Storytelling: The Winner Takes It All

Last night, back with the Crick Crack Club, yay! for The Winner Takes It All at Rich Mix. This, the club's last performance of the year, was performed by a congregation of souls known as Pandvani 108, comprising Ben Haggarty, Emily Hennessy, and Sheema Mukherjee, among others.

Signed up to a pointless series of sales induction talks, I dropped out of last night's early, shh.. and took myself off for food. No earthly point in going to O' Neill's, which would have been my standard - they're only taking bookings these days, and completely booked out for the rest of the week. I figured I'd be OK with Pret, in the station. Well, I was.. except it was freezing! I shivered my way through my meal. Also, in this Pret, they don't have bins - you literally just leave your stuff on the table for collection. To be fair, they do seem to collect rather fast..

And so I caught the bus, the #205, for once, coming (roughly) when it was supposed to! And when I got off, I had a freezing walk to Rich Mix - last night was a seriously frigid one. Oh, was I glad to get in - and noted that, had I taken the bus suggested to me on Google Maps, I'd have been late! Certainly, had I stayed for the end of that (pointless, annoying, boring) meeting - I noticed today that it finished at 7.09pm - I'd definitely have been late! Never mind hungry.. Anyway, I got myself a glass of wine - not terrific, but they didn't have the sauvignon blanc, and headed in, getting a seat in the front row. In fact, when I arrived, the place was half empty!

Two other musicians appeared, besides Sheema Mukherjee, and there were three storytellers as well - Ben, Emily, and a lady I wasn't familiar with. She turned out to be Steph Brittain. Anyway. You always expect the best from the Crick Crack Club, but this was something different - more lighthearted than usual, Ben not all in black (and with ankle bells!), plenty of jokes, and other storytellers commenting on the main story being told. And the music being played? Primarily popular songs! linked to whatever story was currently being told. Great fun.

Ben started us off with a saucy take on the story of Endymion - followed by Steph, with something Indian (I think) and Emily, who tends to go for Indian stories in general anyway. After the interval, more from Steph - and Ben gave us a tale of Fionn Mac Cumhaill! To, of all things, the soundtrack of Thugamar Féin an Samhraidh Linn, softly sung by Steph! In Irish, yet. Well, that was unexpected. Emily finished off the night, with a typically mischievous tale of Thor and Loki. Another terrific night, to finish off the year.. and a cold walk back to the bus.

This evening, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend - just worked out that way - coinciding perfectly with a train strike! So I've booked a ticket on the bus - will just have to take this evening's meeting on my phone! If it even happens.. since I started this job, there hasn't been an evening meeting! Fingers crossed.. And would you believe it, there isn't a single film showing in any of my local cinemas in Ireland at the weekend that I haven't seen and want to see.. Bah humbug! Just have to go Christmas shopping. ;-)

On Monday, back with London Baroque Music Lovers for the first time in months! This time, we're back to see Les Arts Florissants, who are performing Charpentier's Christmas music at the Barbican.

On Tuesday, couldn't see anything on Meetup, again - so I'm with TAC for The Grotto, a Christmas comedy at the Drayton Arms, which was local to me, many years ago!

On Wednesday, back with London Classical Music and Theatre Group - we're going to St. John's, Smith Square to hear the Tallis Scholars. Which should be lovely! I had to get a ticket for the Gallery - the ground floor was already sold out!

And - last London event of the year, on Thursday, goes to (drum roll).. Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners!! Oh, it'll be so good to see them again - I'm taking the day off specially. It's for Dickens in the City - a Festive Walk. Ah well now, I wouldn't miss the last of the year.. Starts nice and close to me too, at the Shakespeare's Head pub. And it's full, with four on the waitlist. Nice way to finish the year - I can't go on his walks so much now, while I'm working and he's only scheduling them during working hours..

Next Friday, it's back to Ireland for Christmas. See you on the other side..! Have a very merry one.

Storytelling: Day of the Dead

Tonight, back with the Crick Crack Club (CCC) for their annual Day of the Dead event - this one was at Rich Mix, as ever. Starred Daniel Morden, Clare Murphy, Lucy Lill, and TUUP - and all but Clare Murphy, I hadn't seen in an age! I have actually heard Lucy Lill before, but only once, and I'd forgotten..

Well, another of those dramatic evenings started in the afternoon, when I couldn't find my ticket! Rummaged through my inbox in vain - finally checked my account on the Rich Mix website. Sure enough - I'd never booked it! I was so lucky they hadn't sold out.. Tickets must not have been available yet when it was advertised, so I'd put it in my calendar, but completely forgotten to check for a ticket later! So, I bought one this afternoon.

Now, bus routes were handiest from outside King's Cross, so I thought I'd eat in O' Neill's. Chance'd be a fine thing.. downstairs was packed, watching the football - and upstairs, usually dependable, was closed for a private function! Lordy - I legged it down to The Lucas Arms, where they also had the football on, but hardly anyone was interested in it. Secured a table, ordered one of their delectable pies - and why they're still serving drinks in plastic is a mystery to me. Must ask, one day. Anyway, it was delivered to me in no time flat - I got eaten and out in plenty of time.

And that's when the fun really started! I had a choice of two buses - the #205 or the #214. The #205 would be faster - but this, especially from here, is a bus of mystery and fable - its appearance is oft-advertised, but a rare occurrence. So imagine my frustration when, as I waited to cross the road, I saw it had just arrived. Sure enough, by the time I got halfway across, it had escaped. I ended up on a #214.

