Andy Willoughby photo by Louise Wilkin

Crossing the Tees: Between Stations Live

My first event of 3 at this year’s Crossing the Tees Book festival was Between Stations Live.

So pleased recordings of this were streamed and remain so you can enjoy it even if you weren’t in the beautiful room which is the Reference Library in Middlesbrough. Andy Willoughby performs a multi-media version of Between Stations with unexpected and lovely music opening from Ella Joy Hunton. This was followed by an Open Mic.

An enjoyable meditation on absurd and meaningful journeys we take in life, the humor that gets us through – there’s serious stuff in there – but as the phrase goes from the ridiculous to the sublime.

Moloko!



Couldn’t agree more with Louise, and always happy for an excuse to share her pics. Photo in the header is by Louise Wilkin, who is a wiz at taking quick snaps that look great.

American Psycho the Musical and this trip to London

American Psycho the musical

Related videos including an interview with Duncan Sheik and director Rupert Goold and the cast in rehearsals.

Went on a trip to London to see American Psycho the Musical at the Almeida. We booked these tickets in May of last year before Matt Smith was announced as the lead which led it to sell out completely. Picked the date based on when there was a talkback.

This was near as painless an experience as it could be dragging someone who hates London with me. He was willing to admit he would have graded it a great trip if it took place somewhere else.

Pleasant Grand Central train ride to London from Hartlepool with a nice amount of legroom. Booked the nearby Euston Premier Inn an easy walk from the station. The room was in a quiet wing and really was impressively quiet. It was also easy walking distance to and to everywhere we were going, the Almeida Theatre, The British Museum and The Cartoon Museum.

Duncan Sheik and meSome tips if you are going to the Almeida Theatre. It is small so book early if it is something you are desperate to see. The seats are not all separate from each other – this was cosy and comfy sitting next to someone I’m close with. May lead to some awkwardness next to someone you don’t know. (The studio theatre at Theatre Royal in Newcastle is similar with long benches instead of individual seats.)

There is an Ottolenghi across the street so if you’re a fan pre-book. Was gutted I didn’t notice until after eating dinner in the theatre, since I just got an Ottolenghi cookbook for Christmas/Hanukkah. The cafe/bistro inside the theatre was perfectly serviceable and delicious and we only had an hour to eat so I am not too bitter about the Ottolenghi thing and it just means I will have to go back.

I continue to be a Duncan Sheik fangirl, thoroughly enjoyed the show.  Was a bit distracted to begin with as Matt Smith comes out in his y-fronts and a mask to sing. The story is set in NY of the 80s and though the cast did a great job but for the first few minutes I was distracted by the accents – Matt Smith sounded like he was imitating Kev’s American accent/John Wayne impression which was making me want to giggle.

The 80s music and the new stuff by Duncan Sheik worked really well together. The well known parts of the book/film feature here. Set design was great.

So glad we went!!