Film: Another Round, The Viaduct Tavern, Play: Oleanna, & NewsRevue

On Tuesday afternoon, one of our new starters, whom I hadn't met yet, booked some time in his busy afternoon to take me for coffee. Well, not in my case - I don't drink it - but it was such miserable weather that I figured hot chocolate would do. And wouldn't you know it, he turns out to be something of an expert on local places to go! How handy is that.. now, we walked along beside Smithfield, where it turns out there are lots of places, and I wasn't really paying attention - so I'm not entirely sure where we ended up. But it COULD have been Redemption Roasters, who apparently provide jobs for ex-prisoners! Anyway, the hot chocolate was nice and hot - not sweet enough for me, but it almost never is. He had coffee, and we had a good old chat - sadly cut short when he discovered he had to rush back for an unexpected meeting. Never mind, I'm sure there'll be other occasions!

Looking for a film for Tuesday night, and having excluded the arty films at the top of the list that were either not showing that day, or just not interesting to me, I was delighted to come up with Another Round, in which Mads Mikkelsen is a disaffected schoolteacher, who, with a group of like-minded teachers, decides to test the theory that humans do much better slightly sozzled (i.e. having consumed a certain minimum amount of alcohol). This is a theory I've heard before, that small amounts of alcohol help with concentration. Anyway, initial results are so good that they take it a step further - but how much is too much? This is one that I seem to remember was showing in Ireland, but only in the evenings, which I couldn't do, because of having to keep my mother company. Anyway, it's gone from my local cinemas there, but still showing in the Curzon Bloomsbury, yay! Nice cinema.. Interestingly, doesn't have social distancing - unlike the cinemas in Ireland.

Well jeez, I thought I'd never get out of the office. There's a blasted major release that's already been delayed over a month, and my boss' boss' boss' boss (yes, really), who has to sign off on all these, never, ever gets to them before evening. And then, with his marketing hat on, he finds ever so much stuff that he wants changed. So he sits me down and goes through it with me - and there was I, trying to sneak surreptitious glances at my watch, as the time ticked by. I literally didn't get out of there until after 8. At least the film wasn't on until 8.20 - but I had planned to walk there. As it was, the Tube was the fastest option, so off I trotted - and did, at least, have great luck with my trains (I had to take two), both of which pulled into the platform just as I arrived. So in the end, I made the cinema just after start time. Nobody checked my ticket, and I took my seat just in time for the trailers. (And it's nice here, with the Pullman seats - almost worth the £17.50 ticket price.)

Appropriately for the theme of the film, a number of audience members had gotten into the spirit (pun intended) by buying drinks - the ladies at the end of my row had to move the ice bucket out of the way so I could pass. And after the opening scenes of drunken student celebration, the film starts with the 40th birthday dinner for one of the four teachers. The night is a celebration, so they go large, taking all the fine vintages that the posh restaurant suggests. But it's clear they're all in a rut, unhappy with their lot. Then the birthday boy - who also happens to be a philosophy teacher (this school offers philosophy!) starts to tell them about this theory about alcohol - and they start an experiment. Mads plays the history teacher, so he's aware of the famous (and successful) drinkers of history, and decides they should follow Hemingway's example, only drinking during work hours. Which makes it interesting, as they find ways to smuggle in alcohol, and hide their slurred speech and unsteady gait.

They make endearing drunks, it has to be said. And wouldn't you know it, initial trials go great! Improvements happen in their work performance, their home lives, their sex lives. And although things do kind of go south as they go deeper into the experiment, still, things mostly pan out ok for them, in the end. If there's a message to the film, it's this - alcohol is to be enjoyed, it's part of social occasions, and it can enhance life. Just don't let it control you. And I just love how the film isn't preachy about alcohol, as they usually are. Recommended.

Now, when I got home on Tuesday, I did up the new film list, for next week - so that ran on too late, and I couldn't blog. And they've now blocked this blogging website at work, along with several others, so I can't do it there anymore, either! It's making it much harder to get everything done..

On Wednesday, my social life creaked back into action in earnest. The aforementioned boss' boss' boss' boss took me out for lunch! Gosh, I'm in so much demand it feels like Christmas. Anyway, I had a think, and suggested Wasabi, in One New Change - I've dreamed of their chicken katsu curry, during lockdown. En route, we passed a brass band, of all things. But, shock horror - Wasabi has closed!  Noo, the best place around to have lunch is no more! :-( Well, I said, let's go to Nando's - it's just across the hall, and I didn't want to wander all day. So we did, taking a table by the window.

I hadn't brought my phone, so he did the honours - he was paying anyway. (Two free Nando's for me then, this week!) And it was handy that I had a regular order to give him - I returned to my regular lemon and herb sauce though, I'm not crazy about the new one. But my, he had fun with the website! For one thing, the confirmation button on every screen was hidden by an ad - and it didn't help matters that he had to set up an account in order to order. Nor did the menu offer Sprite - so I ordered Fanta.