Except I didn't end up on it - it was only going two stops. Well, I decided, it was going the right way - I might as well be making some progress. Sure enough, when we got off that one, another #214 pulled up right behind - this one was only going another three stops. Well, I was making more progress! Third time lucky - when we got off the second bus, we had a short wait - and the #205 happened along, of all things. So I got there in the end - or well, within about a 10-minute walk. In ever-heavier rain.

I was pretty damp when I got in, at last - we were in the large, downstairs space again, and I queued to have my name checked off the list. Was right behind Martin Shaw, of all people! He was the very first member of the CCC I ever heard tell stories! Anyway, she couldn't find his name, and asked him to check at the box office - couldn't find mine either, among all her sheets! I eventually found it for her, got my stamp and was in. Got a drink (more plastic), and managed to find a decent seat - it was pretty full. Martin Shaw sat over the side.

In short order, all marched in, shaking maracas, TUUP banging his drum, all led by Ben Haggarty, who was MCing. Well, I am delighted to report, we had a cracker of a night of storytelling! Each got to tell two stories - the ladies got three each. Clare reprised her story of the man who waited for Death, which I had heard at the Mexico After Hours exhibition in Kew - but at least this time I got a frontal view, and could hear properly! Other highlights included the story of the four brothers who wanted to prove which had the best education: Lucy's story about the dentures with a life of their own, whose shenanigans get blamed on the cat: TUUP's ever-present, mesmeric drumming: and Daniel Morden, whose gravitas, even when telling a funny story, is remarkable. Small wonder that the lady in front of me on the way out, when she saw her opportunity, congratulated him on his performance! Ah, this was five-star - kudos to them! I've rarely seen better.

Even worth the pouring rain on the way home, which seemed to be in a competition to see just how heavily it could teem down.. Happily, there was no problem getting a #205 in this direction!

Tomorrow,  I was to be back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) - for Noor, at Southwark Playhouse. The true story of a WWII spy - and bought, as usual, on my PAYG subscription - which gives you cheap tickets to five shows, and never expires. Suggestion of eating beforehand at Mercato Metropolitano. But wouldn't you know it, that night's performance was cancelled.. Instead, I'm off to a talk at Watkin's Bookshop (which also has a Meetup presence!). Theme is The First Ghosts, by Irving Finkel - ghost stories have been around for a long time..! He's written a book about the first evidence of tales of the supernatural.. 

Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend. Film for Saturday - now that the listings are finally out - is looking like Róise & Frank. Set in the Irish-speaking Gaeltacht, it's the story of a grieving, recently bereaved woman, who becomes convinced that a stray dog she finds is the reincarnation of her husband, Frank.. Not showing in London at all, it seems, but I can see it in Ennis. Let us pray there isn't a match on..

On Monday, with nothing on Meetup, I thought about heading to see the Carnaby Street Christmas lights, which will be up by then. But I had another look at what's on, and have now booked for Piano Passions at Cadogan Hall - Beethoven and Chopin, gorgeous!

On Tuesday, headed to see John Gabriel Borkman, by Ibsen, at the Bridge Theatre.

On the 9th - originally, nothing better coming up than Soho Comedy Factory, upstairs at The Blue Posts. Now, instead, I've changed my booking for Noor to this night. Sadly, not with the group, who rearranged for a night I can't go.

On the 10th, back - at last! - with London Classical Music and Theatre Group (LCMTG), for Alcina at the Royal Opera House. More Handel..

On the 11th, I was heading to The Horror Show at Somerset House - a horror-based art exhibition - with The Horror Book Club. But then Civilised London popped up with another meal - so I booked that, and we were headed to Champor Champor, a Thai / Malay restaurant. Meeting beforehand at The Rose, nearby. Until he decided, just on Thursday, to cancel it! I supposed he hadn't wanted to do it with only two of us, since I was - unusually - the only one to sign up. But to my further surprise - he kicked me out of the group later that night! No warning, no explanation - not very "civilised". Jeez, I suppose he's had enough of me. And you think you know someone.. 

Killer is, he was such a good reference for good eateries - and the group is private, so without being a member, I won't be able to see where he's going. Ah well, TBH, I was beginning to feel out of place with the people who were attending the meals.. which was pretty much all I was doing with the group, lately. Meantime, I'm back at The Horror Show - at least the ticket won't go to waste!

On the 12th, planning another meal with the people that are harder to herd than cats! As of now, of the four people I've invited, two are pretty certain "no"s and Ivan is as uncommunicative as ever. Jeez.. If it's just the same person that was the only one to make it last time, I think we'll head somewhere different. For variety. On the other hand, Imad's Syrian Kitchen is right off Carnaby Street.. and the lights are probably going to be cool.. Of course, there is the small issue of the irregularity of the wine measures!

On the 13th, back with the CCC at the British Museum, where Daniel Morden and Hugh Lupton are performing The Iliad.

On the 14th, not having been with LCMTG for ages, I'm with them for the second time in a week! Heading to Wigmore Hall this time, for the Takács Quartet, who are playing Beethoven. Now sold out - and I'm not surprised, given that when I booked, I got one of the last three (top price) seats! Ah well, it wasn't astronomical - and I do love Beethoven.

