Play: Sweat

Today, I was thinking of a film. However, I wasn't mad about what was coming out on top - and since Meetup had an alternative, I did that instead. Headed with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) (again) to the matinée of Sweat, at the Gielgud Theatre. It's the very last day - and lots of sites had half price offers on decent seats. I chose the one suggested on Meetup - lastminute - and since they'd widened their half price offer, I scored myself an excellent price for a seat in the rear stalls. Nice how they specify the seats now! I remember when you booked in a price band, and had to take pot luck after that.

I wasn't too late to bed, so was up and out in decent time, and took the #8 to the West End. It's funny how Google Maps never seems to recognise that there's a stop nearer to me than where they send me - ah well, at least I do, and waited there. Traffic was appalling, so I was a bit later to arrive than intended, and on what seemed an unusually busy day - even for a sunny Saturday! For one thing, Frith Street was blocked off for a street concert, in honour of Ronnie Scott's 60th anniversary!

Swerving around people the whole way, I threaded my way through backstreets to the theatre - and just as I approached the door, where they were checking bags, I realised I had wine gums in my bag! Just in time, I slipped them into my pocket - which, of course, wasn't searched. Got my ticket from the kiosk in the lobby, and joined the others, positioned in a decently out-of-the-way place in the middle.

A nice seat - good legroom, if space to the side was a bit snug. It was also nice that practically the whole row in front of us was free - this was the back row of the next price band up, you see! And while the overhang obscured the very top of the stage, we didn't miss anything relevant:

Sweat takes you right into the heart of small town America - starts at the very beginning of 2000, but I don't think much has changed since. The town's main industry is a steel mill, but almost all the action takes place in the local bar, where gossip is spread, fights are started, and people let their hair down. Tickertape and news broadcasts keep us apprised of what's happening on a national scale - what president is elected, and how there's trouble with the economy. We can all tell what's coming next.

It's no surprise at all when the workers are replaced with those who will do the job cheaper - what the play concerns itself with are the consequences for the different characters, and the differences in their reactions. And what a terrific bunch of characters they are - the play spends most of its time making sure we get to know them, and recognise them as just like us - or like people we know. They're real, they're fleshed out - there's the young and feckless one, the young one with ambition, just like his mother, his dad a strung-out loser. There's the one who regrets the lost ambition of her youth, and now drinks her life away - and there's the mouthy one, who always blames her misfortunes on someone else. Let's not forget the Colombian guy who works in the bar, and is practically ignored by all the customers! Finally, the bartender keeps the peace, a benign figure who tends to stay out of arguments.

The first half is mainly exposition - but I did love the easygoing script. At the interval, I was peckish, so had a box of Maltesers with my - rather watery, but well-priced - pinot grigio. And at the start of the second act, I was glad of those wine gums, when my cough flared up briefly. And gee, what a second act.. by now, the workers are out of a job, disillusioned - and things rapidly go from bad to worse, ending in an abrupt climax that shows just how bad the consequences can be when people let their prejudices get the better of them. A depressing reflection on today's reality.. and an interesting reflection of the people behind the headlines. I'd advise you to go see it, but the last performance is running as I write - keep an eye out for it though. Highly relevant theatre.

Afterwards, a pub had been mooted - but we had no plan of where to go. One member's suggestion might have been good, but was noisier than expected - at which point, everyone turned tail for home. We could have headed for Waxy O' Connor's, but by now there was no point, the group had scattered. Me, I was hungry, and the stage set had inspired me to go American - so I headed for Garfunkel's. Which was busy, but they found me a table - and to be fair, service was prompt. The food definitely wasn't up to their usual standards though - the main course was ok, but the garlic bread and chocolate fudge cake were absolutely tasteless! I could have saved myself some money by not ordering them, and I think I won't, if I go there again. I do see that you can now pay via the website, if you want a quick getaway.

Tomorrow, I really was going to go to a film - until my cheap ticket club advertised their weekend offerings, just yesterday. Thinking I saw some interesting options, I looked closer - and was immediately captured by a classical Spanish guitar concert in King's Place! Part of the IGF Guitar Summit. So yeah, I booked that without hesitation! Terrific price, too.

On Monday, more music - I'm back with Civilised London for more jazz - Dai and the Ramblers - at Wilton's. A great atmosphere is guaranteed!

