Monte Carlo Weekly Photo

17 October 2009

The Two Most Perfect Things - the Cast

"We have much in common. We were both boy sopranos and both drink a lot of tea. We have both worked hard all our lives, and are fortunate, talented and successful. We are both reviled by the press and adored by the public, in addition to which we enjoy each other's company and have been close friends for well over a quarter of a century." ~ Noël Coward

The stage of the Salle Belle Epoque in the Hermitage Hotel. The cast (see small photo) - Diane Weller, Stuart Barham (Musical Director/Narrator), Charles Howell (Ivor Novello), Isabelle Roeland & Adrian Fisher (Noël Coward/Author/Director).

16 October 2009

The Two Most Perfect Things - the 'Master' & the 'Governor'

Copyright 2009 Monte Carlo Daily Photo. All rights reserved.

The show is a shortened 'dinner-theatre' version of a new, full-length play about the lives and works of Noël Coward and Ivor Novello - The 'Master' and the Governor.' The research that author, Adrian Fisher, has done demonstrates just how disparate their legacies actually are. While there exists a mountain of books about the life and works of Noël, as well as frequent productions of his works, Ivor, although probably the greater star during their lifetimes, has slipped quietly into semi-obscurity, with only a handful of old biographies to tell his story.

In this shot, we see the Australian soprano, Dianne Weller. She took the part of Gertrude Lawrence although here is she playing the role of Noël's mother early on in the show. In the background, we see Stuart Barham at the piano - the Musical Director and Narrator.

15 October 2009

The Two Most Perfect Things - Salle Belle Epoque

Before the show, we dine. This is the beautiful Salle Belle Epoque in the Hôtel Hermitage.

Originally a more modest establishment than the Casino or the Hôtel de Paris, in 1900 the Hôtel Hermitage was transformed into a luxurious residence for visitors. This Belle Epoque dining-room was the work of Gabriel Ferrier, winner of the Rome Prize and gold medalist at the Universal Exhibition of 1889. The frescoes recall paintings by Fragonard and Boucher.

14 October 2009

The Two Most Perfect Things - Noel Coward & Ivor Novello

Copyright 2009 Monte Carlo Daily Photo. All rights reserved

We're having a night out in Monte Carlo.

There are many associations in Monaco but for English-speaking newcomers, the British Association of Monaco (BAM) is the one to join. You make new friends, you get help and information on all the little things - a good dentist, where to get your hair cut - sometimes difficult in a new country - and you can attend any of the many events they organise. The British Association of Monaco is a charity and so you even do good whilst having a good time. And when you've lived here for years, well an event is an excuse to get together with old friends. Our group was so large it took up two tables.

So, we are having a night at the Hotel Hermitage in Monte Carlo, followed as you see by what promises to be a great show. Dress code is Black Tie/1920s dress. We'll be dining in the beautiful Salle Belle Epoque - do come back tomorrow and join us.

13 October 2009

Classic Week - the Sedov

This amazing Tall Ship (have you ever seen so many ropes?) is a steel 4-masted barque launched in 1921. The Sedov was built in Germany and was for 80 years the largest traditional sailing ship in operation.

She is now used as a training ship operating out of Murmansk in Russia and is often seen at the prestigious Tall Ships races, including Monaco.

In the last photo, you see part of the rigging reflected on the bonnet of Prince Albert's car. He is driving himself back to the Palace after a private visit to the neighbouring ship, the Palinuro. As you can see, he had drawn quite a crowd on the deck of the Sedov.

12 October 2009

Classic Week - the Bird and the Balloon

The beautiful silver bird - symbol of the Hispano Suiza is shown against a backdrop depicting an old B & W photograph of the hills above the Principality.

You can read more about this classic car by clicking on the link.

11 October 2009

Classic Week - the Thames Ditton

Amongst the beautiful old cars was this sailing yacht called the Thames Ditton. I don't know its story but perhaps it's one of the first sailing yachts.

In the lower photo, the yellow car is a 1911 Super 2 cylinder cycle car - unique in the world.

The red car is a 1913 Panhard & Levassor Type X 19, 4 cyl. 10 CV.

