In aid of Comic Relief, we drove over to Rothwell Methodist Church to see their production of the iconic ‘The Vicar of Dibley’.

Rothwell Methodist Players were the stars of the evening – all local ‘Rowellians’ including Andrew Farrington, the resident Vicar who also produced and directed things. As the curtain went up at 7.30 it was immediately obvious that all the players were, like us, fans of the hit TV series.

The Players recreated the roles of the iconic characters – Geraldine, Jim, David, Hugo, Frank, Letitia, Owen and of course, Alice – perfectly. For me, especially Rachel Haynes who, as Alice, gave us a spookily accurate portrayal!

It was a packed house, with almost 100 of us crammed into the Church (capacity 105!). Overall, considering it was a one-off amateur production, they punched well above their weight, and the whole thing was a joy from beginning to end!

Sadly (and unusually) we didn’t win anything in the raffle, but it didn’t dampen our appreciation for tonight’s production.

“No, no, no… yes”. Well done everyone!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Play: The Vicar of Dibley! appeared first on Steve's Blog.

We drove over to Stratford-upon-Avon today – to The Bear Pit – to see Second Thoughts‘ penultimate performance of 2020’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It was a perfect excuse to leave a bit earlier to give us time to get some retail therapy in the town!

We chose the matinée performance at 2.30pm, and it was about 90% full. We ran into Ian and Ann who’d just returned from Australia and India. I’d studied the Play at school, and in spite of the excellent performance this afternoon, the story today was as impenetrable as it was when I was as a fresh-faced teenager! OK, I got the main plot, but is it me – why is one of Shakespeare’s most popular Plays so tricky to follow?

On a more positive note, being performed ‘in the round’ in contemporary costume with a very simplistic set made it a much more immersive experience

Overall then, not one of my fave Shakespeare Plays, but the contemporary twist on the Bard’s original, with its tweaks to the scenes and dialogue, supported by a really enthusiastic cast, made it a memorable performance.

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Play: Midsummer Night’s Dream appeared first on Steve's Blog.

The Stratford Players desperately need King Lear to be a success or it will be their last ever production, and their theatre will be demolished for redevelopment. Maybe a big box office star can help? Enter from stage-left, one Jefferson Steele: Hollywood action hero, currently between his film-franchises and encouraged to play his very first Shakespeare role – live, and on stage. Unfortunately, his Agent, unable to find him work in the States, has allowed him to believe he is coming to THE Stratford and the RSC…

By now you’ve realised that we’re not talking real-world – instead, it’s the latest production by Second Thoughts penned by Private Eye’s Ian Hislop & Nick Newman comedy of mis-understanding, mayhem and men in tights!

Just after 7.30, the curtain went up at the Bear Pit on what turned out to be (for us) probably Second Thoughts best production to date. Everyone acted their socks off – and the lead, Pete Cubitt (who we’ve not seen here before) was totally convincing in the lead-role. To say he ‘owned the part’ was an understatement!
    
Clearly, the cast were enjoying it too, and that was reflected in the audience’s regular appreciation throughout the performance. The run is on until Saturday having started on Wednesday – and there’s a matinee performance on the last day too. At just under two-and-a-half hours (plus the interval), it certainly didn’t feel ‘long’ as the time passed very quickly (surely a good sign!) The only ‘bit’ I didn’t quite get was the short ‘Fool’s Songs’ at the end of many of the scenes, but technically speaking, I could see that something was needed whilst a change of scenery was needed.

Thanks Second Thoughts, we had a great time, and it was good to run into Rick, Ann and Mags too!

It was a good visit to Stratford for us too on the retail-therapy front. I managed to pick up an extra pair of shoes for our next holiday, Ann bought a few tops – and we finished it all off with a rather splendid nibble at Fourteas, a 1940s themed tea-room in Sheep Street.
 
The journey home was full of road diversions, and as a result, it took us just over an hour-and-a-half!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post A Bunch of Amateurs appeared first on Steve's Blog.

1.15 and curtain up to a simple-looking stage (that actually turned out to be anything but! Superb and elaborate sets that transitioned very smoothly when the time came).

