Pygmalion

Like most other people, I only know Pygmalion as the play on which My Fair Lady is based. Despite being a big fan of George Bernard Shaw, I cannot remember going to see one of his plays since Heartbreak House with Paul Schofield at the Aldwych Theatre many years ago.

This was one of the most enjoyable evenings at the theatre. Everything about Peter Hall's production was perfect. It was extremely funny, especially Tony Hagarth as Alfred Doolittle and his rapid speeches about "the undeserving poor". Tim Piggot-Smith was a revelation as Henry Higgins. I was expecting his normal grumpy act, but instead he was flamboyant and delightful. Michelle Dockery was terrific as Eliza. Her transformation from flower girl to a beautiful young woman was staggering. In the penultimate Act, after the ball, her movements are almost balletic as she realises her life has changed for ever. I remember Barbara Jefford (Mrs Higgins) from films in the 60's and was even the voice for Tatiana Romanava in From Russia with Love. She is now 77 according to imdb.com.

40th Anniversary of the Marine Broadcasting Offences Act

Forty years ago this month, at midnight on the 14th August 1967, it became illegal to broadcast from a ship. This spelt the end for pirate radio, especially Radio Caroline which was my favourite. Apparently I was one of 20 million people across Europe who tuned in that night to listen to Johnny Walker. I was living in a shared house during my year in Leeds, working for George Wimpey and based on the site of a seventeen storey apartment block and housing development.

At the time, I owned a Grundig reel to reel tape recorder, so I was able to record the show leading up to and beyond midnight. Unfortunately, the old Grundig went somewhere when cassettes took over. So not only is that recording lost, but also that of Freddie Truman's 300th test wicket at the Oval in August 1964. That was recorded on a visit home in Braintree with a microphone next to the radio. Brother John interrupted the commentary to comment that Freddie was a "spell bowler". I wonder if he remembers?

Too busy to blog

I have just noticed that I have only posted one blog since the 10th July. This is probably because in the summer I like to be outside. Apart from spending time in the garden, there have been other jobs to catch up on like cementing the loose paved step, painting the side gate and filling and painting the porch at the front. All between having new windows and front and back doors installed, and having the alarm disconnected and then alterations to the installation at reconnection. Inside, the tiles next to the windows in the kitchen and conservatory had to come off and the trunking for the old alarm needed to come off and patched.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows arrived on the Saturday of publication. I read it quickly so I would find out what happened in the end. I thought it dragged in the middle, the concept of following the school year I thought was flawed as, being out in the countryside, there were gaps in the story where nothing happened. Contrary to most reviews, I enjoyed the ending more than the rest of the book. Neville to the rescue.

I enjoyed my first visit to MK Dons for a pre-season friendly game with Watford. The football for a League 2 side was better than expected. The brand new stadium is impressive and the parking was remarkably efficient with a reasonably quick exit. And only just over half an hour away.

I went to see "Bedroom Farce" at the Oxford Playhouse with Alison's running partner, Heather. It was an Alan Aykbourne revival and very funny. It was set in the master bedrooms of three different houses, all positioned together on the stage. The cast of four couples were all very good.

Today I have spent most of the time catching up with some correspondence and updating this blog. I do have to prune the clematis before the rain and gales tomorrow, so I had better get outside again.

Family Time Part 2

Its over a week since we returned from Cheshire, this time to see Alison's family. We were welcomed by Daniel and Emily when we arrived at Anne's. When she arrived back from Sainsbury's, we had lunch then a great walk from the house along the river and then back via a canal. Anne and Alison saw a Kingfisher twice, I was too busy talking to Daniel.We stayed for dinner before it was time to book in at the Travellodge.

The next day we picked up Alison's dad and drove to the NT property at Tatton Park to meet Anne and the children. The large gardens are very pretty and we had lunch next to one of the ponds near the Japanese garden. The weather was kind and although mainly cloudy, it was warm enough to finish with tea and cakes sitting outside.

In the evening, Chas had arrived back from London and we all went out for dinner at a very nice Italian restaurant in Marple. The next day, Saturday, we spent the morning in Bramhall before lunch at Anne's. Alison's brother John arrived in the afternoon for a chat before it was time to leave.

Fantasic Four 2, Die Hard 4 and Harry Potter 5

A summer of sequels full of CGI. I can only look forward the The Bourne Ultimatum and a Paul Greengrass blockbuster that does not rely on the computer.

Fantastic Four was an expected disappointment. Incoherent with no story behind a succession of set piece stunts and explosions. However Die Hard 4.0 was terrific entertainment. There was a story, the script was OK and Bruce tried his best to reprise action man John McClane.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix did pretty well given a thin storyline from the fifth book. The child actors are growing up, and Emma Watson has been overtaken in the acting stakes by Daniel and Rupert. But the highlight for me was Evanna Lynch as Luna Lovegood. star is born.