Play: Twelfth Night

Tonight, back with the London European Club - we were off to the Globe, for Twelfth Night! When I booked, the only tickets left were in the Middle Gallery, and they subsequently completely sold out. Happily, this was the first day in an age when no rain at all was forecast, and it stayed sunny - and even warm, in the sunshine.

It's a quick - and gorgeous - walk from my new office to the Globe, and this was my first time to avail of it:

We met beforehand in the Founder's Arms - well, a few of us did. For all those that signed up, only two of us actually met the organiser - then again, a couple of people did sign up who posted that they were having trouble getting tickets; perhaps some couldn't manage it. I'd just got a drink when I met the others - the place was typically full, but we shared an outside table with some American-sounding girls. And we spent a convivial hour or so, chatting theatre and venues.

At the Globe, I left them - we all had tickets for different places. Mine was Gents Box A - right at the corner of the stage - front row. It's not the best view in the house, but it's not bad - I did miss some actors' expressions when they turned to the front, given that mine was quite a rear view.

It's quite comfy too - the benches in the box have backs and cushions (although someone across from me also rented one, which he plopped on top of the bench cushion), and the walls are nicely decorated:

The play - as ever here - started with a musical number. And, as ever, the music is terrifically entertaining, the players interacting with the crowd as well, and one demonstrating his ability to do the splits. I have to say, these days the music is the highlight..

Bring back Emma Rice, I say - the plays were better in her day. I still love the venue, but honestly, I'm beginning to wonder.. I will say this, this evening's offering was an improvement on Henry IV Part 1. It could hardly be worse! I've come to the conclusion that they are currently incapable of doing serious work.

This, however, is a comedy, so suited better their need to entertain. The cross-dressing is still in fashion - not as confusing as before, but with a girl (Viola) that dresses as a boy in the original story, we now have a boy dressing as a girl who dresses as a boy. Which means we're looking at a boy.. whom everyone in the story also perceives as a boy.. but who is actually supposed to be a girl. Head-wrecking. Oh, and while I'm on the subject of Viola, let me mention that that was the most wooden delivery of lines I've ever heard - not a glimmer of understanding from the actor. All but two of the other roles are reversed, too - but easier to understand.

I enjoyed it, basically - despite random bursts of laughter from the audience at inappropriate moments. Looking around the galleries, I saw a lot of bored faces - the play does improve in the second half, though. But it's hard work, always having to remember what gender people are supposed to be - and, for the record, even Olivia (played by a man, natch) wears breeches under her robe.

Runs till the 21 August - looks like the only availability remaining, at time of writing, is for four dates in August, and two of those are limited! I think you might not regret missing this year's season entirely..

Tomorrow, ironically, I have a ticket for Pericles, again at the Globe. That's not a comedy.. and indeed, tonight's organiser said he'd seen it, and was highly unimpressed. I booked it before I saw Henry IV Part 1 - and am happy to miss it. (Supposed to rain, anyway.) Instead, I'm headed for a meal. Now, Let's Do This has been my go-to group for meals, but one of the organisers has branched out and formed a new group - Civilised London. So I'm headed to eat with them! This time, it's Ecuadorian - we're headed to the Myddleton Arms for a drink, from which we'll make our way to El Inca Pleyebo. Should be interesting!

On Wednesday, Up in the Cheap Seats enticed me with an invitation to go see The Damned, by the Comédie Francaise, at the Barbican. (Surtitles provided.)

And on Thursday, I've booked with Spooky London for another pub night - this time it's in The Flask. However, our monthly office curry night might be that night - watch this space.

New Beginnings

Yesterday, I eschewed the free comedy in Hammersmith for the Ghosts & Executions Tour, with London for a Tenner or Less (now defunct) - even though that guide wasn't great the last time, so I cancelled this previously, he's better than that free comedy! Funzing again, of course. Oh, and the code WELLBEING30 got me 30% off this. How it qualifies as "well-being" I don't know, but I'm not complaining! ..but last Sunday week, one of the Man with the Hat's old group got in touch, and a half-dozen of us arranged to get together in the Swan - we'd hate to lose touch. Not including said Man with the Hat, mind you - sadly, he's apparently cut off all contact - with Meetup, at least. Well, if and when he comes back, he'll still be welcome.

