Plays: Bleak Expectations & The Shape of Things, & Album Launch: The Devil's on the Mast

On Wednesday, I was back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) for Bleak Expectations, a Dickens-based comedy, with a different star every week, showing at the Criterion. We got Julian Clary.. I ended up going up a price band here, the cheap tickets all seemed so restricted!

Oh, what a horrendous couple of weeks it's been at work - hence the delay in the blog, I literally have been that busy. On that note, I did not have time to eat on Wednesday evening - dinner was a box of Maltesers and a glass of reasonably-priced sauvignon blanc at the theatre. We all met in the attractive Dress Circle Bar:

and chatted away until it was time to take our seats. I was fourth row from the front - someone else from the group was in my eyeline, but obligingly ducked to the side for me to take a shot of the stage!

It's a quirky stage, for a quirky play - as the blurb says, much as Dickens would have written, had he been at the gin. Julian Clary played - well, himself, except, as he pointed out, heterosexual, and a Victorian gentleman, whose own story he was supposedly narrating. It is, as you might suppose, a mishmash of various Dickens stories, with sundry Dickens quotes; a trio of siblings find themselves in trouble when their father dies, their mother goes insane, and a wicked guardian takes over, packing young Pip (the narrator's younger self) off to a suitably Dickensian boarding school, while conspiring to marry his elder sister and claim the family fortune for himself. Now, where have we heard that one before..?

It's utterly bonkers. It was exactly what I needed, but wasn't everyone's cup of tea, and one left at the interval. Be warned, it is a farce, it is exceedingly silly - but if you're cool with that, do go along, because it's a lot of fun. I, at least, had a great time! and the acting is excellent. Runs till the 3rd of September - recommended, for those who like their comedy OTT.

No time to blog afterwards - no time for a full night's sleep all week! When I came home, I was working - slept a few hours, and was back at it again..

Yesterday, back with North London Friends, for the first time in, oh, ages.. we were off to The Park, to see The Shape of Things. Different people from last time, these were some I knew before. But it's been years! Anyway, happily, this time I took time out to eat.. The Lucas Arms beckoned, and it was nice to feel human again! Caught a bus from just around the corner, and met the others, sat outside the theatre on what was an unusually nice evening, not as cold as recently. In fact, it was so nice, just sitting there, a gentle breeze blowing, that I couldn't even be bothered getting a drink beforehand..

There was a slight delay getting into the auditorium - when the usher got to scanning my ticket, her scanner - which had been playing up for ages - broke completely, and she finally gave up and let me in. I was right around the side - no photography, thank you: probably because two of the cast were already onstage.

The story is one of college students falling in love. They're interesting characters, but so far, so samey - I was wondering what made this so special.

I was to find out in the second half. Don't be fooled - this is seriously one of the best twists I've come across in a play, one of those classics that has you all talking afterwards and re-examining everything you thought you knew. I really can't say any more - except that, when they start to show things on the screen, don't worry if you're to the side, as I was - it's also shown on a small TV screen, directly opposite the main one. To reiterate - one of the best-written plots I've come across. Very highly recommended - runs till the 1st.

Afterwards - speaking of post-show discussions - we repaired to Oak, around the corner - which I haven't been to since I was last here with this group! I generally prefer New World wines, but last night found myself reverting to the sauvignon, even though it was Old World. What can I say, it is my favourite.. and an excellent chat was had, until it came time to go home. Where, of course, I was working again - not blogging, frankly, I couldn't face that on top. Anyway, lovely to see these people again! May the next time not be as long in coming.

Last night was as soon as I was able to consider what to do this evening - and I'd completely forgotten that Eleanor - of TunedIn.London and the World Music Meetup - had advertised an album launch - The Devil's on the Mast, by Cider with Kirsty (Ciderhouse Rebellion with Kirsty Merryn). At the Finnish Church. Folksy kind of music - I liked what I heard, and booked. Again, didn't really have time to eat, on what was the last working day for me, before the work deadline - I made for Pret, in the station. Sadly, not only was their main seating area closed off, but they didn't have the salmon sandwiches I love! so I went to the takeaway one, outside the door, instead, and ate my sandwich at a convenient bollard. Ah, food.. great start to the weekend.

