Two weeks have shot by, and we are now approaching our final week at the Belgrade. My second home over these past months. Being hurled back into the maelstrom of a buzzing London is going to be strange. I am certainly going to miss my country cottage hideaway.

The owners of my bijoux residence, Tim and Sandy Ruffet, came to see the performance on Saturday evening, it was their first visit to the Belgrade Theatre. Firstly, they were blown away by the building, and then the play. It is impossible to prepare anyone for what they are about to see on stage. It is a thriller after all, and every twist and turn reveals something new, culminating in the extraordinary, and visually sobering ending. On Friday’s performance, the denouement was greeted by an enormous gasp from the audience, and total silence as the lights on stage faded to black. Perfect!

I am also going to miss Turmeric Gold, the award-winning, dining rooms of India on Mediaeval Spon St. I have to confess to having been there practically nightly with Sarah and Sophie for an after show dinner, looked after beautifully by the manager Jay and his attentive staff. In London, you have to pay a Raj’s fortune for such an experience.

Most of all, I am going to miss the BABYLONE company. My after dinner companions, Sarah and Sophie, the Belgrade crew members. Where is Tim? I am already missing Hamish, who has very bravely left us to get on with it. The warmth of the building is a reflection of his personality. He commands with charm and tranquillity, and the odd glass of red. I love that man! And then, there is my fellow rogue and vagabond upon the stage, whom I have shared a second life with, as well as a dressing room, Peter. He is the primary reason I am up here. His tenacious believe in the beautiful writing of BABYLONE, and his determination that an English speaking audience shouldn’t miss out on a unique piece of theatre. We have had plenty of laughs.

But, this is not goodbye; I hope it is merely, au revoir. I am going to confide in you. Andrew Fishwick paid us a special visit on Friday and things could be moving in the right direction for a transfer to the West End. Another West End producer and theatre owner came to see the show incognito, and loved it. In 2010 we will be playing at…………………….. Now, that piece of information I am not allowed to divulge. New York next? Blimey!

So, this is your last week to catch a piece of riveting West End/ Broadway theatre at a third of the price, at your very own Belgrade Theatre in Coventry. That is a first for all involved. I am humbled, proud, and just a little excited. Let’s see what our last week in Coventry has to offer. I have not been disappointed yet.

JPL ;-)