A late meeting meant I couldn't make the pub as early as intended - and I was regretting my decision to walk from the office, it was so hot! Beautiful though, people out sunning themselves. Massive queues at the National, as I passed - I guess, although they didn't implement it with me, that email they sent about bag checks, and leaving extra time, wasn't lying.. around the corner, a more peaceful scene with deckchairs: and all the way along Bankside, shorts, t-shirts and tourists were in evidence, along with much fussed-over doggies. Passing an enthusiastic bunch of what sounded like Aussies, headed to a show at the Globe, I made my way in to the Swan, and saw some familiar faces on the left.

And so we occupied a sofa at the edge - narrowly avoiding being moved, for reasons of space. At least, in this side section, there was something of a breeze from the open windows - had we had to move to the main room, it'd have been stifling! Most of us ordered food; can't say I recommend the shepherd's pie, which was quite bland. Service was considerate, but as slow as ever.

One of the group - not a Man with the Hat disciple, but culled from Cultureseekers - left after a bit, saying she was an outdoor girl and needed to be outside on an evening like this. And after the first round, and the food, we decamped as well. Mary's idea of sitting on the beach outside the Founder's Arms was rather scuppered by the fact that the tide was in - but lo, we scored a table on the outside deck anyway! and had a lovely evening, shooting the breeze and gazing at the sun going down over London:

Although he wasn't mentioned much, the Man with the Hat was on everybody's mind. And you heard it here first: on a balmy summer's evening, a new Meetup group was born! Yes, in a very good piece of news, a name was chosen last night; keep an eye out for upcoming events with More of London for Less..! I know I will.

This evening, I'm off down to Helen for the weekend - she told me about this Living History Festival, and I said yes please! We'll see what the weather's doing as to when we'll actually go.

Monday, I'm back to Soho Theatre with the Crick Crack Club, for something called The Frog Princess - Punked. Ben Haggerty, the mc and co-founder of the club, told us the other night that there's going to be a full punk band - goodness, who would've thought that Sally Pomme Clayton had a hidden punk side! And the theatre was kind enough to both ring and email me, just to make sure I got the news that it's been moved to the basement. Goodee, fewer steps! Oh, and we have a new company CEO, who's visiting the London office on Monday: so, drinks beforehand, at Barrio Soho. Five minutes' walk from the theatre; I should be fine.

On Tuesday, I'm with the London European Club, to see the Images Ballet Company at the Arts Depot.

And Wednesday, at the moment, looks like a film. But I can tell you this: despite its high rating, and one of our group being an extra in it, I don't think it'll be Wonder Woman. Watch this space..!

Play: Much Ado About Nothing

In between trips to Amsterdam to see U2, I had two free nights - Thursday and Friday. But, you know, I'm spoiled flying between the UK and Ireland all the time - I hardly have to go through any passport checks. The queue for passports upon re-entering the UK on Thursday - albeit a lot faster if you had an EU passport - was an eye-opener, and exhausting. I definitely didn't feel like going out that night!

Last night, however, was a different matter. Well, considering the subject matter, anyway - the Let's Do London - for less! Meetup group was headed to the Globe to see Much Ado About Nothing - which, by the way, is my favourite Shakespearian play! Well, they were sold out - but tickets were still available on the Globe website, so two of us decided to go, and I booked us seats in the "Gentlemen's Box" - where we could still get in the front row.

I ordered Print at Home tickets - a good thing, as in the event it was a mad dash for me.. left the office later than I intended, and got on arguably the slowest Tube in history. It took forever to leave Earl's Court, and dawdled at several stations along the way. I figured I'd make it on time - just - but my worry was my companion, who arrived even earlier than we'd agreed, who'd never been there before, and who must have wondered whether I'd ever arrive! I did, after nearly giving myself a coronary dashing from the Tube - it's been a while since I had to rush that much. But you know, all's well that ends well! They hadn't closed the gate yet, I had the tickets in hand, and we made it inside and through the entrance just as the usher was thinking of closing the door. The music had started as we made our way to our seats, but it was only the prologue - we didn't miss much.

Well, this was posh! I'd never been in the Middle Gallery before, and it seems you automatically get cushions there, rather than having to hire them; also, the benches come with backs. At least in the Gentlemen's Box! (and probably in the Ladies', too). We kind of had a rear view, but not a big deal - just the odd action was obscured by the nearer of the pillars holding up the stage roof.

This was a terrific production! I can see why it sold out - the comic skills of the actors were superb. My companion was pleasantly surprised at all the audience interaction - and, indeed, there was more of it in this play than many others. Including orange-throwing, for the energetic in the pit. Not even a rain shower could dampen their enthusiasm, and at the end the place went wild! I bet the entire run sold out.. sadly, that was the last night of this run. Hope there's another..

