Roxan ~ In My Life with the Beatles

21

Dinner and A Show

While getting into life in London I sought out my old university co-horts Eric and John they were going strength to strength in their own comedic way. I dined a couple of times with them, their wives and newest recruits to the lineup- Michael Palin, Terry Jones and Graham Chapman, a Mister Trevor Gilliam was to be arriving by weeks' end so I wouldn't meet him on this occasion.

"You know Rox we're premiering at the Apollo Theatre Wednesday week you should come along and watch, have a drink with us at the after party bash" Eric offered politely.

"That would be wonderful Eric" my mind quickly twirling with the beginnings of a plan. I'm usually a tedious organiser, it goes with my lawyers brain I suppose, but with the hurried 'jump through magic hoops' organising of the tour I was more than comfortable for the first time, to jump in and hold on "..Do you think I could bring along a few friends?"

"You wouldn't be talking about those moptops would you luv, are they up for a laff and all that- seem pretty square to me" John Cleese eyeballed me then belted out a great laugh with the table joining in on the joke. Referring to the Beatles as square was as far removed from reality as there were unicorns at Hyde Park!

"Oh, they are pretty square but would that really bother you John seeing as you are as square as they!?" I raised the bar on John. Everyone turned to see what John would reply.

"Touche' Miss Nicholls, I applaud your quick retort- now truly come on, tell us the goss- are they good fellas an' all?"

"Yes, they are all as funny as they are talented, and, before you say anything, no I'm not swooning. I would love for you to meet them and the Apollo show would be a great night out" I smiled at Eric and the rest of the table.

I grabbed a glass "A toast!! I say, I say! Here's to old, new and odd friends - you may choose which you are..." pausing then adding "but you're probably wrong!"

Clinking glasses sounded around the bunch of diners. All laughed- then thought a moment of the words to my toast- then laughed again.

"Roxan, I believe we are finally rubbing our bad habits and jokes on you"  Eric smiled happily.

Then, in unison, Eric and John continued on..."...it only took five hundred years!" They were so funny.

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The next few days flew by but I managed to invite all the boys, their plus ones, Freda, Brian and of course, James for a fancy dinner and a games night on the next Wednesday. I kept the Monty Python Show tickets quiet for a big surprise reveal at dinner.

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Wednesday arrived with an early storm in the morning then glorious blue skies said hello to the afternoon.

I hopefully have managed to cook a roast dinner in the main kitchen... I'm not sure if the potatoes are rock hard but no time is left to taste test!

I let Freda in on my surprise at the last minute as, when I quizzed her over cooking techniques, and in particular roast dinners, she turned into a Master-chef of sorts so now, as I sort vegetables, she makes Yorkshire puddings and smooth, tasty gravy.

The roast and potatoes cooked while we chat away, laying the meeting room table with crockery and cutlery. Having access to the Saville Row kitchen certainly had its perks! We finished off with some crystal glasses and candles were lit.

"Well I'm impressed!" Brian strolled around the meeting room admiring the recently converted Beatles HQ to intimate dinner setting "much nicer than piles of paperwork and envelopes I do say. Splendid work ladies"