redandwhiterag

William Hone (You ask?)

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Another matinee at Wolsey Theatre yesterday, this time a comedy about a man I’d never heard of (neither man nor deed) by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman. Called ‘Trial by Laughter‘, the play focused almost exclusively on the three trials in three days that a man called Hone faced in December 1817. William Hone was a threadbare but talented London pamphleteer who was both persecuted and prosecuted …

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Merry Hell at Snape

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Realised that this was our first visit to Snape for a music gig that sat outside the annual Snape Proms festival; and coupled to that, it has been many a year sice I first expressed seeing Merry Hell in live performance. I’m a long time fan, having long enjoyed their rather singular take on the folk rock genre…

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Habit Of Art at the Wolsey

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Popped along for a quick lunch followed by the matinee performance of Alan Bennett’s “Habit of Art” at the Wolsey Theatre yesterday afternoon. Excellently acted by Matthew Kelly and David Yelland as the two principals it is at its sharpest when the two old friends/rivals play a game of chance or luck with the words and music; and the play within a play is both …

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Suffolk Punch Trust

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A lovely autumn day yesterday so, after Mrs. No Name’s morning merciless crushing of her opponents at tenpin bowling, we took the opportunity to cross another gig of the tick list with a visit to the Trust for Suffolk’s most famous equine. The Suffolk Punch Trust was established in 2002 and in 2010 after several years restoration work and the construction of a purpose built Visitors’ Centre, The Suffolk Punch Trust opened to the public…

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Catsitting in Sunderland

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10 days in Sunderland catsitting for Scott, who was up in Scotland on holiday for a week. First thing to say is that we were very lucky weather wise – absolutely no rain, and on a few days at least, warm enough to still be classed as summer for the North East….

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Abaltion Attempt Two

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Well three if you count the short notice, but I’ll let that pass. This time 2 nights at the Waterfront Hotel and Spa (well you’ve got to vary your surroudings, have you not). Reported to the Papworth at 7.30am on the 3rd and went through the same pre-checks as before. Suitably supplied with the now very fetching ‘paper pants’ and with canular in right arm (left proved less than forthcoming) again waited for the 8.30 kick off…..

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Ablation…..Bugger!

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Finally got a date for the ablation procedure (after initially declining the first offer as it gave me little or no time to prepare). So two nights in the Hotel Felix dutifully booked, we entered Papworth at 7.30am on the 17th. All the usual checks (height, weight, questionnaire etc.) were completed, followed by the insertion of the canular. I was changed, shaved (for the sake …

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The Four Seasons – Snape Proms 18

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A first last night and the second of the proms. As a largely classical ignoramus, Vivalidi’s “Four Seasons” is one of the few pieces that I can genuinely claim to know reasonably well .Of Rachel Podger and the Brecon Baroque I knew nothing however. I suspect this is a little like a classical nerd hearing the great Aretha and saying that ‘she’s, you know , …

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The Blues Band – Snape Proms 18

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Spent last night on the first of what I think are five visits to the Snape Proms this year. A return for the now ageing Blues Band and at least the second for us, a little like old friends! It has to be said, uncharitably I might suggest, that the gig was somewhat lacking in uplift. The post interval performance was a significant improvement and …

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Bury Blast

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Spent yesterday in Bury, ostensibly for a matinee of “The Case of the Frightened Lady” at the intimate Bury Theatre Royal. Well, I say intimate but as a result of a late purchase we were up in the gallery. A combination of moderately uncomfortable seats, extreme heat and less than optimal acoustics lead to an early departure at the interval. I suggested leaving early and, …

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MacLean at the Apex

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Very last minute decision to catch Dougie at the Apex on Sunday night, coupled with an overnighter at the Premier Inn. Primary reason to catch MacLean was largely a morbid one – see him before either he or can no longer manage it. 🙂 Knew him more by reputation than actual repertoire (other than ‘Caledonia‘) and truth be told, whilst perfectly enjoyable, he seemed a …

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