Day Thirtyfour.

It was damp and cold again so I headed into town to the Science museum. On the way I went into a very good kitchenware shop which also sold sauces, jams, chutneys and wines. There wasn't a New Zealand wine to be seen so I let them know that their shop was almost perfect and should they get some NZ wine on their shelves perfection would be ensured. I continued on my way and came across a theatre advertising a showing of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. (http://www.pcs.org/blog/critics_heart_b12/#comment-3426) It was clear that a performance was about to start and I was lucky enough to grab a seat. What a joy. From the opening scene as the company formed the bow of a sailing ship right through to the improbable ending when all is resolved I enjoyed a most entertaining….well I can’t remember how long it all took as time disappeared as I was transported to Illyria. There was not a weak part in the whole production. The comedic business, including the most prodigious stage fart I have ever heard……in fact the only stage fart I have ever heard, was brilliantly done. It was the character Sir Toby Belch who farted.....wrong end it seems to me!!! The scene in the garden when Malvolio was gulled was particularly good. I loved the trio singing for the duke. The more serious business of wooing and falling in love was brought off convincingly, especially the Duke’s consternation that he seemed attracted to a boy! What good fortune befell me that I should stumble on this delight. Portland is indeed fortunate to have such a theatre in its midst. My only regret is that I will not be able to see the companion show "The Beard of Avon" to be performed on the same stunning set.
All thoughts of the Science Museum were now abandoned and I went home cooked dinner for Nic.