A week of theatre

Well where to start then dear reader it has been rather busy week!

Monday marked theatre visit number one, to see 'How My Light is Spent' at the Exchange, which was a co-production with the Sherman. It was in their studio space and was only a two hander (only is not implying it wasn't good). Set in Newport it followed two characters exploring their relationship. It was a very good play with lots of jokes about Newport (I think it added something, knowing the area). It was a very clever and simplistic show, but worked very effectively. As you may have guessed dear reader we stage doored (yep still a verb) one of the cast, a delightful chap called Rhodri Meilir. Whilst talking to him Anthony Calf (remember him) came out and we had quite a chat with him too which was an unexpected pleasure.

Tuesday and Mum and I headed down to London (well St. Albans) for a few days of theatre. Our first play was 'Twelfth Night' (play number two of the week) at the National. Now we though it started later than it did so it was a little bit of a rush, but we got there just in time. It was a very different production to that at the Exchange but was very good none the less. Tamsin Greig was brilliant as Malvolio, I can see why they cross-cast. The set was beautifully designed and moved with the play which was interesting, almost choreographed. From there we saw another show, this time in the Dorfman, called 'Consent' (play number three). This was a new venue for me within the National but very nice, a studio but not quite. The play was very interesting, examining relationships and betrayal (not really about consent at all if I'm honest). It was a very strong cast, which you guessed it, we stage doored. We managed to meet all of them who were all lovely, however at his point I should backtrack a little. After 'Twelfth Night', I bumped into (went in search of, I've never bumped into a Doctor Who actor) Louis Mahoney who was amazed that anyone recognized him and during the interval of 'Consent' I chatted to Patrick Godfrey and his wife.

Wednesday saw us wander around the National Portrait Gallery (looking for the cafe), but on route we found a few Van Gough's and Monet which was rather surreal. From there we wandered across to see 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf' which was incredible. Neither of us had a clue what to expect, but it was brilliant. Imelda Staunton and Conleth Hill were amazing, and so powerful throughout the three hours, utterly amazing to watch! As if that wasn't enough we wandered off again to see 'Don Huan in Soho' (Mum thought the play was being performed in Soho) starring David Tennant. Again a very powerful play, but Tennant and Adrian Scarborough made for a very funny and watchable pairing as master and servant. I was surprised how topical it was with references to Trump in it. Afterwards we stage doored (see the pattern dear reader) and met Mr Scarbroaugh and very briefly met David Tennant.

Thursday marked the end of London so we headed home, via Stratford -upon-Avon for ‘Julius & Caesar’ (show number six). We got there nice an early and had a good wander around before sitting in opposite sides (they don't sit us students with pensioners) to see the show. Whilst we enjoyed the show I think it was surprisingly the weakest of the shows, more due to the plot line than anything but still good, none the less.

Friday was a lie in mainly, and baking cakes ahead of grandparents visiting. They arrived Friday evening and the cake seemed to go down well.

Saturday was an early start for a signing in Chiswick. For the first session I was sat with the delightful Brian Miller (Lis Sladen's husband) who was surprisingly quiet. However I was able to catch-up with Ken Bones who is always charming. The second session I caught up with Tara Ward (have a look for her on Twitter and Facebook dear reader she always shares thoughts of the day). It turns out that we shall be seeing each other again in Stevenage later next month which I'm looking forward to. However as ever, I soon had to head home. I returned home with Jess, for a family meal which was nice. However, before long we (Dad, Jess and I) returned to Cardiff, which I drove (we survived would you believe it dear reader). I think it’s safe to say dear reader that I’ve seen my fair share of theatre this week, don’t you think.

The delightful Brain Miller