Blue/Orange at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

It seemed to be a strange choice for Aylesbury, especially as the theatre rarely performs such plays . But I guess we are lucky that the theatre is run by The Ambassador Theatre Group, so we might see more plays that are put by their Theatre Royal Brighton Productions. Blue/Orange is an award winning drama by Joe Penhall about mental illness originally performed in 2000. It is an intelligent and challenging play that has many interesting things to say about the psychiatric profession and it's ideology.

Christopher is an ambiguous character. he has been sectioned by the police for the standard 28 days, and he is on the eve of his departure from his secure hospital. Bruce, his young doctor, is worried about him leaving (why so late? and how come someone in their first year as a qualified doctor has this responsibility?). Bruce's superior is Robert, the Senior Consultant. He cannot see why Christopher should not leave and constantly, with increasing frustration, dismisses all Bruce's increasingly angry efforts to demonstrate why this should not happen.

The dialogue is sometimes frantic, sometimes calm and occasionally very funny. The acting is first rate, led by a wonderfully mature performance from the experienced Richard Bathurst (currently becoming involved with one of the sisters in Downton Abbey). Gerard McCarthy is suitably loud and edgy as Bruce, and Oliver Wilson is terrific as Christopher. The director Christopher Luscombe makes sense of the whole thing.

There was one scene which really gets Bruce into trouble. He repeats the words "uppity nigger" back to Christopher. Amazingly, this was on the same day as John Terry was found guilty by the FA of repeating similar words to Anton Ferdinand. Incredible.

The Art of Fielding, Landfall and The Comfort of Strangers

Funnily enough, the only boring bits of The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach were the descriptions of the odd game of baseball. As someone who only knows the basic rules, and having only seen one game live (the Yankees against the Red Socks on my visit to New York in 2008), I quite liked the explanations of some of the finer points of the game. Thankfully the book is so much more. It is a marvellous story about the intertwining lives of the five main characters on the campus of Westish College. The characterisation is first class, they are all people we warm to quickly. Obviously, they have their ups and downs, and occasionally there is a little too much repetition of their habits, but we enjoy their company all the way through to the end. But what sort of names are Skrimshander, Affenlight, and Schwartz. We have to wait for the secondary characters for sensible names such as Cox and Melkin. But I guess that is just being British.

I chose to read Landfall by Helen Gordon on the strength of the four reviews in the book club that appears in the Times on Saturdays.

I enjoyed all but the last thirty odd pages. Up until then, this is an interesting story of a modern single woman, Alice, who is in her thirties and takes refuge from redundancy after a burdensome career and relationships in the home of her parents (away on a long trip - a little contrived?) in the suburbs. She has time to reflect upon her sister, Janey, missing since she was seventeen. And she is joined by Emily, a preening teenager from America, and a niece of Alice's parents. Their time together is well documented and I liked how they both are in, what is to them, alien territory. But just as we become interested in what must be a mysterious ending, the author makes a complete mess of dreaming up a trite and sudden finale. Such a shame.

Having read nearly all of Ian McEwan's novels, I have been catching up on some of his earlier work. I enjoyed The Cement Garden and The Child In Time. In between he wrote the Comfort of Strangers. Only 125 pages, so more like an extended short story. Would it have been worth the read if it had been written by anyone else? Not really. The writing is already quite smart, but it is a fairly boring story of a couple on holiday in Venice, although the city is curiously never mentioned by name. It reminded me a little of the far superior and also brief Amsterdam. Everything is quietly set up for a devastating ending. But this time it just seems silly.

Cornwall in 2012

Another September, another week in Cornwall. Our eleventh annual visit to Port Quin, the first eight were at Doyden, and the last three at Lacombe, a National Trust cottage used many years ago in the TV series Poldark. Above is the view from a new elevated patio that had only just been finished.

On arrival on the Thursday afternoon, after a straightforward journey down, we took our normal stroll along to the headland towards Port Isaac. Friday started very windy, but after a short shower while Alison did an early run, the sun came out. We headed off to Polzeath for some bodyboarding and we were greeted by a pretty deserted beach (where we park our car) and some spectacular surf. This meant that we were able to catch some good waves, especially when we caught a double wave. The second pushed us on a further good distance. After changing, we treated ourselves to a pile of chips at The Beach Cafe, me with double egg and Alison were her favourite cheesy chips. In the afternoon we took a short car ride to Rock and walked along the beach of Daymer Bay.

Every year at the weekend, if the weather is fine (and it normally is) we do the coastal walk towards Polzeath. Saturday was calm and sunny and despite being a little tired from the bodyboarding, we set out with a packed lunch. It is only half an hour to Lundy Bay, our favourite place in Cornwall.

We were also lucky that the tide was out, which meant we could explore the beach and coves which are cut off at high tide.

We were at Lundy for well over an hour which meant we only arrived at Rumps, our first destination, in time for a late lunch looking out towards the tiny island of Mouls.

In the last couple of years we have then walked on to Pentire Point, with views over Polzeath, but we felt that we had done enough, so we headed back to Port Quin. The tide had come in as we passed Lundy Bay.

