So — my clothing-style (for going-out anyway) has been set for many years. My go-to style is the Scandi-folk-chic of Gudrun Sjøden.
So — Gudrun's shop in London has been closed for refurbishment during July; but I got an invite to a re-opening event on Saturday, plus a chance to see the new autumn collection.
Central London in August is rammed (and that's BEFORE you look through to Trafalgar Square and see the regular PEACEFUL protest — more like a festival — taking place for Gaza). So I fought my way up St Martin's Lane, bypassing the regular matinee queue at the Duke of York for THAT (Spiderman) Romeo, and then The Noel Coward where we shall visit for 'Slave Play' on Wednesday.
The smallish shop was rammed too. I managed to grab the couple of things I wanted for the autumn (GOLD velour trousers, my dears! — watch out for me in October), and made it to checkout, where a group of people were blocking the way taking photos.
It was only whilst involved in the intricacies of paying-up that I realised just WHO was being photographed; and ... that they were handing her my purchases to give to me.
Yup, that was the Founder in person. Gudrun herself — serving me!
Naturally I was dead embarrassing in my fulsomeness; which Gudrun took with cool Scandi stoicism.
After that, I hastily consumed a cold fizzy elderflower drink; and left in a daze. Total time expended on the experience — about 25 minutes.
I have to record it, because this woman has had more BASIC effect on my life and self-image than .... ooh ... Gareth Southgate or Guy of Gisburne
*runs and hides*
Further to 'Reasons to be Cheerful'
Jul. 26th, 2024 01:36 pmBBC has finally made the following announcement:
Vienna Blood season 4 has at last been given a release date by the BBC — the new series will begin on BBC Two on Sunday, August 4 at 9 pm and it will be available on iPlayer.
A brief description of the series - which comprises one storyline throughout - can be found here:
https://endorproductions.co.uk/endorproductions/show-item/vienna-blood-season-4/
Vienna Blood season 4 has at last been given a release date by the BBC — the new series will begin on BBC Two on Sunday, August 4 at 9 pm and it will be available on iPlayer.
A brief description of the series - which comprises one storyline throughout - can be found here:
https://endorproductions.co.uk/endorproductions/show-item/vienna-blood-season-4/
1. It's actually not wet, and not too cold today. Rah!
2. Sir Keir Starmer; and the absolutely delightful surprise that is Lady Victoria Starmer - transcendent looks and an immaculate dress-sense.
3. FOOTBALL TALK WARNING
( Read more... )
4. BUT, BEST OF ALL
( Read more... )
So that's why I'm cheerful today.
TOMORROW, however, the world will end. We have the plumber coming to drain our radiators and replace the valves in all eight of them. The accumulated junk of centuries will have to be moved for them to access each radiator. Will we survive? We can only hope. We've book dental checkups next week in the blind faith that we will.
Think of us tenderly, my friends, for the day of doom is upon us!
2. Sir Keir Starmer; and the absolutely delightful surprise that is Lady Victoria Starmer - transcendent looks and an immaculate dress-sense.
3. FOOTBALL TALK WARNING
( Read more... )
4. BUT, BEST OF ALL
( Read more... )
So that's why I'm cheerful today.
TOMORROW, however, the world will end. We have the plumber coming to drain our radiators and replace the valves in all eight of them. The accumulated junk of centuries will have to be moved for them to access each radiator. Will we survive? We can only hope. We've book dental checkups next week in the blind faith that we will.
Think of us tenderly, my friends, for the day of doom is upon us!
I'm posting the opening chapters of this rather experimental work on AO3. Read it fast, folks - AO3 is down for maintenance on Monday!
https://archiveofourown.org/works/57005032/chapters/144966382
https://archiveofourown.org/works/57005032/chapters/144966382
I posted The True Tale of Young Alvin and Wicked Lord Farthington on LJ in 2010, but never uploaded it anywhere else. It recently came back to mind (as old songs do ...), so after singing it in the bath for a while, I decided to revive the fic and post it 'officially' on AO3.
