Angry Birds Movie 2, a film by Thurop Van Orman at The Light, New Brighton

Yes, really. Being accompanied by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable 7-year old helped me to understand the plot. The CGI is amazing, most impressive when it is seamlessly combined with real video. And astonishing (to me) how a computer simulation of a stuffed toy bird -- basically only beak and eyes -- can take on totally appropriate facial expressions. But the plot (pigs and birds versus eagles fight it out with near-nuclear weapons) is repetitive and far-fetched, taking care of course to ensure that no creature actually gets killed, merely humiliated. At the end there is an incident that clearly sets the scene for a follow-up movie.  Can't wait. ❤❤❤

Solo Cello Recital by Jonathan Aasgaard at Williamson Art Gallery and Museum, Birkenhead

Such an accomplished musician with a fascinating programme of some of his favourite pieces by Bach, Hindemith and Dutilleux, interestingly explained in introductions to each piece. So lucky to have these recitals every Sunday afternoon throughout the summer, only 5 minutes from the house and free of charge (donations provide the funding). ❤❤❤❤❤

The Lehman Trilogy, a play by Stefano Massini from the National Theatre Live at The Light Cinema, New Brighton

Brilliant 3-act play defining the history of the Lehman Brothers banking conglomerate, viewed in chronologically ordered flashback starting in the early years of the 19th century when the business began as a cotton cloth wholesaler. Only three characters -- superbly played by Simon Russell Beale, Adam Godley and Ben Miles -- who remain in their original historic costume throughout, but convincingly play all the members of the subsequent generations, including women, children and even babies. The stage set is very simple, but is cleverly enhanced by background video. A long play at nearly four hours, but enthralling in its portrayal of the early history of the family through the American Civil War, the Depression of the 1930s to the bank's final collapse in 2008. Strangely though, the lead-up to the bank's collapse seemed to be blamed on the introduction of computers per se rather than the bank's risky strategy of gambling on derivatives and subprime mortgages. ❤❤❤❤❤ 

Ashes to Ashes, a play by Harold Pinter at the Priory, Birkenhead

A middle-age couple discuss the memory the woman has of an incident in her past life, in which she is subjected to physical abuse.  We learn that the abuse led to her, or a person with whom she identifies, having her baby taken from her.  Her partner in some way emulates this abuse, either through envy of the abuser (a former lover?) or possibly because he himself was the abuser in the past and they continue to relive the incident.  A very disturbing play with an expecially fine performance by Pauline Fleming as the woman. An unusual event for Birkenhead on a Saturday night, funded by the Arts Council.  We are promised more; look out forthem, as they are poorly advertised. Also, take cushions. ❤❤❤❤

Richard Casey (piano) at WilliamsonArt Gallery and Museum

Another component of the Cyril Scott weekend in Oxton: Richard performed music by Scott (Lotus Land and Jungle Book Impressions) along with works by Scott's friends Percy Grainger and Roger Quilter, the last a result of some searching by Richard to find.  Also, unrelated but superb, pieces by John Adams and Peter Maxwell Davies. 

My enjoyment was both reduced and enhanced by being asked at the last minute to be page-turner, a new experience that does give an insight into the exceptionally sound and sensitive piano-playing the audience enjoyed. ❤❤❤❤❤