Conference: SHERF 2021 & Cabaret: Marie Lloyd Stole My Life

Today, back with the Surrey History Meetup group - nominally - for yet another Zoom call. This time, it focused on SHERF 2021 - a day-long conference based on the work of the Surrey Historic Environment Research Framework, and specifically on church archaeology. As promoted by the Surrey Archaeological Society. Didn't think I'd quite be awake for the start, given the time I went to sleep!

And I wasn't. But after I got myself somewhat sorted, I turned it on in the background, and made a few talks.. there was one about the medieval practice of consuming stone dust! Yes, that was indeed a thing - they used to chip away at the stone walls of holy buildings, and save the dust to put in drinks. Hmm. (And nobody objected!) Then I watched a talk about how they think they've discovered the skeleton of some Anglo-Saxon saint - which was interesting - and a talk, massively abridged apparently, about the analysis of graffiti found in some old church. (The lady who kept nodding off during that one should really have turned off her camera.) Gee, imagine, this talk was once half as long again. But I will say this, there is a terrific amount of information to be gleaned in these old churches - they're a fantastic resource. And it's great that Surrey has such a rich historical tradition that they can make a conference around it! More power to them.

But gee, the London International Meetup belatedly advertised something good for this evening. They were off to a cabaret, at the Canal Cafe Theatre - this was Marie Lloyd Stole My Life! Now, TAC got me to a couple of shows here recently, at a cheap rate - pity they don't seem to have tickets for this! Never mind, I bought full-price, for once..

I had to go by Tube, but mercifully skirted the ongoing strike. And when I got there, the organiser was already in the bar, with another - after I'd got a drink, I joined them. Convivial chat followed, and when the time came for us to head upstairs, some loud-voiced person left us in no doubt. I was trying to juggle my drink and phone (complete with e-ticket), but never fear, giving my name was quite sufficient! And with a jazz version of The Little Drummer Boy on in the bar at the interval, and tinsel decorating the banister that led upstairs, you could say they are in the Christmas spirit, I guess..

We got tables near the front (there were five of us, in the end). And what a fun night! So, this is loosely based on the life of music hall performer Nelly Power - she takes the stage for the first half, regaling us with numbers as she describes her story, and how an upstart newcomer (the eponymous Marie Lloyd) nicked her most popular, as well as her manager. The second half, in contrast, concentrates more on the numbers.

Now, I'd heard of some of these - but didn't really know the words to any. But it was lovely to be in the midst of lots of people who did! I love 'em. Had a lovely time, and it was nice to meet all the folks. Very glad I made this last-minute decision! This show finishes tomorrow - very highly recommended, for those who fancy a traditional, music hall vibe.

Also very glad to be in from the cold, now - it's vicious out there. Now, while that conference was on today, I got an email from the Top Secret Comedy Club - advertising limited, £8 tickets for a David McSavage show tomorrow afternoon. Woo, I love that guy! So I've booked - jeez, haven't been there since the heady days of the Man with the Hat..

And I'll be done in time for evening, when I'm back with London European Club - we're off to Immigrant Comedy (standup comedy in English) at the Camden Comedy Club. Tickets from Eventbrite.. two shows, we're going to the later one. So, a Day of Comedy, indeed!

Comedy: Holier Than Thou

Tonight, the last of three cheap ticket gigs in a row was comedy with TAC - Holier Than Thou is a one-man show about a vicar, playing in the Canal Cafe Theatre. So, Tube again - but only half the journey time of yesterday! And off I set. Google Maps decided that I should get off at Paddington - by which stage I didn't have my paper finished. And Lordy, I knew I should have carried on to Royal Oak, which is slightly closer.. it took me five solid minutes to orient myself correctly in Paddington, despite actually being at the right end! What I wanted was Exit 3, for the Union Canal - and the little blue dot that is supposed to represent me on Google Maps was all confused, and little use.

