First of all, my sister LUCY. She has launched her book, The Accidental Leader, this week in America. Big Whoop Whoop to her. I guess that must mean it is available everywhere now. It is a brilliant and fascinating book. Typical Lucy! Have a look.
Second of all, my brother Olly. He had his premiere this week of The Great Escaper, due out in cinemas early next month. Starring Michael Caine and the late Glenda Jackson, it is a true tale beautifully told. Wonderful performances by two bloody great actors. Michael has always been quite Michael, and all the better for it. I loved acting with him, sort of, ages ago, but Olly had a great time with him. Not sure how many more movies the man can do, but I was proud to work with him, and spend a bit of time in his company, Olly must have had a terrific time. And knowing how actors are with directors, I envy my brother's involvement with actors like Michael, and of course Glenda. I only met her briefly, but how bloody good was she. One of the all-time greats. Lucky older brother, say I!!!
And thirdly, my opening night of Operation Epsilon. I think all these three things happened on the same Wednesday. I had a clash with film and theatre again. I remember clashing The Last Duel with The Mirror & The Light. At least then, the Red carpet and the theatre were only 400yds apart. No way I could make both this time. I had to concentrate. We only had 3 weeks rehearsal, so for a wordy play we were up against it. Luckily, we had Andy Sandberg, our director. I think he is just fab. He never let me get away with anything, he challenged me, but also let me have my head. I think it has gone well so far. We only have 4 more weeks to progress with it, so hopefully it will get better. And a lovely cast. The theatre, which is nice from an audience point of view (literally!, do you see what I did there?) is not an actor's paradise. I don't think it was ever made with the actors in mind, really. But nevertheless we cope, and thanks to the crew, we do it. Yea!
Lastly, here is another Guardian extract. Not political, but life enhancing. I thought it bore sharing.