Press, Play

1 week until my theatre debut, it's crunch time!

Time flies so fast, as we all know. I planned on posting an update about 4 weeks ago but I got busy and when I did dedicate a few hours to do so (yes it always takes hours to blog), technical issues reared its ugly head and had me cussing to the extent that I just thought "F*ck it" and that was that to put it bluntly.

There's been so much going on between script development, rehearsals, photoshoots, set design, wardrobe, administration, promotion including; performances, advertising, meet and greets, radio interviews and general PR. Google it and see all that comes up within the first 3 pages, which is obviously more fun to do for me than it would be for you as it's personal to me. It's my hard work, my investment and my excitement goes into seeing the ball rolling! By the way, if and when you do have the patience to look it up via any random search engine, in the unlikely case that porn or anything heinous and non-related comes up with the same title IT IS NOT MINE! Just putting that out there as I have seen mishaps happen and it's funny but not funny. Also I cannot believe how many Lauren Kaye's there are out there- Authors too WTF!

The press and PR includes an interview I did with London Theatre 1, Love Camden- Close Ups and a return appearance on Conscious Radio to name a few. As well as listings on various theatre, event, culture and community websites such as UK Theatre Web, Off West End, Afridiziak, Remote Goat etc. The performances include a lovely return to the newly relocated Dial Up at Improv Theatre, of where my play could've initially taken place regarding the offers I received during the Camden Fringe application process. That show was a particularly fun experience- tears and all, you'd have to of been there to understand. Similarly, another highlight performance was my return to the newly relocated FLO Vortex at Hideaway Jazz Club by Floacist which was a great night. The enthusiasm from the audience, post-show even, was so tremendous that I went home smiling.

It's been long, semi-exhausting but all still thrilling nonetheless, I'm getting butterflies. I write and perform poetry all the time so to perform to an audience, especially a dedicated audience of mine, isn't what's got me all over the place. It's the Producer and Director roles that I miss dearly but now have to channel in a new direction (theatre as opposed to film/video), that's got me like this. As well as the fact that is it literally a one woman show, 'control freak' and 'one-woman-army' is an under-statement here but it's all good.

Life is so funny, you make one plan and it makes another for you. I swear I said this recently? Anyway, not even in addition to your original plan but sometimes just erasing your plans altogether to be like "No! This is what you're going to do..." And you just have to role with it. This has been a very challenging year for me in many different ways but this project, specifically the finale (the exhibition of it) is going to be my 2018 highlight- a climax of a highlight for me.

I don't want to have bags under my eyes on the night but judging how the actual show is set to play out, I suppose it'll be convenient if the dark under eyes stay for the sake of performance, as unattractive as they'll look between the time. It's all good. That's my motto for now.

Here's some behind the scenes footage and promo pics for ya.

I'm in awe at the realisation that it has been 3yrs since I self-published I'm All In and that I still have 5 STAR RATINGS ON AMAZON!!! As well as continuous 5* verbal ratings from people who come up to me when I do book readings or perform at shows! Nothing can top that in respect of my expectations during the making of that little gem. Now I am finally adapting it into a play as desired, well not quite as desired but a taster of what I have in mind theatrically........."Pinch me"....actually don't because I'll most likely slap you.

Thank you so very much for all the love and support that I have been getting. Each of your moments of kindness, encouragement and joy for my personal/professional joy has melted my heart and kept me going.


See you there,

@LK_ReelDeevah

Feeling Inspired (Radio)

In May 2017 I was invited to appear on East London Radio's new show Inspirational East which also featured an A Capella group called Silk Street Singers. This turned out to be a very interesting interview to say the least with melodies, vocals and poetry.

Please note that there is some adult language in my poetry to be heard- I appear in 32mins. Have a listen and enjoy!

FYI; I mention preferred release dates that have not since gone into effect so don't get your hopes up but bear with me! A creative mind and writer's block have been in deep conflict in recent months. However, I am always getting things done!

Enjoy, enjoy. CLICK HERE

Great Interview with Croydon Radio

The weekend leading up to Valentine's Day was absolutely wonderful. I just wanted to perform, spread love and immerse in all the joy of it and sell books- goal accomplished!

