Clapham North used to feel a long way away. It’s never really been on my hit list. Some of my friends live there, but largely it’s not a well trodden part of London to me so I was surprised to discover this afternoon when I was almost late for a call that it takes me just eleven minutes to get from my door to the rehearsal room. That’s if all the ducks line up. Forest Bike was right outside the door, and it was a good one. Traffic lights largely in my favour. 11 minutes though… I’m impressed with that even if my bike did most of the pedalling for me. Impressive bits of tech these bikes they leave all over London. I’m amazed they can make money from it but they clearly can considering there are multiple companies competing for territory. They cost a lot if you don’t prepay, which might help. But winter can’t be a great time for them, and we are moving that way.

This Othello is feeling more and more like a ritual storytelling. There are moments of magic. “A sad tale’s best for winter,” and this is a strange and desperate piece of work – wonderful and human but one of those plays where every time you watch it you want it to just land slightly differently this time. Like Romeo and Juliet… All the information comes at the wrong wrong time.

Today’s call for me was about what James Oxley our musical director calls “Al Barclay’s Aria”. This involves me trying to resonate my head while repeatedly droning a deep bass underneath the more proficient sounds of three professional singers. If I hold the line it makes everyone sound a little bit better like magic. James has used me in this regard before and I’m glad to be back on duty. Hopefully some of it will be visible, but I have a feeling that’ll be my first half – making low sounds while everyone who has paid to come and see me is wondering whether they’ve booked for the right play. insha’Allah. It’s a Mesoniktikon. I’ll have to learn a bit of ancient greek to go with it.

Every day the show deepens and grows. I’m really starting to feel like I’m part of a beautiful thing. For the first time this evening, I went to the pub to break down the week. Ended up in a conversation about music, way over my head, nursing my Lucky Saint. It’s another step in the right direction, pub with no booze. It was good to spend relaxed time with the cast, some of whom are still relative strangers while others are long long friends.

Bed calls now though. I’m tired again. The weekend is needed. I’m gonna relax with lovely Lou and I can’t wait.