-29 00:27:14 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#96664 Normal 0 false false false ENGB XNONE XNONE Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostylepriority99 msostyleparent msopaddingalt0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt msopa... 2011-6-20 15:40:02 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#95812 Normal 0 false false false ENGB XNONE XNONE Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostylepriority99 msostyleparent msopaddingalt0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt msopa... 2011-6-8 21:18:32 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#94931 Normal 0 false false false ENGB XNONE XNONE Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostylepriority99 msostyleparent msopaddingalt0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt msopa... 2011-5-28 13:55:50 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#94773 Normal 0 false false false ENGB XNONE XNONE Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostylepriority99 msostyleparent msopaddingalt0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt msopa... 2011-5-22 18:55:49 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#92690 I was asked by www.LastMinuteTheatreTickets.com to write a piece for their new Meet the Cast section. The following now appears on their website.Behind The Scenes With Actor Chris Clarkson Posted on April 27th 2011 by Neil in London Theatre Articles Meet the Cast Im a bit of a workaholic. I have never liked sitting still for too long although the irony of this sentence will be revealed later. Ive always wanted to be an actor but I dont hail from a particularly theatrical family. Both my parents are teachers and did excessive work after hours so I think I had the ethic drummed into me from an early age. However my workaholism probably not a real word but Im sure you get my drift is strictly performance related. In a nutshell my career has spanned most forms of acting. From West End Blood Brothers to pantos all the usual ones being a Prince in my younger days but now playing the comic from Shakespeare Macbeth Taming of the Shrew to fringe... 2011-4-28 13:15:09 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#89164 For some unknown reason I have agreed to do a charity skydive on Saturday 21st I dont know exactly why I have agreed to attempt this lifeendangering feat but I do think its because Im a bit of a soft touch. Ive always had problems using the word no when it comes to good causes and when a lovely lady called Sarah Stamp got in touch before Christmas and started haranguing me it didnt take long for me to crack. Id have much rather hosted a bringandbuy sale or done a sponsored silence or sat in a bath of spaghetti hoops but unfortunately they werent options. Add in the fact that a few friends including my girlfriend were doing it and I realistically had no choice. Ms Stamp had won this roundAnyhow now is not the time to whinge about my impending death oh no its time to start raising some money. We are all jumping in aid of Focus12 an independent charity working with people who suffer from the effects of drugs and alcohol. They provide detox rehabilitation and treatm... 2011-3-14 12:21:07 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#88921 Today I had possibly the shortest working day of my career. Ive just completed work on a new Ronseal advert which is essentially just a rehash of the one I was in last year. Today was all about the script and getting a few different versions down on tape. Over the last few weeks Ive spent a considerable time recording voice overs for Gillette so it was nice to be recording something that wasnt shaving related I was in a studio that was new to me in Trafford Park that of photographer Justin Windle. It was a nice space with a couple of stages. In fact when I arrived I walked into a Simply Be shoot I was really confusedThe advert will be out just before Easter the official start of DIY season according to Creative Director from Principles Agency Keith Lishman 2011-3-10 15:15:22 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#88918 Last night I started a new job as Presenter at Salford City Reds home games at The Willows. Now for those of you who dont really know me Im a staunch rugby union fan. Im a fourth generation Leicester Tigers supporter my greatgrandad took my grandma down to Welford Road for the first time in 1930 and she still goes now and Ive been a season ticket holder myself for 23 years. That is rugby union Salford play rugby league the enemy I have swallowed my pride bitten the bullet and taken the opportunity to find out more about this sport better the devil you know eh.My friend John Norcott has been working at the club on match days for a few years now but his Wedding Singer and DJ business is growing so quickly he asked me to cover him at The Willows when he was double booked. I shadowed him a few weeks ago so he could show me the ropes and then last night was my first time in charge. The match against Wigan Warriors was Ill be honest still a little hard to follow as a lifelong union su... 2011-3-5 14:47:26 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#88915 After 10 brilliant weeks in Stevenage my tenure here is now at an end. Ive had such a wonderful time down here in Hertfordshire it will be a real wrench to leave the place although I cant wait to get home and sleep in my own bed again. The show was still going strong right until the end and the audience feedback was all excellent. I think we only had one criticism throughout the whole 96 performances The final weekend has been a real treat too. On Friday night the producers Chris Jordan Productions invited the cast crews and creatives from their other 4 pantomimes to come along to watch our show we were the last panto still running and then have a post show party. It was really nice to meet and chat with some of the other casts especially the guys playing the other comics. One of the chaps I met originated the role of Herbie the Huntsman my role a few years previously so we had a lot to talk about After the theatre eventually kicked us out of the bar most of us went across to a... 2011-1-24 14:14:21 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#81589 Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostyleparent msopaddingalt0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt msoparamargin0cm msoparamarginbottom.0001pt msopaginationwidoworphan fontsize10.0pt fontfamilyTimes New Roman So weve opened After a remarkably easy tech week as tech weeks go we had a good couple of dress rehearsals before finally having our first paying punters rock up on Saturday afternoon. Our first house was pretty much a sell out so we had all guns blazing from the start. I dont really get nervous so instead of nervous excitement and butterflies I run on adrenaline and Lucozade. The parts of the show that we hoped would get laughs did do and we were very pleasantly surprised by some other moments too. So far touch wood there have not been any major mistakes Althoug... 