I made it out eventually. Now, the last time I was here, I alighted at Warwick Avenue - this time, I was on the south side of the canal, and walked past the barges of Little Venice, which would have been lovely in daytime. The couple of bicycles that shared the path with me didn't bother me much, and I finally - and with some relief - came on the pub. With 10 minutes to go to the show, they were letting people in already - I figured I had time to get a drink, which I knew I could bring up with me, and that's what I did. I remembered from last time that they do like to know that I booked with my club, as they keep separate lists, and the lady was indeed grateful to know that. And up I went - it's cafe-style seating upstairs, at round tables, and I got one near the front.

The events offered by these seat-filling services can be very hit-and-miss. Last night's, for example, was excellent! Tonight's, in contrast.. Well, it was ok. A young vicar comes on and has a rant at God for the terrible day he's had. Unfortunately, comedy is subjective - and this subject didn't like this comedy. Whether it was the material or the delivery, something didn't gel. I'll say this, though - he has an outfit change in the middle, and is patently uncomfortable with what he puts on! The funniest thing in the show is watching him try to adjust it so it doesn't display more than it's meant to.. I bet he's dreading having to do that all week!

Despite being advertised as "about 50 minutes", it is about 30 - 35, and I wasn't the only one looking at the time in surprise. As so often, I'm glad I didn't spend full price on it. Runs till Saturday - try and find something different to do, this isn't worth a trip. I took the Tube back from the less complicated Royal Oak, and finished my paper en route.

Tomorrow, back with Invigorate for a pub crawl! (Oops, I mean a tour of historic pubs..) Now, that's also my birthday, so I'm sure I'll get a birthday drink! ;-) Glad to be back among people I know.

I would have travelled somewhere foreign for my birthday, but well, that's not so much of an option these days. Anyway, I'm taking that day off work - so my boss has suggested birthday drinks for me on Thursday, as we should be back in the office by then. And then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend - it's easier to get Friday flights at the moment!

I've gotten into the habit of going to films when I'm in Ireland, so looked for one for Saturday - and if it's Limerick Omniplex, they do like you to book, and they don't have a booking fee. Now, I was thinking of Ghostbusters: Afterlife. But you know something, I was dubious that it just wouldn't live up to the original, which I loved - and having watched a review, I think I'm right. (I recommend starting watching the review at about 54 seconds, to avoid the annoying product ad.) Anyway, the gist of this review is that the director of the new movie is the son of the director of the original, and the new film keeps referencing the old film, rather than standing alone. From my perspective, although it has Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, and Sigourney Weaver in it from the original, this new film is a coming-of-age, teen adventure, and I'd miss the wisecracks that so defined the original. So I'm skipping it.

Instead - and before it leaves the local cinemas for good - I've booked for The French Dispatch. Also starring Bill Murray, this is an ensemble piece, with Benicio del Toro, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton, Léa Seydoux, Frances McDormand, Timothée Chalamet, Owen Wilson, Henry Winkler, Lois Smith, and who knows whom else.. it's set around a newspaper, with Bill Murray as editor, is all I know, and looks fabulous. Written and directed by Wes Anderson, and I'm looking forward to it..

Love Goddess: The Rita Hayworth Cabaret

These few days, I'm with one of my cheap ticket sellers (TAC). Tonight was Love Goddess: The Rita Hayworth Cabaret, at the Canal Cafe Theatre. We were told we had to buy membership on the door, for another £1.50. It was also forecast not to rain.

Neither claim turned out to be true. With the show not on till evening, I took myself off for another of The Upper Crust's excellent baguettes, which, as usual, I ate strolling around the lower concourse of Liverpool Street Station, where they are located. Most people were concerned with reading train schedules - some, however, were duly distracted by a strange noise. When we looked at the side entrance, we could see what was causing it - the station was being buffeted by the most ferocious storm! People standing near the entrance had their hair whipped by the driving wind, and lashing rain careered down every visible surface. The spray even reached the lower level, where I was! Jeez, and I was even wearing a different coat, because yesterday's hadn't dried yet.. It took about as long to expend its energy as I did to eat my baguette, and then the cloud passed over, the sun and blue skies appeared, and you wouldn't have imagined what had happened, minutes before. V deceptive.

