Play: A Playlist for the Revolution

Last night, I was back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) for A Playlist for the Revolution, at the Bush Theatre. First though, back to the lettings agent to get yet another set of keys, in the hope these will work - haven't yet had a chance to schlep down there to check. The lettings agent's office is, in itself, a schlep - not an insignificant trip across town!

By the time I got done there, there was about enough time to eat, then head to the theatre. I couldn't see anywhere I fancied eating out in the direction of the lettings office, in Stepney Green, nor much around the theatre - so I decided to break my journey at The Lucas Arms. Not much longer that'll be an option.. after that, the only reasonable choice was Tube, to get to the theatre in time. Sadly, no papers available to read on my journey - they weren't quite out yet. I'll say this, it's dead handy to get to the theatre from the station - a sign at the exit tells you which direction to turn in, and it's right across the road! I got a drink and searched for the others, finding them in the "library" at the back. It was nice to be able to unload to them - and when it was time, we went in, me having to switch my drink to a plastic container. Funnily enough, even though we'd all got "Count Me In" tickets - cheaper, but you don't find out your actual seat until the day - we turned out to be all sat together!

An interesting set design sees a whole pile of blocks around the central stage area. They kind of resemble buildings, so could be taken for the skyline of Hong Kong, where this is set - however, they also act as storage boxes for props, and can be removed, to act as props themselves! The story starts with a meeting between a native Hong Kong-er, a conservative young man, into playing the piano - and a kooky young woman, of Hong Kong extraction, but living in the UK, who has taken some time out to visit Hong Kong and explore her roots. Both are students - he, of economics, she, of law. They meet at a nightclub, and there's an instant attraction - but she's on the point of going back. Still, they exchange numbers - and bond over their shared love of music (albeit different kinds).

Back in the UK, she's fascinated by the Hong Kong revolution - he hasn't the heart to tell her he's not involved. And they start to collaborate on a "playlist for the revolution" - he with the help of a cleaner at the university he attends, who's big into protesting. This actor, by the way, pretty much stole the show, in the opinion of someone sitting near us - and I agree. Meantime - I was fascinated that the play went in this direction; I guess I hadn't thought long enough about the title: but certainly, the latter part of the play is all about the revolution.

This revolution is something I've had a longtime interest in - the last time I came across anything about it though was over a year ago, with the memorable film, Revolution of our Times. It's such a titanic struggle - and ultimately, a pretty hopeless one. Very well depicted here, with only two actors and limited props - but some clever lighting - as our Hong Kong student finds himself inspired to join the cause at last. An excellent production, which flashes up the Hong Kong skyline on the back wall, after the interval:

A message displayed at the end offers anyone who needs it the chance to stay in the theatre for up to 15 minutes afterwards. Very sensitively done - recommended. Runs till the 5th of next month.

Couldn't blog last night, I had to be up early for the cleaner's last visit. Tonight, thinking film again - and it's looking like Hello, Bookstore, a documentary in the Curzon Bloomsbury again.

Then two more days with UITCS - well, they book so much stuff! Tomorrow, it's Robin Hood: The Legend - Rewritten, at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. Hope today's promised rain clears for that..

On Thursday, it's School Girls: Or, the African Mean Girls Play, at the Lyric Hammersmith.

On Friday, London Baroque Music Lovers lately advertised a concert, by La Nuova Musica, at St. Martin-in-the-Fields, of Handel's Coronation Music. Oh, lovely - I found this music so moving at the recent coronation! My sometime companion from UITCS suggests we eat there beforehand - which is fine, as long as we can find each other!

Saturday could be a landmark moment - could I get my four ex-colleagues together in a room at the same time?! So far, so good - nobody's yet said they can't make it - although one is worried about the planned train strikes. And although I'm already supposed to have moved, well, I'm between places - particularly with the constant mix-ups with my keys! so I just booked The Lucas Arms again.

On Sunday, heading with Cultureseekers, for a Historic Hampstead Treasure Hunt. We'll be split into groups, apparently, and the clues relate to historical plaques and the likes in the area. Official guides not allowed to participate. Hmm - how much can I remember from Laurence's walk there..?

On Monday, booked with TAC for an interesting-sounding show - Blood, Gold and Oil is about Lawrence of Arabia, and showing at Riverside Studios. Part of their "Bitesize Theatre" series.

Next Tuesday, back with UITCS - really excited to see The Pillowman, by Martin McDonagh, at the Duke of York's Theatre.

On the 12th, back with the World Music Meetup (and Tuned In London) for a concert by the Scottish/Zambian singer Namvula, at City Hope Church. Tickets through Billetto. And yes, closer to my new place, so it'd be really nice to be able to stay there that night..

