My life as a full-time stage actress has come to an end. Okay, okay, so it only lasted for ten days and I was an amateur in the ensemble - but what a wonderful ten days!

Nine sold out shows at the Horsham Town Hall Theatre and sparkling memories to last a lifetime.

Oh dear, there goes my excuse for staying out past everyone's bedtime.

There goes my excuse for painting on my make-up and wearing fake eyelashes with heaps of eye shadow. There goes my excuse for applying copious amounts of fake tan.

There goes my excuse for eating loads of lolly jubes; they're good for the throat.

I'll miss singing all those glorious harmonies with so many various and beautiful voices. I'll miss the thrill of waiting in the semi-dark side stage ready to go out and play my part. I'll miss the smiles, laughs and applause of the audience. I'll miss everyone in the production crew, cast and band.

Just when I was delighting in that feeling of knowing exactly what I was supposed to be doing, I don't get to do it anymore. No more will I dash up to the dressing room after "SOS" to get changed before rushing back down just in time to sing "Does Your Mother Know" backstage.

My broom, camera, cash, beach bag and wedding horseshoe will no longer be needed from the properties table; I've plonked them back in the right place for the very last time.

I won't get about wearing two outfits at once to allow for fast costume changes or find myself standing next to the same person in the same place singing the same song at the same time each night.

After spending six hours a day at theatre, I suddenly feel like I am on holiday.

Hang on a minute - our Chaplaincy Book Fair is this weekend. Mamma Mia!

I've got work to do! Come and visit the gal in the kitchen.

I'll be the one singing ABBA tunes while the dishwater is "Slipping through my fingers".