Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
I spent yesterday evening wrapping familial festive gifts. Bereft of a Star Trek style transporter, under COVID restrictions, I'm as yet unclear how I'll deliver my loved ones these tokens of affection. This conundrum exacerbated by my family being spread across multiple English counties, who're adhering to various tier edicts. North Yorkshire, Tyne & Wear,... Continue Reading →
The show one of my hosts in Canada stage-managed at Kingston Grand Theatre came to a conclusion yesterday evening. Speaking to production staff at an end of run dinner, they submitted that performances of David Lindsay-Abaire's play Rabbit Hole had been a great success. The dinner, eaten in a German restaurant on Kingston High Street, named Amadeus... Continue Reading →
It takes guts to reprise a role on stage performed with such distinction in the original movie it secured the portraying actor (Dustin Hoffman) an Oscar - An accomplishment he achieved in the 61st Academy Award ceremony (1989). A lead actor performance that possibly usurps those of the other 89 winners of the accolade, prior... Continue Reading →
I feel the earth move under my feet I feel the sky tumbling down I feel my heart start trembling Whenever you're around A poetic verse from the pen of American song/writer Carole King. A divulgent proclamation starting her 1971 hit named after the first pentad of the lyric. Lexilogical meanderings overtly expressing to her... Continue Reading →
"Break a leg!" - Unorthodox words of support aimed at thespians prior to them taking the stage. A superstition adopted after it was deemed to be bad luck to wish an actor "Good luck!" pre-performance. Traditional well meaning felicitations utilised to bode 'luvvies' a successful performance. Although 'break a leg' is used exclusively within the theatre world,... Continue Reading →
I've recently returned from collecting for MacMillan cancer support at Marks & Spencer Food in Cross Gates. After navigating torrential rain to secure their weekend provisions, as usual the big-hearted M&S customers dug deep and donated magnanimously. Consequently, the consumers altruism meant my voluntary stint concluded with a weighty collection bucket, not to mention arms like Stretch Armstrong. Dressed in... Continue Reading →
The chapter of my life between 1988-1992 has featured heavily in my narratives this week. Memories predominantly evoked by a recent witnessing of a new movie charting the upturn in Leeds United’s fortunes during that era. During that same period, an early evening Saturday radio show was born on BBC Radio Five (later to become Five Live).... Continue Reading →
I’ve just been watching the lunchtime news on BBC. It was delivered as usual with professionalism, clarity and a very good use of the word juxtaposition at around 13:17. One of the stories related to the new Leader of the Opposition Jeremy Corbyn, who became Labour Party leader at the weekend. It was strange, but... Continue Reading →