Mixed May
The National Library Reading Room, Paris
May was a strange month of extremes. There were funny moments and also sad times for some of my lovely friends. So, I’m starting this newsletter by sending love to anyone who needs it.
These months make you realise how much there is a definite need for living life and I’ve been trying to do my bit with further adventures in comedy land. Gig number three was at Long Live Comedy in the Town Wall pub in Newcastle. This night is very supportive of new comedians or people doing some new material. I’d practised my set with my patient husband, Steve, who was there on the night. Unfortunately, (my gigs always seem to have unfortunately in the postscript), I got in a muddle at the start and said my punchline before the set up. It’s fair to say this discombobulated Steve who was panic-stricken and stressed on my behalf. Luckily, I did find my feet and get through the rest.
There was more good fun at a comedy writers event organised by the local and best-selling author Yvonne Vincent. Five of us, Yvonne, Phil Mews, Karen Crear and Marie Thom (Midlife Dramas in Pyjamas) at the great venue Beat n Track in High Spen. There was a lovely crowd who seemed to find us all funny. Mission achieved.
The Allotment Sisterhood, my new novel, comes out on Wednesday,15 July. I’m having a launch at The Bound bookshop on that day, 7-9 pm in Whitley Bay. Tickets are available for £7 which includes refreshments and are available to book here
My theatre reviewer role for Northern Arts Review brings me pleasure as it is often the chance to see shows that I would never have booked otherwise. One of the most surprising and brilliant of these, was on at the Sunderland Empire in early May. Called Waitress, I’d never heard of it and totally recommend seeing the show if you can. It has strong female, lead roles, great songs and very talented performances.
I had a mini-break in Paris in mid-May and thoroughly enjoyed the stunning architecture and wonderful food – the chilly weather, not so much. The National Gallery’s reading room was one of the highlights (pictured above). It was breathtaking. Imagine studying for your exams, or writing an essay in there, surrounded by such history. It was view you really just wanted to drink in.
Books-wise this month I’ve not read much as I’ve been proofreading my book and going goggle eyed as a result. I did go to an excellent launch of the Guardian writer Jonathan Freedland’s non-fiction book about a small group of upper class Germans who tried to resist Hitler. It is not my usual genre but sounds like an inspirational adventure story, with so much at stake.
I am also lucky enough to be spending my morning with Stanley Tucci at the moment. Heart be still. His memoir, published before the current one, is called Taste. What a thing of joy it is to read his witty writing about his childhood, career and the food he loves.
On TV I loved Race Across the Word and the winners.Oh my word! What an inspirational couple of young men who deserve the world (and a budget to travel more easily).
The new season of the Assembly on ITV is also producing interesting conversations. I particularly liked the one with Rylan and Lenny Henry.
That’s all for me as I’m off to order a proof of my book to check it’s all shipshape and then have a long lie down. Again!
Have a good June and thanks for taking an interest in my world.