The place was packed (a good sign!) and we all settled back for this 140-minute production. I don’t recall there being much (any?) music in it when I studied it at School in the late 60s, and it seemed to work really well – and there was more to come. They had also relocated the timeline to the Victorian age, and that worked well too! Gosh! where was this production when I was at School? Within the first 20 minutes, I was already hooked!
   
Cast-wise, the production included some well-known faces including Kara Tointon, Adrian Edmondson and Michael Cochrane. A great start for this TV/Film addict! This group of stars who, between them, have appeared in: EastEnders, Jonathan Creek, Bottom, The Crown, Downton Abbey, The Musketeers, Peep Show and Skyfall certainly got my vote – and they all acted their socks off.

Adrian Edmondson as Malvolio was clearly the highlight (and easily having the time of his life!), where the script gave him loads of opportunities to ‘do’ serious, with a touch of singing and more than a soupçon of manic behaviour.

John Hodgkinson (Sir Toby Belch) and Michael Cochrane (Sir Andrew Aguecheek) together ‘ticked the three Ps’ for me – a Perfect Pair of Pi**- heads – and were clearly relishing every staggering moment! It was also the first time I recall Sir Toby belching from his lower orifice too! Talk about life imitating fart!

Kara Tointon easily demonstrated what a versatile actress she is, assuming the role of Olivia with a commanding voice and a very natural stage presence. It felt like perfect casting in my book! (like I’m a Shakespeare expert all of a sudden!)

I’ve probably not done the rest of the cast justice, but suffice to say, everyone, without exception, played their part on this world stage.

More short musical pieces continued throughout and they seemed to blend in really well, complementing the on-stage action – just enough to not get in the way of the Bard’s work. “If music be the food of love…” and all that!

Well, the two hours and twenty minutes passed really quickly (and I’ve never said that about a Shakespeare Play before!). There was a twenty-minute interval, but apart for the need of a leg-stretch and a visit to the little room, we probably could have survived without a break.

By the final curtain, just before 4pm, we all agreed that it had been nothing short of a superb production. The enthusiasm of the audience’s applause at the end, seemed to agree with us too!

Am I a Shakespeare convert? Only if I see more productions like this! Superb!!! Thanks Will!

We headed back to the car and were soon competing for a place on the M1 (Boy, it was busy! Where are all these people going?). Back in Wootton, we had a quick cuppa and a natter before saying our goodbyes to Chris and Gill – then headed straight back to ours.

7pm: Home! Another great day out ending with feet-up at ours for the rest of the evening.

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Twelfth on Twelfth at 12! appeared first on Steve's Blog.

It was off to London today, to meet up with Angela C. Our destination was the Criterion Theatre to see the Play: The 39 Steps.

I was hoping to try out my new camera-phone and snap a photograph of Eros, but the statue was covered in scaffolding and hidden from view, so I had to make do with a general shot of the area.

The Play was quite quirky – some might say ‘typically English’. Trying to make a comedy out of the original film must have been quite challenging, but all-in-all, the production worked well. It featured a cast of just four, but they worked very hard and played lots of different parts (sometimes at almost the same time!) – and that added to the quirkiness.

We were up in the Gods, in the Dress Circle, where we had a good view and comfortable seats. Given that it was a Wednesday afternoon matinee, it was quite well attended – just over half-full, although the first three rows in the stalls were taken up with ‘Class 3b’ who, if their infectious laughter was anything to go by, thoroughly enjoyed every second of the production!

Although I don’t think it was ‘up there’ with some other great West End plays, it was a fun way to spend a couple of hours – and getting the tickets for £15 rather than £50, certainly helped the overall enjoyment factor (Nice one Angela!).

After the Play, we took the short walk to the Haymarket and I haven’t been to that area for many years. There is some major demolition work going on, removing some of the big buildings on the right as you walk down towards Trafalgar Square. Neither of us could recall what used to be there, but whatever the replacement is, it will change the vista significantly.

Not knowing the area particularly well, we drifted into VietCafe. As the name suggests it was a Cafe serving Vietnamese food. It was empty when we arrived, but by the time we left, it was pretty-much full. The food was good and it provided the service to match.

It was a great day – and the perfect diversion to take my mind off of tomorrow’s event. It was a hassle-free train journey home and I got in about 9.50.