A bit tight for time, I took the Underground, followed by the Overground, changing at Whitechapel - where, paradoxically, I had to climb down to get from the Underground to the Overground! Anyway, the sun streamed in the windows on the whole section above ground - it was a gorgeous evening to be travelling. I arrived quite early - said hi to Eleanor, took a seat near the front. Where, again, the sun streamed in the door to the garden - which was left open, allowing a lovely, cool breeze to waft over us. 

They make a lovely sound, complete with historical context - it's just a pity that the music was quite soothing, and I was fit to drop - I spent the entire concert fighting to stay awake! Absolutely no reflection on them - it's just that I could happily sleep for a week. Honestly, I was delighted that it finished a bit early - apart from giving me a bit of leeway with my evening, it meant that I could shop! which I was in dire need of. But anyway, lovely to get to another of these concerts. Even if it's a bit of a slog to get there.

And now I need to get to bed.. I have to be up in the morning.. uhh.. Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners are headed on a new walk, Rockin' in the West End! Must dig out some U2 gear.. it certainly seems as though it's gonna be t-shirt weather! Tomorrow evening, I was supposed to be having my monthly get-together with my ex-work colleagues, too - at The Lucas Arms - but two can't make it, and the other two of us have decided to wait for next month, and do it properly.

On Sunday, back with the Crick Crack Club, for Dauntless - Grace O' Malley, Pirate Queen, at the British Museum. AKA Granuaile, she was a real person.. the pirate queen of the West of Ireland, who did one better than Mary, Queen of Scots, and actually did get to meet Elizabeth I! This one isn't told by Clare Murphy, though - it's Debs Newbold. 

On Monday, taking myself off to see The Accidental Death of an Anarchist, at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. I've heard only good things..

On Tuesday, giving up on Meetup, I'm with TAC, for Mixed Omens - an improvised horror show, at the Drayton Arms.

On Wednesday, thinking film - and what's coming up is a documentary called The Pearl Button, set in Chile. Scenery looks spectacular.. this is showing in the ICA only. Wow, it's years since I was last there, too!

On Thursday, back with UITCS, for All of It, at the Royal Court. And then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.

Street Party & Concert: La Chinganera

Coming out of the cinema last night, I had a closer look at the poster on that stage in the Brunswick Centre:

Now, for tonight I had booked a livestream from the Crick Crack Club, from the Story Museum Oxford. This is King Lear Retold. However, it'll be available for a week after - so I took the opportunity, also, to book another concert with the World Music Meetup! This was La Chinganera, in the Finnish Church - and the concerts organised by Eleanor Salter Thorn of TunedIn London are always good! But gee, this event in the Brunswick Centre had the Puppini Sisters.. and looked fun, being a real party! Was supposed to be decent weather, too. Maybe I could schlep along to this for a while first..? Ah, life is complicated..

So I decided to duck out of work early, and eat at GBK again. The soundproofing must be really effective in the Brunswick Centre, because I arrived at about the time it was due to start - and could hear nothing until I was right on top of it! En route to GBK, I passed a lot of interesting people. I've often wondered at the stamina of stiltwalkers - and this guy was guarding the crown jewels - also kept complaining about having to duck under the bunting:

There was a town crier, who was absolutely hilarious as he wandered through the centre, crying the ads in the shop windows! ("Oye, oye, 3 for 2 in Pelican..", or words to that effect):

There was, um, this guy:

People making balloon animals (or something):

Anyway, I took myself off to eat - I was hungry anyway - and man, was it gorgeous. I never tire of GBK! Anyway, when I came out, as there'd been as yet no sign of the Puppini Sisters, I decided I'd head off to my concert in an hour or so. And in the meantime, I saw much else that was interesting! The shops, for instance, got in on the coronation vibes:

I finally managed a decent snap of Henry VIII and his companions - couldn't figure out which of the many women in his life these were, though!

