Having been asked to let the best audience of the show know that it was all over, I thought about being clever and tying it in with the jokes that had interspersed the show. Maybe asking “What do you get if you cross an inspirational dance teacher, 84 students and an army of amazing parent helpers?”, but everyone knew the answer to that one: they’d just watched – no, experienced – it!

I could have reeled off a list of ‘Thank You‘s, but there was simply no way I’d remember everyone: Penni’s vision and inspiration; Nanny Pat’s stunning costumes;  the Stage Managers and the team that ensured the performers were in the right place at the right time, who at that point were on their knees behind the curtain; the parents and other helpers who have up so much of their time, many of whom were doing it for the first time, and were still drying their tears; the fantastic audiences (also drying tears) who had been so supportive and encouraging; the Fundraising Team, who continue to smash their goal so we can maintain the new building; every single parent and friend that helped us hit the rather ambitions £1000 sponsorship target for Penni (which got me out of a hole, having told Penni we hit the target so she had to do it!); the tech team (who were so much better than last year!); the nurse who advised on the suspected broken arm backstage; A R Adams for the programmes; Lee for finding time in his busy schedule to not only come to the show, but to speak to all the performers backstage, and to personally thank Mrs Tea-Tray…
You see my predicament here? We’d have been there ’til midnight!

I could have highlighted some of the outstanding personal achievements – the students who were barely recognisable compared to the last show, who have come on in leaps and bounds with the self-less support and encouragement of the team and their peers – but again there are simply too many to mention. In fact, there were none that don’t deserve such a mention: every one has achieved so much.

I could have expressed what an absolute privilege and joy it is to be a small part of the continued growth and success of Equal People  and MTC; and at the same time re-iterate that we’re always looking to share the workload and expand the volunteer base. I could have run through a long list of small tasks that can make a big difference, but if this if of interest to you come and chat to one of us.

I could have assured you all that every single penny given to Equal People is valued and makes a difference to the lives of many. What a turnaround, considering at the last show we had hoped to announce a new building, but had it snatched from under us at the last minute! It’s not over yet: we need to raise around £1500 a month just to keep going, let alone complete the Studios.

I could have reminded you DVDs will be available for £15: particularly important for those on the backstage Team who didn’t get to see the show. Again.

I could have invited you all to our Charity Chinese Night on Monday, or our Awards BBQ on Saturday.

I could have shared some of the great feedback we had heard already.

I – no, we all – could have collapsed in a corner and slept for a week!

[plain]A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.  John Barrymore [/plain]

So I shalln’t regret not saying any of that.

Let’s keep dreaming, as we’ve truly shown anything is possible. One brick at a time.

Well done everyone!