Oh darlings, hello from a rather chilly Ashington! As you all know, your Pink Tutu Sparkles just loves a good road trip, and this time I’m going for the ‘chuffin’ fabulous’ look, as my friend from the South calls it, which just sums up my trip perfectly. My journey by train was pure fairytale, I had the window seat and was just totally mesmerized by the scenery of fields of green and cute sheep. And that moment when we went through a tunnel? I just knew it was about to be magic and it was, with glorious views beyond it. This part of the North East of England is just absolutely gorgeous!
This trip is all about performing in this lovely town that is steeped in history – in fact, just outside the station there is a lovely Victorian arch and beyond it a row of little, pink shops, all bursting with goodies just begging to be explored! Now, who doesn't love a bit of shopping?! You can bet I spent at least an hour or two in one of the local charity shops and picked up an adorable pink scarf with sparkly flowers and a real feather! Just my style, darlings!
Today was also all about exploring. Just after my arrival, I happened to walk past the local leisure centre. It was a proper throwback to the seventies – with shiny linoleum flooring, massive yellow-painted rooms and fluorescent lighting. There was an announcement coming over the speakers inviting everyone to take a ballet class, and me, just naturally being a complete tutu-tastic enthusiast, simply had to drop in and say hello. Oh, and darling, these classes were not for the faint-hearted – real, hard-hitting, disciplined classes, taught by a very serious, no-nonsense lady who didn’t take any prisoners! I was utterly amazed! And I learned a few steps too!
My biggest wish is to get people of all ages and shapes and sizes to embrace their inner tutu-wearer. Because, darling, a tutu just makes everyone look fantastic, doesn't it?! Now, as much as I loved that ballet class, I also decided I really need to take it easy on my delicate little feet as I've been a bit too vigorous and got a couple of little blisters from all my recent touring. I treated myself to a delightful high tea in one of the old grand hotels. Imagine this, my darlings – walls covered with delicate wallpaper and huge floral displays. I had a magnificent plate with a delicious selection of delicate finger sandwiches, little pastries, tiny cakes, dainty, brightly-coloured scones and lovely little teacups. My word! I haven’t had a high tea that beautiful for ages. You could say it was absolutely splendid, utterly divine and very elegant. So very English and completely fabulous! And the high tea was followed by a real little gem – the best performance I’ve seen in ages at the Ashington Town Hall, hosted by the local theatre group – “The Ashington Players” – all set in an intimate and warm theatre and featuring a really hilarious comedy by one of my favourite playwrighting heroes – Noel Coward! Absolutely classic! Just brilliant! I must go back again to catch the other plays.
You’d think, darling, a girl like me would be exhausted by now. I mean, with shopping, high tea and a theatrical performance all rolled into one! But, I had one more item on the agenda – it was something I simply couldn’t miss – and that was my meet-up with my good friend, the local vintage shop owner, Margaret! We had so much fun catching up with a little glass of fizz, discussing the latest happenings in the world of fashion and of course, trying on the latest fabulous pink tutus for the Ashington shop window. And trust me, you want to check out Margaret’s window – it’s just fabulous. Every few days she completely changes her shop’s windows with a totally different and gorgeous new design – and they are the talk of the town. Now that is the kind of girl I want to be friends with – one with amazing ideas, great confidence and who is always striving for that ‘fabulous look’. It was my little slice of heaven, darling – I'll tell you! I’ll definitely go and have another girly catch up with her next time I’m in the town!
The end of this day had to be celebrated, naturally. And this, darlings, is where I simply have to explain my complete delight with the local pub! Imagine a big pub with wooden floors and dark beams in the ceiling and with amazing, colourful floral prints on the walls. You enter from a doorway that looks more like a gate on the cobbled street and the most lovely scent of roasting potatoes fills the air as you enter – just fabulous! The smell of food just transports you. You can’t go wrong with the big plate of fish and chips, washed down with a refreshing cider. Absolutely scrumptious! Then the evening just rolled on with an equally fabulous set, this time at The 'Ashington Arms'.
The ‘Arms’ has the feel of a proper, local ‘locals’ pub with all sorts of weird and wonderful stuff hanging from the walls, as you walk through the heavy oak doors, into the dimly-lit, slightly cramped bar. The regulars are all warm and welcoming and I must say the “Tequila sunrise’ was so brightly colourful! Just the kind of party I had in mind!
As you all know I am, after all, a big-hearted person, so I felt that I needed to return something positive to the community that embraced me with such warmth. So I took to the stage in the pub that night. And all of a sudden, there I was – Pink Tutu Sparkles - back on my familiar turf! And everyone was loving the show – even the resident parrot in the pub! Who, darling, even tried on a tutu - in all pink – how absolutely hilarious! I know I did mention that I’m passionate about wearing a pink tutu, but that's just one of my quirks, darling! Just you wait, you'll soon be catching up with the latest trends in pink-tutu wearing. But honestly, my mission is just to bring happiness to people through music and glamour.
Now, it is time to hit the road again! Onwards, my darlings, on this Pink Tutu Sparkles adventure – on to pastures new, filled with opportunities and more glamorous fun! Stay tuned for more stories on my way to… my next amazing destination, that is!
This was another fantastic journey into the magic of the North. Just another one of my everyday adventures. Every journey, every adventure, and every performance gets me closer to my dream of getting everyone, even my scientists at work, to embrace the pink tutu! It’s a passion, darling, not a mission!
