Author Event

Tonight, The Horror Book Club lately advertised an author event, with two female horror writers, at Waterstone's in Trafalgar Square. Tickets bookable in advance on Eventbrite - I checked out one of the books as a free Kindle sample, and liked it, so I said I'd go. Pay extra and you could get a book with your ticket - but only one, and it cost more than both together cost on Kindle! So I passed on that option - if I feel like it, I'll order them on Kindle afterwards.

Decided to eat in Prezzo, next door, beforehand - and my buses were nice and quick. The lady who greeted me at the door looked at me as though I was an idiot when I said I'd booked. Now, I could see the place was half empty - I just wanted to let her know, in case they thought the person who booked hadn't arrived! She made sure to sit me right beside another table, despite all the empty space - probably to make it easier on the waiters.

Now, it wasn't long until she took my order - and five minutes later, I had my starter, a moreish chunk of garlic bread, dripping with butter. No sign of my drink, though - when I mentioned it to the waiter (a different guy), he looked at me in surprise, then gesticulated towards the bar, where she was indeed standing. I really am still not sure what he meant by that gesture - perhaps he thought she was coming with it? Well, she wasn't - she went off to take another table's order, while he brought my drink himself a couple of minutes later. With what I thought was a pointed look in her direction..

Pasta arrived, and again, the chicken I'd asked for with it was delicious. I tell you though, I was stuffed by the end, and didn't quite finish it - it was surprisingly easy to ask for another glass of wine though; another waiter entirely just happened to be passing, and was all too happy to oblige! And at the end, they have the "scan to pay" facility, which makes life so much easier. I tell you though, the atmosphere there is frantic - it's not a place I'd come for a relaxing time, or a special occasion. And when I went outside, consulting my phone, I suddenly remembered I'd wanted to go to the loo, so I nipped back in again - I thought the odds were better of finding one there than in Waterstone's. I was met by the most officious waiter, just as I was about to head down the stairs, who demanded to know whether he could help me! Well, I explained, and he let me off.. but really, not the friendliest of receptions overall.. Oh, and they could improve the cleanliness of their toilets.. and fix the lock on one cubicle door..

Now, our organiser had suggested meeting in Waterstone's Cafe, but it turns out it closes at 6 - an hour before the author event. So when she let us know, I relaxed - arrived just before start time, and sat with them at the back of the few rows of seats. Handy she'd told us it was downstairs, as there weren't any signs. It wasn't really half full:

It's a long time since I listened to a talk in a bookshop - and it is a lovely experience, soft voices and a hushed atmosphere. The MC was an author herself, and introduced the authors by inviting them to give a brief "blurb" about their books, then read a bit - they both chose the start, both of which I'd read on the free Kindle samples. Most of the event then consisted of her asking them questions - at the end, she opened it up to the floor. Interesting topics raised included historical research, geographical research (and whether they visit places when writing about them), and basing characters on themselves.. Arguably the most interesting topic discussed was the advent of ChatGPT, and to what extent this will impact on writers.. watch this space! So, it was an enjoyable event - but I didn't learn anything revelatory, nor was I inspired to buy either book - yet, anyway. I had a nosey around the travel section too, but didn't see anything relevant to me..

Sadly, people weren't up for a drink this evening, but it was nice to see them. And nice, too, to get home early! On a complicated network of buses - it's lovely to have a choice, and lovelier to have the Hopper fare, which means I can take as many as I want within an hour.

Tomorrow, thinking film again - and up to last week, it was still looking like The Blue Caftan, which was always near the top of the list. It's Moroccan, and showing at my local cinema - not that either of those film listings websites seemed to think so at the time, so I had to confirm on the cinema's own website! Grr.. But on later inspection, I discovered Shadow of a Doubt, a Hitchcock thriller showing at The Garden Cinema. Not advertised at all on my old cinema website.. had to go to the new one!

On Thursday, I'm back with TAC for a play called The Last of the Pelican Daughters, at The Courtyard.

On Friday, film again - and what limited information I have now suggests I'll be seeing A Plein Temps (Full Time), at my local cinema - at least, they have the most complete listings, for now! Certainly looks good, with a pacey trailer, focusing on real-life stresses of a single mother, working in Paris and battling train strikes! Well, we all know something about that, eh.. Highly subject to change, mind, film listings being what they are!

