Confessions of a Theatre Snob

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Of actors and authors, with a little bit of food, wine, and walking

Two years ago, we attended a Literary Luncheon at the inaugural Scarborough Literature Festival, and really enjoyed it. Last year, we tried to book too late, and it was full, so this year we got our act together early, and decided to make a couple of days of it.

Despite having to work until after lunch, V and I were heading over to Scarborough by mid afternoon, and just had time to book into the hotel before we were joined by J. As most events were just round the corner at the Library, and the lunch was in our hotel, we were pretty centrally placed.

I rather loved the Concert Hall of the Library, mainly, I guess, because it was the site of the very first Theatre in the Round created by Stephen Joseph.

Our first event was called ‘Re:Invention’, and we’d booked it because it was about performance, and developing a character, and run by an actor. We weren’t quite sure what to expect, as the brochure had suggested that it could be a workshop. Sadly, it wasn’t, as the seats were laid out theatre-style. Still, it was very interesting.

We just had time to pop to the Blue Lounge, our new ‘bar of choice’ in Scarborough, for a drink before the second event, ‘Branwell vs the Brontes’. It sounded quite interestingin the blurb. It wasn’t. It was self indulgent, and very amateur. I was nodding by halfway through. They stopped for an interval, much to the surprise of the organisers, and so we took the opportunity and left, deciding that a curry and wine was a considerably more attractive option than staying for part 2. We found a fab little Indian restaurant that we’d been to a few years ago. Still there, still busy, still good, and they gave us free wine at the end.

The next morning, we made a bright and early start, determined to get a walk in before the literary luncheon. It was a glorious morning, and we walked right along the beach to the Spa, and then round the harbour and onto the Marine Drive, coming back over castle hill. We were back in time to get changed, and get a well earned drink in before lunch.

The author at the lunch was Victoria Glendinning. When I’d seen her advertised, I knew the name, and recognised her face, but couldn’t have said what she’d written. She turned out to be fascinating, and was clearly an experienced speaker, as, unlike others, she didn’t do a reading, just talked about her subjects, and also drew out anecdotes about Scarborough. She’s written biographies of Edith Sitwell, and Leonard Woolf amongst others and her latest book is about an affair between author Elizabeth Bowen and diplomat Charles Ritchie.

Afterwards, we had a quick dash to the shops, for where would our Friday’s be without a little shopping, and then headed back to Library for our last event, Kate Atkinson. Now I’ve never read any of her books, but had at least heard of her, and I did once see ‘Behind the Scenes at the Museum’ on stage at the Theatre Royal. It didn’t make me want to read the book though. Listening to her read from her latest novel, that didn’t make me want to read it either. I just knew as she read that it was not a ‘Val’ book.

So all in all, a lovely break away from the grind. Some good events, one excellent one, and one dire. I think we need to focus on the lunch in future - if the talks not up to much, you still get food – and look more carefully into what other sessions are offering. But then, I think the organisers will probably do that as well.

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Sunday, April 26, 2009

The training continues

I’ve been trying to get a few walks in recently, though it’s been difficult as I’ve been away quite a bit, and of course, there was Easter. However, since the foggy walk of a few weeks ago, we’ve had some glorious weather, quite perfect for Spring walking, and we’ve been to Bolton Castle and Aysgarth, and today to Coxwold and Husthwaite. We even managed to fit in a three mile walk in Scarborough on Friday morning*. We’re also trying to gradually increase the distances we do. Of course, we’re nowhere near 10 miles yet, (up to 6-7 miles actually) but, despite my thinking it was never going to happen, I’m finding myself almost on schedule with my training for June. No, I can’t believe it either!

Of course, this is all fuelled by tea shops and frequent stops. I’m still not sure how we’ll be when we try and walk a longer distance without a tea shop or a pub in the middle. We’ll need to carry more with us, but I’m still hoping it will be possible for someone to provide tea and cake halfway round.

