Looking forward to our 'Midsummer Evensong' in this lovely place: St John the Baptist's, Aston Cantlow - with readings from 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', & violin & organ music, & pealing bells, & wine. Come join us at 5.30 p.m.

Friday begins with Monte Flor, a Guatemalan bean: dewy deep lawn, bass recorder, smooth wood, salted caramel, & the promise of Narnia, & the Aslan mug. Thank you for the coffee, Monsoon Estates.

Still time to sign-up (free) to hear Dame Janet Suzman in conversation with me about Queen Cleopatra: 5.00 p.m. today. Come join us. www.shakespeare.org.uk/visit/whats-...

Queen Cleopatra

Queen Cleopatra with Dame Janet Suzman: June's free online Research Conversation hosted by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

shakespeare.org.uk

The Sabbath continues with this newly-delivered Mantiquera de Minas bean: clarinet, dewy meadow, chocolate & orange, oak-beams. And Pope Francis's 'Dilexit Nos' ('He loved us') Thank you.

This afternoon I take part in the enthronement service of the new Bishop of Coventry, Sophie Jelley. I will present her with goose quill from Mary Arden's Farm, welcoming her on behalf all things Shakespearian in the diocese, & especially The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

'Christian unity' - Jesus's prayer (John 17:11) - does not mean Christians always agree, but that they still understand each other even if they don't 'speak the same language' - like those new disciples on the first Christian Pentecost.

Civic Sunday begins with this 'Vernal Vibe' blend: piano, soft cotton, mown grass, tree-lined country lane, spiced chocolate. Thank you Monsoon Estates, locally roasting & posting in Stratford-upon-Avon.

'Female Friendship in Shakespeare': still time to register for this free research conversation, Wed. 14th May 5.00 p.m. www.shakespeare.org.uk/visit/whats-...

Female Friendship in Shakespeare

Female friendship in Shakespeare: May's free online Research Conversation hosted by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

shakespeare.org.uk

Spring along 'Thou soft flowing Avon' (Stratford-upon-Avon).

I was thrilled to see Luke Thallon's Hamlet (for the second time). My heart ached for him, his passion, & he has made the role his own. And the whole production is entirely original & fresh. Thank you, RSC.

And praise God for the poet-priest Thomas Traherne, and these memorial windows dedicated to him in Hereford Cathedral.

Sir Edward Elgar, & his view of Hereford Cathedral. Around the base of the sculpture are Elgar's words: 'This is what I hear all day, the trees are singing my music, or am I singing theirs?'

I have just read consecutively - & to a person close to death - the four gospel accounts of the resurrection through to the end of the books. There is life & love in abundance, new creation, witness, & strength, & promise, & doubt, & faith, & the call to change the world. Amen.

I've just heard a bizarre Dame Shirley Bassey song: 'All I want is an apartment', 'I'm running away from Cinderella.' Not one I've ever known... Any takers?

Bravo RSC for this thrilling new production! All the performances are captivating, especially Daniel Evans's Edward, who is powerfully edged with aggression, vulnerability, & very much in love. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you for the Hercule Poirot theme @petroc.bsky.social on 'Breakfast' @bbcradio3bot.bsky.social I think about Poirot several times a day - 'order & method, mon ami' - & have done since the age of 11.

Hurrah for this Collect for the Sunday before Lent, from The Book of Common Prayer. www.churchofengland.org/node/933/pri...

Just completed Deuteronomy. Now it's time for 'The Merry Wives of Windsor', our 'Shakespeare For All' monthly reading in Stratford-upon-Avon Public Library.

Heading towards a tutorial on 'King Lear', & I'm pleased that my student has written quite an original essay...

It's the way Maggi Hambling's scallop makes me hear Britten's music...

I hope the rest of Friday is as proportionate as this 'Bach Before 07.00'. Thank you @bbcradio3bot.bsky.social @petroc.bsky.social

Glad to have joined Bluesky, with blue skies over Stratford-upon-Avon, & I hope Shakespeare studies & The Church of England. Also (for the time being) on X @paul_edmondson