So here's the link. Enjoy!
https://archiveofourown.org/works/53946640/chapters/136552258
So here's the link. Enjoy!
https://archiveofourown.org/works/53946640/chapters/136552258
New Year's Concert Vienna 2024. Part 2
Jan. 2nd, 2024 03:28 pmPart 2
Johann Strauß II
Overture to the Operetta "Waldmeister"
( Read more... )
Johann Strauß II
Ischler Walzer. Nachgelassener Walzer Nr. 2
( Read more... )
Johann Strauß II
Nachtigall-Polka, op. 222
( Read more... )
Eduard Strauß
Die Hochquelle. Polka mazur, op. 114
( Read more... )
Johann Strauß II
Neue Pizzicato-Polka. op. 449
( Read more... )
Josef Hellmesberger (Sohn)
Estudiantina-Polka aus dem Ballett "Die Perle von Iberien"
( Read more... )
Carl Michael Ziehrer
Wiener Bürger. Walzer, op. 419
( Read more... )
Anton Bruckner
Quadrille, WAB 121 (Orchestr. W. Dörner)
( Read more... )
Hans Christian Lumbye
Glædeligt Nytaar! Galopp
( Read more... )
Josef Strauß
Delirien (Deliriums), Waltz, op. 212
( Read more... )
And there ends the programme. HOWEVER - where would we be without the Encores:
Polka Schnell by Edouard
An der schönen blauen Donau - possibly Johann II's greatest work?
Radetzky March - Johann I's sole, unmatchable contribution to tonight.
Johann Strauß II
Overture to the Operetta "Waldmeister"
( Read more... )
Johann Strauß II
Ischler Walzer. Nachgelassener Walzer Nr. 2
( Read more... )
Johann Strauß II
Nachtigall-Polka, op. 222
( Read more... )
Eduard Strauß
Die Hochquelle. Polka mazur, op. 114
( Read more... )
Johann Strauß II
Neue Pizzicato-Polka. op. 449
( Read more... )
Josef Hellmesberger (Sohn)
Estudiantina-Polka aus dem Ballett "Die Perle von Iberien"
( Read more... )
Carl Michael Ziehrer
Wiener Bürger. Walzer, op. 419
( Read more... )
Anton Bruckner
Quadrille, WAB 121 (Orchestr. W. Dörner)
( Read more... )
Hans Christian Lumbye
Glædeligt Nytaar! Galopp
( Read more... )
Josef Strauß
Delirien (Deliriums), Waltz, op. 212
( Read more... )
And there ends the programme. HOWEVER - where would we be without the Encores:
Polka Schnell by Edouard
An der schönen blauen Donau - possibly Johann II's greatest work?
Radetzky March - Johann I's sole, unmatchable contribution to tonight.
The interval is dedicated to Anton Bruckner, since it is his 200th anniversary this year.
( Read more... )
I'm always very happy to see these interval pieces. They take us to many of the places we've visited ourselves over vacations.
( Read more... )
I'm always very happy to see these interval pieces. They take us to many of the places we've visited ourselves over vacations.
New Year's Concert Vienna 2024. Part 1
Jan. 2nd, 2024 03:15 pmWelcome to 2024; and my annual resumé of the New Year concert at the Musikverein with the Vienna Philharmonic.
Christian Thielemann conducts again this year; and as per usual, Petroc Trelawney introduces for the Beeb.
PART 1
Karl Komzák
Erzherzog Albrecht-Marsch, op. 136
( Read more... )
Johann Strauß II
Figaro-Polka. Polka française, op. 320
( Read more... )
Josef Hellmesberger (Sohn)
Für die ganze Welt. Walzer
( Read more... )
Eduard Strauß
Ohne Bremse. Polka schnell, op. 238
( Read more... )
And, with that - Part 1 ends.
Christian Thielemann conducts again this year; and as per usual, Petroc Trelawney introduces for the Beeb.
PART 1
Karl Komzák
Erzherzog Albrecht-Marsch, op. 136
( Read more... )
Johann Strauß II
Figaro-Polka. Polka française, op. 320
( Read more... )
Josef Hellmesberger (Sohn)
Für die ganze Welt. Walzer
( Read more... )
Eduard Strauß
Ohne Bremse. Polka schnell, op. 238
( Read more... )
And, with that - Part 1 ends.
