The Marriage of Figaro, ENO

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Some things work, others don’t in Fiona Shaw’s new production of The Marriage of Figaro at the ENO. The set is not to my taste, a modern white labyrinth structure that looks just too temporary. The endlessly revolving centre of the stage muddles the action rather than enhancing it. Furthermore I was confused about the period in which Shaw sets the opera, the set is overwhelmingly modern and yet the costumes seem to suggest the 18th century.

I did feel sorry for the ENO on the night, with the last minute illness of Kate Valentine (playing the Countess) they had to find a very fast replacement and Elizabeth Llewellyn rose to the challenge with impeccable style and stamina joining the cast and fitting in remarkably. Llewellyn is a brilliant actress and competent singer and they were incredibly lucky to get her, she gave a stand out performance.

This is not my favourite of the Mozart operas, it is lengthy and drags a little, nonetheless there are numerous toe tapping tunes. Iain Paterson is thrilling as Figaro giving a humorous rendition of the title role, and proves himself to be a competent actor as well as being vocally brilliant. Devon Guthrie as the much desired Susanna looks and sounds the part and interacts beautifully with Paterson. My favourite performance of the night was Katryn Rudge as the petite Cherubino, Rudge has a gorgeously bright and spritely voice and suits the cheeky role perfectly.

Conductor, and former ENO Music Director, Paul Daniels leads the orchestra through this frantic score with a firm but expressive hand, and the players respond well.

After seeing the ENO’s spectacular productions of The Passenger and Elixir of Love I was expecting a lot from this Mozart classic, but I must admit, I left feeling a little disappointed.

Visit ENO website and book tickets here.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 72

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Beachy hair is almost impossible to obtain and maintain unless you are actually on a beach and have access to the sea. Then there are the models in magazines also possessing the perfect tousled hair, and ever since I can remember I have wondered how I too can achieve this laid back and pretty state with my badly behaved locks.

While at hairdressers Pimps and Pinups the other day, I was introduced by my stylist to Kevin Murphy’s range… assuming they would just be more useless, over priced and sticky products I took no notice while she applied them to my new haircut. However even I had to admit the results were pleasing, and the products smelt delicious.

The Kevin Murphy range was developed from a simple philosophy: moisture, strength and regeneration. The website is clear and concise and explains what is best for different types of hair. I’ve heard a few people mention how brilliant the shampoo’s and conditioners are but I only had enough to buy the styling products used on my hair. I bought HAIR RESORT (£15), used to add body and texture to hair, strong but weightless. This should be crunched into hair when still wet for the best results. Then my favourite stuff is the EASY RIDER (£16.50) product used to defrizz and activate the natural curl in your hair. It can be applied to damp or dry hair and will add vitamins and minerals to treat the hair while also styling it.

I am so glad to finally find a hair brand I can trust and rely on every day, and at last I seem able to create a bit of that unattainable beachy hair look.

Visit Kevin Murphy website here.

Pimps and Pinups, Hair Salon, Spitalfields

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Pimps and Pinups, I’m not sure about the name, was the venue for my much needed makeover last week. Feeling revitalised by the autumn sun, I decided on shorter and blonder.

This wacky hair salon is located in Spitalfields, East London, an area of our city that is perhaps over-populated with trendy salons, though I immediately felt there was something different about P&P.; Most obviously the pricing, there are no levels with the staff here, everyone is considered to be of the same standard, regardless of age and years of experience. It is a simpler and less fussy way of doing things and this, in turn is certainly reflected in the lovely atmosphere in the salon.

On arriving, I was enthusiastically greeted and offered a glass of wine or beer, before my flame haired stylist Anita came to collect me. We chatted briefly about what kind of thing I wanted, and I handed over a photo I had found of a desirable cut. She seemed to understand instantly and we were away at once. First the hair was backcombed and painted with the light bleach, the dip dye technique I had previously experienced. The sweetest boy came over every ten minutes to check if I needed a drink refill.

After my the bleach had performed to Anita’s satisfaction it was over to the sinks for Toner, Shampoo and Conditioner, and an absolutely heavenly head massage… it is debatable whether it is worth going to the hairdressers just for the massage. Though the cut didn’t seem too extensive (a few inches off), the style change from shoulder length to proper bob seemed quite drastic to me. Anita was nifty and chopped away with precision and speed until a little while later I was all done and being prepped with sweet smelling products. She kindly offered to trim my fringe free of charge whenever I need it. I skipped out the salon feeling lighter and prettier with my new East London bob.

Reasonably priced, laid back and super cool, this is a salon that will make anyone and everyone emerge feeling good.

Visit the Pimps and Pinups website here to book. Or if you’re in New York, there is a branch there too…