Snow Queen

Saturday past, an expedition to Tunbridge Wells to see the minimalist production of 'The Snow Queen', put together by Therea Heskins and Kezia Cole, at the Trinity Arts Centre, formerly an early nineteenth century gothic revival church. An arts centre, which in these arts-grant-lite times of austerity, appears to make quite of good thing of live screening of shows from London, hence the one already noticed at reference 2.

M25 from Epsom quite busy at 1030. Spot of lunch, checked into the 'Royal Wells', then strolled down to the theatre.

Homeopathic Hospital

I had forgotten that Tunbridge Wells had a homeopathic hospital, but checking this afternoon, I find that they don't as according to Wikipedia: 'Following a drop in referrals and a review by the West Kent Primary Care Trust of funding for homeopathy, the hospital, then one of four homeopathic hospitals operated by the National Health Service, closed in 2009'. Presumably Prince Charles was not amused.

Reindeer taking important young lady for a ride

The show was put on by a team of young actors and actresses, all wearing mikes, not long out of drama school, just taking their first steps in the luvvie world. All, I should think, trained in music and movement, and some of them played instruments as well. There were some good moments with the reindeer prancing about and there was a good dance scene towards the end - but otherwise I think I prefer my pantomimes to be more substantial affairs, although not necessarily all fairy lights and tinsel. For example, the Young Vic's first crack at Grimm Tales, which must be quite some time ago now. Went downhill a bit as time went on.

To Lieutenant Newton, of the 16th Bengal Grenadiers

To Maria Thomas, who died young, at sea, on the way back from India

A memorial, both unusual and handsome, to one Louisa Colebrook, aged just under a year

Out to take very decent tea and cake in what had been the west end of the church - and to admire three memorials which had been left in place. We also had sight of a splendidly floridly dressed house manager, or some such. Very luvvie.

Called in 'Secret Cellar' on the way back to the hotel, where we were able to admire the fine choice, particularly of white, which is unusual, and where we picked up a couple of bottles of white. But I presently know nothing else about it, for reasons which will follow shortly.

Royal for the visits of Princess Victoria before she ascended

Superior smoking den, as viewed from our room

The source of the fashion parade

A once grand door into the grand first floor dining room

Unable to score the light brown wood piano in the reception area as the keyboard was locked and the hotel had lost the key. Apparently it was about to be retired.

Checked in to a large first floor room, overlooking the splendid smoking den. Downstairs in due course to take a spot of wet and dry refreshment, both entirely satisfactory, surrounded by various parties, including some cute children. Nearer the bar we had the assembly of the Faircloth Construction party, providing lots of fashion interest for BH and, as it happens, for the cheerful young receptionist.

Three dollops of nocturnal activity, but still managed a decent night's sleep. Good toasting machine in the breakfast room. But the Full English (or whatever they called it) not good at all, partly because it was not very hot, partly because of the sausages, as bad as they usually are in such establishments (plenty of herbs but not much meat), but mainly because of the dreadful fried eggs, probably cooked on a hot plate which was not hot enough.

Managed to leave the wine in the room when we checked out. But very pleased to learn later in the morning that they had collected it up and I was able to have it collected a little later in the day. Hopefully to be reunited with me in a few days hence, when I will be able to report on it, its name and its provenance.

Breakfast notwithstanding, I dare say we will stay again. Everything else was fine.

A cabinet making puzzle

Once upon a time, the two mitred joints  on the table snapped above might have been double stopped dovetails, something I never made, not making it past single stopped dovetails. But in the 1950's when I imagine that this table was made, I dare say the glue was strong enough to hold it together, possibly supplemented by dowels or something of that sort.

Reference 1: https://www.trinitytheatre.net/.

Reference 2: https://psmv4.blogspot.com/2019/12/more-fleabag.html.

Reference 3: http://www.royalwells.co.uk/.

Reference 4: https://www.thesecretcellar.co.uk/.