No CV, but a list of good works

That's a shorthand term for a whole array of tasks - editor, ghost writer, reviewer, interviewer, columnist, blagger of free holidays and consumer goods and services and general all-round professional sleazebag. I've also earned cash on and off as a guitar player and teacher.

So what's going down in Sidworld around about now?

I've just been to (and surprised myself by very much enjoying) the movie Penelope. Brilliant art direction and costumes, capturing the essence of a modern fairy tale, set in a city that's a hybrid between London and New York, with a fine mix of English and American performers. Untaxing fun.

That was at the request of my grandchildren, who I surprised with a half term visit to a live Basil Brush show at Northampton's Derngate Theatre. Hugely entertaining in a Butlins/panto way, with even the kids groaning as much as grinning.

They won't be coming to see the new show just opened at Northampton Royal, a new take on Frankenstein:

More on that soon.

Kneehigh Theatre's production of Rapunzel at Warwick Arts Centre was, as expected, magical. The company's shows have a way or blending music, physical theatre and strong drama with great comic touches and unconventional presentation. Entertainment with a capital E (for excellence).

I watched the repeated Colin Firth wet shirt version of Pride and Prejudice and, once again, couldn't believe how Gothic it had all become - and how they let Alison Steadman get away with her panto dame Mrs Bennett.

The jury's out on the new BBC Sunday night political thriller, but I loved The Choir - the Last of the Summer Wine version of reality TV, as rigged as any Wife Swap, but with lashings of added "Niceness" and genuinely moving.

Best thing on my living room screen recently has been a DVD from 1971 unearthed at a local library (as in where you borrow books). I hate to think how an Andrew Davies adaptation of Cousin Bette would turn out, but this version (a bit too stagey for 21st century tastes) has terrific turns from a young Helen Mirren and Margaret Tyzack (who had a cameo in Pride and Prejudice).

Television drama really did have a golden age, a bit like British pop, don't you agree?

Finally, in a genuine spirit of inquiry, I'll ask someone to explain all the fuss over old blues huckster Seasick Steve. One side of A4 will do.