Category: Theatre

A Shell House and Some Up-Dates

Barmeath has a shell house built in the woods in the 19th century as a destination for walks and picnics, I was surprised to come upon a 20th century one in the centre of London.

Tom’s School Days

Something, I’ll tell you what later, triggered this memory. About twenty years ago Sarah asked me to go with her to see her godson act in his house play at Eton.

A Serious Musical

Le Boeuf sur le toit is a jazzy, tango composition by Darius Milhaud. I like it hugely and think the best translation is “Beef on the roof”.

Figaro, Where?

The Metropolitan Opera in New York has been broadcasting Saturday matinees live to cinemas in Europe for ten years. It’s a super way to see tip-top productions with the bonus of watching what’s going on back-stage and hearing the singers being interviewed.  Only been around for ten years but already I have my favourite moment.… Continue reading Figaro, Where?

Name Dropping

I had lunch this week with Janet Suzman. I like to name-drop. We had M&S sandwiches – there were all my favourites – and I had a spot of the house white. The house in question was LAMDA of which she is a Vice President.

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Categorised as Theatre

Introducing a Special Guest

It gives me great pleasure to introduce you to my first guest blogger, Ian Alexander-Sinclair. His post expands on a recent post, How To Be One-Up.

How To Be One-Up

If you are unaware that Shakespeare died on 23rd April 1616, that state of innocence will not last long. The Bard will be impossible to escape this year, like a virulent influenza. I propose to inoculate you with a small dose that may protect you against getting the willies.

Let Slip The Dogs of War

Henry V was written about 400 years ago. At its centre lies Agincourt, fought about 185 years earlier, as remote for Shakespeare and his audience as Waterloo is for us today.

What A Waste

Here is Sam Mendes with the cast of Sceptre. The rating 12A for a film means that it is suitable for children aged 12 and over. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Recent James Bond films have all been given this classification and need it commercially to the extent that the director… Continue reading What A Waste