Over the next few weeks, we aim to set ourselves a few challenges, going further, and/or climbing more. My worst fear is not that it will rain, but that it will be too hot, for that’s what saps your strength.

Through it all, however, I remain a handbag walker. I may have lots of other gear now, but I still have my trusty pink handbag on my shoulder. And we still have to fit in time to shop, as well as the refreshments.

So once again, dear readers, please sponsor me, if you haven’t already.

*we were out, and walking before 9am – how impressive is that?

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The other birthday blog

When I realised that my birthday fell on Easter Sunday this year, I was a little underwhelmed, as it’s the only day apart from Christmas Day that lots of places are closed. ‘Quite rude of Jesus to try and steal your thunder’ as Coza said.

Thankfully Cat was up for a visit to Cragside in Northumberland, using our trusty NT cards. It didn’t seem to take that long to get there, even with a coffee stop, and we were soon parking up and walking to the house in the most glorious weather.

We went round the house first. I’d been before but it was years ago, and couldn’t remember much about it. The first sense is that it is very much a home. Domestic in style and in the size of the rooms, which feel cosy and homely, albeit very Victorian. There was a fondness for stuffed things that I wasn’t keen on. There should have been a dressing up room!

Afterwards, we explored the huge grounds, along the stream and out to the lake and the formal gardens. Incredible to think that the vision of one man transformed this moorland valley into what can be seen today. It’s both a monument to that Victorian hubris which had such total belief in the longevity of what they were creating, and testament to ingenuity and inventiveness of the Victorians.

There was a hillside where we rolled mini crème eggs, and Cat accused me of cheating as I didn’t tell her it was a competition until she’d had her turn. I also ate (home made) cake. Well, it was my birthday.

Afterwards, I had a hankering to visit the Northumberland coast, the scene of childhood holidays, so we went across to Alnmouth, and walked along the beach by the sand dunes. It was busy, yes, but not ‘Scarborough busy’. It was glorious, and as I sat and ate an ice cream by the dunes, it felt like a good birthday.

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Saturday, April 18, 2009

Three Years on - a slightly belated birthday blog

On 16 April 2006, Easter Sunday as it was that year, I started this blog. I didn’t know what I’d be saying, and I didn’t know how long I’d keep it up for, but I wanted somewhere to post my thoughts.

Three years on, and much has changed, but then again, a lot hasn’t. I’ve found that when I’m at my busiest, I write less, so significant events go by without a record on here, whilst more trivial things warrant a post.

97 entries, by far and away the most, are tagged ‘theatre’, so no surprises there. However there are more entries tagged ‘David Tennant’ (29) than there are ‘musicals’ (25)! There are only 12 ‘Griffins’, and 3 ‘Fox’s’. What I definitely didn’t anticipate when I started this was the 34 entries which are tagged ‘walking’!

I started off not intending to talk about work, and still try to keep away from it, yet it has crept in and tags 21 entries.

There are 22 Reality TVs, 20 Strictly’s, and Gethin Jones (16) is tagged more than John Barrowman (12).

What does this say about me? Quite a lot, I think. Basically, that I don’t change that much. I still love theatre, I still get crazy obsessions, some of which last longer than others, and I still find work frustrating, and stressful a lot of the time. Looking back, though, I’m very grateful for all the fabulous things I’ve managed to do, and even more grateful for the good friends who’ve shared them with me.

For those who read this, thank you.

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A Little Night Music

Spoilers, and theatre snobbery alert

When I realised I had a free evening in London, it just was a matter of selecting which show I want to see. I was spoilt for choice. My shortlist was Three Days of Rain, Plague over England, A Little Night Music and Carousel, as I’d been very impressed by leading lady Alexandra Silber at a charity show the other week. What really swung it was the Trevor Nunn factor with A Little Night Music.

It’s had excellent reviews at the Menier Chocolate Factory, and has transferred to the Garrick Theatre in West End. As their last show was Zorro, I’m guessing the quality has gone up with this. It’s a lovely little theatre, even though the stalls are subterranean, and you can hear the Tube trains rumbling beneath your feet. It also has lovely staff, as, when I was told there was no cloakroom, a very cute usher offered to look after my suitcase until the end of the show.