On the 15th, back at the QT Bar - for the RB and Soul Revue. Now, they put on a great show - but, given my experience last time, I'll know to buy my drink at the upstairs bar and take it down with me - better choice! And at least this time, I'll know where I'm going.. Pity I didn't think to check CT first, who have cheap tickets!!

On the 16th, Im back at Conway Hall, for a concert called Sing Like a Vagabond - Shouts and Cries of Victorian London. Tickets are free, but you do have to book.

On the 17th, I'm back with UITCS at the Coliseum, for a performance of Yeomen of the Guard, by Gilbert & Sullivan. And knowing the steepness of the steps in the Balcony - and the irregularity - and what with my stairs phobia - I've done my best to get a seat at the side, so I can use the handrail to get down. Oh, and an aisle seat, what with the restricted legroom..

Then I'm back to Ireland again. And for once, not going to the cinema that weekend - instead, UL is hosting a PhD reunion, with a tour of the campus and, crucially, free lunch. And I'll be using the occasion to catch up with an old friend and, hopefully, find out what finally prompted him to quit lecturing at last, more than 10 years after I did, considering he was bullied even worse than I was!

Storytelling: Strange Girls - Beautiful Monsters

This evening, I was back to storytelling! Oh joy.. the Crick Crack Club was back, with Strange Girls, Beautiful Monsters, as told by Sarah Liisa Wilkinson, at Rich Mix. Good to see them on the road again!

Now, there ain't much to eat in Rich Mix - and the area is a nest of hip, vegan places. Ick. I ate in O' Neill's - which was pretty busy; I got the last table. But I got fed eventually, and frankly, had tons of time. (They now seem to be offering a 20% discount for ordering through the app - hmm..) I'd gotten hungry early, so had time to shop after, and head home for a bit before I headed off.

My fastest, easiest route would be the #205 - but it truly must be the most unpredictable bus in London. So, with varying opinions on when it would arrive, and my app disagreeing with the TFL information it was supposed to be feeding from - when the #214 arrived, given that it was also an option in my directions, I took it. Now, for this one, I'd have to change - and ended up disagreeing with Google Maps about the way over to Bishopsgate to catch one of a number of buses that would take me there, as I was a lot closer now. I swear, it told me to go down an alley, then changed its mind about where I was.. Anyway, when I finally emerged, I spotted a #8 - and I remember getting that to Rich Mix when I was working on its route. So I hopped on - and made Rich Mix with two minutes to spare.

Now, this evening's performance was in "The Mix" - which is what they're now calling the area across from the Studio on the fourth floor. I wasn't too worried about making it on time - they always start late. And sure enough, as I waited to get into the lift, Ben Haggarty, co-founder of the Crick Crack Club and tonight's MC, stepped out of it. No major rush, then - I had time to queue for a drink, upstairs, during which time he passed me, heading into the venue. Busy chap. Unfortunately, I wasn't in time for my regular, front row seat - but I got a decent one. To a soundtrack of I'm Your Man..

The only complaint I have is that it was too hot - there was no aircon at all, and it's a clammy night. Ben did a vox poll at the start, to see how many newbies we had - and there were many, indeed! Good to see. And she was excellent, as always - not a very loud voice, but we were attentive, and she didn't need to project. She told stories some of us would have known - she peered into the audience at one point to see people's expressions, and concluded that many of us knew the ending. But were, of course, sworn to secrecy..

She has a fantastic way of melding the extraordinary and - the woke. Telling magical tales in a down-to-earth way is her stock in trade, and it was hilarious - particularly to one guy in front, who guffawed at everything. More power to him, it's great to see people enjoying it. Yeah, if only I hadn't been sweating my way through it, so I was glad when it ended. Still, roll on the next!

Afterwards, we left to the strains of Wicked Game - wow, it's a long time since I heard that; and the queue wasn't for the lift, interestingly, but for the toilets! Me, I headed off.

And got the #205 home, in timely fashion. Much less complicated. And though it rained on me again, it wasn't much, this time.

Tomorrow, back with Watch Improv & Chat Comedy for Avocado Presents: An Improvised Play, in Baron's Court Theatre. Easily known the main group is back from their holidays - you now have to pay for this! and the discount code advertised on the event page has expired, grr..

Storytelling: The Nine Muses of Queen's Crescent

Tonight, back with the Crick Crack Club! for The Nine Muses of Queen's Crescent, at Rich Mix. Courtesy of my favourite storyteller, Clare Murphy, whom I hadn't seen in an age! Last storytelling event until autumn.. Now, distance-wise, this is a curious one. There actually isn't much to choose between home and work as to which is handier for this - home is very slightly closer to walk, but still too far for me to walk (particularly in today's heat!): but the public transport option is ever so slightly quicker from work! So, what with the free food n all.. I was in the office again today.

A nice, short walk to catch the bus - and just as well, because stepping outside was like walking into an oven. The #8 was the first to arrive of those I could have taken - stifling, but at least I got a seat, albeit rear-facing - but wow, is the route messed up. Not one, but two diversions - neither of which really affected me, apart from making the journey half again as long as it should have been. Several people on the bus were to find, however, that where they wanted to get off wasn't on the route this evening.. and then there were the tourists who wanted to pay cash, and when they were told it had to be card, had trouble because not all of them had a card of any kind, and of course it has to be separate cards. I guess drivers see this all the time, because he let them off - but how, after all this time, do people not know this about London buses..?