Now, the soft drinks they sell here are bottomless, so they give you a glass and you help yourself from the machine around the corner. And wouldn't you know it, when I went, I saw they had Sprite after all! so that's what I had. Same price anyway. As for the food, the chicken was burnt at the edges, as usual here, and I left the end of it - but the sides were lovely. (He had great fun dissing the place in the review he left, BTW.)

On Wednesday evening, the social group of ex-employees of my last company had two members say they could meet me for drinks. Great! Mind you, try getting a response from anyone else.. or a decision on the day, or the venue.. so we decided on "somewhere in Farringdon, on Wednesday." Herding cats, indeed.. I had to decide on the venue, too, and said - why not The Viaduct Tavern? It's so close to my office, lovely and ornate.. so, one agreed, and the one other who'd said she could come went AWOL. Now, that Release Note that I'd thought put to bed the night before rose from the grave, in the form of a raft of things that nobody had seen fit to tell me about, which had to go in ASAP - I did my part, and sent it for signoff, but when the evening rolled around, nice and sunny, had the man signed off? Nope, and no sign of it happening. So, shortly after my friend texted me to say he'd arrived, I legged it (and just as well, because that review didn't happen till nearly 10:30!

He'd grabbed a table near the door - and we stayed there till closing, catching up, putting the world to rights, as they say. Great to see him! and the first time for either of us in a pub, after lockdown.. looking forward to catching up with the rest of them, soon - hopefully. I'm quite out of practice with drinking, mind, and couldn't finish my glass when closing time came. Home at last, I conked out on my bed, in my clothes, with the light on. Slept nice and deeply. Too tired to blog.

Last night - delighted to be back with Up in the Cheap Seats! We saw Oleanna, a play about a professor who has a sexual harassment claim brought against him by a female student, at the Arts Theatre. Always a topical theme. Well, guess what? Those Release Notes still haven't got done - I was so busy all day, I only got to them in the evening, and then there were more last-minute additions, and another lecture from Himself, who was of the opinion that the first lecture hadn't gone in! So I was rushing again - actually forgot one entry, in my haste - and instead of the bus, I ended up taking the Tube yet again.

Took me a minute to orient myself, when I came out - the Dominion Theatre finally told me which way was up, and off I trotted in the other direction. I had to queue to pick up my ticket - and although they said I should present my email confirmation or payment card, well, my name did just fine. As for meeting the group - well, they were already in situ when I arrived, and well, I hardly recognised most of them, with their changed hairstyles! Really, I had to pause for a moment to sort out who was who. And one of the few who had pretty much the same hair was wearing a mask! Crikey, it was like they were in disguise..

And so to the auditorium, shortly - I was late meeting them, and didn't really have time for a drink (and had had enough after the night before, anyway!). The usher explained that the Circle, where I was, was mostly empty, and I could sit where I liked.. the others who'd beaten me to it had opted for seats with a central view, but mine was right at the stage end of the slips, and I'd have the place to myself, which decided me.

All takes place in this lecturer's office, and in three acts, between which the actors go off and change clothes. 80 minutes straight through, without interval. Maintains the mood, do you see. And it's one of those cat-and-mouse games - over the course of the play, the power balance shifts, as you might expect. And we had a good old natter in the bar afterwards, people taking different sides. How much did he deserve it? Did she have an alternate agenda? It starts slowly, but the tension soon ramps up to its violent conclusion.. caveat, those sitting in the front row of the stalls had a nervous time, as the action reached its climax and things started to fly..

Of course, I'm a bit biased. I used to be a lecturer, and I know the power that students have. The tendency can be to believe the student outright in any dispute, and boy, are there students who abuse that. Lecturers end up playing politics not only with the faculty, but with the student body as well - which is actually why I quit. (And I actually cheered when he finally lost his temper, here..) She's certainly an annoying, whiny madam. 

Having said all that, we spent much of the time afterwards discussing how things used to be. Casual sexism was a thing when I was growing up, and whatever the faults with today's society, that much has improved. People can get away with less, and so their behaviour has improved, and others' lives are made easier. Whatever your take on this play, I do recommend it - I always think that the most important kind of play is one that gets its audience talking, and this play certainly does that. Currently booking up to the 23rd of next month, recommended - although perhaps not for those of a nervous disposition.

I did start this blog when I got home, but it went late, I was tired, and there's so much to say..

Tonight, woohoo! I booked for NewsRevue at London Wonderground, courtesy of one of my cheap ticket sellers (CT). For less than 1/3 of the price, thank you.. and I really thought I wouldn't get to London Wonderground at all.. and it's at Earl's Court, which was a blast from the past - I miss the job I had (and the office environment) when I was staying there, in the nicest flat I've had in London!

