Off to the Proms in the Albert Hall tonight, and for the first time ever - on account of it being a bank holiday - I had time to go early! So, given that I had no food in the house.. it suddenly occurred to me that the Albert Hall does!
Now, eating in the Albert Hall is a slightly complicated affair, if you haven't done it before. Yes, there's a Food & Drink page, which presents you with lots of options. It soon became apparent that there are a couple open to the public, but most are restricted to people with tickets to that evening's event. Fair enough - I qualified. I restricted myself to restaurants for this trip, as I wanted a main meal.. I checked the public one, Verdi, but it was booked out weeks in advance! Fair enough, and I moved to the restricted category; I could choose the Elgar Room or Coda, but the latter was described as "fine dining", so I went with the Elgar Room. (They also have a seafood bar, but I'm not mad about seafood.)
When I booked, I was given the option of "Elgar Proms". Eh, ok. That is actually the correct option - I checked afterwards, and "Restaurants" just gives you Verdi. This is unnecessarily complicated - you end up choosing the restaurant in two different fields. Never mind. Then you get a confirmation that says you're to pick up your ticket at such and such a place - but the website says that no tickets are issued for restaurant reservations. Oh, and they open two hours before performance - but the Elgar Room opens at 5, 2.5 hours beforehand. Jeez..
Well, I aimed to get there for 5 - in the event, I arrived at about 10 to, having walked from a swarming South Kensington Station - I guess everyone was headed to the museums on the bank holiday. The Elgar Room is described on the website as being "near Door 9", so I moseyed over that way, assuming that I didn't need to pick up a restaurant ticket (I already had my Print-at-Home concert ticket). The building is circular, and all doors are numbered, so all you have to do is keep going round and you should reach your destination in time. This is a side of the building I don't typically get to.. anyway, I found Door 9, with a small group of people waiting in front of it. Sure enough, around 5, the usher unlocked the door and we headed upstairs.
I took the stairs rather than the lift - the Elgar Room is on the third level, but the stairs are gentle here. Funnily enough though, they peter out at Level 2, and I found myself wandering the corridor and being rescued by a bored usher, who directed me to the back stairs. The lift is less complicated, I guess.
Once you make it to Level 3, the Elgar Room is easy to find. A lady just inside the door checked my name off the list - I got the feeling that you do have to have a reservation. And I was led to a table - along with two sets of menus. It was some time before my waiter came along and asked whether I was waiting for someone - no, I wasn't - and he took the extra set away. Not used to single ladies here, perhaps..?
Anyhoo, the room is high-ceilinged and spacious, a bar in the corner and a red baby grand on a podium in the middle - they have performances here on occasion, it seems. I daresay it fills up for those - it wasn't full today, although it was busy enough. The décor is mostly white, with splashes of red. The set menu - available on the website - comes with an a-la-carte, and I decided to splurge a little and go with that.
I do love a smoked salmon starter, so that was chosen. The steaks looked a bit pricey, so I avoided them and decided on the 1/2 roast chicken with BBQ sauce. And a side of sauté mushrooms, while I was at it - only one side, given that they were £3 each. And a large glass of white.. given that the cheapest was £8, that was the one I went with. My one mistake was, when I agreed to water and he asked, "still or sparkling", I should have said "tap". Which is how I came to pay about £5 extra for water. Never mind.
I have to say, the meal was lovely. The salmon was delicious, and the accompanying lemon slice came packaged in a little muslin bag. I ate the little slices of bread too, but wasn't mad about the dip. As for the main, the chicken was succulent - so good I didn't bother with the BBQ sauce, which came on the side. Now, they really don't serve anything that isn't listed on the menu, so apart from the sauté mushrooms - which were the best I've tasted in years - that was the whole meal. Mind you, I was stuffed after the chicken, so I don't think I could have managed much more.
As I ate, it occurred to me that I'd be finished way too early. Service was quick - the waiters prowled the room like anxious cats, waiting to pounce on anyone who looked as though they might benefit from service of any kind. Of course, I had dessert - I usually go for chocolate, but fancied something light, as I was so full, so ordered the lemon tarte. This was the one disappointment of the meal - lemony and tasty enough, but with a doughy base that I found unpleasant. I wouldn't order it again.
I would've liked another glass of wine, but not at those prices. They wanted to take an interval order, which I could have had at my table, but I don't tend to move at the interval. No, I paid, and walked very slowly - to use up time - to the toilet. Figured I needed to dispose of all of that "still water" they made me drink. The auditorium didn't even open until 6.45 and I finished dinner at 6.10.. if I eat here again, I'm coming much later.
The toilets have all sorts of hands-free stuff - flushes, taps, hand dryers. And when I'd done there, I strolled slowly along the rest of the corridor. Picked up one of their free Proms brochures. I noted that Coda was near the door to my seat. I also noted that I'd have paid even more there, from the menu posted outside the door..
After I'd done all that, and found a convenient ledge to lean against while I played Solitaire on my phone, the doors finally opened and I took my seat, right up at the back, second row from the top. Restricted view, but that doesn't matter to me for classical concerts. I could see enough. And the steepness of the steps doesn't bother me, as they have a railing system like that in the Opera House, which means you're never far from something to hold onto.
My, but I'm glad I didn't dress too warmly - it was so warm in that building! A lady in front of me had brought a fan, and it was particularly nice when, on occasion, she waggled it at such an angle that a breeze wafted in my direction. I was put in mind of how nice it must have been to be a VIP in ancient times, with slaves wafting fans over you. I'm afraid that the heat, combined with a developing food coma, meant I was pretty out of it for the first half. I roused briefly for the appearance of the pianist, who, in her long, silvery, sparkly dress looked just like a Christmas decoration.
I stayed put at the interval, as is my wont, and eavesdropped on the conversation had between the couple at the end of my row, and a lady in the next section - obviously a friend of theirs - who waxed lyrical about how sensitively the conductor did his conducting. Apparently he'd conducted last night as well, and she was there for it (obviously a member of his fan club). The house was pretty packed for the first half, but thinned out a little for the second - their loss, it was Beethoven, my favourite. Anyway, what with people leaving, for the second half I had a better view to my front, and room to my side..
Again, a great atmosphere, as always at the Proms. And they did an encore, for heaven's sake! And when we got out, the drizzle had stopped, and we were early enough that the subway to the station was still open. I had a short wait for my train, and boy, was the breeze on the platform welcome! (District and Circle lines are open-air at this station.) Walking the final stretch home, I was surrounded by trolley bags - people returning after the long weekend.
Tomorrow, I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. On Wednesday, I'm off to The Look of Silence, which is finally showing at a time I can manage. The BFI is running it, and I've booked for the early showing that day, which was already mostly sold out. It's ages since I've been there!
For Thursday, I got a cheap ticket to a classical concert at Cadogan Hall - nice and close. Then I'm back to Ireland at the weekend..
Monday 31 August 2015
Sunday 30 August 2015
Film: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
I'd really have loved to go to the Scoop today. I haven't been in months, and they're showing a double-bill of classical plays, which would nicely have bookended yesterday's trip to Oresteia. (Plus, it's free!) But then someone at work remarked that it was supposed to rain today, and sure enough, the weather forecast says there's a danger of heavy, thundery showers all evening. Haven't seen any yet, but it's been overcast all day. And the Scoop is outdoors..
So, reluctantly, I turned to Plan B - a film. I might have gone to see The Look of Silence, which is top of my film list, but I've already booked to see that on Wednesday. Next up was Me and Earl and the Dying Girl - previewing this week, handily enough the only place it was showing today isn't that far from me: the HMV Curzon, in Wimbledon.
So, after a final sad, quick check of the weather forecast, I hopped on a Tube to Wimbledon. It's a pleasant, leafy journey - at seven stops, not too long. Turn left upon exiting the station and look for the unassuming entrance to the HMV Curzon, on the other side of the road. I've only been once before, and had completely forgotten how to get in, starting by doing a tour of the HMV store on ground level. Actually, the cinema is on the second floor, and the stairs are just to the right of the main entrance.
After something of a climb, I entered a pleasant café-bar area, with a massive photo of Manhattan filling the wall opposite the entrance. The till is on the other side, and I got a ticket and strolled in to the "blue" screen. There were just a handful of people there. Seating is unassigned, but noting that the screen wasn't huge, I sat fairly close to the front. The trailers started soon after, and I noted how muted the sound was for these - never fear, it was higher for the feature. I also noted the trio of films advertised as being on Curzon Home Cinema - cheaper than going to the cinema to see them, these are available online, and I do take note of what's available.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is a teen film, and I normally run screaming from those. However, the trailer looked ok - I was seduced by the scene with the cat - so I said I'd give it a shot. As the name implies, this is told from the perspective of a teenage boy, in his senior year at high school, who hangs out primarily with his best friend, Earl, until his mother orders him to be nice to this girl in their year who's been diagnosed with leukaemia. Molly Shannon stars as her mom.
It's very cleverly written, full of all of those teenagers with improbable personalities, the likes of whom I certainly never noticed in school. And despite someone having a serious illness, thank goodness it's definitely never mawkish. Most of it deals with these mock-ups that he and Earl make of famous films, and they're truly clever. On the whole, it's full of interesting characters and is very pleasant. Didn't actually move me to any emotion until the end, though, when it does, suddenly and unexpectedly, become very moving. So, a good film, but not as good as the IMDB rating suggests, I think.
On the way out, I was sorely tempted by the chocolate fudge cake on sale, but resisted. Shops closed early because it's Sunday, but I do have food in the fridge - got wine at the local shop. On the Tube back, the people next to me were headed to Notting Hill - the carnival is on today and tomorrow. Not my thing - too crowded, too rough.
Tomorrow, I'm going to the Proms.. I've booked to eat at the Albert Hall, since I'll have the time for once, it being a bank holiday! On Tuesday I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. On Wednesday, as mentioned, I'm off to The Look of Silence, which is finally showing at a time I can manage. The BFI is running it, and I've booked for the early showing that day, which was already mostly sold out. It's ages since I've been there!
For Thursday, I got a cheap ticket to a classical concert at Cadogan Hall - nice and close. Then I'm back to Ireland next weekend..
So, reluctantly, I turned to Plan B - a film. I might have gone to see The Look of Silence, which is top of my film list, but I've already booked to see that on Wednesday. Next up was Me and Earl and the Dying Girl - previewing this week, handily enough the only place it was showing today isn't that far from me: the HMV Curzon, in Wimbledon.
So, after a final sad, quick check of the weather forecast, I hopped on a Tube to Wimbledon. It's a pleasant, leafy journey - at seven stops, not too long. Turn left upon exiting the station and look for the unassuming entrance to the HMV Curzon, on the other side of the road. I've only been once before, and had completely forgotten how to get in, starting by doing a tour of the HMV store on ground level. Actually, the cinema is on the second floor, and the stairs are just to the right of the main entrance.
After something of a climb, I entered a pleasant café-bar area, with a massive photo of Manhattan filling the wall opposite the entrance. The till is on the other side, and I got a ticket and strolled in to the "blue" screen. There were just a handful of people there. Seating is unassigned, but noting that the screen wasn't huge, I sat fairly close to the front. The trailers started soon after, and I noted how muted the sound was for these - never fear, it was higher for the feature. I also noted the trio of films advertised as being on Curzon Home Cinema - cheaper than going to the cinema to see them, these are available online, and I do take note of what's available.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is a teen film, and I normally run screaming from those. However, the trailer looked ok - I was seduced by the scene with the cat - so I said I'd give it a shot. As the name implies, this is told from the perspective of a teenage boy, in his senior year at high school, who hangs out primarily with his best friend, Earl, until his mother orders him to be nice to this girl in their year who's been diagnosed with leukaemia. Molly Shannon stars as her mom.