Now, this theatre is above the Bridge House pub, in the environs of Little Venice - which is far enough away for me to take the Tube. I had a choice of three lines - the first train to come was on the Metropolitan Line, for which I'd have to change, but this was the journey that would ultimately bring me closest. Along the way, I was entertained by a father, helping his little girl to do pull-ups on the overhead handrail. Mind you, I had to change in Baker Street, which was fun - it's not a station I've had much experience with. It took me a minute to spot the direction I had to take for the Bakerloo Line. And Lordy, that was packed - I managed to squash in, and at least it was only four stations to Warwick Avenue. And a whole heap of people got off at Paddington, so I finally got a seat - then got off at the next stop!

Well, I started by taking the wrong exit - but Google Maps wasn't that specific. I headed for Little Venice - should have taken the exit for Clifton Villas. Never mind, I just had to cross the road - and then it was a five-minute walk, through pleasant and leafy surrounds.

Now, the minute I saw it I said - I've been here before. But could I find it in the blog..?! Perhaps its name has changed. Anyway, I've definitely been more than once. I'd tried to book a table, but they were full, and honestly, I wasn't that hungry anyway - I got a large wine and a delectable bag of Tyrell's sweet chilli flavour (another taste I've missed!), and repaired to one of the covered tables in the front garden, which is quite sheltered. And there I stayed, eavesdropping on an adjoining group of psychotherapy students who were out for the evening. Was quite jealous - what's happened to the rest of the people who said they were dying to meet me again, but from whom I've heard nothing more? I messaged some people - we shall see. In due course, I got up for a wander - and discovered I could hear the rehearsals if I stood across from that open window..

When it was nearly time, I went in - checking with the guy at the theatre entrance that he didn't need to see anything on my phone, whose battery was nearly dead. He assured me that he didn't. And as it happened, I was first into the theatre (no membership fee required, of course). Inside, the room was decorated cabaret-style, chairs clustered around round tables - I chose one by the wall near the front, and waited. It took a while, but the room eventually nearly filled.

Just two performers in this - the piano player, who, it turns out, also composed most of the music - and the singer, representing Rita Hayworth herself, in a black evening gown - just like her character, Gilda. The show lasted just over an hour, and had a repertoire that told the story of her life. And she sure did her damnedest to portray the lady in question. First-class entertainment.. what a refreshing change from yesterday! I only wished I'd thought to get a drink to bring with me - it was the perfect setting. Also wish I could recommend you to go see it, but this was the last performance. Definitely, go see if you get a chance!

On the way back, Baker Street confused me even more - by the time I figured out that the Metropolitan Line was the next going in my direction, it was too late to wander the corridors to catch it, and I had to wait about 10 minutes for the Circle Line instead. Ah well, it was less crowded!

Tomorrow is the World Doctors Orchestra, at the Barbican. Walking distance, handily. Yes, apparently with actual doctors. They sent me a promo code to use to get my own ticket, as promised. And I was soon to realise the advantage of that - I could choose my own seat! and sure enough, the code worked at all price levels - so I nabbed the last non-restricted view seat in the stalls. Well, why not?!

Tuesday is Fritz & Matlock, at the Pleasance - they caught my eye by advertising it as a reworking of Waiting for Godot..

On Wednesday, I've signed up for a Free 3 Mile City of London on Screen - Guided Walk & Post Event Social, with Invigorate. It's a tour of film locations, most of which I might know already, but hey. This is a newly minted group, made from one that I used to be a member of, before. And it'll be my first guided walk, post-lockdown! The organiser of this group also organised one of the last events I went to, pre-lockdown..

