The Beckett experience was interesting. Very interesting. Met several Beckett aficionados, those who met him, worked with him, directed his plays, written books on him and his work.

Jim Knowlson gave me a copy of his "Beckett Remembering/Remembering Beckett". I can't put it down. Jim is a lecturer at Reading University and founder/keeper of The Beckett Archive. His kind words regarding our production were gratifying.

Stan Gontarski is a Professor of English at Florida State University, editor of the Journal of Beckett Studies, and was there on opening night with Jim. Stan has directed Beckett. He came a second night and interviewed Mike Bennett, the other hand in the plays, and myself for the journal. Some honour. His generous compliments on our work were a joy to hear. When I set out to learn my lines, the one abiding factor was that I wanted the Beckett people, the real aficionados, to be satisfied. We all felt that way.

The plays are difficult, and we struggled to get a grip on some of the dialogue and allusions. But there are many interpretations, and maybe that's the way Mr B. wanted it.

I planned on a quiet year, taking time to rest a little and write new songs.

Then the phone rang.

The Beckett project took over my life, practically, for a long time, and then The 'Stones called. Warsaw and St. Petersburg, supporting the biggest there is. Honoured.

I've got a city centre hotel for 3 nights in St. Petersburg, flying on from Warsaw, and intend to do it all. There's the Hermitage Museum and a thousand outstanding buildings; architecture of great beauty, and canals.

The songs are coming slowly because of all these commitments, but coming they are. We ought to be recording in October, for a Spring 08 release.
Calling the CD "Wide Screen", I think. Or "The Road Home", which my agent prefers. I'm not sure yet. Dates are being held for May and June in the UK, then we expect to take a run round Europe for a few weeks.

I need a holiday. I need some sunshine. But watching the devastation around the midlands from flooding makes me weep.

I only need a holiday. What do those poor thousands need?

SH