It's very cleverly written, full of all of those teenagers with improbable personalities, the likes of whom I certainly never noticed in school. And despite someone having a serious illness, thank goodness it's definitely never mawkish. Most of it deals with these mock-ups that he and Earl make of famous films, and they're truly clever. On the whole, it's full of interesting characters and is very pleasant. Didn't actually move me to any emotion until the end, though, when it does, suddenly and unexpectedly, become very moving. So, a good film, but not as good as the IMDB rating suggests, I think.
On the way out, I was sorely tempted by the chocolate fudge cake on sale, but resisted. Shops closed early because it's Sunday, but I do have food in the fridge - got wine at the local shop. On the Tube back, the people next to me were headed to Notting Hill - the carnival is on today and tomorrow. Not my thing - too crowded, too rough.
Tomorrow, I'm going to the Proms.. I've booked to eat at the Albert Hall, since I'll have the time for once, it being a bank holiday! On Tuesday I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. On Wednesday, as mentioned, I'm off to The Look of Silence, which is finally showing at a time I can manage. The BFI is running it, and I've booked for the early showing that day, which was already mostly sold out. It's ages since I've been there!
For Thursday, I got a cheap ticket to a classical concert at Cadogan Hall - nice and close. Then I'm back to Ireland next weekend..
Saturday 29 August 2015
Play: Oresteia
My first Meetup in a while! Tonight saw me back with the London Dramatic Arts group, who were off to Oresteia in Trafalgar Studios. Sounded good - it was one I hadn't seen, and I enjoy this group and hadn't been to anything with them in a while. So I booked, and we arranged to meet in a nearby pub beforehand.
Earlier in the day, I'd heard a clip-clop and looked out the window. Sure enough, two mounted police passed by - must be a match day, I mused (I live just up the road from Stamford Bridge). I'm on a side street, so we don't get much noise. Anyhoo, seems I was headed into town at about the time the match finished, because I ran into a swarm of Chelsea shirts. The Tube was predictably busy, but I adopted my usual practice of heading to the very end of the platform - the very front and back of the trains are the most likely places to squeeze on.
Despite the indicator board at West Brompton saying the train was headed into town, predictably, it turned out not to be. So I squeezed off at Earl's Court. The departure boards there said nothing about trains to town, and I began to worry. Took my phone out to check, and discovered a series of messages from our group's organiser, with details about a change of venue for meeting before and after. We were now to meet at the Strand Dining Rooms.. where?! Cue frantic internet searching, map searching..
As I was doing so, a train to town rather magically appeared beside me, and I'd just about figured out my route by the time it had pulled in and I'd positioned myself beside the front door. Another swarm of people pushed on, and I was quite roughly shoved forward by what turned out to be an extremely fat woman just behind me. "Careful!" I shouted. She seemed oblivious. Of course, from the conversation I overheard her having with someone, she was a tourist - even at rush hour, Londoners don't act like that!
So, crowded again, barely room to breathe until Victoria, where those of us who got off to let off others were left standing on the platform for some minutes until they'd all disembarked and we could get on again! Ah, the luxury of space.. when I got off at Embankment, it was raining, but I knew I didn't have far to go: up Villiers Street and turn left. I easily recognised the place, which has an outside terrace, segregated by partitions with the same logo I recognised from the website, when I did a search for it. I must have passed it so many times, but never went in..
It's quite lovely - lots of windows, mirrors, chandelier-effect lights. As someone remarked, it's not terribly crowded, even on this bank holiday weekend, probably because people assume it's too expensive! (what with the décor and the location). I had a quick look around, and spotted our organiser at a table to the side. Just as I'd seen her, the friendly staff asked whether they could help, and when I said I was joining people, waved me in.
We asked for a food menu - this was going to be a long play, and I hadn't eaten much before coming. And I asked for a glass of wine. I didn't want anything that would take too long to eat, so ordered a burger - well done. As the others arrived, one by one, and someone got her food, I continued to wait. When the guy who'd ordered after me got the fries he'd ordered, I started to worry, and enquired about my burger. The waiter assured me that it wouldn't be long, and made some daft excuse about it taking longer because it was well done. Yeah, really? For the size of burger I got, to have it well done must have taken - what - a minute longer.. Anyway, prices were decent - £9.50 for that (with fries), £6 for the glass of wine I'd had. I had time to bolt the burger and most of the fries, gulp down the wine (mostly in one go) and we were off.
Not far from there to the theatre, and we went straight in, our organiser hanging around in the lobby to make sure everyone had their ticket. Now, this group favours sitting as far front as possible, and tonight we were in the front two rows. I was in the very front row, to the side - terrific legroom, although it might have been nice to be seated more centrally. There were a couple of parts where my view was obscured.
Last night, I Googled Oresteia, so I was familiar with the plot, and curious to see what this revival would make of it. The stage is sparsely furnished in minimalistic black and white. A clock overhead marks the time..
They started a minute after 7, tut! They actually tack a prologue onto it - the whole first hour and 10 minutes, in fact.. in which we get the back story of what happened before Agamemnon went away to war. The rest of the evening, of course, details what happened when he got back, years later..
Modern clothing, mostly in monochrome. There aren't many characters - Agamemnon, his wife, Klytemnestra, their son Orestes and daughters, Electra and Iphigenia. Apart from these, the principal characters are black-suited men, officials who generally do Agamemnon's bidding. And there's a little old lady who skirts around the edge of proceedings.
I liked the prologue very much - it not only sets the scene for what follows, but also allows us to see the conflict in Agamemnon's mind as he contemplates what he must do - a more balanced portrayal than how he's usually depicted. I did find it a bit long-winded in parts - really, did we need to have every opinion we might have on the piece verbalised over and over? Mind you, the rest makes up for it - I don't believe I've ever seen a more dramatic play. Without giving away the plot, which loses none of the tragedy of the original but does have an interesting twist in the tail (no, I don't think you'll see it coming), there is plenty of blood, plenty of wine (Ribena, I could smell it), and quite a lot of screaming. Utterly compelling stuff, and I heartily recommend it! Why, even the pre-teen beside me, who was quite bored beforehand and whose mother had dragged her there, was enthralled once it started. Runs until 7th November.
Running time is 3 hours 40 minutes (hence the early start time), and there are several short intervals, each with a countdown clock. I recommend leaving any forays for the longest, 15-minute interval - I needed to go to the toilet, and by the time I'd made my way there, queued, been, and got back, it had taken me nearly 10. In the queue, I caught a glimpse of someone's programme, which left me wanting one; one of the facts quoted was that, before Aeschylus (the author of the original Oresteia), Greek plays were only performed once; after his death, however, it was decreed that plays could be performed as often as people liked - a measure of the popularity of his. I'd have bought a programme, but couldn't see anyone selling one..
Afterwards, I was the first to make my way back to the bar. I mentioned to the lady at the door that I was meeting friends, and she immediately realised whose group I was with, said our table was ready, and suggested I take a seat at the bar - a better choice than sitting on my own at a table. So I ordered another glass of wine, and moved to the table when the others arrived. Much conversation ensued - despite the kitchen being 10 minutes away from closing, the others, who ordered more food, were served. We remarked how nice it was that the music wasn't deafening and we could talk in comfort, and when the conversation swung around to the topic of U2 (I didn't force it there, promise!), there it stuck, and I was happy. Those concerts are coming up really soon, too.. of which, more anon.
On the way home, I shopped in a convenient 24-hour Tesco. I was pretty lucky with Tubes - had to wait for two minutes for a train to Earl's Court, then arrived there just at the same time as a train to West Brompton. And on my walk from the station, came across the curious sight of a discarded pair of ladies' shoes. Now, had they had high heels, I'd have understood, but these were flats. Curiouser and curiouser..
Tomorrow, I'm headed to the Scoop, for their free double bill of classical plays. Technically, I'm accompanying the Free London Events and Talks group, but with 148 of us going, I doubt I'll be much bothered with actually meeting anyone. Unless I see someone I know. Interesting procedure - this Meetup has no organiser; as the guy said, just go with your friends! So obviously, the point of having it as a Meetup at all isn't to meet, it's just to advertise that something is happening. Mind you, it's supposed to rain, and the Scoop is outdoor. Plan B is Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, which is showing at the HMV Curzon.
On Monday, I'm going to the Proms, and on Tuesday I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. I was thinking of a film for Wednesday - top of my list for Wednesday is The Look of Silence, which is finally showing at a time I can manage. The BFI is running it, and I've booked for the early showing that day, which was already mostly sold out. Gee, it's ages since I've been there!
For Thursday, I got a cheap ticket to a classical concert at Cadogan Hall - nice and close. Then I'm back to Ireland next weekend..
Earlier in the day, I'd heard a clip-clop and looked out the window. Sure enough, two mounted police passed by - must be a match day, I mused (I live just up the road from Stamford Bridge). I'm on a side street, so we don't get much noise. Anyhoo, seems I was headed into town at about the time the match finished, because I ran into a swarm of Chelsea shirts. The Tube was predictably busy, but I adopted my usual practice of heading to the very end of the platform - the very front and back of the trains are the most likely places to squeeze on.
Despite the indicator board at West Brompton saying the train was headed into town, predictably, it turned out not to be. So I squeezed off at Earl's Court. The departure boards there said nothing about trains to town, and I began to worry. Took my phone out to check, and discovered a series of messages from our group's organiser, with details about a change of venue for meeting before and after. We were now to meet at the Strand Dining Rooms.. where?! Cue frantic internet searching, map searching..
As I was doing so, a train to town rather magically appeared beside me, and I'd just about figured out my route by the time it had pulled in and I'd positioned myself beside the front door. Another swarm of people pushed on, and I was quite roughly shoved forward by what turned out to be an extremely fat woman just behind me. "Careful!" I shouted. She seemed oblivious. Of course, from the conversation I overheard her having with someone, she was a tourist - even at rush hour, Londoners don't act like that!
So, crowded again, barely room to breathe until Victoria, where those of us who got off to let off others were left standing on the platform for some minutes until they'd all disembarked and we could get on again! Ah, the luxury of space.. when I got off at Embankment, it was raining, but I knew I didn't have far to go: up Villiers Street and turn left. I easily recognised the place, which has an outside terrace, segregated by partitions with the same logo I recognised from the website, when I did a search for it. I must have passed it so many times, but never went in..
It's quite lovely - lots of windows, mirrors, chandelier-effect lights. As someone remarked, it's not terribly crowded, even on this bank holiday weekend, probably because people assume it's too expensive! (what with the décor and the location). I had a quick look around, and spotted our organiser at a table to the side. Just as I'd seen her, the friendly staff asked whether they could help, and when I said I was joining people, waved me in.
We asked for a food menu - this was going to be a long play, and I hadn't eaten much before coming. And I asked for a glass of wine. I didn't want anything that would take too long to eat, so ordered a burger - well done. As the others arrived, one by one, and someone got her food, I continued to wait. When the guy who'd ordered after me got the fries he'd ordered, I started to worry, and enquired about my burger. The waiter assured me that it wouldn't be long, and made some daft excuse about it taking longer because it was well done. Yeah, really? For the size of burger I got, to have it well done must have taken - what - a minute longer.. Anyway, prices were decent - £9.50 for that (with fries), £6 for the glass of wine I'd had. I had time to bolt the burger and most of the fries, gulp down the wine (mostly in one go) and we were off.