I had a fantastic time performing at The Dial Up in Watford at a pleasant cozy venue, with a very pleasant audience- who bought my books. The Hosts were great and accommodating, so much so that they wanted me on again in the second half! Another Poet gave me the best compliment I've received of late by saying something like "Mind if I put you in an analogy? If poetry were football you'd be Manchester United and I'll be a small team that no one knows!" What a comparison, he's actually a good himself he's just playing himself short, but I have to say that compliment had me feeling good about myself all weekend. It was just a great vibe all night, worth the journey yes indeed.

Some of my readers may recall that I posted information about appearing on Croydon Radio last month, it actually ended up being rescheduled but it was for the best. I feel jinxed when it comes to radio interviews however, at the same time I feel extremely lucky as this is the second time that the second time (booking) worked out fantastically well. I do not think that if I was able to be a guest for the original scheduled appearance that it would have turned out so well or not nearly as fun.

This was a fun interview and it was a pleasure to participate alongside another Poet Ruth Smith, reading our poems and being interviewed. Naturally this was an opportune time to promote my book of love poems with Valentine's Day approaching, but it was nice to read some poems that I normally don't get to such as Unpack which was received very well and I was also happy to read a poem by one of my favourite Poets Tupac Shakur (yes I mean 2pac the Rapper). Much like a couple of my previous interviews, I appreciated being asked questions about my publishing journey and advice to give to others. Always happy to inform and info-tain.

LISTEN to the radio's podcast featuring several of our performances via the link. I know that the second picture is blurry, I apologise but I still wanted it to go to use as I am cuter in that one than the clear wide-shot despite it not being my best day.

Remember that I am performing back at Once Upon A Mic in East London this Friday. Follow the previous link for more info.

You can also follow me on Twitter @LK_ReelDeevah and like my Facebook page Miss Lauren Kaye #Happy2connect #Network

Appearance on Croydon Radio

Quite a few appearances on radio have been made by me the past year and some, mainly pertaining to my book tour which included Conscious Radio with Judith Jacobs in October 2015, Poets & Poetry Show in June 2016 and The Talk in July 2016, followed by The Food Show on East London Radio a few months ago. It was refreshing to do the food one as I was there to talk about my food writing and my Deevah's Cravings blog as opposed to my poetry book. It is so nice to get recognised for your other work.

I personally love radio, when I was at college studying Media I always saw myself as a Radio Presenter interviewing others as opposed to me being the interviewee for the most part but life has its own way of going against your plans lol.

This time I will be on Croydon Radio Sunday 12th Feb 2017 at 2pm, where I and another guest will feature on the Poets Anonymous show, discussing and performing our poetry. I will also be discussing the upcoming special edition of I'm All In.

Listen out for me on the show and if the opportunity permits itself feel free to call in and ask (polite) questions ;-)

@LK_ReelDeevah

Foodies on the Airwaves

I had the privilege of being asked to appear on a new radio show dedicated to foodies on East London Radio not too long ago. You may recall from my previous posts that I was interviewed on the same station earlier this year but for their women's programme The Talk,  regarding my book at the time so it was nice to be remembered for my food blogging and come back to discuss one of my favourite things ever.

It was even nicer knowing that I somewhat lost the opportunity to be on another radio food show in Birmingham some months ago, which was disappointing but then this opportunity came knocking. "When one door closes...." This is a prime example of that expression. I was also glad to help as one of their contributors considering that it's a brand new show that they were testing. I hope that The Food Show continues to grow and just gets bigger and better. It's funny because 10 years ago food was not considered a strong enough market to have a niche in radio or magazine publishing for that matter to the extent that it is now anyway. It is still an upcoming genre in radio but "Oh my," what a difference time and new media makes.

More info can be found on my food blog or you can skip right to the audio to listen to the show's debut via the following Mixcloud link (I appear 20mins into it).

By the way all that foodgasmic goodness above is a genuine collage of food that I have cooked, decorated and reviewed at restaurants. Only 3 of them are from my restaurant reviews as seen on my blog. That picture of me is old but I'm wearing my real Chef uniform from when I was studying Hospitality & Catering at college. The hat is just a great prop as most trained Chefs will know.

Lauren 'Deevah' Kaye
@DeevahsCravings 
Deevah's Cravings

One of My Best Interviews/Appearances

So I was on East London Radio (ELR) recently and it honestly was one of the best interviews I've had so far and I've had quite a few including ones outside of my publishing work (check out the video interview of me as a Film Director with Guide and Inspire). The Presenters were accommodating, friendly and asked me all the right questions, they clearly did their homework and it was refreshing, I admire that.

