Our infrequent visits to the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford Upon Avon are always something to look forward. The last time we stayed at a different B&B because where we normally stayed was full but this time we were back staying with Johanna and it was like revisiting an old friend as we were greeted with hugs and kisses – she is very theatrical and therefore a good preparation for what is to come. This visit we were joined by Richard and Nicola as part payment for their hosting us at Glyndebourne two weeks ago.
We had never seen All’s Well That Ends Well before and as usual we had done very little preparation partly because we like to approach it with a totally open mind and partly because we are too busy (for which read couldn’t be bothered). Our seats were excellent, front row of the circle. The play was well directed and although some of the actors were a little wooden or hammy we enjoyed it very much. Some of the speeches were brilliant, particularly the King of France extolling the virtues of Helena who although of poor birth is virtuous and undertakes good deeds. Simply put it’s not who you are but how good you are that matters.
We enjoyed it enormously and it is probably going to be in the top three of our Shakespeare plays.
Wow! You two are really cramming in the culture, is it because you are moving up north?
I’m not a huge fan of the bard myself but I did enjoy the play about Vikings, can’t remember the title but I think the famous line goes “a Norse a Norse, my kingdom for a Norse.
No, not because we’re moving up North but trying to keep our cultural interests alive whilst the house build and move seems to occupy every moment of our waking lives.
The bard was a great observer of life and it’s amazing that a story written so long ago still has meaning in the 21st century.
We’ve even booked stuff for October and November to make sure we don’t become complete wurzels in Lincolnshire.