Friday 1st May 2026

Woke around 0630. Had to get up to do some back stretches! Went back to bed before rising around 0945 to make tea. Had a brief kick about with Wilson in the back garden. Lovely sunny morning. Showered before driving over to Hanley to pick up Tony and Katrina from the Premier Inn. Drove them over to Middleport Pottery for brunch by the canal. Enjoyed a full English. Had a browse around the gallery, and forked out £90 for a gorgeous little flower pot by a Korean ceramicist. Drove Tony and Katrina to Stoke station, then did a little shopping in Sainsburys before returning to Bakewell Street. Played football with Wilson out in the back garden for a bit. 

Made a packed dinner and drove in to the theatre for a 1600 cast de-brief in the Youth Room with the SM and Management Team. Not much to report, really. Ate my dinner on a bench in the theatre back garden before warm up. About 200 in this evening...very lively bunch! Got a lot of enthusiastic dancers up...great show. Drove back to Bakewell Street and fed Wilson some cheese and carrot before retiring to my room.

Thursday 30th April 2026

Woke around 0830. Got up and brought tea back to bed. Eventually got dressed, and drove over to Whitmore Lakes for a full English at the Cake Shack. Got recognised by one of the staff...she'd been to the Saturday matinee with her husband...she said I'd had them in hysterics. Hopefully she'll recommend the show to her colleagues...maybe I'll get a discount on the full English! Ate outside in the sunshine. Glorious morning! Drove back to Bakewell Street to put a packed lunch together, then drove in to the theatre. 220 in for the matinee...the average age was somewhere in the mid-80s. But got a few people up dancing. Ate my in-between-shows meal out in the car park on one of the picnic tables before preparing for the evening performance. 

Tony McB and Katrina D in tonight...Tony was on his way up to Buxton for work tomorrow, and Katrina had been visiting a chum in Shrewsbury. They loved the show...and seemed to have been thoroughly entertained, despite the relatively small house of about 190...not many could be persuaded onto the dance floor. Had a quick drink with Tony and Katrina in the bar before driving them over to the Premier Inn in Hanley, then drove back to the digs...

Wednesday 29th April 2026

Woke at 0630, and again at 0830. Got up around 0900 and descended to make tea. Aidan sat at his laptop in the kitchen. Drank tea in bed before descending to make porridge, which I ate in the Morning Room, as it was getting a blast of sunshine. Showered. Nice sunny day, but remarkably windy! 

Drove down to Spode for my coffee. I was the only one in there. Had a brief browse of the current exhibition, charting the origins of the famous Willow Pattern, apparently introduced by Spode in the late C18th. Kath phoned to say she was very confused by her train ticket...she has a five hour journey on Saturday! It ought to take three, so I don't understand what she's purchased...she said she'd pop in at the Central Station to make enquiries. I drove back to Bakewell Street to cook 'dinner'...only to find my chicken tikka masala and gunpowder potatoes had gone off...had to bin it all...so I cooked the frozen Dijon pork instead, with some sweet potatoes, and greens. Ate in my room.  Drove down to Newcastle to hook up with cast members who had arranged a final group meal at Cappello. I joined them for a ginger beer...didn't like the venue...the walls are lined with dreadful art. Gave David a lift back up to the theatre. Did some exercises before warming up on stage. About 200 in this evening. Show went down well. Had hoped to be introduced to Debbie McAndrew, who was in the audience, but no sign of her in the bar. Bought Matt a beer, had a brief chat, then drove back to the digs...

Tuesday 28th April 2026

Another fitful night...bad hernia repair giving me gip, though not as bad as last night, though I had to move very gingerly when necessary. Got up around 1000 and descended to make tea. Lyndsey and Aidan both at the kitchen table on a call. Kicked a ball about with Wilson in the back garden, but it was surprisingly nippy out there today. Brought porridge back to my room. Drove over to Brampton Park for coffee at Brampton Gallery and Museum. Had a wander around the ground floor displays...a bit of the history of Newcastle, and some local art displays. Drove on down to Newcastle for lunch at the Greek Bakery...enjoyed a pork gyro. Then headed for Tesco on the A34 and did some shopping; filled the car up with petrol ahead of Sunday's drive back to London. Headed back to Bakewell Street...was accosted at the back door by a woman claiming to have come to read the meter...she seemed kosha, as her notes stated that the gas meter was in the cellar...I showed her the way, before seeing her off the premises. Did some exercises before heading in to the theatre. Only 170 in this evening...a captioned show, which meant there were some hard of hearing in the house. It went OK...felt a bit rusty, as per usual after time off. I came straight back to the digs afterward...trying to stop the hernia pain getting any worse, and protect a voice that is beginning to tire...

Monday 27th April 2026

Terrible night's sleep. Back pain, neck discomfort, and much gip from my bad hernia repair meant a fitful night! Gave up at 0600 and got up for a while. Got back into bed around 0630...woke up at 1000. Glorious day outside descended to make tea and brought porridge back up to my room. Showered. Drove down to Newcastle and parked up outside the Jones's at No.44 Florence Street, then walked in to town for a quick coffee at Keele In Town. 

Walked back to Florence Street and presented myself at No.44...Paul had set up lunch outside in his verdant back garden. Sylvie was there too, still sporting her plaster cast, having broken a wrist in a fall three weeks ago. I was treated to a tasty mozzarella salad, with creme caramel for dessert. Had a lovely chat with them both about old colleagues, theatre, etc...I had a delightful afternoon. Drove round to Brampton Park for a wander...FaceTimed Aki from a bench beside the rose garden. She seemed on good form, though still feeling a bit bruised...she'd been to have her dressing changed at the GP's. I parked the car off Albert Street and wandered up to the Polite Vicar for a sandwich and a beer, before reporting to the ticket office ahead of this evening's Lindisfarne gig...managed to get an upgrade, which brought me down from the balcony onto the second row. Had a nice chat with the guy sat next to me...it turned out he had seen me in many shows at the Vic in the 90s, and remembered my name...he even recalled that I'd gone down to London to restart a surveying career! Lindisfarne were great...only one founder member in the line up these days, an ageing Rod Clement on guitar and mandolin. Most of the singing was done by Dave Hull-Denholm, Alan Hull's son-in-law, who possessed an uncannily similar voice to his father-in-law...great stuff. They played all my favourites...Lady Eleanor, Meet Me On the Corner, Fog On The Tyne, We Can Swing Together, Winter Song, ending the set with Clear White Light. I had a tear in my eye at the end. Drove back to Bakewell Street for a soak in the bath...

