and again, and again, and again...

Remember the last post readers - well that pales in to insignificance with what Ollie has achieved over the past two days. He had an absolute stonking performance on the 1st viewing on Wednesday 5th as you would have seen.

Ping - SMS at 10am, Mary is on her way to collect Amy from school, high temperature and complaining of headaches - oh no Amy Boo.

Ping - SMS at 1300, Mary is on her way to collect Ollie from school, 38.4 degree temperature.

Disaster. So he stayed at home all day the Thursday to rest and not talk - Ms Akiko, Ms Bec and Mr Richard all on tenterhooks. Maybe it was just too much in a short period of time. Lots of fluids, lots of rests, early to bed.

Friday morning the morning of the next show - yep 38.2 and he can hardly speak. Lot's of SMS back and forth to Ms Akiko and the team, Mary, me and Ollie all panicking wondering what to do. Off to the Dr. Dr prescribes a bag full of drugs for very nasty throat infection and suggests Ollie should drop from the production. We had a chat. Worst case was that Ms Akiko would sing and Ollie would 'mime' the actions. So sad we all were - but guess what happened he fought through the pain of the throat infection and gave a lifetime performance, he was exhausted afterwards.

The same happened today for the Saturday matinee at 1300. Sore throat, high temperature, cough, croaky and loss of voice. He went on stage again and nailed it, absolutely nailed it. Truly one in a million Ollie. A man outside said to me, most adults would have just given up, Ollie didn't he is amazing! We all agree Ollie, we all agree!

The one big take away for me and I hope for Ollie for the pain he suffered to deliver his best performances yet I think should be from one of the parents who approached me pro-actively after the Saturday show. This the one that had me welling.

Something like this;
"Are you Ollie's Dad?"
"Yes, I am."
"Your Son is an inspiration to us all!"

What can I say... Nothing more really, some slight intros the pictures is all.

Apart from some major thanks again to the amazing Eton House team led by Ms Akiko, to allow Ollie to have this chance - the best farewell gift to his time at Eton, and one major send off for him and his mates to enjoy together before they separate and go their own new schooling ways.

Picture paints a thousand words, so I'll shut up - what you don't see is the constant cough and grimace of the pain he was facing and the souring body temperature of his fever as he performed. Just only what I can describe as a true professional!

It starts like this - we arrive at Ollie's school and Mary spots a poster I have never seen before.
Look bottom right just above Amy's head - heap, it's Ollie in a school advert. Not a bad start!

Then we get to our second row seats - very nice.

Right next to the poster I had painted for one of the backdrops for the show - be creative they said - what do you think? I think very Seussical!

15 minute countdown to the show - guess who got bored.

Hmmm I wonder who, really not sure, who could it be, it's on the tip of my tongue...

Wow the last night has attracted a bumper crowd.
We're all now really nervous for Ollie, oooh loads of people!

And he's off - scene one with Dev - BOOM he's straight in to the flow. Voice is holding well, although you know it is hurting him to say & sing every word. Doesn't he look just bloody brilliant!

Second scene again after with Dave. The boys are rocking with each other.
I love the Ollie and Dev scenes - they just bounce of each other so very well!

Now he's the Dr in Issy (Gertrude) scene - he missed my fav bit of this scene yesterday because of his voice - the "for you" backing to Issy's song to Horton - classic!

Yep he's dancing around, he's singing all the songs - great work Ollie Boo.

LOVE this photo - this one should go in his portfolio don't you think?

Seriously today he need not have sung or said a word as his acting and his facial and hand gestures were just knock out!

Here he comes as auctioneer for Horton - sold to the circus, nailed the joke!

And here he is with Dev, the closing scene before the end song and bowing and goodbyes.

The lead cast. The 6th formers. The mates for ever at school. Best friends. Fantastic performers!

Here's the full cast of the show from the year 2's to 6's.

Every single one of these guys should be so so proud of themselves - but sorry all and sorry parents of all but my Ollie amazed me today! Bless you cat in hat, and that's that!

And our final photo for the day was a tough one to get actually as this man in the stripey hat was being pulled left right and centre for photos with all and sundry from cast, crew, parents and event the school chain owner.

PS for you, my own Dr Seuss poem;

I know of a great fellow

Named as one Ollie Kenno

He performed one day like a brave Knight

Whilst all along with sore throat that was hurting a fright

Carrying on selflessly through the pain and coughs that ensues

Performing for his mates - Horton, Seuss, Some Birds and the Who's

Seuss is known for making things up in some crazy mixed spell

My son is now known for performing SO well, but in pain until the curtain fell

Did he give up - no - not even at the brink

Time now for Daddy & Seuss to "Oh the things you could drink..."

He He - champagne corks should be popping in celebration Ollie - you were brilliant!
Would you sign my photo below please?

Just amazing. All our love Daddy, Amy and Mary xxx