So, I extracted myself from the bus at last, hoiked the laptop onto my back again, and into Rich Mix. I knew it was on the top floor - what I hadn't known in advance was that the lift was broken. Oh, whoopee. "So," as the nice lady at the box office said, "you - very slowly - climb up to the top floor. There's a bar on the first floor, if you need a break to get a drink of water. There's also a bar on the top floor - and aircon." "Ah!" I said, "heaven is upstairs.."

I had to take a short break - to breathe, rather than to get water - and there I was, on top of the building. Ordered a drink. A nice lady arrived, ordered a lager, which they have on tap. First, the internet connection dropped while they were trying to take our payment. (Speaking of which, at least I finally discovered the poster about Rich Mix WiFi, which I'd never noticed, scurrying out of the lift.) Second, the keg of lager ran out. Never fear, that was what one of the bar staff had anticipated, and had brought a replacement - she was now busily engaged in trying to troubleshoot the card payment problem. She suggested we could schlep back down to the first-floor bar and pay there (hah!).. my companion asked whether they take cash. Not everyone does, you know - but these folks do, and happily, for once, I had enough, because of one time I was getting cash out for one of Laurence's walks, and the machine made me take too much. And so we were served at last.

And had a lovely chat, waiting for the house to open - she turned out to run a festival, the East Anglian Storytelling Festival! Runs over our next bank holiday - well, you never know. Also a lot of storytellers in attendance this evening, as always - I was just worried that Clare would have got winded from all those stairs! When it came time to go in, we queued to have our names ticked off, and our wrists stamped - and the lady wisely wanted everyone to get stamped on the inside of the wrist, it's less easy to rub off accidentally. She also mentioned that she recognised me! Well gee, if I do keep coming back..! ;-)

Front row, of course. A short intro from Ben Haggarty, and Clare bounced on stage. And regaled us for the next 75 minutes. As she said, this show has been germinating since before lockdown.. couldn't develop without the energy of an audience. And wow, she hasn't lost the knack - as she shimmied and glided across the stage, her words did too, switching between modern style, and myth. That lady caught up with me again as I trudged for the bus home, and we agreed that we'd loved it - but, as she said, there are plenty who don't appreciate mixing formats, mixing traditions. But I think it keeps both traditions fresh. As for the content? There was much about the titans, much about memory. Much about the Goddess of Memory, Mnemosyne, and her daughters, the nine muses. And a very interesting analysis of what you do, if you're supposed to retain all the information in the world, and then you hit the information age..!

As ever, a joy to watch, and she took us down some unexpected paths. More audience participation than before from her, too! An effect of lockdown? Whatever, I was so glad to see her again - looking forward to the next time.

Tomorrow, I had booked with TAC for Haydn's Creation at St. Pancras Church, Euston. And then I saw that Bucket List London (BLL) had booked something for earlier in the day! specifically, a trip to Greenwich Royal Observatory and/or the Ranger's House. Ah well now, I haven't been out with this group since January! Ironically, that's where I first met Laurence, on so many of whose walks I've subsequently been - and who knows when I'll see him again?! since he seems only to run walks on weekdays, now. I seem to be swapping one for the other.. So anyway, I'm now going to all of the above. One of those busy days. And he wants to start early, blast!

On Sunday, back with London Guided Walks (LGW) - but, armed with the information that they now advertise through TAC, I've booked through them instead! This is the Secrets of St. James Walk, and given how I booked, I must remember to bring £3 cash on the day. I have to admit, the standard of these walks is excellent.

On Monday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats for Jitney, at The Old Vic. I didn't fancy the cheapest seats - but gee, SFF had seats in all but the most expensive price bands, for very little more! So I now find myself in the central Stalls for this..

On Tuesday, I'm at the Royal Court for That Is Not Who I Am, a play about identity theft, from a mysterious writer about whom we have few details, except that he has worked most of his life in the security industry. Ooh..

On Wednesday, back with TAC for The Lark Ascending and Piano Quintet, a classical concert at St. Giles' Cripplegate, a church I've often passed but never been in! Part of the City Churches Music Festival.

On Thursday, back at the same festival - with CT, this time, for a concert of English Song at the lovely church of St. Bartholomew the Great. It's been too long.. Then back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On the 27th, booked with TAC to hear an interview with Chris Patten, the last UK governer of Hong Kong before it was handed back to China. Happening at Conway Hall.

On the 28th, back again with Free Stuff and Free Events, for their Free Tuesday Sing-a-Long for Health and Pleasure. Online, and one where you're muted, so you don't even have anyone hear you sing! Great for the shy.

On the 29th, I'm finally succumbing to Anything Goes, at the Barbican. Now, I got my ticket for this from Time Out, which is the first place I saw the offer - but it turns out that any number of outlets have £25 tickets! If they're all for the same seats as Time Out, then I'd have to feel sorry for people that bought tickets for £38, which is cheaper than the original price of £45 for the seats on offer! Assuming anyone did. Anyway, with no bad seats here, you'd have to be crazy to pay more.

On the 30th, back with BLL - who obligingly is doing something midweek! I'll have to skip off work early - this is for vespers in Westminster Cathedral, and starts at 4.30. He is actually in Westminster all day, attending Ministerial Question Time earlier - but not only do I have a job to go to, but jeez, I do believe this would just infuriate me! So that, I'm not attending..

