Dead thespians

As Mirinda has now returned to work, so I have returned to our Wednesday lunch dates. Due to the timing of a couple of meetings, we had to squeeze in between them. Fortunately this was around lunch time.

I sat and waited in the bright and airy lobby of her new employer. A security guard asked me if I was OK at one point but otherwise I remained unmolested. Finally my smiling wife appeared, refusing to kiss me hello on the premises while I insisted on wearing my hat. This was remedied as soon as we walked outside. This is even though she doesn’t really know anyone yet!

We decided to have a wander around Covent Garden. Every time I visit, I think of dad as a boy and how different it is now. Forget the fruit and veg! All tourists and funky shops. Here’s a photo I took (it was a rather gloomy day so it’s not the clearest shot). I’ve also made it sepia for easy comparison.

Covent Garden 2011

And here’s a postcard I found on the web showing Covent Garden (on a different angle but you can see the same roofs) in the early 1900s.

Covent Garden 1900s

Looks a bit different now! That’s Mirinda in her new coat, by the way. Not that you can see her very clearly.

Anyway, while we were there, we popped into St Paul’s church, which is where all the actors go to pray…apparently. This is according to an ancient chap who decided to tell us who was remembered in the church. Not buried, just remembered. There are plaques everywhere with all sorts of famous names.

The church is an Inigo Jones design, originally completed in 1633. In 1795 there was a huge fire which destroyed most of it and it was restored to Jones’ original designs. It was further restored in 1872.

The reason why it’s become the Actor’s Church is because of the building of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane which isn’t very far away and was built around the same time. I guess they’d pop over before a Sunday matinee and ask for a good show. A further link lies with Samuel Pepys, who noted in his diary entry of 9 May 1662 that he watched an ‘Italian puppet play’ under the portico of St Paul’s. This was one of the first performances of what turned into Punch and Judy, apparently. It also explains why the pub in Covent Garden is called The Punch and Judy.

Anyway, it’s become the thing to be remembered in St Pauls if you’re an actor. Ellen Terry’s ashes are there as are those of Dame Edith Evans. Here’s some of the plaques.

Plaques in St Paul's, Covent Garden

According to our knowledgeable friend, Charlie Chaplin’s plaque was originally refused entry into the Anglican church seeing as he was Jewish. The old chap also thought it was because of his preference for rather young girls. I don’t know. I didn’t even know he was Jewish. I do know he was bought up in Elephant and Castle as I’ve had a drink at his pub.

We managed to escape from the old chap who seemed to view history as a long line of connected people, and had a lovely sushi lunch in Itsu. I really love the sushi at Itsu. It also means I don’t need a big dinner.

We slowly walked back to Mirinda’s work and parted (she kissed me well away from the front door). I had thought I’d go and check out the London Transport Museum but the day was so miserable I decided to just walk down to Waterloo and go home. The poodles were quite happy about that as it meant a late walk.