In the footsteps of writers

While I took a break from writing on holiday, I found myself inadvertently following in the footsteps of writers as we enjoyed a break from the routine. Glorious Lake Garda has many literary associations including Virgil, Byron and Tennyson. DH Lawrence was apparently inspired by beautiful Gargano and Limone writing his collection 'Twilight in Italy'.

Arriving in Sirmione by ferry, we were greeted by a statue commemorating the Roman poet Catallus who wrote much of his work in his villa in the town.

As we made our way round the town considered to be one of the prettiest on the lake's shores, we stumbled upon a garden commemorating Italian Noble laureate Grazia Deledda.

Now, back home with piles of ironing to attend to and deadlines looming I'm ready to get back to writing.

Drama Critiques

It's been a great run of theatre trips over the last few weeks in a range of theatres with both amateur and professional productions.

At the recent Ulster Drama Festival finals at Ballyearl Theatre we heard the adjudicator's constructive and generous comments which were very insightful into all aspects of what makes a successful production.

The two performances we saw were 'Steel Magnolias' and 'Bouncers'. While both were very different, it was easy to forget these were amateur productions, such was the high standard. It was great to hear that 'Bouncers' took the title of best play during the festival.

At Belfast's Grand Opera House we saw Agatha Christie's 'Death on the Nile', a production touring the UK and Ireland.

During the interval I overheard someone in the row behind us critising the acting and the use of the stage - a would-be drama festival adjudicator perhaps! They seemed to be unjustifiably negative and were also very critical of the captions for the hard of hearing! I felt sorry for how miserable they must be feeling to be so negative of such a spectacular production with superb acting, authentic set and fabulous costumes.

On a smaller stage at The Santuary Theatre we saw 'A Bomber's Moon' and 'The Hop on Hop off Bus'. Both plays are set in Belfast, though very different again. While the stage and cast may have been smaller in these productions, the acting was excellent. Thankfully no one was sitting behind us critising these productions and spoiling our enjoyment as they were a very welcome escape from other dramas going on in my life!