Sundays also take a regular pattern. Alison runs from the cottage to Rock and takes the ferry over to Padstow. I take the car to Padstow and hire a bike to cycle the Camel Trail. We meet up at lunchtime and I have fish and chips at The Quayside cafe. The highlight for Alison this year was that she shared the ferry with Sir Richard Branson and family. And then after we both met up, Sir Richard was in the queue outside waiting for a table at Rick Stein's Fish and Chips. We could have advised him that the Quayside is cheaper, just as good and no queue. After our lunch, we walked up to the monument and sat on a bench in the sunshine, looking over to Rock.

On the Monday we usually go further afield, and this year we decided to revisit St Ives. Another sunny day, and we parked at Lelant Saltings to catch the park and ride train. After a stroll on the beach, we had lunch at The Tearoom. This is one of the nicest cafes we have ever visited. The decor and furniture was first class. The special was a Pea and Goats Cheese Tart which we shared, and very good it was too. I have put on a link to their website. It was a surprise that it was just not that busy. The prices are slightly higher than normal, but value for money is exceptional. After lunch we walked around the harbour, and down the slipway where people were waiting for a boat trip.

Alison was delighted that a seal followed the boat in and came right up to the slipway where she took this photo.

It had become quite cloudy as we walked over to Porthwiggen Beach, so when we arrived there we enjoyed a welcome coffee and hot chocolate outside a cafe overlooking the beach. As we started to walk back to the harbour, a very light drizzle persuaded us to divert to the shops, an area behind the seafront we hadn't seen before. Just as we thought about making a move for the train station, the sun came back out, so we stayed for a while on a bench opposite the harbour, before finding our way back to the train.

Tuesday had been forecast to be the best day, and although it started sunny, it was very windy. So we changed our plans from a strenuous coast walk, and instead visited nearby Port Isaac. First out to the sea wall as it was low tide, and then up the hill for the great views over the harbour.

After lunch back at the cottage, we decided on a run down the Camel Trail from Wadebridge. I managed four miles and had a rest while Alison went on to do five. It ended up being a very enjoyable day. We must do that again.

We were back well in time to get ready for our dinner at "Fifteen" at Watergate Bay. Every year (this was our fourth) we say that was best time ever. What made this time special (apart from the wonderful food and service) was our table next to the window wall overlooking the bay. For the first time on our visits, the tide was in, and the strong waves seemed to be rushing in under our seats.

Wednesday was our last day and, as we always do at the end of our holiday, we parked at Rock and caught the ferry over to Padstow. It was cloudy and breezy to begin with, but after a walk around, and a climb up the hill above the centre, we took the path out and headed up the far hill up to the monument where we had a choice of benches to eat our packed lunch, in what was now a lovely sunny day.

We did a little shopping, but having only chosen four hours for parking, there was no time to make Rick's Deli at the far end of the harbour, so no curry paste this year. But it did mean we were back at the cottage by 3pm, and it was so nice to site on the new patio having tea and cake.

It had been an action packed week, given the great weather, and it was the first time we able to really chill out. Our cottage is just perfect for the two of us, it is detached, with a little garden and great views. Maybe here again next year?

Halton Village Fete and Halton House Open Day

The Sunday before we went on holiday was sunny and warm. So Alison and I rode our bikes to the neighbouring village of Halton to visit their late summer Fete. The usual combination of stalls and games, straight out of Midsomer Murders. There was a large marquee with rows of seats, so we grabbed a drink and sat and listened to some music. Very nice.

To co-incide with the Fete, the RAF had their annual open day for Halton House. For many years I have passed near the mansion on walks up to Wendover Woods, and have always wanted to see inside. As we rode our bikes across the grass of the RAF playing fields, we were directed up the hill to where visitors cars were parked on the grass at the top. And what a huge number there were.

 

Originally built by Alfred de Rothschild, Halton Mansion, The War Office bought the house and the estate in 1919 for the newly formed RAF. It is now their Officer's Mess. The rooms are all pretty impressive, one particularly had been used extensively in the filming of "The King's Speech". But it is the staircase that is the highlight.

 

We noticed that there was a cafe open, and as it was late lunchtime, we hoped to find a sandwich and a cake. What we found was an enormous dining room full mainly of visitors having a full roast meal. We stuck to something lighter.





Alison had asked one of the officers on duty about the old lake she saw on one of the photographs on the walls. He pointed us in it's direction, and on leaving the house we headed across land where on another day we may have been shot at. We were almost at the Tring Road when we saw something through the treess. Sure enough, hidden in the undergrowth, we found the old concrete base of the lake. On the other side we could see the car park, so it was a short stroll to pick up our bikes. A very pleasant Sunday.

 



King John at RSC Stratford

Shakespeare would have been overjoyed with this ultra modern production of the little performed King John. His aim was to appeal to the masses while at the same time delivering important messages in wonderful language. So a serious play about kingship and war set at it's own time would have been a total bore. But here at Stratford's intimate Swan Theatre, it becomes a big party. And what a party. It all starts with a young woman (The Bastard, see later) and a ukulele encouraging the audience to join her in an uptempo version of "Land of Hope and Glory". So you knew straight off that this would be different. Oh, and the bank of balloons at the rear of the stage gave the game away.

