duchess of malfi

 

 

earlier this year Noreen and i (aka the gadabout girls) went to see the fabulous collaboration between Punchdrunk and ENO as they performed a production of John Webster's gory jacobean play The Duchess of Malfi, in an enormous empty east London office block.  it was a truly awe-inspiring (not to mention exhausting from running around following characters play out scenes) and immersive experience and the finale left us dumbstruck with amazement.  i was thrilled to see the documentary aired on More4 tonight about the "making of" as it means i got to relive it all again, as well as being able to see the wondrous workings behind this amazing production.  i can't wait for the next one and would highly recommend that if you love mysterious theatrical audience participation then Punchdrunk are the masters and you should become a Friend of Punchdrunk (or "key holder")  to contribute to future works and get a heads up before new pieces go public because they always sell out fast.  read about some other Punchdrunk visits here and here but for a real taster...watch the More4 documentary.

 

 

autumnwatch

the weather's been turning a little chilly (tho admittedly today, and the forecast for tomorrow, have the temperatures in the 20s again) and the leaves are on the turn with splashes of red and rust amongst the greenery...but mostly autumn means the start of rain and greyness in London town.  one of the things we have to raise our spirits at this dismal time is the return of the fabulous Autumnwatch which starts tonight on BBC2 at 8.30pm (rubs thighs with glee a la Chris Packham). 

 

half the fun of watching is not only spying the wonderful wildlife and stunning British countryside (this season will be based in a county close to my heart: Dorset) but also the strange human behaviour of thigh-rubbing geek Chris Packham, bubbly excitable Kate Humble (she should have her own Humblewatch show) and floppy-haired Martin Hughes-Games (on Autumnwatch Unsprung).  i just wish it was on all year round...but no need to fret because when Autumnwatch ends we only have to wait a short while before Springwatch comes round again.  fantastic...can't wait to see all my furry friends!

big brother mania

whilest down in the cotswolds we watched the final of this year's big brother...Jo and I having been avid fans for the past 10 (11 years) shows! we did panic slightly when the powercut happened but thankfully it was all fixed in time.  we were all jollied up from our fancy dress birthday party and enjoyed every minute...especially with Josie winning (well deserved)...tho i was amazed that Dave the monk was 2nd...can't believe he was in it so long!

we had been lucky enough to go to the live eviction the previous week...courtesy of Jo's friend Tammy who managed to wangle us a VIP invite via a friend who works on the show.  we had an absolute riot - tho got into trouble as we went mising (ie for a drink and a fag round the back of the bar) and caused a "security situation"...i guess they were worried we'd jump the wall and end up in the HOUSE! 

we had a birdseye view of the four evictions (Steve, Corine, Sam Pepper and John James) and had a giggle with the security personnel.  i decided to re-introduce "Gull Girl" and wear my seagull hat - so we could be spotted on the telly - but as it turned out we were next to the paps and therefore not filmed...shame...or not probably! 

just a few more weeks and it will all be over as the final Ultimate Big Brother competition is currently playing out for the winner of all winners to be crowned.  whatever will i do with myself next summer...for all its faults (and there have been many, i know)...its been an interesting and entertaining experiment in reality tv!