Sky Arts on Freeview

For anyone interested Sonia Friedman's production of Uncle Vanya starring Toby Jones is in BBC 4 tonight at 10pm

Given that I can't actually go anywhere- Tier 4 restrictions- I sat down for a night in of television.

First, The Repair Shop. Who doesn't love The Repair Shop.

Then I flicked over and caught the last half of the Fiddler documentary, then Billy Elliott live!

Well, what a disaster that decision was.

As previously stated, I had already seen this last year and tuned in just as Tevye's third daughter Chava decided to marry Fyedka and the repercussions of that decision.

Now, being of Mediterranean heritage, a lot of the themes of fiddler on the Roof resonate with me. Have seen the show on stage twice- once here in London and and once in Melbourne with Topol.

Also (not many of you will know this) but in a former life back in Austria I was in a semi-professional production that was seen by over 5000 people. I was the younger Papa- there's me kneeling in the bottom left hand corner of the photo holding a beer stein. One of the few times in my life that I've ever grown a beard.



Despite previously watching this documentary, watching the repercussions of Chava's decision being explained I couldn't help think of the Amish, who shun those who choose to leave.

Well that was enough to set this normally calm viewer off and (for some unexplained reason) there must have dust in mu eyes, because I could not sop the tears that kept on coming!

Than Billy Elliott. Billy Elliott was one go the first big West End shows I saw when I arrived in London.

I remember there was a production of Sunday in the Park with George at The Meinier Chocolate Factory will Ana Jane Casey before it transferred to the West End.

This was a must see. Not only is it a Sondhiem, but it's my favourite Sondheim and my favourite musical and- to the best of my knowledge- had up until that time never payed in Australia.

But when I saw Billy Elliott, it was so good that I (almost) cried!

I had seen the film and loved it however to see this adapted to stage and the fact that this little boy carried the whole show was remarkable and outstanding.

And although I have the DVD- watching it again last night, all this emotions came flooding back to me!

The choreography is outstanding and the juxtaposition in the storyline between the plight of the miners and this little boy's dream to dance was simply too much! Again, tears.

I particularly like Grandma's song where you see the men who have passed through her life; the plight of the father and the sheer bewilderment of the dad as this talented and spirited little boy is dancing around him.

I should really make it clear that whist I am an emotional person, crying at a stage show- especially a filmed version- is extremely out of character for me! Don't really know what came over me last night. Even as I type this I am welling- I'm blaming the virus!

I particularly like some of the behind scenes; like the fact that during the three days of filming If I Were A Rich Man that Tool has a toothache.

Also that Far From The Home I Love was the last sequence filmed and this stuck with Topol and moved him for years, to the point that it brought him to tears.

And interviews with two of the three actresses who played the daughters in the film.

For this who have not seen this documentary, I urge you to do so.

For anyone interested in musicals, I cannot oversell this!

Had a watch of the Fiddler of the Roof  documentary yesterday. A really fascinating insight into the backstory of how this fantastic musical came to the stage.

Watched The Wiz Live tonight. Whilst not a big fan of the staging, loved the cast and score.

Ever since watching it I've listened to multiple recordings, watched the film and ordered a book. How many documentaries can do that?

I have really loved Portrait artist of the year and have now started to watch last years which is being repeated. Next week Landscape artist of the year starts. It's odd really as I am no art expert, but find it fascinating watching how a painting can appear in the 4 hours. Have watched quite a bit on this channel since it appeared on freeview.

I actually came across a Cyndi Super concert on the weekend.

I have been a fan of her ever since she wanted to have fun and have even touched her (arghh!)- just to reassure you that I have washed my hand since!