Peter Grimes

I'm incredibly proud of my two sisters and one of them, Jane, is currently appearing in English National Opera's new production of Peter Grimes at the London Coliseum. It's had fantastic reviews, like this one in the Guardian, and Ibolya and I really wish we could go.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/may/11/opera-review-peter-grimes-coliseum

Here's another from the FT

“Intensely theatrical, deeply musical, but totally at odds with tradition.” The performance unfolds at fever pitch – a fabulous marriage of sight and sound, with stage and pit constantly striking sparks off each other in ways that illuminate and provoke

Ugly Ducklings

These adorable baby swans and ducks were having their breakfast as I cycled by the Serpentine this morning.

Stephen's Bump

Stephen had his 'bump of knowledge' removed recently and took these great pictures of his bandaged head and his nice new specs.

Barley Croft

We spent a glorious and sunny, big family weekend at my sister Sara's house in Bedfordshire, to celebrate, my youngest niece, Florence's first birthday.

Sun and Splendour

Friday night at the Sun and Splendour on Portobello with Mark, Rupert and Lloyd and a very entertaining and convivial time.

Che Day

I finally, finally got to see Che: Part One last week at 'Che Day' at the Lexi. They were showing both parts, in a 6 hour back to back Che marathon but I only had time to stay for the first.

It's a film I've waited most of my adult life to see and after many false starts (Raul Julia was perfectly cast but died, Terence Malik and Antonio Banderas couldn't get past pre-production) there couldn't have been a more perfect combination to bring Che to the screen than the director/actor partnership of Stephen Soderbergh and Benicio Del Torro (there also can't be any other actor who was so born to play a role, than this).
Che Part One, methodically and tells the story of Che's 2 year involvement in the guerrilla war in Cuba, showing his transition from wheezing asthmatic doctor to charismatic revolutionary leader. The second part, which I have to see very soon, tells of his final years leading the failed insurgency in Bolivia.
I loved the film, it's a remarkable experience and exemplary film making.

Ruby's Weekend

Ruby had a pretty fun packed and enjoyable weekend too and had a very, very happy time.

The Cambria

Once we made it to Loughborough Junction, Alex and Robyn treated us to a wine tasting, belini canapes and then we all had lunch at their local, The Cambria.