Sunday 26th April 2026

Woke around 0830 after a rather fitful night's sleep. Got up and made tea...brought a bowl of porridge back to bed with me and listened to some radio...another tragically failed attempt on Trump's life last night! FaceTimed Aki who seemed in good shape. She's planning to go to the cafe for lunch with her rowing mates, as the weather is looking good...she'll go on the bus as her knee is still recovering. Jim and Katherine turned up at 1115 to pick me up. Took them down to Stoke for coffee at the Spode Museum but the cafe was closed due to staff shortage. Walked them round to The Bluebird cafe, but that was shut, so we ended up back at Spode and bought takeaway coffees at The Quarter. Browsed in the second hand shop at Spode for a bit, then drove to Barlaston. Nick, Julie, Bob and Charlotte were already at the Plume of Feathers, having enjoyed the woodland walk on Downs Bank. We repaired to the restaurant for Sunday lunch. I enjoyed the belly pork, followed by sticky toffee pudding and custard. Everyone seemed on good form. Julie is heading back to China, where she runs summer camps for primary school children, Nick seems to be helping to develop some kind of pipe/flow technology in tandem with two entrepreneurs from Blackburn; Bob and Charlotte are enjoying the retired life, pootling about in their camper van. Katherine invited us up to Holmfirth for Holmfirth Art Week in July. We said our farewells outside the pub, and Jim and Katherine drove me back to Bakewell Street before heading back up to Holmfirth. I made a cup of tea and went back to bed for a few hours. Kath FaceTimed from the sofa at 12 High View...Dad had been hallucinating after overdosing on his pain relief, and mum was drinking sherry mixed with Baileys! Jim was cooking dinner. Aki FaceTimed having received a surprise visit from Kathleen from No.49...she and Andrew have been away in NZ for a few months. Listened to music. Dined on a slice of Edam, and a small chocolate filled crepe before taking to my bed once more...

Saturday 25th April 2026

Alarm at 0830. Feeling very weary ahead of two shows today! Descended to make tea...drank it in bed. Drove down to Spode for brunch at the Quarter...had a triple croque madame...it was great, but a bit OTT...felt a bit sick afterward after too much cheese! Met Helen in the Little Vintage Tea Room next door...she'd cycled from Stoke station on her Brompton. We had coffee and a chat before I left for the theatre. Busy day...two shows. Got a text from Bob Golding, and actor I'd worked with at the Vic 35 years ago, saying he and his missus were driving up from Earls Barton to see the show. Only about 200 in for the matinee, but they were a good crowd...some enthusiastic dancers among them. Bob and Nikki came to my dressing room window and we had a catch up over the sill. They'd really enjoyed the show...as had Helen, who I caught up with in the bar. She cycled off to Stoke station on her Brompton. I ate my packed 'lunch' at a table outside in the sunshine...glorious day! About 275 in for the evening show. Jim, Bob and Julie were in, my ex-flat mates from Trent Poly days, with their other halves. I could see they were having a great time...Katherine said that Jim had been in hysterics every time I came on as Wilf. Managed time for a swift half in the bar afterward. Haven't seen Julie and Nick for maybe ten years! Made arrangements to meet in Barlaston for Sunday lunch tomorrow, before they ventured to their respective overnight quarters...Bob and Charlotte had brought the camper van and had paid to park up for the night at Sainsburys in Newcastle!

Friday 24th April 2026

Reasonable night's sleep...woke at 0415, as usual, but managed to get back to sleep after fifteen minutes or so. Woke around 0800 and lay in bed listening to Today. Got up around 1000 and descended to the kitchen to make tea...brought porridge back to eat in bed. Showered before driving down to the cafe at Spode for my obligatory latte. Akin FaceTimed me from a street in Stamford Hill...she'd been knocked off her bike when someone opened a passenger door on her. She was a little shaken, but no bones broken...however, she discovered a sizeable gash in her leg. I advised her to head for home and get it cleaned up. Lovely sunny day. Drove on to the Plume of Feathers at Barlaston to meet up with Andy Smith and Stuart Hewlett, who had driven up from Coventry. Managed to bag a table in the sunshine, and ordered lunch...I had a delicious steak pie. Did some catching up, but ended up mostly discussing our various ailments. I drove them up to the start of the circular walk at The Upper House, and left them to it. I drove back to Penkhull and enjoyed an ice cream on The Green. Aki texted to say she had headed for Homerton Hospital...needed stitches. I put together a packed dinner and headed in to the theatre. Did some exercises and ate before warm up. Only 200 in tonight...they were very quiet, but evidently enjoyed the show, judging by the reaction at the end. Had a beer with Stuart and Andy before they set back off to Coventry. I was approached by a bloke and his wife who said they had had their first date in March 1990 seeing Good Golly Miss Molly! Drove back to Bakewell Street. Made a packed lunch for tomorrow before ascending to my room.

Thursday 23rd April 2026

 

Woke around 0830 after a reasonable night's sleep...badly needed, bearing in mind the two shows we have today. Got up and made tea. Watered mein hosts' plants. Drove over to Whitmore Lakes for a big breakfast...ended up ordering their Full Monty...three oatcakes stacked between a full English with a fried egg on top! Felt a bit nauseous afterward. FaceTimed Aki before driving in to the theatre. About 300 in for the matinee...they were a great audience. Standing ovation. I sat outside on a bench and ate my packed dinner. Got accosted by several silver haired old ladies, who had all loved the show. One of them hailed from Durham, and was still dancing in her 90's...another was born in Morpeth! Only about 200 in for the evening show, but they were lively. The cast of Around The World in 80 Days were in. Another standing ovation! I repaired to the bar to say hi to Jo Blagg, and Mary Worsdale, who had both worked in the office at the theatre back in the 1990s. Drove back to Bakewell Street, exhausted...

