Getting Out Again

Revisiting Woolverstone

Last week, we went on a mini-excursion, revisiting our old haunts on the Shotley Peninsular, including Woolverstone where we used to berth our boat. It was great just to get out again, and feel we could still do something after a long winter following Ann's heart attack. As follow up, this week we actually got to London - the first time for a long while.

Going to see Jesus Christ Superstar on Tuesday was a rare treat and privilage, given as a splendid and memorable birthday gift for Annie - thank you Edwin! Sam Ryder and Richard Armitage were superb, but also Desmonda Cathabel as Mary Magdalene with a voice reminiscent of Joan Baez in its purity and power. Tyrone Huntley too as Judas Iscariot was remarkable in his convincing betrayal; there was one scene in which he dipped his hands in the treasure chest of the High Priest Caiaphas. The hands came out covered in gleaming silver paint, which focussed attention on his sin through the rest of the story,

Our night out to the London Paladium had been arranged by Edwin as a birthday gift to Ann. He drove us to London, parked centrally in Holborn, and we took taxis everywhere as walking for me is now so painfully difficult. He had obtained tickets to the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition; a huge area of rooms, walls covered in pictures (naturally), all bright, cheerful, but generally appearing to be muted pastel rather than vivid colours designed to stress or challenge. I suspect they represent our present age with its undercurrent of trepidation and uncertainty in an increasingly dangerous world.

A Wall at the RA Summer Exhibition

Then to see Edwin's office at the Royal Society of Chemistry, also in Burlington House which is how Edwin obtains privilaged tickets for the RA. They are magnificent office spaces in such an historical building, sharing this privilege with the Royal Astronomical Society and the Society of Antiquaries among others. His office can seat about forty workers, but was now empty with holidays and more people working from home. However, it did have attached a good kitchen in which Edwin prepared a welcome cuppa followed by dinner in a nearby restaurant before the show.