Lou showed up in London. This is a rare occurrence and one to be celebrated. Being in rehearsal I don’t have much time to check my phone and I came straight to her on the bike so I’ve got a backlog of messages as long as my arm right now and no chance to clear them. It’s making me anxious. The show was announced today finally, and lots of people have got in touch, largely to say congratulations, but with a good weight towards the “about fucking time” angle.
But yes, hooray. I’m feeling very happy to be playing Lodivico in Othello for the RSC up in Stratford from October to mid November. Autumn by the Avon, doing something I love at a well thought of company and with loads of glorious humans. It’s gorgeous so far and I hope it continues to be so. Actors can be a funny lot and fear near opening causes all sorts of strange behaviours, but I’m hoping this will be a safe company and a happy one. I can’t smell any nastiness.
We finished and I jumped straight on one of those little Forest bikes. They accelerate themselves immediately to about 25 miles an hour, and their limiter is about 27, so they just predictably fly down the road when you touch the pedal. It’s surprisingly satisfying. I think that’s my commute sorted, although meeting up with Lou tonight means I don’t have one waiting for me downstairs tomorrow. Worth it though to see the lady. We went to The Ivy Chelsea, where they have two courses for £19.17 at the moment. With no booze it is a cheap date. Beautifully upholstered chairs, great food and it’s sadly coming up to the last month that we can sit outside in a T-shirt and eat and be comfortable. Still, winter isn’t here yet at all, and I am gonna do my utmost to tan up before we start the long journey back to the dark.
Tomorrow I’ll get stuck into all the lovely messages. For now I’m keeping this short, and I won’t be fannying about on social media, as I’ve only got Lou for an evening. Having her here is a rarety, and it’s great. Soon I’ll be so swept up in Othello I won’t have the headspace so she’s timed it very well…
AlBarclay 