10 October 2009

Classic Week - the 1911 Zebra

Yesterday's titillation was a 1911 Zebra. The motor bike (see small photo) is a Moto Lereve Dufaud 1901 (Armand 1902).

09 October 2009

Classic Week - the Bathers

Copyright 2009 Monte Carlo Daily Photo. All rights reserved

As well as sailing yachts and tall ships, we can enjoy displays of beautiful old cars and bikes and even Bleriot's airplane - all displayed against backdrops of massively enlarged old photographs. Don't you just love the bathers.(click either photo to enlarge)

Tomorrow - do come back and see what car this is - maybe an enthusiast knows already?

08 October 2009

Classic Week - the Table

Copyright 2009 Monte Carlo Daily Photo. All rights reserved

The table seems too big for this sailing yacht but presumably it will straddle the deck somehow, ready for a reception. It's the final day of Monaco's famous Classic Week - when the world's beautiful sailing yachts and tall ships descend on Monaco to compete and to show off their beauty.

07 October 2009

Classic Week: Contrasts

The 3-masted Tall Ship, known as a barkentine, is called the Palinuro, photographed in port for the recent Classic Week, where she took part in the Tall Ships race. She was built in France in 1934 and is owned by the Italian navy.

She is, as you see, quite a contrast to the modern cruise liner, Sinfonia.

In the smaller photo, you see H.S.H.Prince Albert II leaving the Palinuro after a private visit.

06 October 2009

Classic Week - Knowing the Ropes

Copyright 2009 Monte Carlo Daily Photo. All rights reserved

We are visiting Monaco's Classic Week, when the world's sailing ships and tall ships descend on the Principality to compete and show off their beauty.

Everywhere you look - ropes, pulleys, polished wood and brass that sparkles as much as the diamonds worn by many of the visitors.

05 October 2009

Anticipation

04 October 2009

Villefranche - the Railway Station and Diaghilev

Copyright 2009 Monte Carlo Daily Photo. All rights reserved

We're leaving Villefranche - the poster advertises the Russian Ballet and the Serge Diaghilev exhibition at the Villa Sauber in Monaco (now finished).

Below the railway station, boats on the water enjoy the last rays of the sun. It's hard to leave - such a beautiful place...but we'll be back. Thanks so much to everyone who came along on this boat trip.

03 October 2009

Villefranche - Dusk

02 October 2009

Villefranche - a House by the Sea

01 October 2009

Theme Day: Contrast in the Bathroom Shop

Copyright 2009 Monte Carlo Daily Photo. All rights reserved

It's Theme Day again - the challenge: Contrast.

Here we see the interior of a bathroom accessories shop in the prestigious Metropole Gallery in Monte Carlo. You want the softest towels, the most stylish bathrobes, candles, lamps, ornaments - you'll find them here. Browns, creams, glass, shine and matt and of course light and shadow - all create contrast.

Don't miss other CDP bloggers take on this Theme - well over 100. You'll love the incredible talent and imagination that speaks of the CDP community. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

30 September 2009

Villefranche - the Welcome Hotel

The Welcome Hotel is famous in Villefranche. Many artists have stayed here including Jean Cocteau who wrote that he'd spent the best days of his life here...and they have their own boat.

29 September 2009

Villefranche - Fortifications

We've left the boat and are en route to the railway station passing by the fortifications.

Villefranche is 10 kilometres from Monaco and 8 from Nice. The beautiful bay is notable for reaching a significant depth only a short distance from shore. As a result it's become an important port over the years. Since World War I, the United States Navy has called on a regular basis, making Villefranche the home port of the U.S. 6th Fleet from 1948 to 1966. Since the 1980’s Villefranche has been used by cruise ships and is the most visited cruise ship port of call in France.

28 September 2009

Boat Trip to Villfranche - Safely Moored

We made it past the cruise ship and, as directed via Ship to Shore radio, to the little harbour on the right of the photo.

Now we must hurry to the railway station and get home to Menton but tomorrow we'll take a brief look at Villefranche-sur-Mer as we run for the train.

Many thanks to John and Piera for a great day out on the water - bet you didn't realise how many people you had on board that day!