It rained but I didn't notice.

I'm fast being called oblivious Curtis by a man in clothes I don't recognise. "Dude I wallow in this stuff, I'm mad for it" He smiles and I feel fine.

I've just had possibly one of the best summers on record.

I can't compare it to the summers where we were all involved in the Youth Theatre. Those were of course amongst some of the best memories, stored away never to be lost.

Nor can I compare it to long summers abroad in the sun shine. Turning up to the wrong wedding in South Africa and getting half way through the main course before I noticed. Ohh they laughed!!! "Get him!!!" S~*T!!!!! Perhaps I shouldn't have commented on the brides foot wear.

Nor can I compare it to the first professional job. Returning to teach a Youth Theatre that I grew up in. Exhilarating. "Thanks Paul."

This one stands alone. Why was it so good?

Strap yourselves in. Here we go.

Since the beginning Yaller Skunk had to concentrate on certain 'boring' aspects of running a company to based on reputation. I suppose we had to learn to concentrate on one thing at a time. Once you send an email you need to be ready for the reply. That sort of thing. In short we were trying to secure contracts.

Due to our early success with 'Someone Who'll Watch Over Me' (Possible Trafalgar Studio transfer.) and Neville's Island (Middle East tour) we were able to get back to what we love. But this could only happen once we were happy we could cope with what was on our paper plates. We've never professed to be the leaders in our fringe world. Jesus until nine months ago we didn't even have a computer. And I didn't have an email address. But what I'm proud about is that we've done it. And we have done it in our own 'no nonsense' way.

There is a natural build from this you can see clearly on paper. We should aim to produce a couple or more shows at the Catford Broadway (Home!!) And we should be aiming to take another show abroad. For a slightly longer tour. Great. Yep both of these are happening all be it the negotiation phases. We've obviously done something right.

Since then this summer I've been involved in five jobs that all involve a different kind of creation.

A devised show based on transition was put together to help the merger of two rival schools. Working for the Key Theatre myself and Mark Smedly, (Colleague and friend) worked with two groups of young people aiming to bring them together under a new roof. What a challenge. What a laugh!!

As a company we devised a piece for the Ipswich Pulse Festival based in the world of binge drink a subject close to me red wine coloured heart.

Two summer school projects home and abroad. The Wizard of Oz (Dubai) and The Jungle Book (Key Theatre)

And a devised show based on the title "Is that Funny" for the Oxford Playhouse.

Such was the diversity of these five jobs, I've hit the ground hard. Thank god I landed on my feet and ran like road runner. Beep, beep!!!

The summer was so great because it made me re-evaluate my job. And in turn my job has made me use skills that I'd forgotten I had. Basically I feel proud of my achievements. Devising can be very daunting especially when you've got a group of young people waiting for your guidance. What if they don't go for it? What if they hate me and the subject?

"Well then you have to work even harder to get their trust!!! Don't give up and good things will happen!!" I have kept telling myself over the years, my hands shaking. Blasted white Russian.

But it's true.

Every job over the summer offered me something new. I also met an extraordinary amount of nice people, some I already knew and others it was the first the first time we had met. I hope I meet all of them again in any capacity. There were so many surprises. And so many inspiring performances "Thank you!"

You can't do this stuff on your own. And this is why I consider myself one of the luckiest men alive. Each job brings with it a different group of people to work with. Each challenge is to be shared with someone. This summer once those doors were thrown open, I was able to see a group of people who each stand out surrounded (like in a cartoon) with their own personal outline.

Smeds, with his endless reassurance. Jason for his guidance even when he was ill. The entire group abroad who keep each other going with endless laughter whilst leaving enough room for alone time. Katy "Ding dong the witch IS dead."

P'boro and what a bubble. Tim, Nalton, Coops and Sam. What can't I say about you four. I've made three new close friends. And me and Tim are like brothers. I'm going to watch all four of those careers with special interest. The whole Summer School party I'm really missing. I'm sure they can tell by the random texts I keep sending out to all. Good luck you lot.

Paul and Lisa the dogs and everything that goes with em..like Woody and Loz you guys are family! Forever!

Oxford was the land of new adventure in terms of friendships. Cheers Sarah and Rupert for the one liners and freedom to get on with it.

Throw into this a few relaxing nights in the pub, some very nice meals and some crazy thirst driven weekends, and bang there is your great summer. No......not quite. I've seen two shows this summer just as a spectator that deserve a special mention. Our Day Out and Into the Woods. Without getting emotional. Thank you!!! You know who you are. And i strugglr to sit through theatre.

With the latter half of the year looking special (three jobs back to back on the boards with friends including the bank manager) this year could pass as one of my best. F~#K I think I've grown up.

What do you think to that Mum and Dad? (who I know will be amongst the first to read this!)

Oh well back to night shift at the Porn Studio. Sleep well. Back to earning some cash. Oh yeah as long as I earn else where the rest I'd do for free.

MC YS