Not far from there to the theatre, and we went straight in, our organiser hanging around in the lobby to make sure everyone had their ticket. Now, this group favours sitting as far front as possible, and tonight we were in the front two rows. I was in the very front row, to the side - terrific legroom, although it might have been nice to be seated more centrally. There were a couple of parts where my view was obscured.
Last night, I Googled Oresteia, so I was familiar with the plot, and curious to see what this revival would make of it. The stage is sparsely furnished in minimalistic black and white. A clock overhead marks the time..
They started a minute after 7, tut! They actually tack a prologue onto it - the whole first hour and 10 minutes, in fact.. in which we get the back story of what happened before Agamemnon went away to war. The rest of the evening, of course, details what happened when he got back, years later..
Modern clothing, mostly in monochrome. There aren't many characters - Agamemnon, his wife, Klytemnestra, their son Orestes and daughters, Electra and Iphigenia. Apart from these, the principal characters are black-suited men, officials who generally do Agamemnon's bidding. And there's a little old lady who skirts around the edge of proceedings.
I liked the prologue very much - it not only sets the scene for what follows, but also allows us to see the conflict in Agamemnon's mind as he contemplates what he must do - a more balanced portrayal than how he's usually depicted. I did find it a bit long-winded in parts - really, did we need to have every opinion we might have on the piece verbalised over and over? Mind you, the rest makes up for it - I don't believe I've ever seen a more dramatic play. Without giving away the plot, which loses none of the tragedy of the original but does have an interesting twist in the tail (no, I don't think you'll see it coming), there is plenty of blood, plenty of wine (Ribena, I could smell it), and quite a lot of screaming. Utterly compelling stuff, and I heartily recommend it! Why, even the pre-teen beside me, who was quite bored beforehand and whose mother had dragged her there, was enthralled once it started. Runs until 7th November.
Running time is 3 hours 40 minutes (hence the early start time), and there are several short intervals, each with a countdown clock. I recommend leaving any forays for the longest, 15-minute interval - I needed to go to the toilet, and by the time I'd made my way there, queued, been, and got back, it had taken me nearly 10. In the queue, I caught a glimpse of someone's programme, which left me wanting one; one of the facts quoted was that, before Aeschylus (the author of the original Oresteia), Greek plays were only performed once; after his death, however, it was decreed that plays could be performed as often as people liked - a measure of the popularity of his. I'd have bought a programme, but couldn't see anyone selling one..
Afterwards, I was the first to make my way back to the bar. I mentioned to the lady at the door that I was meeting friends, and she immediately realised whose group I was with, said our table was ready, and suggested I take a seat at the bar - a better choice than sitting on my own at a table. So I ordered another glass of wine, and moved to the table when the others arrived. Much conversation ensued - despite the kitchen being 10 minutes away from closing, the others, who ordered more food, were served. We remarked how nice it was that the music wasn't deafening and we could talk in comfort, and when the conversation swung around to the topic of U2 (I didn't force it there, promise!), there it stuck, and I was happy. Those concerts are coming up really soon, too.. of which, more anon.
On the way home, I shopped in a convenient 24-hour Tesco. I was pretty lucky with Tubes - had to wait for two minutes for a train to Earl's Court, then arrived there just at the same time as a train to West Brompton. And on my walk from the station, came across the curious sight of a discarded pair of ladies' shoes. Now, had they had high heels, I'd have understood, but these were flats. Curiouser and curiouser..
Tomorrow, I'm headed to the Scoop, for their free double bill of classical plays. Technically, I'm accompanying the Free London Events and Talks group, but with 148 of us going, I doubt I'll be much bothered with actually meeting anyone. Unless I see someone I know. Interesting procedure - this Meetup has no organiser; as the guy said, just go with your friends! So obviously, the point of having it as a Meetup at all isn't to meet, it's just to advertise that something is happening. Mind you, it's supposed to rain, and the Scoop is outdoor. Plan B is Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, which is showing at the HMV Curzon.
On Monday, I'm going to the Proms, and on Tuesday I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. I was thinking of a film for Wednesday - top of my list for Wednesday is The Look of Silence, which is finally showing at a time I can manage. The BFI is running it, and I've booked for the early showing that day, which was already mostly sold out. Gee, it's ages since I've been there!
For Thursday, I got a cheap ticket to a classical concert at Cadogan Hall - nice and close. Then I'm back to Ireland next weekend..
Friday 28 August 2015
Comedy: The Boat Show
Heh. Remember how I didn't make it to the Boat Show the first time I booked..? Well, guess what..
It so happened that I decided, being in early last night, to do some booking ahead again. And I made my way down to the 25th September, when there was another Boat Show. I checked out the lineup on YouTube and they looked ok, so I decided to book.
Now, to book, you need to go on the Boat Show website. But the first thing I saw there was - tonight's show cancelled! I checked my spam folder - no notification from them. Well, I fired off an irate email, giving my reference number, saying that I'd received no notification and hoping I'd get a refund. I got a reply today, apologising and saying they were surprised that anyone managed to get a ticket after they cancelled. I replied in kind that I'd booked the thing on the 5th August, and they should really keep a record of who's booked, in case of this kind of thing! I could so easily just have shown up tonight with my ticket - I wouldn't normally have gone on the website first.
Well, in short, they've rebooked me for the 25th and promised me a free glass of wine or Prosecco. Fair enough. As for tonight - a nasty stomach pain hit this afternoon, so it's really a good thing that this happened. I'm much better now, but think I'll stay in.
Tomorrow, I'm back with the London Dramatic Arts group, for Oresteia at Trafalgar Studios - its West End transfer. (I see it's at the Globe as well - bummer, that'd have been good. And now Let's Do London - for less! is headed there in October, to see that self-same show. We'll see how I feel.)
On Sunday, I'm headed to the Scoop, for their free double bill of classical plays. Technically, I'm accompanying the Free London Events and Talks group, but with 100 of us going, I doubt I'll be much bothered with actually meeting anyone. Unless I see someone I know. Interesting procedure - this Meetup has no organiser; as the guy said, just go with your friends! So obviously, the point of having it as a Meetup at all isn't to meet, it's just to advertise that something is happening. I won't go if it rains though.. watch this space.
On Monday, I'm going to the Proms, and on Tuesday I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. I was thinking of a film for Wednesday - top of my list for Wednesday is The Look of Silence, which is finally showing at a time I can manage. The BFI is running it, and I've booked for the early showing that day, which was already mostly sold out. Gee, it's ages since I've been there!
For Thursday, I got a cheap ticket to a classical concert at Cadogan Hall - nice and close. Then I'm back to Ireland next weekend..
It so happened that I decided, being in early last night, to do some booking ahead again. And I made my way down to the 25th September, when there was another Boat Show. I checked out the lineup on YouTube and they looked ok, so I decided to book.
Now, to book, you need to go on the Boat Show website. But the first thing I saw there was - tonight's show cancelled! I checked my spam folder - no notification from them. Well, I fired off an irate email, giving my reference number, saying that I'd received no notification and hoping I'd get a refund. I got a reply today, apologising and saying they were surprised that anyone managed to get a ticket after they cancelled. I replied in kind that I'd booked the thing on the 5th August, and they should really keep a record of who's booked, in case of this kind of thing! I could so easily just have shown up tonight with my ticket - I wouldn't normally have gone on the website first.
Well, in short, they've rebooked me for the 25th and promised me a free glass of wine or Prosecco. Fair enough. As for tonight - a nasty stomach pain hit this afternoon, so it's really a good thing that this happened. I'm much better now, but think I'll stay in.
Tomorrow, I'm back with the London Dramatic Arts group, for Oresteia at Trafalgar Studios - its West End transfer. (I see it's at the Globe as well - bummer, that'd have been good. And now Let's Do London - for less! is headed there in October, to see that self-same show. We'll see how I feel.)
On Sunday, I'm headed to the Scoop, for their free double bill of classical plays. Technically, I'm accompanying the Free London Events and Talks group, but with 100 of us going, I doubt I'll be much bothered with actually meeting anyone. Unless I see someone I know. Interesting procedure - this Meetup has no organiser; as the guy said, just go with your friends! So obviously, the point of having it as a Meetup at all isn't to meet, it's just to advertise that something is happening. I won't go if it rains though.. watch this space.
On Monday, I'm going to the Proms, and on Tuesday I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. I was thinking of a film for Wednesday - top of my list for Wednesday is The Look of Silence, which is finally showing at a time I can manage. The BFI is running it, and I've booked for the early showing that day, which was already mostly sold out. Gee, it's ages since I've been there!
For Thursday, I got a cheap ticket to a classical concert at Cadogan Hall - nice and close. Then I'm back to Ireland next weekend..
Thursday 27 August 2015
Comedy: Iliza Schlesinger
I'm wary of comedy acts I haven't heard of before, so I always check them out on YouTube. Iliza Schlesinger sounded ok, so I booked for her show tonight in the Soho Theatre. Well, her show last Monday was sold out, so I thought I wouldn't take a chance. Now, had the Tube strike promised for this week gone ahead, this would have been another of those long, long walks - but the strike was scary enough to drive them into talks, and it was postponed. And my life was made a little easier.
I was really lucky with Tubes this evening, actually - whenever I arrived on a platform, a train I wanted wasn't far behind! This is the first time in quite a while that I've been to Soho Theatre without Let's Do London - for less! but I managed to get there in time anyway. Five minutes in advance of the scheduled time, I arrived and made my way downstairs to the comedy venue. You have to wait to be seated - the usher led me to the chairs at the back. The place was very full - from where I was, I could only see one spare seat. I was on a couch last time - unfortunately, this time I had to take a chair, and yes, they are as uncomfortable as they look!
It was quite a while before the show started. They'd advertised that latecomers would be denied admission - but they weren't, so you can relax on that score. Finally, the lady herself arrived onstage, her only props a glass of water, which she didn't want and placed to the side, a can of Red Bull, and a stool to put them on.
This is a funny, funny lady. I liked what I saw online, and I liked her even more in person. There's a saying that there's nothing funnier than the truth, and this might be the show to prove it. She's got such a sharp eye for the realities of human behaviour. Her show on this occasion focuses on women, how they behave, how they dress, and how they seek to entrap men. Her insights had us laughing - cheering on occasion - and were punctuated by voice changes, exaggerated actions.. I'd love to have a chat with her over drinks and hear her in full flow. My personal favourite was when she described the necessary posture when wearing heels - "just imagine you're a cat about to be put in a bath". Paws splayed, you see. Indeed.
Oh, and when describing skinny jeans, she took on the persona of the squashed vagina. As she remarked after that bit, "the critics down the back are going to say that's the only time in the show that she adopted a British accent" (she's American). Well, yes, and a very nice British accent it was, too.
Nicely feminist. I really enjoyed it. The run ends on Saturday - check it out. Also nice to get out early - the show took slightly less than an hour.
Tomorrow, I'm headed to the Boat Show - with the Tube strike suspended, I might actually make it this time - you might remember that I was supposed to go before, but booked the wrong date. On Saturday, I'm back with the London Dramatic Arts group, for Oresteia at Trafalgar Studios - its West End transfer. (I see it's at the Globe as well - bummer, that'd have been good. And now Let's Do London - for less! is headed there in October, to see that self-same show. We'll see how I feel.)