Well, after two Tube journeys during the week that were necessary because I got held back at work by that release - ironically, by today, the release had been cancelled, and I had time to kill. But still needed to take the Tube, it's so far to travel! Anyway, Google Maps recommended I take the Central Line to Notting Hill Gate, then the District Line to West Brompton.. while at the same time telling me that the District Line was closed for part of the way. So I alighted there and took a bus - which came just as I was trying to cross the road! So I needs must wait for the next one - when the LCD display turned out to be broken on the bus stop, so I couldn't even tell when it was due, I discovered I didn't even remember the name of the bus app on my phone, it's been so long! Anyway, I had to cool my heels for 14 minutes or so. The bus journey, mind, was quick - and so nostalgic, as I started to find placenames familiar.

So, I was a bit later than anticipated, but still in plenty of time - I could see the fairground a while before I found the entrance, but trusted Google Maps, which sure enough led me to the main gate:

Hung around at the box office while he figured out my ticket, then moseyed over to the tent ad took a seat while I waited for it to open - sadly, again, I didn't really have time for a drink. Seating was unassigned, and I got a nice, central seat. And oh, this was great! They're always so good, you know, adapting popular songs to topical news themes being their speciality. It's really clever, really well-performed, and few people get away unscathed. Some pieces scraped close to the bone, which is exactly how it should be.. I only wish I could remember all the numbers! I think this is over now, but London Wonderground is open till the 26th.

Coming out, I was looking to see whether I could spot the street I used to go down on my way home! It's a long time ago, though. Google Maps said I should walk to Earl's Court and catch the Piccadilly Line from there (which is the line I should have taken on the way out) - fine, sez I, but why walk, when I can take the District Line from West Brompton, which I'll be walking past?! And for no extra charge. And that is what I did, accompanied by a group of young American-sounding ladies who were seriously confused by all the branches of the District Line.

Boy, it was a fun journey home, what with the whole town partying..

From Earl's Court, the Tube was pretty full - standing rom only. I got a seat eventually, which is just as well, because I was inhibiting the chap next to me, who wanted to do a pole dance on the pole in the middle. Which he proceeded to do, to the amusement of all. Very athletic fellow. Not that he'd have managed it on the Central Line, where we were squashed in like sardines..

Tomorrow, meeting Helen! for lunch at the Bear & Staff, followed by leisurely secondhand bookshop browsing. Hallelujah, a lie-in!

Circus: La Soirée

Some things, you just know are going to be good. I saw La Soirée last year, I think it was.. maybe longer ago, since I can't seem to find it in the blog. Anyway, they made an impression - and when I was booking ahead for this week.. and came across La Soirée.. no hesitation required, I booked.

Well, I anticipated an easy trip last night from Waterloo.. it didn't quite work out that way. To start with, I was delayed coming from work. Well, but the show wasn't starting until 8 anyhow. I grabbed a quick bite in Clapham Junction on the way, then hopped on a train for Waterloo. And then realised I hadn't tapped in with my Oyster card - I'd just come straight off the train from Guildford and hadn't passed through the barriers. Ehh.. oops. And the train was now moving. I got off at Vauxhall, the next stop - no Oyster readers. I had to go all the way back to Clapham Junction, pass through the barrier, tap in with my Oyster card, and get on another train to Waterloo. All of which I could've done without.

I finally got there at 7.50. I knew which exit to take, at least - or thought I did. The terrible exterior design of Waterloo struck again, and I was completely lost, despite following signs for the South Bank and Southbank Centre. Turning left from the platforms, I was faced with two exits - in retrospect, the (main) exit, to the right, would've been a bit easier, but I still ended up in the same place - Belvedere Road, facing the backs of a number of buildings, knowing that London Wonderground was just around the other side, but with no way of getting there.

In retrospect again, I could've just climbed the steps straight in front of me, to the Southbank Centre. But there was a sign for the Spiegeltent, pointing to the left - so off I went, under the bridge, crossing the road, looking for a road to the right. Do not believe Google Maps at this point - there is no access to the side of Jubilee Gardens. They've blocked off all those roads for deliveries and such. No, I had to go right into the gardens, walk down the middle - as Big Ben struck 8, and I was sure I'd be late: eyes and nose streaming in the freezing cold breeze.

I couldn't find the box office, so made straight for the tent - turns out there is no box office, they just crossed my name off the list and gave me a wristband, and bless, there were even ladies there to put it on for me! This is so you can pass in and out to the bar, at the entrance. I was just after 8 - but sure enough, the MC didn't come on until 5 past, and the show proper didn't start until 10 past. Phew. One convivial chap passed me on to another, who showed me to a decent seat at the end of a row. I think all these people were performers in the show as well - they run a tight ship.