Continuing from previous post (https://grondfic.dreamwidth.org/39673.html)
Fifth Reading
The Oxen (Thomas Hardy)
( Read more... )
In the Bleak Midwinter (C. Rossetti)
( Read more... )
God Rest you Merry, Gentlemen
( Read more... )
Sixth Reading
(Matthew - Wise Men)
( Read more... )
Look up, Sweet Babe
( Read more... )
Tomorrow shall be our Dancing Day
( Read more... )
Seventh Reading
(John - In the beginning was the Word)
( Read more... )
O Magnum Mysterium
( Read more... )
Eighth Reading
Mistletoe (Walter de la Mere)
( Read more... )
O Come all ye Faithful
( Read more... )
Prayer and Blessing
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
( Read more... )
Organ Voluntary
Vom Himmel Hoch (J S Bach)
( Read more... )
This year, I felt that the format and some of the contents were both becoming stale. The over-reliance on Rutter may be part of the reason. There wasn't much in the way of carols and Christmas music from beyond these shores. I seem to remember discovering Arvo Part and others, via Carols from King's some years ago.
Conversely, with the readings minimising the Bible(!) this year, some rather commonplace verse appears instead - the third one was cringe-making.
Or maybe I'm just getting old and agnostic.
Fifth Reading
The Oxen (Thomas Hardy)
( Read more... )
In the Bleak Midwinter (C. Rossetti)
( Read more... )
God Rest you Merry, Gentlemen
( Read more... )
Sixth Reading
(Matthew - Wise Men)
( Read more... )
Look up, Sweet Babe
( Read more... )
Tomorrow shall be our Dancing Day
( Read more... )
Seventh Reading
(John - In the beginning was the Word)
( Read more... )
O Magnum Mysterium
( Read more... )
Eighth Reading
Mistletoe (Walter de la Mere)
( Read more... )
O Come all ye Faithful
( Read more... )
Prayer and Blessing
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
( Read more... )
Organ Voluntary
Vom Himmel Hoch (J S Bach)
( Read more... )
This year, I felt that the format and some of the contents were both becoming stale. The over-reliance on Rutter may be part of the reason. There wasn't much in the way of carols and Christmas music from beyond these shores. I seem to remember discovering Arvo Part and others, via Carols from King's some years ago.
Conversely, with the readings minimising the Bible(!) this year, some rather commonplace verse appears instead - the third one was cringe-making.
Or maybe I'm just getting old and agnostic.
It's about time I re-began actually posting stuff on here; and what better place to start than King's College Cambridge on Christmas Eve.
As per usual, we begin with the safe old processional -
Once in Royal David's City
( Read more... )
Bidding prayer
( Read more... )
In the stillness of a Church (Katrina Shepherd/Sally Beamish)
( Read more... )
First Reading
I Saw a Stable (Mary Elizabeth Coleridge)
( Read more... )
Child in a Manger
Words by John Rutter, but he nicked the tune from 'Morning has Broken'.
A Great and Mighty Wonder
Again - tune of 'es ist ein Ros entsprungen' is being 'repurposed' (with another unnecessary descant)
Second Reading
(Luke - nativity. King James version)
( Read more... )
The Bee Carol (Carol Ann Duffy/Merrick)
( Read more... )
Third Reading
On Christmas (Marion Strobel)
( Read more... )
The First Nowell
( Read more... )
All Bells in Paradise (John Rutter)
( Read more... )
Fourth Reading
(Luke - Shepherds)
( Read more... )
Good Christian Men Rejoice
( Read more... )
Silent Night
( Read more... )
To be continued ....
As per usual, we begin with the safe old processional -
Once in Royal David's City
( Read more... )
Bidding prayer
( Read more... )
In the stillness of a Church (Katrina Shepherd/Sally Beamish)
( Read more... )
First Reading
I Saw a Stable (Mary Elizabeth Coleridge)
( Read more... )
Child in a Manger
Words by John Rutter, but he nicked the tune from 'Morning has Broken'.
