Rattle those pots and Pans, and rattle they did! From false teeth to sharp knives; aprons to caftans; Tom Jones to Doris Day; (and not to mention Beef Stroganoff) what a fabulously weird and wacky experience KITCHEN DIVA has been.

As Joe celebrates his birthday, eagerly cooking a magnificent dinner to perfection, his not so motherly mother, Dinah, magically turns up from the back of the pantry. Belting out a sound track of her life she "Colours the World" for all around her (except Joe). Her soul purpose for returning to the here and now is her eternal search for her gleaming white teeth. Might I say, on a personal note, it was an interesting task tracking down this particular prop as well as finding someone who would take me seriously. I mean who goes in search of a set of false teeth when they are not even for themselves!

The set was well equipped with a working sink, an oven that really cooked and an extremely hot stove (a Workplace Health and Safety Officer's worst nightmare!). There was also a fake insinkerator- sorry if this spoils the "theatrical illusion". It was, in fact, the fake insinkerator that I had the most 'fun' with. I had the enjoyable task, not, of digging around through the sludgy rubbish for a prop that gets thrown into it every show. YUK! (The glamorous life of an ASM!)

We all had our fair share of Beef Stroganoff that was cooked on stage for EVERY SHOW… While it was really yummy I know I can speak for all the cast and crew that we will probably NEVER eat "Strogg" again for the rest of our lives!

Backstage on KITCHEN DIVA we had just as much fun as those on stage. From supplying mountains of birthday cakes, using lots and lots of raw meat (Thanks Farmer Joes), to working clever, magic pantry tricks- things were never dull. I also had to operate follow spots which was sometimes a hard task particularly in technical rehearsals where it was quite difficult to keep the light steady especially when the actors would be cracking their jokes! A big part of backstage stage for me was doing "the  Diva's" very unusual and unique hair and make-up. Not having any previous experience in this field didn't help and well…… let's just say the first couple of attempts were 'quite interesting', as we put our own interpretation on creating the look of "Endora" from Bewitched. But I was very lucky that everyone had faith in me even though I still kept my fingers crossed that I didn't glue any eyelids together while attaching those tricky fake eye lashes!  

Along with all the weird and wacky moments this dark comedy with a twist, had interwoven the play's incredible compilation of sassy songs, sad memories and happy pastimes that the characters shared. I feel I must also give a special mention to the dearly departed dog, Timmy. This whole play experience made me stop and think just how much better life would be if we all had a "Diva" in our lives. A "Diva" who burst into song to lighten our mood or just simple sing for the sake of it!

It has been an absolute honour to work and share this show with all the amazing cast and crew.

I loved it all right down to the False Teeth and Frozen Baby Green Peas!

By Emily Bernoth - Assistant Stage Manager