Last Thursday I came home to find the Sister up the alley with six burly firefighters. As I said “Old habits die hard!”. But this wasn’t just another excuse for her to get a cheap thrill; far from it. The Sister was being a good citizen because she’d seen that the neighbour whose garden backs onto ours had left a bonfire unattended and it had caught one of the trees. Now, I’m not criticizing, but you’d think the neighbours would have learned from such a close shave, wouldn’t you? Well, no they haven’t! Because anyone else’s enjoyment of sitting in their garden on this fine evening has been knocked into a cocked hat. Take in the wonderful scents of the flowers? No chance! They’re at it again, although at least this time the fire isn’t unattended. The smell of burning rubbish and the billowing smoke are overwhelming. Relax in the peace and quiet? You’re joking! They must have ten children in the garden (surely a health and safety issue if there’s a bonfire going like the clappers?) all shouting and making a racket. Oh dear!
And why is it that when the temperature goes up everyone is overcome with the urge to expose their bodies to the world? Yes, it’s warm, but whatever happened to decorum? Walking through Central London on Friday and Saturday all I could think was “The things you see when you haven’t got a gun!” Not a pretty sight!
And there’s much to be said for the laws in countries like Spain and Greece, which forbid people from travelling on public transport without a shirt. I saw several men in string vests, exposing dirty, hairy, sweaty bodies sit on the tube. I pitied anyone who sat in the seat after them. And as for supermarkets that allow men with no shirts inside – don’t get me started!
On stage it’s been very hot. As you all know, Mother Nature wasn’t very kind to me when she gave out hair – mine is wavy. Not curly, like beautiful corkscrew curls, nor straight. Wavy. And having to pin it up under the wig means that I look like something from Mars when I take it off and the pins out. People are leaping out of my path all the way back down the Strand. Mind you, I don’t know how the men in the cast bear it – they wear jackets and overcoats and hats! But, I suppose, that’s showbusiness!
I’ve had some lovely catch ups lately; lunch with my old friend J A (who tells me I have to let go of the Old Trout! Hmm!) and fab actors I haven’t seen for a while and then my lovely Leisure and Tourism students. I can’t believe it’s so long since they were in my class – but they’ve all matured into such lovely people and have all done something with their lives. As their ex-tacher I’m so proud of them and as a friend I’m also proud to know them.
This week we’re going to see Cirque du Soleil, with the Daughter, who I haven’t seen for a couple of weeks and although we talk daily – sometimes twice or three times! – I still miss actually seeing her. It’s a Mother’s lament; I’m full of pride that she’s such a fabulous, independent woman, but I miss having my little girl around……
Great to see JF and her handsome sons all the way from LA. She’s been the Sister’s penfriend since they were 8 years old! We met up in Covent Garden, which was absolutely heaving with people. Later on we went to Hyde Park – shame Elton was ill! – and then as it was too hot, left and went and had afternoon tea in Selfridges. Very civilised! I love afternoon tea.
And the keyboard has almost caught fire this week as we work hard scripting Singles’ Holiday for the stage. I am so excited about that! it’s one of the things making this summer worthwhile.
And please – no more complaints about the heat. It’s summer! A few weeks ago we were all complaining because it was the wettest Spring since I don’t know when. Let’s enjoy the sunshine – but keep our bodies and sweat and bonfires to ourselves. Please.