More Presenters/Hosts/Red Carpet Interviewers need to be that way in my opinion, I am a harsh critic of that and not just because I work in media but I am a fan of interviews in general as they make me appreciate someone (e.g. Celeb/Politician/Influential person) more but not when the are giving one word answers to stupid, irrelevant questions about what they're wearing, who they're dating and their celebrity friends business! If and when I interview someone I learn about them first so that I have knowledge if not interest, in what they are doing, have relevant questions to ask, an idea what people may want to know about them and build a rapport to make for a better conversation. It is a skill that's all I'm saying. Not everyone has it but the ladies of ELR do so rant aside, I am giving a compliment and their compliments of my work was very much appreciated also. Listen to the interview on Mixcloud, bear in mind that I appear 40mins into it.

I had a great day altogether as the weather was fantastic, the interview was great, I went everywhere I wanted and needed to go before heading to my last destination which was a booking in South London later in the evening. That next appearance was to perform at SELAR, quite an eclectic and most certainly memorable evening (nudity took place- not me) but nothing I was a stranger to (the elaborate ways in which people express their art as opposed to nudity lol). I had a nice time, met some great people and the host was absolutely lovely which is always a joy to experience when you participate in such events. Twice my poetry/performance was described as "captivating" oh my days you have no idea how that makes me feel. Glad to know I touch people in such a way with my words and stage presence for that matter.

It was just a wonderful day beginning to end that had me going to bed smiling, don't you just love those!

SELAR 'Dating' and Change in Tour

After I appear on Talk radio show on East London Radio 1-2pm this Saturday, I will perform at SELAR in South London. The theme of the night is dating which goes very well with my current poetry book as you can imagine so I'm very much looking forward to bringing my tour to their audience. Come down it's open to everyone and I'll be selling books!

SELAR SPEAKEASY
Sat 23rd July, 7:30pm
@ South East London Art Rooms
17b Dartmouth Rd
Forest Hill
London
SE23 3HN

ENTRY £3
www.selar.co.uk


RANDOM UPDATE: The last performance that appears on my tour for 29th July has been rescheduled to August! I will keep you updated

Radio Audio for You

My day couldn't have been busier if I tried Monday gone. I had several engagements to meet which included two surprise appearances and my radio interview with the Poets and Poetry Show on PowerXtra Radio, that was fun and I am happy to have added that to my book tour.

Listen to my radio interview via the link on Mixcloud. Please note that it's a 2hr show and I appear 1hr into it. Enjoy!

More shows and appearances have been added to my year-long book tour for July and August, the next one will be at BAC in London 30th June. Keep up with my social media for updates.

@LK_ReelDeevah

Radio & Performance at BAC #BookTour

The upcoming appearances for my book tour will be with Poets & Poetry radio show 13th June 4-6pm and a performance at Rock the Mic 30th June 7pm.

The radio show will be on PowerXtra Radio and you can follow the link to listen to the live stream online. I have been anticipating being on this show as it is 100% dedicated to poetry and spoken word! A growing genre in radio with a faster growing audience, so I'm greatly looking very forward to sharing my poetry, my story and specifically the poems from I'm All In with them.

The performance will be at Battersea Arts Centre (BAC) a couple weeks later which I am very much looking forward to also as I have known BAC for a while but have never performed with them. They do great things for young performers and I am happy to participate in that. I will be one of the featured acts performing at Rock the Mic among other Artists of the variety show. Naturally as this is a part of my tour I will have copies of my book with me ready to sign and sell!

ROCK THE MIC

Thursday 30th June 2016

@ Battersea Arts Centre

Lavender Hill

London

SW11 5TN

Purchase a copy of my poetry book I'm All In on Infiniti Promotions (Shop Infiniti), Lulu.com, Amazon.com, Amazon (UK) or Barnes & Noble. Please note that the beautiful hardback version with pictures, is only available on Lulu and Shop Infiniti.

Follow me on @LK_ReelDeevah for updates and interaction or sign up to my newsletters for periodic info. If you're more of a Facebook person no worries you can find me at Miss Lauren Kaye. Connect, support, show love!

Oct/Nov Newsletter

Here's the latest issue of my newsletter sent to my mailing list. CLICK HERE to view properly and follow the SUBSCRIBE link to receive future newsletters straight to your mailbox.

In this message you'll find out about my radio interview this week, up and coming appearances, links to my latest blog articles and as always my inspiring quote of the day.

Keep up with my movements and stay social!

Miss Lauren Kaye
@LK_ReelDeevah