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Here is the link to the full article on Nancy Sinatra. It is much longer than The Toppermost with many more quotes and pictures, plus details on the less well-known material. A quote from a 2004 NY Times article:

JODY ROSEN: In part, Ms. Sinatra was a victim of the cultural politics of her time. Rock ‘n’ roll divided the nation along generational lines, but Ms. Sinatra remained agnostic, a stubbornly independent hip square who kept a foot in both camps. Her high hemlines, big boots and tough-girl vocal style were nothing if not modern. But she also recorded standards, and she remained closely associated with her father, the towering symbol of the previous musical era. (The pair sang several duets, including the fizzy No. 1 hit “Somethin’ Stupid.”) From today’s perspective, her refusal to choose musical sides looks refreshingly cosmopolitan; but in the eyes of the first wave of rock critics, it placed her on the wrong side of the generational gulf.
New York Times, 26 September 2004

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Go to Toppermost for my latest article for the site (then explore the site for a toppermost on your favourite, or offer to do one if they’re not there. The latest one is on Nancy Sinatra. (LINKED) A must too for all Lee Hazlewood fans. This is a short version of a much longer article on my blog.

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My favourite play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream(REVIEW LINKED), in London’s newest and best theatre, The Bridge. Nicholas Hytner’s spectacular production is innovative in staging and action. I’ve seen so many versions, and this must be just about the best. Even if you don’t read the reviews, follow the link and look at the pictures, It features Oliver Chris and Gwendoline Christie, Brieene of Tarth in A Game of Thrones as Oberon and Titania, and controversially switches their lines.

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Review of The Merry Wives of Windsor (LINKED) in its 2019 version at Shakespeare’s Globe. A lively performance for a sunny afternoon, and an interesting take on Falstaff.

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FOLLOW LINK to review added of Bitter Wheat, world premiere of the David Mamet play featuring John Malkovich in a rare stage role. The play is about a predatory Hollywood producer named Barney Fein, clearly inspired by the Harvey Weinstein case. It got a rough ride from critics. We were more positive.

The second review from this week’s Stratford-upon-Avon visit. The Royal Shakespeare Company presents Vanbrugh’s “The Provoked Wife” this time a raucous, bawdy Restoration comedy. This was way the better of the two plays this week.

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Review of the Royal Shakespeare Company production of “Venice Preserved” by Thomas Otway. (FOLLOW LINK) This is a rarity – a Restoration Tragedy, rated by Michael Billington as one of the 101 Greatest Plays. I assess it somewhat differently …

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Review added of This is My Family, a musical play by Tim Firth at Chichester’s Minerva Theatre. Judging by recent Chichester productions, this one will go on to the West End, and every member of the cast was a joy to watch. James Nesbitt and Sheila Hancock are the best-known.  I’m not so sure about the music though.

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Theatre reviews are back!  My favourite theatre, the Watermill with a favourite classic,  THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (linked). The best production of this well-known play (to me) that I’ve seen since 2010. Read the review.

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Review added of Saving Grace (LINKED) which is Robert Plant’s new band. Yes, THE Robert Plant, at the Tivoli Wimborne Community Theatre. One of their early gigs. there isn’t even an album yet. Support Swing Fever. Read the full review on the link.

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