Necessary Targets debrief

Well, Necessary Targets is over and what a great experience it was. At the end of every show there are conflicting emotions - sadness that it has finished mingled with relief that now you will be able to get some some sleep, concentrate on other projects, and finally address that giant pile of washing. The flowers received on opening night (thanks mum!) are removed from the dressing room and returned home.

There are phrases that continue to echo in your mind and someone's innocent remark can set you off on a cue line like Pavlov's dog. At 7 o'clock at night you feel restless as though you should be somewhere but you're not sure where. It takes a while to resume the routine and refocus your thoughts away from a Bosnian refuge camp where they have been settling for the past few months.

One of the strangest things is no longer seeing the same people who have been your constant companions. Unless you work with your fellow actors or have some other connection, the people with whom you have spent almost every evening abruptly disappear from your circle of contacts. It's a little like a bereavement.

Our director worked very hard on building up a community among the women on stage, and it spilled over to the dressing room where we became friends as well as cast. Sure, we took the piss out of each other and we learnt each other's little foibles - and of course we have them; we're theatrical types! - but we grew to care for each other and look out for each other's concerns.

I only managed to take a couple of photos in the dressing room, but these words, spoken about Azra (played by Christine pictured here running through her lines as she did before every performance) sum up my feelings about everyone.

'I could not forget you. Not your face, your kind, deep, welcoming face.'

Good work ladies.