On Saturday, back at last with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners! It's been too long.. This walk is Highlights of Westminster. Now, I wonder whether there'll be any coronation-related material..

On Sunday, with CT at The Bedford, for Wicked Wonderland: Burlesque Cabaret.

On Monday - which is yet another bank holiday, but the last for a while - I'm with Discover London for a walk entitled The Great Plague 1665: The Full Story. Certainly makes a change from the Great Fire.. and another group I don't get to see often enough!

Next Tuesday, having tried several sold-out shows, I finally plumped for Dixon and Daughters, at the Dorfman. Got the last cheap, restricted-view ticket in the pit..

And on the 31st, back with Up in the Cheap Seats at last! Well, I couldn't resist a performance of Aspects of Love, with Michael Ball - I've never seen it. Showing at the Lyric - there have been cheap offers, but the best I could find were with the official website.

Wine Tasting, Comedy, & Art: Francis of Assisi

Yesterday, I was back with The Hideout: Horror Sci-Fi Club London, for wine tasting followed by comedy (hmm..) in La Pizzica restaurant. Sounded interesting..

Drat, but that's a long way from me. Nearly an hour, even if I took the Tube - I didn't really have time to eat beforehand, but figured, well, it's in a restaurant, I shouldn't starve! The District Line did its usual thing of, well, being delayed - for no apparent reason. I eventually made it to the restaurant at about 5.15 - the meet & greet was supposed to start at 5. The restaurant, as I entered, was completely empty, apart from the maitre d' - who, upon seeing my confusion, directed me to the private room downstairs, where, sure enough, they checked my name off a list.

Not a single person I recognised, not a single person who identified themselves as from the Meetup group. Happily, I wasn't the first there - there was a jolly group of Italian ladies, who got even jollier as the wine went down, and were very sociable all evening: otherwise, I'd have had a pretty lonely time. The nice man who was pouring the wine gave each of us a glass, into which each wine was poured in succession - there were 13 wines in all, starting with six white, then a rosé, then six red. I basically determined to try them all - although I was kind of dubious about the reds, not being a great drinker of red wine. But we'd also been given order forms (a 10% discount if you ordered on the night), and one lady pointed out to me that the last two reds cost £79 and £85 per bottle, respectively! And as she said, how often are you actually going to get the opportunity to try that kind of wine..?

So, off we went. I guess the nice man responsible for the pouring has seen all this before - the women concentrating on the whites (and asking for refills), the people like myself, determined to try everything, regardless. He still gave the spiel for each (in English for me, Italian for the others) - all about the soil, the region, the aromas, the "notes".. yeah right, just pour..

It was quite fun, really! and even though we only got a little at a time, by the time I'd gotten to #13, I was feeling the effects. The two expensive wines were, I'm happy to say, very nice - were they memorable enough to merit the price? I don't think so - but to each their own. In common with most, I liked the very first wine I'd tried. And, predictably, the rosé was my least favourite - I'm not a fan at all. But wow, I'm still feeling the after-effects, over 24 hours later, of all those reds - I'm not used to red, as I say, and it did leave a distinctive taste. Nothing stood out, I'm afraid, as it has done for me at previous wine tastings - ah well, I never did intend to buy anything!

Some people ordered food, which was brought downstairs - I dunno, it kind of seemed like too much effort for me. I had some of the nibbles that were provided, to accompany the wine - but basically hadn't eaten by the time the comedy started. I took a seat early, making sure to be well away from the stage - two Italian comedians, the second turned out to be a guy who'd mingled during the wine tasting, and was quite friendly! To be fair, he was also much better than the other guy. Sorry, other guy! I don't remember the name of either. They were both stood at the foot of the stairs as we made our way out - and oh dear, the guy I'd chatted to earlier wanted reassurance that I'd enjoyed it! Now, it's not that I didn't - it's more that I was in desperate need of the loo, so rather distracted..

Could I find the loo? Dunno why I didn't just ask, but I kind of had enough of talking to Italians at that point.. anyway, I considered eating there, but didn't fancy it; I think my tummy might have been a bit upset by all that red wine. And really, the last thing I felt like was more wine (with dinner) to go on top! I headed back to the station, desperately seeking a pub on the way whose toilets I could use - finally lighted on The Golden Lion. Where, I noted, every booth had its own tv screen, for the sports.. how handy, if you're into that! Well, never has a toilet been more welcome. As for food, I was in time to shop on the way home, and settled on a sandwich. Despite me getting home early, by the time I'd done the film list, it was too late to blog - given that, for the moment, we have early morning status meetings at work, what with deadlines looming.