Afterwards, to the Founder's Arms as usual, and we occupied a space at the back. Where we stayed, we talked, we drank, we talked, and they didn't throw us out till midnight! Shame in a way - we'd have stayed longer, those of us that were left - and there a few, this time. But then, Tubes do stop running at about 12.30, and there's no sign of that 24-hour Tube yet.. straight to bed when I got home.

Right! Well, more rushing today to catch another flight to Amsterdam - and my flatmate and her boyfriend hogging the shower at exactly the time I wanted to get ready. So, I couldn't go to the toilet, I couldn't even get my toothbrush. I left at about 10.15, Tube to Victoria (no delays, thankfully!) and the Gatwick Express got me there for 11.15. I had to change terminals - handy they say tell you which terminal, on the boarding pass - but fortunately there's a shuttle between them that only takes two minutes. The gate was due to close at 11.35 - I made it through security by 11.30. And it was a long, long way to the gate.. long before I got there, the departure boards were saying the gate was closed for that flight. Unnerving, but it does just mean you need to get through security by that time. I arrived in time to board without delaying the flight - and wasn't even the last one on.

No free stuff on Easyjet, but very friendly crew. And despite a "one-bag" policy, no-one seemed to object to me carrying my handbag separately. The flight was packed with people off to enjoy themselves for the weekend.. bumpy in parts, but no-one minded. Dear God though, if I thought passport control on Thursday was a nightmare, I'd seen nothing yet! The queues in Schipol today were so long they filled the room! I joined what seemed the shortest - there was an EU fast-track, but only for people with electronic chips on their passports. Which I don't have. So I stood in the queue for a full 20 minutes before it even moved, whatever they were doing. When it did, suddenly I was at the desk within five minutes, and processed in two seconds.

No sign of anywhere to buy a toothbrush (or shampoo - I didn't have a small bottle, or time to look for one). I got a ticket for the train to town, knew what I was about this time, and made my way quickly to the platform, where a train to Centraal was leaving within five minutes. And so it happened, even with the passport nightmare, that I was in town within an hour of my flight landing. I got another travel pass - only 48-hour this time (€12), I realised that'd do - and had an idea what direction to take for my hotel. This time, I let Expedia choose me a hotel, and have ended up in the "Fine Seasons", on Prins Hendrikkade. It's about a 10-minute walk from Centraal - just follow the right street, and you see it on the right. And on the way, joy of joys, I saw a convenience store that had shampoo. And toothbrushes. And I do intend to have a much-needed shower before I head out.. I'll grab my first meal of the day in a fast food place in Centraal, probably.

My third U2 concert of the year tonight - I'm on the North side of the venue again, but really close this time - Row 2 of the lower level! Tomorrow night, I'm only two seats away from that. I fly back on Monday, my U2-ing done.. for this month. ;-) And I daresay, again, I'll be too tired to venture out that night.

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, I have Meetups.. For Tuesday, I discovered there's a Hammersmith and Fulham Amnesty group, who that night have a talk entitled Undercover - the True Story of Britain's Secret Police. And I'm going. On Wednesday, I'm (nominally) joining the London European Club, who are off to see John Doyle, at the Irish Centre. And on Thursday, I'm (nominally) back with the Free London Events and Talks group, who are off to the Scoop, where they show free films in September. Weather-dependant. That day, it's Selma, which I haven't seen. And then it's back to Ireland yet again - I go every two weeks.. on Monday 21, I'm finally back with the Crick Crack Club, in the Soho Theatre, for The Fate We Bring Ourselves - a retelling of Greek legends. The following day, I'm - again (nominally) - with Free London Events and Talks, for another free film at the Scoop - this time, it's Still Alice.

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..

Play: Measure For Measure

I was all set to go to see Jurassic World in the cinema last night - but I knew that Let's Do London - For Less was headed to Measure For Measure, in the Globe. That was irresistible to me - I really like the group, love the venue. One small problem - they were sold out: and when I checked, so was everybody else! (Well, they had a standing ticket - and they do say the atmosphere is even better there, in the yard, right beside the stage - but I'm too decrepit for that.)