On Sunday, I'm headed to the Scoop, for their free double bill of classical plays. Technically, I'm accompanying the Free London Events and Talks group, but with 100 of us going, I doubt I'll be much bothered with actually meeting anyone. Unless I see someone I know. Interesting procedure - this Meetup has no organiser; as the guy said, just go with your friends! So obviously, the point of having it as a Meetup at all isn't to meet, it's just to advertise that something is happening.
On Monday, I'm going to the Proms, and on Tuesday I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. I was thinking of a film for Wednesday, and finally got around to finishing next week's film list today. I noticed a lot of horror films - turns out Frightfest is running! Sadly, it's over by then - top of my list for Wednesday is The Look of Silence, which is finally showing at a time I can manage. The BFI is running it, and I've booked for the early showing that day, which was already mostly sold out. Gee, it's ages since I've been there!
For Thursday, I got a cheap ticket to a classical concert at Cadogan Hall - nice and close. Then I'm back to Ireland next weekend..
I was really lucky with Tubes this evening, actually - whenever I arrived on a platform, a train I wanted wasn't far behind! This is the first time in quite a while that I've been to Soho Theatre without Let's Do London - for less! but I managed to get there in time anyway. Five minutes in advance of the scheduled time, I arrived and made my way downstairs to the comedy venue. You have to wait to be seated - the usher led me to the chairs at the back. The place was very full - from where I was, I could only see one spare seat. I was on a couch last time - unfortunately, this time I had to take a chair, and yes, they are as uncomfortable as they look!
It was quite a while before the show started. They'd advertised that latecomers would be denied admission - but they weren't, so you can relax on that score. Finally, the lady herself arrived onstage, her only props a glass of water, which she didn't want and placed to the side, a can of Red Bull, and a stool to put them on.
This is a funny, funny lady. I liked what I saw online, and I liked her even more in person. There's a saying that there's nothing funnier than the truth, and this might be the show to prove it. She's got such a sharp eye for the realities of human behaviour. Her show on this occasion focuses on women, how they behave, how they dress, and how they seek to entrap men. Her insights had us laughing - cheering on occasion - and were punctuated by voice changes, exaggerated actions.. I'd love to have a chat with her over drinks and hear her in full flow. My personal favourite was when she described the necessary posture when wearing heels - "just imagine you're a cat about to be put in a bath". Paws splayed, you see. Indeed.
Oh, and when describing skinny jeans, she took on the persona of the squashed vagina. As she remarked after that bit, "the critics down the back are going to say that's the only time in the show that she adopted a British accent" (she's American). Well, yes, and a very nice British accent it was, too.
Nicely feminist. I really enjoyed it. The run ends on Saturday - check it out. Also nice to get out early - the show took slightly less than an hour.
Tomorrow, I'm headed to the Boat Show - with the Tube strike suspended, I might actually make it this time - you might remember that I was supposed to go before, but booked the wrong date. On Saturday, I'm back with the London Dramatic Arts group, for Oresteia at Trafalgar Studios - its West End transfer. (I see it's at the Globe as well - bummer, that'd have been good. And now Let's Do London - for less! is headed there in October, to see that self-same show. We'll see how I feel.)
On Sunday, I'm headed to the Scoop, for their free double bill of classical plays. Technically, I'm accompanying the Free London Events and Talks group, but with 100 of us going, I doubt I'll be much bothered with actually meeting anyone. Unless I see someone I know. Interesting procedure - this Meetup has no organiser; as the guy said, just go with your friends! So obviously, the point of having it as a Meetup at all isn't to meet, it's just to advertise that something is happening.
On Monday, I'm going to the Proms, and on Tuesday I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. I was thinking of a film for Wednesday, and finally got around to finishing next week's film list today. I noticed a lot of horror films - turns out Frightfest is running! Sadly, it's over by then - top of my list for Wednesday is The Look of Silence, which is finally showing at a time I can manage. The BFI is running it, and I've booked for the early showing that day, which was already mostly sold out. Gee, it's ages since I've been there!
For Thursday, I got a cheap ticket to a classical concert at Cadogan Hall - nice and close. Then I'm back to Ireland next weekend..
Tuesday 25 August 2015
Restaurant: Dragon Palace
I had an errand to run on Earl's Court Road this evening after work - not a place I go to that often, although it's not that far from me. Well, I knew there were restaurants there, but not that there were so many! Ultimately, Chinese won the day, and I ate in Dragon Palace, where we have often gone for work lunches - never realised that was so close to where I live, either!
I'm used to heading down to the back room, mostly - seems that this evening, probably not expecting a crowd, they restricted the customers to the front section. Tables for one or two along one wall, tables for three or four along the other, and a larger, round table in the window. I was seated directly opposite the rather spectacular artwork, on the left-hand wall as you enter.
I had rather more than usual - a starter, for once: I thought about prawn crackers, but ultimately went for sizzling chicken satay. For main, I had the spicy shredded beef again, and a glass of wine, for once. Rather unusually for a Chinese, they had a choice of wine by the glass, and a choice of sizes - both rather small by my usual standards, mind.
The satay was lovely - but with five well-packed skewers, a bit too much - I'll go for the prawn crackers in future. Also, I was initially given no side plate, which made eating them a bit uncomfortable, hunched over the steaming plate they'd come on. After I'd finished one, they realised an extra plate might be handy for me, and brought one over. The main course was very satisfying, again - kind of like Chinese fast food, being deep fried. The wine was much appreciated, at the end of a long day. And with my bill, I got a fortune cookie! Ooh, hardly ever seen one of those.. and my fortune said I'd get an expensive gift. Well, that's nice.
Tomorrow, I'm headed to the Guildford office for Sports Day. On Thursday, I've booked a ticket to see the comedian Iliza Schlesinger at the Soho Theatre - she was sold out for yesterday, so I said maybe I'd better. And on Friday, I'm headed to the Boat Show. And those pesky Tube strikes have been suspended! so I can relax about my travel arrangements.. for the time being.
On Saturday, I'm back with the London Dramatic Arts group, for Oresteia at Trafalgar Studios - its West End transfer. (I see it's at the Globe as well - bummer, that'd have been good. And now Let's Do London - for less! is headed there in October, to see that self-same show. We'll see how I feel.) On Sunday, I'm headed to the Scoop, for their double bill of classical plays. Technically, I'm accompanying the Free London Events and Talks group, but with 100 of us going, I doubt I'll be much bothered with actually meeting anyone. Unless I see someone I know.
I'm finishing off the month by going to the Proms, and on the 1st September I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. And then.. more stuff! Watch this space.
I'm used to heading down to the back room, mostly - seems that this evening, probably not expecting a crowd, they restricted the customers to the front section. Tables for one or two along one wall, tables for three or four along the other, and a larger, round table in the window. I was seated directly opposite the rather spectacular artwork, on the left-hand wall as you enter.
I had rather more than usual - a starter, for once: I thought about prawn crackers, but ultimately went for sizzling chicken satay. For main, I had the spicy shredded beef again, and a glass of wine, for once. Rather unusually for a Chinese, they had a choice of wine by the glass, and a choice of sizes - both rather small by my usual standards, mind.
The satay was lovely - but with five well-packed skewers, a bit too much - I'll go for the prawn crackers in future. Also, I was initially given no side plate, which made eating them a bit uncomfortable, hunched over the steaming plate they'd come on. After I'd finished one, they realised an extra plate might be handy for me, and brought one over. The main course was very satisfying, again - kind of like Chinese fast food, being deep fried. The wine was much appreciated, at the end of a long day. And with my bill, I got a fortune cookie! Ooh, hardly ever seen one of those.. and my fortune said I'd get an expensive gift. Well, that's nice.
Tomorrow, I'm headed to the Guildford office for Sports Day. On Thursday, I've booked a ticket to see the comedian Iliza Schlesinger at the Soho Theatre - she was sold out for yesterday, so I said maybe I'd better. And on Friday, I'm headed to the Boat Show. And those pesky Tube strikes have been suspended! so I can relax about my travel arrangements.. for the time being.
On Saturday, I'm back with the London Dramatic Arts group, for Oresteia at Trafalgar Studios - its West End transfer. (I see it's at the Globe as well - bummer, that'd have been good. And now Let's Do London - for less! is headed there in October, to see that self-same show. We'll see how I feel.) On Sunday, I'm headed to the Scoop, for their double bill of classical plays. Technically, I'm accompanying the Free London Events and Talks group, but with 100 of us going, I doubt I'll be much bothered with actually meeting anyone. Unless I see someone I know.
I'm finishing off the month by going to the Proms, and on the 1st September I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. And then.. more stuff! Watch this space.
Monday 24 August 2015
Memphis: the Musical
Amazon Local provided me with the best value for tonight's show, Memphis: the Musical. Mind you, this was in the Shaftesbury Theatre - one of those where the upper levels might be cramped. I got a good deal on a seat in the rear stalls for £22.50.
Working late in the office again, I just made it in time. I was actually really lucky with trains, and had no long waits - although the Piccadilly Line had long delays at stations from Hyde Park Corner on. Google Maps had told me to get off at Covent Garden, turn right on Long Acre, then left past a brown building (as I could see on Streetview). Continue along that road, and the theatre would be on the other side of a crossroads. I was actually there once before, but it's been a while. Still, I found it without trouble - a blessing, in the pouring rain. Even the crossing light was green as I dashed across.
The guy at the box office hurriedly asked my name and got my ticket. As I tried to figure out which was the right door, an usher hurried over to me and pointed me in the right direction. I found my own seat downstairs in the stalls, though - not hard. I almost had time to turn off my phone before the warning about them was broadcast. I had time to get off my coat and was wiping the rain from my glasses when the lights went down. The seat was fine, by the way - comfy, decent legroom, and a good view, the very top of the stage slightly obscured by the overhang, but not a problem with this production - I could see everything. And I wasn't even the last in, BTW.
I've been to so many mediocre West End shows that I'd come to expect it. Well, ladies and gentlemen, believe the hype - this is fantastic! You like r n b? This show is chock full of it, every number a show-stopper. This story of a white guy, down on his luck (Matt Cardle) from Memphis in the 50s, who falls in love, first with the music, then with the singer (Beverley Knight). (Can you believe that white radio stations once upon a time refused to play what they called "race" music?!) He becomes a dj and champions black music, fighting prejudice against both that and his burgeoning relationship with this beautiful and talented black woman.
The performances are out of this world. Really, I wanted to jump out of my seat after every song - I contented myself with cheering and clapping instead, along with everyone else. It felt more like being at a concert than a West End show - and it was no surprise, at the end, when the entire house - and I mean everyone - leapt to their feet in a standing ovation. This is the first time I can remember not seeing anyone still sitting after a West End show - even the lady two rows in front, who looked frail and who had seemed to have trouble walking at the interval, couldn't resist dragging herself to her feet for this. Awesome stuff - definitely one of the best shows in town. I can't recommend this more - booking until at least October next year. Go see - but do shop around for tickets.
For the next two days, I'm headed to the Guildford office - first for a meeting, then the Sports Day. On Thursday, I've booked a ticket to see the comedian Iliza Schlesinger at the Soho Theatre - she was sold out for today, so I said maybe I'd better. And on Friday, I'm headed to the Boat Show. And those pesky Tube strikes have been suspended! so I can relax about my travel arrangements.. for the time being.
