Get an education at the pub

Took the kids to the pub.

I consider this an excellent education. The setting of The Black Horse introduces my tender offspring to the pitfalls of the adult world on a traditional working-class stage.

Here we can watch the unfolding of local dramas, observe how the consequences of family rivalries and loyalties spill out among communities, and see the passions of all us humans laid bare over a pint of beer and a 99p packet of pork scratchings.

Fortunately, Mikron Theatre is also using The Black Horse as a venue for their excellent revenge drama of jealousy and love, set down on the allotment. Bare-knuckle bee-keeping, suspicion, theft, skullduggery, and the brilliant ditty People are a Pain in the Neck.

We learn tons about the honey bee: the writing is first-rate, the acting superb - given that the audience is within kissing distance of the actors in the back room behind the bar - and the evening deliciously, wickedly entertaining.

Seriously, if you have not seen Mikron Theatre, you have missed an essential part of England's historic popular culture. Travelling theatre bringing a learning of life to the labouring mass. Find out where they are, and plan your evening at the boozer.