And then.. I was doing the last blog post, and looked up the Meetup page for links.. and what should I see but that two seated tickets had come available for Measure For Measure. Right! Booked one without delay, and yesterday evening, I eagerly set off. Now, I'm pretty sure there's a go-slow on the Tube - normally, every second train passing through West Brompton heads to town, and you'd never have to wait more than five minutes or so. Yesterday evening, none were scheduled to go to town; luckily, I was just in time for a train to Edgware Road (the next wasn't for nine minutes). Changing at Earl's Court, the platform was nearly as crowded as the day before - at least a train to town came after about four minutes. Sure enough, someone told me today that she'd seen a newspaper report about drivers refusing to work on trains that hadn't been safety-checked..

Our organiser (in his distinctive baseball cap) was waiting outside the river entrance to the Globe with a crowd of people and a wad of tickets - he'd sold a lot for this show! I got one and made my way in.. they hadn't opened the door yet, so I got myself what turned out to be a delicious brownie, and then noticed I had quite a view!

When we took our seats, it was at the very edge of the semicircular seated part of the theatre. I'd been given the choice, so chose to sit in the front row - actually, I think I always have, here! I'd been a bit dubious about the view from right around the side, but you know, it was absolutely fine. Despite the ladder that had been curiously positioned right in front of me. With an identical one over the other side - and, as someone remarked, too well painted to have been left there accidentally - we figured they were part of the production. The evening had warmed up a bit, which is nice for an open-air theatre, and we settled down to watch the production.

Now, I mentioned that it had sold out, and it showed - the yard was crammed. This didn't stop the actors from mingling, flirting, wandering through both yard and seats, climbing the ladders to chat to us, and generally making themselves known! Even for the Globe, this was a high level of audience interaction. The yard was packed enough, mind, to make it hard to bring in the two "wendy houses" they'd left outside.. these didn't last too long, though, as they were meant to represent brothels, which were shortly pulled down under the new, authoritarian regime.

The play basically deals with the conflict between vice and virtue, and how neither need be as clear-cut as you might imagine. The Duke, for reasons best known to himself, takes himself off on holiday and leaves his priggish deputy in charge. The Duke then disguises himself as a monk, the better to observe proceedings - and we are left with the story of a young man whom the deputy has starkly condemned to death for getting a woman with child - a woman that he would have married, but for a problem with her dowry. His sister, a novice nun, pleads his case with the deputy, who is rather smitten, and promises to reprieve her brother if she will sleep with him. How will her virtue endure this dilemma? Will the deputy keep his word? And what does the Duke make of all this, as he wanders through the town, going unobserved wherever he pleases?

A review described this production as having the feel of Blackadder, and I have to agree. It is absolutely hilarious, with all the music, merriment, and audience participation that we've come to expect from the Globe. We had a few issues with sound - one or two of the performers didn't have voices that quite projected enough, and it was hard to hear them when faced away from us. But, you know, we managed, and had a thoroughly great time! And I do love the medieval music that accompanies these productions - quite transported me. I can see why it sold out. Runs until 17th October, with this Sunday's matinee sold out and limited availability for the evening performance. At any rate, booking is strongly advised for this!

And so, afterwards, to the Founder's Arms, a few minutes' walk to the left down the riverbank. With plenty of people enjoying the spectacular view of the City lights from the terrace, the discerning few of us who remained from our original group found a table "inside" - although, with all the full-length windows open, there wasn't much difference. Having had a disappointing Pinot Grigio there before, I switched to Chardonnay this time and was much happier. And there we stayed till they chucked us out, shootin' the breeze. Really, this has become my favourite Meetup group - an unbeatable combo of good shows, good prices, and better company! Now, if only I were organised enough to book some more shows with them.. Watch this space.

Typically for this group, I got home too late to blog. Of course, I was lucky with tonight's ticket as well - a last-minute ticket, with the London Dramatic Arts group, to see The Motherf**ker with the Hat, in the National. I don't think I was the only one wondering at the rapid disappearance of everyone on Wednesday night - the organiser mentioned that, tonight not being a "school night", she did hope that someone would join her for drinks and a post-show chat! I assured her that I would stay, if I could find anyone from the group..
 

Play: King John

Again, I find it amazing that I didn't see the Meetup group London for Less before - considering that they both seem to share many of my interests, and have discount tickets. Not that they had any left for last night, mind - but considering what it was (the Shakespearian play King John) and where (the Globe).. I was in! The official site was also sold out, but I got a ticket from the ever-reliable LoveTheatre. They always have good seats, and I've been in the Upper Gallery before, so knew that would be ok. And when I had my ticket, I contacted the London for Less organiser, who let me know where they were headed for drinks after, and I said I might join them.