Wednesday 22nd April 2026

Relatively good night's sleep, for once...back a little stiff in the morning, but not as bad as recently. Lay in bed listening to Today before rising around 0930 to make tea. Brought porridge back up to my room. Drove down to Spode for coffee, but the car park was full, so parked up at Sainsburys and had my coffee at Starbucks. Aki FaceTimed from Rowing Club...looked like a glorious day down there...pretty good here...sunny but a bit too windy. Did a little shopping in Sainsburys before heading back to the digs. Took a turn around Bakewell Street Park...a pleasant bit of greenery, but looks rather neglected. Cooked a frozen steak pie, with roast sweet potato, and greens. Pancake to follow, with a dollop of stewed rhubarb. Had a brief chat with Catherine Lomax, a producer that Liminal Space have taken on, about a possible collaboration with the New Vic on Moby Dick. They are in very early discussions with Colchester Mercury Theatre, and with the New Theatre Royal, Lincoln, but it doesn't sound as if they've gotten very far. I'll have to give it one final push at this end to see if there's any chance of progressing the notion of a co-production with the New Vic. Drove in to the theatre for warm up. About 250 in this evening...they were really up for it...a couple of cacklers in the audience got 'em all going. Drove back to Bakewell Street afterward, watched Big Mistakes, and then soaked in a hot bath...

Tuesday 21st April 2026

Woke around 0830...back very uncomfortable. Aki got up and showered. I descended to make tea. Overnight oats and stewed rhubarb for breakfast. Aki packed her suitcase, and we put it in the boot of the car. Did a little gardening on behalf of mein hosts...watering plants in the greenhouse, then drove to Whitmore Lakes for a coffee in the sunshine. 

Headed across town for lunch at Fenton Town Hall...a rather splendid Victorian edifice, which has undergone some refurbishment recently...they won funding to open up and restore the vaulted ceiling in the first floor ballroom, and opened a cafe on the ground floor. I enjoyed a full English for brunch. Aki had oatcakes. Popped back to Bakewell Street to make my packed dinner. Dropped Aki at the rail station around 1430, and then headed for Westport Lake, hoping for an ice cream. They didn't sell ice cream at the Visitor Centre, so I sat on the balcony in the sunshine supping a decaf flat white, and had a little walk around the vicinity, before heading for the theatre. 180 in this evening...I think that's our smallest audience to date. The show went OK...if a little rusty in parts after a three day break. Audience were relatively lively though, and got up to dance in reasonable numbers when required. With two shows on Thursday looming, I opted to by-pass the bar after the show, and headed back to Bakewell Street. Watched another episode of Mint, then soaked in a hot bath while listening to R6Music...

Monday 20th April 2026

Fitful night's sleep...back ache getting progressively worse. Aki got up around 0900 to make tea. I brought porridge up to the room a bit later. Eventually got dressed and ventured out into the sunshine. Drove down to Trentham Gardens for coffee at Pau, which had been recommended by Lyndsey...it was OK...but the venue wasn't very inspiring, though Aki did have a browse around the cycling section of the business, trying on helmets. A huge circus style tent has been erected opposite, sporting posters for the Ladyboys of Bangkok...the 'girls' on the poster look worryingly like Gary Glitter in a Tina Turner wig! Drove on to the Wedgewood Estate and had lunch in the tea room...very swish! Then drove back to Stoke to hook up with Anne Kinnaird, who was on her community allotment in Richmond Street...had fresh mint tea with her and her oppo, Rachel. Anne gave us a bunch of mint, and some huge sticks of rhubarb. Drove over to Tesco...Aki bought a chicken to roast for dinner, and some custard to have with the rhubarb. Back at Bakewell Street, Aki took on the chicken dinner, and I stewed the rhubarb. We ate in the front dining room, then repaired to the living room to watch telly and attempt to finish Lyndsey's jigsaw puzzle...she and Aidan had driven off to west Wales for a few days of walking the coastal path.

Sunday 19th April 2026

Managed to get a reasonable night's sleep, though woke with back ache again. Got up about 1000 and descended to the kitchen...brought tea and porridge back to the room. No sign of mein hosts, but Lindsay had evidently done the washing and pegged out my socks and smalls...no mean feat! Drove down to the Spode Museum for coffee...got mobbed by fans! 

Very amusing...though it meant I had to talk rather more than I'd anticipated...I needed to rest my voice after yesterday's double-header. But they were very nice. Drove up the road to pick up Sean and Jenny, then drove to Wrinehill for Sunday lunch at the Hand & Trumpet, which one of the cast members had recommended. Lovely pub, and the food was very good...Aki's lamb was particularly good. Drove back to Sean and Jenny's to watch the Man City v Arsenal game. It was a cracking game...the atmosphere was electric. Man City came out victorious, and can now catch the Gooners! Drove back to Bakewell Street for some soup and a roll, then drove to Hartshill to join James and Anne at Vinyl Night in The Sanctuary. Enjoyed a beer and a chat before the pub closed at 2100, and we drove back to Bakewell Street. Had a bath and fell into bed, exhausted!

Saturday 18th April 2026

Woke around 0800, and got up to make tea. Brought tea back to bed. Drove into the theatre for brunch. Popped back to Bakewell Street to put a packed lunch together for later in the day, and drove back to the theatre for a matinee. Lovely sunny day...but we are condemned to remain inside in the dark...took a photo of the tree-lined car park from my dressing room window. About 300 in this afternoon...great audience...they were well up for dancing on the stage when required. Another standing ovation! Bob and Sayan were in and came to say their farewells back stage afterward...Bob heading out to Crete on Monday, and won't see the show again. Aki turned up at the front of the theatre by taxi from Stoke station. We sat in the bar, and I ordered her some dinner before I ventured back downstairs to warm up for the evening show. About 270 in this evening. They were quieter than this afternoon's lot, but the show went well. Not much of a standing ovation, though Aki got to her feet! We had a quick drink in the bar afterward, and I introduced Aki to the cast, before we headed back to Bakewell Street...

