See A Shakespearean Play At The RSC In Stratford

It has been nearly twenty four hours since I completed this task, yet the mesmerizing performance I witnessed still lies fresh in my mind.

It was a cold winter's day that brought us on a return trip to Stratford Upon Avon. We visited two years previously, then just having time to do the usual tourist stops. Since the visit, I promised myself that I would come back some day, to see Shakespeare performed at the RSC and this weekend I managed to do it.

For some reason, I never covered Shakespeare at school, or if we did, we must have covered it so fleetingly that I don't remember. It wasn't until I did English A level at night class, some years later, that I came into contact with Hamlet and instantly fell in love with the plays.

The hotel, that we stayed at was within walking distance of the Courtyard Theatre, so after a little shopping and a bite to eat, we arrived at the theatre to watch Romeo and Juliet.

The main theatre in Stratford is undergoing major renovation and the Courtyard theatre, which is just down the road from this, looked very much like a work in progress as well. However, once inside, the theatre was reminiscent of Shakespearean times, with the semi circle, tiered effect seating encapsulating the stage.

Our seats were at the front of the theatre, next to the stage and from there we watched the performance, as a scene reminiscent of 1920's gangster New York unfolded before us.

Everyone I guess, knows the story of the two star crossed lovers and their ill fated deaths, but what I didn't count on was the passion and emotion you felt from the actors, being so close to the stage. It felt a little dangerous at times, as flick knifes and glasses came exceedingly close to our seats, but the professionalism of the actors in their perfect timing, meant we were never in any danger.

The whole play lasted just over three hours. As well as the rival families being depicted as gangsters, we saw the infamous balcony scene being played with Juliet on a wrought iron bed and a very passionate Romeo, brimming with emotion in almost every scene. The actress who played Juliet was in her first season with the RSC and certainly with the performance she gave, I doubt it would be her last.

The lighting and emotive acting throughout the play was so amazing, it left me breathless and wanting more. The RSC has definitely recruited one more fan on the back of this performance and as I walked out of the theatre, I was already planning to return!

One of my favourite tasks so far that I've completed!

Girls On Film

I know it's been a while since I last posted. I've been busy finishing my Christmas shopping (hurrah), finishing off a very long novel, that will be having a whole blog post totally dedicated to it shortly and starring in my company's next promotion advertisement. Yes, there I was, quite happily sat at my desk, when a random bloke came and asked if he could take my photo. Fool, that I am, I agreed and next minute a whole film crew descended on me and three of my colleagues were drafted in to assist. I would love to post the photo, none the less because it took about ten takes just to get my co-worker to point at the screen properly, but I fear that my company would be non too happy before they have used the image themselves. So as soon as it's released, then I will allow you the pleasure of laughter by posting it!

Things have been happening on my list, without me completing anything, if that makes sense. The New York trip (and yes it does appear that we are going to New York at this moment in time) is coming together, we just have to finalise our itinerary. My trip to the RSC is this weekend. My sock poppets are now all ready to star in their own You Tube video - I just have to direct it and I'm slowly but surely chipping away at the BBC Top 100 reads.

Now that Christmas is all but sorted, I'm going to make a concerted effort to do more stuff on my list and get a few more ticks this year, so watch this space!

End Of The Week

So, it's been a funny old week. No sooner had I finished my latest batch of recordings for Radio Nottingham and feeling rather happy with the results, then I found out that the girl who deals with me at the BBC had gone on holiday, so the tape is still sat here in my desk drawer, waiting to be processed.

I've been tired, tired and even more tired this week, so the book writing has gone a little astray. I would love to stay I have caught up this weekend, like I usually do, but I've had a weekend full of vintage shopping, bbq's, meeting film producers (as you randomly do on a day to day basis!) and feeling tired some more.

I hear David Tennant is shining as Hamlet at the moment over at the RSC. I'm not really envious of anyone that has a ticket to go and see him. After all, it's not as if that would be another task ticked off my list, not really envious at all (sulks in the corner....)

I managed to get the outstanding prop I needed for my You Tube task, so you never know, you may just see the end result in a week or so!

Until then.....

Not To Be

I rang the RSC in Stratford, as David Tennant is starring in this summer's production of Hamlet. Brilliant I thought, Hamlet is my favourite Shakespearean play, David Tennant is my favourite Dr Who, another tick off my list! Only problem is the tickets have been on sale since October of last year and it's a complete sell out. As there is nothing else I want to see this year, it looks like another task has to be put on the back burner for next year - bummer!