War & Peace

On Sunday, Mel and I set off from Kirby station (what a start to an adventure!) and arrived in good time for the 1.30 start of the first part of War and Peace at the Playhouse. The play was performed by Shared Experience who have done various other plays that we have seen such as Jane Eyre. The first play lasted just under 3 hours including a 20 minute interval and is the story of various families set against Napoleon’s invasion of Russia in the early 1800s. Very good and just the kind of ‘proper’ theatre that I like. It was then off to Bella Italiano for pasta and pinot grigio which were both excellent and then back for the second installment from 6 to 9 pm. What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday. I think my birthday money could be spent on the book but will I ever stay awake to read it??

Last night it was back to the Play house for Noughts and Crosses. Had no idea what to expect but again it was an excellent play brilliantly acted by the RSC.

Brought to the Liverpool Playhouse by the Royal Shakespeare Company and inspired by William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Noughts & Crosses dramatises the thrilling love story of two young people kept apart by prejudice and injustice.

Sephy, a Prime Minister's daughter from the powerful Crosses, falls for rebel Callum, son of a dangerous Nought agitator. Their desire to be together threatens family loyalties and sparks a growing political crisis.

Malorie Blackman is a best-selling author of books for children and young people. Her novel is adapted for the stage by Dominic Cooke, Artistic Director of the Royal Court Theatre.

Have just booked up for 4 more plays between May and July and still lots to come in this season. Certainly an excellent start to Capital of Culture year at the theatre.