It was only after I booked that I read of Maureen Lipman’s response to Charles Spencer’s review, and critical comments of her casting as Madame Armfeldt. I admire her reaction.

I’m not sure how I’ve never seen this before, as it's exactly my sort of show. When I think about it, my experience of Sondheim is pretty small. A rather fabulous production of Into the Woods by John Doyle at York, and that’s about it. The style of this reminded me a lot of it. Apart from ‘Send in the Clowns’ most of the songs don’t really work out of context, as they’re part of the narrative.

Collecting my ticket, I found I had centre of Row B in the Stalls. As someone who likes to see the whites of the eyes, it was a fabulous seat – who needs to see feet? Though the Americans on the front row commented that, if there was a lot of dancing in the show, they wouldn’t have a very good view. I’m not sure what they thought they’d booked for.

I thought there were some fabulous performances. A lot has been said about the casting of Hannah Waddingham as Desiree Armfeldt, who is much younger than usual. I thought it worked perfectly, and she was fantastic, utterly heartbreaking in 'Send in the Clowns'. Alexander Hanson also seemed perfect as ex-lover and new husband Frederik. As for Maureen Lipman, well, her grand dame dropped witticisms from centre stage with great comic timing.
The characters here are the type who will always be polite and correct about their marital infidelities, hence Kelly Price’s long suffering countess, stoically condoning her rat of a husband’s affairs. Frederik’s young wife Anne was played by Jessie Buckley from I’d Do Anything. Having never been a particular fan, she had the youth for the part, and her acting was better than I’d expected. Unfortunately her singing voice was rather shrill.

Sondheim uses a Greek chorus of singers as narrators/commentators, as a counterpoint to the action, whilst I felt that this technique was a little over used in the second act, they were all very strong singers. Slick scene changes of David Farr's elegant versatile set take us smoothly between interior and exterior, and into a Scandanavian summer night where the sun never quite sets

The production was romantic and beautiful, with some lovely pieces of staging, as all the characters waltzed around the stage in the half light. I guess it’s a very Chekovian musical (though a lot funnier). Once again, I’m happy I trusted in Trevor*.

After the show, Corinne was waiting for me. I came out of the theatre beaming, and a little lost for words, with that wonderful theatrical euphoria which tells you you’ve seen something just a bit special. We found a pub just round the corner – always something of a challenge in central London, we’ve discovered – and caught up on all the news, while I continued to rave on about the production.

*Yes, I know the least said about Gone with the Wind, the Musical, the better, but then I would never have been silly enough to book for that one.

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Tuesday, April 14, 2009

'A sad tale's best for Winter'

I love 'The Winter's Tale'. Of the late plays, it’s probably my favourite, and I’ve seen some great productions over the years. Once again, the theatre snob in me was hyper-critical, and had high expectations. That sounds as though there’s a hesitation, and there is, but overall, I really enjoyed David Farr’s production.

I’ve always thought Leontes to be a pig of a part for an actor, as the jealous rage against Hermione and Polixenes seems to come from nowhere, but Greg Hicks gave a masterly portrayal of a usually controlled man in torment. Beautifully spoken (and always audible, Patrick Stewart take note), and more frightening because of the ‘sanity’ of his madness. A man who is obeyed, even when behaving totally irrationally.

Kelly Hunter’s Hermione matched him in dignity, and these two are an intelligent and articulate pairing. For the first time in my recollection the trial had me in tears.

Sicilia appeared to be set in a huge library. There’s a fabulous moment at the end of the trial scene which I won’t spoil, but it created a wonderful image.

I felt the Bohemian sheep shearing scenes worked less well. It’s a little like ‘rustic’ Shakespeare is now a bit embarrassing for the Company. There was a strange mix of accents, West Indian, Welsh and Scots, amongst Perdita’s adoptive family, which seemed odd. I did inwardly groan at yet another rustic dance with ‘comedy’ phalluses. I have to admit it all bored me a bit, so I was glad when Polixenes and Camillo revealed themselves, and it turned darker again as they headed back to Sicilia.