Today, I was thinking of film (which meant I had no idea) - but London Social & Cultural Meetups, whom I haven't been with in so long, went to the National Gallery, to see an exhibition of art related to St. Francis of Assisi! I wasn't going to go with them, given that the group was to include that mad lady that I've been avoiding - but when I looked yesterday, she'd cancelled! for whatever reason. So I was now free to go. They do advise booking a (free) ticket, and although we were supposed to meet in the Sainsbury Wing, it seems that entrance is closed for renovations..

Again, I skived off work early - needed to, if I wanted to eat beforehand! I was thinking The Chandos - and was delighted, upon entering the dining room, to discover it nearly empty! Then I saw the sign on the bar - "Kitchen on break". Perhaps that was why it was empty - although, as someone later remarked, the train strike could have had something to do with it.. Anyway, I hied across the lane to Prezzo, where I was well fed - for my main this time, I had spaghetti, and they asked me whether I'd like a spoon. "Eh, no.." Well, when it came, my pasta was very hot. And I had to put my hand to my mouth. And I think one of the servers saw this, and proactively decided to bring me a spoon, thinking that was the issue.. the spoon went back unused. Just sayin'. Still loving their pay-at-the-table QR codes, though! They save so much time..

This group was to meet at the Fourth Plinth of Trafalgar Square. And yay, we did! We hung on a few minutes for latecomers, then headed into the gallery - sure enough, we'd intended to go in via the Sainsbury wing, but were now redirected to the Portico entrance - basically, the main one, facing the square. She had tickets for us all, and I had my own - the guy at the entrance asked whether we had tickets, then waved us in without looking! We had to ask directions inside, but lo, we made it in the end, arranging to meet a couple of hours later, in the cafe near the entrance.

I've had a kind of fascination with Francis of Assisi ever since watching Brother Son, Sister Moon on the tv, when I was a lot younger than now.. Directed by Zeffirelli, and with Alec Guinness as the pope, it was made in 1972, and has a very 60s feel to it. He was quite the fellow, divesting himself of his wealth, living in poverty and interested in nature.. very ahead of his time, for the early 13th century! And very in tune with the late 60s.. but you can see it in the art throughout the ages, presented at the exhibition, too: there's a kind of otherworldliness to him.

And it seems as though that film I remembered was pretty much on the money - yes, he did come from a wealthy family, and yes, he did strip off his clothes in the town square, and return them to his father - someone painted that, too!

Even the title of the film (and the song of the same name) come from a song of his, the Canticle of the Sun! And I was intrigued by a painting, not including him, but inspired by his love of animals - depicting a wolf that lived among the people:

And yes, he did inspire Clare, who founded the Poor Clares:

And gee, I even got to watch a bit of that film! They show clips from four films about him, on loop on a screen:

I loved the series of pictures, depicting beggars - very simple, very powerful:

In fact, I could say the same about the whole exhibition..

Simple messages are often the most powerful - and Francis has always meant more to me than the armies of religious tat I grew up with. I recommend this exhibition - runs until the 30th of July. Striking.

Afterwards, we searched for a pub that was quiet enough to hear ourselves talk.. we ended up in All Bar One, which was mainly empty! Again, probably the strike.. a couple of people ordered food. I saw they offer a carafe of sauvignon blanc, and had that - except it came in two small carafes, with two glasses! Huh - I managed to carry the carafes, and one glass, down to the table - I left the second glass where it was. And we had a nice time, chatting - despite the racheting up of the volume of the music, about 8.30! Never mind, it was good to be back with this group again. Apologies for the delay in the blog - I'm flathunting again, with something of a tight deadline, which tends to be distracting..

Tomorrow, I should have been on a walk with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners - cancelled because of the strike, bah humbug. Still, I really need a lie-in.. later, I'm even busier than usual.. First, I booked with Up in the Cheap Seats for the matinée of Leaves of Glass, at the Park Theatre.

