Arabian Nights review

Last Christmas, vampadvocate and fishbang gave me a year's RSC membership as a present, and my first newsletter advertised a performance of Arabian Nights in Stratford-upon-Avon.  It wasn't due to be on until late in 2009 and extended into early 2010, so I decided to book tickets as a joint birthday present for cholten99 and quintus_marcius.  The show was last night, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Any excuse to go to Stratford is a good one in my book, as I love the place, but the play turned out to be highly entertaining as well, which is always a bonus.  The large cast each took multiple parts in the portrayal of Scheherazade's stories, of which six were told, along with the surrounding narrative.  There was humour, action, dance, some wonderful puppetry and a wealth of visual delights - very well structured and performed.

Who's Afraid of Jane Austen? review

Many thanks to lareinemisere for this book by Henry Hitchings, which has provided interest and stimulation to several people over the last few days.

( Cut due to length and possible over-indulgence in pretentious reminiscences... )