Spring always seems to usher in change for me, and this year has been no different. I’ve spent the last couple of weeks saying a lot of goodbyes as I left my old job – and a significant chapter of my life – behind. So here we are. April has been and almost gone, and what a month it’s been.
In stark contrast to both February and March, April has felt softer, easier. It hasn’t been plain sailing, but overall it seems as though the clouds have parted. The ending of my time at my old job, amongst other things, has given me cause to stop and reflect on the last few years, and the last few months in particular. I don’t think I’m exaggerating if I say it feels like there’s been a pretty seismic change over the last six months or so; I’m barely recognisable compared to the Steph that existed last autumn. If you’d told me back then that I’d be heading into the West End of London, willingly, in rush hour, I’d never have believed you. I never thought I’d be able to do that again. But I did. And it was good.
I’m going to resist the temptation to over-sentimentalise here; suffice it to say that it isn’t just me that’s noticed the difference. I’ve had quite a few people say things to me along the lines of “it’s so nice to have the old Steph back again” – and how true it is. There are a lot of reasons, but a big part of it is being able to surround myself with some truly brilliant friends – old and new, nearby and far away. Friends that bring out the best in me. Friends I feel safe being vulnerable with, and that I can be weird with. Friends that raise the bar for everyone else in my life. And I feel incredibly lucky.
At the time of posting this, I’m away on holiday (hence me posting this a day late…oops), and I’m not sure I’ve ever needed a break more than I needed this one. It’s tempting to beg whoever’s in charge for a quieter month in May, but given the amount of stuff I’ve already got in the diary, along with being about to start a very exciting new job, that simply isn’t going to happen. So I’m just hoping the only drama to be found in the coming month is on the stage.
I had to laugh as I reread March’s post, in which I hoped April would be quieter: dear reader, it wasn’t. Compared to this month, March Steph sounds like an amateur. There have been trips and adventures aplenty, and I’ve managed to pack so much in that this is going to end up being a two-part April extravaganza – more on that a bit further down.
But until then, you know what time it is…
Littlehampton Museum
Whenever I make a trip these days where I’ll have some free time, I always have a look to see if there are any museums nearby that might be worth a visit. With a rugby away day taking me down to the South coast, what better excuse to pop into Littlehampton Museum. Despite that portion of the seaside being a regular haunt of mine, I didn’t even realise there was a museum there until very recently – which is a shame, because it’s a real gem of a place. Situated in the Manor House (the Town Council building) and all on one level, access is good throughout (though it could do with some seats dotted around).
The collection is an eclectic one, telling the story both of Littlehampton and the surrounding areas, spanning Iron Age and Roman archaeological finds; natural history; geology; wartime and transport history and even an exhibition telling the true story behind the film Wicked Little Letters, which was set in Littlehampton. There’s a little bit of something for everyone: I spent about an hour there, but could happily have taken longer if I’d had the time. Entry is free, and it’s open every day except Sundays and bank holidays, so I’d highly recommend a visit if you’re in the area.
All the theatre, all the time
I talked in an earlier post about not having been to the theatre since 2018, and the main reason why. Something in that post clearly resonated (it’s my most-read post of all time) – and I was left feeling a bit overwhelmed by people’s responses to it. And thank you, because it gave me the boost I didn’t know I needed, to take up space both literally and figuratively. Since I posted that, I’ve found the courage to make a nuisance of myself in the name of actually being able to do things I want to do.
And so, I managed to book some tickets. And then some more tickets. And was then offered some more tickets by a friend. Which ultimately led to me seeing a grand total of six shows in April. I have far too many thoughts, feelings and opinions about them than will fit here, so I’ve plonked them all in a second part of this month’s review – keep an eye out for it over the next few days. But in summary: overall, it’s been fantastic, and I wish I’d done it a long time ago.
Songs on repeat
Look, it’s The Tortured Poets Department. Of course it is. Yes, I know it only came out on the 19th. But I’ve had absolutely nothing else in my ears since. I could probably write an entire book on what I thought of it; suffice it to say I bloody love it. I didn’t know what to expect, but whatever it was, it isn’t what I got. While it perhaps isn’t musically her greatest album (frankly, it would take a lot to top Folklore and Evermore for that title anyway), Taylor Swift is back at her lyrical best: sharp, funny, savage and devastating in a way I haven’t seen from her since Speak Now.
Each time I’ve listened, I end up with a new favourite song. I Can Do It With A Broken Heart, Guilty As Sin?, and The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived have spent the longest time hanging around the top five, though, and…oof.
Before the 19th came and changed my ears forever, I spent most of the month in the Spotify “made for you” playlists section. No, not the daylists (there’s only so many times I can see the exact same songs in a playlist called something like “Sad happy girl cloudy rainy walking writing lyrical interpretive dance main character Thursday afternoon” before I lose the will to live) – mostly my “indie mix”. I’d argue that a lot of what’s on there isn’t really indie, but I think we all know Spotify isn’t great at hitting the mark with its genres (please, I beg you, if you can explain to me what McBling, delulu, flying or clown music are, as genres, put me out of my misery).
It’s been nice adding some new artists to my listening repertoire, along with some recommendations-that-weren’t-really-recommendations from friends. One thing you should know about me: if you mention an artist you like, even in passing, I’m adding them straight to my Spotify queue, so I can check them out. And then I’ll probably never mention them to you again, so you don’t think I’m weird.
There’s been so much more, too, that doesn’t fit here: dreamy coffees and pastries by the river; Rainy walks by the sea; sunny walks on the South Bank (yes, I finally understand why everyone’s obsessed with it now); laughing harder than I’ve laughed in months; delicious dinners and amazing brunches with friends; dog cuddles, new piercings (did someone say midlife crisis?), deep chats and family fun.
Oh, and I went to see When Forms Come Alive again. But I’ve written about that already. It was just as good – if not better – the second time around. And I saw the piece I missed. Which was weird. But good weird.
It’s been a bit of a whirlwind, but in the best possible way – I feel like it’s picked me up and plonked me in the middle of Oz, where everything’s in glorious technicolour; a riotous contrast to my mostly-monochrome start to the year. And I’m looking forward to what the next month will bring.
Stephanie Franklin 