Just the ticket

Posted on May 20, 2012 by lesleyjonesberry

My brand of retail therapy is to buy theatre tickets – there is even a special drawer at home to store these. Forget the “promise to pay the bearer” printed on a piece of currency: the potential crammed onto this small oblong with its commitment to a date, a time, a seat number, is infinitely more thrilling. Continue reading →

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Suggestive reading

Posted on April 28, 2012 by lesleyjonesberry

I keep a note of books which look interesting (from reviews, friends’ suggestions and such like) and last weekend I converted this list into requests on the Library reservation service. A few days ago I received notification that the first book was available for collection and when I arrived at the branch today, there had clearly been another delivery. Continue reading →

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Luckier than I ever intended to be

Posted on April 14, 2012 by lesleyjonesberry

At Wembley Arena last night, the incomparable Billy Bragg and the frankly thrilling Frank Turner performed to a packed and ecstatic crowd.  Yes, reader, I was there.   Being female, and at least twice the average age, put me definitely in the minority, but it was fantastic to be part of this welcoming, enthusiastic, egalitarian, full-throated, huge-hearted crowd celebrating our Wessex Boy’s success. Continue reading →

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Words, words, words

Posted on March 20, 2012 by lesleyjonesberry

The other week (sorry for the delay in writing) I went to the NT Live broadcast of Comedy of Errors with some friends. This is not the place to dwell on the glories of the NT Live initiative, although it always makes me want to misquote The New Colossus – “give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to watch great theatre”, as it gives access to those who haven’t the money, or the time, or the courage or the health to go to London. Continue reading →

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Memorable Theatre

Posted on February 27, 2012 by lesleyjonesberry

The perfect week – starting and ending at the theatre.  We had seen Collaborators at the NT Live broadcast in December, but its casting (Simon Russell Beale and Alex Jennings) ensured that I wanted to see it on stage.  Much as I applaud and appreciate the NT Live initiative, I do not believe it  can replace the intensity of experience – or replicate the depth of enjoyment – gained from being present in the theatre. Continue reading →

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Silence and Noises

Posted on February 22, 2012 by lesleyjonesberry

Monday night was a complete treat – a chance to see a justly-famous work with a superb cast.  Noises Off (currently at the Old Vic) is a play which, more than once, I had been told I “had to see” Continue reading →

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Company of Books

Posted on February 22, 2012 by lesleyjonesberry

It was National Libraries Day a little while ago and this is a belated gesture of support.  I read a lot – and were I to buy every book I read, not only would I have less money to spend on theatre tickets (v.bad), but I would also be unable to get round my house without clambering over tottering piles of word-based indulgence.  Some years ago I resolved to stop buying books wherever possible and to borrow them from the library instead.  Continue reading →

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Feelin’ good

Posted on February 8, 2012 by lesleyjonesberry

My school is in the midst of its Arts Festival – a week of workshops, competitions and performances which provides a huge tonic at this dreary time of year.  So last night I was lucky enough to watch the perfect counterbalance to Saturday’s flatness:  young people performing with enthusiasm, talent, energy, wit, good humour and friendliness. Continue reading →

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No enchanted evening, but summer plans

Posted on February 5, 2012 by lesleyjonesberry

Theatre in 2012 started with confirmation of my worst prejudices: an ex-West End South Pacific touring the provinces with a tediously competent production which lacked both energy and imagination.

Never mind – compensation in the post Continue reading →

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