On Saturday, I'm back with the London Dramatic Arts group, for Oresteia at Trafalgar Studios - its West End transfer. (I see it's at the Globe as well - bummer, that'd have been good. And now Let's Do London - for less! is headed there in October, to see that self-same show. We'll see how I feel.) On Sunday, I'm headed to the Scoop, for their double bill of classical plays. Technically, I'm accompanying the Free London Events and Talks group, but with 100 of us going, I doubt I'll be much bothered with actually meeting anyone. Unless I see someone I know.
I'm finishing off the month by going to the Proms, and on the 1st September I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. And then.. more stuff! Watch this space.
Working late in the office again, I just made it in time. I was actually really lucky with trains, and had no long waits - although the Piccadilly Line had long delays at stations from Hyde Park Corner on. Google Maps had told me to get off at Covent Garden, turn right on Long Acre, then left past a brown building (as I could see on Streetview). Continue along that road, and the theatre would be on the other side of a crossroads. I was actually there once before, but it's been a while. Still, I found it without trouble - a blessing, in the pouring rain. Even the crossing light was green as I dashed across.
The guy at the box office hurriedly asked my name and got my ticket. As I tried to figure out which was the right door, an usher hurried over to me and pointed me in the right direction. I found my own seat downstairs in the stalls, though - not hard. I almost had time to turn off my phone before the warning about them was broadcast. I had time to get off my coat and was wiping the rain from my glasses when the lights went down. The seat was fine, by the way - comfy, decent legroom, and a good view, the very top of the stage slightly obscured by the overhang, but not a problem with this production - I could see everything. And I wasn't even the last in, BTW.
I've been to so many mediocre West End shows that I'd come to expect it. Well, ladies and gentlemen, believe the hype - this is fantastic! You like r n b? This show is chock full of it, every number a show-stopper. This story of a white guy, down on his luck (Matt Cardle) from Memphis in the 50s, who falls in love, first with the music, then with the singer (Beverley Knight). (Can you believe that white radio stations once upon a time refused to play what they called "race" music?!) He becomes a dj and champions black music, fighting prejudice against both that and his burgeoning relationship with this beautiful and talented black woman.
The performances are out of this world. Really, I wanted to jump out of my seat after every song - I contented myself with cheering and clapping instead, along with everyone else. It felt more like being at a concert than a West End show - and it was no surprise, at the end, when the entire house - and I mean everyone - leapt to their feet in a standing ovation. This is the first time I can remember not seeing anyone still sitting after a West End show - even the lady two rows in front, who looked frail and who had seemed to have trouble walking at the interval, couldn't resist dragging herself to her feet for this. Awesome stuff - definitely one of the best shows in town. I can't recommend this more - booking until at least October next year. Go see - but do shop around for tickets.
For the next two days, I'm headed to the Guildford office - first for a meeting, then the Sports Day. On Thursday, I've booked a ticket to see the comedian Iliza Schlesinger at the Soho Theatre - she was sold out for today, so I said maybe I'd better. And on Friday, I'm headed to the Boat Show. And those pesky Tube strikes have been suspended! so I can relax about my travel arrangements.. for the time being.
On Saturday, I'm back with the London Dramatic Arts group, for Oresteia at Trafalgar Studios - its West End transfer. (I see it's at the Globe as well - bummer, that'd have been good. And now Let's Do London - for less! is headed there in October, to see that self-same show. We'll see how I feel.) On Sunday, I'm headed to the Scoop, for their double bill of classical plays. Technically, I'm accompanying the Free London Events and Talks group, but with 100 of us going, I doubt I'll be much bothered with actually meeting anyone. Unless I see someone I know.
I'm finishing off the month by going to the Proms, and on the 1st September I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. And then.. more stuff! Watch this space.
Sunday 23 August 2015
Restaurant: Teach uí Bhriain
With my flight leaving quite late today, we had time for lunch out - and, for variety, we went to Teach uí Bhriain. We nearly got a space on the street outside, but were beaten to it - so carried on through to the rear car park, where we were lucky to get a space! Inside, we didn't quite get our regular table, but managed to get a seat at the one next to it.. when the owner came to take our order, she explained that yes, Sundays have been busy for the past month, but unusually the rush comes between 2 and 3, rather than later. We have been warned..
They had a special Sunday lunch menu, which included neither of the dishes we wanted. Mind you, she was happy to oblige with salmon for my mother when she asked. Now, I really should have done the same, and asked for curry - instead, I stuck to what was on offer, and ordered the pan-fried chicken, which came with a choice of sauces; when I asked, these turned out to be gravy, peppercorn sauce, and mushroom sauce. I know all their sauces are good - I chose peppercorn. And decided on soup to start. And when my mother complained about the flickering light over her head, those lights were soon turned off.
O my though, this was a very mixed meal. The soup was good, the wine was good, the bread was fine. The salmon was lovely, apparently, and the sauce on my chicken was as good as I had expected. And I got a lovely, large roast potato with it. It's just the chicken itself.. which was a bit dry, a bit chewy. And they still haven't learned to make mash, which tasted of cardboard. Note to self - avoid pan-fried chicken here, and order chips instead of mash in future. Asking for ice cream for dessert, I got an unimaginative three scoops of vanilla - but I was ok with it, as long as there was chocolate sauce. My mother had the mixed-berry cheesecake, which looked, and apparently tasted, delicious. We were fed - just a bit disappointingly. But our dog appreciated the left-over chicken.
Tomorrow, I'm finally going to see Memphis: the Musical, at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And the next two days, I'm headed to the Guildford office - first for a meeting, then the Sports Day. Coincides nicely with the next Tube strikes, assuming the current talks don't help.. we're to find out for sure on Monday. On Thursday, I've booked a ticket to see the comedian Iliza Schlesinger at the Soho Theatre - she was sold out for Monday, so I said maybe I'd better. And on Friday, I'm headed to the Boat Show. Those should both be interesting to get to and from, if the strikes go ahead!
On Saturday, I'm back with the London Dramatic Arts group, for Oresteia at Trafalgar Studios - its West End transfer. (I see it's at the Globe as well - bummer, that'd have been good.) Next Sunday, I'm headed to the Scoop, for their double bill of classical plays. Technically, I'm accompanying the Free London Events and Talks group, but with 100 of us going, I doubt I'll be much bothered with actually meeting anyone. Unless I see someone I know.
I'm finishing off the month by going to the Proms, and on the 1st September I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. And I did even more booking today..
They had a special Sunday lunch menu, which included neither of the dishes we wanted. Mind you, she was happy to oblige with salmon for my mother when she asked. Now, I really should have done the same, and asked for curry - instead, I stuck to what was on offer, and ordered the pan-fried chicken, which came with a choice of sauces; when I asked, these turned out to be gravy, peppercorn sauce, and mushroom sauce. I know all their sauces are good - I chose peppercorn. And decided on soup to start. And when my mother complained about the flickering light over her head, those lights were soon turned off.
O my though, this was a very mixed meal. The soup was good, the wine was good, the bread was fine. The salmon was lovely, apparently, and the sauce on my chicken was as good as I had expected. And I got a lovely, large roast potato with it. It's just the chicken itself.. which was a bit dry, a bit chewy. And they still haven't learned to make mash, which tasted of cardboard. Note to self - avoid pan-fried chicken here, and order chips instead of mash in future. Asking for ice cream for dessert, I got an unimaginative three scoops of vanilla - but I was ok with it, as long as there was chocolate sauce. My mother had the mixed-berry cheesecake, which looked, and apparently tasted, delicious. We were fed - just a bit disappointingly. But our dog appreciated the left-over chicken.
Tomorrow, I'm finally going to see Memphis: the Musical, at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And the next two days, I'm headed to the Guildford office - first for a meeting, then the Sports Day. Coincides nicely with the next Tube strikes, assuming the current talks don't help.. we're to find out for sure on Monday. On Thursday, I've booked a ticket to see the comedian Iliza Schlesinger at the Soho Theatre - she was sold out for Monday, so I said maybe I'd better. And on Friday, I'm headed to the Boat Show. Those should both be interesting to get to and from, if the strikes go ahead!
On Saturday, I'm back with the London Dramatic Arts group, for Oresteia at Trafalgar Studios - its West End transfer. (I see it's at the Globe as well - bummer, that'd have been good.) Next Sunday, I'm headed to the Scoop, for their double bill of classical plays. Technically, I'm accompanying the Free London Events and Talks group, but with 100 of us going, I doubt I'll be much bothered with actually meeting anyone. Unless I see someone I know.
I'm finishing off the month by going to the Proms, and on the 1st September I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. And I did even more booking today..
Saturday 22 August 2015
Concert: Irish Youth Wind Ensemble
Since I'm back in Ireland this weekend, I asked my mother whether she'd be interested, and when she said yes, I booked for the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble concert in UCH tonight. She never gets out when I'm not here, and since there's hardly ever anything suitable when I am here, she was delighted at the chance.
But now my mother's decided she's not in the mood. So we're not going. Glad she's not involved with most of the things I go to, or I'd never be sure of getting anywhere! Actually, I think the problem really is that it's on earlier than usual, so we'd have to eat earlier than usual - and she does hate change in her routine. She's never up for any variation.
Anyway, on Monday, I'm finally going to see Memphis: the Musical, at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And the next two days, I'm headed to the Guildford office - first for a meeting, then the Sports Day. Coincides nicely with the next Tube strikes, assuming the current talks don't help.. we're to find out for sure on Monday. On Thursday, I've booked a ticket to see the comedian Iliza Schlesinger at the Soho Theatre - she was sold out for Monday, so I said maybe I'd better. And on Friday, I'm headed to the Boat Show. Those should both be interesting to get to and from, if the strikes go ahead!
Next Saturday, I'm back with the London Dramatic Arts group, for Oresteia at Trafalgar Studios - its West End transfer. (I see it's at the Globe as well - bummer, that'd have been good.) On the Sunday, I'm headed to the Scoop, for their double bill of classical plays. Technically, I'm accompanying the Free London Events and Talks group, but with 100 of us going, I doubt I'll be much bothered with actually meeting anyone. Unless I see someone I know.
I'm finishing off the month by going to the Proms, and on the 1st September I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. And then more..
But now my mother's decided she's not in the mood. So we're not going. Glad she's not involved with most of the things I go to, or I'd never be sure of getting anywhere! Actually, I think the problem really is that it's on earlier than usual, so we'd have to eat earlier than usual - and she does hate change in her routine. She's never up for any variation.
Anyway, on Monday, I'm finally going to see Memphis: the Musical, at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And the next two days, I'm headed to the Guildford office - first for a meeting, then the Sports Day. Coincides nicely with the next Tube strikes, assuming the current talks don't help.. we're to find out for sure on Monday. On Thursday, I've booked a ticket to see the comedian Iliza Schlesinger at the Soho Theatre - she was sold out for Monday, so I said maybe I'd better. And on Friday, I'm headed to the Boat Show. Those should both be interesting to get to and from, if the strikes go ahead!
Next Saturday, I'm back with the London Dramatic Arts group, for Oresteia at Trafalgar Studios - its West End transfer. (I see it's at the Globe as well - bummer, that'd have been good.) On the Sunday, I'm headed to the Scoop, for their double bill of classical plays. Technically, I'm accompanying the Free London Events and Talks group, but with 100 of us going, I doubt I'll be much bothered with actually meeting anyone. Unless I see someone I know.
I'm finishing off the month by going to the Proms, and on the 1st September I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. And then more..