Friday 17th April 2026

Woke at 0200, 0500, and 0800, but managed to nod back off fairly readily. My feet seemed better...hopefully I can build on that with a mix of ibuprofen, and alterations to my footwork on stage. Made tea, and brought porridge up to my room. Languished in bed until 1130. Got up and showered. FaceTimed Aki, who was at the cafe next door to the Rowing Club, having partaken in a coaching session all morning. I drove down to the Spode factory for coffee. Bumped into mein hosts coming in as I was leaving. They'd never been there before! Drove in to Newcastle for lunch at the Greek Bakery. Enjoyed a huge pork wrap with mustard mayo. Did a shop in Sainsburys. Bumped into one of Albert Cooper's daughters, and her fella, as I was leaving. Arranged to return her dad's pipes to her house, which is literally just across the road from the theatre, when the show ends in a couple of weeks time. Drove back to Bakewell Street and stocked up the fridge. Drove in to the theatre for 1630. Did some Alexander Technique before warm up. Felt very weary this evening. About 270 in for the show. I struggled to get much energy into my performance...felt more like pacing myself. But show went well, though I noticed a woman sat behind the keyboard looking very stony faced at the end...she got up and left before the encore. She apparently complained to front of house about the disgusting language in the show! Blimey...some people need to grow up...nothing you won't hear on the bus, for fuck's sake!

Thursday 16th April 2026

Woke around 0430. Failed to properly get back to sleep. Back ache, and aching feet kept me awake. Got up eventually, and brought tea and porridge back to bed with me. Drove down to Stoke for coffee at the Spode tea room. Alerted Anne Kinnaird of my being there...she has her artist studio nearby, and I've been keen to stick my nose in to take a look. She walked down to Spode, though, with one of her colleagues, and had a pot of tea and a chat...will have to visit her studio at a later date. Drove back to Bakewell Street and cooked a ready meal in the oven...lasagne. Eaten with plenty of greens. FaceTimed Aki. She'd cycled down to Sainsburys at The Angel this morning to stock up on supplies. Drove in to the theatre for around 1630. Did some Alexander technique before warm up. Just over 300 in tonight...silver surfers, mostly...there was a bus load or three of 'em. They were great...especially in the first half, but seemed to tire toward the end of the show. I walked through the bar afterward, and was collared by a tall white haired gentleman with a handlebar moustache...he shook my hand and said, "That was the best drunk acting I've ever seen...you were hilarious! Like Norman Wisdom". Praise indeed!!!

Wednesday 15th April 2026

Woke around 0530...got back to sleep eventually. Languished in bed all morning, hoping the rest will benefit my cruelly aching feet. Brought tea and porridge back to bed with me. Eventually rose, and drove down to the Spode Museum in Stoke for a coffee in the Little Vintage Tea Room...best coffee I've enjoyed since arriving in the Potteries. 

Returned my coffee cup to the counter and found myself standing behind Debbie McAndrew...was going to say hello, but a senior moment overtook me and I couldn't remember her name. I think I met her about 30 years ago in the company of Oliver Beamish, with whom I was working at the Vic...she was the barmaid in Coronation Street at the time. She now runs Claybody Theatre Company, which is housed in one of the decrepit buildings on the Spode works estate. Drove on to Middleport Pottery and enjoyed a lunch of Staffordshire lobby in the Packing House Cafe...a local beef and potato stew, served with a bap and butter, and beloved of the pottery workers of yore. Very nice! Drove back down the D Road to Trentham and stocked up on ready meals from the cooknet range at the Blue Diamond outlet. Drove back to Bakewell Street...Aki texted me to say she had landed at Heathrow. It sounds like she had a bumpy landing...a bit windy out there today! She FaceTimed me when she'd gotten back home, struggling through the crowds heading for the Arsenal v Sporting game. She looked fresh despite her long journey and 14 hour flight...she'll sleep well tonight. I drove into Hartshill for dinner at Kismet...got a table this time. Enjoyed a chicken and paneer dish, with bindi bhaji, and roti on the side. Drove back to Bakewell Street and sat in the car listening to the final twenty minutes of the Arsenal match...a gruelling 0-0 draw that takes them into a semi-final with Atletico Madrid...

Tuesday 14th April 2026

Woke at 0530...back felt much better, but having a bit of trouble with my neck. Managed to nod back off after about 30 minutes or so. Woke again at 0800 and dozed for a while. Brought tea and porridge back to bed with me. Aki FaceTimed from Tokyo...she was meeting old colleagues for dinner. She flies back to London tomorrow. Found Aidan in the kitchen...but he made no mention whatever of having seen the show last night...strange chap. Drove down to Stoke...picked up a parcel from Londis at the bottom of the road, then drove on to the Spode Museum, intending to sample the coffee in the cafe...but it was all shut on Mondays and Tuesdays. Walked round the corner to take a look at the Dipping House, the HQ for Claybody Theatre. Nothing on at the moment. Most of the buildings on the Spode site look in imminent danger of collapse! But Claybody have won £150,000 arts funding to undertake improvements. Walked on to the Bluebird Cafe and had a decent latte in there, then drove back to Bakewell Street. Lyndsey was in the kitchen having her lunch...she said they had enjoyed the show last night, especially the This Old House sequence, and drunken Wilf. I stuck a fish pie in the oven for luncheon. Eaten in my room with microwaved greens. Drove in to the theatre. We had a cast meeting with the Midlands Equity representative before warm up for an evening show. About 250 in this evening. Struggling with my feet and general fatigue, but show went well and we were afforded another standing ovation. Had a beer in the bar afterward in the company of Sam and his mum, and her partner. Nice couple. Drove back to Bakewell Street, getting in around 2300...

