What I did at the weekend:
Busy day yesterday. I went to Leicester, to an open day at De Montfort University, and to an “informal interview” which was supposed to decide whether or not I got a place on their course, but was actually pretty unimportant since I received my unconditional offer last week.
The guy who interviewed me was brilliant though, really made me confident that I was doing the right thing. My Dad was under strict instructions not to answer any questions so, of course, the first thing he did was shout out “Alan Yentob!” when the tutor, Chris Maugham, asked if any of us could name any famous arts managers. Can’t take him anywhere… Still, it helped break the ice a bit, and when the little talk was over and I sat down with Chris for the “informal interview” we chatted about everything from the lack of young people involved in live literature to the layout of the new Curve theatre, to the economic problems of Brecon Jazz Festival. It just felt right.
Not taken yesterday.
Then, when all our regimented activities were over, we wandered into the centre of Leicester and it seemed lovely. Obviously much smaller than Manchester, but it benefited from it. All that big city grime and drunkenness and litter and filth was missing. There’s a massive covered market with an amazing fishmongers and a whole area for fruit and veg sellers. It was like walking into the old East End of London, with everyone shouting their wares. There’s a gorgeous old clock tower and an area called Leicester Lanes, which is a little warren of independent shops and little Victorian style arcades. Thankfully, it was a sunny day. It’s possible that I would have emerged suicidal if it had been tipping it down. As you know, I do love a blue sky.
On another subject entirely, wouldn’t it be nice to have this tattooed on my feet?
