There is nothing odder than seeing yourself on TV - as an eight year old. (1004 hits)
Category: NoneRating: 1.54 on 50 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by Merlina (View user info) at 2007-10-30 12:05:06 EDT
There is nothing odder than seeing yourself on TV - as an eight year old.
The other day whilst browsing through the web and ignoring the things I was meant to be doing - avoiding Uber - I came upon an old memory. It was a website about an actress from years ago.
I remembered how I knew her. And the memories came flooding back. She was my mother........
When I was a small Merlina (okay I'm only about 5 foot 4 now but anyway... my parents put all four kids into speech and drama school. Now this involved two major things.
One - speech. We had elocution lessons which meant that I had to attend classes on how to speak perfectly. Not only that, but as I left the house every morning my mother had me quote a poem, much like this:
"This, that, these and those.
That's the way the T H goes."
It was pretty boring, and involved the joy of local kids beating me up for being the only Irish kid who didn't say "Mammy" but "Mother" or even worse "Mummy". However, nowadays I'm pretty glad I went through it, as it is nice to speak nicely.
The other thing was drama. Again we had to attend acting classes, once a week, which was okay I guess. Acting is like playing in a lot of ways..... so at times it could be fun. The first agency was in Ireland (the name escapes me) and when we came to England (initially when I was eight years old, although I went back to Ireland when I was ten) we all trudged to an agency called Stella Greenfield's in Shepherds Bush.
One of the things we got was a couple of professional photographs taken and these photographs were then shown to agents for the purposes of auditions for TV, film and theatre.
My brother got lucky - he was Oliver Twist in the Albery Theatre in London. He was also working in The King And I with Yul Brenner - all when he was about ten years old.
I managed to get a few adverts - the first Sindy doll, Tiny Tears, Cluedo.... and then I got the part of 'Amanda' in a televised drama in 1978.
Note: Yes I know over half of you here weren't probably even BORN at that time, but anyway.
It was about a little girl who was locked away in the back of a house and beaten.....she was not taught to speak or walk and sat on a dirty matress... until the social services came and saved her. Basically I had to act like a total MORON.
I'd nearly forgotten about it till now.
The Bloke and I contacted LWT Television studios and for £120 we were sent a DVD copy of the show.
I received it yesterday and ripped it open like a child with her first toy. And we watched....with me hiding behind a cushion - occasionally glancing at The Bloke every time someone said on the screen "yes but she's mentally retarded". I was eight years old and made up to look beaten, bruised and broken.
I swear to science, it is INCREDIBLE to see yourself.
Not in a photo. Not even on a video your parents filmed with you being yourself.
But you being someONE else.
WEIRD AS HELL.
And how typical I was playing a retard.
User Reviews
Submitted by Method (user info) at 2007-11-05 09:25:49 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
let's make out
Submitted by Method (user info) at 2007-11-04 14:03:11 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Personal attacks? It was merely an observation. Must be pretty dead-on accurate though, for you to get this upset over it.
My apologies, however, if it bothers you that much. I'll be sure to limit my interactions with you from now on to "+2 OMG U FUCKIN RUL & UR SO PRETY LOL"
Submitted by Bigmike (user info) at 2007-10-31 09:12:06 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:23:58 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I wanna see this.
You didn't happen to show any underage hole, did you?
Dear lord.
This is quite the interesting story. A little glimpse of your younger life.
I like it.
Submitted by LittleMonster (user info) at 2007-10-31 08:00:43 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Sadly he is not wanting me to have his babies, or even try and practice. He wants to know when I'll be finnished with computer.
*sigh*
Submitted by LittleMonster (user info) at 2007-10-31 07:59:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Well lady, I only know a smidgin of how you feel after stumbling across an old tape of me on Owls House and some old holiday mags with my sister, mum and I in the pictures. Scared the crap out of me.
Your sounds a lot more fun and dramatic than mine - seeing as I barely remember any of it.
Must go, yummy man hovering over computer, wanting to chat.
Submitted by BranDo (user info) at 2007-10-31 04:51:42 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
You're a diva!!
You can put parts and maybe some Camden gigs on UBER.FM??
Submitted by monkeyswithguns (user info) at 2007-10-30 20:17:11 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Post it so that we may all point and laugh! With you, not at you of course.
Submitted by JonnyX (user info) at 2007-10-30 18:20:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
you're on 42-UP?
Submitted by EmissionImpossible (user info) at 2007-10-30 16:40:19 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
My mum wanted me to be the milky bar kid.
We could of made out.
Submitted by kaos-king (user info) at 2007-10-30 15:44:01 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by forensicgirl3 (user info) at 2007-10-30 15:34:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Merlina-the child star
Submitted by ChaosJester (user info) at 2007-10-30 15:10:14 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Awwww...
Cute, little abused girl.
Submitted by swamp_donkey (user info) at 2007-10-30 14:45:59 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
No Comment
Submitted by TheUniter (user info) at 2007-10-30 14:28:29 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
.
Submitted by TheUniter (user info) at 2007-10-30 14:28:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by sicosemen (user info) at 2007-10-30 14:12:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
I really tried to give a shit but failed. I get what your saying though as I've been in a few shorts.
Aww fuck it...
Submitted by BubbaEarl (user info) at 2007-10-30 14:00:52 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
i said i can't tolerate people like YOU. i've not enough energy or motivation to hate anybody on uber.
Submitted by CaptainThorns (user info) at 2007-10-30 13:59:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Merlina (user info) at 2007-10-30 13:58:30 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by BubbaEarl (user info) at 2007-10-30 13:54:36 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
i don't hate you o' sweet merlina. whatever gave you that idea?