A Great and Mighty Wonder
Again - tune of 'es ist ein Ros entsprungen' is being 'repurposed' (with another unnecessary descant)
Second Reading
(Luke - nativity. King James version)
( Read more... )
The Bee Carol (Carol Ann Duffy/Merrick)
( Read more... )
Third Reading
On Christmas (Marion Strobel)
( Read more... )
The First Nowell
( Read more... )
All Bells in Paradise (John Rutter)
( Read more... )
Fourth Reading
(Luke - Shepherds)
( Read more... )
Good Christian Men Rejoice
( Read more... )
Silent Night
( Read more... )
To be continued ....
As promised (here - https://grondfic.dreamwidth.org/38467.html) behold the POST-visit review of one of the most frequently seen plays in the Bardic canon.
Well, I mentioned diversity in this production – and Whoah! We got it in spadefulls. Even the casting was diverse, comprising gender-blind, gender-changed and doesn’t-matter, who-cares parts.
Thus, Nick Bottom becomes ‘Nicola B’tome’ in a character gender-change, whilst the other members of the Mechanicals - all played by female-identifying actors - are gender-nonspecific (ie no-one mentions the intended gender-identity of each character, but some of them act-female, if I can put it that way without causing any offence!). Egeus is (possibly) cast gender-blind (ie the character remains male, the actor identifies as female). The third category encompasses the attendant-fairies, who (cf. Puck below!) might not be ‘gendered’ at all, having originated in the forest like plants.
Just for information:
Amongst the cast generally, two actors possibly identify as they; two possibly as male; and the rest possibly as female.
In addition the Globe warns for ableism within the play, which is necessary, because the role of Hermia is played by Francesca Mills, who has achondroplasia (a form of dwarfism).
Sooooo – that’s all by way of introduction really. On now, to the review!
( Read more... )
Well, I mentioned diversity in this production – and Whoah! We got it in spadefulls. Even the casting was diverse, comprising gender-blind, gender-changed and doesn’t-matter, who-cares parts.
Thus, Nick Bottom becomes ‘Nicola B’tome’ in a character gender-change, whilst the other members of the Mechanicals - all played by female-identifying actors - are gender-nonspecific (ie no-one mentions the intended gender-identity of each character, but some of them act-female, if I can put it that way without causing any offence!). Egeus is (possibly) cast gender-blind (ie the character remains male, the actor identifies as female). The third category encompasses the attendant-fairies, who (cf. Puck below!) might not be ‘gendered’ at all, having originated in the forest like plants.
Just for information:
Amongst the cast generally, two actors possibly identify as they; two possibly as male; and the rest possibly as female.
In addition the Globe warns for ableism within the play, which is necessary, because the role of Hermia is played by Francesca Mills, who has achondroplasia (a form of dwarfism).
Sooooo – that’s all by way of introduction really. On now, to the review!
( Read more... )
This has been a week for the granting of outdated ennoblements. Passing swiftly over the midweek events in case anyone remembers my erstwhile embarrassing crush-of-shame on Sir Mogg, we now come to the King's inaugural Birthday Honours List.
Well, firstly, I have to say - it's a more even-handed and generous list than that of the once-aspiring 'World-King'. I feel that I'm honour-bound to add, however, that N*d*n* D*rr**s doesn't appear on this one either. As per normal, most walks-of-life are represented, and if anyone's interested - here's The Guardian's take on it:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/jun/16/martin-amis-ian-mcewan-and-anna-wintour-honoured-in-kings-birthday-list
But - once again - there's one name absent amongst the acting honours that I look for, time after time in vain. That of ROGER ALLAM.
He's best-known on tv as DCI Fred Thursday, young Morse's boss in Endeavour. Its triumphant final series earlier this year would have been a perfect opportunity for some ennoblement (Anton Lesser might have been considered too!), but clearly Buckingham Palace doesn't watch the same tv as us plebs.
It doesn't watch the same plays either! We've seen Allam six times on stage, starting in 1988; therefore we've experienced a wide range of his talents and development as an actor.
So here's the list with a few comments or links to reviews:
( Read more... )
I hope I've made my case for a knighthood for this highly versatile and well-loved actor. (And that's even without mentioning that he was the original Javert when Les Mis opened in 1985!) Please, someone, forward this entry to Buckingham Palace and No. 10!
