On and in the wings

This lacewing stayed long enough on the outside of the patio door to allow me to capture the delicate wings.

The evening was spent hearing about life in the wings - and on the stage. The misfortune of friends meant we were able to take up their tickets for the sell out performance of Dame Judi Dench in conversation with Gyles Brandreth. It was a cosy evening of conversation and humour, Dame Judi needed some prompting by Gyles who himself contributed some good stories and some off the cuff humour. At times the title of the show “I remember it well” was stretched by the need for prompts but it all added to the relaxed nature of the evening.

On a couple of occasions Judi Dench recited Shakespeare - where memory was not an issue - and her performances at 88 were magnificent as she held the stage and audience in her spell.

The only downside was that the sound system was not the best for what is the UK’s second largest theatre (apparently) and even with the hearing aids cranked up there were times it was hard to catch everything. Nevertheless a very enjoyable evening listening to one of the most decorated and award laden actresses of our lifetime.