My (very busy) last week home

After what was a rather quiet week last week, it has been quite the contrast this week. Monday started with a wander down to Birmingham to catch up with Brian Wright (I'm sure I've explained who he is before dear reader). We met in the delightful setting of the Edwardian Tearooms which really is a fantastic space. After a fair few hours catching up, talking about what he's working on and Cardiff we said our goodbyes and headed off in our separate directions. However I then went on to Cardiff. Now the better informed amongst you, dear readers, will know that college starts next week, so why on earth was I going back early I hear you ask. Well since last Thursday Doctor Who has been filming in college and at the very least I had to be nosey. Tuesday was thus spent watching filming and meeting the most down to earth and warm person I think I've ever met, Matt Lucas, who was so lovely.

Following Tuesday's excitement I headed home to watch 'A Street Car Named Desire' at the Exchange. I knew nothing about the play, and whilst I enjoyed it, I must admit that I've seen better plays there. I felt the lighting didn't quite work and there were a few questionable ascents. All in all a good show, but perhaps not quite to the extent that the reviewers seem to think, I felt. And yes dear readers after the show we naturally had to wait at the stage door for two of the cast. Namely Sharon Duncan-Brewster and Reuben Johnson, both of whom were nice, but especially Sharon who came down specially which was very good of her.

Come Thursday I wandered off to Winsford to catch up with Rich (I've know we’ve talked about him before) having not spoken to him since February. It was great to catch up with Rich, talking about what we'd both been up to, and perhaps more excitingly coming up for the both of us (Rich's plans sound more exciting of I'm honest).

Friday was a rather hectic day, as everything seems to happen at once, whilst I tried to pack ready to go back to Cardiff. However, the highlight of the day was that Dad and I went to the Crewe Lyceum to see 'Jongleurs on Tour' (a comedy night). It consisted of four comedians, hosted by Bethany Black. I think my favourite of the four were Bethany Black and Tom Wigglesworth (he's on radio 4 I keep now being told). Afterwards I had quite a chat with Bethany Black about her work on Doctor Who. As a fan herself she had a lot to say about the story and we chatted for ages in detail about her role and the episode (to the extent that we could reference old stories), which I wasn't expecting at all; she was fantastic, as was the comedy!

My wandering for Saturday was to London (as per it would seem). This time Mum and I popped very briefly into the London Film Convention to meet John Moreno who, whilst he didn't remember much about Who, talked to us about a fascinating career and had some great stories to tell. As well as that I found myself chatting to Catherine Snell, quite by accident and amazingly she remembered me from last year! From there we went over to the National (the main reason we were in London in the first place) to see 'The Deep Blue Sea'. However, we were there early and bumped into Una Stubbs in the cafe (I always keep an eye out for actors there), who was kind enough to chat to me about Sherlock (how long until she does Who I wonder). We didn't stop there, as we then went for a piece of cake (the chocolate cake there is rather brilliant!) and I spotted another actress, Dee Sadler who again chatted to me. However, as she was in no rush we chatted for a fare old while and have agreed to keep in touch (she was there to see Deep Blue as well). Anyway, following all this excitement we eventually sat down for the show. I was immediately struck by the set design which was rather lavish (the flats were bigger than my house!). The play was great, Helen McCrory was a powerhouse on stage, playing the much troubled Hester Collyer. Having seen her last year in 'Medea' I knew I'd be in for a treat and she definitely didn't disappoint!

Sunday was less eventful as I returned to Cardiff, ready for uni to start again; a rather busy week I think you'll agree dear reader!