Paul Edmondson
Priest in The Church of England; Shakespearian; fizzing in Stratford-upon-Avon. Own views.
- 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-...
- 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-...
- 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