Monday 13th April 2026

Woke around 0630, and again at 0830. Dozed for a bit. Brought porridge and tea back to bed. Eventually rose, and drove in to the theatre. Booked some tickets for Andy Smith and Stuart Hewlett for next week, and for mein hosts this evening. Walked down into town on my arthritic feet, and enjoyed a coffee in Piccoloco...bumped into Polly and her fella, Perry, and was introduced to Howard Chadwick, a local actor who looks like a Hairy Biker...had worked with Eddie York at Harrogate many moons ago. Walked back up to the theatre, and drove back to Bakewell Street for my lunch...chicken tikka masala and saffron rice, via the microwave. It was a week past it's use by date...but tasted great! Drove back in to the theatre, then walked across to Osteopathic for another session with Sharon...got her to focus on my knotted shoulder blades, and on my mid back...she massaged me into next week...brought my fatigue to the surface. Spent the rest of the day wishing I was in bed asleep! But had a show to do. Only 200 in tonight...so the show felt a bit under energised...in my case, because I felt under energised! My arthritic feet mean I've had to work a limp into my characterisations!!! Was greatly relieved when we finally got to the end. I stuck my head in at the bar, but no sign of mein hosts. They'd gone to bed by the time I got back in...

Sunday 12th April 2026

Woke at 0230, but managed to get back to sleep...the cervical pillow seems to be doing a good job. Woke around 0730 and dozed until 0900. Descended to make tea, and brought a bowl of porridge back up to bed. Lindsey was in the kitchen at her laptop...they went up to see a fisherman's cottage in Embleton and have had an offer accepted...looks very nice...very small, but well kitted out. A perfect holiday bolthole. Pottered about on the laptop for a bit...raining outside! Showered (in the shower, not the rain). 

Drove over to the theatre to pick up Connor and Sam. Shirley was already waiting, and she took Georgie and David, and we hooked up at the Upper House in Barlaston. We were very excited to be ushered in to the Darwin Suite and sat at a large dining table. I had an interesting pearl barley and mushroom cake starter, followed by the roast beef...the latter was sadly underwhelming...the roast potatoes were hard, and the vegetables a little under cooked. The beef was OK, but nowhere near as good as that I'd eaten last week at the Swynnerton Arms. We paid up then I walked the team up the track to the start of the circular woodland walk, where I left them and headed back to the hotel. Listened to the last twenty minutes of the Sunderland v Spurs game...we won 1-0...Spurs remain in the relegation zone! Then I repaired to the hotel lounge and read my book before the others rocked up. We all decided we were too knackered to do anything but go back to our digs and rest up ahead of tomorrow night's show. Spoke briefly to Andy Smith...he and Stuart Hewlett are driving up to see the show later in the month. FaceTimed Kath, who was having dinner with ma and pa. Dad reckons he's started a new novel recounting the tale of Stench Coleville, an adventurous lad from the small market town of Much Clattering. I can't wait!!! Drove back to Bakewell Street. Headed in to Newcastle in the evening to see The Drama at Vue Cinema. Not many fellow punters in...it's a rather strange piece, with unlikeable lead characters...in fact, pretty much every character was unsympathetic, to the extent that their behaviour became tiresome...but I was happy to sit in the dark for a couple of hours. Got back to Bakewell Street around 2200. Watched The News and some football highlights before crashing out...

Saturday 11th April 2026

Woke at 0430, but got back to sleep. Woke again around 0800...brought a mug of tea back to bed and listened to the radio before rising. Drove in to the theatre for breakfast and a coffee. Walked down to Coral to place a couple of bets on the Grand National. Matinee performance this afternoon...need to pace myself today. About 350 in for the matinee...10% of whom are former colleagues and performers. Show went very well. Ascended to the bar to see who had turned up...mostly back room staff from yesteryear, some former stage management, and a handful of actors...Graham Fellows, who was the original Stan, Clifford Milner, who played Brian, Johnson Willis who played Stan, and Lennox Greaves who was Grandad in the 1991 production, Georgina Field, who played Bridget in the 1993 production, and now plays Lucille, and me. The wonderful Chris Martin was there...he seemed in fine fettle, despite having undergone recent cancer surgery. We repaired to the Youth Room for some sandwiches and chat, and I took some photos before sneaking out to warm up for the evening show. Caught up with the Grand National result...needless to say my horses failed to finish in the top five...my each way bet pulled up! About 230 in...but they had a good time. My voice began to tire toward the end, as my energy drained away. Had a swift half in the bar with some of the cast and chatted to a couple of punters...surprised that people don't realise that the actor playing Grandad is the same bloke that plays Wilf. Drove back to Bakewell Street in the drizzle and fell into bed...

Friday 10th April 2026

Woke at 0430, but then slept through until 0830. Feeling a little better this morning...my feet aren't as painful. Brought a mug of tea back to bed, and listened to R6Music for a bit, before bringing another tea, and a bowl of porridge, up to bed for breakfast. Got up around 1015 and did some gentle exercises. Poor review of Good Golly in The Stage...two stars! Whoever wrote the review must have been in a very grumpy mood, as we got a standing ovation that night!!! If you don't like theatre, why on earth write about it!?! Phoned up the Upper House and booked a table for eight for Sunday lunch. Drove over to Festival Park to buy some slip on shoes at JD Sports, but they didn't stock them. Did a shop in Morrisons, then drove back to Bakewell Street to cook dinner. Chicken, ham and leek pie. Sat out in the back garden while it cooked in the oven. Drove in to the theatre. Did some exercises and warmed up the tattered vocal cords. Only about 270 in tonight, but they really enjoyed themselves. I forgot to go on with Molly's coat and handbag for the Get A Job sequence! The bar was pretty empty after the show, so I drove back to Bakewell Street for a soak in the bath...

Thursday 9th April 2026

Woke at 0430, but managed to get back to sleep on my new ergonomic pillow...woke again around 0800. Lay in bed listening to the radio. Feet are killing me...think I twisted my left foot during Wilf's drunken rendition of Hit The Road Jack last night. Brought tea and porridge back up to bed. Aki FaceTimed around 1300 from her hotel room...she and her mates were preparing to go bathe in the hotel hot spring. I got up and descended to the kitchen...put the oven on and cooked my pork Dijon ready meal, together with some sweet potato, and lots of greens. It was surprisingly tasty! Raining out...sadly the sunny weather of yesterday didn't last! It had stopped by the time I drove in to the theatre, stopping off at the Co-op in Penkhull Village to pick up a wrap to eat in the interval. Did my exercises in the guest dressing room. About 400 in this evening...they loved it, and we got another standing ovation at the end. Said hello to Matt Ganley's mum and dad in the bar before driving back to Bakewell Street. Languished in the bath listening to R6Music...mein hosts are up in Embleton viewing a cottage they are interested in purchasing...got the place to myself.