2010-11-29 19:39:09 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#80977 Here is the official video footage of the Cheshire Oaks gig. Read 2 blog posts below for more details on the event 2010-11-22 22:52:53 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#80790 What a week Im completely exhausted after a hectic first week of rehearsals for Snow White in Stevenage. Weve had long days and lots to take in but today we were able to have whats known as a Producers Run which is where we basically show all the creatives like the lighting designer sound team and wardrobe plus the production team and writer where we are at to make sure that what weve done is all plausible on the set etc. It also gives them an idea of what they are lighting etc next week. The run today actually went very well indeed I got most of my stuff right and I was able to use most of the props that are currently available. Very pleasing end to a hectic week. After an initial meet and greet on day one we started with a music call to learn some songs. I dont want to say too much about what the actual content of the show is as I dont want to ruin the surprise for those of you coming along to one of the 97 performances. I spend the majority o... 2010-11-20 19:20:12 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#80080 WOW Had a brilliant evening at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet presenting the Tree Lighting 2010. Had some great acts to work with and the show ran very smoothly bar the audio not working on the opening video Oh well The 12000 strong crowd all seemed to love it and were screaming like mad from the off. First up we had Frixion who have been touring with NDubz Tinie Tempah and Alexandra Burke this year. I then had my first chat of the night to the BehindtheScenes Green Room and Radio Citys Rick Vaughn. Good to have a bit of camaraderie with the fella Next we had Same Difference on stage singing three songs. Lovely pair We had a good giggle in their trailer at the beginning theyve got such vitality. Then we moved onto Diva Fever. What can I say about those boys Such a high energy act and they know how to work a crowd. I had a good chat with Craig afterwards the spiky haired one and it turns out we did a gig together on stage in Peterborough 2 years ago Small world. Next on s... 2010-11-12 16:48:27 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#77029 Ive not blogged for a while as Ive been working on a big job that Ive not been allowed to talk about However yesterday I spent the afternoon and evening copresenting an event at the Concorde Conference Centre at Manchester Airport. The event was called the MFestival and was for employees of the airport and their families. Completely free it featured a mini fun fair scalextric climbing wall Batak wall air hockey a coconut shy mini casino bucking bronco plus loads more. I was on the main stage introducing the live acts including magicians a Punch amp Judy show street dancers singers and prize ceremonies. All of this took place under the imposing structure of a decommissioned Concorde It was a brilliant event put on by Wizardry Entertainments and the 2000 punters all seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves. I was lucky that one of my best friends Magic Matt was performing some mix and mingle magic in the crowds so at the end of the day we were able to compete against each other on th... 2010-10-3 14:19:41 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#74071 Wow. I am in awe today of thirteen young acrobats. I was privileged to be the presenter of the Best of British event at York Designer Outlet today where we had Britains Got Talent winners Spelbound performing live on stage. Their performances were simply stunning they work so ridiculously hard to get physically fit enough to perform some wonderful acrobatics. Their 2 performances today in front of great crowds quite simply took your breath away. Considering it was an outdoor stage they have never performed outdoors before and werent expecting to today and quite a windy day they went about setting up their mats and warming up in such a chipper way. I cant even fault them as people they were all lovely and talkative signing loads of pictures and spending plenty of time chatting with their fans. They made my life as presenter really easy too. I really cant speak highly enough of that wonderful troupe plus Sally and Neil their helperschaperonescoachfriends 2010-8-29 18:11:10 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#73154 So Ive just finished 2 days of filming at Mediacity for the new series of LighterLife commercials. I have to be honest Id never heard of LighterLife before I went to the casting but having now met 12 people who have done the course and lost phenomenal amounts of weight 8 stone in some cases I reckon it must be a really good dieting package.We had 140 extras in our audience and a massive crew in the same sound stage in which I filmed the Ronseal advert back in March. Filming a weight loss advert in a studio called The Pie Factory was I thought quite ironic Anyway the director Julian Kronfli was calmness personified and had a clear view as to what he wanted to achieve which always helps amazing how some directors just seem to wing it. Every single crew cast and creative was lovely again not usually the case and there was such a nice vibe. My 12 models were all real people and therefore a bit bewildered at times by the filming process. They were all very keen to make it a success ho... 2010-8-18 15:37:40 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#72527 I had a fabulous time yesterday in the grand old city of Dublin I flew out for the day to film an infomercial for AXA. After an initial delay at Manchester Airport of an hour thanks RyanAir I arrived in the Irish capital around 945am. My driver took me on a mini guided tour of the city on the way to the studios making sure he took me past all of the cathedrals ie. Croke Park Lansdowne Road NOT the Aviva damn them and the RDS. The studio was on an estate in a quiet setting on the outskirts of Dublin. We were all to film on green screen were it in Wales it wouldve been red screen Scotland blue screen etc and the other actors were already there. I met another actor with my agency Mark Jardine who was playing the main role who I had not seen since panto costume fittings at the Lowry in 2005 Anyway the crew and clients were all great and there was a nice relaxed atmosphere. Its so much easier to get stuff done when everyone is calm focused and jovial rare to find a shoot where all... 2010-8-10 20:04:45 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#71245 Im always striving to stay fit and healthy when Im not working plus I also try to learn new skills. For the last 5 days Ive been undertaking a course in Bikram Yoga. Its basically a 90 minute yoga session but in what is essentially a sauna The room is 40176C 105186F and there are up to 64 people plus the teacher all sweating buckets Honestly I have never sweated as much. On the plus side it is a really good workout Im sleeping fantastically and despite it being tiring it really does energise you. Top stuff Ive got 5 days left of my course hopefully Ill make it to the end 2010-7-25 21:49:56 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#69898 Had a lovely gig tonight in the idyllic little village of Chipping Campden Gloucestershire. It all took place at Cutts of Campden a Ford dealership in the early twilight of a balmy summers evening. There were about 200 guests invited and they were treated to a sm246rg229sbord of entertainment canap233s and Champagne. I was hired to be my Tennis Player living statue alongside a magician a Rod Stewart Tribute and a trio of feathered showgirls What a mixture Met some lovely people and got to have a giggle with some of the guests after I had finished and done my best to desilver in a tiny sink. I love my job sometimesP.S. There were some beautiful cars there too my favourite is below 2010-7-8 22:53:04 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#68613 Ive had an amazing weekend in Lommel Belgium. It was lovely to see a load of old faces plus make some new friends from around the world. I was working at the Beeldig Festival in the town centre an annual event full of living statues performance art and street theatre. On the back of my success in Holland last year I took my James Bond costume along. As I had a lot of trouble getting the gun and 12v battery to power the gun on the plane last year I decided that I would travel by train and got myself a ticket on the Eurostar. Im a bit of a geek but I simply could not wait to ride on it for the first time. I got to meet up with my friends Ed Johnson and Kate Laurisden from The Living Statue Company at St Pancras so I had good company from there on. Both the journey there and back were great as were the trains to and from Stockport and London. However the 2 trains from Brussels to Lommel and then back again were a nightmare We had delays cancellations and a language barrier to con... 2010-6-22 18:48:23 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#68141 This weekend I worked at Bradford Mela with one of my best mates Scott Clarke. We were working for Q20 Theatre and basing ourselves in the Lord Mayors Carnival Parade Tent. Although we were there predominantly to entertain the punters at the Mela it was linked in with next weeks Bradford Parade. With this years