The Killing of Sister George

Posted on November 9, 2015 by Elaine Spires

I am ashamed to say that, until yesterday, I had never seen The Killing of Sister George. I don’t know why – the opportunity had never arisen, I suppose. But the Artful Theatre production of the play at the Eel Brook (fabulous name!) in the New King’s Road SW6 was well-worth waiting for.

I arrived twenty minutes of so before the start to find a rather noisy charity auction going on in the pub which forms the ground-floor of the theatre building. But producer Justin Savage was very assuring that the auction would end at 3pm, which was when the … Read the rest »

Zipping Over Vegas

Posted on November 6, 2015 by Elaine Spires

The Daughter is in Las Vegas and from the WhatsApp messages pinging me awake in the early hours, she’s having the time of her life on her SECOND Holiday Of A Lifetime this year! I’m just so thrilled to see her enjoying life so much. Like any mother, all I want is for her to be happy. And she’s certainly happy this week! She’s been to see Celine Dion and says it’s the best live show she’s ever seen; skydived over the Gran Canyon, zip-lined the length of Freemont Street, had a little win in the Golden Nugget, shopped, and … Read the rest »

Jackie Kabler

Posted on October 29, 2015 by Elaine Spires

I am so pleased and delighted that broadcaster and former GMTV reporter Jackie Kabler is sharing her Hot Holidays! with us today, not least of all because her debut novel, The Dead Dog Day came out just a few days ago on 22nd October 2015.

Jackie’s novel is the first book in a new series, and she draws on her experiences of the glamorous world of television, as well as her long-standing love for crime fiction. A popular broadcaster turned author, Jackie is now a presenter on QVC, and as well as a decade on GMTV, has … Read the rest »

Kindle KO

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Elaine Spires

I’ve actually bought a couple of books in the last few weeks. Not that buying books is unusual for me, but for the last couple of years I’ve tended to buy my books as Kindle downloads. That quite surprised me as I hated the thought of reading on a Kindle and really didn’t ever want one. I was given one as a Christmas gift a few years ago and it sat in its box for almost two years until I was going to Antigua for a longish visit and knew that I couldn’t realistically carry ten or twelve books with … Read the rest »

Meeting Martina and Birthday Lunch

Posted on October 15, 2015 by Elaine Spires

I was thrilled and honoured to meet the charismatic, talented Martina Cole at a book-signing last weekend. She was so lovely, chatty and helpful. I asked her about an interview and she said to give my card to her son who would contact me, which I did, so WATCH THIS SPACE!

Like me, Martina is a Dagenham girl, and one who’s never forgotten her roots. I really look forward to the interview and hearing what she has to say, especially as I’m deeply emerged in Dagenham back in the 50s at the moment with … Read the rest »

And Out Of The Woods…

Posted on October 11, 2015 by Elaine Spires

Amid cheers, tears, laughter, grateful thanks and a huge amount of pride the curtain came down on Melabeau’s production of Into the Woods Jr last night. And what a last night it was! What a run it was! And if I may quote every wannabe on the X-Factor, Strictly, BGT et al… What a journey it was!

I honestly don’t think Julie Barker (our amazing Musical Director) and I fully realised just how ambitious a piece it is for a young group until we really got into rehearsals. And the Melabeau Junior Company is very young – our youngest member … Read the rest »

Golden Saturday

Posted on September 27, 2015 by Elaine Spires

Yesterday was a truly Golden Saturday. It was, first of all, a glorious, early-Autumn day which involved a drive through Epping Forest to the Owl Pub where we were having a Spires’ Get-Together. Now these are always Golden Occasions because I just love being with my large, lively, loud extended family. It was just beautiful seeing four of the remaining Aunties and Uncles – Auntie Audrey, Uncle Stan, Uncle Tony and Auntie Betty. I’m never happier than when I’m in their company, listening to stories of family scandals and anecdotes and, for a couple of hours, it makes me feel … Read the rest »

An Apology

Posted on September 5, 2015 by Elaine Spires

Just a quickie to say I haven’t forgotten you all, but am having to rest the hand. I overdid things, spending too long pounding the keyboard, anxious to catch up on my writing and caused my hand to swell and hurt.

I will be back as soon as. Meanwhile……….fabulous West End star will be sharing her Hot Holidays! with us very soon!

Stay well! Lots of love xxx… Read the rest »

Hello, Again, Hello!

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Elaine Spires

Well, hello!

I am finally allowed a little ‘light’ typing from today on so my first thought was to get back to my blog and update what’s been happening to me. My knuckle-replacement surgery went successfully; I was very well looked after on Mayflower Ward of The Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford and in the operating theatre by Ms Zweifel. I had local anaesthetic, like last time, and the pre-med did its job even better as I was unaware of the sawing this time. I even woke myself up snoring – twice! (I was lying flat on my back I have to … Read the rest »

I’ll Be Back……

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Elaine Spires

Life has been quite hectic since I got back – when isn’t it? – and I’ve been here, there and everywhere meeting up with pals and doing nice things, including a lovely coffee-meeting on Saturday with a group of amazing writers, including Miranda Dickinson, Sue Watson, Phillippa Ashley and Cathy Bramley and the two great reviewers Kim Nash and Dawn Crooks. I sort of felt as if I shouldn’t have been there, but if you’re going to forge ahead yourself and strive for success……stick with the winners! Great advice and very nice women.

I ventured south of the river to … Read the rest »

The Journal of Elaine Spires

Novelist, playwright and actress

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