There were some pearly folk:

..specifically, the Pearly King and Pearly Prince of Finsbury, and the Pearly Queen of Fulham! I also finally tracked down the jester:

and this guy proved most versatile:

Now, I'm guessing this is the princess from Frozen - but I am prepared to be corrected! Anyway, that'll be her Prince Charming, or whatever:

Well, after doing several circuits of the centre - and buying chocolate, and eating some of it.. there was still no sign of the Puppini Sisters. Good soundtrack over the PA, though! I was just turning to leave when the call came through for people to gather at the stage, the Sisters' arrival was "imminent". Too late, guys - I was off! On a severely packed Tube, sadly - I was so glad to disgorge myself.

Ah yes, I had been here before - I remembered the door you can't open! I even remembered the guy who let me in - he'd let me in last time, as well - hadn't changed much.. Inside, I met Eleanor, and another member of the group, which was nice! With Eleanor tending to be busy at these events, it's nice to have someone to chat to.

So - the artist was performing partly solo, partly with her partner, and sometimes with another guy who, it seems, sponsored the event! Also on stage for part of the show was Silvia Balducci, whom I'd seen at another TunedIn London event.. she's big into Chilean protest songs. This was La Chinganera's UK premiere - and poor Eleanor, as well as having to MC and organise, ended up acting as translator for much of the show, as La Chinganera wanted to say something before every song!

I was in seventh heaven - I love guitar music, I love Spanish and Latin American music, I love protest songs. Particularly powerful was her acapella singing, beating time on her guitar, or on her chest, which was very moving. So, this was a perfect wind-down to a hectic week..

Will definitely try to get back to these events - very glad I made this one! Had a lovely pastry in the cafe afterwards, with my companion - and Eleanor roped in two other group members for a photo! Lordy.. I seem to end up in a lot of those, these days. So, a lovely evening - and then I damn near lost my Oyster card on the way home - it fell out of my pocket as I walked to the bus stop, which was the first time I missed it. I retraced my steps, missed it the first time, and found it on my second pass - how lucky was that! Honestly, it'd be a nuisance to replace.. And so, I got a comfy couple of buses home.

Tomorrow, back to Ireland for the coronation weekend. For Saturday (post-coronation), the film is looking like Missing - now, this does look interesting. Taking place almost entirely online, it concerns a teenage girl's efforts to find her mother, who's gone missing on holiday abroad. I do love techy films.. and this has one of the same writers as Searching, an excellent film on the same lines, about a father looking for his missing teenage daughter. In fact, apparently, this film starts with footage based on that film..

For Sunday (given that, with a coronation bank holiday, I have an extra day again), the film is like to be The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, one of those eccentric British comedies, in which Harold (Jim Broadbent) is distressed to hear that his good friend is dying. He's going to post her a letter - but instead, decides to hand deliver it. His wife (Penelope Wilton) is less than impressed, considering she's at the other end of the country.. based on a book. Anyway, both showing in Ennis.

On Tuesday, back in London, I'm - heh - thinking of film again. Now, that film listings site is, as established, a nightmare - but I have a choice of two; there's Pamfir, which is Ukrainian, and The Blue Caftan, which is Moroccan. Both showing in my local cinema (how else would I even know they existed..?). Anyway, we'll see - both rated the same at the moment, but straightaway, Pamfir looks more interesting to me, set in dense forests swirling with mist, and lying somewhere on the border between fact and fantasy.. With additional films announced, I see Little Richard: I Am Everything is rated the same - it's a documentary. But I have little interest in him, and frankly, I don't feel like going all the way to the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith to see it!

On Wednesday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats, for Retrograde, in the Kiln. Based on Sidney Poitier, and what he had to do to become a star, it seems.. Now, this is from the same writer as For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy. Which I hated. So I'm taking a risk.

And next Thursday, I'm back with The Hideout: Horror Sci-Fi Club London, for wine tasting followed by comedy (hmm..) in La Pizzica restaurant. Could be interesting..

