'Once' and another Thames Path walk (Hammersmith to Kew

One of the presents hubby and I were given for our silver wedding anniversary was some theatre vouchers. Luckily they weren't dated because that was nearly two years ago and we only got round to using them on Thursday! (In fact I still have a £10 voucher left!) For a while I've wanted to see Once, then suddenly I heard it was going to end in March. So a few weeks ago we went up to London and booked our seats in person. We chose a matinee performance.

Ronan Keating took over the lead part last year so that was an added bonus. The Phoenix Theatre where the play is staged is an interesting place. I hardly ever go to London theatres (last time was to see the wonderful War Horse). This one used the stage to serve drinks before the performance began and during the interval. Also the musicians came on beforehand and entertained everyone with Irish songs just to get us in the mood.

The story starts with Ronan's character despairing of his music (his girlfriend has left for New York and found someone else). A Czech girl changes his outlook and the two gradually fall for one another. The music is great and there is lots of humour. It's a nice feel-good play and I loved watching the musicians play (especially the drummer in song) - you can't beat live music. Ronan Keating was great - made for the part. The play is on for two more weeks I think so there's not long to get along and see it.

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Kelmscott House

Yesterday hubby and I joined a free walk in Hammersmith. After we met up we walked to Kelmscott House Museum, the former home of William Morris, which overlooks the River Thames. Our guide told us a little about Morris explaining that Dante Gabriel Rossetti actually found the place but didn't want to live there because it was damp. This obviously didn't worry Morris. William Morris also had a house in the Cotswolds (Kelmscott Manor) and the Morris family actually went between the two properties by boat up the Thames.

I'm a big admirer of William Morris and while all the pre-Raphaelites interest me Morris is the one who stands out for me. I've seen much of his work in exhibitions and at Leighton House in London but so far I've not been to any of his residences and have yet to visit the museum in Walthamstowe. So to get a look inside this house was an opportunity not to miss. Unfortunately only the former kitchens is open to the public, though there is a room where art classes are held. Inside is a printing press used to run first copies of publications and a film of how it worked. Around the room are printing blocks and booklets. There is a small hall used as gift shop and the back room where there is a chair, a block like a large rubber stamp for one of the prints and a huge bookcase containing books by William Morris. On a table are books of Morris Wallpapers. Our guide showed us a tapestry made by May Morris, Morris' daughter.

Some William Morris wallpaper in by the entrance door to the former kitchens

After our visit we wandered back to Lyric Square where William Morris used to speak publicly after he became a Socialist. His name is there in the pavement. People walk over it all the time. I must admit I'd not seen it before.

Free hot drinks were to be had at the pub over the road as part of the walk and then afterwards hubby and I headed out for our own walk. We had planned to walk to Kew Bridge on the north side of the river bank, cross over and walk back on the other side, ending at Hammersmith Bridge. It was a beautiful day to be out with blue skies and warm temperatures. We passed the house of Emery Walker, a friend of William Morris and I aim to go back there one day, Other houses just off the route (which are on my list) are Hogarth House and Chiswick House.

By the time we reached Kew my legs felt heavy and tired. We stopped for a while and somehow I got second wind and we crossed the bridge and started back. I had to have a few more stops but we made it. Along the way we past the house of Gustav Holst somewhere around Barnes (or was it Mortlake?).
There were lots of rowers out and I saw my first butterfly of the year. It was great to see some spring flowers and I admired the houses with huge windows overlooking the Thames (what a wonderful view).

I was glad to see Hammersmith Bridge again and even happier to sit on the bus home! Looking back on the walk I calculated we walked about nine miles, perhaps a little more. No wonder I was tired. This is the furthest I've walked in one go since I was a teenager!