So it’s been a few months since my last post - mainly waiting for the right time.
It’s been really difficult trying to adjust to the new routine of not teaching left, right and centre. Do I miss the kids - yes (most of them!) do I miss the huge bill at the end of the month… nope. Its not all over though - I’m still teaching at a few places (with hourly rate) and the work load is alot less. We’ll see how it goes.
Please if you do fancy trying a class (kids in Felixstowe) or over 18+ adult dance fitness class on a Wednesday - please, come give it a try.
My “Smalltown Boy” show is well underway and I’ve got my first show at the end of this month. To say I’m shitting it is an understatement. I feel like there’s still a lot left to do and I’m really hoping all the pieces are going to fall into place and not shatter my confidence. I’m trying to learn what feels like a hundred lyrics and my brain just isn’t taking some of them in.
Also I’ve got “a band” which is new for me, I’m singing songs in a way I’ve never really sung before (or for that long) and I’m “on my own” - usually I have Will next to me. Not anymore - although we are doing some Jersey Beyond runs this year which be nice. I’ve also got 14 brunches at SEA YOU in Felixstowe which is very exciting including a “90s show” “Boyband V Girlband” and my “Mamma MegaMia” show - which has sold out 4 times over!
I’m exciting to start Smalltown Boy and give it my all but worried how I’m going to feel “tributing” someone else yet again. I don’t want to lose my identity - whatever that may be. It’s pathetic I know but I just overthink and worry. I’m a Libra - what can I say. Decision.
The dream of actually being a recording artist has slowly faded more each year - the “boyband dream” definitely has now I’m considered “old” in the performing arts world. To be honest after seeing the Boyzone documentary and various others… it was probably for the best!
I’m still flattered though that I get to perform in some shows and am told I look younger than I do. I don’t care too much tbh - it’s just a number and I’ve got more life in me than some dull 20 year olds, glued to TikTok, that don’t step outside of their front door.
I want to travel and see the world this year even more and am going Africa for just under a month (which will be great if I don’t die) but also this years goal is to perform on bigger stages, feel satisfied with my performance and make money. Whether that be as “Jimmy” or as “Jay”
I’ve settled for “it’ll do” and “just sing/dance in that corner there!” So really just would like some opportunities I can be proud of and I’m really hoping that this year IS the year of that. I’m always trying to please everyone else; so this year, is the year of saying “No I’m not happy” if I’m not happy and doing something about it. Too many times last year I kept my mouth shut or felt really sad - almost ignored in certain situations with teaching especially plus general day to day life. It’s not happening this year.
Another thing I’ve set as a “NYE resolution” this year is what I call the “reach out” let me explain…
We all spend a good amount of time “reaching out” to friends, colleagues and family. But I find I’m ALWAYS the one arranging things, making the phone call, sending the message, sorting the parties, hosting, knocking at their door. It’s stopping. I’ve actually made a point not to contact a few people since the start of the year. So if I haven’t heard from them - they aren’t going to hear from me. It’s been freshening to say the least but also quite sad. However it works both ways and I’ve made my peace with quite a few already. I know people are busy - but so am I.
2025 is going to be great - it’s going to be a slow start; January & Feb always are but I’m using the time to graft & plan as much as I can so hopefully within a few months I can ride the wave. We’ll see. It would be great if you could come see one of the shows - so much work is going into it not just from me but UA (the management supporting it - which are great) and of course “the band” plus… I’d love to see you there!
Dates will be announced soon so bear with but thank you for all the continued support and love on this mental journey of mine.
Much Love
Jay x
Check out the showreel here… https://youtu.be/KlzxMLnTmb8?si=SsnHlZetciyPLzMe
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