Emily Cat 176

  Melbourne begins a slow withdrawal from the latest lockdown at midnight tomorrow and, on cue cold, wet and windy weather has arrived.  I look out the window at the rain that is still falling. Checking my phone it says it's 11 degrees but feels like 6. Winter is here. So what does all this mean. It means that now is the ideal time to curl up in a comfy chair with a good book. Hell Bay by Kate Rhodes is a lucky find. I was looking through a bargin bookshop and came across it. Set in the Isles of Scilly the book starts with the killing of a young female. The detective, DI Ben Kitto, is a local who has come home heartbroken from working in London. What follows is a very well written mystery. Kate Rhodes is a good writer. The storyline is strong, the characters believable and l love how Rhodes has used the isles themselves as almost another character. She has a wonderful way of describing the environment that makes the reader feel like they walking beside Ben Kitto and feeling th...

  After many long months musical theatre is BACK. Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical; what can l say.  I have never seen so many sequins in my life. The costuming was stunning with sequins, boas,  flounces and feathers all gleaming under excellent lighting with mirrored disco balls up high and lights flashing and flying across the stage. This is community theatre alive and beating again. Take a bow CPAC Musical Theatre Group. After 18 long months you have staged a wonderful production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert. The standard of singing was superb. Special mention goes to the 3 Divas played by Stephanie Haigh, Nicola Downie and Jessie Rawlins. All 3 were in fine voice and harmonised beautifully. Scott Hill, Blair Salmon and Jason McMurry took the 3 main roles and all gave good performances as did the cast as a whole. All were helped by the live orchestra led by Musical Director Ben Heels. There were some sound issues but they were minor and did not detract fro...

  I am thinking of starting a virtual book club. What does everyone think of this idea? Please let me know in the comments section.

  For someone who doesn't like owning books l sure do have a BIG pile to read and pass on to others:)

  I am feeling very blessed.  Here in Melbourne, Australia life has moved forward with Covid19 protocols. That means that things are opening up safely. I have bought 6 tickets for upcoming shows this year. There are at least 2 more that l know of and all this is before l have received brochures from the various Arts Centres. I am expecting to have my temperature taken and will have to wear a mask. Not being a driver l wear a mask on public transport and also all day in my volunteer jobs. I know that l am very lucky to be going to see shows again. So many countries are still struggling with Covid, and so much has been lost to the disease. I also feel for all the performers around the world who were suddenly without work and income. I am going to see these shows with gratitude and the knowledge that l am helping the arts in Australia get back on track.

In the age of Covid travel is a dream, even within the country of Australia. I love seeing photography exhibitions, but they're not running now either. So online it must be. I live in Melbourne, the capital city of Victoria. Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland. Type in the link below and enjoy historical photos of Brisbane. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-04/historical-photos-of-brisbane-digitised/13089956?nw=0