theme being tigers Q20 commissioned Huddersfield University students to come up with a pair of tiger costumes that performers could wear on jump stilts. We werent disappointed with the results With an almost 1970s pimp theme running alongside the brief Scott and I were decked out in tiger print livery from head to toe well rubber pad on bottom of stilt. The only downside from my point of view was that 2 consecutive days on jump stilts is quite had going 6 hours of bouncing isnt easy in anyones book but it has toned up my thighs and bum quite a bitClick here for a link to Bradford Telegraph and Argus article 2010-6-14 23:41:41 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#66679 I started my new job today as a news presenter on Redrow.tv the multimedia website for the one of the UKs leading residential and mixed use property developers. We were filming in Preston at the head offices of Ainsworth amp Parkinson the marketing communications agency in charge of creating the pieces. I had a fab crew to work with David Jade and Abi Sandra was on holiday this week and we had a good giggle off camera. All the dialogue was on autocue which was a blessing as Id only gotten home from France the day before and I wouldnt have had time to learn it all Anyway my pieces for Redrow Scotland will be online from the start of next week. Presenting in front of a blue screen 2010-6-1 13:18:08 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#65842 Spent yesterday sitting in the sun playing cricket and eating fine foods from your friendly CooperativeSomerfield store. Or at least thats what this summers TV advert will lead you to believe I was really good fun filming it although my skin certainly knows I spent 13 hours in the sun SPF15 all round All the food looked stunning but we werent allowed to touch any. Curses I had a surrogate extended family for the day and I got to play cricket for hours albeit on a remarkably shorter wicket than the regulatory 22 yards and we had to keep repeating the same shot over and over and over and over again. Taylor Murphy is playing the hero dad who just would not get out The ad should be on screens for two months from midJune. My wife for the day Sue McCartney and my kids Jamie and Jess. Everyone playing cricket left and the delicious food being filmed. 2010-5-21 13:41:17 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#65651 On Monday night I went to see the musical Laughter in the Rain at the Opera House in Manchester. It is about the life of Neil Sedaka and featured all well probably not quite all of his songs. My friend Kieran Brown is touring in it. I quite enjoyed the show despite not really knowing anything about Sedaka and only having heard of 2 of the songs beforehand The lad playing Sedaka was excellent. It was a huge role and he played it very well. An added bonus of the night was the fact that Neil Sedaka was there in person. Bill Kenwright my old boss got up on stage at the end and made a speech before Neil joined him and sang a couple of songs. The audience went nuts Afterwards I was invited into a small drinks reception and met the man himself Sedaka not Kenwright. Great fun. If you get a chance to see the show do. If you like the music youll love itLink to Kieran Browns website Link to Laughter in the Rain website 2010-5-19 12:27:45 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#64943 Ive had a fabulous weekend On Friday night my mum and grandma drove up from Leicester and then we all travelled up to Cumbria together for my cousins wedding. Miss Karen Moore has now become Mrs Karen Nattrass The wedding was in a church in Carlisle and then the reception etc was at The Crown Hotel in Wetheral. I had a beautiful view from my room see below but for obvious reasons I didnt spend much time in there. I spent a lot of time chatting with as many people as I could throughout the day. Id never met Jonny the groom or any of his family before. To be honest I hadnt even met any of Karens friends either so it was nice to be sociable I reckon Ive made some great new friends at least I hope so I was able to do a little bit of cheesy magic for them and make the odd balloon model too so that was nice. My only regret is that I had to shoot off early on Sunday to go to work at Old Trafford Id have much preferred to go into the pool and gym Such a nice hotel A huge congratul... 2010-5-10 12:48:38 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#63894 Had a nice day today on the set of Coronation Street filming an episode for later in the year. Of course Im contractually obliged not to talk about the storyline but Ive been working with Graeme Hawley John and Becky Hindley Charlotte. Spent most of the day NOT eating a plate of food in front of me partly because I wasnt supposed to and partly because it was hideous Thats the trouble with filming dinner scenes TV companies wont pay for nice warm food when the point of it is to be seen and not devoured I was sat at a table with 3 lovely extras for most of the afternoon. We did have a good giggle so the time went a lot more quickly than it probably should have done. Below is a photo of me giving my big speech during filming. 2010-4-26 18:00:01 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#63784 Im very pleased to announce that The Art of Doing Nothing in which I feature won Best Short Documentary at the London International Film Festival this weekend. It was filmed at the World Statues Festival in Arnhem last August and it follows the progress of 3 different statues and their different views on statueing. The films director is an old school friend of mine Richard Wyllie. The film was shown in Chennai at the International Short Film Festival of India in April and it will feature in the 6th International Short Film Festival Detmold Germany in June. Hopefully it will turn up at other Festivals and end up being aired on UK television.Congratulations RichClick here to visit Richard Wyllies website 2010-4-25 17:54:19 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#63399 On a whim on Sunday morning I decided to drive up to Newcastle. It was a beautifully sunny day and Leicester were playing their last away game of the season end of season play offs permitting up at Kingston Park. As I had to be in York on Monday morning and I could have a work meeting whilst I was up there I thought Id treat myself. So glad I did I left Manchester in a tshirt pair of shorts and hit the M62 with intent. When I got to my friends flat in North Shields I parked up had a quick brew and had a long hard think about the weather. Its a little bit grey but Im sure its not going to get any worse I thought Ill stay in my shorts. Theyve got loads of pockets in so I dont need a bag. Done deal. Jumped on the Metro and headed to the ground with a vengeance a ground where we hadnt won since 2004.One of the things I love about rugby is the good nature of the supporters. There is never any segregation in the grounds or en route to the grounds. I spent a lot of time chatting wit... 2010-4-20 10:54:55 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#60608 Been filming all day today in Southport for a new BrightHouse ad. Did two ads in total. They were almost identical except one had a distinct Christmas theme Wont be seeing that on telly for a good few months then Worked with some lovely actors today and also with the same camera team as last week in the Ronseal commercial Anyhow the advert will be on screens in the next couple of weeks and images of Andy the Sales Assistant will be blazoned across posters in branches. Pop in to have a shoofty C. Chris as Andy the BrightHouse Assistant. Photography by Barclay Imaging. 