KJ proves why bigger is not always better...

My boy and I went to see another show at NIDA last night, Chekov’s The Three Sisters directed by Kevin Jackson. It was definitely the best presentation of a Chekov play I have seen done at NIDA in the 4 years I have been going to plays there. The actors were all excellent – no one let the show down. The costumes were elegant and appropriate and showed that simple is often better. The silhouettes of the three girls in particular were really stunning– very stark and pared down. I really loved the way KJ made innovative use of the studio (which is actually a TV/Sound studio, not a performance space). I had never noticed the curtains in there before but he used them to beautiful effect. Again the absence of a “set” actually added to the show giving it a beautiful simplicity. It was one of those productions that made you view a classic play in a new fresh light. I loved it!!! It really cheered up an otherwise miserable day. xx

The Wood Demon and the curse of the Regent...

I went to see the show and it was nice! A very sweet early Chekov. I haven't seen or read much of his really early work before and I enjoyed how it was very clearly a portrait of the writer as a young man, but also how he was already exploring the themes on which he builds in Vanya and Seagull. Other punters were describing it as a "happy Chekov". Interesting when one of the main characters shoots himself and another is doomed to life in an unhappy and unsuitable marriage. I found it very bittersweet. I actually really enjoyed the actors who were playing older characters - for a change. There were a few really strong performances there which made it a nice evening. Costumes were sweet but dull. Yawn. The sound was fantastic (clever boy!).

After the show we partook of a few more free NIDA drinks but they booted us out pretty sharpish so we wandered down to the Reg and proceeded to drink on. Bad plan. I wish my brain would learn that drinking on a school night is a bad idea! I did have fun though - lovely to see Jake who is back from working in London. Also nice to see the kiddies in my boy's class. YAY!

Felt very bad today though!

Had a nice surprise at lunchtime when I was returning my car to the house - Ran into Gwyd who works at the guitar shop near me. I miss Gwyd and Cressie. I wish they still lived near me.

Am only just starting to feel human....

Laughing and sewing

Its been an ok week considering its miserable start.

DV and I went to see my favourite man/sex god (other then my boy) Dylan Moran on Monday night. We had the best seats right up the front and I laughed so hard my tummy still hurt yesterday. I especially liked the diatribe against vegetarians (and nippy squirrels). I also liked the beautiful pink marshmellow creation that some loving fan (not us) left at the beginning of the show. His thoughts on fruit were also marvellous. He rocks my world.

Yesterday I went to NIDA after work to do a bit of late night sewing with my lovely friends Jude and Gabby. I am making a jazzy coat for their show which is on in early April. Its looking quite cool - very blue and has a bit of a kick at the back. I am happy enough with it so far. I just need to finish it! (where does all the time go? I will be nude at festival at this rate!) It was wierd sewing in the gleaming new workshop. The new first years working on their show seem very cute but frighteningly young. I like watching Jude trying to be a hard woman and failing desperately. I also liked that they fed me pizza.

Tonight I am going to the opening night of "The Wood Demon" which is going to be a lot less exciting then the name suggests (although I am partial to a bit of Chekov). My boy is the Stage Manager and the Sound Designer for this production which has resulted in a challenging month or two for him (and me!) but I am very proud of him that he has made it to opening night without hurting anyone or himself (designers beware!!!). He is a clever bunny! I do think though that "The Wood Demon" may be the end of his stage management career. Hooray!