'The Shank' at the Everyman

Busy morning, rushing round Stroud on errands, viewing the back end of a steam engine at Stroud station (CleanSteve will have a shot of it; he was spotting from a socially distanced vantage point).

I caught the 11.45 bus to Cheltenham (I could still hear the engine blowing off in the background) to meet up with D. Walked through a splendid craft market on the Prom and up to a cafe where D was already installed..Had some lunch, then headed off to the theatre. D's walking has improved since he started attending Better Balance classes, but his anxiety about being late is taking over. D wanted to be in his seat about twenty minutes before start of the performance. As we were in the middle of the row, people kept clambering over us to get to their seats. As the theatre is of traditional design (by Frank Matcham) the rows are narrow and seats are small Tiresome, to say the least. Next time, I'll let D take his seat early while I walk around the block or buy a programme...

The play, a stage adaptation of The Shawshank Redemption, was very good. My attention was held from start to finish, and the staging was well executed. I think D enjoyed it too, but seemed keen to take a taxi home as soon as it was over, because he had another engagement in the evening.

This was my last round trip on the scenic bus route 66, because tomorrow the route changes and will go via Gloucester Business Park instead of Cranham, Prinknash and the Fiddler's Elbow. The journey's going to take a whole lot longer.