On the 13th, back with UITCS for Cuckoo, at The Royal Court. Then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On the 17th, back with UITCS for Song from Far Away, at Hampstead Theatre. I suspect this is one that Meetup just declined to notify me about.. I don't remember seeing it advertised before, although it's been up for a while.

On the 18th, I've signed up for the Epic Film Location London Tour Part 1, with London Socials, a new group to me.

And on the 19th, another new group - London Circus Cabaret and Burlesque Meetup is headed to Fool's Moon, a drag circus act at Soho Theatre. Meeting beforehand at the Nellie Dean - aw man, it's ages since I was at these places! I'm the only person to join, at time of writing..

Play: Favour

Tonight, I went to Favour, at the Bush Theatre - after much effort, as their website wasn't working for days! In fact, it seems to go down sporadically. I chose an unreserved seat, was allocated one over the weekend. Anyway, I see TAC has now started selling tickets for this - gee, might be not only the cheapest, but the easiest way to book! Now only limited availability for Wednesday. Wow, was only there once before, 3.5 years ago..

Well, at the time I left, only Tube would get me there in under an hour - so that's what I did. And I have to say, on such a hot day, the aircon was blissful on the Circle Line! Even if I did have to stand most of the way - interestingly, most people around me got out not at Paddington, but at the next stop, Royal Oak. Which was when I got a seat. Even more interestingly, Google Maps told me to get out at Wood Lane - when I could clearly see from the map that Shepherds Bush Market, the next stop along, was much closer! So I got out there instead - and sure enough, there was the theatre, right across the road. Beside the eponymous market.

I moseyed into the theatre bar - which had a food list. Very misleading, as they told everyone who asked that the kitchen was now closed! I have no idea what the opening hours are, they're not posted anywhere. Never mind, I had some wine.. and some Hula Hoops (original flavour). God, they're tasteless when you're used to, say, BBQ flavour! And finally, I spotted nuts of various kinds, and got them to pour me a pint of salted peanuts. Not the fellow collecting glasses though - he seemed unsuited to serving people, and persistently ignored me. And so I passed my time, sat where I might get a breeze from the open door, and watching on loop a summary video of their productions, in honour of their 50th anniversary. Woo.

It was past start time when they let us in. I remember calling this "leafy West London" when I lived here - more like sleepy West London! Can't complain about my randomly allocated seat - I was front row centre!

So, this is the tale of a Muslim woman that gets out of prison and comes home to Ilford, to her conservative mother, and teenage daughter, whose granny has been raising her.  She also has a disapproving sister. And that's it for plot. But the dialogue flows naturally, it's well-written - as this is a forum for young writers, kudos to the writer of this play! It's very watchable, and over its 90 or so minutes of unbroken acting, we get to know all the characters quite well, and care for them. So, I'd have to say beautifully acted, too. Runs until the 6th, if you're interested.

Tomorrow, I booked for The Southbury Child, at the Bridge Theatre. But then I noticed that Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) is going, later in the week - so switched my ticket to that night. The theatre is most obliging, that way, and gave me the seat next to the one I'd originally booked. Which leaves me free to go to a film tomorrow. Well, I just checked the film list - and highest (that I don't think I'd hate) is La Vie Me Va Bien (Life Suits Me Well), a Moroccan film about a fellow diagnosed with a progressive neurological disease, and how his family cope with it. The trailer actually looks really good. Showing in the Ciné Lumiere. Too early to get food beforehand. Hmph.

On Wednesday, back with Civilised London for dinner - this time at The Crown itself, where we usually meet for drinks before heading somewhere else for dinner. Excellent choice. Which marks the beginning of a whole spate of Meetups in a row! When's the last time that happened..?

On Thursday, I had booked with The Garden Talks - this online talk is How Do Languages Evolve? But as I say, have now backed out of that, and am headed instead to see The Southbury Child with UITCS.

On Friday, back with the London Classical Music and Theatre Group for the opera Otello, at the Royal Opera House.

On Saturday, I had booked with Discover London (DL) for a trip to see a cart making ceremony. Just last week, I saw a new ad from UITCS - sounded good, 9 Circles - a psychological thriller that examines the ethics of war - at the Park Theatre, with lunch beforehand in Palmyra's Kitchen, next door.  And of course Eleanor, organiser of TunedIn London, advertised a concert through the World Music Meetup, for that evening, at City Hope Church. So now I'm going to all three! Should be able to squeeze them in, although I won't be able to join DL for drinks after if I'm heading for lunch..

