John Baker’s Blog

Should novelists just shut up and write books? Some people clearly think so. Louise Doughty in The Telegraph.
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Some authors are paying to have their books mentioned in your blog’s comment section. Dear Author has been investigating:
What I think is particularly pernicious about this is that we readers really rely on other readers to give recommendations [...]

Good stuff at Newcastle on Tyne’s Northern Stage yesterday. Two generals, Macbett and Banco, put down a rebellion. In payment for their heroic service, the Archduke promises to bestow on them land, titles and cash. But once the war is won and the rebel leaders are slain he reneges on the deal. Seduced by thoughts [...]

I am a very foolish fond old man,
Fourscore and upward, not an hour more nor less;
And, to deal plainly,
I fear I am not in my perfect mind.
Yesterday we saw King Lear with Ian McKellen at the Newcastle Theatre Royal. This is an RSC production, directed by Trevor Nunn and the theatre was packed with anticipation.
Considering [...]

We were in Newcastle today to see The Tempest, a Royal Shakespeare Company production with Patrick Stewart as Prospero, directed by Rupert Goold at Newcastle Theatre Royal.
Rupert Goold directed Speaking Like Magpies (scroll to 2nd December) in 2005, which was a disappointment. But this production is a triumph and Goold together with the set designer, [...]