Notes from Ipswich

Morning readers…
I’m having a deeply unglamorous morning back at home… washing, admin, papershredding.
My whistlestop tour in ‘Spamalot‘ has been interrupted for a week. Never mind. At least I might have time to pen a decent blog. My last effort was definitely in the region of a ‘B’ mark from my inner critic!

So last week found me in Ipswich… a town I have never visited in my life.
In fact the whole east coast of England is a veritable sight-seeing treasure trove awaiting me.
I was lodging at the Lattice Lodge Guest House run by Martin and Mosaic. I have to say it is one of the loveliest B and B’s I have stayed in. My room was comfortable… shower had perfect temperature and power and the organic breakfast was a treat. Suffolk bacon is something to write home about!
In addition to my feeling totally at home I had a little ‘spooky’ coincidence as I call it. Whilst out at the shops I heard the Snow Patrol track ‘Chasing Cars‘ being played. The song always reminds me of my late friend Jason Wood, the immensely talented performer who died last year. He loved that song and always intended to sing it in his act. Anyway, whilst chatting to Martin at the Lattice Lodge the next day, it transpired that he used to run a comedy club in Ipswich. Guess who his favourite turn was? Jason Wood; and Jason used to stay in this very hotel.
Keeping on the subject of things ethereal, I paid a visit to the holistic shop ‘The Sacred Earth‘ where I bought a copy of the classic historical novel ‘The Mists Of Avalon‘. The owners of the shop thought I would find it especially interesting because it is a feminine view of the Arthurian legend and the Lady of the Lake is a High Priestess who trains Morgan Le Fay. Suspect it won’t have as many laughs as Spamalot but I look forward to losing myself in this saga… if I ever get the time.
Got to visit Ipswich’s famous Christchurch Mansion which had some amazing Constable and Gainsborough originals. Constable was a pioneer in the sense that he celebrated the local rather than some fantasy neo classical or religious landscape. His paintings make you feel the sense of place and personal affection for it that he had.
Also got to see the world famous Aldeburgh with it’s beautiful pocket seaside and bijoux houses which no doubt rich townies come to at weekends. My fish and chips at the Pelican bistro were absolutely yummicious.
The other gastronomic highlight was a meal at Arlingtons in Ipswich. My show chum Rachel Knowles and I both had the Chicken Caesar Salad with allumettes chips. We agreed that the caesar dressing was second to none… garlicky, salty, creamy… oh my God… I’m getting hungry thinking about it.
The audiences for our show at The Regent (a converted cinema and a limited venue for our theatrical requirements) were pleasing in number and response. Not that it will matter to anyone but me… a local review had me down as Hayley Tamaddon… which makes me think of an old variety joke… ‘Thanks for coming to the show folks… if you enjoyed tonight I’m Jessica Martin and if you haven’t… my name’s Hayley Tammadon!’
And on that note I’ll leave you all with some lyrics from that song Jason loved…

If I just lay
If I just lay here
Would you lay with me and just forget the world
Forget what we’re told
Before it gets too old
Show me a garden
That’s bursting into life.