On Sunday, back with Bucket List London (BLL) - this time, it's a trip to Sandown Antiques Market. Well, I've never been to Sandown, so this could be interesting.

Next Monday, back with North London Friends! for the first time since before lockdown. This is for an Edinburgh Comedy Festival preview, at the King's Head in Crouch End, featuring Lucy Porter and Rachel Fairburn.

On the 19th.. I'm taking a punt that I won't actually be employed that day, and have signed up again - at last - for a walk with Laurence and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners. This is The Magic of Midtown - and as I said to him, it finishes very near my new home! I also promised to let him know if I can't actually make it - although, even if I have started work by then (which would be surprising), perhaps I could take a day off.

On the 20th, I finish my Meetup run with a trip with UITCS to Leicester Square Theatre to see Frankie Boyle, who has a work in progress show.

On the 21st, I'm thinking of heading - at last - to Summer by the River at More London. This is for a free evening of music, curated by Soho Radio. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend. Unlikely to get to a film that weekend, as I need to get my car serviced for its NCT - sooner the better, and I couldn't last weekend.

On the 25th, I'm headed to see The Throne, a comedy about to open at Charing Cross Theatre, in which the Queen gets locked in a portaloo with a staunch republican. Time Out has an offer of £10 tickets for the cheapest seats for this - a saving of more than 50%!

On the 26th - tan-ta-ra! I finally managed to get a decently priced ticket to Jerusalem, at the Apollo. I have heard so much about this, and it's always at the top of the Time Out listings - nearly as hard as Hamilton to get a reasonably priced ticket for, so I'm delighted to get one, if only not to have to look any more.

On the 27th, back to Summer by the River again.. for Bumper Blyton: Improvised Adventures for Grown-Ups! Improvised comedy in the style of Enid Blyton books.. sounds jolly good!

On the 28th - another UITCS event that Meetup finally decided to flag to me. So I've booked to go with them to see Briefs Factory's show, Bite Club! at Queen Elizabeth Hall. Drag, burlesque.. should be fun!

On the 29th, thinking about the National Theatre's River Stage 2022. This will be the first night of the Hackney Empire's Young Producers Weekend, and there'll be some dance and some music.

On the 30th, back in Greenwich with BLL - we're starting with the Old Royal Naval College and National Maritime Museum. Was originally supposed to be the Queen's House to finish, but turns out they're booked out all day for a wedding, despite not having clarified that on the website! Then in the afternoon, we're headed to Eltham Palace and Gardens. Quite the packed day - the organiser's English Heritage card expires, it seems, so he's cramming everything in while he can..

On the 31st, back with TAC for the opening night of I'm Not Myself Today: A Villainous Cabaret at the Bread and Roses in Clapham. An hour in which someone discusses with us why we all love the villain!

And on the 1st, I'm going to the Kiln Theatre for The Darkest Part of the Night. Another troublesome website - I've been trying for days to get it to work..!

Musical: Drip

Tonight, I headed off to the Bush, for Drip. Rather apprehensively, and doubting my judgement, after last night. Then, just as I was about to leave, my boss emerged from a meeting - and he's a chatty soul. Plus I needed to go to the loo on the way out. So when I did finally leave, I was convinced I wouldn't make it.

As far away as this was, Tube was the only reasonable option - Northern Line, followed by Circle or Hammersmith and City. And I have to say, both going and coming, the difference was marked - Northern Line crammed, the other lines half empty, more space, and a seat to be had. Most pleasant. Conversations to eavesdrop on. Easier to read the paper I'd picked up, too, which I had finished by the time I changed trains, on the way back. En route, I realised I'd forgotten to download my e-ticket - never fear, part of the journey is overground, and I got enough of a signal that I did it before I got off.

It said it was an easy walk from Shepherds Bush Market station - and sure enough, you have a choice of two exits, one of which is marked "Bush Theatre". Peep out that door - and you can see the theatre, right across the road! Imagine my frustration then, with it so close, when I just missed the crossing light, and had to wait for traffic to pass so I could dash across.. and it right on start time.. I bypassed the bar, seeing a door to the side, inside which a sign also said "Bush Theatre". I was a bit frantic, looking for the theatre itself - only to realise that, ah, this conservatory area actually had people queueing to get into the play! which was late starting. Phew. There should be a law against things starting on time - they so rarely do in London anyway! And it struck me that life is just a bit more relaxed in West London..