On the 1st, back with Civilised London for dinner at Caravel. Terrific reviews..

That weekend, I'm back with the man with the famous name - Dr. Stephen King (not the writer) is guiding a couple of walks for LGW (courtesy of Walks, Talks and Treasure Hunts). Sadly, not as yet advertised on TAC, so I booked them through the official site (discount of £3 with the code MEETUP3, as usual). Both topics / areas I've covered many times before, but gee, he's such a great guide! On the 2nd, it's his Southwark Walk.

On the 3rd, it's his Royal Coronation Walk. I just bet he comes up with something I didn't already know..

And on the 4th, I'm headed to A Doll's House Part 2, at Donmar Warehouse - sequel to the famous original, where the wife leaves an unhappy marriage; this sequel examines what happens when she returns.

Storytelling: Astray

Tonight, I headed to the Crick Crack Club (CCC) again, for Astray, at Rich Mix. A storytelling double bill, both Irish ladies telling Irish myths! I can walk there, of course, from my current place - thought I'd try The Astronomer for food en route, although after last time, I wasn't optimistic about getting a table.

There was a huge crowd outside, in the warm weather - I wasn't optimistic, but lo, as I looked in the door - was that a free, small table?! I grabbed it. Sure enough, it was a bone fide table, complete with number. Thank goodness for the ordering from the table - I'd never have dared to leave this table, having found it, and it would have taken me ages to queue and order at the bar! As it was, it can't have taken more than five minutes after my order before my wine arrived - a nice Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Not long more before my main arrived. I was a bit dubious about this - I'd ordered the chicken, but wasn't at all sure what exactly I'd ordered. It's a complicated dish (although not expensive) - chicken stuffed with tarragon and mushroom, accompanied by carrot, onion puree, and potato cake. Is what it was. And TBH, when it did arrive, I wasn't at all sure what was what! The potato cake looked like a slice of pie, cut in a triangular shape, and was a little salty - but the rest was seriously delicious. I think they use chicken thighs - tricky, but tastier. Man, it was gorgeous - highly recommended. I gushed about it to the lady who cleared the table. Some chocolate ice cream for dessert - not the best, but after that chicken, I wasn't complaining. Seriously, if you get the chance of a table here, have that. Done and dusted, with plenty of time to stroll the rest of the way.

At Rich Mix, I was waved upstairs without anyone checking my credentials - upstairs, they checked my name off a list. I got another glass of wine at the bar. Lovely, relaxed atmosphere, Martin Shaw and Ben Haggarty mooching around - and I was talking to him, briefly! We went in early, and I got my usual front and centre seat. No rush on people coming in - indeed, I had time to get a refill, although it was already showtime!

Both Northern Islanders, it turned out - one retaining her original accent, despite - as she said - living here for most of her life! The theme of the evening - "astray" - comes from the Irish, "ar strae" - translated as "lost". First up was Cath Heinemeyer, breathing new life - and much energy - into the old tale of Sweeney, the Irish king who went mad and grew feathers! Ah, that's what you get if you diss the clergy.. Now, as it happened, I do believe I was seated beside Laura Sampson, a longtime CCC afficionada, who spent some time taking notes during this talk. Lord knows what, she was most careful to hide what she was doing! But I don't blame her for note-taking - this was a most original performance, the storyteller challenging us to step into the mind of the lead character. Suitably mad, as Ben remarked at the interval..

The second half saw Lara McClure tell us the tale of Barry Lyndon, an 18th-century rogue who flitted from pillar to post, never quite becoming what you might call settled. Her method was more conventional - less hopping about, and a more defined style. It's one of the more entertaining accounts I've heard of that fellow - and she managed to squeeze a fair bit of Anglo-Irish politics in there, including a bit about exporting "Irishness", which seems a theme of hers, from the conversation I overheard her having before the show. Most entertaining, all the same. And the whole was over nice and early! Always good for getting home.

Tomorrow, headed to Marys Seacole, at Donmar Warehouse. Based on a true story. I've heard mixed reviews - we shall see. They were good enough to email me a link to my ticket.

And on Saturday - well Lordy, I've booked for the Roman London Walk, with Walk About London (also advertised on Walks, Talks & Treasure Hunts - both linked to London Guided Walks). Now, I missed the last two I was booked on with this company - third time lucky? Got reminders yesterday.

Storytelling: The Thief's Tale & Future Imperfect

So, I meandered back to the office today - for the second-last time - and wouldn't you know it, it coincided with leaving drinks for someone else whose last day was today! He's retiring though, rather than quitting. Anyway, the venue was the Butcher's Hook & Cleaver - where they still do an excellent house white, and it was a terrific chance to catch up with people I hadn't seen in an age! The toilets were a bit off though, what with non-working flush and a peculiar whine from the taps! but it was a good night. Good luck to those staying in the company - it's an awful one to work for.

I had to leave after a bit - but then, we'd come down early - because I was back with Crick Crack! This was a double bill - The Thief's Tale and Future Imperfect, at Rich Mix, Daniel Morden one of the performers. And a couple of others from the London European Club were supposed to be coming, which was cool! I could do with some face to face contact with friendly faces, hadn't had any since I came back to London this time. Unfortunately, the Crick Crack show that was cancelled a while back was also livestreaming tonight from Oxford! which just couldn't be helped.