I am at something of a loss as to how to describe this show. I certainly can't do it justice - I can start by saying that yes, it was at least as good as I remembered (and a different show, mostly - they have a huge cast, which varies between performances), and that it must absolutely be one of the best shows in London right now. Sexy and sassy, there's so much to watch in this stylish show that you sometimes forget to keep an eye on the really spectacular circus acts being performed in front of you. And spectacular many of them are, as you bop along to the most excellent soundtrack. All circus should be like this.

I don't want to give too much away, but to give you a flavour - an Irish cabaret singer started us off with a demented, but talented performance. Immediately followed by possibly, for me, the stars of the show - The English Gents, complete with pinstripe suits and bowler hats. Muscular is not the word for what lies underneath. :-) Acrobatics ain't all they get up to - the act of the show (for me, and many others I think, judging by the cheers) was the bubble-blowing in the second act.

A trapeze artist in stilettos, smoking a cigar throughout, and never dropping the trilby she was wearing. A hilarious contortionist / sword swallower. A chap who doesn't do much dramatic, but does it so salaciously you don't care! A juggler with a yen for Queen. And more.. there was a large crowd in, who seemed to have set up their boss to be dragged up on stage - and a good sport he was. We laughed, we gasped, we cheered, and we gave them a standing ovation at the end. Seriously, you don't want to miss this! Runs until Sunday - beg, borrow, or steal a ticket.

I came out around the other side - I now know the area better, but I don't think that would've been any faster to go by - you need to leave about 10 minutes to get from Waterloo to the Spiegeltent. And the show ran later than your average circus show - 2.5 hours including interval - so I wasn't home until after bedtime. What the hey, it was worth it!


Again, if you've been reading regularly, you'll know that I didn't get a ticket to The Nutcracker tonight with Let's Do London - for less! - after all the fuss, they were sold out by the time I got to them. I got a ticket to an evening of poetry set to music instead, part of the Winter Festival at the Southbank Centre. I got a seated ticket when there was a cancellation - and it's free! And then.. I was literally just writing the last post, and looked up the link to the Let's Do London - for less! page (just for reference).. and there had just been a cancellation (as he afterwards explained); they had one ticket left (one of the more expensive ones, but still the best value available) in the auditorium. So I snapped it up, and now I'm going to that instead! Better be careful with my timings - I had a complicated trip to the Opera House last time. This time, I think I'll take the RV1 - with my newfound knowledge of the station, that stop seems easiest to get to!

Tomorrow's plans have also changed. I've decided I want to come to the office - which I normally wouldn't be on a Thursday - because I'm interested in our product planning meeting that's happening that day, and which won't have remote access. (Means an early start after what's bound to be a late night, but never mind! And at least I get a free lunch out of it). Unfortunately, that means that, once again, I have to cancel on the Central London Outdoor Group - that's happened a few times now, but I'd never make it in time. Instead, I got another of those cheap tickets - to Cirque Berserk, in Dartford. Long journey, but I know they're good too. And I don't have to travel to work on Friday! Later that day, of course, I fly back to Ireland for the weekend - that plan hasn't changed (yet)!

Eat Aroi Thai & Burlesque: Straight Up

Yesterday afternoon, we had a leaving lunch for a colleague who'll be greatly missed. I guess it was her choice to eat at Eat Aroi Thai, a few minutes' walk from the office. Anyhoo, she booked and off we headed, stopping at a cashpoint on the way, because they only take cash. We were seated, as usual, at the high table in the middle, with the slightly awkward high stools. They'd set out a cosy 15 places, but someone had forgotten the ex-colleague that was joining us, making 16: no problem, they produced another high stool from the back, and he squeezed in at the end.

A number of the group had never been there before, and amidst the confusion over what to order, and the lack of familiarity with the dishes, there was hilarity over the drinks panel - black print on a black background. Also over the ordering system, where you grab a server as soon as possible, they take your order, it's cooked immediately, and quite possibly served to you while others are still waiting to order.

Anyway, I ordered some very refreshing lemonade - which comes served with ice and a mint leaf. For food, well, I've been here twice before and it wasn't very successful - their Massaman curry ("voted tastiest") and their pad thai I found a bit bland. However, this time I looked just under the pad thai, to find a dish called pad see-iew, which sounded ok. So I ordered that.. good choice! It was a succulent dish of chicken, fried egg, and flat noodles in soy sauce - and it was delicious. Definitely my new favourite. Afterwards, they produced dishes of complementary lollipops - how long is it since I had one of those? And after the little ceremony of giving each of us a little dish with the bill, collecting them with the cash, and returning them with the change, we left.

For last night, I got a nice discount from Time Out for the House of Burlesque production, Straight Up, in the Spiegeltent, as part of London Wonderground - a £16 ticket (£16.50 with booking fee) for £10. Also good was that it started late, so I had time to have a proper dinner. And it felt strange, leaving the house after dark - kinda spooky. Well, it's been a while!