Concert: Sounds of Sudan

Tonight, I was thinking film again - but another late listing had the World Music Meetup (WMM) advertising Sounds of Sudan, at St. Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace. At a time when Sudan is in the news for all the wrong reasons, this sounded a lovely concert by Sudanese artist Mo Sarrar. So I booked for that.

Not much choice for eating around there, so I ate at The Lucas Arms - where she started pouring my drink the minute she saw me! "Psychic", as I remarked to her - and yum, my meal was gorgeous as ever. With not much custom, I was served quickly, and left quickly - which was as well, considering the buses were playing up again. The #46 stopped one stop early (without warning), so I had to change - that bus stop is closed because of road works, a temporary one erected a few feet away.. and Google Maps was of the opinion I should get off the next bus one stop too early; just as well I used to live around here, and know the area! So, I came safely to my destination - where they weren't quite ready, so directed us to the waiting "yurt":

It's a lovely space, a large, empty, circular room encircled by a comfy sofa, with cushions - each of the windows has the word "peace" written in a different language. It filled up in due course - including a family with the cutest little boy, who was just learning to walk, and wasn't happy unless he was investigating everyone in the room. He developed a fascination with one old lady's crutch, which I got a slight belt of at one point - no harm done! And he provided endless entertainment for the quite extended time we were in there - not sure what the problem was, but they were quite late in coming to tell us we could go in.

When we filed in, it still took ages before they were ready. And even as they played (two artists called Mo, I didn't get the other guy's name), they spent long periods between songs trying to decide what to play! I mean, I get it that they're perhaps not so used to performing - Mo Sarrar has apparently accompanied other artists there, but it was his first time headlining. But jeez, you'd think they'd have some idea, right? Otherwise, why agree to perform..?

I'd as rather have never heard them at all. You know when you hear music that's a kind of mash-up of pop and traditional? the kind of pop you tend to hear in parts of the world not really known for their contribution to pop on a global scale? Yeah, that's exactly what occurred to me as I endured this. The guy has a good voice - it's just his musical choice.. Now, beforehand, the MC asked who in the room was Sudanese, and a number of folks raised their hands - including that old lady, sitting next to me at the concert. And, to be fair, they loved it - she, in particular, was really jiving to it. Me, I couldn't wait to get out of there. It didn't help that the toddler and his family were behind us, and for goodness' sake, I know he's cute, but they were playing cartoons to keep him distracted (with the sound up!), and chatting amongst themselves - if I had been enjoying the concert, I'd really have been pissed off.

As it was, I was out of my seat like a greyhound at the interval. As I made my way out, the MC remarked that, if there were any WMM members in the room who wanted to meet, they could, um, meet by the lights over there.. you what? Yeah, I really fancied standing by the lights like a lemming. I do wonder whether she organised this Meetup.. I didn't ask. Just made my way home - although I forgot to doubt Google Maps, and they had me getting off a stop early again. What, are they trying to get me to exercise? (much like my flatmate, who unbeknownst to me was sat behind me on the bus home, and deliberately got off a stop early.. must be for exercise, there's nothing to do on the way! You wouldn't mind, but she's so thin she could actually pass for the Slender Man in a horror film..) Ah well, at least I got home early.

Tomorrow, again, loads of stuff on Meetup - but two of my groups are running events that would interest me, but are sold out. The Horror Book Club, meantime, is reading The Yellow Wallpaper - a novella that I found on Kindle, and downloaded a free sample for. Mind you, it came as part of a collection.. and is so short that its entirety was included in the free sample! so I read the whole thing in half an hour. How different from our last assignment.. I wasn't that keen on it - although the ending is good. So I'll probably head to yet another film that night. That blasted film listings site still has, as of now, partial listings up for it. Frankly, they're taking the mickey now. So - subject to change, as so many films are listed with the caveat "no information available at the moment" - tomorrow's film is looking like How to Blow Up a Pipeline, the fictional account of climate activists attacking a pipeline in Texas. Showing in my local cinema - not that the listings site let me in on that secret, but from experience, I tried the cinema website myself directly.. only today did they finally concede it's on there!