On Tuesday.. well, my cheap ticket club came to the rescue again! I'm off to St. Martin in the Fields - for the first time in a while - for a performance of the Goldberg Variations. (Cheap!) Three - very different - musical evenings in a row. (And wouldn't you know it, ShowFilmFirst just advertised the same tickets even cheaper. Grr..)

On Wednesday, back with London Literary Walks for The Richmond Walk. Third West London walk in a row with him - but I'm not complaining, they're lovely settings.

On Thursday, back with the London European Club - it'll be my first time in St. Mary's Church Rotherhithe, where the Little Symphonic Duet is performing. They aim to reproduce famous classical pieces, with only a guitar and an instrument called a charango, a kind of miniature ukulele. It'll also be my first time in an age with Tuned In London - delighted to be with them again! Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.

On the 29th, back with UITCS - we're off to see Present Laughter, by Noel Coward, with the wonderful Andrew Scott, at the Old Vic. It'll be interesting for us all to see how he is in a comedy. Rear stalls again, yay!

And on the 30th, I'm back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group, who are off to a free Motown concert in Canary Wharf. First come, first served for spots on the grass. Unless it's promised to rain, in which case I'll probably cry off..

Musical: Company

Tonight, I went to see Company, by Sondheim, at the Gielgud. No tickets available for the upper levels on the official site when I booked - they must all have been bought up by resellers! Cheapest I found was with OfficialLondonTheatre, run by See Tickets.

Headed off in good time, arrived at the theatre with time to spare. Just as well - nobody at the door was explaining that you don't go to the box office to collect your tickets, the desk with tickets is right at the other side of the lobby. Through all those crowds again, and back outside to get to the beginning of the queue. Collected my ticket, and back against all the crowds to get to the entrance to the Grand Circle - which is outside the lobby. Blasted nuisance.

Climbed the stairs, trod the strangely sloping floors, and got to the Grand Circle - where the usher forgot what he was supposed to be doing. "Oh, eh, yes - just down there", as I was heading down to my row.

My gosh, the guy beside me was narky - asked me whether I had a cleaning cloth for glasses, as his were wet, and I'm not sure he believed me when I said I hadn't. Complained about the aircon. Complained about the people we had to get up to let in - to be fair, as I said, I don't know when I last had to get up so much. And as soon as one of the girls between me and the aisle got up at the end, he was actually pushing against me to get out! Jeez, the second one hadn't even moved yet..

Well, at least he enjoyed it. You'd have to be awfully curmudgeonly not to - it is Sondheim, after all. The orchestra are perched on a ledge above the stage, which takes the form of a series of rooms, meant to represent the various rooms in New York where the characters meet. It's the story of Bobby (in this production, transmuted into a woman), who's just turning 35, and not yet partnered up. And beginning to feel the passage of time. Bobby does the rounds of a number of married - and soon-to-be-married - friends; we see some blind dates, and experience Bobby's frustration with the whole thing.

I guess I wasn't in the mood - I was a bit narky today. So I found the first numbers a bit staged, a bit superficial. Catchy, though. But you know.. you can't resist Sondheim. And fear not, even if you dislike musical theatre, this will win you over. The friends are excruciating - but they're supposed to be. I gotta say, my single favourite scene of the entire show was the apartment of the gay couple, getting ready for their wedding. With one of the grooms getting cold feet and a minister popping out from all corners to sing beatifically, it's absolutely hilarious. And I didn't look back from there.

The scene in the bar, where Bobby gets drunk, has a much darker tone. And the scenes with the friends take some interesting twists. It's excellent - and the standing ovation at the end was well deserved. Now booking until the 30th March - and I guarantee you'll enjoy it.

On the way back, I just missed my bus, and would have to wait so long for the next that I figured out I'd be back on the Tube in the time I was waiting! So that's what I did. It was a musical journey, appropriately - in Tottenham Court Road, someone was mangling Baker Street (one of my all-time favourite songs, and how long it is since I heard it) - and in a perfect note, as I changed trains in Euston, I heard what I think was Bach, although I couldn't swear to it. Sheer beauty. Tomorrow, I was with Walking in London again for the Haunted London Pub Tour (also Lantern Ghost Tours, via Funzing). But we've now arranged our team night out for that night. Assuming my flu-ey colleagues are able!

On Thursday, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) at the National for Hadestown. My new co-worker raves about it. Then back to Ireland again for the weekend.

On Monday, I'm back to the National for I'm Not Running.

Next Tuesday, I'm off to the Bush, for Drip.