Unfortunately, I just missed a direct train at West Brompton, and had to wait about five minutes for another, then change at Earl's Court. Another five-minute wait, a train arrived, and we got on. And waited. A train arrived at the other platform, headed the same way. Ooh, I hate that.. sure enough, that one left first, and ours waited another five minutes after this before trundling on its way. Sometimes the drivers are good enough to point out that the other train will be leaving first - not ours last night, though.. Nope, Earl's Court is not a good place to be if you're in a hurry!

I panted my way across the bridge - out of practice, y'see: paused very briefly to admire the spectacular view - and made the box office with five minutes to spare. Exchanged my emailed, printed voucher for a ticket, and followed the signs to the Spiegeltent. Well, to the queue for the Spiegeltent, which stretched out around the corner and under the bridge. This tent has a great capacity, and it was a long queue.. it was raining on us, slightly, by the time we got in.

It was quite full, but not completely sold out. We with the cheap tickets were prohibited from the front two rows, but they were full anyway - I ended up in the back, but there are only four or five rows here. I was to the side, but you nearly get a better view from there. So I was ok with my seat.

So! Another burlesque show! They started in darkness, with costumes and hoops decorated with leds. Very high-tech vibe, and a bit naff, in my opinion. After that, a procession of acts invented new and artistic ways of taking their clothes off - well, down to the standard thong and nipple covers. Quite professional, but a bit samey, except for the one (ripped) male performer, who, for variety, started with practically nothing and put his clothes on! I did like how not all the girls were stick insects - a couple were pretty but chubby, or what would commonly be known among silly people as "obese".

During the interval, the mc encouraged us to tweet her the craziest things we'd done while drunk, the best tweet to receive a bottle of Beefeater gin (the sponsors). The theme of the show is drink, you see. In the second act, the quality of the acts noticeably improved - there was a story to some, an acrobatic act with a hoop, and a really well conceived, artistic performance, with a girl in a skintight, nude, sparkly costume, cavorting on a hoop in front of a machine blowing bubbles. Very reminiscent of champagne. I particularly liked the bit where they held up a sign reading "BEACH BODY READY" and geefully ripped it to pieces. It's tough, this business, you know - on the way out (when it had, mercifully, stopped raining), we passed so many posters for other burlesque shows currently running. This is a quality act, and I wish them well. Just three more shows - the next two Thursdays, and Thursday 24th September. Worth a look.

Tonight, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, and we're headed to the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, tomorrow 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.. On 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 then there's more..

Tourist London, Part 2 (Saturday)

Saturday dawned with work to be done, as our plans had changed and, with District and Circle lines out of action, I had to research bus routes. They wanted to go to Harrod's, I wanted them to see the V&A, and it turned out they're only ten minutes walk apart, so that was a perfect pairing! Just take the Cromwell Road exit from the V&A and turn left. Initially, I discovered we could take the Victoria line, followed by the Piccadilly line, to South Kensington for the V&A, so that's what we agreed to do, and I met them at Victoria Tube Station. After a bus ride (the C1) that, ironically, took me right past the V&A and Harrod's. Ah well.

My guests declared they'd slept very well, that the hotel was comfortable and quiet - and despite only continental breakfast being available at the weekends, they were delighted with the selection. Enchanted by the hotel overall, in fact!

The Tube was about as packed as I've seen it - all the tourists diverting from District and Circle, of course. So we had a crammed ride, but fortunately not many stops. Again, I say, if it's crammed, head for either end of the platform, so as to board the very front or back of the train - it's less crowded there.

We disembarked at South Ken, and took the subway to the V&A, passing the obligatory busker, who was blaring out jazz. Had a lovely stroll around the V&A - photos here. It's a gorgeous museum of art and design, with a statue hall at the subway entrance, and highlights including a large jewellery gallery and an enchanting gallery of stained glass and religious metalwork. We were also particularly taken by the silver gallery, and my guests were delighted by the central garden, with its feature pond, and people sitting around, eating ice cream and having drinks from the stall, and children paddling in the pond. We agreed that this is a most liveable city. If you can handle the rent/mortgage..

By the time we left, we were getting hungry, but the museum cafe was packed and we decided to search further. On the way to Harrod's, we passed a pub called the Bunch of Grapes, and since pubs generally do food, we said we'd give it a try. It turned out to be an excellent lunching spot - not too busy, reasonably priced, good service, and delicious food. I was boring and had the hunter's chicken again (obviously an English pub lunch staple), and my guests had traditional fish n chips.

Saturday afternoon was primarily given over to shopping. After lunch, we detoured to a nearby souvenir shop, then it was Harrod's turn. It was as crowded as ever, of course, and impossible to navigate. Bears, as ever, featured heavily. We did make a point of visiting the shrine to Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed, the former owner's son, who was going out with her when they were killed in a car crash. The shrine is on Lower Ground level, at the bottom of the famous Egyptian escalator. Now, the shrine itself, with pictures of them both, and candles, is one thing - but in my opinion, the large statue that stands between it and the book of condolence - which is still open - and depicts both apparently setting free some kind of bird.. that's a bit much. Anyway, now you know where to find it.

