Play: The Fever Syndrome

Tonight, back with Civilised London (CL) - for a play this time. This was The Fever Syndrome, at Hampstead Theatre. So I decided to head up early, and grab a bite at Ye Olde Swiss Cottage, just across the road. I've eaten there before. Could have taken a bus, but the Tube got me there faster, meaning I didn't have to rush my food.

Happy to say, the staff were a lot friendlier than on my last visit! Anyway, I picked a cosy table by a window, ordered hunter chicken and a large glass of the only white wine they had - which was a nice chenin blanc. The chicken wasn't amazing, but it filled a spot - and the ice cream I had for dessert was lovely (although they only had vanilla). Nice place to hunker down out of the cold, though - we went back afterwards for a drink, and as one remarked, it was a real winter refuge! Comfortingly solid wood everywhere, comfy chairs..

And so to the theatre - and a temperature check! We had to stand in front of a gauge - happy to report that I passed. Joined the others, chatted briefly, and then they went to the Stalls - and I went to my cheapie seat upstairs. Which, I was delighted to learn, takes the same format as the National, with spurs of seats to the sides, culminating in individual seats - and mine was at the front of these! So, an excellent view of the stage - and, as it turned out, of them! I was probably closer to the stage than they were, too.. ;-)

It occurred to me that the stage was kind of like a dolls' house. It also occurred to me, as bits of the play took place in different rooms, that it was like watching a TV drama, different scenes set in different rooms.

The story concerns an elderly, retired IVF specialist, now ill with Parkinson's, who is due a lifetime achievement award, so his family has gathered around. The theatre website describes it as a squabble over inheritance, over the spoils of his career - well yes it is, kind of, except that apart from one character in particular, most of them are rather nice, and most of the arguments kind of fizzle out. So, I found it lacking in dramatic tension. But hey, nicely acted, good set, interesting. Runs until the end of next month.

And afterwards, as I say, back to the pub - just for the one. And for me, buses home - in what had become wintry conditions, ice cold rain dripping on us. Brr, glad to be in!

Tomorrow, back with TAC for One Night With Robbie Williams. This is at The Courtyard.

Well, I finally got a provisional start date from my new job - and it's next week. So on Friday, still being free, I've booked with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners for a daytime walk. This is Tinker, Tailor, Soldier & a Hatful of Spies - and comes highly recommended from previous attendees! In fact, I got the last spot (at the time, anyway). 

That evening, back with the Crick Crack Club (CCC) for - The Grand Annual Lying Contest! at Rich Mix.

On Saturday, I had booked with Walks, Talks & Treasure Hunts for a Regent's Canal Walk. But yay, Laurence and the 45+s then advertised another walk for that day, which is pretty much guaranteed to be superior. So I've booked it. This is Scandals, Scriptwriters & Sumptuous Architecture - and of course, it being a London weekend, I can go!

That evening, an ex-colleague of mine is having a leaving do - he's emigrating. Happening at The Woodman, in Highgate. I said I'd put in an appearance.

On Sunday, the CCC again! Emily Hennessey and Sheema Mukherjee are at the British Museum, with Holy Cow! Tales from the River of Life. Unfortunately, the London Landmarks Half Marathon is also that day, so I'll probably be on the Tube, at least getting to the museum. 

On Monday, I'm back at the Park Theatre for the first time in nearly three years! This is for Clybourne Park, a comedy about a white family moving into a predominantly black neighbourhood.

On Tuesday, I'm headed to But I'm a Cheerleader, a musical comedy at the Turbine Theatre.

Next Wednesday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats at Southwark Playhouse, and another free ticket for me! This time, it's for Anyone Can Whistle, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

On the 7th, Tommy Tiernan is playing at the Hammersmith Apollo! Now, I failed to get a ticket for this the first time around. Then it was rescheduled because of Covid.. and I got a ticket for the rescheduled event! Then that was rescheduled.. third time lucky?! Love Tommy Tiernan. The show is called Tomfoolery. And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On the 11th, I've booked for The 47th, at The Old Vic. Written by Mike Bartlett, this imagines the American presidential elections of 2024. I am really looking forward to this play..

On the 12th, I'm finally going to Six, the Musical! Based around the story of the six wives of Henry VIII (very loosely, I'd say), it's playing at the Vaudeville and I hear good things. Cheapest tickets from Leicester Square Box Office.

On the 13th, back with CL, who are off to the opera at the Southbank Centre. The show in question is The Paradis Files. Next day, I'm back to Ireland for Easter - but left it so late to book, I could only get an afternoon flight, and will have to start my new job (whenever) by asking for that day off work!

Well, my friend got back to me - they're away in the middle of Easter week, back on the 21st, so the most sensible thing to do seemed to be to visit on the 22nd, which I've now arranged with her. Whether I take that week as holiday, or take the laptop there and work from Ireland, remains to be seen. Anyway, I'll fly back to London on the 24th. And on the 25th, I'm off to The Corn is Green, at the National.