Period Drama

I have been thorough surrounded by period drama in a variety of forms in the last few days. I have gone from Dikensian London to stately granduer finally rounded off by Austen's Country. I am thoroughly cultured.

Dickensian misery was in the form of Nicholas Nickleby's opening night at the Gielgud Theatre on Haymarket. http://www.gielgud-theatre.com. A group of us from the front of house team grinned proudly as we saw the luminescent sign boasting 'CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE PRESENTS...' This feels like our show, like our child made good and hitting the big lights of London.

We all had our eyes peeled, not only for the famous guests, but also for the mundane details that would entertain only the mind of a member of theatre staff. The price of ice creams and programmes was high on our scavenger hunt of details to find out, and were were all looking at our watches furiously at 2 pm to see if the show would go up on time. Are we not sad!!!

I enjoyed the show itself but I also enjoyed the opportunity to do something different and hang out with the people I work with in an alternative context. Tucked up in little cafes and super-fast diners we chatted away, reminscing of former days spent working in London town, before braving the chill and taking a meander down the often forgotten back streets tucked behind the bustling hubub of Regent Street. It's those little things that remain in my memory.

Sunday was lovely in it's Christmassyness. Uppark, a big 17th Century house set in the rolling Downs, had decorated some of the state rooms in traditional style. Carols wafted around the rooms as we gazed at the house all dressed in greenery and smelt the pine scent coming from the twinkling christmas trees.  A glimpse of Santa, topped off with a cup of tea and shop browse, my idea of a time well spent.

The last of my period delights was a marathon. But a lovely one. BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, good friend, nibbles and duvet. I don't remember the last time I watched the whole thing all in one go, but it was goooooood! 

Comments

[Carla Harding]

Good, it was great! We should make it an annual tradition! xc