Tag: play

The Enfield Haunting – Theatre Review

I am a massive West End theatre fan and missed watching shows during the Covid period. Now I am back in the swing of things and absolutely loving live theatre once more.

This week I was pleased to go to one of the West End’s smallest theatres to see a version of ‘The Enfield Haunting.’

‘The Enfield Haunting’ Review

I knew that the Enfield Hauntings were a News event in 1977, just before I was born. It was intriguing to see how the writer, Paul Unwin, decided to represent such a chilling story of a family affected by a poltergeist.

I was not disappointed.

Peggy was played by the incredibly funny Catherine Tate (Dr Who/ The US Office). In this production she combined moments of real drama and sadness with occasional one-liners. She was a superb fit for this role and was supported by ‘Shameless’ actor David Threlfall as Maurice, a supernatural investigator.

On this occasion the play was just 75 minutes long but this length felt appropriate and satisfying.

Peggy had two daughters and one son, with an ex-husband lurking in the background. Holding her household together, she had enough on her plate, without all the media coverage about her potentially haunted home.

All of the children were played well. A feisty daughter was matched by one who played possesed very well indeed.

The script was a mix of poignant, sharp and funny. Special effects were used for the haunted moment and the pitch black theatre really drew the audience in.

And Finally…

This was one of the best theatre shows I have seen in ages. I tend to watch a range of musicals and dramas but this one really performed well.

A highlight for me was getting to meet Catherine Tate again. She was lovely and we recalled the last time I met her when George Michael also came out of the stage door. She told me that he had been late and they had to hold the curtain for him that night in 2008.

If you get to see one show in London this winter, I would definitely suggest checking out ‘The Enfield Haunting.’

Thank you for checking out my theatre review. If you fancy another, have a look at my Frozen Musical Review.

Board Games Bring Back Great Memories

Collaborative Post

For me, my happiest family memories are back in the eighties playing board games on Boxing Day. On family holidays too, we would always have board games ready to pass the time during rainy afternoons or cool evenings, as we sat by open fires.

These days I don’t have many opportunities to play actual board games but I do love playing games online. These are often just as fun and very convenient as I can access them on my phone, iPad or laptop. Plus I can choose whether to use a nearby friend as an opponent or simply play against the computer.

I recently read an article which outlines why board games are considered good for your health. The piece, Top 10 Health Benefits of Board Games, suggested that these types of games are good for memory formation and seem to also apparently help reduce blood pressure as well as encouraging laughter and endorphins.

As someone who inherited high blood pressure, knowing that these kinds of activities can possibly help reduce my BP naturally, alongside the medication that I take, has made me want to play such games routinely. Whether it works or not, playing competitive thinking games does cheer me up and distract me from the stress of work.

Accessing Board Game Magic Online

Connect Four is always fun.

There is a website where you can access free online traditional games and I have been enjoying popping there to play such games as Connect Four. Ever since I was a kid, I always loved trying to find ways to get four counters in a row and block my opponent. The version of the game at https://www.calculators.org/games/board-games.php is really easy and quick to access and get into. Check it out if you like throwback games like this.

Draughts (also known as Checkers)

Another game which I used to love in the eighties was Draughts and there is a fun version of this board game also on the Calculators.org website. In America it is known as Checkers but the principle is still the same. There are so many other brilliant online games available on this particular site.

So Why Not Try An Online Board Game?

I hate paying to play games so being able to access really fun and interactive games online for free is a bonus. Of course, physical board games are also great but the website versions are ideal for travel and squeezing in between meetings or playing during lunch breaks. They are easy to use and satisfying pastimes.

Thank you so much for reading my post about gaming. I would love to hear about your favourite board games from the past or present in the comments. I can definitely recommend checking out online board games if you like the idea of reliving those nostalgic activities.

West End Return – Jennifer Saunders

Today I went to see my first theatre show since Covid began. I was due to see this actual production in March 2020 but something got in the way. Nevertheless, after a long wait, I found myself outside the Harold Pinter theatre again today.

Excited to be back.

I originally heard about this play in 2015 when Angela Lansbury did a turn in the role of Madame Arcati but I was too late to get tickets. So naturally, as soon as I was aware that Jennifer Saunders was taking that role I immediately booked some tickets.

I was lucky enough to see another play with Jennifer in and meet her briefly in 2018.

I looked like a startled ghost but it was good to meet Jennifer.

Anyway, in today’s play she was on top form as a happy ‘medium‘ brought in to make a connection with the afterlife by a well off gentleman and his wife, in the presence of the local doctor.

Written by Noel Coward and directed by Richard Eyre, this production was brilliantly funny. Richard famously directed ‘The Children Act’ with Emma Thompson, ‘Iris’ with Kate Winslet and ‘Notes on a Scandal’ with Cate Blanchett and Judi Dench.

I love when the curtain goes up.

All of the actors were superb. Special mention goes to a very amusing servant (Edith) played by Rose Wardlaw. Her physical comedy was hilarious and added laughs to an already vibrant matinee. Of course, Jennifer played an older lady with crazy amounts of vigour and moments reminiscent of The wonderful Edina in Absolutely Fabulous. With two hour-long acts, this play kept us interested and laughing.

I absolutely loved my first outing to London this year and totally recommend getting tickets for Blithe Spirit if you are nearby.

For a previous film review of mine click here. If you enjoyed this article please consider following my blog for similar future articles.