I may have to start watching my blood pressure. Around four weeks ago, I was advised to purchase a machine for checking the same. And, so far, apart from one momentary spell at 151 over “something”, I have been well within the limits suggested in the accompanying booklet. Now-then, my interest in football is less than my fascination with nuclear physics, and I know nothing about either, save from one or two rules about football that I recall from primary school days. But, last night, even I became somewhat caught up in the excitement of England’s match against Denmark in what I understand is the European Cup. I am a little confused; the commentators kept referring to 1966. I always thought that was the World Cup, whose interest by me was similarly eclipsed by the impending end of steam on British Rail, a certain Danish blonde who will now be 72, and leaving school; all too much for an impressionable seventeen year-old! I do remember something about the World Cup, and that sometime later, the Cup itself got “nicked”.
That year, I took the Danish blonde to see Bob Dylan during his U.K. tour at which his backing band was introduced to a disapproving public. Actually, the band was superb, and apart from minor heckling when they came on for “part two” (part one was a traditional acoustic set with just guitar and mouth organ and, of course, Bob Dylan), I do not remember much protest as the Band accompanied Dylan in magnificent fashion. His anthem “Like a Rolling Stone” went on forever, rather like a live performance of Sultans of Swing from Dire Straits!
Back to last night’s Semi Finals. Despite my disinterest in football, while watching the last twenty minutes before extra time, I could have sworn that my blood pressure went into the “200s!”
Although continuing to exercise great care and not take unnecessary risks, I was very pleased indeed to be encouraged to attend a dress rehearsal of “A Little Night Music” which I didn’t think I was going to enjoy. What was significant to me was this would be the first occasion that invited members of the public would be able to attend an event at the Buxton Opera House. I was pleasantly surprised. I felt that the production was beyond “London/New York standard” and I rather hoped a ticket might become available for the Festival’s opening night. Although no longer on any Festival committee (2017’s heart attack put paid to any desire to be involved in anything), I am rather pleased to be doing a little bit of driving visiting speakers to and from Macclesfield railway station.
At the very last moment, a ticket did become available for the opening night, and I enjoyed a second performance of A Little Night Music. By now, I had a reasonable idea of the storyline and was thus able to appreciate the musical far better, a second time around. Before that “main event”, I was encouraged to join Festival-goers for drinks on an elevated terrace in The Square. It had become a gorgeous summer’s night. I detected a trace of emotion from one or two who had really missed going to the theatre for over 16 months. It’s rather strange. I, too miss, not so much the theatre, but live concerts from the likes of Steeleye Span, as well as a good symphony concert. But, returning to Buxton Opera House this afternoon and tonight did remind of the pleasures I had been missing since the onset of the pandemic.
The theatre was very comfortable and spacious, owing to the continued covid restrictions. Despite the resultant “thin” audience (although this and all other performances at the Opera House were sold out long ago), tonight’s performance was received with deserved rapturous appreciation.
Many thanks for reading, David, 9th July, 2021, 0024 hrs.
David's Cruise 