On Thursday, I booked a livestream from the Crick Crack Club, from the Story Museum Oxford. This is King Lear Retold. However, these tend to be available for a week after - so I've taken the opportunity, also, to book another concert with the WMM! This is La Chinganera, in the Finnish Church - and the concerts organised by Eleanor Salter Thorn of TunedIn London are always good!

Then back to Ireland for the coronation weekend. For Saturday (post-coronation), the film is looking like Missing - now, this does look interesting. Taking place almost entirely online, it concerns a teenage girl's efforts to find her mother, who's gone missing on holiday abroad. I do love techy films.. and this has one of the same writers as Searching, an excellent film on the same lines, about a father looking for his missing teenage daughter. In fact, apparently, this film starts with footage based on that film..

For Sunday (given that, with a coronation bank holiday, I have an extra day again), the film is like to be The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, one of those eccentric British comedies, in which Harold (Jim Broadbent) is distressed to hear that his good friend is dying. He's going to post her a letter - but instead, decides to hand deliver it. His wife (Penelope Wilton) is less than impressed, considering she's at the other end of the country.. based on a book. Anyway, both showing in Ennis.

Next Tuesday, back in London, I'm - heh - thinking of film again. Now, that film listings site is, as established, a nightmare - but I have a choice of two; there's Pamfir, which is Ukrainian, and The Blue Caftan, which is Moroccan. Both showing in my local cinema (how else would I even know they existed..?). Anyway, we'll see - both rated the same at the moment, but straightaway, Pamfir looks more interesting to me, set in dense forests swirling with mist, and lying somewhere on the border between fact and fantasy..

On the 10th, back with Up in the Cheap Seats, for Retrograde, in the Kiln. Based on Sidney Poitier, and what he had to do to become a star, it seems.. Now, this is from the same writer as For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy. Which I hated. So I'm taking a risk.

And on the 11th, I'm back with The Hideout: Horror Sci-Fi Club London, for wine tasting followed by comedy (hmm..) in La Pizzica restaurant. Could be interesting..

Concert: Iranian Music

Tonight - not so much appealed on Meetup. Free Stuff and Free Events did have Free Community Singing with Ros Hone and the Global Fusion Sound Singers, which you could attend on Zoom, or in person at Fossdene School Community Hall. Which sounded just fine - except that this is the sort of thing I keep cancelling! So I decided not to confirm until nearer the time. Which is just as well, because - pretty last-minute - Eleanor Salter Thorn, from Tuned In London, just a short while ago advertised an evening of Iranian music with Shahab Azinmehr, with the World Music Meetup. I adore this kind of music - and for once, it wasn't all the way out in Rotherhithe! It's just such a trek.. no, this was in St. Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace. Which, ironically, is just down the road from where I last lived.. anyway, much closer to me than usual for these concerts! Refugees and asylum seekers got free tickets.

I ate in The Lucas Arms, being convenient - there isn't much around where I was going. We'd been asked, during the day, to get there early - in the event, I got there before it opened at all! which was a tad inconvenient, in the cold. Happily, they did open for us a few minutes early. And it's lovely - renovated after an IRA bombing, it now boasts many Arabic influences in its courtyard:

Interestingly, they have a yurt behind this wall!

We had to wait a little while, and then we had our names checked, and could get in from the cold! Seating is unreserved:

I was the first of the group there - and when the organiser arrived, she was the last of the group there! Several had signed up to come, but it seems as though I was the only one to realise you had to buy a ticket - and now it was sold out. Happily, it turned out, it was also livestreamed.