The young Swedish director Maria Aberg has taken two huge liberties with the casting. Well, "fast and loose" is a quote from the play. The characters of The Bastard (the most significant role in the whole production) and Pandulph, the Pope's representative, have changed gender. And with two important roles for the mothers of John and his dead elder brother's son Henry, (who had more of a claim to the throne than did John) we now have a play about four strong women. And this works superbly well. The Bastard is played by the wonderful Pippa Nixon (below). Here is a star in the making. She is absolutely brilliant. No wonder the RSC have given her some big roles over the last couple of years. She even did a superb rendition of Wye Oak's folk rock song "Civilian".

The staging of the play is hugely entertaining. The whole cast is on stage for much of the time in the first half. After the wedding, we are treated to a West End musical as Dirty Dancing ("The Time of My Life") and "Say a Little Prayer" take over.

The second half is a much shorter and dramatic as John's grip on the crown becomes increasingly tenuous. The party is over. Shame, as we had such a wonderful time.

The Dark Knight Rises, The Bourne Legacy and Total Recall

Usually over the summer holidays there is at least one small but interesting drama that I can go to see at the cinema. but not this year. So I went FOUR weeks without going to see a film. I cannot remember the last time that happened. And when I did venture back, the summer blockbusters were still the only movies worth a try. The Dark Knight Rises is a competent enough effort from Christopher Nolan. So why is it that my one lasting memory is that the ending is one we have seen so many times before. It ruined what was an entertaining conclusion to the Dark Knight trilogy.

There was also plenty to enjoy in The Bourne Legacy. Although you knew exactly what to expect. Plenty of chases, fights and general action. There was a bit of a story in there, and the dialogue was not at all bad. Tony Gilroy has done good things directing with his big budget, and there is some quality with the acting. Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weiz and Edward Norton are all pretty convincing. Better than expected.

I was surprised how different the new version of Total Recall was to the original. Not totally different, our hero still has a wife who tries to kill him, but this time she (Kate Beckinsale) has a far bigger role. As has Jessica Biel as his partner from his previous life. In fact if this was a play, these two are so alike, you could imagine the pair seamlessly interchanging roles. Now that would be interesting. The most stunning thing about this movie are the sets. They reminded me very much of Blade Runner and Inception.. The guys and gals working on the CGI must have had a great time. The new storyline was novel to start with, but soon became pretty monotonous, the dialogue is pretty clunky, as is it's delivery. Colin Farrell does not have to stretch himself, apart from physically. And the ending? Oh no, not again!

Tring Book Club - The Shadow of the Wind and There but for the

The first half of The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon was great, the characterisation was good, the location of Barcelona quite splendid and the parallel stories of Daniel Sempere and Julian Carax, the mysterious author of the book he chooses from the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, was pretty smart. Daniel's adolescent crush on the magical Clara is quite poignant, and we have a real villain in Inspector Fumero. But in Fermin Romero de Torres, we have one of the most enjoyable characters I have come across for a long time. He is such great company funny, witty, cleverer  and brave, but always there is a sense of danger because of his past. There is a glow in the writing whenever he appears. Although it is a shame that at times the writing is too elaborate. The translation from the Spanish does not always ring true, which is a shame. The parallel stories then take on rather cute but unrealistic turns, Daniel and Julian both having boyhood friends and similar girlfriends in Penelope and Beatriz. This is history repeating itself taken too far. The second half of the novel becomes just a complicated detective story as Daniel seeks to uncover Julian's past. But what we get is a rush through some back stories as if the author had to cram in all the information somehow, and one particular device is almost diabolical in it's construction. Character gives way to a highly detailed plot that ultimately is a bore. So sad after such a wonderful introduction.

Ali Smith is not everyone's cup of tea. Her writing can be quite experimental and frustrating, but this is worth it for her clever and original use of words and language, her playful sense of fun and making the reader think for a change. It was only discussing her latest novel There but for the at last night's Book Club did I understand a couple of things I had missed. I had previously read and enjoyed Ali Smith's prizewinning The Accidental as well as Hotel World and the less impressive Girl meets boy. The author writes mainly in short stories that are interlinked, and so in her new book we have four. They all have a connection with Miles who locks himself in a bedroom during a dinner party. There is a lot in the book about memory. Anna didn't remember Miles very well, until gradually her meeting him on a trip to France at seventeen ( a quite wonderful description) all starts to come back. "Things we wished we could forget about forever, but no matter how hard we try, we cannot forget". How true. Mark's story includes a terrific conversation about the forthcoming dinner party with Miles who he has just met, and then a superb account of the dinner itself, especially some of the awful people there. The passage about elderly May seems to be from a completely different book, until towards it's conclusion where there is a hugely emotional revelation. Having been introduced to ten year old Brooke at an early stage, I was so looking forward to her story. But I found this to be the least convincing. She is far too intelligent and independent for her own good, but does manage to include some good jokes and puns. It is amazing that although written in the third person, we are right inside the mind of this precocious girl. An amazing and highly enjoyable book, and one I will read again.