This is Dawn Jones, my cousin Ann’s daughter, and her family. We’ve recently been in contact over family history, and she has access to my tree on Genes Reunited.

We’ve been to see a couple of plays in the last two days. On Wednesday, Dot and I went to the Theatre Royal to see The Deep Blue Sea. Incompetently, I had booked the wrong performance online, but we went up anyway, and there was no trouble at all in not only changing our tickets from 2.30 to 7.30, but getting exactly the same seats. This was because the theatre was two-thirds empty, which was quite surprising.

It was one of those odd productions where everything seemed to be fine – acting, script, direction – but the whole thing never quite gelled. I think it was because the two lead characters who were supposed to be passionate about each other didn’t convince the audience of their passion. Still, it was quite enjoyable.

Last night we went to the Maddermarket with Audrey, a friend who is staying with us. We saw Funny Money – a farce – which was very well done by the amateur cast, including two people I know quite well from the EDP – David Newham and Trevor Burton. I also noticed Trevor’s father, the Rev Jack, in the audience. The script was hilarious and must have been difficult to carry off, with numerous confusing name changes. Of course the Maddermarket is a very attractive theatre, and we were in the front of the gallery, which gives a close view of the stage. So lots of fun.

Yesterday I also had an appointment with Mr Sethia about my ongoing prostate problem. He wanted to carry out another biopsy under general anaesthetic, because my PSA level had increased. But I persuaded him to let me have another blood test first, which is happening on Friday. If the PSA hasn’t fallen, I will be having the mammoth biopsy as a day procedure. In fact I have been feeling very well recently (possibly because I’ve lost a stone) and the night-time symptoms are much less. I quite often sleep through the night, which is unusual in men my age, even without the prostate problem.

Probably too much information. Sorry. The weather has changed: cold and bright has become milder and damp, which I don’t like so much. We are about to go to Dunston Hall with Audrey for lunch.