I acquired a part in Miller's Crucible by channelling my beloved grandmother and adding a quaver, except I was utterly overwhelmed by the attention of my cast mates and eventual audience and could never manage it again. To the deep disgust and distress of my director. She was a dragon lady extraordinaire, and directed both the fall play and the spring musical with an iron fist in an iron glove. Not quite the howling ogre you had to live through - but formidable nonetheless.

pleased to see you writing, hope your winter is going well