Friday 21 August 2015
Eat Aroi Thai & Burlesque: Straight Up
Yesterday afternoon, we had a leaving lunch for a colleague who'll be greatly missed. I guess it was her choice to eat at Eat Aroi Thai, a few minutes' walk from the office. Anyhoo, she booked and off we headed, stopping at a cashpoint on the way, because they only take cash. We were seated, as usual, at the high table in the middle, with the slightly awkward high stools. They'd set out a cosy 15 places, but someone had forgotten the ex-colleague that was joining us, making 16: no problem, they produced another high stool from the back, and he squeezed in at the end.
A number of the group had never been there before, and amidst the confusion over what to order, and the lack of familiarity with the dishes, there was hilarity over the drinks panel - black print on a black background. Also over the ordering system, where you grab a server as soon as possible, they take your order, it's cooked immediately, and quite possibly served to you while others are still waiting to order.
Anyway, I ordered some very refreshing lemonade - which comes served with ice and a mint leaf. For food, well, I've been here twice before and it wasn't very successful - their Massaman curry ("voted tastiest") and their pad thai I found a bit bland. However, this time I looked just under the pad thai, to find a dish called pad see-iew, which sounded ok. So I ordered that.. good choice! It was a succulent dish of chicken, fried egg, and flat noodles in soy sauce - and it was delicious. Definitely my new favourite. Afterwards, they produced dishes of complementary lollipops - how long is it since I had one of those? And after the little ceremony of giving each of us a little dish with the bill, collecting them with the cash, and returning them with the change, we left.
For last night, I got a nice discount from Time Out for the House of Burlesque production, Straight Up, in the Spiegeltent, as part of London Wonderground - a £16 ticket (£16.50 with booking fee) for £10. Also good was that it started late, so I had time to have a proper dinner. And it felt strange, leaving the house after dark - kinda spooky. Well, it's been a while!
Unfortunately, I just missed a direct train at West Brompton, and had to wait about five minutes for another, then change at Earl's Court. Another five-minute wait, a train arrived, and we got on. And waited. A train arrived at the other platform, headed the same way. Ooh, I hate that.. sure enough, that one left first, and ours waited another five minutes after this before trundling on its way. Sometimes the drivers are good enough to point out that the other train will be leaving first - not ours last night, though.. Nope, Earl's Court is not a good place to be if you're in a hurry!
I panted my way across the bridge - out of practice, y'see: paused very briefly to admire the spectacular view - and made the box office with five minutes to spare. Exchanged my emailed, printed voucher for a ticket, and followed the signs to the Spiegeltent. Well, to the queue for the Spiegeltent, which stretched out around the corner and under the bridge. This tent has a great capacity, and it was a long queue.. it was raining on us, slightly, by the time we got in.
It was quite full, but not completely sold out. We with the cheap tickets were prohibited from the front two rows, but they were full anyway - I ended up in the back, but there are only four or five rows here. I was to the side, but you nearly get a better view from there. So I was ok with my seat.
So! Another burlesque show! They started in darkness, with costumes and hoops decorated with leds. Very high-tech vibe, and a bit naff, in my opinion. After that, a procession of acts invented new and artistic ways of taking their clothes off - well, down to the standard thong and nipple covers. Quite professional, but a bit samey, except for the one (ripped) male performer, who, for variety, started with practically nothing and put his clothes on! I did like how not all the girls were stick insects - a couple were pretty but chubby, or what would commonly be known among silly people as "obese".
During the interval, the mc encouraged us to tweet her the craziest things we'd done while drunk, the best tweet to receive a bottle of Beefeater gin (the sponsors). The theme of the show is drink, you see. In the second act, the quality of the acts noticeably improved - there was a story to some, an acrobatic act with a hoop, and a really well conceived, artistic performance, with a girl in a skintight, nude, sparkly costume, cavorting on a hoop in front of a machine blowing bubbles. Very reminiscent of champagne. I particularly liked the bit where they held up a sign reading "BEACH BODY READY" and geefully ripped it to pieces. It's tough, this business, you know - on the way out (when it had, mercifully, stopped raining), we passed so many posters for other burlesque shows currently running. This is a quality act, and I wish them well. Just three more shows - the next two Thursdays, and Thursday 24th September. Worth a look.
Tonight, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, and we're headed to the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, tomorrow at the University Concert Hall. On Monday, I'm finally going to see Memphis: the Musical, at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And the next two days, I'm headed to the Guildford office - first for a meeting, then the Sports Day. Coincides nicely with the next Tube strikes, assuming the current talks don't help.. On Thursday, I've booked a ticket to see the comedian Iliza Schlesinger at the Soho Theatre - she was sold out for Monday, so I said maybe I'd better. And that Friday, I'm headed to the Boat Show. Those should both be interesting to get to and from, if the strikes go ahead!
The following Saturday, I'm back with the London Dramatic Arts group, for Oresteia at Trafalgar Studios - its West End transfer. (I see it's at the Globe as well - bummer, that'd have been good.) On the Sunday, I'm headed to the Scoop, for their double bill of classical plays. Technically, I'm accompanying the Free London Events and Talks group, but with 100 of us going, I doubt I'll be much bothered with actually meeting anyone. Unless I see someone I know.
I'm finishing off the month by going to the Proms, and on the 1st September I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. And then there's more..
A number of the group had never been there before, and amidst the confusion over what to order, and the lack of familiarity with the dishes, there was hilarity over the drinks panel - black print on a black background. Also over the ordering system, where you grab a server as soon as possible, they take your order, it's cooked immediately, and quite possibly served to you while others are still waiting to order.
Anyway, I ordered some very refreshing lemonade - which comes served with ice and a mint leaf. For food, well, I've been here twice before and it wasn't very successful - their Massaman curry ("voted tastiest") and their pad thai I found a bit bland. However, this time I looked just under the pad thai, to find a dish called pad see-iew, which sounded ok. So I ordered that.. good choice! It was a succulent dish of chicken, fried egg, and flat noodles in soy sauce - and it was delicious. Definitely my new favourite. Afterwards, they produced dishes of complementary lollipops - how long is it since I had one of those? And after the little ceremony of giving each of us a little dish with the bill, collecting them with the cash, and returning them with the change, we left.
For last night, I got a nice discount from Time Out for the House of Burlesque production, Straight Up, in the Spiegeltent, as part of London Wonderground - a £16 ticket (£16.50 with booking fee) for £10. Also good was that it started late, so I had time to have a proper dinner. And it felt strange, leaving the house after dark - kinda spooky. Well, it's been a while!
Unfortunately, I just missed a direct train at West Brompton, and had to wait about five minutes for another, then change at Earl's Court. Another five-minute wait, a train arrived, and we got on. And waited. A train arrived at the other platform, headed the same way. Ooh, I hate that.. sure enough, that one left first, and ours waited another five minutes after this before trundling on its way. Sometimes the drivers are good enough to point out that the other train will be leaving first - not ours last night, though.. Nope, Earl's Court is not a good place to be if you're in a hurry!
I panted my way across the bridge - out of practice, y'see: paused very briefly to admire the spectacular view - and made the box office with five minutes to spare. Exchanged my emailed, printed voucher for a ticket, and followed the signs to the Spiegeltent. Well, to the queue for the Spiegeltent, which stretched out around the corner and under the bridge. This tent has a great capacity, and it was a long queue.. it was raining on us, slightly, by the time we got in.
It was quite full, but not completely sold out. We with the cheap tickets were prohibited from the front two rows, but they were full anyway - I ended up in the back, but there are only four or five rows here. I was to the side, but you nearly get a better view from there. So I was ok with my seat.
So! Another burlesque show! They started in darkness, with costumes and hoops decorated with leds. Very high-tech vibe, and a bit naff, in my opinion. After that, a procession of acts invented new and artistic ways of taking their clothes off - well, down to the standard thong and nipple covers. Quite professional, but a bit samey, except for the one (ripped) male performer, who, for variety, started with practically nothing and put his clothes on! I did like how not all the girls were stick insects - a couple were pretty but chubby, or what would commonly be known among silly people as "obese".
During the interval, the mc encouraged us to tweet her the craziest things we'd done while drunk, the best tweet to receive a bottle of Beefeater gin (the sponsors). The theme of the show is drink, you see. In the second act, the quality of the acts noticeably improved - there was a story to some, an acrobatic act with a hoop, and a really well conceived, artistic performance, with a girl in a skintight, nude, sparkly costume, cavorting on a hoop in front of a machine blowing bubbles. Very reminiscent of champagne. I particularly liked the bit where they held up a sign reading "BEACH BODY READY" and geefully ripped it to pieces. It's tough, this business, you know - on the way out (when it had, mercifully, stopped raining), we passed so many posters for other burlesque shows currently running. This is a quality act, and I wish them well. Just three more shows - the next two Thursdays, and Thursday 24th September. Worth a look.
Tonight, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, and we're headed to the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, tomorrow at the University Concert Hall. On Monday, I'm finally going to see Memphis: the Musical, at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And the next two days, I'm headed to the Guildford office - first for a meeting, then the Sports Day. Coincides nicely with the next Tube strikes, assuming the current talks don't help.. On Thursday, I've booked a ticket to see the comedian Iliza Schlesinger at the Soho Theatre - she was sold out for Monday, so I said maybe I'd better. And that Friday, I'm headed to the Boat Show. Those should both be interesting to get to and from, if the strikes go ahead!
The following Saturday, I'm back with the London Dramatic Arts group, for Oresteia at Trafalgar Studios - its West End transfer. (I see it's at the Globe as well - bummer, that'd have been good.) On the Sunday, I'm headed to the Scoop, for their double bill of classical plays. Technically, I'm accompanying the Free London Events and Talks group, but with 100 of us going, I doubt I'll be much bothered with actually meeting anyone. Unless I see someone I know.
I'm finishing off the month by going to the Proms, and on the 1st September I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. And then there's more..
Thursday 20 August 2015
Play: As You Like It
Back with Let's Do London - for less! last night, at the Globe, for As You Like It. Working late at the office is becoming a disturbingly regular occurrence for me.. went straight from there again. Mind you, I was glad not to have to walk home first, in the lashing rain.
The closest station to the office is actually West Kensington, and since I was taking the District Line, that's where I headed. It's ages since I've been there, and I'd forgotten that there's no train indicator on the platform - there's a screen before you go down the stairs, instead, which I didn't think to check. So it was a long and impatient wait for the train - sure enough, as I'd suspected it would, the train arrived just as I pulled out my phone to see whether I could get internet reception to check where it was - the station is something of a blackspot for internet on my phone. Street outside - no problem. Station - iffy.
Crowded train - I got a seat at Victoria, where there's always a big interchange of passengers. Arrived at the Globe to find our fearless leader, in his stylish and somewhat sodden cap, sitting forlornly on his own under a tree. I'm guessing people just didn't want to stand around and chat in that weather. Never mind, he was soon busy with three of us that arrived at the same time, and whom he gave tickets together.
Our seats were in the same section as last time - a few rows back - and the place gradually filled completely; this is a popular production:
As someone later remarked, those of us sitting under cover didn't realise until afterwards just how heavily it was raining - although we could see the side ramps of the stage getting wetter and wetter, and at the heaviest points, hear the rain pattering off the rain smocks people were wearing. You can rent these - umbrellas aren't allowed, so as not to block others' view.
I've got to say, this was a terrific production! Starring Michelle Terry, it uses all the Globe productions' characteristic song, dance, audience interaction and general tomfoolery. One of Shakespeare's more complicated plot structures is rendered hilarious - Shakespeare was written to be performed, not read, and during the show it frequently occurred to me how dry these words might have seemed on paper. Only quibbles were that, where we were sat, the action was sometimes obscured by a pillar - more often at the beginning: and sometimes the audio was inaudible, particularly most of the jokes offered by Touchstone, the jester. However, we enjoyed it thoroughly - including the person sat by me, whose very first time it was seeing Shakespeare, and who hadn't realised it'd be so funny! Well, as I said, it was written for this venue - and it was written to please the crowd..