And then I have to dash across London.. you see, Mandy, who runs London Herstory Guided Walks, has now started a new Meetup group, Buddies on a Budget in London (BOABIL). And lo, if she isn't taking a group to an outdoor Eurovision party! First, she suggested Battersea - but (free) tickets for that went really fast, with only three of us having managed to book. So we've now switched venue, and are going to Between the Bridges, complete with drag acts! You don't have to pay, but if you buy a ticket, it comes with a free drink.. and this, apart from, as she says, being likely to be more fun, also has the advantage of starting an hour later. Which is handy for me, rushing across town as I'll be.. Both advertised by Eventbrite, and now, Between the Bridges is sold out too.. Has street food, so I don't have to eat en route, phew!

On Sunday - I missed it somehow, but Barrie, also with the 45+s, has a walk along Caledonian Road! Also advertised on TAC, as usual, so I booked there - it being cheaper. I'll have change for him, after today!

On Monday - tan-ta-ra, film again! Looking like Le Otto Montagne (The Eight Mountains), at my local cinema - as are most things, frankly! Set in the Italian Alps, this is the story of childhood friends who grow apart as they grow up. Continuing the Italian theme.. Certainly, the scenery promises to be lovely!

On Tuesday, back with Over 40 Living the Life - I got the last ticket to this rescheduled dinner at Greenwich Yacht Club!

On Wednesday, back with BOABIL - she's introducing us to the Floating Pocket Park, in Paddington! where they have free things in summer - on Wednesday, it's a free concert.

On Thursday, another film - this, however, is a private screening, organised by The London Palestinian Rights Meetup Group, in association with the Bethlehem Cultural Festival! Showing at the Prince Charles is Farha, the dramatisation of the life of a young Palestinian girl in 1948 - just at the start of the Nakba.. includes a Q+A afterwards with the director. Tickets from Eventbrite again. And then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend..

Glorious Greenwich Walking Tour (#2), Pub: O' Neill's, & Walk: Deeds Not Words! Suffragettes, Spies & Warrior Queens

Yesterday, well, Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners were back to Greenwich again. Now, I was there with him before.. not sure how "new" this one would be, but hey, it was a great day last time! So I signed up, and dragged myself out of bed to make the long trek. Enjoyed the views from the DLR en route, even if it was a grey day..

Arrived, found the group, went to pay. Now, I'd checked before I came out that I had enough cash - glory, it had disappeared! Had to source a cash machine - which was right across the road. Annoyingly, it's a busy road, so that took a while - as he said, "She's run off without my money!" Made it back before he left, anyway - as usual, he obligingly waited 15 minutes for stragglers. Some no-shows - ah well, can't be helped. Lots of faces familiar to me, anyway - and I see I wasn't away long enough for them to forget me! :-)

We actually started with an audience of pigeons:

Honestly, I appreciated hearing most of the facts of this walk again - many had become hazy. Like the story of Tam o' Shanter, who disturbed a coven of witches - one pretty, young one wearing a short skirt, known as a cutty sark. They chased him as he galloped off, coming close enough that the one wearing the cutty sark ripped a bit off his horse's tail:

It's always good to hear the story of Sir Walter Raleigh, who had a chequered career:

And even on a cloudy day, the views here are expansive:

I'd forgotten how much information is included in this relief! Some details about Nelson's battles - his prone corpse is seen cradled in the centre, and to the right are three figures depicting England, Scotland, and Ireland:

More wide expanses:

Inside, as well as outside:

As the walk continued, we got hungrier.. and finally, it was time to eat. And back to the Coach & Horses (inside, this time). Where I had a decent steak and ale pie - which I didn't quite finish, mindful that I'd be eating out again later. Anyway, Laurence wanted to try out The Gypsy Moth pub, so a couple of us went there with him - but they had no seats. So we ended up in The Spanish Galleon, which was blissfully uncrowded, and where we had a convivial one for the road. They have an interesting, curved bar - which the barman claims to be haunted. "Yes, the drinks slide away from you.." Perhaps it's to recreate the experience of drinking on a ship that's listing to the side!

Glad I came - it was great to see everyone, even if this was a repeat for me. Anyway, he has promised to try and schedule some walks I haven't done for weekends when I'll be available.. watch this space!