Well, it seemed that one of those folk didn't come, in the end - the other kept me a seat, and it was good to have a chat. Ben Haggarty hosted, explaining how the show in the British Museum was cancelled owing to problems internal to the museum - and Daniel Morden played an understated blinder with his tale of the thief with the checkered past. Truly, he has a way about him - there's an intensity to his storytelling that belies his modest demeanour. I love hearing him.

At the interval, I went in search of the toilet again - at least these didn't have plumbing problems, but boy did they whiff! Unfortunately, the bar had no snacks of any kind, but the nice lady sat in front of us did donate the end of her bag of popcorn. Which was very nice. The second half of the show saw a newcomer - it was Lucy Lill's very first time! Not that you'd have known it from her excellent rendition of the story of Cassandra - beautifully told, with a nice dash of humour. Aw man, it's so good to be back with Crick Crack again!

Tomorrow, back with Civilised London for a play called The Ballad of Maria Marten, based on a real-life murder mystery, at Wilton's. Now, I'm rather tired of craning my neck here, so I went for a slightly more expensive seat, with a more direct view - albeit still in the balcony.

And on Saturday, I was headed off with 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners again, for Laurence Summers' Elementary Sherlock Walking Tour. But wouldn't you know it, he just cancelled it! Personal reasons. Well, it's been rescheduled, but I think the new date is one of my weekends in Ireland. Never mind, it's giving me the chance to meet up with an ex-colleague again - we're meeting for an early dinner (his suggestion) in Frankie & Benny's (my suggestion - I haven't been there in years). I invited Ivan, but that job of his is wrecking him - he says he needs to sleep for a month. Anyway, I can catch my other ex-colleague up on all the interviews!

Storytelling: The Women Who Gave No F*cks

So, the boss was in today, and took me for a break out to a local vegan cafe. Sorry, cannot remember the name! but I can testify that they have very friendly service, one of the better hot chocolates I've had, and some interesting Eastern European hazelnut loaf, whose name I can't remember either. But it's very nice. And was worth her beating me at chess - which is quite predictable. Hell, she was apparently ninth in her country at one point! It's somewhere just north of Smithfield - have a wander, you might find it. It's on a corner.

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

The organiser suggested meeting beforehand in Casa Blue - it's handy, just down the road, and it's spacious. And they have what we would call quite a traditional, popular soundtrack. I arrived first - and lo, it was Happy Hour, so I got a discount if I bought two drinks! Figuring I had time before the show, I did - and when he showed up, we had quite a nice, long chat. It was just the two of us, sadly - but it was great to catch up, after so long.

Just before showtime, we'd finished our drinks and headed down to the venue - where we discovered that tickets were to be collected upstairs, outside the studio where the show was to take place. We took the lift - sorry to the sign that asked us to take the stairs if possible, but four floors is a big ask. The others were upstairs - as were Ben Haggarty and Martin Shaw of the CCC, having a chat over by the window - and when the doors opened, we went in. Took seats quite near the front, but slightly elevated, so we could see over the people in front of us. Ben Haggarty MCed right at the beginning, then wisely made an exit - this was ladies' night.

All women from then on in. Two teams of three, and I didn't know most of them - on one team were Nell Phoenix and Laura Sampson, ably captained by one Alys Torrance, who was new to me. I didn't recognise any names from the other side, but upon seeing them, I recognised Sarah Rundle, whom I've seen perform with the Embers Collective. Members of the audience who were lucky enough to be seated with things under their chairs got to participate - one with a "clapometer" to decide who won each battle between a pair, one from each team: one to keep time (they were technically limited to 12 minutes per story): and one to award prizes.

First up was Nell, who was competing against Wendy Shearer, from the other team - both had stories about goddesses. I preferred Nell's cheeky tale, but Wendy won the clap-off. Following were the team captains - tricksters were their bag, Alys with a story about the Queen of Carthage, and Lucy Lill with an ancient Greek tale about an oracle - both women who got one over on the king. But the last round, after the interval, was my favourite - the theme was female leaders, and Sarah had, basically, the lifestory of Eleanor of Aquitaine! But keen as I am on that topic, the story of the night for me was the last. Laura Sampson has really progressed as a storyteller since I saw her last, and her story about a female Japanese general was the only one tonight that held me spellbound. Storytelling at its best - and she deservedly won that bout!

At the interval, we were encouraged to use the chalk provided to write the names of women that inspired us, on the floor:

Somebody wrote "Margaret Thatcher". Well, as Lucy remarked, that happens every time they do this show.. and certainly, as Alys pointed out, there was a woman who gave no f**ks! A most enjoyable evening - and roll on the next.

Tomorrow, woo! A couple of weeks ago, Up in the Cheap Seats was off to 2:22 - A Ghost Story, but I was meeting an ex-colleague for drinks that night and couldn't go. Well, I got a ticket for tomorrow - second-last night of the run! Unfortunately, cheapest available were £65, and no availability with cheap ticket sellers - ah well, I decided I really wanted to see it (great reviews helped), so I booked. Had great fun trying to decide which of the few remaining seats at that price was the best.. Showing at the Noel Coward Theatre. And with all the cheap shows I'm going to, I can afford it! Interestingly, yesterday I got an email from them explaining that if I wanted a drink, I had to preorder. And I have to arrive between 30 and 45 minutes before the show starts. Well, said I, if I'm obliged to be there that early, then yes, I'll have a drink, thank you! So I've placed an order. (Oh, and I'm to go in a particular door, too!) Goodness, that's more care than most places are taking..