Highly recommended. Runs on selected dates until the 5th - availability on the website for the 3rd, 4th & 5th only - limited on the 5th. Booking necessary, as ever with the Globe. But it's worth it.
Afterwards, we congregated under the shelter of that tree again, where our fearlessly soggy-hatted leader (who'd been standing in the pit, in the rain) suggested I take those that were already there to our regular haunt, the Founders' Arms, while he waited for the rest. I had just ordered a glass of chardonnay, when this fellow pops up beside me, checks that I'm in the group, and suggests we get a bottle instead! and he'll pay for it. Eh - cool! He asked for three glasses - one for me, one for him, one for Antony (the leader).
Looking for somewhere to sit, the very back of the room looked promising, given that there were a number of us. So we sat there, and waited for Antony to arrive. And when he did, he didn't see us.. and we with a large glass (1/3 of the bottle, carefully measured) poured for him! He sat somewhere, then decided it wasn't spacious enough and sat closer to us. And after some frantic waving on our part, he came up and joined us, his followers following close behind. Naw, I didn't run off with his group.. honest..we just found a cosy corner, to go with our cosy bottle of wine! B-) Granted, the seating was along the wall, which isn't as nice as having a round table - but there were too many of us all to fit around a single table anyway. And my, but the chat motored on, until we were chucked out by management.
Yep, after midnight by the time I got home again. Really, this group.. so, too late to blog. Tonight, I'm off to the Spiegeltent to see House of Burlesque. Cheap Time Out offer. Tomorrow, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, and we're headed to the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, at the University Concert Hall.
On Monday, I'm finally going to see Memphis: the Musical, at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And the next two days, I'm headed to the Guildford office - first for a meeting, then the Sports Day. Coincides nicely with the next Tube strikes, assuming the current talks don't help.. despite the article in yesterday's Evening Standard, they don't actually start till Tuesday. Next Thursday, I've booked a ticket to see the comedian Iliza Schlesinger at the Soho Theatre - she was sold out for Monday, so I said maybe I'd better. And that Friday, I'm headed to the Boat Show. Those should both be interesting to get to and from, if the strikes go ahead!
The following Saturday, I'm back with the London Dramatic Arts group, for Oresteia at Trafalgar Studios - its West End transfer. (I see it's at the Globe as well - bummer, that'd have been good.) On the Sunday, I'm headed to the Scoop, for their double bill of classical plays. Technically, I'm accompanying the Free London Events and Talks group, but with 100 of us going, I doubt I'll be much bothered with actually meeting anyone. Unless I see someone I know.
I'm finishing off the month by going to the Proms, and on the 1st September I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. And yes, there is more planned..
The closest station to the office is actually West Kensington, and since I was taking the District Line, that's where I headed. It's ages since I've been there, and I'd forgotten that there's no train indicator on the platform - there's a screen before you go down the stairs, instead, which I didn't think to check. So it was a long and impatient wait for the train - sure enough, as I'd suspected it would, the train arrived just as I pulled out my phone to see whether I could get internet reception to check where it was - the station is something of a blackspot for internet on my phone. Street outside - no problem. Station - iffy.
Crowded train - I got a seat at Victoria, where there's always a big interchange of passengers. Arrived at the Globe to find our fearless leader, in his stylish and somewhat sodden cap, sitting forlornly on his own under a tree. I'm guessing people just didn't want to stand around and chat in that weather. Never mind, he was soon busy with three of us that arrived at the same time, and whom he gave tickets together.
Our seats were in the same section as last time - a few rows back - and the place gradually filled completely; this is a popular production:
As someone later remarked, those of us sitting under cover didn't realise until afterwards just how heavily it was raining - although we could see the side ramps of the stage getting wetter and wetter, and at the heaviest points, hear the rain pattering off the rain smocks people were wearing. You can rent these - umbrellas aren't allowed, so as not to block others' view.
I've got to say, this was a terrific production! Starring Michelle Terry, it uses all the Globe productions' characteristic song, dance, audience interaction and general tomfoolery. One of Shakespeare's more complicated plot structures is rendered hilarious - Shakespeare was written to be performed, not read, and during the show it frequently occurred to me how dry these words might have seemed on paper. Only quibbles were that, where we were sat, the action was sometimes obscured by a pillar - more often at the beginning: and sometimes the audio was inaudible, particularly most of the jokes offered by Touchstone, the jester. However, we enjoyed it thoroughly - including the person sat by me, whose very first time it was seeing Shakespeare, and who hadn't realised it'd be so funny! Well, as I said, it was written for this venue - and it was written to please the crowd..
Highly recommended. Runs on selected dates until the 5th - availability on the website for the 3rd, 4th & 5th only - limited on the 5th. Booking necessary, as ever with the Globe. But it's worth it.
Afterwards, we congregated under the shelter of that tree again, where our fearlessly soggy-hatted leader (who'd been standing in the pit, in the rain) suggested I take those that were already there to our regular haunt, the Founders' Arms, while he waited for the rest. I had just ordered a glass of chardonnay, when this fellow pops up beside me, checks that I'm in the group, and suggests we get a bottle instead! and he'll pay for it. Eh - cool! He asked for three glasses - one for me, one for him, one for Antony (the leader).
Looking for somewhere to sit, the very back of the room looked promising, given that there were a number of us. So we sat there, and waited for Antony to arrive. And when he did, he didn't see us.. and we with a large glass (1/3 of the bottle, carefully measured) poured for him! He sat somewhere, then decided it wasn't spacious enough and sat closer to us. And after some frantic waving on our part, he came up and joined us, his followers following close behind. Naw, I didn't run off with his group.. honest..we just found a cosy corner, to go with our cosy bottle of wine! B-) Granted, the seating was along the wall, which isn't as nice as having a round table - but there were too many of us all to fit around a single table anyway. And my, but the chat motored on, until we were chucked out by management.
Yep, after midnight by the time I got home again. Really, this group.. so, too late to blog. Tonight, I'm off to the Spiegeltent to see House of Burlesque. Cheap Time Out offer. Tomorrow, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, and we're headed to the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, at the University Concert Hall.
On Monday, I'm finally going to see Memphis: the Musical, at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And the next two days, I'm headed to the Guildford office - first for a meeting, then the Sports Day. Coincides nicely with the next Tube strikes, assuming the current talks don't help.. despite the article in yesterday's Evening Standard, they don't actually start till Tuesday. Next Thursday, I've booked a ticket to see the comedian Iliza Schlesinger at the Soho Theatre - she was sold out for Monday, so I said maybe I'd better. And that Friday, I'm headed to the Boat Show. Those should both be interesting to get to and from, if the strikes go ahead!
The following Saturday, I'm back with the London Dramatic Arts group, for Oresteia at Trafalgar Studios - its West End transfer. (I see it's at the Globe as well - bummer, that'd have been good.) On the Sunday, I'm headed to the Scoop, for their double bill of classical plays. Technically, I'm accompanying the Free London Events and Talks group, but with 100 of us going, I doubt I'll be much bothered with actually meeting anyone. Unless I see someone I know.
I'm finishing off the month by going to the Proms, and on the 1st September I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. And yes, there is more planned..
Tuesday 18 August 2015
Play: Operation Crucible
I got the recommendation for Operation Crucible from Time Out - and it was so handy that it's showing in the Finborough, within walking distance of both home and office. I checked, and it's a 50-seater venue.. they let you select up to 25 seats at a time (!), so when the site wouldn't process a booking for that many, I knew it was already over half full. So I booked. For 1. For tonight.
I got stuck into what I was doing in the office, and ended up going straight from there - my time was tighter because, for some reason, they needed to start half an hour earlier tonight. My goodness though, they made sure we knew! I got an email, I got a phone call.. both said that if I needed to cancel or reschedule, I just had to let them know. That's excellent customer service.
I arrived not long before showtime, collected my ticket, and made straight for upstairs, since they said the house was open. When I first came here, there was a wine bar downstairs - then it closed. It's been a while since I was here last, and now it seems to be a thriving bar (with a big screen over the door, showing the footie), advertising "The best beer in the royal borough".
I also noted that they seem to have new doors. Still the same complicated arrangement though, where you have to hold the one behind you while you open the next. The theatre was mostly full when I got there, but it's small and no seat is a bad one. Seating is unassigned, and I got one, not too far to the side, in the middle row. Seating is on comfortably upholstered benches, and before the start, someone informed us that it was sold out (again) and we'd have to squeeze up. I've experienced that here before - someone mustn't have been able to make it though, because this time I actually had room to move.
Operation Crucible - apparently the writer's first play - is set in Sheffield during the Blitz, and is based on Hitler's name for the bombing campaign. I've said I love pared-down productions - you can't get more pared-down than this, four men on a stage, who have no more props than four stools - which are hardly used - and lighting and sound effects. Tells the story of four steel workers, trapped - but alive - in the basement of a luxury hotel in the city centre that was destroyed in the bombing. I can't vouch for the men's stories, but the hotel really was destroyed.
You WILL not see a more powerful play in London at the moment. The intensity can't be described - it has to be experienced. It's amazing how vividly they convey their everyday lives, with absolutely no props: getting ready in the morning, the walk to work, the steel works themselves. Frequently, the story is peppered with anecdotes. And then.. the bombing starts. You can hear it on the sound effects, see it in the fear on their faces. And when the bomb hits, with thundering noise.. complete darkness, and we're right there in the basement with them.
Of course, it runs without an interval - you couldn't disturb the mood like that. Astounding, profoundly moving stuff. There aren't words, and there weren't gestures we could make at the end to express our appreciation. Runs until Saturday, booking strongly advised. Best thing I've seen in - I don't know how long.
Tomorrow, I'm with the Let's Do London - for less! Meetup group yet again, when they're off to the Globe to see As You Like It. On Thursday, I'm off to the Spiegeltent to see House of Burlesque. Time Out offer. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, and we're headed to the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, at the University Concert Hall.
On Monday, I'm finally going to see Memphis: the Musical, at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And the next two days, I'm headed to the Guildford office - first for a meeting, then the Sports Day. Coincides nicely with the next Tube strikes, assuming the current talks don't help.. that Thursday, I've booked a ticket to see the comedian Iliza Schlesinger at the Soho Theatre - she was sold out for Monday, so I said maybe I'd better. And that Friday, I'm headed to the Boat Show. Those should both be interesting to get to and from, if the strikes go ahead!
The following Saturday, I'm back with the London Dramatic Arts group, for Oresteia at Trafalgar Studios - its West End transfer. On the Sunday, I'm headed to the Scoop, for their double bill of classical plays. Technically, I'm accompanying the Free London Events and Talks group, but with 100 of us going, I doubt I'll be much bothered with actually meeting anyone. Unless I see someone I know.
I'm finishing off the month by going to the Proms, and on the 1st September I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. For more.. watch this space!
I got stuck into what I was doing in the office, and ended up going straight from there - my time was tighter because, for some reason, they needed to start half an hour earlier tonight. My goodness though, they made sure we knew! I got an email, I got a phone call.. both said that if I needed to cancel or reschedule, I just had to let them know. That's excellent customer service.