Yesterday evening, was to meet Ivan - and another ex-boss with whom I'm still friendly, Martin, for dinner: and wouldn't you know it, I actually managed to book O' Neill's. Wonders shall never cease.. of course, Christmas is over now, so things might calm down. Also, although the Six Nations was on that day, the matches were in the afternoon.. Handily, I just had time to shop beforehand, then scootched up the road, getting there about 5-10 minutes late for the booking. No need to book, really - there were about four tables upstairs that would have done. Unfortunately, Martin couldn't make it, in the end - his wife banged her head in the cab she took home from work, and he didn't want to leave her. Next time, hopefully.

Ivan wasn't too long after me - although, typically, he didn't actually eat. Unless you count Guinness as a food group! Me, I was only delighted to get back to that delicious katsu - it's been so long! I see the buttermilk chicken now comes with twisty fries, by default.. and I barely remembered to order onion rings. But it was delicious, and I scoffed the lot. And plenty of wine. Meantime, happily for me, Ireland won their Six Nations match, and happily for Ivan (whose family live there), Scotland won theirs. We could watch on the three large tvs in the room - they're big on sports in this pub. Upstairs closed at 9.30 - but we were to find that downstairs had plenty of space! So we stayed a while longer there, listening to the live music. It was his first time in an Irish pub, and he was bemused to see the people at a nearby table playing cards.. hey, as I said, that's the thing about Irish pubs, as long as you're not bothering anyone, you can do as you please! With a good playlist as well, it was an excellent night - and he's determined we should go back there, next time.. Naturally, I was too tired to blog last night, though.

Today, for ages, nothing on Meetup appealed massively - I thought I might go for a walk along the Ken's Events route, if I felt like it! (on my own). Or Over 40 Living the Life advertised a walk along the New River.. I'd have to see, as I'd have to pay to sign up (refunds given to those who then came). And I might well change my mind.. which I did, when Free Stuff and Free Events advertised a blues concert at the Earl of Chatham, Woolwich. It was a way out, is all - but then, it was free, if I wanted to cancel. And.. finally I did, because London Herstory Guided Walks! finally advertised a walk I could go on. I was recommended this group by someone a while ago - they run guided walks with a female theme. Today's was Deeds Not Words! Suffragettes, Spies, & Warrior Queens. Delighted to be able to go on one of theirs, at last - they're usually on during working hours. Only thing is, they didn't specify how to pay - cash on the day, I guessed, as they didn't take payment on booking. Mercifully, it was in the afternoon - I needed the rest, after yesterday!

Still, I left it tight - ended up on the Tube, rather than bus. Which was just as well, really - made it a lot easier to find our guide, Mandy Morrow, who was stood right in front of one of the exits! So all I had to do was stand there and have a good look around before I moved - frankly, the easiest walk I've ever had to locate! And she turned out to be lovely and friendly - three others joined, all regulars as well, apparently, and one of whom I knew from Discover London. A good sign, repeat business. Anyway, we had one no-show - Mandy seems quite reasonable about latecomers, as long as they message her to let her know what's happening.

We started with the women who worked as spies during the Second World War - but much of the walk was concerned with the Suffragettes, so it's handy that I saw Sylvia - about Sylvia Pankhurst - just during the week, and had some context! Anyway - we had a look at Caxton Hall, where they held many meetings:

(There was some confusion over the statues - turns out that they depict Queen Victoria and Edward VII.)

And so to Christchurch Gardens, and the Suffragette Monument:

In due course, naturally, we came to the monument to Emmeline Pankhurst (and her daughter Christabel, the only one who did something of which she approved!):

She wasn't the only one whose statue we saw:

And particularly evocative was the prison in which they were housed - the original building is still there! And wow, would you believe, they used lapdogs to carry messages to prisoners, training them to take the messages to the windows:

I got to see St. John's Smith Square from the other side:

I see the scaffolding has finally come down around Big Ben! and how it glistens in the sunlight:

And we had a lovely view of Westminster Abbey:

Our last famous, historical, woman of the day was Boadicea:

On Whitehall, as usual, there was a demonstration - today, it was in support of Ukraine. With a strident speaker, not short of things to say. And we finished with the monument to the women of WWII:

Small nugget of info for you - did you know that Waterloo Bridge is also sometimes known as the Ladies' Bridge? Because it was built by women during WWII!

