A Reader’s Perfect Day: Theatre, Books, Horses and Quiet Time

A perfect day doesn’t need a packed itinerary. For this reader, it might include a theatre trip, a few pages of an audiobook, time with friends or simply a quiet evening at home with her cat, Missy. The ingredients can change; the pleasure comes from making room for the things that feel like her own.

That list arrives after a fortnight unusually full of outings. The blogger says she hadn’t planned to leave two weeks between posts, but life got busy. Among the highlights: seeing Geri Allen make her debut as Mary in Oh, Mary!. The show isn’t among her favourites, she writes, though she went because she had loved Allen in Operation Mincemeat. A second viewing changed her mind somewhat, and Allen’s performance made the trip worthwhile.

Operation Mincemeat supplied two more memorable moments. She saw Benjamin Durham’s debut as Hester and Molly Cutter’s debut as Monty, describing both performances as fabulous. She also took friends to Cambridge to see the touring production. The visit brought together a favourite show and the chance to revisit her old hometown, including a theatre she hadn’t been to since childhood.

Other theatre outings included the new cast of the West End transfer of Into the Woods. The blogger enjoyed the company and was especially pleased to see Jack Quarton play the Baker again. At Hadestown, she caught Juan Jackson as Hades for the first time in more than a year, alongside Michelle Andrews as Persephone. She had last seen them together, so their reunion onstage was a particular treat.

She also returned to Moulin Rouge to see its new cast after the changeover, including Christian, played by Robson Broad. Away from theatre, she watched the new Ghosts film, which she recommends, and attended V. E. Schwab’s London tour stop for Victorious. She says she’s looking forward to reading the book.

Ten ingredients for a good day

The list is part of Top Ten Tuesday, the weekly feature hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl. The blogger wasn’t drawn to that week’s topic, so she chose a prompt she had missed a couple of weeks earlier: “Things That Make Up My Perfect Day.” These aren’t meant to fit into one marathon day. A good day might include just one or two.

1. Theatre. A show can turn an otherwise ordinary day around. The blogger often visits one of her four regular shows, though she’s happy with theatre of any kind. She jokes that she wishes her hobby cost less, but says the joy makes it worth the expense.

2. Horses. Riding is another favourite, and she would go more often if it were less expensive. She’s grateful to have found a place in London where she can ride regularly. The activity brings her fun as well as benefits for her mental and physical health.

3. Reading. She doesn’t read every day, but does so more often than not. Audiobooks now have a regular place in her routine. Her reading habits and pace may have changed, she says, but her love of books hasn’t.

4. Missy. The blogger has always loved animals, and cuddling her cat is part of a good day. Missy, apparently, is quite determined about getting her share of snuggles.

5. Friends. Spending time with friends belongs on the list, often at the theatre. The recent Cambridge trip shows how an outing can also become a chance to share a favourite show and a familiar place.

6. A quiet night in. Going out may feature in the blogger’s updates, but home has its own appeal: curling up under a blanket, watching a favourite programme or film, and having Missy nearby. A new episode of a much-loved show can be enough.

7. Favourite music. She listens less often since switching to audiobooks for her runs, but still enjoys putting on songs she loves when the moment allows.

8. A new city. Usually a holiday treat, exploring somewhere unfamiliar brings the pleasure of discovering places and details she hasn’t encountered before.

9. A bookshop or library. Browsing the shelves is a pleasure in itself. Each place has its own feel, and the blogger says she enjoys wandering and imagining the possibilities as much as buying books. She offers bookshop owners a light-hearted apology for being a customer who might leave empty-handed.

10. Christmas lights. This seasonal favourite brightens the dark winter evenings and gives the city a hint of magic. Central London can feel unpleasantly crowded in December, she acknowledges, but the lights offer a welcome bright spot.

The list moves easily between big outings and small comforts. Its appeal is in that balance: a memorable performance or a trip to a new city can sit beside an evening on the sofa, a familiar album or a cat who insists on company. The blogger invites readers to share what makes their own perfect day, and expects to return next week with a post about book characters she wishes were real people, depending on how busy Tuesday gets.

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