One of the joys of the RSC Ensemble approach is that you get to see actors in small roles who will take a greater role in other plays. Here we had Sam Troughton, who will play Brutus this summer, in the minor roles of Dion and Paulina*’s Steward. Paulina’s Steward is the one who reports the off stage revelations that Perdita is Leontes’s lost daughter. I have never seen this speech played so well, or so clearly. It was funny, touching, and had absolute clarity. Troughton** has made a bit of a name for himself on tv, and already has the theatrical credentials, and I feel we’re in for a treat when Julius Ceasar comes.

The last scene can be one of the most moving in Shakespeare, and here it was. Leontes ‘she’s warm’ is full of wonder, and regret, and remorse, and the reunion of husband and wife was very touching. Shakespeare gives Hermione no words to her husband, just to her daughter, so you have no textual clue about her response, but here the message was of forgiveness.

Overall, I would give it three stars. I think it’s a ‘grower’, but then I also think many of these productions should be seen more than once, as you can’t fully appreciate it the first time. I think the new ensemble has lots of potential, and I’m really looking forward to what develops over the next couple of years.

*’Paulina’ herself cropped up as the head of Unit in this weekend’s Doctor Who
**Also a grandson of Doctor Who, of course

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Friday, April 10, 2009

Something about Stratford

It’s a fact that when I get stressed, I book theatre. I was pretty stressed last week, so when I was asked to go to a conference in Bromsgrove on Wednesday afternoon, it seemed too good a chance to miss. You see, Bromsgrove was on ‘my’ route to Stratford when I lived down there. It’s only about 20 miles away.

The next moment, I was on line checking out ticket availability. The new season has just started, and only one production has opened, so The Winter’s Tale it was.

As I set off that afternoon, it was a strange feeling. The road was so familiar. Somehow I’d thought it would have changed, as it must be 15 years since I’ve driven that route, but it all looked just the same. I could feel the grin spreading across my face as I drove, particularly as I crested the last hill, and could see the town below me.

For me, there’s something about Stratford in any season, but Spring is particularly special. For years, it was always the start of the season, and now it is again. It’s a feeling of new beginnings but also of continuity, of freshness, and of hope. As I walked along to the theatre to collect my ticket, I could see the new RST finally rising from amongst the cranes and scaffolding. Another year or so, and it will be open.

Walking along Waterside, the boats were out on the river, the passenger ferry was in service, and people were drinking outside the Dirty Duck. I’m not one for drinking on my own in pubs, but the Duck doesn’t worry me, so I bought a glass of wine and took it outside to sit on the wall and look at the river, just drinking in the atmosphere. At the next table to me I spotted a member of the RSC Histories Ensemble, who was later joined by two others. It was a pretty good place to be, and the stresses of work seemed a long way away.

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Sunday, April 05, 2009

Into the mist

Despite it being a very murky morning, we decided to head to Farndale, to do a walk which included the Farndale daffodils. We were being quite ambitious, as it was 6 miles, and listed as having a ‘sustained, but not strenuous’ climb. Yes, well, more of that later!

Having had the obligatory coffee stop in Kirbymoorside, we arrived at Farndale around mid-day. It was still very misty, and we couldn’t see the valley sides as we headed out of the car park. Soon, we were climbing the valley side, and kept having to stop and check our directions, as we couldn’t see the next way mark. The view wasn’t up to much!

Pretty soon, we decided that the climb was both sustained and strenuous. The path narrowed to a track through the heather, and there were some steep edges. We felt like intrepid explorers, as all we could hear was the sound of the birds. There wasn’t another soul in sight. Walking into the mist, it was like a scene from a spooky novel. I kept praying that we were on the right route, looking for some grouse butts to confirm this (they would also confirm that we were near the end of the climbing).