2010-3-15 23:54:08 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#60254 Yesterday I filmed a new advert for Ronseal. I was a long old day 18 hours but I made some great new friends including my wardrobe mistress Sabine Cockrill and makeup supervisor Charlotte Gibb. We became a right little clique Filming was good fun but very slow going due to the accuracy needed in the shots. Ive never been under more pressure as an actor than when I had to stain some decking seriously After an hour and a half to set up the shot I had to get it right first time as we couldnt unstain it once it had been stained Glad it went well.....Anyway it will be on air sometimes in the next couple of weeks. I get to say an iconic line in it too. Bet you cant guess what it is 2010-3-10 17:17:12 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#59811 This is a little bit belated but last Friday night a group of us from my Thursday night dance class did a little performance at a charity night in aid of Christies. What a laugh we had It wasnt a huge thing but for us it certainly felt it We did a routine to a medley of songs including Cheryl Cole and some other bands Im rubbish with music sorry.... Although our focus was geared on giving a good show it was really nice to have a bit of a social with the girls afterwards and get to know them a bit better. Seeing as I dont usually chat to them during a class I feel rather outnumbered at a twentysomething to one ratio it was nice to finally have a decent chat. Were hoping to have a few more gigs soon. Again nothing fancy but something fun honest and rewardingClick the logo to go to Tivas websiteThe team. Clare bottom left is our choreographer. Bet you cant see me.... 2010-3-4 21:44:57 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#58227 I spent today at The Coppice School in NewcastleUnderLyme Staffordshire. It is a generic secondary school for pupils from Years 7 to 13 with Moderate Severe and Profound Learning Difficulties. Along with the Speight of the Art Foundation I was able to help with a day of art classes. I kick started the day as a Living Statue whilst Oliver Speight gave an introduction to the day and the charity. After a day of cartooning with Chris Altham making caricatures with Chris Ryder finger painting music and calligraphy I was on hand to help present certificates in an end of day ceremony. Today truly was one of those days when you walk out of a building thinking Yes I really have made a difference. A wonderful feeling and I loved every minute. Thank you Speight of the Art and The CoppiceClick the Sentinel logo above to read the newspaper article from the day including an interview with Chris 2010-2-11 21:36:45 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#55839 Well after 7 hectic weeks its now time to draw a line under Aladdin in Kendal. I thoroughly enjoyed my time up in the Lake District and Ive got some very fond memories of people the venue the panto and the town. A huge thank you to all involved for making it such a wonderful season Oh and the Adult Panto was great fun too.....Whilst in Kendal Im pleased to say that my website passed the 25000 hits mark. Thats a lot of people What is nice is that visitors have come from 37 different countries around the world AmazingThe Aladdin cast MD DSM ASM and Wardobe Mistress lying on the centre of the stageThe photo was taken from the lighting rig 2010-1-10 16:22:41 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#54694 As much as I love performing to the kids Im glad weve now finished the schools performances if for no other reason than the 10am shows Its so hard getting yourself pumped up for bouncing about looking happy at that time of the day. Lets face it its still the middle of the night for actors Anyway the shows went well and the kids all seemed to enjoy themselves. The cast and crew are now enjoying a well earned day off. Ive come home to Manchester if only to do my washing and Im hoping to catch up with a few friends whilst Im here filling them in about all of the panto gossip. Im loving my time in Kendal and I enjoy everyones company. All of the cast youth actors girls of the chorus stage management and crew are fab Hoping to keep in touch with them all when this years Panto Dream ends in 3 and a bit weeks time.....Wishy Washy outside Widow Twankys Launderette 2009-12-17 21:17:05 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#54422 We had our opening preview performance last night and have got a matinee preview today before we officially open tonight. Exciting stuff. It was fantastic to finally get the show in front of an audience. It all went well and there was only one real error. Without spelling it out in too fine a detail one character has the line Twankys Tacky Tat and they unfortunately put the W in the wrong place. Ooops We all had a good laugh about it on stage though For me personally it was wonderful having a new audience. As I have so many jokes to tell in front of the same people in rehearsals it gets very tiring for both them and me. Last night it was nice to get some laughs again Well onwards and upwards. Day off tomorrow and if Ill try and update again with news about our opening night. 2009-12-12 11:33:12 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#53973 Click on the link below to visit the GoStyle website and read an interview with me about my extensive knowledge of clothes. Im just below singer Kristyna MylesChris interview with the GoStyle Live girls 2009-12-5 11:43:05 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#53971 So were coming to the end of week two of rehearsals and were bang on schedule. Its been a fun couple of weeks and weve had such a good laugh. As ever with panto it is a time of exploration. Ive been allowed to play with all sorts of ideas and I reckon Ive come up with some pleasing lazzi sequences. Time will tell well the audience reaction will tell and even though we dont open until next Friday Im dying to start making people laughOn the social side of things the cast and crew have been out almost every night. Highlights include our weekly interdepartment darts tournament curry night cinema trips and XFactor night NOTE I did not attend this night as I cant stand that programme.Aladdin cast in order of appearanceGenie Denise HoeyAbanazer Ian CaseyPrincess Lotus Blossom Annabel BatesPing Bekah SloanPong Helen MoffittWishy Washy Chris ClarksonWidow Twanky Christopher WrightAladdin Duncan JohnstonEmperor of China Martin LambEmperors Guard Steve Atkinson 2009-12-5 11:25:56 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#53282 Am sat in the lounge of my digs in Kendal munching away on some Marmite on toast and washing it down with a vat of coffee. Need the energy today as its all about singing and dancing Looking forward to bustin some grooves in the rehearsal studio then getting down to some serious harmony making.Im sharing the flat with Aladdin Duncan Johnston and were already acting like were brothers. I constantly rib him and he plays the setupon little bro very well In fact weve even colluded in some practical jokes that we will start playing on the cast and production team later today. I love pantoThere was a meal last night for the full cast crew creatives and management of the panto. The food at the Brewery is fabulous I had roasted pigeon breast for starters followed by venison for my main. It was Ian Caseys Abanazar birthday yesterday so we delivered him a chocolate gateau with a candle in for dessert Happy days. 2009-11-24 08:58:31 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#52512 I had a fabulous time last night presenting the Christmas Lights Switch On in Warrington. I work a lot at Golden Square and do love the Warrington crowds We had a number of acts performing for us from 4 until 830 including Kristyna Myles High School Holiday the cast of Warringtons panto Dick Whittington dance troupe Nu Era and our star turn XFactors own Lucie Jones. The whole show went swimmingly well except for the fact that Lucie turned up late due to the M6 being closed and the fact that Warrington Town Centre was at a standstill because we had so many people crammed in But we didnt let that or the wet weather dampen our spirits. Lucie sang 4 songs and joined in with the singalong at the end not to mention plunging the plunger to illuminate the Warrington sky. She was a really nice girl and spent a long time afterwards chatting with her fans having photos taken and doing interviews. I must admit that I dont watch XFactor Im really not a fan of reality TV but I do think that t... 2009-11-13 12:30:11 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#51645 Had fun today in Milton Keynes presenting a Fashion Show for XS Productions. It was showcasing loads of different stores in what they call the Fashionable Quarter of Milton Keynes. I got to work with quite