Hungarian dances breath passion and life into the old Shelley family theatre

The Shelley Theatre: the way it was during its years as part of a school
The Shelley Theatre: the way it was during its years as part of a school

What a treat it was last night to sit in Bournemouth’s hidden gem of a theatre at historic Shelley Manor and hear an evening of music and readings.This extraordinary performance space was originally built in the mid 19th century by Sir Percy Florence Shelley – son of the tragic romantic poet Sir Percy Bysshe Shelley.

The theatre is an addition to the country home by the sea that he had bought for his mother Mary – author of the classic gothic horror novel Frankenstein. Sadly Mary, who died in 1851, never lived to see the grand Boscombe Manor but Sir Percy, a keen thespian and playwright, took up residence with his wife Lady Jane and soon added the theatre  to the property.

Continue reading “Hungarian dances breath passion and life into the old Shelley family theatre”

Marin Alsop: first lady of the Last Night

Marin Alsop: the first woman to conduct the Last Night of the Proms
Marin Alsop: the first woman to conduct the Last Night of the Proms

What a pleasure it was watching Marin Alsop strike a blow for feminism and, more importantly, prejudice-free meritocracy as she took the Royal Albert Hall rostrum on Saturday – the first woman ever to conduct the Last Night of the Proms.

I know Marin, a bit. We met a number of times during the six years that she was principal conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. I watched her rehearse, perform and interact with musicians. I interviewed her and, on one occasion, had dinner with her. There were only four other people around that table so it was an opportunity to observe at close-quarters what an extraordinary individual she is.

Continue reading “Marin Alsop: first lady of the Last Night”

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