I was introduced to this word a few days ago by Philip K Dick’s novel ‘The Man in the High Castle’, and its certainly a concept that springs to life in Stratford-upon-Avon. Most of the UK, in fact, has a palpable sense of identity, of pride, not only in the objects and stories of history … Continue reading
Category Archives: All
In the Moment
Have you ever had the feeling that you are exactly where you should be in life, doing exactly what you should be doing? It’s a rare enough feeling with me, but one that occasionally strikes with the force of a reassuring lightning bolt. It came to me clearly as I sat on a shaded bench … Continue reading
On Not Being a Felon
As you already know I’m currently a little wandering nomad, flitting hither and thither until I can roost permanently in my new home in Wapping. I went away for a few days to Stratford-upon-Avon (expect some moony-eyed lyrical blogs about the beauty of the countryside &c, shortly). Following this I made my way to my … Continue reading
The Moving-House Blues
On my own I managed to shove, jostle, slide, and cajole all my boxes from my 3rd floor apartment down to the ground floor, where the neighbor allowed me to use her beauty studio to store things for the movers to pick up the next day. Though exhausted I was proud that I managed to … Continue reading
Guest Post for Quite Irregular: Images of Britain in Literary TV Adaptations
Quite Irregular is running a series on adaptations, of which mine is the inaugural post. Please have a wander over and look at It Was Acceptable in the 80s: ITV Adaptations and Images of British Heritage. Excerpt below! I believe there are three series, all produced for ITV in the late 80s and early 90s, … Continue reading
Wandering Nomad
With all the stuff taken off the walls, my room is echoing unnaturally. There are boxes and boxes and so many boxes in the living room. The fridge is empty and the cupboard is bare. In every move there is a point where the house no longer feels like your place even though you’re still … Continue reading
Barry and Stuart at the Spiegeltent
London is a terrifically wonderful place to be right now. Many, many people have remarked on the transformed atmosphere in the place in the last few weeks due to the Olympics, the fabulous weather, the remaining goodwill from the Jubilee, or what-have-you. Whatever it is, London is certainly charmed at the moment. And oh, my … Continue reading
Up Sticks and Shift (to Wapping)
As previously mentioned, I will shortly be leaving my charming Fitzrovia abode for new pastures. At time of last writing I didn’t know to which new perch I would be flitting, but now I can say that I shall be moving to Wapping. The sum total of my knowledge about Wapping prior to viewing a … Continue reading
Witching Hour Shakespeare
I’d never been to the Globe before, and it seemed that a midnight matinee was the perfect introduction. I went to see The Taming of the Shrew, a play that has always troubled me. At first glance and even on further examination, it looks very much like a play about the virtues of female submission … Continue reading
On British Eccentricity
People often ask me why I like living in Britain. There are a number of reasons but one of the biggest only became clear to me during the Opening Ceremonies a few days ago. I’ve often remarked that the people of the British Isles, dear and lovely though they may be, are also completely bonkers. … Continue reading