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 pmVienna 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/
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
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4. BUT, BEST OF ALL
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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!
https://archiveofourown.org/works/57005032/chapters/144966382
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 pmJohann Strauß II
Overture to the Operetta "Waldmeister"
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Johann Strauß II
Ischler Walzer. Nachgelassener Walzer Nr. 2
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Johann Strauß II
Nachtigall-Polka, op. 222
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Eduard Strauß
Die Hochquelle. Polka mazur, op. 114
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Johann Strauß II
Neue Pizzicato-Polka. op. 449
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Josef Hellmesberger (Sohn)
Estudiantina-Polka aus dem Ballett "Die Perle von Iberien"
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Carl Michael Ziehrer
Wiener Bürger. Walzer, op. 419
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Anton Bruckner
Quadrille, WAB 121 (Orchestr. W. Dörner)
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Hans Christian Lumbye
Glædeligt Nytaar! Galopp
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Josef Strauß
Delirien (Deliriums), Waltz, op. 212
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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.
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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 pmChristian Thielemann conducts again this year; and as per usual, Petroc Trelawney introduces for the Beeb.
PART 1
Karl Komzák
Erzherzog Albrecht-Marsch, op. 136
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Johann Strauß II
Figaro-Polka. Polka française, op. 320
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Josef Hellmesberger (Sohn)
Für die ganze Welt. Walzer
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Eduard Strauß
Ohne Bremse. Polka schnell, op. 238
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And, with that - Part 1 ends.
Fifth Reading
The Oxen (Thomas Hardy)
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In the Bleak Midwinter (C. Rossetti)
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God Rest you Merry, Gentlemen
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Sixth Reading
(Matthew - Wise Men)
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Look up, Sweet Babe
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Tomorrow shall be our Dancing Day
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Seventh Reading
(John - In the beginning was the Word)
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O Magnum Mysterium
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Eighth Reading
Mistletoe (Walter de la Mere)
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O Come all ye Faithful
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Prayer and Blessing
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
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Organ Voluntary
Vom Himmel Hoch (J S Bach)
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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.
As per usual, we begin with the safe old processional -
Once in Royal David's City
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Bidding prayer
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In the stillness of a Church (Katrina Shepherd/Sally Beamish)
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First Reading
I Saw a Stable (Mary Elizabeth Coleridge)
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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)
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The Bee Carol (Carol Ann Duffy/Merrick)
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Third Reading
On Christmas (Marion Strobel)
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The First Nowell
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All Bells in Paradise (John Rutter)
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Fourth Reading
(Luke - Shepherds)
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Good Christian Men Rejoice
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Silent Night
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To be continued ....
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!
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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:
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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!
![[profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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
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A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Shakespeare’s Globe)
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(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 pmhttps://archiveofourown.org/works/46988626/chapters/118372981
Hurrah, Hurrah! Some creative work at last
May. 6th, 2023 03:58 pmhttps://archiveofourown.org/works/46988626/chapters/118372981
I've done something perilous ....
Jan. 10th, 2023 11:59 pmIt's here if anyone wants it -
https://archiveofourown.org/works/44187454
Malory Towers (CBBC)
WARNING FOR SPOILERS if you intend to catch up on this one
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Ghosts Christmas Special (BBC1)
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The Canterville Ghost (Channel 5)
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