Star-studded times

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity, and joyous time of creativity.

The RSC are on peak form, and I've fortunate to have work (lots for a pleasant change!) surrounding the current season of productions.

The new production of Richard III is simply brilliant, with Jonjo O'Neill doing an hilarious and amazing job of playing Shakespeare's most daringly crafted villains. Paola Dionisotti returns to the RSC stage, after a 17 year hiatus, as Queen Margaret. She gracious offered her time for a hugely enjoyable post-performance discussion session with my HF Holidays group.   

Paola Dionisotti shares her journey to playing Queen Margaret

Group photo at Harrington House

The other production that seems to be featuring heavily in my life these days is Greg Doran's stunning rendering of Julius Caesar. Paterson Joseph, a chum of mine from "the good old days", is making a triumphant return to the RSC as Brutus. Caught up with him after the show to wish him a "Happy Birthday", and had to get a photo of him in the tshirt his wife sent him from France, appropriately bearing the words: "Et tu, Brute?" Which, in French, apparently means "Stupid." Fascinating.

Paterson Joseph in his "Caesar" shirt

When not running round lecturing over the past few weeks, I have been doing the legwork producing a reading of "Song of Songs" at/for Barford Church. The experience, though exhausting, has been sheer joy. And has reminded me of "my old self". The director/producer me. The "mover and shaker" me in NYC.  The production was a sheer delight and gave me the opportunity work with two of Britain's brightest and dearly loved stars: Timothy West and Prunella Scales, who kindly lent their talent to our fundraising efforts.

Rehearsal for Song of Songs

Tim and Pru were both so lovely. The only way I can describe is adorable! Truly. So kind, gracious and generous. And, of course incredibly talented. Every director's dream!
During rehearsal, I got dewy-eyed and nearly wept with joy at the sound of these two legendary actors reading the luscious language of "Song of Songs". Sometimes, when you are in midst of things, there's very little time to reflect on just how significant the moment truly is. This time, I stopped, pinched myself, and whispered, "Hey, look at you, you're doing this!" It was truly amazing.
Hearing that I'd produced and directed this production, one of my former students emailed me and asked, rather cheekily whether I'd "made Prunella Scales and Timothy West do the 'Vowel Wheel'" -- one of the dreaded warm-up exercises I used to put my students through on a regular basis. We didn't do the Vowel Wheel, but we did do a brief warm-up!
I can't wait to do something like this again. It is always good to have a reminder of what you can do, when given half a chance. In the end, we raised over £2000 for church funds, a real relief in these difficult times.

Timothy West and Prunella Scales

Let's get this party started!

Yesterday, I was so very proud to be so very nearly-British! Although, I'll have to wait another several months before I can put forward my application to become a Naturalised British citizen, my chest swelled with pride watching the City of London, the nation, and my own tiny corner of England turning out to celebrate and honour its beloved Queen, and her 60 years of service to us all.

An early burst of summer throughout the month May, meant of course that the 'British inevitable' would happen: It rained. All day. As I sprinted across the road to open St. Peter's Church and prepare the altar for the 8AM service, heavy, grey clouds loomed overheard. The church, however, looked resplendent!

The DEB and I sent a precarious afternoon 'dressing' the church with flags and bunting, including the Church tower. A few pics below - can you spot the DEB?

   

The Sunday 8AM Eurcharist was lovely, as usual, but, of course, and an early start. After the service, we journeyed off to that great cathedral of commerce, Sainsbury's and did our Jubilee shop. Unfortunately, it seems everyone else had the same idea! As we arrived at Sainsbury's, it started to rain. "Poor Queenie," said the DEB as we dashed through the doors of the shop.

We made it back in time to catch the preliminary reports and build-up to the Thames Pagaent. We wouldn't have a chance to watch it in "real time" as we had a little 'pageant' of our own to attend. But I did get a glimpse of The Queen's arrival, and The Duchess of Cambridge's gorgeous red ensemble, and that hat!

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in Alexander McQueen ensemble

She's just so lovely! And, what a striking pair she and William are!

Harry, Kate and William

To be sure, the entire royal party looked amazing! I've always carried a torch for Prince Charles, and yesterday, he certainly did not disappoint! And, Camilla looked lovely on his arm.

HRH Prince Charles in full regalia

But, of course, the day belonged to Her Majesty, The Queen, who was a vision herself in diamond white:

Her Majesty, The Queen, arrives for Thames River Pagaent

   

No one puts on 'pomp and circumstance' like the British, and London did not fail to be magnificent in the background. The organisers of the Thames Pageant did an incredible job, and it truly was the 'show of the century'!

The DEB graciously bought and set up a new digital recorder so that we wouldn't miss a moment of the  pageant proceedings. The Pageant started around 2:00 PM, and at 3:00 PM, all the church bells across the land were set to ring out. Our lovely bells here in Barford joined in the refrain. We dashed to the church just in time to catch their start, just before our "Diamond Jubilee Service of Celebration".

With all this talk of fashion, I must add that I, too, did my part in a lovely lime green vintage-inspired dress, with matching jacket (Thank you, Debenham's for making gorgeous petites!) -

Finished off with a sassy pair of Uptown Heels from Boden -

Topped off with my favourite navy and white floppy hat by Suzanne Bettley!

The service was inspired by the Order of Service created for the Queen's Coronation. The choir performed that infamous (and incredibly difficult) motif from 'Zadek the Priest' ("God Save the King!"), and did an amazing job! There was a selection of readings, notably a passage from Joshua which includes these powerful words:

As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

⁶ Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

⁷ Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.

⁸ This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

⁹ Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

After the service, we were supposed to have Strawberries and Cream in the churchyard. Needless to say that became an indoor event!  Following the service, we came home and crashed in front of the telly and watched the Pageant.

And, what an stunning Pageant it was! From the Jubillee bells, and the incredible rowing boat Gloriana -- linking the two golden Elizabethan ages -- to the fireworks off London Bridge, the river show was spectacular!

Today, already looking a bit drier (!), the festivities continue! Must sign off now, as we have a gaggle of people coming round to our house for a champagne toast before we walk down to the Village Green for the ceremonial raising of the new village flag and flagpole. Then off to the planting of a new Jubilee Oak Tree down by the river. Picnic on the Green (hopefully) around 1:00PM. Another long day of joy and celebration!

God Save the Queen!

One of the 5,000 things I'm working on at the moment...