Rugby, Harry Ramsden and the Moor of Venice

Saturday was a long and eventful day, one that required a little logistical planning, what with the England-Wales game not starting till five and Verdi's Otello starting in Salford Quays at seven-thirty. No time between them for travelling and supper so had to get over to Salford with the laptop before five, in the pouring rain.

England were trounced by Wales at the Millennium Stadium. I had a very iffy wifi connection in the Lowry bar but saw enough of the game to get truly depressed, so in need of comfort took myself off to Harry Ramsden's for fish and chips and a large whisky. Big mistake; Harry Ramsden not what it was, nowhere near. Back in the sixties I once drove from London to Guisely and back for a fish 'n chips supper; after tonight I wouldn't cross the food court.

Across the rainy square from the Lowry Outlet to the theatre for Otello, another great Opera North production first performed in 1887 and - in this production - set in a WW2 US naval base. A rich production and again an intriguing set. F says that Verdi is the Italian Wagner, and I see what she means. Big themes, big music, high tragedy [and delicious ginger ice-cream in the interval].

Finally, bus back to Longsight, and home, still raining hard. Long day, that ended well - for me if not for Othello and Desdemona.