Wednesday 8th April 2026

Woke at 0600, but managed to nod back off...woke again at 0830. Languished in bed listening to Today before rising to shower. Drove into Newcastle and feasted on a Cypriot breakfast at the Greek Bakery. Won't need to eat again for the rest of the day! Drove on to Whitmore Lakes to take a look around. Unfortunately, you aren't allowed to walk around the site, as the lakes are for the enjoyment of paying customers...anglers mostly, though there is wild swimming in one of the lakes. Enjoyed a mug of tea, sat out in the sunshine...gorgeous day. Drove back to Newcastle and did a wee shop in Tesco, then popped back to Bakewell Street to make a packed lunch to eat before showtime. 

Drove to Basford for another 1330 call...more notes and scene working...got very tired. Broke around 1630. Team photo. Picked up the cervical pillow I'd ordered, which I had delivered to the theatre. Ate my very late lunch on the John Humphries memorial bench in the car park, determined to get some sun on my face. Press Night tonight. About 500 in...they lapped up the comedy, and loved the local references. Standing ovation at the end, and we reprised Good Golly Miss Molly for the encore. Showered then joined the throng in the bar. Maggie Saxon, and Lee, came over for a brief chat before they had to drive back to Northampton. Maggie looked a little frail. She's been struggling with a trapped nerve in her back after trying to lift a very heavy bag of cat litter!!! We swapped tales of nerve pain. Sean and Jenn were in the bar, and James and Anne...they'd all thoroughly enjoyed the show. Nello was in...and insisted I go over for a brief chat with him...he said I'd made him laugh...though he hadn't realised I played both Grandad, and Wilf! I crept away as the bar was shutting, and drove back to Bakewell Street to lie down on my new cervical pillow...

Tuesday 7th April 2026

Got up around 0930 feeling rather unrefreshed by my two days off! Drove to Middleport for breakfast at the Pottery cafe, adjoining the Trent & Mersey canal. Nice sunny morning, but still a bit too cold to sit out, so ate inside the Packing House. Had a browse around the gallery and shop...the latter is full of Burleigh ware...too florid for my taste! Drove on up to Tunstall to take a quick look at Hawes Street, and the improvements that fuelled our play...but it's all looking very underwhelming...needs revisiting by the architectural team! 

Drove back to Bakewell Street and put a packed lunch together, to eat before the show goes up tonight, then drove in to the theatre. Did some exercises before we met on stage to work some bits and pieces. The theatre wasn't full this evening, but well attended, and the show went well. I felt I got bigger laughs...so headed in the right direction. My arthritic feet were painful by the time I got to my final drunk scene...repaired to the bar for a quick drink, but only us Good Golly lot hanging about. Limped to my car and drove back to Bakewell Street...

Monday 6th April 2026

Woke at 0400, but managed to get back to sleep relatively quickly...next time I awoke it was 0900! Pretty good! Brought tea and porridge back to bed, and listened to the Today programme, and then some BBCR6. Nice sunny day beckoned...but a bit cold out. Drove down to Barlaston and parked up on the village green to take a long circular walk around Downs Bank...centred on a stream and verdant woodland. Bonus of a coffee stop half way round. 

Enjoyed their sausage bap, which I ate at a picnic table while FaceTiming Aki in Osaka. She'd had a fun day out with chums in ancient Nara. Walked back to the car and changed my footwear before walking on into the village. Had a sandwich lunch at The Plume of Feathers, and sat on a bench overlooking the adjacent Trent & Mersey Canal with my half of Guinness. The pub was owned by the actor Neil Morrissey, and still stocks his ales...he recently sold up, and now owns a pub in Newton Solney. Drove up through the Wedgewood Estate and parked up to take a look around...had a hot chocolate and a brownie in the gift shop, then wandered around the Wedgewood gift shop...some gorgeous stuff in there...very expensive! Drove back toward Stoke, stopping at Trentham Gardens...found myself in the outlet shopping centre...rather tawdry...but happened upon the Blue Diamond store, which I knew had Cooknet.com frozen foods for sale...bought three meals, and drove back to Bakewell Street to bung them in the freezer. Cooked up an oven ready moussaka for dinner, with greens. Watched a bit of telly in my room, then listened to some R6Music before catching The Ten...

Sunday 5th April 2026

Woke at 0100, 0200, and 0300...then managed to sleep through to 0730. Got up and brought tea back to bed, and some almond buttered toast. Aching all over! Voice a little tattered after last night's social gathering. Aki FaceTimed from Evie's in Osaka...she'd gotten to visit Ha-chan in hospital in the afternoon...she's undergoing intensive cancer treatment, and it doesn't sound as though she will be discharged before Aki returns to Tokyo. Got up around 1130 in a bid to get my act together. Sat at my laptop for a bit. Turning into a bright, sunshiny day after last night's Storm Dave. Drove to the theatre to pick up David and Georgie, then on to Rough Close for Sunday lunch at the Swynnerton Arms. As we drove along Stanley Matthews Way, the dual carriageway A50, a car came hurtling toward us going the wrong...a car two or three car-lengths in front of us in the outside lane braked suddenly, and the van behind it went into the back of it, smashing the rear window. Numerous police cars appeared in pursuit of the presumably stolen car, which had lost a tyre and was running on a wheel rim, but they went hurtling away into the distance as I watched in my wing mirror! The drivers of the van and the car it crashed into looked OK, but their vehicles will have to be towed away. We got to the pub in one piece. I went for the slow cooked beef, with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, roast vegetables, cauliflower cheese and red cabbage...the beef was melt-in-the-mouth. Excellent Sunday lunch. Learned that Georgie has a job starting in May, touring with Rude Mechanicals, and David is in two out-door shows in a park in Chester over the summer. Drove back to the theatre and dropped them off. FaceTimed Kath from my parked car...Kath, Jim and Emma were getting Sunday lunch ready for mum and dad, and apparently Ronan and Nieve were expected to join them. Spent the rest of the day in my room, too exhausted to venture back out. Got into bed and listened to the last hour or so of the West Ham v Leeds FA Cup game, then listened to music. FaceTimed Jim Lister from my bed...and was surprised to find him in bed too! Katherine is in Cayman, and he's been busy leafletting ahead of his standing for Holme Valley District Council in May, under the Greens banner. I recommended a couple of possible hotel venues for their trip to Stoke to see Good Golly Miss Molly later in the month...