Eventually, they appeared, and we crested the ridge, still not able to see very far. As we walked along the top, the sun was trying to break through, but hadn’t quite managed it when we slithered and slipped down a rocky track, and finally, reached the pub.

After lunch, we emerged into sunshine. And gulped. For we could see where we’d been, we could see the road we’d come down, and it was high. If we’d have been able to see the height of it before we set off, we might not have begun.

We walked back along the banks of the river, admiring the daffodils, and past the ‘Daffy Café’ and it was glorious. We kept looking back, though, to where we’d been.
When I checked later on the map, we’d climbed about 1000ft. We had to go and eat cake to recover. But the great thing is, I wasn’t stiff the following day. All this training must be working.

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The training starts here

I’ve signed up to do the Ribbon Walk, (the 10 mile version, that is) at Harewood House, so I’m now talking of being ‘in training’. For many, maybe it wouldn’t be that scary, but I’ve never done a 10 mile walk before, so for me, it is.

When you sign up, they send you a training schedule, which covers the gradual build up over the 10 weeks prior to the walk. This means I should be starting my training some time around now. When I looked at the proposed schedule, my first thoughts were ‘yeah, right, like that’s going to happen!’

But, as is the way of me, the last couple of weeks, I’ve started to get a bit obsessive. I need to walk. No, I can’t believe I’m saying that either. It still has to be a true ‘handbag walk’, with all the essential elements of tea shops, shopping etc, but the walking has definitely got more challenging. I’ve also invested in new walking boots (still breaking those in), and new walking trousers. I’m starting to look scarily like a ‘proper’ walker.

I have to raise at least £250, so, if anyone would like to sponsor me, I’d be ever so grateful, and it's really simple to go - just go here.

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Not quite a 'lock in'

(or, the return of the randy milkman)

When I last saw Blood Brothers in December, I admit I was very disappointed. It was the first time that the tour had been back to York since the heady days of December 2005, and it felt tired. We’d only been able to get seats a long way away, and many of the cast seemed quite jaded, and one or two were just not very good*. I was starting to think that I wasn’t bothered about seeing it again, as most of those we’d come to know had moved on, or were in the West End production. Then, about a month ago, I found out that a certain randy milkman had returned to the cast. It’s been two and a half years since we’ve seen him. That’s the long game for you.

Also returning was Tracey, an actress who remains the best Mrs Lyons I’ve seen, (and also the best Mrs Johnstone when I saw her play the part a couple of times). The closest it was coming to us in the near future was Hull**, which had been the first theatre we’d seen it in.

It was so much better than December. We had better seats, and the whole production seemed revitalised. We had a new Nolan, Maureen this time, bringing my Nolan quota for the show to three; an excellent Mickey and Eddie; a new narrator, who was also very good, menacing in a different way to Keith, and the ‘dream cast’ Mr and Mrs Lyons.

All the lesser characters he played were also complete characterisations, even if only on stage for a few moments. The milkman has always been so disappointing when played by others, not having that sparkle which is entirely him.

At the end, of course I cried. MN was incredibly powerful in ‘Tell Me It’s Not True’, and that song just ratchets up the emotion. And, by the third curtain call, I was on my feet. My first standing ovation since DT, but then *this* one is always very different.

Immediately after the show, we headed for the pub. One of our favourite stage door pubs, it has to be said. The first thing to do was put our make up to rights. We arrived back at the bar, and before we’d even got a drink, I saw Cat smile, and turned, and there he was, coming towards us.

And it was great. In his own way, he’s almost as much as a theatre snob as I am, so there was lots of theatre related chat. Wine was drunk, but not too much. It was really good to see him. We finally left the pub with the bar staff, as they wanted to go home.

Suffice to say that the Emergency ‘Tim’ Button is being reinstated.

*Yes, Marti Webb, I mean you!

**Tour next takes in Aberdeen, Dundee, Worthing (all flippin’ miles away) and, finally, in July, Leeds

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