A break from all the wandering around in the countryside, as apparently I’m supposed to be here to work. Just one show though, and a matinee. It’s a smart move by the company as it makes it possible for people to come see it and then get the train home. Much cheaper train ticket, no overnight stay. Kaffe and Joe did exactly that. So nice to see them. Both Guildhall lads, both Factory, and Kaffe was on the US tour with Claire and Jono from the Othello company. Four out of five of us in that pub after. Katherine was missed.
We were audibly tired. There were some big old accidental cuts. Some very odd cues. Two days off. The machine is very evidently clicking back into gear, and it needed oil. We ran a reasonably quick show, but that was the cuts making up for the long thought pauses.
Joe and Kaffe seemed to love it though, and were talking about the same things I have come to value in this piece of work we are making. The clarity, the lack of bull. I once thought I was gushing when I told an actress after a show that I loved her simplicity. She looked affronted. “Is that a compliment?” Yes, fuck yes, the more you complicate it the harder it is to care. We know deep down when we are being lied to even if we can’t always put our finger on it.
Lou’s last night so I wasn’t gonna stay in The Duck. We had a serious appointment with the cottage, with all the radiators on and a mushroom risotto including very well priced porcini from the Italian deli. Now the heating is off and it’s time for bed, earlier than I would normally but later than the last few nights. It’s been so glorious having her here. I don’t want to wish this job away so I’m not gonna count the days until I get to see her again. But it’s not that long…
Off to bed sober and before midnight. That’ll do.
AlBarclay 