Our Queen and the Queen of Comedy

Two Queens are in the news today.

One is Queen Elizabeth II, who is 90. Although I am a Republican, it would be churlish not to wish her “Happy Birthday ” on reaching such a milestone.  But her birthday is bitter-sweet for me and my family as she shared her birthday with OUR Queen; my mum, Lily Spires.

Although born on the same day, but one year apart – Mum was older and would have been 91 today – their lives couldn’t have been more different. No palaces or castles for Mum, who was the third of four children … Read the rest »

On the Shoulders of the Choreographer…..

I watched a bit of BBC breakfast this morning.  The wonderful Victoria Wood was on, talking about a TV film she’s made which is going out over Christmas, called The Day We Sang.  She was being asked whether she was afraid or daunted by writing and directing it – as if she’s never written or directed anything before!  I mean, can these interviewers be any more patronising? – and she said that as director you’re at the top of a pyramid of very talented people; “…standing on the shoulders of the choreographer and musical director who are doing a sterling … Read the rest »