Welcome, Conor Timothy Brick...

The name game is over.

Caroline gave birth 20 December to a 7lb 7oz baby boy and he shall be called as above. A lovely solid Irish name. There was a Conor, Conchobhar MacNessa, who was the king of Ulster and, according to legend, was born on the same day as Christ. So our Conor slightly missed the day. Otherwise all is well with both. Heading to Dublin for an introduction January 14th.

Next five or so weeks look daunting: finishing sets, line learning, props, other logistics for the big pantomime (Dick Whittington); pantomime itself - 3 performances at the theatre 10 & 11 January (please come); visiting Dublin to meet Conor, Caroline and Gavin right after panto; four days in Vienna to see Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg and to see some art; 3 days in Palermo then 4 in Napoli (Pompei). A couple of tours in between. A day trip to the Italian alps to open up the mountain house for stepson and pals for skiing. Am tired just writing it.