Author: telboy2

Vote day

They meaningful arrives today after being delayed from December as Theresa May tried to make the deal more palatable and with an improved change of acceptance by the House of Commons, and in particular, her own party MPs. However, the expectation is that the agreement will be voted down in large numbers. So nothing gained and more time lost.

So what next? All the possible outcomes remain in place with the ‘ no deal’ route the default option if it is not positively voted down. Political fever today. The first voting is this evening and we shall see which way events turn. There are plenty of articles written providing the spectrum of opinions that reflect the options and the divided nation on this very important subject.

Martin Rowson: all aboard the no-deal Brexit express – cartoon

Panto

A grown up family event, though by rights one should be taking children to Panto. I am not sure that Joe still counts. However there were plenty of other ‘unaccompanied adults’.

Shaz enjoyed the event with her shouting at the stage, hissing the baddy and clapping along.

It was all very traditional and fun, just as was expected. Paul Merton was very good both in his portrayal of Widow Twanky and his ability to ad-lib in general.

As ever Shazz is hooked.

Romeo and Juliet

The Barbican

A trip to see the classic play in the flesh.

This was a you persons twist on the play with more young actors plus the use of woman to play male characters.

I found the words hard to follow at times which I take as typical- it is after all a different version of English. However a review does promote the energy of youth but complain of the lack of clarity in the spoken word. I am not sure what the change in gender of roles was set to achieve other than balancing of opportunity.

I good night out which Shaz enjoyed a lot a little to her surprise.

Not a cheap way to spend an evening but we will keep in mind again for the future.

Messiah

Another performance of the Messiah and this time back to the original venue. Is it fifteen or more times now?: from the small churches to the international venues.

The chorus comprised 130 people this time and it showed. The volume overall was impressive and as Shazz noted, the balance was better between male and female voices. More man with a better balance and power.

The soloists dod well with projecting in such as venue which maybe was helped for us being in seas quite low down though not the stalls.

I really enjoyed the experience and would probably rate it as number 1 in the hit parade of Messiah performances. Maybe we will have the opportunity of listening to the Huddersfield Chorus again sometime.

Carols at the Cathedral

Thursday night after work and we were at Westminster Cathedral; the Catholic version.

Shazz wanted to go to a big carols event and the evening here was available. It was a paid event but full all the same. I suppose used to help with the upkeep of the building and support the musical infrastructure: choir, musical directors and I assume and organ that is not cheap to keep in ideal condition.

The evening was a combination of music and readings. The latter delivered by a variety of well known individuals.

There were German language carols and traditional English language ones. Maria wiegenlied was beautiful whereas the arrangement for Wachet auf did not seem to work so well for me. Sometimes the choir was difficult to appreciate. O come all ye faithful and Hark! the herald angels sing were winners as to be expected.

I loved the John Betjeman poem ‘The Advent wind begins to stir’ which was read by one of EQ’s favourite actors.

Keep the music flowing!