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!