On the 5th, 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 the day before, when of course I'm busy. So instead I'm going to True West, with Kit Harington, at the Vaudeville. Cheapest tickets from the venue. 

On the 6th, 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 have my discount (Funzing_Fb20) ;-) it comes down to the same price she charges on her own site, without the booking fee! So I did it that way. 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 the 7th, back with UITCS at the Royal Court, for The Cane. Got the very last ticket, phew!

On the 8th, with them again at the Orange Tree Theatre for The Double Dealer.

On the 9th, the Crick Crack Club is back at the British Museum for I Know Not, a full afternoon of Sufi legend.

On the 10th, 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 last week, and proclaimed it "weird". Well, weird is good.

On the 11th, I was going with North London Friends 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. However, I don't get my money back for the play unless they sell on the ticket - hopefully they can.

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.

Play: Imperium I - Conspirator

Tonight, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS), at the Gielgud Theatre for Imperium I - Conspirator. The first part of a double-bill, but viewable independently, it is told from the point of view of Cicero's secretary, as he watches how his master's work is used to bring about an end to the Roman Republic. I should probably have booked the second part at the same time - there's a discount for that - but well, my schedule is generally so packed..! The same group was going to the double-bill last Saturday, but I'd already booked this. Only one other person going - I had a late meeting, so said I'd let her know when I was on the way.

Well, it would be this evening that the guy at the other end of the call was full of ideas. So, it was 6:15 by the time the meeting finished - I took the Tube, to be as quick as possible, since she'd said she'd be there from 6:30. Predictably crowded, it was also unusually hot - it's ages since I've taken it (thank goodness). Mercifully, when I changed trains, it was onto an almost empty train, and I got a seat straight away! which was for most of the journey.

At Piccadilly Circus, I messaged to tell her where I was, and discovered that she'd gone in - she arranged to meet me at the interval. (Had we still had an office locally, I'd have had no problem making it in time.) I made it to the theatre at about 6:50, queued for the bag check (they're handing out airline-style security tags now, to show you've been checked!), and collected my ticket - no-one asked for my postcode, for once, although I'd made sure to remember the correct one, now that I've moved again. And I discovered I'd been upgraded! Seems they closed off the Grand Circle (the top level), at least for tonight - both of us attending from that group had been moved down to the Dress Circle. I had to guess which side of the foyer to enter from - but the view is very nice. It'd want to be, for the £72 they're charging for this seat for Wednesday (I paid £10!!). Goes to show, cheap seats are worth it..

Keep an eye on that sphere, suspended above the stage - projections pertinent to the scene are displayed on it, and lend a lot to the setting. The stage doesn't change much from what you see here, apart from a section at the centre of the steps that projects to form a dais, and that rectangular bit of the stage floor, which includes a platform that can be raised or lowered.

These plays are based on a Robert Harris trilogy, and indeed, read a bit more modern than you would expect from the original words of a contemporary inhabitant of Rome. There are two intervals - suitable for a 3.5 hour play! Up to the first interval, to be honest, I found it a bit wordy - I mean, considering the overall length, I was wondering whether all this verbiage was worth it.

I was to be proved wrong with the later acts, which ramp up the action to extremes! It's a bum-numbing length, but it is worth sticking with it, as we learn how - in politics, at least - there is nothing new under the sun. I adored seeing a new take on familiar names - as well as Cicero, we get a young Mark Antony, and (oh, so prominently) an ambitious young Gaius Julius Caesar. Fascinating to see a side of them that we never usually do. Hilarious by turns. And chilling to see how the clever Cicero is boxed into a corner, by politicians even wilier than he is.

Recommended - I must see about booking the second part. Runs till the 8th of September. It was a good, if long night - and good to catch up with my companion, whom I hadn't seen in ages. And on the way home, I was glad I knew of a 24-hour food shop.

Tomorrow, it's either watch the England match (just because I have a stake, having drawn them in the office sweepstakes) or a film - for which the candidate is A Cambodian Spring, a documentary about activists in Cambodia. Regent Street Cinema only.

On Wednesday, back with London Literary Walks, for the postponed Sculpture in the City walk. More people signed up for this one than last, which is nice.

I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, which is bookended by two UITCS events! Both booked very recently too, I might add. Thursday is Infinite Joy, at Southwark Playhouse - could hardly say no to that venue!

And next Monday, I'm off with them to A Monster Calls, at the Old Vic.