Wednesday 4th December 2024

Aki up early to ready herself for Rowing Club. I dozed on for a bit. Got up and porridged. Walked down to Hornsey Street for an 1100 appointment with the podiatrist. They gave me new insoles, recommending I change them every 12 months...I've been wearing these for about 6 years! They also recommended I get some road running shoes with good arch supports. Walked on down to Highbury Corner to buy some focaccia, and then home via Waitrose. 

Aki having soup at the cafe next to the Club, so I lunched alone before Aki got back. Cooked a chicken cacciatore for dinner. Fed Jane and Carlos from No.36, who came over to eat with us before we ventured over to the National Youth Theatre on Holloway Road. Saw their production of "Twelfth Night". The production took place in a large square rehearsal room to the rear of the building, which had had raked seating put in for the occassion. Half the seats were reserved...we assumed for a sizeable school party, but were staggered to see HRH Prince Edward and a cohort of courtesans troop in before the play got under way...I was sat two seats away, albeit on the other side of the aisle. I assume he is a patron of the NYT. The production was exuberant and fun, with a cast of 18 youths...the chap playing Aguecheek, and the girl playing Olivia, were exceptional, and will no doubt pick up agency representation from this run. Malvolia had an added line referring to Kate Middleton, which raised a hearty laugh from the bleachers! We all enjoyed it very much. Walked home before HRH left the building, but saw his police outriders amassing at the stage door.