I arrived not long before showtime, collected my ticket, and made straight for upstairs, since they said the house was open. When I first came here, there was a wine bar downstairs - then it closed. It's been a while since I was here last, and now it seems to be a thriving bar (with a big screen over the door, showing the footie), advertising "The best beer in the royal borough".
I also noted that they seem to have new doors. Still the same complicated arrangement though, where you have to hold the one behind you while you open the next. The theatre was mostly full when I got there, but it's small and no seat is a bad one. Seating is unassigned, and I got one, not too far to the side, in the middle row. Seating is on comfortably upholstered benches, and before the start, someone informed us that it was sold out (again) and we'd have to squeeze up. I've experienced that here before - someone mustn't have been able to make it though, because this time I actually had room to move.
Operation Crucible - apparently the writer's first play - is set in Sheffield during the Blitz, and is based on Hitler's name for the bombing campaign. I've said I love pared-down productions - you can't get more pared-down than this, four men on a stage, who have no more props than four stools - which are hardly used - and lighting and sound effects. Tells the story of four steel workers, trapped - but alive - in the basement of a luxury hotel in the city centre that was destroyed in the bombing. I can't vouch for the men's stories, but the hotel really was destroyed.
You WILL not see a more powerful play in London at the moment. The intensity can't be described - it has to be experienced. It's amazing how vividly they convey their everyday lives, with absolutely no props: getting ready in the morning, the walk to work, the steel works themselves. Frequently, the story is peppered with anecdotes. And then.. the bombing starts. You can hear it on the sound effects, see it in the fear on their faces. And when the bomb hits, with thundering noise.. complete darkness, and we're right there in the basement with them.
Of course, it runs without an interval - you couldn't disturb the mood like that. Astounding, profoundly moving stuff. There aren't words, and there weren't gestures we could make at the end to express our appreciation. Runs until Saturday, booking strongly advised. Best thing I've seen in - I don't know how long.
Tomorrow, I'm with the Let's Do London - for less! Meetup group yet again, when they're off to the Globe to see As You Like It. On Thursday, I'm off to the Spiegeltent to see House of Burlesque. Time Out offer. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, and we're headed to the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, at the University Concert Hall.
On Monday, I'm finally going to see Memphis: the Musical, at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And the next two days, I'm headed to the Guildford office - first for a meeting, then the Sports Day. Coincides nicely with the next Tube strikes, assuming the current talks don't help.. that Thursday, I've booked a ticket to see the comedian Iliza Schlesinger at the Soho Theatre - she was sold out for Monday, so I said maybe I'd better. And that Friday, I'm headed to the Boat Show. Those should both be interesting to get to and from, if the strikes go ahead!
The following Saturday, I'm back with the London Dramatic Arts group, for Oresteia at Trafalgar Studios - its West End transfer. On the Sunday, I'm headed to the Scoop, for their double bill of classical plays. Technically, I'm accompanying the Free London Events and Talks group, but with 100 of us going, I doubt I'll be much bothered with actually meeting anyone. Unless I see someone I know.
I'm finishing off the month by going to the Proms, and on the 1st September I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. For more.. watch this space!
Monday 17 August 2015
Play: Frank Sent Me
The organiser of Film Nite advertised a couple of plays - directed (not written) by his drama teacher, and showing in the King's Head. I couldn't make the first one on the night he was going, but trotted along tonight to see Frank Sent Me, a gay gangster comedy.
It's ages since I've been up that way - first thing to remember is that there's more than one King's Head in London! (Islington is the one you want, when looking for directions.) I did realise in time, and decided to leave straight from the office - it'd be too much of a rush to go home first. I stayed quite late at the office, as it happens - but even at that, the Overground would have been a nightmare, so I took the Tube - which, by that time (around 6.30) had quietened down a bit.
Exiting the station and turning right, I noticed a lady consulting directions. Wondered whether she was headed to the same place I was - indeed, she walked in the same direction as me for most of my trip. But she wasn't. So just as well I didn't freak her out by asking. Our group were meeting beforehand at the Slug & Lettuce, down the road from the King's Head. You order downstairs, but seating - and larger tables - are available upstairs, and there we sat.. pleasant décor, good food, a screen and projector for those sporting occasions. I only had breaded mushrooms - time was tight and I didn't want to rush - but I can recommend them.
When it was about that time, we headed to the King's Head pub and made our way to the back, where they had a list of the names of those who'd booked. Through to the theatre, which is a room at the back. We'd all booked separately, so were sat separately; I was at the end of a row, which was handy for leaving my things, as was the fact that I had a spare seat beside me; there weren't many of those. Seating is on upholstered benches.
Interestingly, we'd all got email warnings beforehand about how hot the theatre could get. I don't know what's happened to it, because I've been to things here before and never experienced this kind of heat - it was sweltering! something not reflected in the outside temperature. Even the bar itself was cooler. Three oscillating fans attached to the ceiling and one static fan on the floor did nothing to help, and I'm afraid it really detracted from my enjoyment of the play. People who'd been to the previous production said that had been even hotter.. glad now that I didn't go!
This was a shame, because the play was really good. A very simple piece, it focuses on two men - one a gangster type, the other probably his lover, although it's never made explicit. They're preparing for the arrival of a third character - the person that "Frank" sent. They're not looking forward to his arrival, for reasons that become clear. And when the third fellow arrives, the tension of the first two characters is nicely juxtaposed with the comedy he brings to the situation; obviously out of his depth, this guy whose arrival they've dreaded ends up depending on them to look after him!
Excellently cast, excellently directed. I do love a simple idea, and found this very enjoyable to watch (well, apart from the heat..) Runs until Saturday. I don't know where I got the impression that it lasted for 80 minutes - this was about 60 (no interval, of course). And my, but I was glad to get outta there! as fast as the slow-moving ladies chatting together in front of me would allow. Having already donated when I booked, I ignored their collection bucket on the way out. Oh, the relief to be outside in the cool.. we stood and chatted for quite a while, waiting for the director to make an appearance. A couple of the actors happened by, too - that's the great thing about informal venues, I think it's so interesting to have the cast mingle with the public.
I took the Overground home - it's that bit cheaper, and the timing worked out perfectly. Tomorrow, I'm headed to a play set in Sheffield during the Blitz. Operation Crucible is showing in the Finborough, nice and close to me. Must remember their earlier start time. On Wednesday, I'm with the Let's Do London - for less! Meetup group yet again, when they're off to the Globe to see As You Like It. On Thursday, I'm off to the Spiegeltent to see House of Burlesque. Time Out offer. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, and we're headed to the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, at the University Concert Hall.
The following Monday, I'm finally going to see Memphis: the Musical, at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And the next two days, I'm headed to the Guildford office - first for a meeting, then the Sports Day. Coincides nicely with the next Tube strikes, assuming the current talks don't help.. that Thursday, I've booked a ticket to see the comedian Iliza Schlesinger at the Soho Theatre - she was sold out for Monday, so I said maybe I'd better. And that Friday, I'm headed to the Boat Show. Those should both be interesting to get to and from, if the strikes go ahead!
The following Saturday, I'm back with the London Dramatic Arts group, for Oresteia at Trafalgar Studios - its West End transfer. On the Sunday, I'm headed to the Scoop, for their double bill of classical plays. Technically, I'm accompanying the Free London Events and Talks group, but with 100 of us going, I doubt I'll be much bothered with actually meeting anyone. Unless I see someone I know.
I'm finishing off the month by going to the Proms, and on the 1st September I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Which is quite enough to be doing with for now!
It's ages since I've been up that way - first thing to remember is that there's more than one King's Head in London! (Islington is the one you want, when looking for directions.) I did realise in time, and decided to leave straight from the office - it'd be too much of a rush to go home first. I stayed quite late at the office, as it happens - but even at that, the Overground would have been a nightmare, so I took the Tube - which, by that time (around 6.30) had quietened down a bit.
Exiting the station and turning right, I noticed a lady consulting directions. Wondered whether she was headed to the same place I was - indeed, she walked in the same direction as me for most of my trip. But she wasn't. So just as well I didn't freak her out by asking. Our group were meeting beforehand at the Slug & Lettuce, down the road from the King's Head. You order downstairs, but seating - and larger tables - are available upstairs, and there we sat.. pleasant décor, good food, a screen and projector for those sporting occasions. I only had breaded mushrooms - time was tight and I didn't want to rush - but I can recommend them.
When it was about that time, we headed to the King's Head pub and made our way to the back, where they had a list of the names of those who'd booked. Through to the theatre, which is a room at the back. We'd all booked separately, so were sat separately; I was at the end of a row, which was handy for leaving my things, as was the fact that I had a spare seat beside me; there weren't many of those. Seating is on upholstered benches.
Interestingly, we'd all got email warnings beforehand about how hot the theatre could get. I don't know what's happened to it, because I've been to things here before and never experienced this kind of heat - it was sweltering! something not reflected in the outside temperature. Even the bar itself was cooler. Three oscillating fans attached to the ceiling and one static fan on the floor did nothing to help, and I'm afraid it really detracted from my enjoyment of the play. People who'd been to the previous production said that had been even hotter.. glad now that I didn't go!
This was a shame, because the play was really good. A very simple piece, it focuses on two men - one a gangster type, the other probably his lover, although it's never made explicit. They're preparing for the arrival of a third character - the person that "Frank" sent. They're not looking forward to his arrival, for reasons that become clear. And when the third fellow arrives, the tension of the first two characters is nicely juxtaposed with the comedy he brings to the situation; obviously out of his depth, this guy whose arrival they've dreaded ends up depending on them to look after him!
Excellently cast, excellently directed. I do love a simple idea, and found this very enjoyable to watch (well, apart from the heat..) Runs until Saturday. I don't know where I got the impression that it lasted for 80 minutes - this was about 60 (no interval, of course). And my, but I was glad to get outta there! as fast as the slow-moving ladies chatting together in front of me would allow. Having already donated when I booked, I ignored their collection bucket on the way out. Oh, the relief to be outside in the cool.. we stood and chatted for quite a while, waiting for the director to make an appearance. A couple of the actors happened by, too - that's the great thing about informal venues, I think it's so interesting to have the cast mingle with the public.
I took the Overground home - it's that bit cheaper, and the timing worked out perfectly. Tomorrow, I'm headed to a play set in Sheffield during the Blitz. Operation Crucible is showing in the Finborough, nice and close to me. Must remember their earlier start time. On Wednesday, I'm with the Let's Do London - for less! Meetup group yet again, when they're off to the Globe to see As You Like It. On Thursday, I'm off to the Spiegeltent to see House of Burlesque. Time Out offer. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, and we're headed to the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, at the University Concert Hall.
The following Monday, I'm finally going to see Memphis: the Musical, at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And the next two days, I'm headed to the Guildford office - first for a meeting, then the Sports Day. Coincides nicely with the next Tube strikes, assuming the current talks don't help.. that Thursday, I've booked a ticket to see the comedian Iliza Schlesinger at the Soho Theatre - she was sold out for Monday, so I said maybe I'd better. And that Friday, I'm headed to the Boat Show. Those should both be interesting to get to and from, if the strikes go ahead!
The following Saturday, I'm back with the London Dramatic Arts group, for Oresteia at Trafalgar Studios - its West End transfer. On the Sunday, I'm headed to the Scoop, for their double bill of classical plays. Technically, I'm accompanying the Free London Events and Talks group, but with 100 of us going, I doubt I'll be much bothered with actually meeting anyone. Unless I see someone I know.
I'm finishing off the month by going to the Proms, and on the 1st September I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Which is quite enough to be doing with for now!
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