a few models that I have worked with before and also had a good laugh with the different audiences that we drew. It was a really last minute booking and so pretty much everything I did was off the cuff. Fortunately that is the way I like to work 2009-10-30 21:53:20 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#51418 Long time no post Ive been very busy lately with various projects and my current one is a gem. Ive been working in two different attractions at Alton Towers as part of their Scarefest The Boiler House and The Field of 1000 Screams. Very few people actually get to work in both of these in any one year so Im quite honoured In The Boiler House I have been playing the Handyman and in The Field of 1000 Screams I have been both the Hero RAF Officer and a Zombie. Great fun I get to spend 6 or 7 hours just shouting at people and making them scream Without wanting to go into too much detail across both attractions we have had a number of Code Yellows and at least one Code Brown. Read into that what you want..... 2009-10-27 10:42:23 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#48516 Today I had a very BBC day indeed. I was on BBC Radio Manchester at lunchtime on the Heather Stott show and then this evening in front of an audience of 700000 people I was on BBC1s North West Tonight with Gordon Burns and Ranvir Singh. The radio interview was good fun and Heather was really lovely. She seemed genuinely interested too which was nice. Gordon Burns had the shiniest shoes I think Ive ever seen and Ranvir was extremely chatty Both interviews are available on my Living Statues page click the link on the right of this page.Me in the North West Tonight studio 2009-9-10 22:57:19 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#47935 Wow What a weekend I am proud to write on here that I won the Audience Award at the 2009 World Statues Championships. Sooooooo chuffed In the biggest audience vote ever recorded I was fortunate to top the list and I was awarded with my medal on stage at the end of the Parade. As it was all in Dutch it wasnt until the presenter said James Bond in a heavily accented voice that I realised what was going on. Amazing Chris in one of his poses. Chris mistakes a young girl for Blofeld.World Champion Statue orange flanked by Chris and the Mayor thenthe amateur winners. 2009-9-2 10:45:52 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#47504 I am proud to announce that my pub team won the Cup last night For those of you who dont know to keep my singing voice in relatively good nick when Im not working I sing karaoke for my pub team The Crown 416 Buxton Road Great Moor Stockport SK2 7BY. Its like a darts team or a pool team just karaoke We came second in the league this season congrats to The Jolly Sailor on their victory but last night was the end of season knock out cup final. Our equivalent of WembleyOur team on the night was made up of myself Vickey Farr Paul Lawton Andy OBrien and Matt Lees. I sang Feed Me from Little Shop of Horrors with Andy in the 1st half and All I Care About from Chicago in the 2nd. I must put a special mention here to our opponents on the night Peters Square Tavern. They are one of my favourite pubs on the circuit and they have an amazing team. We had two incredibly close games in the league this season one was even a draw and I cant wait to play them again in 2010Thanks to everyone i... 2009-8-25 13:58:29 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#46205 Today I was officially invited back to Holland to once again represent Great Britain in the World Statue Championships. I cant tell you how excited I am I had such an amazing time last year that I was so desperate to be invited back this year. There is usually an audience of about 350000 spectators. The competition takes place between 1pm and 5pm on Sunday 30th August around the centre of Arnhem. At 530 the Festival Parade starts on the square in front of Church Eusebius. After that the nerveracking presentation of the awards will begin There are 4 awards Content Craftsmanship Aesthetical Sensation their words not mine and Entertainment. The winner will be awarded with the Grand Prix dArnhem and can be addressed as the World Living Statue Champion for a year. Ill be taking my brand new James Bond statue with me. Come along and support Id love some British voices cheering me on 2009-8-3 15:22:14 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#44741 What a great day today was I was working at Golden Square Shopping Centre in Warrington with Calum Best and the Brit Chix doing a Celebrity Style Challenge with loads of different fashions available in the Centre. Calum was a pleasure to work with and a thoroughly nice bloke down to Earth and selfdepricating. The Brit Chix were a riot Three fantastic talented ladies who are more than keen to join in and have a giggle. Plus Neil Victorias boyfriend again a cracking chap. A days work does go so much quicker when you enjoy what you are doing and who you are doing it with Thanks to all involved C.Victoria T Chris Maddy Paisley and Calum 2009-7-11 21:04:44 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#42346 Last week I had my first holiday in almost exactly 2 years as I went off to France with my golf club Painswick to play for the Le Coq Trophee. 12 of us made the trip across the channel from Portsmouth and we played 4 coursesGolf Barriere de St.JulienBeuzeval in HoulgateOmaha Beach the Le ManoirEtang courses andLAmiraute in Deauville.Im delighted to report that I won the overall competition playing to around 4 shots below my handicap. I had a fab time with the lads and hope to go back next year. Much funFrom left to rightBarrie Hesling Mick McGarr Graham Moody Dave Brazington Brendan Nunan Huw Anthony Robin Anthony Chris Clarkson Mike Hoey Neal Haddock Captain Kish Venkatasami Gil Locke. 2009-5-27 16:31:46 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#40668 Not so much a work related blog but one I felt I wanted to make. Yesterday I donated blood for the 30th time. Ive been giving regularly since I was 18. The National Blood Service is always on the look out for more people to donate. Nowadays you must be aged 17 upwards there is no longer an upper age cut off.There are only 1.6 million registered blood donors in the UK and that equates to roughly 4 of the population.The National Blood Service needs to collect 9000 pints a day.If you feel you can help save a life then please join me and find your nearest donation centre.Thanks Chris. National Blood Service 2009-4-28 09:24:22 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#39257 I was very fortunate to be part of the launch for the North Staffordshire branch of the Speight of the Art Foundation at McDonalds in Newcastle Under Lyme. I performed one of my Living Statues for the event. Also there was Ian Cook as seen on Blue Peter who led workshops for kids which included making pieces of art by painting with remote controlled cars Lee D from CBBCs Prank Patrol was signing loads of autographs and walking around entertaining the crowds were magician and balloon modeller Ethan Mark and face painter Mari Leeds. For more information on the charity and to read more about the inspiration behind the foundation Mark Speight log onto their website below 2009-4-5 21:07:56 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#38992 Yesterday was simply wonderful I presented a charity event in Salford Quays for Cash for Kids in association with Key 103 and Magic 1152. Basically from the top of the Imperial War Museum North the tower being 95m tall a wire was stretched 300 metres across the Manchester Shipping Canal to the front of The Lowry. Fundraisers were asked to raise a minimum of 163150 to ride the Death Slide. It was an amazing event and overall somewhere in the region of 16340000 was raised for local disadvantaged kids. Every penny raised went straight back out into the Greater Manchester area. I did some sums and worked out these facts 2 days of Zipping with roughly 140 Zippers a day 280 Zips 1 Zip 300m therefore 280 Zips 84000m 84000m Just over 52 miles worth of Zipping Amazing For me though the best part was that at the end of the day I was lucky enough to have a go too Such an amazing experience I even convinced the man at the top to Gaffa Tape my wrists and ankles together along wit... 2009-3-30 11:04:22 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#38991 What fun I got to be Pete McConey in Death of a Rockstar somewhere in North Yorkshire tonight. I had a wail of a time Id never been in a Murder Mystery before and it was a hoot. I got to work with my friends Jon Stokes Rebecca Jenkins Rob Laughlin and a new friend Muireann Price. Fabulous stuff. All based on a structured improvisation we were able to manipulate the evening to it thrilling denoument. It was set in the 1960s and centred on the world famous band The Beetroots. I dont want to say much more as I dont want to give anything away 2009-3-28 10:53:24 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#38507 Well I had a great time with Sue last night on her radio show. It was lovely to have a good chinwag and also great to receive loads of emails into the studio from both friends and listeners. I happen to know that there were friends of mine listening in Tyne amp Wear Cardiff Birmingham London and even in Russia and Holland Fantastic Cheers guys Manchester Radio Online has over 350000 listeners every month. 