Anyway, afterwards we repaired to the Crypt Cafe in St. Martin in the Fields - after we successfully navigated the chaotic queueing system, I discovered that their hot chocolate is excellent! For future reference. Closes at 5 on Sundays, but we had time for a lovely chat. Really hope I get to do something else with them before too long.

Afterwards, I needed a proper meal. Tried The Chandos first, but their dining area was closed! And so to Prezzo, which was fine - I had garlic bread, and chicken in marsala and mushroom sauce, which comes with fries. All of which was good, but maybe short on flavour. Friendly and efficient service though - and I was to discover that was partly down to their online payment system! So, you order with a waiter, as traditionally: but when it's time to pay, you scan the QR code at your table, and pay online! Smashing, saves all the waiting for the bill - plus it frees up the waiting staff to take orders and serve food. Smiles all around - excellent idea.

Got the bus home. Oh, and remember that cash that went missing? Yes, predictably I'd stuffed it in amongst my Euros.. duh..

Tomorrow, my first actual event with the Over 40s. We're off to How Not to Drown at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East - the first event of theirs for which I couldn't get a cheaper ticket! So I decided, if I couldn't beat them, I might as well join them. True story of an unaccompanied, 11-year-old asylum seeker.

On Tuesday, excited to be headed to see Derren Brown in Showman, at the Apollo Shaftesbury Avenue. Cheapest tickets with Official London Theatre again.

On Wednesday, off to The Lehman Trilogy, at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Based on the true story of the bank that collapsed. Got the last £39.50 ticket!

On Thursday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats for Winner's Curse, at the Park Theatre - an interactive show about a peace negotiation. Turns out North London Friends are headed to it the same night - what, are they now copying this group, as another group did some time ago? (since closed down). And then I'm back to Ireland again.

And on the 13th, I'm headed to Allegiance, starring George Takei in a musical based on the true story of his time in an American internment camp during the Second World War. Showing at the Charing Cross Theatre.

I'm Not Myself Today: A Villainous Cabaret

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

This wasn't on until 9, but I got hungry earlier, and headed up to O' Neill's. Unfortunately, my hunger pangs coincided pretty perfectly with the Women's Euro 22 final, England v Germany.. the pub was rammed. Hell, even the pavement outside was crowded with people watching the large tv through the window:

So, no chance of a table. Checking Google Maps, I saw there was a Prezzo up the road, so went there instead. Where the waiter pasted on a smile for me, and showed me to a table at the edge of an absolutely dead restaurant. I ordered garlic bread, chicken with mushrooms in a sauce with marsala wine (comes with fries), and a glass of wine. I was to be waiting (again) for the wine - it was five minutes before they poured it, and I watched as they left it on the bar to go and do more important things. My starter was nearly finished by the time someone thought to bring it down, and my sarcastic remark was completely lost on the waiter.

The garlic bread was lovely - the chicken was quite dry and tasteless in itself, but the mushrooms with the sauce were delicious, and the fries were nice. I ordered some chocolate ice cream for dessert, and the waiter asked whether I'd like another glass of wine - I'd finished the first. Funnily enough, this one came without delay - and the ice cream was divine, really creamy. So, a mixed meal, in all - but I was, basically, fed.

This left me enough time to run home briefly - I had to get the Tube to the show, buses would have taken too long. And it was stifling - it's been a very clammy day. I could hear the pub before I saw it - a rather good r n b band was playing downstairs, and most surprised to learn they had to finish for 9 for a play upstairs! I actually asked at the bar when I got there whether the theatre was open - she said no, that they'd make an announcement. They never did - when I saw people moving upstairs, and the music had stopped, I followed them. Mind you, when we got upstairs, they still weren't ready.. it was a bit late when we finally got in, and I took a seat in the second row.

I was lucky I didn't go for the front row - it was full of the performer's pals! Now, I have to give him credit as a good singer, and a born performer - it's just the material. See, what he's done is put together about an hour's worth of songs by villains, which he performs. To his credit, he has looked outside Disney - he also does Jud Fry's solo from Oklahoma, and a terrific version of You'll Be Back from Hamilton, with one of his pals mirroring his movements tonight, in an accomplished performance. But I didn't recognise most of the material - or even most of the characters - and therefore didn't get as much from it as the thrilled front row. I also found the show very self-referential, with him constantly harping on his harsh treatment at school. I hope he has a great career ahead of him - but this is a show for students. I was too old for the intended demographic. I was so glad when it ended! Managed to get buses back - they were quicker than earlier, there being less traffic.

