Craig Crane

New trailer with two of my crowd set ups in the vatican…..

click on image for trailer

What is it about that period of my life that has such a hold on me?  Between 1986 and 1989 I spent three amazingly tough yet incredible years at DBC in Sidcup kent. I think everything that I am now stems from those three years. Being the incurable nostalgic that I am, oft to look back just as much as I daydream about the future (which even at 40 I still find myself wondering what I will do when I grow up!). And three years ago, the culmination of many a daydream about my old peers from way back when resulted in me getting us all back together again for the reunion to celebrate the fact that in 2006 it was 20 years since we all walked into the college halls for the first time as a bunch of young 16 year olds.

Well, the runion went great. It was an incredible day and for all of us, the first time we had been back since we left.

Well, ironically, three years later and this month its 20 years since we left and guess what? They have asked me back to help the students out with one of the numbers for the big summer show. Every year since the year dot, the college has some how managed to get a Big Show together to showcase each and every students unique talents.

Back in the day, the Churchil theater in Bromley was the venue. I have no idea where it is now, but its still a big proffessional theater. I have no idea how she did it but Doreen Bird certainly new how to put a show together.

Mmmmmm, Three years. The last three years seems to have flashed by. Yet those same three years spent at college in the 80’s seemed like a life time. All the places we lived, my time in Italy (Grado, Gorizia in the summer of 1987 – would love to go back!!!), the fun and games of living at 68 station road. There was never a dull day, and the evenings were always interesting when John “Eastenders” Partridge would swing by. His character on Eastenders is a saint compared to the wicked little shit we all knew. Those three years felt like they would last forever. Fortunatly many of the friendships that were formed at that time are still running strong thanks to the interweb!

So, im going back, as a near 40 year old man, having arrived as a 16 year old boy. Im sure it will be great, and of course, I will always be aware of the fact that so much time has past, and yet im certain that in amongst all those new students running to get from class to class, I may catch a glimpse of a few ghost like echo’s of some old familiar faces in amongst the crowds. Maybe a faint reflection caught in the studio mirrors that we spent so much time in front of. Perhaps a hint of a camp shrill scream from Greg and John managing to cut through 20 + years. Back then it could cut through glass, so the Space / Time continuem should be no exception!

Perhaps.

Well, here we are, Alan, Alan and I in the ward. Its 7 am and the miserable turkish guy that has been moaning like a little queen bitch about EVERYTHING and whos family dont observe strict visiting times has just had the biggest shit in his bed.

I have now discovered the real reason why we are given grapes in hospital.

So, I cant smell a thing, poor old Alan, who probably has nothing but curtain to seperate him from the funk has nothing but my sympathy…

But of course, I am slightly envious because that is the one activity that I would give a kings ransom to perform right now. But thats probably more than you need to know.

Interesting chain of events

Wake from a dream, dreamt I was being stabbed. Sat up in bed trying to remove the offending knife, only to realise there wasnt one. In pain all night. The worst pain ever…

A day in A&E and then last last night, doctors and surgeons descend upon me in the ward and im off to theater. A couple of deep breaths from the mask and im out

Next thing I know, back in the ward, high as a kite and minus an appendix. Now in some considerable pain, but no where near as bad as yesterdays

Those crazy cats…

as soon as the sun is out, so are they. But they didnt take long to figure out that the camera was a new addition to the undergrowth…