If I were to choose one word to describe the last week, it would be "showtime". In the last couple of months, Eddie's been taking part in numerous rehearsals of Bugsy Malone. And finally, the time has come to perform in front of the audience.
I keep taking snaps of books that I've been reading. It's an on-going never-ending de-cluttering mission, this time sorting out books from Eddie's room. We decided to move some of the favourites, like full collections of How to train your dragon, Murder most unladylike, Alex Rider, Sculduggery etc (keeping not sure for whom, perhaps for my future grandchild?) in boxes to the attic, and also take those books that we definitely won't be reading again to the charity shops for other children to enjoy.
Before saying Good Bye to some books, I thought I'd read them myself.
Slave Girl/ The Diary of Clotee, Virginia, USA, 1859 from My Story series is a heartbreaking, moving read, even when you know about slavery. It is based on the story of a real person, Clotee Henley. Her story was first recorded in 1939, when she was 92. Clotee served as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, helping over 150 people to escape slavery. It's an incredible story, and so well written.
The series is aimed at a younger audience, but I found it truly gripping, and kept reading late into the night, hoping to find out if Clotee herself manages to escape.
The second book, Victorian Workhouse/ The Diary of Edith Lorrimer, England, 1871, is another story of survival through adversity. I only read a few pages so far.
On Monnday the only snap I have taken was of my husband and Sasha walking towards the cafe. Sasha loves going to cafe Nero. I usually accompany them, queue for drinks and food and then leave them alone before running my errands.
The Bugsy Malone crew had four performances in one week, one a daytime show for the younger audience, and three evenings in a row for families and friends. It was quite intense.
As we were not allowed to take any photos, I asked Eddie if someone can do a snap of him at the back stage.
One of his mates, a boy I've known since the primary school, was doing a part of Fat Sam, and he was brilliant. Actually, they all tried their best, and did a good job.
I went to see Eddie on stage on Wednesday. He had a small part of one of the Dandy Dan's gangsters and said just one line, though he did take part in action throughout the production, running around the hall with big guns and shooting foam.
It was a joy to see how much fun they all had.
It also brought back memories of my own school days, and taking part in the production of Moliere's Tartuffe. It was the high school competition, and each class had chosen a play to perform. Though we were truly the best, the first place was awarded to our competitors who've chosen a contemporary play with a socialist propaganda slant, romanticising the revolution.
I loved Moliere's play, it is truly a timeless comedy, and I also loved being on stage, especially wearing the period costume and the fancy wig.
It being one of my cherished memories, I'm so glad Eddie has enjoyed the similar experience.
Here is a snap of the play programme.
On Thursday it was my husband's turn to see Bugsy Malone. He enjoyed it too.
I baked an apple tart for my guys, and served it with custard.
If I were to go to an addicts anonymous meeting, I would say that I'm addicted to books. Even when I don't plan to buy any, I just have to pop into the local bookshop to look at the books, do a quick browsing. It is one of my top favourite places in town.
We do have the whole set of the Huger Games books, but I'm allowed to admire the new edition of the series. I have also pre-ordered the prequel, which comes out in March. Isn't it bizarre to think that Hunger Games has been a banned book in several states in America. So, the gun violence is acceptable, while books are banned.
On the way to Sainsbury's, I stopped for a second to take a photo of St Mary's Church, beautiful in all seasons and weathers.
Overall, it was a positive week. I've been feeling much better (hope I don't jinx it). And the days are getting longer, have you noticed?
Glad to hear you've had a good week. I've got three books on the go at the moment, as I keep forgetting where I've put one down so just started another, but I've lost my ready mojo this year. Glad Eddie is enjoying his performing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Suzanne, he had such a great time. Hope he could take part next year, if they have another show in school.
DeleteIt sounds like you have been busy organising the books.
ReplyDeleteWell done to Eddie and the rest of the kids in the show! It sounds like everyone had a great time.
The Hunger Game books are beautiful, I didn't know that they were banned in some states in America.
Thank you, Kim, books are taking over. Those that I have taken to the charity shop have hardly made a dent in the piles of books.
DeleteGlad it's been a good week. Sounds like the show was a good one. Big achievement for the children. I love a bookshop too, although I'm usually browsing for ideas for N, as I'm usually a Kindle reader
ReplyDeleteThose books sound really interesting, Scholastic make such good educational books for kids.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like Eddie had a great time, he looks very dapper in his gangster costume.
Your apple tart looks delicious, perfect for these chilly days we've been having.
Thank you, Angela, I think I have at least another one from the Scholastic series, about Titanic, and I will probably read it too. :)
DeleteBugsy Malone is such a fun show. That’s a lovely photo of Eddie with the splurge gun. Well done to him for taking part and sounds like he really enjoyed it too. Sounds like you’re enjoying sorting out books and glad you are feeling better this week. #project365
ReplyDeleteThank you, Louise, I'm very pleased for Eddie. It was a fun experience for him.
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