We took the #74 bus from just across the road to Oxford Street, alighting for Primark, which one of my guests had a particular interest in visiting. We other two made for Selfridges, just up the road, where we had less interest in shopping and more in just having a drink in the cafe and relaxing. We were on our way to the toilets when we passed the new cinema! They only opened it about a week ago - I'd forgotten all about it. They seem to be showing mainly classics - we were browsing the listings when an usher emerged and asked whether we were going to a film. "No," we said - but she invited us in for a look around anyway. The interior is dark, the walls decorated in dark grey and hung with film photos. The bar is small and intimate, lined with comfortable seating, and staffed by people who looked quite bored, kitted out in 50s-style usher uniforms. So we decided to have another drink there, occupying the plush sofa. On our way out, we had a peek at the cinema, which had comfy-looking double seats. Definitely a welcome addition to a busy store on a busy street, this cinema will provide welcome respite after a hard day's shopping. Or indeed, somewhere to plonk the less enthusiastic shoppers in your group!

Mind you, our trip to the toilets was less successful. Oh, we made it to the toilets all right, and did what we needed to - but the queue was horrendous, and the state of the cubicle floors was woeful, filthy and splashed: despite the lady going around with a mop. Ugh. Proceed with caution.

Our bus stop to head southwards was conveniently located just outside. We texted our companion to meet us there when she was done. Now, I had method in directing us southwards - unbeknownst to my guests, I had booked tickets for all of us to an all-male burlesque show - Briefs, the Second Coming - at the Spiegeltent in London Wonderground. Thing was, the show was at 7.30, I still had to pick up the tickets, and we weren't going to be able to get a bus all the way there. From the convenient map on the bus stop, I could see that three of the four buses that stopped there went to Trafalgar Square, which was the best we could do. As she kept texting us to say she was delayed, I began to get a little worried..

Well, she showed up just past 6.30, with stories of unbelieveable queues, and how she ended up just pulling clothes on over what she was wearing, in front of a mirror, to save queueing time. She was delighted though - apparently, the range is much better here than in Ireland. And off we went to Trafalgar Square, on the #6, which happened to be the next bus along, and passed some interesting sights on the way. And when we alighted, I had to balance my understandable desire to race down the road with the knowledge that the longer I kept this a surprise, the better the surprise would be - so I couldn't seem to be in too much of a hurry. We took a route down Villers Street, so I could show them some restaurants where we might eat later - L' Ulivo appealed. (I was just worried someone was going to suggest we eat now..!)

We trekked the steps up to the bridge - I think I'm more accustomed to them; it's a bit of a hike! We took the right side up, so they could have a view of the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. Well, it's a beautiful view - but I could've cursed their photo-taking as I tried to hurry them along (gently), the box office now in sight! Finally, I asked the one to go find the other, as I had a bit of business to conduct yonder. "Ok," she said, and off I dashed. By the time I had the tickets, my other guest had reappeared, and both were staring at me curiously. "C'mon, ladies," I said, "we have a queue to join!"

Well, they were delighted! Firstly, by the fantasy-land that is the Wonderground. I pointed out the foodstalls and the carousel that doubles as a bar, but we really didn't have any time to explore as I hurried them towards the spiegeltent. Anyway, we made it with five minutes to spare, and were lucky to get three seats together. And I still hadn't told them what they had come to see! Finally, I gave them the title.

I don't really think a more detailed explanation would've done this show justice. Spangly costumes gave way to barely-there costumes, held on with a lick and a prayer. It was raucous, it was irreverent. Bananas featured prominently. The show also incorporated some circus, and the opening act, gymnastics on a suspended ring, was stupendous - my stand-out moment. I've never seen a gymnastics act performed so gracefully and fluidly. And all to a thumping soundtrack.

Mind you, we were to be glad to be in the back row. Banana peels flew everywhere, whizzing past our heads. The guy with the flaming ring got quite close to the front row - and the last act featured water so prominently (and enthusiastic splashing) that the front row was given plastic sheeting to hold over themselves: but even in the back row, we got splashed. Still, all in a night's fun, eh? The show is fantastic fun, and was a sell-out, from what I could see. Booking definitely recommended - runs until the 28th. (BTW, what is it about Aussies and circus acts? Do they have an enormous circus school in Australia or something that keeps churning them out, so they keep streaming over here? Well, keep 'em coming!)

We were well ready to eat afterwards. I took them back via the other side of the bridge, to show them the gorgeous view of the City, St Paul's, and the South Bank, and we took the overhead passageway back to Villiers Street because of the construction work at Embankment. The meal was excellent, with warm and friendly Italian service, and we got a window seat to watch the passers by.. I'll be back.

