Drop and give me 20! (Please don’t strain yourself on my behalf.) But do please stand to attention for the Lieutenant. That’s what she said. And before we go on, I’m definitely pronouncing it Lef-tenant not Loo-tenant. Today is one of those days where I had a few things to recommend so a little update felt warranted. With cases as they are currently, in the 10s of thousands, I was apprehensive about the relaxing of restrictions on Monday. I haven’t really changed my behaviours since then as I personally believe I still need to be careful to protect myself and those around me. And I’ve brought my second jab forward – please go and get your vaccine if you haven’t already. However with cognitive dissonance in full view the Lovely Girlfriend and I went to the theatre Tuesday night. We went to see Magic Goes Wrong at The Curve in Leicester. I really like the theatre itself, it’s modern and well thought out.
I say cognitive dissonance because even though cases are high and I’m concerned and knowing that there would be no socially distanced seating, I went anyway. I have to say though that the staff were brilliant, there was hand sanitiser on offer everywhere, you could check in with the Covid app and the theatre had asked for all to continue to wear masks which the majority did. I had a fucking amazing time. It was awesome to be back watching live theatre again and my face physically hurt from laughing too much. It was doubly special because I was invited onstage to help with a trick, which was fun. I always feel a little uncomfortable about doing stuff like that because I don’t feel I’m good enough at improvisation to not be completely boring. However it does mean I’ve now been on stage at The Curve and De Montfort Hall. When I were a wee lad watching a panto at De Montfort I was invited onstage to meet Steve McFadden. Nice bloke actually. Anyway. During the show we noticed the lovely folk sitting behind us were involved with the show and I ended up having a lovely conversation with one of the Directors, who was so pleased to be back in the theatre and having an adoring audience. The performance itself had a few bumps and it literally went wrong in the first half when they had to pause for five minutes to sort out a technical difficulty. But I honestly didn’t give a shit, it was glorious to be back enjoying theatre.
Mischief Theatre have a few plays and are currently touring Magic Goes Wrong, The Play That Goes Wrong and Groan Ups. I’ve seen Magic twice, Play Goes Wrong four times (and again in August), Peter Pan Goes Wrong once and The Comedy About a Bank Robbery once. I love them! Google that shit and get yourself some tickets, it’s worth it.
Next and most important for me, the first episode of Ted Lasso season 2 drops today, with an episode dropping every Friday for twelve episodes. You can find Ted Lasso on Apple TV. If you’re lucky enough to have it or get a free trial, I would absolutely 100%, definitely, definitely recommend watching this show. Even the Lovely Girlfriend loves it and it’s about a Premier League Football Team and their new American manager. It’s really difficult for me to explain why I love this show so much above others, but I feel it’s linked to the shitty time we’ve all had recently and the buoyant, poignant and optimistic nature of Ted and the show in general that lends itself to me having watched the first season six times already. Honestly, you’ll thank me, watch this shit.
Jason Sudeikis who playes Ted, being an absolute icon at the premiere of season 2 of Ted Lasso.
Your intrepid blogger enjoying a mocktail whilst relaxing at Ragdale Hall and Spa last weekend. I seem to be blending in with my drink and wallpaper behind me. It’s a calming place and I enjoyed myself. If you ever want to relax, this is something I’d recommend. The staff are great, the food is awesome and they have great facilities. It’s definitely a treat the Lovely Girlfriend and I enjoy.
Stay safe.
PS – If it’s still showing, go and see In The Heights at the cinema. Possibly a little long, but vibrant, upbeat and a lovely little story mixed up in a musical about the New York City Latino neighbourhood of Washington Heights, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda.