I know it’s not real.  But sometimes I get swept into TV programmes.  For instance, tonight, and the last couple of nights I’ve been so mad with the EastEnders production team.  I mean, how could Carol hurt Masood like that?  Can the poor man not find happiness?  First his ghastly wife, then Jane (what a lovely couple they made) and now Carol’s dumped him for David.  I used to like David when he was in it before (seeing Michael French up close once at the Anna Scher Theatre had much to do with that) but now he’s getting on my nerves.  He’s also done the dirty on Max.  I mean, where did he suddenly get £100,000 from?  I think I need to be written in as Masood’s new love interest.  Will tweet or email them and suggest myself, I think 😉  I’m very disappointed in Carol for choosing David over Masood.

I was very disappointed in Maggie in The 7.29, too.  Played by the wonderfully talented Olivia Coleman (who doesn’t seem to have much luck with husbands, does she?  Did you see Broadchurch?) she was such a strong character and there was no way, in real life, that she would have taken David back.  I enjoyed it – although I think it dragged a bit and could have been done in one sitting – but the ending was a real let down.  Why do programmes always show men getting away with infidelity?  What message is being sent here?

A highlight of the week was going to the cinema with the Sister to see 12 Years a Slave.  I came out with my senses reeling.  A very powerful film on every level.  Amazing performances all round.  I had to close my eyes in so many of the scenes and it was in the details, the small things, like when he has to burn his letter that also really got to me.  And the film really highlighted how the black woman suffered during enslavement; children taken, used at will by the slave master or plantation owner, punished physically and mentally.  Truly horrendous.  Lupita Nyongo’o was amazing, as were Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Sarah Paulson and Benedict Cumberbatch.  Interesting that as the Producer, Brad Pitt cast himself as one of the only two half-decent white people in the whole film.  Not a brilliant performance, though, imho.

I had a long conversation with playwright Belvedere Pashun today.  Thrilled to be working with him soon and very grateful for the pointers he gave me.

Our Melabeau Productions meeting was so, so positive.  We’re really moving forward and as well as Singles’ Holiday we’re going to do our first panto this year.  Oh yes we are!

The final edit of Singles In India is almost complete – except it’s not called Singles In India any more – I’ve decided on Hot and Spicy Singles.  How does that grab you?  I’ve discussed the cover with the wonderful Lisa Moreno at Vanilla Gecko and it should all be ready by the end of February.  Then it’s on to the next one!

I went and saw Auntie J in hospital today.  She was really cheery and we chatted.  What a long, boring day it must be for her.  I was able to give her a little manicure and massaged her hands with some lovely perfumed hand cream.  She said it made her feel better and I was glad about that.  She broke her hip before Christmas.  Hopefully she’ll soon be going home.

Martine’s funeral yesterday was, of course, an overwhelmingly sad day.  It was the first time I’d seen many of my friends since Jean Hewitt’s funeral.  Let’s hope next time we meet up will be for a happy occasion.  Plans for a summer barbecue were discussed.  Let’s hope they come to fruition.  It was the biggest funeral I’ve ever been to and I think that says so much about Martine herself.   Her sense of humour shone right through to the end in her choice of music.  I’ll leave you to guess what she’d chosen to play at the crematorium.  RIP, lovely. xx

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