Deborah Francis

Pursuer of happiness. Fond of simple pleasures, art, gardens, music, food, yoga. Restless thinker. Somewhat Eeyore-ish. Charity & Digital consultant by trade.

[Deborah Francis @DeborahFrancis]

It was utterly sublime 🧡

[rob delaney @robdelaney]

Just returned from seeing Father John-Misty-with-Jules-Buckley-conducting-the-BBC-Symphony-Orchestra-and-the-BBC-Symphony-Chorus perform an evening of Scott Walker songs at the Barbican. I am moved to file a dispatch! First of all, the second I heard this was happening I got tickets because I'm personally insane about both Scott Walker and Father John Misty. And the idea that they were to be wed musically within walking distance from my house was too much to resist. The show was utterly spectacular. Jules Buckley's arrangements were stunning. How did he do it?? I gather Angela Morley, who arranged Walker's earlier solo albums (from which most of the evening's program was drawn) did not leave her scores sitting around somewhere, so he had to do a lot of work to transcribe from the albums. I hope he'll be in the media somewhere soon telling us about the process. Beyond thrilling to hear those lush, honeyed (and sometimes dangerous [in a sexy way]) arrangements live in the beautiful Barbican Hall. Last thing I heard there was the London Symphony Orchestra doing Mahler's 9th and this was absolutely of the same stature. So just truckloads of kudos to Jules Buckley. And Father John Misty was the ideal vessel to deliver Walker's words. While they're different in many ways, they both exist in a very small realm of artists whose lyrics are as rich and evocative and wonderful as their music. Even though I'm a writer I don't usually bother too much with songs' lyrics; I just want to groove. I think a lot of people are the same. But both Misty and Walker's lyrics are so exquisite and cared for and doted upon in their creation and expression that you can't ignore them! If you did, you'd still be knocked over by the music, but since you can't, the resultant tapestry is one you want to roll around in and smell while you dance lying down. A ways through the show, Misty said that Buckley had originally thought of having several singers participate in a tribute to Walker but Misty put a stop to that idea. And thank goodness he did because with just Misty on the mic, it allowed the songs to be the star of the evening. No other singers were there to compete or display a different level of commitment or compatibility. Misty's performance was gorgeous and unadorned. It was inspiring to see an artist at his level sublimate himself in service of some miraculously beautiful songs he obviously dearly loves. The show was recorded and highlights of it will be on BBC Radio 6 Music in the Gideon Coe show next Thursday at 9pm. It will be released as an album as well and I will wear it out. @fatherjohnmisty @julesbuckley @gidcoe @BarbicanCentre @BBC6Music

[Deborah Francis @DeborahFrancis]

And... to be fair, I don’t know. I’m up far too late to be a good judge, but, I enjoyed the performances and the general direction of the story. I’ll give it a chance. Loved being in that world again tho. #HouseoftheDragon

[Deborah Francis @DeborahFrancis]

Oh dear... Matt Smith and the ‘tearing up the floor’ lady from Ex Machina #HouseoftheDragon

[Deborah Francis @DeborahFrancis]

Still waiting for those all important title credits, but already loving the performances of Paddy Considine, Rhys Ifans, Steve Toussaint, and Matt Smith. Waiting to see more of the ladies. #HouseoftheDragon

[Deborah Francis @DeborahFrancis]

Crikey! I haven’t been on here for about a year. I should be in bed, but why do that... when I could be watching #HouseoftheDragon

[Deborah Francis @DeborahFrancis]

@BBCRadio4 I've been really enjoying the Art of Dying Well pod. I found their episode on men and grief really moving and thought provoking https://t.co/kXVw3ZZc3b

[Deborah Francis @DeborahFrancis]

@laurenlaverne @BBC6Breakfast this is my song for so many reasons, from the wonderful Midnite Vultures, ‘lady step inside my Hyundai’. Indeed. #beck

[Deborah Francis @DeborahFrancis]

I was introduced to this rather lovely Brighton-based brand by my always inspirational friend Fi. Well worth a look I reckon. Check out this store! https://t.co/nxwicZSFdv

[Deborah Francis @DeborahFrancis]

@UltingWick Gardens and flowers are always a solace and inspiration, yes, thank you 💚I'll def send your best to them both. Mum was watching you on GW last night, but I haven't seen it yet. I'm looking forward to catching up on iPlayer. #famous

[Deborah Francis @DeborahFrancis]

One of my favourite gardens. I must get back there for another visit.

[Philippa Burrough 🌱🇺🇦 @UltingWick]

Enjoy the garden on @GWandShows tonight ( won't be watching). 25 years of work here from me but also of course my gardeners. Peter who taught me so much (RIP), creative and inspirational Chris, perfectionist Neil and now I have the one and only inimitable @loujnicholls here.

[Deborah Francis @DeborahFrancis]

@UltingWick Absolutely not fair, but there it is. Dear mum is OK, thankfully, slowing down a lot now though, poor old thing. Still adores her garden, and visiting gardens, but I'm doing a lot for her, and Andrew's illness has been a real blow.

[Deborah Francis @DeborahFrancis]

@UltingWick I'll make a note of those dates, many thanks. My v dear younger brother has incurable leukaemia, he just about recovered from Sepsis following chemo in late 2019, and is doing pretty well at the mo. Profoundly upsetting time though.

[Deborah Francis @DeborahFrancis]

@UltingWick Yes, I'm sorry it has been so long, we've been dealing with a lot of ill-health in the family, thankfully not Covid though. Perhaps one of your September openings?

[The Art of Living and Dying Well @artofdyingwell]

Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it. #calm

[The Art of Living and Dying Well @artofdyingwell]

Following the launch of our special report The Internet and End of Life, we speak to Martin Symonds of St Michael's Hospice, Hastings on how his team is using tech to bring hospice support services to a wider virtual community. Listen to more https://t.co/bjMcqQ379f @STMHospice

[Deborah Francis @DeborahFrancis]

Oh Jarvis. #Glastonbury2021

[Deborah Francis @DeborahFrancis]

Incredible performance by Kano, even in the pouring rain. On fire. #Glastonbury2021

[Deborah Francis @DeborahFrancis]

@emilyeavis Thank you so much for the live stream. Damon Albarn's set is heavenly, making me both happy and tearful at the same time. So many wonderful memories from the stone circle at my Glastonbury's past ❤️

[Deborah Francis @DeborahFrancis]

Blimey! Damon Albarn is sporting some sort of mullet. I remember when he had a Hoxton fin. Divine music though. #glastonburylivestream

[Deborah Francis @DeborahFrancis]

Surely DI Buckles is far too curly to be an out an out villain #LineOfDuty