Tomorrow morning, another job interview.. with another company.. at least it's not at 9am! I'll see how the drilling goes - might get away with staying at home, how nice would that be! In the evening, I'm going to the Kiln Theatre for The Darkest Part of the Night. Another troublesome website - I tried for days to get it to work..!

On Tuesday, thinking vaguely about the Camden Fringe, which runs all next month - there's, for example, an interesting audio event called A Little Drape of Heaven, where you hold a precious item of clothing to your heart, then press play to access a YouTube link that you've paid for. Hmm.. Meantime, I had booked a walk with Laurence and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners for last week. This is The Magic of Midtown - and as I said to him, it finishes very near my new home! And wouldn't you know it - he postponed it, as a result of the heatwave, to this day. Not that I'm not glad he didn't run it when it was originally scheduled - I should still be able to make it..

On Wednesday, thinking of film - and v excited about what's coming up! Highest of the list is the NT Live showing of Prima Facie, the one-woman play with Jodie Comer, making her West End debut as a dynamic lawyer, whose world is turned upside down when she is raped, and I guess, gets to see the other side of the system. It's supposed to be an absolute tour de force, and is one I missed because tickets went so fast - well, now it is, as they say, coming to a cinema screen near you! In fact, it's showing in my local cinema, yay - not to mention that, as a member, I get to see it for free! And with three showings that day, even if I happen to be back working - which would be a very quick turnaround - I should still be able to make it.

On Thursday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats for a concert by Damien Lewis at Omeara. Yes, the actor! I've never actually been here before - should be interesting. Meeting Didi for dinner beforehand at Tas Borough - she's coming to the concert too.

On Friday, I've booked for another of Laurence's tours - Wonders of the National Gallery. Which I can go on, as long as I haven't started work again - Lordy, I wish he'd do something on evenings or weekends again! Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend - and will be trying, once more, to get my car serviced. Subject to availability of mechanics! So, not sure whether I'll get to a film, as of yet.

On the 8th - yes, I am succumbing. Finally managed to get a decently priced (seated) ticket to Abba Voyage. Hell, I love Abba, and even if they have been replaced by avatars - it's supposed to be a spectacular show. Kind of has to be done..

On the 9th, I've booked with London Classical Music and Theatre Group - Didi, from the group, who is herself a classical guitarist, is playing a free Summer Music Festival concert in the Holy Sepulchre Church, which should be lovely - assuming I'm either not working, or can get the time off! as it's at lunchtime. Close enough to the (potential) office that I might be able to risk it.

That evening, I'm at Chasing Hares, at the Young Vic. And wouldn't you know it, CT now has ticket offers for this..

On the 10th, I'm with a new Meetup group - Soho Comedy Factory Shows and Socials, which organises free events on Wednesdays at the aforementioned Soho Comedy Factory. Unless something better comes along - I've had bad experiences with free comedy!

On the 11th, I've booked a free ticket with an improv group called Kid Smokers Improv! at Barons Court Theatre. (It's Pay What You Can, actually.) They're actually stepping in while Avocado Presents takes a summer holiday - they seem to have a residency here, now. Anyway, I've seen Avocado Presents before, and they're excellent - so I figure I'll give these people a shot! Avocado Presents, interestingly, have a Meetup group now - Watch Improv & Chat Comedy! which I've also just joined.

On the 12th, I've booked for the Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street Tour with Poppy's Events for 40s 50s and 60s, another new group to me. But Laurence has a walk that day as well - the Strange Tales of Old (and New) London Tour, which, you know, I'll go on if I'm free.. haven't booked it yet though.

On the 13th, I'm off to see The Ehrlich Brothers, a magic show at the Wembley Arena. This is with Friendly Frolickers 50+ Meetup Group - so I've joined them as well, making that four new groups in a row! I was - as often happens - rather frazzled when I booked though, and completely forgot that they have their own, discounted tickets! Blast - they do this specifically so that they can sit together. Well, I've booked my own - more expensively - and explained. Can't be helped.