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

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

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

On Tuesday, I'm with Guided Walking Tours in Brighton and Sussex (!). They have an online talk entitled Hallowe'en Penny Dreadful Online Show - The Art of Victorian Horror. I have to say, online has become much more of an option since lockdown. And that'll be a night I can move stuff from my desk - we have to clear them out by the end of the week, as we're moving office next month!

On Wednesday, I booked another walk with Invigorate - this one is a tour of (the outside of) Christopher Wren's churches. Starting even closer to the office than the last one, handily.

Next Thursday, an online storytelling double-bill - I'll have to see how that pans out. First, I'd booked Universe, a CCC show happening in Oxford and live-streamed. Clare Murphy - and I've seen it before, and it was the best show ever! And then I saw that Martin Shaw was doing an online show, earlier in the evening.. this one, in association with Watkins Bookshop, is called The Smoke Hole, and it's free. So I said, hey, why not? (And this is realistically the last night I can move stuff from my desk.)

On the 22nd, back with the LEC for a concert - Balkan Music, courtesy of Raka & Balamuc, in The Post Bar, Tottenham. Sounds like fun. Even if I have to bring my work laptop, as we won't have access to our desks by that night. Then I'm back to Ireland - another Saturday flight - and with a few days off, I'm not flying back until the 28th. At least I'm not working from home this time, so don't have to bring the laptop on the flight!

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

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

Play: Fairview & Storytelling: Sovereign

Last night, back with North London Friends (NLF) for Fairview, at the Young Vic. And I was lucky to get one of their tickets, which they booked a year ago - people were saying, on Monday, how hard it was to get them! Indeed, for the remainder of the run, availability is limited - and it's sold out on some days.

So, I walked there, arriving at about the time specified. We met in the lobby - it was a bit cold to stand outside. One had arrived early, and availed of the upstairs bar.. the rest arrived a bit late, but everybody got their tickets in good time to take their seats. Which were really excellently positioned, four rows from the stage - and I was dead centre.

Running for about 100 minutes, without interval, the play opens on a well-appointed living room, where a black woman is preparing her mother's birthday dinner. (It's relevant that she's black.) During this first section, we meet her husband, sister, and daughter, and it's very sitcom-ish. Everybody's nice, everybody's ambitious, everybody's well-dressed. Their problems are minor, in the grand scheme of things. Characters who are mentioned, but whom we don't meet in this first section, are the mother, the brother - who's having trouble with his last-minute flight - and the daughter's schoolfriend, of whom her mother disapproves. And all is pretty calm and collected (and a bit dull, but with great furnishings) - until the cake gets burnt, and the lady trying to organise everything faints with the stress. The curtain closes.

..and we open on a well-appointed living room, where a black woman is preparing her mother's birthday dinner. Only now the soundtrack has changed. And I'm not going to be able to tell you any more, because, well, that'd be telling. I will say that this was my favourite bit of the play, which I thought was very cleverly done. I haven't seen anything like this staging before - none of us had. After a bit, mind, it gets truly surreal, and I think it loses the plot a bit - their final act of stagecraft, while striking, we didn't think struck the mark. BTW, I found bits amusing, but hardly hilarious. Won this year's Pulitzer - I'm guessing that was a political decision, really, since it's about race. And while we all thought we got the deeper meaning - well, it was mainly confused. Runs till the 18th of next month - but honestly, I can't recommend it. However, I would love to see some of that staging in a better thought-out play!

Afterwards, some of us repaired to The Ring - a boxing-themed pub, down the road. Where we shared a bottle of wine - typically, I'd forgotten to bring cash, so couldn't contribute! Ah well.. Good to see them! I don't go enough with this group, but then, I have so much else on..

And so, to the bus for me. And wouldn't you know it, the nearest stop was closed (like half the stops in town!), so I traipsed on to the next, where I shivered a bit until my bus arrived. As we crossed London Bridge, it occurred to me that this was my first time on it since the last attack.. the police still have it cordoned off, presumably to preserve evidence.

Anyway, it ran too late to blog last night, since I had to be in for a meeting this morning. Which, as usual, didn't happen - so he rescheduled it to the afternoon. Which didn't happen. He grabbed me for a few minutes after his other meeting finished - it had overrun. And no, I didn't have time to finish the blog before I was out again..

Tonight, back with the Crick Crack Club (CCC) for a night I was really looking forward to - Ben Haggarty and Jan Blake again, combined with my favourite, Clare Murphy, and Jordan Campbell, treated us to a night on the theme Sovereign, at Rich Mix. It's the last in their series called the "alternative tarot", where four storytellers take turns to expand on variations on an archetypal theme, and hold a Q+A after. Unfortunately, Ivan, who would've loved this, is out of town again. But never mind, he's just got a new job, which won't take him out of town as much.

So, I left in decent time to catch the bus. And I see they've finally turned on the lights on the Christmas tree outside our office - lovely! The lower branches are festooned with tags that you can take with you - they have details about the City of London Police's Give a Gift campaign for children in need. And this was a big affair - the mayoress turned them on, apparently, and they had - of all things - angels on stilts. Who, as someone remarked, must have been frozen in what they were wearing..

