At the opening night of The Jamie Lloyd Co’s new West End production of Romeo and Juliet at Duke of York's Theatre.

Absolutely legendary new Randy Rainbow music video on the abomination that is #DonaldTump , #FortyFive , set to Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5.

Deeply moving post on the challenges of being dependent on the service of carers: a lesson in deep humility and gratitude even in the face of a necessarily intrusive presence. Hanif Kureishi reminds me to be grateful for my own less challenging circumstances.

I met this gorgeous little fella on West Worthing beach yesterday. Even though I currently feel awful, there’s still real beauty in the world.

As awful as my current depression is, I’m grateful for the succour, comfort and distraction of theatre, and yesterday I found it twice: revisiting Standing At The Sky's Edge matinee (for the 5th time!), then the genuinely hilarious & filthy Julian Clary at The London Palladium last night.

I am currently drenched in dread and feeling overwhelmed. Yes, it will pass, but when it strikes, it’s just horrible. Am sharing not for sympathy but for empathy; if you are similarly affected, you’re not alone. (I started new meds this week). #ShentonStageMentalHealthDiary

Really beautiful obituary for Ian Gelder by Michael Coveney for Guardian Obituaries, following his death, aged 74, on May 6.

theguardian.com/stage/2024/may…

This week’s theatre reviews by Susannah Clapp in Observer New Review:

Withnail and I at The Rep ★★★
Spirited Away at London Coliseum ★★★
Mary Said What She Said at Barbican Centre ★★★★
Boys on the Verge of Tears at Soho Theatre ★★★★:

theguardian.com/stage/article/…

Here’s a tee-shirt I could wear PROUDLY!

Exploitation of aspiring Edinburgh Festival Fringe critics: entertainment-now.com/category/edinb… offers contributors a one-off £200 fee to be available 24/7 for 10 hour shifts for the month. Accommodation is not included.

independent.co.uk/arts-entertain…

For those, like me, suffering from an ongoing (and seemingly never ending) depression: you are not alone. It WILL pass (as it has in the past). Meanwhile, I keep looking for solutions. I’ve now had my first-ever formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist, who has suggested new meds.

Lovely to see a mention of my late best friend Dean Jones on last night’s BAFTA TV AWARDS, in the “in memoriam” section. As a result, I’ve been contacted by someone he went to school with! Just a gorgeous connection, who’d found my tribute to Dean online. shentonstage.com/shentonstage-d…

This is incredible! Pete Buttigieg puts his finger on the pulse of why GOP pursue the culture wars.

Hanging out with John McDaniel John McDaniel and Barb Jungr — on Saturday after their show at The Crazy Coqs Presents, and today over lunch at a beachfront cafe in West Worthing.

This week’s theatre reviews in Observer New Review by Susannah Clapp:

The Cherry Orchard at Donmar Warehouse ★★★★
Minority Report at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre ★★★
Laughing Boy at Jermyn Street Theatre ★★★:

theguardian.com/stage/article/…

One of Barb Jungr’s secret weapons tonight — apart from a small wardrobe malfunction that nearly exposed her completely (“is this what the 70s are going to be like?”) — was her stunning accompanist and collaborator John McDaniel, who also sang two stunning solos.

My God, Barb Jungr is so bloody good! There is no one who compares for total engagement with lyrics and melody, ferocious attack but also warmth and wit. I simply adore her.