Saturday 4th April 2026

Woke at 0400, and 0600...alarm at 0730. Felt relatively refreshed, though, compared to recent nights. Descended to make tea, and porridged in my room, before driving in to the theatre for a 0930 start. Warmed up, then went through notes, and worked some bits and pieces, before lunch break. Prepared for the second dress run. Tried to hold back a bit, to save some energy for tonight's full house. Went OK...I felt ready! Dinner break, followed by warm up and sound check, then they opened the house and 600 people piled in. Albert Cooper's daughter Jane had managed to find a couple of her deceased father's pipes, and I utilised one of them in my Grandad scenes. The audience were really up for a good time, and I enjoyed extracting the comedy from all my characters...the show went down a storm. Standing ovation at the end...what an amazing night in the theatre! Showered after the show before ascending to the bar. Eddie York was there, as was Sarah Mortimer, Tim Welton and Lynn Whitehead, who had all been in the 1989 production. Got collared by a woman and her daughter...turned out to be Zoe, who had worked behind the bar in 1988/1989! She'd had a bit of a fling with Graham at the time!!! Did the rounds, catching up with various people. Carol Ruggier, who had played Molly in the 1991 production, had made it up from London, in the company of her fella, Bryan. Albert Cooper's daughters, Sarah and Jane, were there too. Had a nice chat with Jenny, Liz Evans' daughter, who plays rugby for the Welsh national team. All in all, a great night. By the time I drove back to Penkhull, Storm Dave was in full swing...bits of tree in the streets! Got to bed around 0030...

Friday 3rd April 2026

Woke at 0200, 0400, and 0800...managed to nod off eventually, finally waking around 1000. Got up and brought tea and porridge back to bed with me. Did some work at the laptop, and made some first night cards. Aki FaceTimed from Tokyo, where she was enjoying dinner with Chiaki and Yoshi. They had been out enjoying the cherry blossom this afternoon. Drove in to Newcastle...parked up at Sainsburys and walked into town. Brunched at the Greek Bakery...very tasty pork gyro. I promised to return. Bought a chicken and cheese pie to take to the theatre tomorrow. Phoned Aki from a bench in the ornamental gardens. She had gone to bed feeling a little tipsy after sitting up drinking with Chiaki. She's off to Osaka tomorrow. Walked back to Sainsburys and did a shop, before driving on to Tesco to buy Ms Molly's strawberry jelly trifles to give to the girls as first night presents tomorrow. Drove back to Bakewell Street. Made some more first night cards, and had a lie down for a bit, listening to music. Ordered a cervical pillow...will hopefully be delivered to the theatre early next week. Lemon chicken risotto microwave meal for dinner, with some greens. Ate in the Morning Room and watched the first episode of series 3 of Trying...it's gone a bit soppy now the children have arrived. Hope it gets better. 

Thursday 2nd April 2026

Woke at about 0400 and don't think I really got back to sleep again. Probably dozed off around 0700, and woke again at 0800. Sat up and listened to Today, swearing every time sound clips of Trump came on! He should be put up against a wall and shot! Showered. Aki FaceTimed from Yokohama, where she is staying with Chiaki and Yoshi. News of Ha-Chan not good...sounds as though her discharge from hospital may not happen when Aki was hoping it might. 

Drove in to the theatre for brunch, prior to an 1130 call. Slow start to the working day. Got into costume for photo calls before breaking for lunch.  I sat on a bench in the car park, dedicated to the memory of big John Humphries...he was the theatre carpenter during my 1990s tenure...a grand bloke...he probably built the bench! Managed to persuade my cast mates to record a rendition of Happy Birthday to Aki, which I sent to her via WhatsApp. Did a run of the play in the late afternoon. Went OK...small invited audience, who were game for getting up and dancing. I missed a couple of entrances...just seemed to run out of oomph. Felt very weary afterward. David organised a large delivery of fish, chips and mushy peas, which we ate in the atrium before dispersing. Drove back to Bakewell Street. Mein hosts away for the night...they are watching Huddersfield v Reading tomorrow. Sat in my room nursing a Guinness before running a bath.

Wednesday 1st April 2026

Woke at 0330, and again at 0600...as per usual! Back giving me some gip, so sat up in bed for a while. Alarm at 0730. Rose slowly and descended to make tea. Lindsey was in the kitchen in her cycling lycra...she and Aidan had sold on their business yesterday, and she was now looking forward to some me time. Porridged in my room. Drove in to Basford for a 0915 start...yet another 11 hour day in prospect! Ran Act II in the pre-lunch session. Lunched on Staffordshire oatcakes in the restaurant. FaceTimed Aki as she was about to bed down for the night at Izumi's in Tokyo...they had experienced a 10 second, minor earthquake today! Ran Act I in the afternoon/evening session. All went reasonably well...broke around 2000. Repaired to the Hop Inn with some of the cast, for a half of Guinness before driving back to Bakewell Street. Got in around 2115. Took a mug of tea up to my room. 

Tuesday 31st March 2026

Woke at 0330, and again around 0600. Alarm at 0730. Got up and showered before descending to make tea. Porridged in my room. Drove to Basford for a 0915 start. Continued working through Act II. Broke for lunch at 1400. Aki sent some photos of cherry blossom in full bloom...I sent her a photo of me in my college lecturer wig beneath the magnolia tree in the theatre garden. Another long afternoon/evening session. Did Hit The Road Jack three or four times...my bad hernia repair giving me gip by the end of rehearsals. Broke at 2000 and ate my prawn salad, before driving back to Bakewell Street. No sign of mein hosts. Repaired to my room, exhausted!