~~~~~
You told me you did.
But I like you.
Whatever you think.
*makes dramatic exit with a swish of black velvet coat*
Submitted by BubbaEarl (user info) at 2007-10-30 13:54:36 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
i don't hate you o' sweet merlina. whatever gave you that idea?
Submitted by Merlina (user info) at 2007-10-30 13:49:00 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by BubbaEarl (user info) at 2007-10-30 13:46:59 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
so, your mother was an actress?
~~~~
Yay! Its my favourite hater!! How the devil ARE you darling?
No, my mother was a dancing teacher. Not an actress.
Submitted by BubbaEarl (user info) at 2007-10-30 13:46:59 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
so, your mother was an actress?
hahahahaha. what was the name of the televised drama you were in?
Submitted by Merlina (user info) at 2007-10-30 13:40:26 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by beat_raven (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:55:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I WANNA see pictures!!!
~~~
Come to London - I'll show you the DVD.
Submitted by Merlina (user info) at 2007-10-30 13:39:50 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by shadow (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:45:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Anywho, why'd you get out of it? Ever thought of going back?
~~~~
I quit when I went back to Ireland aged ten. It was a concious decision - I hate being in the spotlight. Which is ironic considering I went on to being in a band on stage for eight years from the age of seventeen. In fact thats the same reason I quit the band. Being lead singer means everyone looks at you. That sounds mental but its true and I hated it - I just play at small accoustic gigs in Camden these days. And even thats rare.
Submitted by BubbaEarl (user info) at 2007-10-30 13:19:02 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
bullshit
Submitted by beat_raven (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:55:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I WANNA see pictures!!!
~Crystle
Submitted by inion_de_trua (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:50:49 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Merlina (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:37:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by inion_de_trua (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:28:00 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
oh yeah, can use your head as an arm rest?
~~~
eh?
-------
you're the perfect height for me to rest my elbow on.
Submitted by shadow (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:45:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I had no idea you had talent!
No, wait.. that came out wrong...
What I mean to say is that I had no idea your upbringing involved acting, which is a fine profession for a child since every little girl I know can cry on cue. Brats.
Anywho, why'd you get out of it? Ever thought of going back?
I wish I were an actor. The only way I'd get into Hollywood is if I pulled a Damon and wrote a SUPERIOR screenplay then demanded myself be allowed into it.
Actually, that's not a bad idea...
Submitted by Merlina (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:37:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by inion_de_trua (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:28:00 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
oh yeah, can use your head as an arm rest?
~~~
eh?
Submitted by Unabonger (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:35:22 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
I've seen 'Kids'. That's where that Telley kid goes around giving virgin girls teh aidz.
great movie.
Submitted by DrogoRoch (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:31:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Merlina (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:29:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by DrogoRoch (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:25:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Cool the search begins
~~~~~
You find it? leave my name out of Uber. Doubt you will though - it was only through names that I got it.
--
I have to admit that I was busy typing in my search when i stopped and decided that work was probably not the place to be typing in :
'Kids; abused girl; 1978'
I would never post real names even if I did find them. Anyway Merlina suits you.
Submitted by Merlina (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:29:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by DrogoRoch (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:25:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Cool the search begins
~~~~~
You find it? leave my name out of Uber. Doubt you will though - it was only through names that I got it.
Submitted by triangle_man (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:29:09 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
yup, that would be a trip
gee wally
Submitted by inion_de_trua (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:28:00 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
oh yeah, can use your head as an arm rest?
Submitted by Berty (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:26:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Weird.
Submitted by Merlina (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:25:15 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:23:58 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I wanna see this.
You didn't happen to show any underage hole, did you?
~~~~~
HAHAHAHAHA
Shlongy!
Submitted by DrogoRoch (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:25:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Cool the search begins
Submitted by Merlina (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:24:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by DrogoRoch (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:22:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
What was the name of the programme? Or was it Amanda?
~~~
It was called 'Kids'. Took me ages to dig really deep for it, though.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:23:58 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I wanna see this.
You didn't happen to show any underage hole, did you?
JUST CHECKING TO MAKE SURE....
Submitted by inion_de_trua (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:22:14 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
youtube link?
Submitted by DrogoRoch (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:22:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
What was the name of the programme? Or was it Amanda?
Submitted by orphelia (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:20:53 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I'd like to see this, try and post it.
Ans Merlina, the best things come in the smallest packages. I am only 5ft2. Tiny wee we are.
Submitted by Yozz (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:18:45 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Do you know any slow or special people?
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:16:52 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
i'd like to see it if you can figure out a way to post it.
Submitted by Merlina (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:12:32 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by apollo88 (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:10:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
speech and drama school involved two major things.... speach and drama.
no shit.
~~~
haha ha
Oh yeah.
DURRR
Submitted by Merlina (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:11:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Well it's not on the internet - as its so old - but I have the DVD. If anyone knows how to get a clip from that onto this, let me know.
I LOOK RIDICULOUS.
ha ha ha
Submitted by apollo88 (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:10:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
speech and drama school involved two major things.... speach and drama.
no shit.
Submitted by Sacrilicious (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:10:03 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
WELL LETS SEE IT, WOMAN!
Submitted by DrogoRoch (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:09:48 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
My parents have this old video of me playing rugby and it makes me cringe something awful. I was tall for my age so you cant really miss me and i was just this mass of arms and legs, gangly as anything.
I dont have anything professionally done, you must send a link to it if there is one.
Submitted by Merlina (user info) at 2007-10-30 12:05:48 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I bet Einstein turned himself all sorts of colors before he invented the
lightbulb.
-- Homer Simpson
Bart the Genius