2009-3-21 12:28:26 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#38439 Ive started going to dance classes this week. This is a big step for me I know Im not a dancer but I do have to dance in shows sometimes so I decided to try and keep my hand in whilst Im not working. Ive been to two classes so far on Tuesday and Thursday. Tuesdays session was a bit embarrassing as I had to do a girly dance to the Pussycat Dolls I dont have hips that I can swing but last nights class with Clare was much more ahem butch. Sort of. Anyway Ive really enjoyed it so far and the girls down at Tiva Dance in Stockport are great. The studio is lovely and well equipped. Well worth the embarrassment of being a boy in a dance class Click here to visit the Tiva Studios website 2009-3-20 10:21:44 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#38375 Tomorrow night Friday Im going on my friends Susan Hanks radio show I went to Bretton Hall with Sue and she is now a comedienne. Her weekly show is on Manchester Radio Online and is rather scarily called The Girly Show. Weve been trying to arrange this for ages but either Ive been busy working or she has already had someone booked in. However we were talking about it on Saturday night at her birthday party so finally weve been able to find an appropriate date Tune in from 9 until 11pm on Friday Ill be on from 10 onwards To visit Manchester Radio Online click here 2009-3-19 00:08:08 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#38280 Yesterday I had the chance to meet a true rugby great Jason Robinson. For those of you who dont know who he is he played both League never mind and Union with the distinction of scoring the only try in the 2003 World Cup Final when England beat Australia. Anyway myself and 10 friends went to Edgeley Park the home of Sale Sharks to watch Guinness Premiership match between Sale and Newcastle Falcons and also to have Sunday lunch with Jason himself. What a lovely man We had coffee and pastries before the game and a roast after Sale lost the match which was a pity but ironically great for my team Leicester all in the company of Mr Robinson. I chatted to him about his playing days and his family and also quizzed him about his new job as Head Coach of Sale next season. Much fun was had and much Guinness was drunk 2009-3-9 00:37:59 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#37500 Sorry its been such a long time since my last post but Ive been really busy with work. With the website still pulling in over 1000 hits a month it is about time I wrote something new This week I will be appearing as the Clerk of the Court in EMMERDALE on ITV1 on Tuesday and Thursday. I filmed it at the end of January in Morley Magistrates Court. Funnily enough the Judge was being played by a old friend of mine Andy Hockley. We last worked together playing SoninLaw and MotherinLaw... it was in panto Back over Christmas 200405 we were in Sleeping Beauty together at The Belgrade in Coventry oh Andy was in drag not me. C. 2009-3-1 09:25:49 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#34817 Alas Aladdin has had to close early for financial reasons. It is a real shame as it really was a great show with a great bunch of people working on it. Ive made some lovely new friends who Im sure to keep in touch with and by and large the audiences have been fabulous bar the odd idiot.... We had everything possible thrown at us from companywide illness to a cast member just walking away power cuts midshow to a Peterborough shortage of glitter Plenty of material for my autobiography..... Anyhow goodbye Aladdin it was fun C. 2009-1-11 11:54:45 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#34518 Today is only my second day off since 14th December 29 shows with only Christmas Day off Im shattered Anyhow its going really well and the show is still in fantastic shape. Since Ray Quinn left us Owen Thompson has been playing Aladdin and he has been wonderful. Its great working with him on stage too. The audiences have been wonderful although we always need more people to turn up Some shows are sold out but we can usually squeeze a couple more people in. Also we are closing a few days earlier on 13th January so get updownacross whilst you still can We had a great New Years party here in Peterborough around at the Technical Managers house. Much table tennis was played and larking about was at a premium With only a few days left to go now we are starting to gear up for our endofshow parties meals and nights out. If you make it along to the show then come say hello and tag along C. 2009-1-4 18:03:15 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#34170 To everyone who regularly checks my site and to all newcomers and first timers Merry Christmas Ive had a great year this year with loads of new avenues of work opening up and plenty of new friends. Thank you to everyone who has made 2008 a special year for me. Panto is going well and after a hectic and tumultuous couple of weeks at work we are now settling down into a nice routine. The company is lovely and weve had some fabulous nights out in and around Peterborough or Pantoborough as I call it. Ive especially made some very close friends who I know I will definitely keep in touch with. The show still looks stunning so if you can make it to Peterborough do come along Always more than happy to say hello to folk after a performance C. 2008-12-25 18:39:43 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#33431 Yesterday we had our first two previews of Aladdin and they went well considering how tired we all were In one of the most complicated technical rehearsals Ive ever been involved with everyone worked incredibly hard to get the show up and running. Ive had some lovely messages from people who have been to see the show and I always try to reply to them personally. Thanks for the wonderful response C. 2008-12-7 18:55:54 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#32624 Im now a week into rehearsals for Aladdin and its going well. Were bang on schedule and maybe even a little ahead. Im hoping to start dancing properly at the start of next week I should add at this point that I was hospitalised last week with a poorly leg and have been on crutches ever since. The cast are all great. Im living with Alex McNamara Alex Bird and Holly Hughes in a lovely little house in a Peterborough supurb. Its been a riot so far Anyway get yourself down to The Broadway Theatre in Peterborough for a visually fantastic panto Never has there been so much glitter in a pantomime and thats saying something 2008-11-22 13:26:01 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#31854 Last night I was down in Peterborough to set the fireworks off at East Anglias biggest display the Firework Fiesta. Despite getting DRENCHED in the monsoonlike weather it was really good fun and the celebrations werent dampened down too much It was nice to be able to meet up with some cast members too. Anthony Williams Brian Capron Gareth Richards and Daniella Valvano were all just as cold as me Aladdin costumes have a lot of flesh on show but spirits were high and banter was rife. Ill be down there again on Thursday to turn on the Christmas lights in the Queensgate Shopping Centre come on down and say hello 2008-11-2 13:02:12 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#30561 What a day For my friends birthday damn you Stu he decided that instead of having a party he would make us all do a 5km run for charity in Heaton Park Manchester. Nice. Well not wanting to take the easy option of just running around the course Scott Clarke and I decided to get dressed up and do it on jump stilts What fun It took us a lot longer to get around than most people but we must have used more energy than everyone else put together. Shattered now but hey the trees of Manchester will appreciate us For more information on the charity go to their website. httpwww.treeathlon.org Francesca Larkin Chris Clarkson Stuart Rooker and Scott Clarke. 