The Theatre & The Cafe

Two of my favourite places: theatres and cafes. This week I went to see Headlong's production of Chekhov's 'The Seagull' at Northern Stage and I also popped into the brand-spanking-new cafe that has just opened up in Tynemouth.

The Seagull was interesting. I haven't read the play– though I know it's a classic, so that's pretty poor for a young actor– but I thoroughly enjoyed the performance, even if it did take me a while to buy into it. I was expecting the classical-esque musings of Anton Chekhov but was greeted with a culmination of classical and (mostly) modern language; from what I saw, I enjoyed the play and understood it well but I am looking forward to reading the original text.

One of the best things about the production for me was the set. The multi-purpose seesaw was very imaginative and well used, as was the concrete-looking backdrop– especially when water was used to paint scenery on it (after the water had evaporated a new picture would be painted/sprayed on for the next scene).

A little warning to those wanting to see the production though: it contains adult content, bad language, nudity and smoking (with real cigarettes to my surprise). But don't let this put you off! Unless you're under 16, have asthma/other breathing related problem or you have sensitive eyes and ears... It's an unusual performance with a lot of character and a good bunch of actors.

As for this new cafe in Tynemouth, well, I am quite impressed. Dil & the Bear is trendy and modern with that wonderful shabby-chic feel and the food looks great! The berry smoothy I had was nice, but maybe a little over-priced (for a student, anyway) and my pappa's vanilla late was definitely up to our standards. According to him his cake was 'good', but he wolfed it down that quickly I couldn't decide for myself.... Kidding! I had a lick of the icing and it tasted pretty delish.

All in all, friendly staff, great decor and good coffee and cake. I will be trying a more substantial meal when I can afford to fork out £10 for lunch. Oh the joys of being a student.

Pot of tea for three!

Catching up with old friends is the best. Apart from when you forget to take photos because you talked too much. I went out for coffee with Jade and Chris today, we went to a lovely little cafe called Rene's and ended up being oh-so-traditionally-english and ordered three pots of tea instead– I had a cappuccino afterwards to compensate, Chris had another pot of tea.

We had a little walk around the village afterwards to find Jade a venue for her 18th birthday, then had a wander into Green Ginger (quirky shopping arcade in an old church) only to find that one of my favourite little vintage shops is closing down! Such a shame. Buuut I did take advantage a little by purchasing a leather clutch I've had my eye on for months, a twisted gold link chain and a Buddha necklace (which I looked all over Bangkok for and couldn't find!).

Tynemouth is just of great little shops– Razzberry Bazaar is another of them. It's like the brick-a-brack version of Keel Row book shop that I talked about in my last post (Perfect Day). Everything is piled from floor to ceiling, coordinated by colour and fragranced by incense! You might not be able to focus on anything until you've been in a few times, but it's worth a rummage anyway.

When I got home I started painting: I have to create a portfolio for a college interview. I can't paint. It was only a couple of weeks ago that I mastered (overstatement) the art of drawing fashion models, but it seems painting is taking things too far. Straight lines and geometric shapes are ok, as are colouring the fashion models and drawing room designs, but as soon as a certain friend of mine gets back from uni I'm asking her for help!

Oooo I started reading Memoirs of a Geisha! I'm hooked already! All I've been reading lately are plays and books on acting, it's so nice to finally pick up a novel. The film is pretty good too, I've heard the book is better, we shall see!