Eliot's Blog - #1

28 November 08

OK - sorry my blog is a touch late but it was either this or getting another detention for not handing in my GCSE coursework.

And then there’s my performance in the showcase for The Television Workshop - my drama group. I’m doing a duologue from Roy Williams’ Baby Girl in which I play a 13 year old who has got this girl pregnant but she’s not that keen on admitting the child is his. Apparently my character smells like old people!!

Anyway, the BAFTA! It’s all been a bit unreal since I found out. Ian, who runs The Television Workshop, rang me about three weeks ago and told me the news. I was on the computer at the time so I was able to see from checking the BAFTA website that he wasn’t lying! I was a bit confused at first as I thought the award was decided by a viewers vote. I was planning to go round our estate to persuade my mates and neighbours to vote for me so when I found out that it was a BAFTA panel it was a massive relief that it was in their hands. Still bricking it, though.

School still don’t really know. I’ve told the odd teacher (and believe me there are some odd teachers at my school!), but one or two have found out from the whispers going round. The recent article in our local paper - the Nottingham Evening Post - has blown my cover now, though. My mates have been dead supportive. They are really happy for me and of course my mum, dad and grandparents were the first to know (and are well happy).

I know you are supposed to say this but I’m really just pleased to be nominated. I’ve not counted myself out but I’m not building my hopes up. That way I won’t feel so gutted when someone else gets the award. In a way I’ve already won a BAFTA as The Television Workshop won the Special Award in 2005 and I’ve been there since I was seven (I was actually six when I auditioned but don’t tell Ian!).

Getting my outfit has been a laugh. I’ve even hired a tux with all the trimmings. What’s with these cufflinks? Never had to use them before. Mum’s got this posh frock and even my dad’s had to get a suit - he’s fed up that he can’t wear his tracky! Usually I prefer tracky bottoms and a hoodie but I can’t see me steeping up on stage dressed in my normal clothes so just for the BAFTAs I’ll go posh!

Seriously, this is the biggest thing to happen to me. It’s going to be an amazing night. Even though it’ll be back to business as usual on Monday - GCSE course work doesn’t stop just ‘cos you’ve been nominated for a BAFTA. Although, if I get it, I might be able to persuade my teachers to give me an extension on my essay deadlines.

And if I don’t get the Breakthrough Talent Award, Summerhill - the programme I was in - is up for Best Drama so I’ve got a double chance. Trouble is it’s up against Young Dracula, The Revenge Files of Alistair Fury and The Sarah Jane Adventures - all of which have got my mates from the Workshop in them. Now I’m making myself nervous. Just need to sort out these cufflinks.

Eliot-Otis, Friday 28 Novemeber

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