A Book of Old Ballads, a Foreword by Beverly Nichols

ife has so twisted things that there are no longer any clean swords nor great causes, nor black enemies. And the flags do not know which way to flutter, so contrary are the winds of the modern world. All is doubt. And doubt’s colour is grey. Grey is no colour for a ballad.

‘Hamnet’ and the Ethics of Creative Biography

*contains minor spoilers for Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. I finished ‘Hamnet’ by Maggie O’Farrell two days ago. I’m late to this party, and very nearly missed the boat due to that self important streak of anarchism that insists on refusing the recommended. It is very good: O’Farrell has the gift of Word Painting. A worldContinue reading “‘Hamnet’ and the Ethics of Creative Biography”

After 9 months of application

Yesterday the news came in, Troubadour is a charity!!!! There are moments when excitement spills over, allow it to wash through and then bottle the excess. Remember that feeling, and cork it to be stored and used again and again when you next need a pick me up. Enjoy that first glass: allow time toContinue reading “After 9 months of application”

Creative Sparks from ‘Dream’

I watched the technological exhibition that is Dream from the RSC last night. It sparks the imagination of where theatre might go, and crucially how this technology and its use in theatre might impact other industries. Movement into Music Oh the world that is now open if music can respond to your movements! Imagine aContinue reading “Creative Sparks from ‘Dream’”

‘Leading Ladies, Walking Ladies, and Heavy Women’ by T.W. Robertson, for the Illustrated Times, 13 February 1864.

This is one of a cycle of articles commissioned by the Illustrated Times intended to shed light on the realities of working in theatre. T.W. Robertson was a playwright who wrote articles for the press before finding success with his play Society in 1865, which was put on by the actor-manager Marie Wilton. I foundContinue reading “‘Leading Ladies, Walking Ladies, and Heavy Women’ by T.W. Robertson, for the Illustrated Times, 13 February 1864.”