2008-10-5 17:13:39 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#29449 Right along with my new projects of learning two new languages not saying which ones until Im halfdecent at them I have been challenged by a good friend of mine Fiona J Keats with whom Im doing panto this year to learn the ukulele BEFORE PANTO STARTS I begin rehearsals on 17th November so need to crack on. Can anyone tell me where I can get a cheap decent ukulele and also any tricks to learning how to play it. I hate losing a challenge so I need as much help as possible PLEASE GET IN TOUCH Chris. 2008-9-8 22:46:22 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#29356 Im very chuffed to be able to say that for each of the last 4 consecutive calendar months the website has had over 1000 hits. In total there have been over 10000 hits since the sites inception nearly a year ago. Id like to personally say a big thank you to everyone who has helped update and manage the site for me for the last 12 months. Also to everyone from the 27 different countries around the world who have logged on Thanks Chris. 2008-9-4 20:05:26 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#29013 Well I didnt win but then thats no surprise. The standard was exceptionally high. A couple from Italy won the overall prize. There were well over 300000 people walking around the predesignated route in the centre of Arnhem. In 4 hours I only took one 5 minute break I was shattered I would have taken much more but there were so many people around I felt like I had to perform as much as possible. Im now spending a few days with my Dutch friends in Arnhem and also in Amsterdam. Im being taught how to firebreathe tonight by Hienke this may be my last blog post for a while if it all goes wrongP.S. Ive already been invited back to St Petersburg for next years International Festival which is nice 2008-9-1 16:26:40 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#28918 I write this sitting at Manchester Airport waiting to board my flight to Holland for the Championships. All my gear a big box 60x60x80 has been checked in and hopefully will turn up in Amsterdam with me. If not looks like Ill be entering naked painted silver On the back of the Olympics I feel like I want a Team GB tshirt.... 2008-8-30 09:05:07 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#28782 Well the show is now over and so ends Edinburgh Fringe 2008. We had a couple of nice reviews check the Reviews page via the link on the left of the page. Its been a great experience but absolutely shattering Ive worked every single day for the last 5 weeks and also managed to squeeze in over 20 Fringe shows and many many many hours of socialising The best shows that I saw were The Elephant Man Dancing on your Grave Cloudcuckooland Departure Lounge Showstoppers and No Place For Dreams. Thanks to everyone that I met up there from times of old and also to all of the new friends that I have made. Please keep in touch Chris. 2008-8-25 22:20:20 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#27890 Last night was our first performance of Soul Traders at the Edinburgh Festival. Due to a complicated tech on Saturday we actually used last night as an open dress rehearsal and made it free entry. Despite the fact that it was our first run through on stage with props costumes lights the band etc. it went very well. One down twenty two to go Venue 112 at 715pm everyday until Monday 25th August. 2008-8-4 11:59:38 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#27468 Well who says life isnt varied This morning Im rehearsing for Soul Traders playing a 1960s banker with a bowler hat and a brolly. This afternoon Im dressing up as a punk for The One Show and walking around Finsbury Park in London being filmed. This evening Im auditioning for a show in which my character is a roller skating drag queen. Its certainly not a dull 95 job this acting lark 2008-7-25 11:56:09 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#26674 Week One has now gone and the show is slowly taking shape. Mostly done singing and dancing so far there will be a couple of fabulous moments. Cast and creatives all seem lovely and weve already taken out shares in some local Bloomsbury bars Will keep you posted as to how it all goes........ 2008-7-20 21:04:08 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#27335 Yet again I had a fabulous time down at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This year was the first when all of the cars were able to do the Hill Climb together. The Ant Hill Mob were the new addition this year and so we had over 30 people all sharing a tiny dressing room Fortunately the weather was a lot better than last year so we were able to sit outside a lot more. What made it even better for me was my good friend Scott Clarke was able to come along and play Dick Dastardly opposite my Peter Perfect. Great fun All of the characters. Im centre bottom next to Penelope Pitstop. 2008-7-13 11:10:02 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#26370 Well panto has been arranged now at last Im really looking forward to working in Peterborough this Christmas ironically my mum was working there today as its a town Ive never had the chance to see. The Creative Team all seemed very nice in my auditions and it should be really good fun When I know more Ill let you know In the meantime see the Coming Up... page for more details. 2008-7-1 22:18:52 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#25792 What larks Today Ive been down at the BBC having a series of photographs taken for The One Show. What with its 1st birthday coming up they have decided to renew their posters website and advertising with the new presenters. Also ended up being interviewed felt odd being the other side of the microphone for some cutaways that will be used sporadically as fillers or as BBC adverts. I got to pose with a megaphone. Never done that before 2008-6-19 16:25:31 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#25349 Yesterday I was offered the park of bankerbroker George in the new comedy musical Soul Traders. We will be rehearsing in London for a few weeks before heading up to the Edinburgh Festival. Im really looking forward to going back there as I havent been to the Festival since 1999 Also I get to work with my friend Andrew Wright again who is choreographing us. If anyone is interested in coming along then check out the details on the Coming Up page. The producers are hopeful that it may transfer to a London theatre after our stint in Scotland. 2008-6-10 16:29:22 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#24827 Well what can I say. I have had without a doubt the best weekend of my life. It has been an amazing experience working in Russia and also a fabulous opportunity to get to know people from all over the world. Id like to thank everyone individually for their support and hard work but alas I dont know how to spell everyones name Id love to go back and do it all again. Hopefully next year eh Spaseeba. if that is spelt correctly P.S. For those of you who dont know I was performing three different Human Statues in the festival. 