On the way back for the night, we took a small detour to see the buzz of Leicester Square and Theatreland, and wandered past Chinatown and down Shaftesbury Avenue to Piccadilly Circus. The city that never sleeps entertained us properly, before we took the Tube home. I sent my charges on their way at Green Park, to change to the Victoria line - the reverse of the journey we'd taken in the morning. Well, apparently they made it to Victoria all right. Unfortunately, they got lost in the train station, having taken the wrong exit. Ah well, all's well that ends well, and they did get to their beds eventually!

Right, lunch beckons! Just one more blog to do for the weekend.. Sunday brought a wee bit more sightseeing.

Cirque du Cabaret

Cirque du Cabaret was a last-minute decision, but not a difficult one. Circus, burlesque, the Spiegeltent.. how can you lose? When I checked the website for London Wonderground, of which the Spiegeltent is part, availability seemed to be limited - and when I checked the Cirque's own website, they said as much: so I booked. Indeed, this was their last show in London this year.

It was raining when I left - the first lashings of Tropical Storm Bertha, I suppose. Well, the platform indicator at West Brompton was wrong again, telling me the train was headed to town when it wasn't. So I changed at Earl's Court, where the platform indicator also thought that train was headed to town! When a train finally arrived that was headed to town, it was delayed on the platform for ages, first waiting for the train I'd come on to leave, then apparently waiting for the next train to arrive.. Just as well I left in time.

It rained on me as I crossed the bridge, but the bright lights of the Wonderground called to me from across the river. I made my way straight to the box office.. where people were queueing, and had started to do so from the wrong side. Guess it doesn't matter. What mattered more was that it was pouring on us as we waited. Could they have been any slower..? Once I'd collected my ticket, the Spiegeltent wasn't hard to find; it must be the best advertised venue in the place. On my way, I passed a curious sight - a slow-moving carousel, crammed with people holding drinks, with music playing. A revolving bar. Well, they were out of the rain, I guess..

When I got to the Spiegeltent, I discovered that they hadn't opened yet. And there was a queue. A very long queue, that snaked down the road and under the bridge. So, with the end of the queue under the bridge, at least there was cover! Not perfect - it did drip on my paper - but better than nothing. After a while, someone made her way along the line, tearing tickets and muttering at us where to sit. I caught something about "red" and "not in the first three rows" and she was off again. Finally, the doors were opened and in we went.

Initial confusion about where to sit - given that no-one on the door was giving directions - cleared when I saw that many of the seats had red cushions. Ok, so just don't sit in the front three rows. Actually, there's hardly a bad seat in the place, so I picked one and sat, trying to find somewhere for my wet coat. And waited for the show to start. And waited, and waited. It must have been 15 minutes late.

When it finally got underway, the producer came onstage. Turned out she was Irish. Asked whether there were any more Irish in the room - a bunch of us yelled from the side. "Well, we are certainly used to the rain!" she exclaimed. Can't argue there. She soon turned the stage over to Mr. Louche, the MC, who entertained us with witty banter and introduced the acts.

Now, this is, of course, a mixture of circus and burlesque. There's another show running at the moment, in the same venue, called Limbo - runs until the 17th. I saw it last year, and it's spectacular. They have a high quality of circus acts, around which they build a framework of sauciness. Cirque du Cabaret, on the other hand, also does circus acts, but not of such high quality - their emphasis is on the sauce. All the performers are female, and it's more a burlesque show with circus tricks added.

It looks fantastic, though - and I have to imagine that the adhesive required to hold the teeny bits of covering in place that preserve their modesty must be really, really uncomfortable when you're taking them off afterwards! It deserves its over-18 rating; by the end, even I was shocked. Slightly. There's a short interval, during which they sell raffle tickets, and which seems mainly designed to give them time to clean up the stage after the fire-eater. And what a spectacular act that was - the most memorable of the night, and truly messy as she flung props left and right. Entertainment was to be had at the interval, simply from watching an usherette, in stilettos and fishnets, a teeny jacket and a little top hat with a feather in, unroll pretty much all of an industrial-sized roll of kitchen paper with which to mop up the floor. Lordy, they earn their wage!

Standout acts of the night were the fire-eater, just for her flamboyance, and the musical act - the Four Femmes on the Thames (Femmes rhyming with Thames). One of them limped on with a crutch, bless her. Their parodies of popular songs chime well with originals to provide a comprehensive volume of love songs to London. I'd happily listen to them again.

This show is finished, as I say, but for more circus talent and a show a little less risqué, check out Limbo - you won't be disappointed.

