Jerusalem - Apollo Theatre

Way back in August of last year, I learned that Mark Rylance and Mackenzie Crook were reprising their roles in Jez Butterworth's play, Jerusalem - originally  performed at the Royal Court theatre in 2009, and acclaimed as the play of the century. I didn't see it the first time round, but Mark Rylance is always worth watching, and I've never seen Mackenzie Crook on stage but he's generally good value too,so obviously I had to buy a ticket.

So, on 21st May I got a train to London to go to a matinee.

It's interesting,and a lot of fun. 

It's St George's Day, and Johnny 'Rooster' Byron (Rylance) is about to be evicted by the council, having been living in his caravan in a piece of woodland, on the edge of the village of Flintlock, in Wiltshire. 

The play allows him to tell stories with roots in English folklore (he claims to have met giants, for instance) and also issues of local pride and tradition, and how these are changing.

Rylance's role was incredibly physical, and very different to roles I have seen him in before, and it's a very interesting play, although I felt there were some parts , especially some of the attitudes and language about women, which have not aged well. But very glad I went! 

Earthquake!

We don't go in for such things as a general rule, in this country, so when I heard a sort of rumbling thump and felt the house shake, 'Earthquake' wasn't my first thought - I had a confused thought that there might have been a road accident, or that something (like the chimney) had fallen through the roof. 

(actually that's not quite true. my absolutely first thought was that the Cat had done something unspecified, but as soon as I realised he was  in his hammock, giving me a dirty look or having woken him up, my thoughts went to accidents not earthquakes. But I have learned that earthquakes are another of things which, according to the cat, are entirely my fault)

But it seems that there was a 4.4 Magnitude earthquake, centred on Cwmllynfell in South Wales, which is around 70 miles from here, as the crow flies (or the tremor travels)

It's my first earthquake. Or at least the first I've noticed. A quick perusal of the BGS's website shows me that it is the 16th earthquake in the UK this year, although larger than most - apparently we get one this size about once every 2 to 3 years. Just never one which I've personally felt, before.

It doesn't seem to have caused any damage here. The pictures on the walls rattled, my toothbrush fell over, and the sparrows outside went quiet for a moment or two, but that's about it. 

Very odd sensation, though, and I am glad we do not make  habit of having them.

(all my Californian friends, and others in earthquake zones may now laugh!)