Richard Bailey

It has just occurred to me that Meals on Wheels and Sweeney Todd are an unfortunate juxtaposition. However, first things first. This morning my wife and I went out with the Meals on Wheels team from behind Wallington Public Hall. As there is only room for two people in the vans we had to replace the usual runners and we are both very grateful to the drivers for putting up with a couple of complete amateurs. By 11am the vans were loaded with meals in their heated boxes. We had a quick briefing on normal meals, special sweets, vegetarian meals, diabetic meals, did the recipient need the lids taken off and did they have their tea delivered as well - then we were off, bouncing over the road humps. 

Susan left for areas of north Wallington, Beddington and Roundshaw, while I went the other way towards Sutton. Time is  of the essence on the round as there are constraints on how long the food can remain in the heated boxes. So, although one would have liked to stop and chat with each recipient it was more a case of "Hello - meals on wheels, where would you like it, yes it is a nice day, goodbye" (although one recipient, seeing my badge, we did not wear chains, asked "Where did you win that medal!". Just after 1pm we were both back at base, and it was just time for a quick cup of tea or coffee, and a photo opportunity - my driver and two helpers in the kitchen:

Then it was off to Green Wrythe Primary School to open their new sports hall

School sports halls seem to be the flavour of the year - we have now opened two and there is another in the pipe line. Before the official opening there was a display of dance/acrobatics by the children and two Kenyan professionals who had arrived in the school at 9.30 that morning, auditioned the children, and trained them up to be ready by 2.30. - very impressive.

There was also an impressive line up of celebrities for this one - David Weir the London Marathon Wheelchair champion, Lenny Daws the British Light Welterweight Champion, both local personalities, and Byron Atwell, a former pupil of the school, who is a national korfball star. 

Byron Atwell, David Weir and Lenny Daws, together with children from Green Wrythe Primary School and the celebration cake 

Then it was a quick dash home and time to get ready for:

Sweeney Todd

This was staged by the Lyric Players, an amateur dramatic society. The music and lyrics, by Stephen Sondheim, were very challenging, with precise timing required. The stage sets were brilliantly conceived, a central block doubling up as The Barber's Shop, Mrs. Lovell's pie shop, her parlour, and the dreadful cellar.

Although perhaps not exactly my cup of tea in some ways, I prefer happy endings(!), the performance was excellent. The singing, especially that of Robert Hamilton as Sweeney Todd, easily audible, and for such a dark subject there was a surprising amount of humour. Indeed one quote I heard was "It would have stood up well in the West End", so congratulations Lyric Players, and we look forward to your next production.