Hopped onto the no.88 bus, for a 50 minute journey, to Clapham Common. There was an annoucement mid route that the bus was terminating at Stockwell ….and passengers patiently waited there for another no.88 to come along. Arrived at friend Diana’s home and we had a lovely catch up and lunch in the local Abbeville village.

I booked a ticket to see ‘Inter Alia’ @ the Wyndham Theatre last night. The play has been written by Susie Miller (who previously wrote Prima Facie) ….and looks at what happens when a top criminal court judge’s own son is accused of rape. Miller’s writing uncovers the hypocrisies and horrors at the heart of our courts — how the issue of consent in sexual crimes is used by defence lawyers to tear down victims, and an unpoliced internet hellscape is poisoning the beliefs of young men.

Rosamund Pike does an incredible job with the role – she is Jessica Parks, a judge trying to be everything to everyone: a mother, a feminist, a staunch supporter of women in the courtroom, and an accommodating wife to her lawyer husband. A good friend, a kind neighbour, a fun dinner party host – the juggle and balance that successful women attempt in a world not designed for them. As an audience, you get to hear what’s going on ‘inside her head’, a remarkable feat crafted by Miller’s prose and Justin Martin’s smart directing. A searing examination of motherhood and masculinity.

My last play on this visit is Fran Kranz’s stage adaptation of “Mass” @ the Donmar Warehouse. The play is an unflinching, emotionally devastating, and essential look at grief, accountability, and restorative justice. Centred on two sets of parents, Linda (Monica Dulan) and Richard (Paul Hilton) versus Jay (Adeel Akhtar) and Gail (Lyndsey Marshal), meeting years after a shared tragedy involving a mass shooting, the play unfolds almost entirely around a table; one that slowly rotates, subtly shifting our perspective as the emotional ground beneath the characters moves far more violently. Aktar’s restrained fury and Dolan’s haunting grief were, in particular, extraordinary to watch. Despite the weighty conversations surrounding an all-too-real kind of tragedy, I left the theatre light on my feet, believing in the power of conversation and restorative justice, and what a beautiful message for a story to have.

Stepping out into the sunshine I walked past Seven Dials Market and monument…jeez, there was a lot of activity!

I decided I needed a gelato….I thought of Amorino on Charing Cross Rd. Oh yes, can highly recommend! Delish and beautifully presented in the form of a rose…a work of art.

I have my last fancy schmancy restaurant booking tonight @ Elystan St. Caught the Picadilly line to South Kensington and walked to the Chelsea area. The Petrossian caught my eye on route and I wandered in…goodness me, lots of different flavoured caviar, smoked salmon and lots of different vodka…had to try a small flute of spicy vodka…which was very acceptable.

Elystan St offered seasonal, gimmick free dishes which are full of vitality and flavour. I had a double-baked cheddar cheese souffle, with a trifle emulsion, leeks, mushrooms and a small green salad. Yummy!

Last night in London! Its been great and I’ll hopefully be back in December.