Monday 30th March 2026

Woke at 0300, and at 0600. Alarm at 0800. Got up and descended to make tea. Porridged in my room. Grey, damp day. Drove to Tesco and did a little shopping...filled up with petrol...and picked up a coffee. Got to the theatre around 1000. Morning sound checking the songs in Act II, then we started Act II technical rehearsals. Tea break was marked by cake to celebrate Georgie's birthday. Broke for lunch at 1400. FaceTimed Aki, who was at Izumi's. Long afternoon session, but made good progress toward the end of the show. Broke at 2000. Feet ache. Feel very weary indeed. Ate my pre-prepared prawn salad then drove back to Bakewell Street. Lindsey was sat at the kitchen table on a zoom meeting. She said she had had a tough day...the deal to sell the business almost fell through! Retired upstairs to my room. 

Sunday 29th March 2026

Woke at 0430...my usual 0330, but the clocks had gone forward an hour! Managed to nod back off after half-an-hour, waking again at 0945. FaceTimed Aki from her hotel room in Nagano. The Buddhist ceremony had gone well, though she hadn't expected to have to pick up one of her deceased brother-in-law's bones, and drop it into the family vault! I descended to the kitchen to make tea...ate my porridge in my room. Lindsey doing a big wash, so I took up her offer to wash me smalls. Drove into Newcastle. Parked up at Morrisons and walked into town in the drizzle for a coffee, only to discover Piccoloco was closed on Sundays...had a cappuccino at Bread & Bake next door, then drove to The Secret Garden in Clayton for Sunday lunch with Sam, David, and Georgie. Very odd venue...a small 60s era unit in a little parade of shops, that has been done out in garish neon...a floor singer serenaded us through our two courses. There was half a flamingo in a feather boa in the Gents! Food was OK...the prawn cocktail didn't have any prawns in it, though...shrimp! The pork belly was OK, with roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese, and a Yorkshire pudding! Dropped David off at Morrisons on my way back to Penkhull. My washing had been done, so I re-made my bed. Had a lie down for half-an-hour then got up and dined on a chocolate pudding, before driving to Hartshill to meet up with James and Anne for Vinyl Destination at The Sanctuary. Had a Guinness and listened to some Cat Power, Comsat Angels, and The Count Five. Got back to the digs around 2045. Made tomorrow's prawn salad. Listened to some music and watched some TV in my room before collapsing into bed...

Saturday 28th March 2026

Alarm at 0730. Fitful night's sleep, but not too bad. Woke at 0330, but got back to sleep after half-an-hour. Calf muscle in my left leg went into spasm on waking! Desperately need a rest! Got up and made tea. Porridged in my room. Aki FaceTimed from a hotel room in Nagano...she and Naoya had driven up with his father's ashes...Buddhist ceremony tomorrow at the graveyard family plot. Drove in to Basford for a 0930 start. Ran Act I at 1100...ran into immediate problems with the head mics, which demanded a computer reset. Run went pretty well thereafter, I thought, though there were some hiccups along the way. Broke at 1330. I cooked my chicken and mushroom pie in the oven and ate in the atrium. Drove back to Bakewell Street. My shirt had been delivered by Toast...but it's way too big, so will have to be sent back...what a palaver! Drove into Hanley and dropped the shirt off at the Post Office in the Potteries Centre, then had a wander around the city centre...very depressing! What a hole!!! Bought a microwaveable heat mask for my eye in Boots, and one for my neck in Superdrug, then wandered down to take a look at Little Dumpling King, a highly recommended eatery...looks worth a visit. Paid homage at the feet of Sir Stanley Matthews in the city centre, then drove back to Bakewell Street. Feel so tired...as if I've been run over by a steamroller! Pottered about for a bit, then drove to Hartshill for dinner at Kismet...but they were busy, and couldn't fit me in...so I ordered a takeaway, and had a swift half in the Old House At Home. Ate my dinner in the morning room at Bakewell Street, watching the last two episodes of series 2 of Trying...got a bit soppy, but lots of quirky comedy still to be had...delicious! 

Friday 27th March 2026

Alarm at 0730. Lay in for 15 minutes before rising and descending to the kitchen to make tea. Ate my porridge in my room. Feel pretty achey this morning...headache still hovering in the wings, and my bad inguinal hernia repair giving me a lot of gip! Left the strapping on my left ankle in place overnight. Drove into Basford for a 0915 start. Continued working through Act I, focussing on lights and sound. Long, drawn out process. Lunched on burrata and sun dried tomatoes, and a mushroom and chicken pasta microwaved meal. Long afternoon/evening session. Finished around 1930. Sat in the atrium and ate my pre-prepared chicken and avocado salad. Too whacked to join the gang for a beer at the Hop Inn...drove to Tesco to do a bit of shopping. Filled the fridge back at Bakewell Street. Retired to my room with a mug of mint tea and a bag of nuts!

Thursday 26th March 2026

Alarm at 0730. Left eye completely closed. Descended to make tea...brought my porridge back upstairs to eat in my room. FaceTimed Aki, but she was in a restaurant with her niece, and her fella...I gave them a wave before terminating the call. Drove in to the theatre for a 0915 start. Tweaked something in my left foot during the warm up. attempting a couple of Nureyev leaps! Got more painful as the technical rehearsal wore on. Had it strapped up before attempting the Kiss of Life choreography. 

Seemed to do the trick. Cooked a small pizza for lunch. Ate in the atrium. Plodded on with the tech for the long late afternoon session. My headache started to make an unwelcome return! Took a couple of ibuprofen. Broke at 1945. Ate my packed lunch at my dressing table before driving back to Bakewell Street. Watched the second half of the World Cup qualifier between Wales and Bosnia...corking goal from Dan James! Game went to extra time...Wales losing out i the penalty shoot out.