And on the 14th, I've booked with the 45+s again - but not with Laurence this time! They do have walks guided by other people, and this one is of Brick Lane.

Platinum Jubilee Royal Walk

Today, Crick Crack scheduled an interesting event - Japanese ghost stories, the event was called The Game of Candles, with each story represented by a lit candle, blown out when the story is completed. Was taking place at the British Museum, Tim Ralphs and Sarah-Liisa Wilkinson performing. Sold out quickly - they were only doing half capacity.

Except - on Friday morning, the museum sent word that it was cancelled, and to contact them for a refund! Nuts, I was really looking forward to that (as was someone I'd told, from the London European Club). They are running it again, but not in London - although they are livestreaming it, but wouldn't you know it, it's the same night as another show! Rats.

So, instead, I booked another guided walk - this was the Platinum Jubilee Royal Walk, with London Walks, Art & Culture Explorers! Wasn't expecting this one to be as sociable, but it promised to be fairly interesting - all about the Queen, on what is her actual Platinum Jubilee! So, taking place pretty near where we were yesterday. It was supposed to rain all night and in the morning, but that was supposed to have stopped by the time of the walk, which started a bit later than yesterday's. Tickets through Eventbrite.

Arrived in plenty of time again - the directions given to us were excellent, and needed to be, as Google Maps gets rather confused when you start talking about Diana fountains! (which is where we were to meet). There are plenty, you see - and this one isn't even related to the Diana that first springs to mind! No, this Diana is the mythological goddess of hunting. And the statue is just at the Green Park exit from Green Park Station - you can't miss it, it's at the top of the ramp.

I, of course, got a combination of buses there - using the station as my destination, for the purposes of Google Maps. Arrived early, and occupied myself in the meantime with a packet of crisps from the kiosk - had to trot up the path a bit for a bin, though. And when the guide arrived - yes, it was the guy I had for the Uncomfortable Statues walk: and he remembered me, too! which was nice.

After a bit of preamble, we set off across the park towards Buckingham Palace. Now, the rain did indeed hold off - but there was an absolutely punishing wind! Down at the palace, we had to stand around the opposite side from where he normally goes - the other side was full of camera crews, presumably doing pieces about the jubilee!

As usual, I caught him in a few inaccuracies - after all, this is kind of my specialist subject - but what the hey, he had plenty of interesting facts for us too. For instance, I never knew much about St. James' Palace - but it turns out that this became the court after (most of) Whitehall Palace burnt down, and is where the new monarch is officially proclaimed! and, of course, some royal relatives have apartments here:

Across the road is Marlborough House, where Queen Mary stayed after she was widowed:

All in all, I found it a fascinating walk, with some lovely personal reminiscences from him of his royal memories over the years - and there was great interest among the few others on the walk, and a lot of questions in particular from the German lady. Quite a scenic part of London too.. if only we hadn't had that awful wind!

And at least this time there was no pretence of going to the pub afterwards - because we didn't. We finished on Whitehall - passing a very interesting demonstration outside No. 10! (They were serving an eviction notice..) And we got to see the Cenotaph, and where the members of the Royal Family stand who are not actively participating in the ceremony. Cool, always wondered about that! But the coolest news of the day for me was hearing that the Queen yesterday publicly expressed her wish that, when Charles becomes King, his wife, Camilla, become Queen. Quite right, too.

We finished just up from the Horse Guards.. and the four-legged parts of that team were being showered with attention!

Well, my intention was to have a late lunch - so, off I went again to Prezzo. Where I had little trouble getting a table, service came - as usual - with a smile, and I was quickly served. My God, it was good to get in out of the wind! I did wonder why my face got so hot so quickly - until I noticed I was right across from the wood fire, which was blazing up nicely. Anyway, the sit down, in the warm, and a feed were exactly what I needed. Last time I was here, I had the chicken with mushroom, and found the chicken tough - so I avoided it this time, and had the carbonara, with chicken and topped with parmesan. Ab-so-lute-ly gorgeous! The sauvignon blanc was divine, and not having had a starter, I had plenty of room for dessert - I can now fully recommend the delectable chocolate fudge cake. I was fully rested by the time I headed home.

Tomorrow - another interesting talk by The Garden Talks. This one is What Conditions Create Witch Hunts? Have to say, Meetup seems to have awoken from the doldrums..!