Aspects of Love

 

Aspects of Love

 

It has been too long since I last posted on my blog.  

It's is lovely to finally be back, and I start with a  revival of a classic.  I never saw the original Aspects of Love, so it was interesting to go and see this as a totally new show, albeit with some iconic numbers that have become well established over the years.

The theatre was full with a wide spectrum of ages watching this story of love and desire that spans a lifetime. 

Struggling actress Rose (Laura Pitt-Pulford) falls for Alex (Jamie Bogyo) a young man about to go into the army.  He persuades her to go with him to a villa in the French countryside before she begins her new tour.  Their time alone is cut short with the arrival of Alex’s charming Uncle George (Michael Ball) who sweeps her off her feet, having left his lover Giulietta (Danielle De Niese) to return to his home in the countryside. 

Set over a 17 year period after the war, the lives of the three are interwoven.  Rose marries George and has a daughter Jenny (Anna Unwin).  As she grows up, she falls in love with Alex, but he has paired up with Giulietta.  A sweeping tale, this is a story of love and betrayal, passion and heartache.

The staging of the show is unusual. A screen, the full height of the stage, crosses it between set changes with different scenes from the countryside and city.  I wasn’t a fan as it felt unnatural, and at times you could hear things moving behind.

Laura Pitt-Pulford is compelling as Rose, and works well with a charismatic and charming Michael Ball playing George.  Whilst Jamie Bogyo isn’t vocally as strong as his counterparts he brings a charm and an angst to Alex in his struggles. 

There is an old world vibe to the show.  Aspects of love is clearly an Andrew Lloyd Webber production, but it does have a dated feel.  If you want a faster pace, more fluidity or varying styles of music this is not your show;  however, for any fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber, watching Michael Ball sing ‘Love Changes Everything’ and ‘The First Man You Remember’ is enough on its own to make it worth the visit.

Aspects of Love is playing a limited run at the Lyric Theatre until 11^th November 2023.

For tickets visit: https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk/aspects-of-love-tickets

 

 

Training - A little blip

                                                                  Training - A little blip


A new week means a new challenge and after a successful start to training the plan was to increase the walking distance to 18km.  Unfortunately though, at 14km my knee disagreed!  It suddenly became very painful and I couldn't continue.  The problem was thankfully a straight forward one to resolve  with new orthotics to keep ankles and knees aligned so there is no discomfort.

I am fortunate that I am (relatively!) fit and healthy, but on World Cancer Day it is a reminder of why Juliette and I have chosen to do this challenge.  One of our nominated charities is the Pink Ribbon Foundation, which gives grants to charities associated with breast cancer, and to date it has supported over 180 charities.  Pink Ribbon is especially close to my heart as my mother had breast cancer for four years before she passed away.  She was in so much pain at the end that no-one could sit on her bed as it was too uncomfortable for her.  I wouldn't want to see anyone else going through that and with the research Pink Ribbon is supporting I am positive a cure will be found.  In the meantime they are giving grants to charities supporting those living with breast cancer.

With those thoughts in my mind, yesterday I refastened my shoes and was pleased that I completed the 18km training.  Next week the aim is 20km and we edge closer to half the distance that will be covered.

If you are able to support PinkHope as we try and help both the Pink Ribbon Foundation and New Hope please visit:

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=PinkHope&isTeam=true