I headed out in unusually good time, for me, and arrived at Mansion House just after 7. It's weird how the sign for the Globe tells you to turn left out of the station - I find it much quicker to turn right and cross Southwark Bridge. And what a joy it was, to cross at a leisurely pace and enjoy the view of the Globe as I approached. As I walked along the South bank to the Globe, I passed The Real Greek - which, unfortunately, had something like a wok of hot food outside to entice customers. And I hadn't had time to eat much, and was hungry..

Anyway, I survived as far as the Globe, and picked up my ticket - another handy thing about LoveTheatre, I just had to give my name, and my ticket was waiting at the box office in an envelope. I had 10 minutes to go, and just made my way straight in - and up all the stairs to the top. The flights are short, though, and it's quite doable - it's not a very tall building. My bay was just at the top of the stairs - with just a slightly off-centre view of the stage - and my seat was in the very front row. Thanks, LoveTheatre! as usual. I had free seats on either side, too, which was handy for leaving my stuff.

I snapped an illicit photo..

(You're not supposed to take photos until the performance is over, but no-one was policing the Upper Gallery.) And shortly, the performance began. As ever with the Globe, music featured prominently, with musicians on both sides of the stage - and from my bird's-eye view, I could see all the comings and goings of the actors, who come in by outside doors and make their way past the crowds in the pit, to climb steps to the stage.

I love the Globe. There's a terrific atmosphere - they always have music, they always have comedy, and they always have a bit of crowd interaction. And you don't feel out of it at all, even up where I was - well, certainly not in the front row. One act had one of the actors delivering his lines from the Middle Gallery, one level down from me and slightly over.

The play itself - which I'd never even heard of, never mind seen - deals with the reign of King John. I'm familiar with the history, so was ok with the plot, which pretty much covers his entire reign. Mind you, the American couple behind me were remarking to each other, at the interval - "Did they just run through Acts I, II and III?" So I think it may have been slightly abridged.

It had a bit of everything - pomp and ceremony, sweeping costumes, dramatic speeches, a risible rendition of the King himself. The music adapted to ominous tones during the scary bits. And I loved it all. The odd bird that flew in through the open roof did give me pause as it swooped past me.. and as time passed, it got colder and colder. This was perhaps the only disadvantage of the Upper Gallery - we were the first to get those icy breezes.

At the interval, I spied some members of the group, pretty much right below me in the pit. I'd eaten a snack I'd brought in my bag - they don't mind you eating in this theatre. So I wasn't that hungry any more. But for the second half, I regretted not doing as some around me did, and hiring one of the available blankets. Next time, I'll know better..

At the end, I met up with the group outside, and we had a cold, cold wait to see whether anyone else was joining us for the pub. Some left - probably because we hadn't moved yet - and in the end, out of 40 that booked, apparently, only five of us went. And I wasn't even officially attending as part of this group! Well, probably had a lot to do with the weather.

We trotted off down the road - it was much warmer, walking - to the Founder's Arms, right in front of the Tate Modern. Got a table - it wasn't that busy, being midweek - and had a lovely chat amongst ourselves. I'd asked for a white wine, and she'd asked whether I wanted Rioja. For future reference, don't get it! It was the most insipid wine I've had in a long time - more so than the one I normally get in Tesco, a bottle of which costs less than that glass. But at least, unlike the last place we were, a bell was actually rung at 10.45 for last orders, before they stopped serving at 11!

Too late home to blog, of course. And finally, finally, I get it done! Turns out today that a couple of ex-colleagues were also there last night - pity I didn't know. Anyway. Now, as it happens, that same London for Less group is going to something interesting tonight - a show called Beta Testing, by the Circus Geeks, at the Udderbelly festival. Not that I'm stalking them or anything, but I do love my circus. Again, London for Less was sold out, so I booked my own (and now I see they're available really cheap on lastminute.com! Ah well). So again, I contacted the organiser, and he explained that they haven't made a decision on where to go tonight - we'll decide on the spot. And he's added me to the list. :-)

For tomorrow night, surprisingly, I'm not going with London for Less - another group, which I'm not interested in joining, was headed to a performance of Sibelius by the Philharmonia at the Royal Festival Hall. So again, I booked my own ticket for that - a cheap-as-chips one up the back of the stalls; I know the view is fine from there. And then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.