Seating is unreserved - and we each got handed a rain poncho on the way in. Uh-oh. And told to "fill from the front". Not on your Nelly - not if we were likely to get wet! Never fear - they're what you might call "decorative". Yes, we were called upon to wear them - but only to get in the spirit. Just like the flower garlands. And the bunting we had to string up. And the inflatables. And the wind chimes. And the flags we had to wave. Oh yes, this is a show that is keen on (mild) interactivity.

And it's only an hour long! But what a contrast to last night - not only is it shorter, it's cheaper, it's a helluva lot funnier, there's music.. the entire thing is a sweet, one-man show, where he describes his school travails, promising his pal he'll be in her synchronised swimming team for a school project, but neglecting to tell her he can't actually swim. He's so natural in the part, it's hard to believe he didn't actually write this! The whole thing was an absolute delight - highly recommended. Runs till the 22nd.

On the way back, Google Maps suggested I change at Moorgate, rather than Kings Cross St Pancras - good idea, there's much less walking! Coming out at Old Street, I had to pass through a rather intimidating group of youths in hoodies, loud music pumping from somewhere; about a dozen of them were hanging around the exit. This is the second night I've run into people like them around this area - with me coming and going so late most nights, I hope it doesn't become a habit! Feels iffy, you know..

Tomorrow, LDN Talks @ Night and London Speaks Sessions (both Funzing) advertised a "Winterville" talk on The Science of Santa, where we get the scientific explanation of how he does it. Taking place at The Windmill. However, seems they meant tonight, when of course I was busy. So instead I'm going to True West, with Kit Harington, at the Vaudeville. Cheapest tickets from the venue. There's an evening demo I'll probably have to duck out of early.

On Thursday, Hazel of Walks, Talks and Treasure Hunts, London Guided Walks (and, indeed, Walking in London) has a Christmas Carol Tour. Now, the last two events I booked with her turned out to be no-shows.. the first might not have been her fault, as she was advertising someone else's event, but the second, she just missed the ball on and left three of us standing on a street corner. Whether this event happens is anyone's guess! Now, it's technically more expensive if you book on Funzing - but if you had my discount (Funzing_Fb20) ;-) it came down to the same price she charges on her own site, without the booking fee! So I did it that way. (Mind you, they finally seem to think that code has been used too much, and it no longer seems to work.) But then Henning, with the London European Club, advertised a Happy Xmaths evening at Imperial College, the same night! Festive fun for maths geeks. Plus it's free - you just have to register with Eventbrite. (I see London Social Detours is also doing it now - for a fee. Funny, I wouldn't have put her down as mathsy! Oh, also London Science and Geek Chic Socials.) Anyway, I thought it'd be great to get back with this group. And since I booked the walk with Funzing, I've cancelled and will get a full refund. And I feel no sadness at missing an evening with Hazel, after what's been happening. But gee, this evening is proving to be one of the more popular- now a colleague has booked it for his leaving do. So I'm now going to that instead. Nibbles arranged at The Enterprise.  

On Friday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) at the Royal Court, for The Cane. Got the very last ticket, phew! although it seems at least one person did manage it after me.

On Saturday, with them again at the Orange Tree Theatre for The Double Dealer.

On Sunday, the Crick Crack Club is back at the British Museum for I Know Not, a full afternoon of Sufi legend.

On Monday, I'm off to the Bridge Theatre for A Very, Very, Very Dark Matter, by Martin McDonagh. Starring Jim Broadbent, this is a dark take on Hans Christian Anderson! Our new starter saw it recently, and proclaimed it "weird". Well, weird is good. North London Friends are going as well - but they'll be sat down in the stalls. I hope I get to chat a bit with them - they're a lovely group, and I don't meet them enough.

Next Tuesday, I was going with them to The Convert, at the Young Vic. Discounted top-price seats, it seems! And then, the Crick Crack Club sent around an advertising email - and damnit if they haven't arranged a meeting that night! The House of Nine Lives is at the British Library, and has Nell Phoenix, Tim Ralphs, and TUUP talking about pussycats. Irresistible. Just got word last night that my ticket for the play has been sold on, so I'll get a refund - good stuff.

The 12th is our office Christmas party, but Let's Do This has advertised a Christmas dinner- which sounds a more attractive prospect. So I'm doing that instead. Places filled up quickly with regulars.

On the 13th, I'm thrilled to be going to Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake, at Sadler's Wells, with UITCS. He's a fantastic choreographer, but I've never before gotten around to seeing this all-male version. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again. 

And on the 17th, the Crick Crack Club is performing Gilgamesh, at Soho Theatre. With Ben Haggerty in the spotlight, this will be a treat! Sold out, of course - you have to book these things early. Meeting Helen for a meal beforehand.