2008-5-29 12:41:41 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#23997 Today the website had its 4000 hit Im so chuffed that it has become so popular and I regularly get great feedback. If anyone has anything to comment good or bad then please do leave me a message on the Contact page and if you want I will reply. It has been brought to my attention that this feature stopped working for a while so please dont hink me rude if I havent getten back to you. 2008-5-8 18:43:16 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#22990 I have launched a new page today Film Clips. You can navigate to it via the menu of the left. Eventually I intend to get as many clips on there as possible but to start with only my two most recent tv appearances The Royal Today and The ONE Show. Enjoy 2008-4-18 14:56:15 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#22634 I spent today on the sunny Southbank filming a section of BBC1s The ONE Show. Great fun. I got to run around with a loud hailer interviewing members of the general public Right up my street 2008-4-9 22:41:56 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#21686 May I take this oportunity on this beautiful Good Friday well it is in Manchester anyway to wish you all a very Happy Easter. Hope the Easter Bunny brought all the eggs you could poosibly eat Chris. x 2008-3-21 17:50:13 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#21636 Today I did the Sport Relief Mile in Manchester and it was GREAT I was helping publicise a new cartoon called The Likeaballs. I did the whole course in just over an hour due to constantly stopping to shake hands be interviewed live on BBC1 and play up for the cameras During the live show the Beeb also showed clips of me accepting a Guinness World Record certificate for taking part in our successful KeepyUppy World Record attempt 2 weeks ago What a day 2008-3-16 17:02:19 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#21189 Well the episode of The Royal Today in which I feature is on this afternoon. If you watch it I wont be... then feel free to comment on this blog or send me a message via the Contact us page with any criticism you want to share 2008-3-11 15:55:00 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#20725 Was offered a few options for panto for next Christmas today which was nice and its only February Watch this space for more announcements..... 2008-3-1 23:16:29 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#20688 2008-2-29 21:40:40 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#20518 Despite doing 11 and 12 hour days Im having a ball here in Nottingham Meeting loads of really nice Boots folk and having such a laugh with them all both in the bar and during the conferences and performances. Would love to make it to the gym and pool here a bit more but spending any free time I have sleeping... 2008-2-26 18:07:48 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#19656 Although the website is only a few months old its just passed the 1000 visitor mark. Visitors have come from 19 countries around the world UK USA Canada Australia Poland Japan India Netherlands Spain Philippines South Africa Ireland Switzerland Germany China Egypt Barbados France and Hong Kong. Thanks for your support Please feel free to comment on what you likedislike by getting in touch on the Contact page. 2008-2-6 23:17:53 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#19135 Have launched a new page today with samples of my voice on. Will hopefully get more samples on there as time goes on. All material is Copyright. Please get in contact if youd like to hear full versions. 2008-1-25 12:19:07 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#18496 There are some new photos in the Performance Gallery section of the website. They show me as Dandini in Cinderella this Christmas. It really was a very enjoyable show 2008-1-11 15:43:18 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#18311 Well thats it Panto is finished for yet another year. Id like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the production from the cast and crew through to the One From the Heart staff and the wonderful folk at the Wyvern Theatre. Ive had a great time and hope to catch up with everyone soon 2008-1-7 19:20:26 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#17815 I would like to wish anyone who reads this a very Merry Christmas indeed Hope 2008 is a great year Chris. 2007-12-25 17:47:41 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#17304 Well our first performance is over and it was very well received. After 2 full dress rehearsals and no tidyup calls or anything like that we knew we were ready. Nothing major went wrong and everyone seems buoyant. Quite a small house for our first preview this afternoon but were pretty much sold out now for the rest of the run. Good stuff 1 show down 49 to go 2007-12-7 16:49:21 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#17094 Right week one of rehearsals is now complete. All blocked choreographed sung through and learnt. Lovely. A really nice company and a very sociable crowd. Also its the most organised rehearsal period I have ever experienced The director Richard Frost has a schedule that is regimented ordered and most importantly stuck to. It makes life in Swindon so much clearer. Now planning a relaxing day off to go over lines lyrics and dancemoves. Oh and hopefully get a round of golf in... 2007-12-1 16:41:31 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#16438 Thats it finished filming my episode today. Ive never worked on a more comfortable relaxed and friendly set. Everyone there was great. I only had my last emotional scene to do and I was dead chuffed that we did it on the first take Series will probably start to be screened around February time but Im not on until Episode 47... 10 weeks down the line 2007-11-12 18:38:22 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#16260 Today was my first day working on the new ITV daytime soap THE ROYAL TODAY. I was on set for 630am so its been a long day The cast and crew were all really nice and bubbly. Got to film quite a few nice scenes in which I was able to do some proper acting Spent the day covered in fake mud and dirt as my character Paul Jenkins is a Base Jumper whose friend Kelly has injured themself jumping off Filey Brigg in North Yorkshire. The director Chris Corcoran was lovely and we ended up swopping panto stories all day The series will probably start to air in the New Year. 2007-11-6 16:41:02 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#15574 Just spent this morning in Liverpool recording a voice over for Hollyoaks. Got very confused when I got to the studios as its where they film both Hollyoaks and Grange Hill with both sets being intertwined Didnt know if I was in Chester or London I played a cheesy TV Presenter on one of those tacky Quiz TV type programmes. TX is in November sometime. 2007-10-18 11:06:15 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#15500 Spent today wandering around MetroCentre on stilts whilst dressed as Prince Charming. Big old celebration for the shopping centres 21st birthday with loads of entertainers a fun fair and a spectacular fireworks display. A good few thousand people turned up and everyone really seemed to enjoy it. I had a chance to catch up with a few friends and even made it to the pub to watch the South Africa vs Argentina game when Id come down off of my stilts Marvellous 2007-10-14 19:08:17 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#14873 Spent today filming selected scenes from Much Ado About Nothing. SATS exams look at Shakespeare plays with specific reference to Key Extracts. Oddsocks Productions run workshops for schools on these I have done a few myself and also create a DVD for classroom use. I played Don Pedro and had a wail of a time It was a very long day but great fun particularly as I was working with some people that hadnt seen for ages and at a house in Warwickshire which is described as like being at your mums only better due to the owner Helen being such a wonderful hostess Hopefully will get some screen shots in my Performance Gallery soon. 2007-9-26 09:59:20 http://www.chris-clarkson.com/page12.htm#14797 Today is a very special day for me as my new website goes live. There may be a glitch or two to start with but hopefully theyll be ironed out before too long. Feel free to give me any feedback on what you think Ill take good and bad Chris. 2007-9-24 15:55:14