Well, firstly, I have to say - it's a more even-handed and generous list than that of the once-aspiring 'World-King'. I feel that I'm honour-bound to add, however, that N*d*n* D*rr**s doesn't appear on this one either. As per normal, most walks-of-life are represented, and if anyone's interested - here's The Guardian's take on it:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/jun/16/martin-amis-ian-mcewan-and-anna-wintour-honoured-in-kings-birthday-list
But - once again - there's one name absent amongst the acting honours that I look for, time after time in vain. That of ROGER ALLAM.
He's best-known on tv as DCI Fred Thursday, young Morse's boss in Endeavour. Its triumphant final series earlier this year would have been a perfect opportunity for some ennoblement (Anton Lesser might have been considered too!), but clearly Buckingham Palace doesn't watch the same tv as us plebs.
It doesn't watch the same plays either! We've seen Allam six times on stage, starting in 1988; therefore we've experienced a wide range of his talents and development as an actor.
So here's the list with a few comments or links to reviews:
( Read more... )
I hope I've made my case for a knighthood for this highly versatile and well-loved actor. (And that's even without mentioning that he was the original Javert when Les Mis opened in 1985!) Please, someone, forward this entry to Buckingham Palace and No. 10!
Last year, I kinda imported The Chronicles of Guy of Gisburne from my ![[profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
arthurrat LJ site, for reasons explained here -
https://grondfic.dreamwidth.org/34000.html
The link also includes an episode from the Chronicles that is set in Outremer. I'm now continuing this storyline with a new episode, wherein Guy entertains a rather unusual guest in Nasir's absence.
THE BADROULBADOUR OPTION
( Read more... )
arthurrat LJ site, for reasons explained here -https://grondfic.dreamwidth.org/34000.html
The link also includes an episode from the Chronicles that is set in Outremer. I'm now continuing this storyline with a new episode, wherein Guy entertains a rather unusual guest in Nasir's absence.
THE BADROULBADOUR OPTION
( Read more... )
Just for a change, I’m about to review a play I haven’t yet seen. We’re booked in a couple of weeks (RMT/ASLEF willing). So here goes, with ....
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Shakespeare’s Globe)
( Read more... )
(Note to Micks Lynch (RMT) and Whelan (ASLEF)– I’ve calculated VERY carefully when booking this theatre visit, that we’re within the Sacred Fortnight’s Grace time that you give us between strike days. PLEASE don’t prove me wrong, and I’ll continue to support your efforts to get justice for your members!)
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Shakespeare’s Globe)
( Read more... )
(Note to Micks Lynch (RMT) and Whelan (ASLEF)– I’ve calculated VERY carefully when booking this theatre visit, that we’re within the Sacred Fortnight’s Grace time that you give us between strike days. PLEASE don’t prove me wrong, and I’ll continue to support your efforts to get justice for your members!)
Vienna Blood fic: completed
May. 12th, 2023 03:58 pmHurrah! Not only did I write a new fic - I actually completed it - yays! Here it is:
https://archiveofourown.org/works/46988626/chapters/118372981
https://archiveofourown.org/works/46988626/chapters/118372981
Hurrah, Hurrah! Some creative work at last
May. 6th, 2023 03:58 pmI've finally begun to upload my Vienna Blood fic. Chapter 1 (of 2) up on AO3:
https://archiveofourown.org/works/46988626/chapters/118372981
https://archiveofourown.org/works/46988626/chapters/118372981
I've done something perilous ....
Jan. 10th, 2023 11:59 pm.... I've posted a short, non-serious Robin of Sherwood fic that I wrote AGES ago onto AO3.
It's here if anyone wants it -
https://archiveofourown.org/works/44187454
It's here if anyone wants it -
https://archiveofourown.org/works/44187454
A further selection of eldritch Christmas fare:
Malory Towers (CBBC)
WARNING FOR SPOILERS if you intend to catch up on this one
( Read more... )
Ghosts Christmas Special (BBC1)
( Read more... )
The Canterville Ghost (Channel 5)
( Read more... )
Malory Towers (CBBC)
WARNING FOR SPOILERS if you intend to catch up on this one
( Read more... )
Ghosts Christmas Special (BBC1)
( Read more... )
The Canterville Ghost (Channel 5)
( Read more... )