Thursday, I've promised to keep free so I can go for drinks with my boss and her team again. Happens weekly.

Friday, back with TAC for Lately, at the Lion & Unicorn. Then I'm back to Ireland again - on Saturday again, as I was unable to get a Friday flight! Working from home the following Monday, and flying back to London that evening.

On the 12th, I found a curious thing on Meetup - it seems that Watkins Bookshop has its own Meetup group, where it advertises events, and that day there's a talk by Stephen Skinner, about Aleister Crowley's Four Books of Magick. Ok, sounds interesting to me - I signed up.

On the 13th, back at last with Civilised London! We're off for what promises to be another excellent meal, this time at the Korean restaurant, The Petite Corée. Meeting beforehand in The Railway pub.

On the 14th, back at last with London European Club (LEC)! Happily, they're going to what I'd be going to anyway.. the Crick Crack Club is performing The Women Who Gave No F*cks, at Rich Mix. Fantastic when the London European Club decide to come..

On the 15th, woo! A couple of weeks ago, Up in the Cheap Seats was off to 2:22 - A Ghost Story, but I was meeting an ex-colleague for drinks that night and couldn't go. Well, I got a ticket for the 15th - second-last night of the run! Unfortunately, cheapest available were £65, and no availability with cheap ticket sellers - ah well, I decided I really wanted to see it (great reviews helped), so I booked. Had great fun trying to decide which of the few remaining seats at that price was the best.. Showing at the Noel Coward Theatre. And with all the cheap shows I'm going to, I can afford it!

On the 16th, my first outing with another new group - Bucket List London is off to Kenwood House, and I said I'd join them. You don't have to book, but it guarantees availability- tickets for free from English Heritage, via See Tickets.

On the 17th, I found something interesting with London Walks, Art & Culture Explorers! Yet another new one for me. This is an "Uncomfortable Statues Walk" - statues commemorating controversial people. I can think of a few, and it'll be interesting to see which come up on this!

On the 18th, I'm with London Classical Music & Theatre Group, for a choral performance (annual, apparently) by The Sixteen in Temple Church. Fantastic, and I've never actually been inside!

On the 19th, I'm with Guided Walking Tours in Brighton and Sussex (!). They have an online talk entitled Hallowe'en Penny Dreadful Online Show - The Art of Victorian Horror. I have to say, online has become much more of an option since lockdown.

On the 20th, I just booked another walk with Invigorate - this one is a tour of (the outside of) Christopher Wren's churches.

On the 21st, an online storytelling double-bill - I'll have to see how that pans out. First, I'd booked Universe, a Crick Crack show happening in Oxford and live-streamed. Clare Murphy - and I've seen it before, and it was the best show ever! And then I saw that Martin Shaw, another member of Crick Crack, was doing an online show, earlier in the evening.. this one, in association with Watkins again, is called The Smoke Hole, and it's free. So I said, hey, why not?

On the 22nd, back with the LEC for a concert - Balkan Music, courtesy of Raka & Balamuc, in The Post Bar, Tottenham. Sounds like fun. Then I'm back to Ireland - another Saturday flight - and with a few days off, I'm not flying back until the 28th.

But on the 29th, back with that group again, for Carmen - contemporary flamenco at The Place. Funnily enough, someone in the group said there were no individual seats left, and asked whether anyone wanted to double up with her. I offered, if there were no other takers - but she never got back to me. So, since I was now up to that date in my schedule, I decided to check for myself - and got an individual seat! So I've booked it.

And on the 30th, I'm doing something nice and Halloweeny - a ghost story event entitled Scared to Death in the Woods! Tickets from Design My Night. So, an organisation called London Dreamtime is leading us off into a undisclosed location, somewhere around Hampstead Heath.. we're to dress warmly, and bring a blanket to sit on, and a "candle in a jar" - I actually went out and bought an LED flickering candle in a lantern-style holder. Well, thought it was the most practical!