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Play: The 39 Steps appeared first on Steve's Blog.

We took the drive over to Stratford upon Avon to see Second Thoughts’ Production of Cider with Rosie. Luckily, Ian was able to get us a ticket for Lee, who we invited at the last minute.

Although I wouldn’t say it’s my type of Play, you couldn’t fault the production values on the night. Superb acting, imaginative lighting and sets – and best of all, a full house.

I just think they missed a marketing opportunity in the Bar – the could have promoted Cider and/or Rosé wine!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Play: Cider with Rosie appeared first on Steve's Blog.

We drove over to Stratford-upon-Avon to see the Second Thoughts production of A Streetcar Named Desire.

It was an excellent event and Ian did a great job as Props Manager, especially the part where Stanley Kowalski throws the radio ‘off set’ and we hear the sound of it breaking. Apparently a well-timed catch from Ian and a load of cutlery being dropped out-of-site of the audience did the trick!

It wasn’t a full-house – Ian’s wife Ann was there and so was Pat, his Mum – but those that were there were generous in their applause – justifiably so, as the acting was superb, especially Anne Bowen who played the part of Blanche.

We’re thinking of getting the DVD of the 1951 film version starring Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh.

It finished around 10.15 and in spite of the3 extensive roadworks near the M40, we were home by 11.30.

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Play: A Streetcar Named Desire… appeared first on Steve's Blog.

We drove over to Stratford to see Second Thoughts production of ‘The Last of the Red Hot Lovers’.

I picked Ann up from the station at just after 6 and we got there at just after 7. Ann was hungry, so picked up some chips. Yum-yum! – then I remembered that I was supposed to have given up chips for Lent. Bugger! I’d been doing so well up until that point! I guess it’s another example of Man being tempted by the desires of a Woman!!!

The Play was very well supported – hardly an empty seat in the house – and what a performance! It was very good great excellent easily the best we’ve ever seen by an amateur group.

We left as soon as the Play had finished – 9.50 – but not before picking up our raffle-prize of another banned substance – chocolate!

It was a long journey home because the A14 was shut for major road works. We had to detour to the M1 and that added significantly to the journey time so we weren’t home until 11.30.

..and then straight to bed as we’ve an early start tomorrow!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Last of the Red Hot Lovers appeared first on Steve's Blog.

We travelled over to Stratford upon Avon to see “Under Milk Wood” directed by our good friend and business colleague, Ian McLean of Second Thoughts.

We decided to drive over there a bit earlier so we could look round the shops and finish off the Christmas shopping! We were pretty successful, getting quite a few bits an pieces for the family and friends.

After moving the car out of the car-park in favour of some free parking, we had a bite to eat at around five o’clock at Cafe Pasta in Sheep Street. The service was fast and the food was very good indeed!

It was then off to the Play. It was p****** down with rain and the small car-park opposite was closed. Fortunately we found a pay-and-display just down the road…but we still got soaked!

The Civic Hall was packed (maybe because it was the final performance). We weren’t familiar with the Play, but we’d swotted up beforehand via Wikipedia. For us, the narrative was quite deep and meaningful and the acting was SUPERB given that it was originally a Play for radio. It must have a nightmare for Ian to pull-together – lots of lighting cues, plus lots of sound effects, actors playing more-than-one part and plenty of short spoken pieces – in some cases delivered at extreme speed. Add to that, the fact that some of the delivery came from off-stage and you have a Play that for the inexperienced Producer (not Ian!) might have been a step-too-far.

The highlight for me (and I suspect the rest of the male population there) there was Deborah Steade (a tall, very sexy leggy brunette) flashing her marambas during the final scenes!!! Something like this is very unusual for the Second Thoughts Group and I wondered if it surprised a few people – Actually, I think it certainly surprised the guy in the front row immediately opposite her – his eyes nearly popped out of his head (but fortunately it was his EYES and nothing else!!

The Play finished around 10 and we left shortly afterwards after saying good-bye to Pat, Ann and Alice. The rain on the roads home was plentiful and it certainly made the driving a little more challenging. We eventually got in around 11.30

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Play: “Under Milk Wood” appeared first on Steve's Blog.