As I waited to board, it occurred to me that this was where that sea of people boarded on Monday! Thankfully, there were fewer tonight. On the bus, we were held up briefly by a police escort, sirens screaming. We figured it was one of the NATO leaders still in town.. Anyway, we made the venue in good time, and it was such a treat not to be dashing in the door panting, as I usually am. And I got a front-row seat - mind you, by start time, the place was only about half full! It did subsequently fill a bit more.

As seen in the audience - TUUP, Nell Phoenix, Sarah Liisa Wilkinson, and Laura Sampson. A night of friends - indeed, the lady sitting beside me turned out to be well-acquainted with Jordan Campbell. Martin Shaw was handing out paper crowns at the door - I chose royal red, to match my outfit. He wore his over his hat. They had a throne - needed one for Jan, anyway, who's still using a crutch, as the last time I saw her! and came on wearing sunglasses, although she took them off for the performance. Mind you, as was mentioned during the performance, Napoleon remarked that a throne was nothing but a chair with a piece of red velvet thrown over it.

And so to a show of two halves, each storyteller taking the stage in each half. Ben started us off, with an excerpt from Gilgamesh, which I've heard before from him, and which he's reprising next month. A superbly theatrical performance wafted me away, and was followed by Jan, who from her throne managed to get us to join in, at one point - during her second story - making us imitate a creaky door! Clare had a couple of Irish legends for us - and when Jordan took the stage (first time I'd heard him), I suddenly noticed something of Ben's style in the way he tells his stories. Now, has he been attending Ben's storytelling workshops..?

Stories were told, all of which concerned royalty, who rarely came out well from it. Greedy kings, presumptuous kings - a cruel princess, who met a grisly end! Not the Disney version. Clare got the best reaction of the night, when she passed a remark about having to live with the rules made by the people in power.. then threw a glance at the audience and quipped "I bet you know something about that!". The audience roared with laughter. Jordan scored a first for me, with a story about Montezuma. And in the Q+A at the end, fascinating questions were raised about the nature of power - and sovereignty - its definition, its necessity. As one man pointed out, someone has to take the tough decisions. As someone else remarked, what were we doing, telling stories about sovereigns in the week before an election?! Another excellent night from the CCC - and I do hope they continue with this idea of the Alternative Tarot, complete with Q+A. It's a winner.

Nearly froze on the walk home. And it was lucky I was passing a Tesco, because I'd gotten hungry again - unusually. Must be the cold. Tomorrow, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) for Three Sisters, at the National. Also signed up with Love London Arts, Theatre, Music & Stuff for this - the last time I tried to integrate the two, it didn't really work! It'll be interesting to see how it goes this time. I'll try to gravitate more towards them this time, as I missed them completely the last time. And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend, again.

I was thinking about film next week - but what was on outside of that appealed more. So, on Monday, I'm off to a London Docklands Christmas concert at The Space, as hosted by London European Club. Only recently advertised - they're lucky I was free!

Tuesday is our office Christmas party - we're at the Montague Ski Lodge, and only have it booked till 5; it'll be interesting to see how motivated they are to continue the evening, as we start at midday. I don't have high hopes. Lo, to tempt people into the office next day, they're serving breakfast! And as part of the Magic Breakfast initiative, for everyone who has breakfast at the office, they're donating a breakfast to a child in need. Aww.

Next Wednesday, back with UITCS for Cyrano de Bergerac, at the Playhouse. Stars James McAvoy.

On the 12th and 13th, Meetup has given me ideas, which I'm using to do things outside of Meetup. On the 12th, London Social Detours is charging £3 to go to a talk about Oscar Wilde's London. I booked myself - for free - on Eventbrite; I don't find her group that friendly, to be honest, but the talk sounds interesting.

On the 13th, Ken's Walks and Social Events (and its sister group, London Art, Comedy & Walks) are on a Christmas lights tour. Now, after past experience with the walks organised by this group, I'll never darken their doors again. However, a Christmas lights walk sounded good - and I didn't get to one at all last year! So I had a browse - and came up with a pay-what-you-want walk by Free Tours by Foot London. Starts in Covent Garden - and the handy thing is, we're to clear our stuff out of our old office that day, and hand in our passes before the receptionist goes home. Which means we have been told to finish at 4! Excellent - that gives me loads of time. Ivan is coming to this one - which means it'll probably be a late night.

On the 14th, headed with UITCS to the Orange Tree, for Candida, by Shaw. Unless I get sidetracked.

On the 15th, my last visit of the year to the CCC - Emily Hennessy is telling the Ramayana at the British Museum. Oh, and I'd completely forgotten that was on when I booked with NLF for a carol concert at St. James' Muswell Hill, followed by drinks at the John Baird. Sounds lovely - but I doubt I'll make both. We shall see. Then I fly back to Ireland for Christmas on the 16th.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

..and I'm off again next month, flying back to London on the 5th. On the 6th of next month, I shall start as I mean to go on, with UITCS at the Almeida for the Duchess of Malfi.

On the 7th of next month, I'm off to the Opera House, for the Royal Ballet's production of Coppélia - one I've never seen.

And on the 8th of next month, the RSC's production of Measure for Measure, at the Barbican. Set in decadent 1900s Vienna.