Tomorrow, at the moment, is coming up as a show akin to Marry Me a Little - along the same lines, a show of roughly one hour's duration with no interval, and no plot, only songs. Just with less famous writers. Edges is running in the Tabard pub theatre in Chiswick - I was there just once before, when I lived close to there. And on Sunday, I'm back to The Globe, to see an interesting-sounding play called Holy Warriors, which chronicles the relationship between the West and the Middle East from the Crusades to the present day. I made sure to book, considering how popular the venue is - and given that premium seats for this show are available for £10! I just hope Bertha doesn't cause havoc..

Circus: Limbo

First off, let me explain that I didn't go anywhere of note last night (Thursday). I had been going to go to a play, but was late, so instead I went to eat in the Black Bean (previously mentioned), and the only thing really worth mentioning about it was that I found the beef Szechuan not quite as good as the version with chicken. But still very nice.

Tonight (Friday), I finally took myself to a show that I've seen on Tube posters for weeks - Limbo, the headline show of London Wonderground. Delighted to be finally getting to it! When I was booking, I saw the seats are divided into five categories - "cheap seats", stalls, "posh seats", ringside, and booths. On the official website, the "cheap seats" and stalls were sold out, the next cheapest option being "posh seats" at £40. Thankfully, I shopped around, because several sites are selling tickets for this show, and I got a stalls ticket on lovetheatre.com for £25, which is face value, with no booking fee. Always check, for popular or expensive shows.

Good thing I arrived early. Even though I had selected a "Print at home" ticket rather than to collect from the box office, specifically to save myself time, they refused to take it and sent me to the box office to pick up my ticket there. Honestly, why do they give the option if you can't use it?! Anyway, I did get in on time. "Cheap seats" seem to be kind of at the back, and pretty much behind the action, and I wouldn't recommend them. I was very happy with my "stalls" seat, however. The stalls turn out to be the back row of the seating that's not at the back of the stage. Nonetheless, in the cosy environs of the spiegeltent, you're nowhere far from the action, and I was sat near where the performers mostly come onstage, which was interesting. "Ringside" probably refers to the front row of seats, which I'm not sure I'd recommend either, for reasons to be explained - and "posh" seats are between the "stalls" and ringside. The booths line the outer wall of the tent, contain a table and seating, and can seat four comfortably, perhaps more. They're raised, to give a good view, and not too far. Still, more for socialising than viewing - you can order a dinner there. I only saw one occupied tonight. Everywhere else was pretty full, so I would recommend booking, certainly on weekends. I did have a free seat beside me, though, which was handy for leaving my things on. Seating is on folding chairs, but comfortable. Some "stalls" seats suffer from proximity to pillars, so it's worth arriving early, if possible, to get a good place.

And so, to the show. This is a circus, about an hour long. Definitely not for the kids. I am continually amazed by the quality of performers in London shows. This show comprises a band, and about six other performers, all of whom multitask. In that, it reminded me of Flown (now finished), which I saw some time ago in the Udderbelly Festival, right next door. We have a contortionist that doubles as a fire-eater. We have a tap dancer that clowns around. We have a trapeze artist that plays the accordion. And everyone, without exception, does acrobatics. Including one of the musicians, who keeps singing and playing as someone does a handstand on his shoulders.

Yes, this is a show of the unexpected. There are some things you've seen before, performed with great finesse - but how many years has it been since I've seen sword-swallowing? or fire-eating? (Oh, and speaking of fire, that's the main objection I'd have to sitting ringside. No, no accidents were had, but the blasts of heat were quite intense enough in the stalls thank you.) And we've seen acrobatics on an unsupported ladder, but, eh, this is the first time I've seen it done with the bottom half of the ladder on fire, and the acrobat wearing a scarf over his face to protect from the fumes. And there's a bit with a spike.. and I was not that far away, as I say, and I STILL could not figure out how it was done. Go see it and let me know the secret!

And the whole thing was rapid-fire, one act after another, and with a rock soundtrack, and plenty of laughs, and the hour just flew. I strongly recommend this! Well worth the price of admission. Ate in La Piazza on the way home, because I was hungry and the rain had stopped and it was Friday and I felt like it! Have eaten there twice now, and can't really fault it, despite the mixed online reviews. I see they do takeaways too.

So. Off to Fifty Words in the Arcola tomorrow. Bit of a slog, but a nice theatre, and I do have all day to get there. Interestingly, Time Out said there was a matinee, but the theatre website made no mention of it. Maybe Time Out made a mistake, maybe the matinee is sold out. I don't know. Then, I finally get to see Children of the Sun on Sunday (that is a matinee). Back to the National again! Gratifyingly, I got one of their well advertised Travelex-sponsored £12 seats. That's been showing for ages, and I had thoughts of seeing it, but something always cropped up. Anyway, this is a new venue for it. As for Monday, I got an email today offering free tickets to previews of The Internship, on Monday evening, and by the time I checked for availability, asap after reading the mail.. all London tickets were gone! Jeez, that speed would give U2 a run for their money..