As the MC established, the crowd was full of Iranians! Shahab Azinmehr took some time to explain to us some of the principles of Iranian music - but mostly, it was just a lovely, soothing evening of him on the sitar, accompanied by Fariborz Kiani on percussion.. Gorgeous. I don't hear enough of it, and I do look forward to more Meetups like this - so different from offerings by other groups. Nice, spiced apple drink available at the interval too. I hadn't realised, but there is actually a series of concerts here, called Listen to the World.. I can't seem to find information online, but doubtless I'll hear more in due course. And, with buses appearing without delay to whisk me home, I was back nice and early!

Tomorrow - back with the Crick Crack Club, woohoo! for Goddesses in the Garden, at the Chelsea Physic Garden. Features my favourite, Clare Murphy, along with Sarah Liisa Wilkinson, Laura Sampson, and Xanthe Gresham. Now, it's been so cold this week that I was worried - especially when I checked tomorrow's weather forecast, which is for unremitting snow! But upon closer inspection, I see it's indoors, phew! They have a gallery, it seems. Gee, I had visions of us all turning into ice sculptures.. Anyway, turns out this is now sold out, too.

On Thursday, my final booking - for the week - with Up in the Cheap Seats, for Brilliant Jerks at Southwark Playhouse. And wouldn't you know it, I still had credit on my Pay as you Go subscription, so got it for free!

And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again. Now that the film listings are finally out for there, at the top of the list is one I hadn't heard of. My Sailor, My Love is an Irish, geriatric love story - a crusty old ex-sailor is looked after by his daughter, who gets in a housekeeper (Brid Brennan, looking a lot older than when I last saw her, in Brooklyn). The last thing she's expecting is for them to fall in love..

Cart Marking Ceremony, Play: 9 Circles, & Concert: Double Bill - Silvia Balducci & Adam Beattie

Last Saturday, I had booked with Discover London (DL) for a trip to see a cart marking ceremony. The bus made excellent time - which was just as well, as I checked the event page en route, only to discover that I needed cash! Had forgotten that. Well, when I got off, I had some time, and consulted Google Maps for the nearest ATMs.

HAH! The three nearest locations it sent me to - no sign of an ATM. Banks, banks everywhere, and nary a sign of cash. I finally gave up and joined the group, outside the Royal Exchange. Upon hearing my predicament, the guide directed me to the Natwest on the adjacent junction - and lo, I had cash at last! Honestly..

Now, this cart marking ceremony goes on for a bit, and how it works is that all the vehicles to be marked (an early form of licensing) are introduced to a delegation of grandees in a marquee in front of the Guildhall. Each is accompanied by a little blurb from the announcer - because each has something unique about it. Then each returns for a kind of lap of honour. So, as long as you arrive during the initial lap, where the vehicles are marked, you're guaranteed at least to see everything, even if you miss some of the descriptions. And so, our guide had wisely decided not to keep us there for the whole thing - particularly considering the likelihood that we wouldn't get a seat.

Instead, we had a brief history tour of the area! Talked about the buildings to be found, spoke a bit about the history of the guilds - and then off we went to the Guildhall, where we found a shady spot to stand near the entrance, from which to observe proceedings.

Some of the older vehicles seemed a bit small for purpose!

Not all the vehicles were motorised:

But wow, of all the horses pulling carriages of various sorts, this pair completely stole the show: breathtaking..

Another striking note was set by the vehicles used to bring aid to Ukraine:

Afterwards, the guide took us up to the viewing gallery on One New Change - where some people ate sandwiches they'd brought. Me, I needed to eat, imminently - the rooftop restaurant requires reservations, which are checked at ground level before you take the lift. Not to mention the price. So I just went downstairs with another of the group, and we pretty much ate in the first place we came to. Which happened to be Zizzi's! I know, I said never again, after the last time.. but actually, it was quite nice! The garlic bread was too salty, as usual, and there was too much, but the chicken escalope had a lovely, lemony zing. So I finally found something I like there! Must just remember to stay away from anything with tomato sauce - for this dish, it came on the side. And the wine helped everything down! Had a lovely chat with my companion too - sadly, no time for dessert.

Just last week, I saw a new ad from Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) - sounded good, 9 Circles - a psychological thriller that examines the ethics of war - at the Park Theatre, with lunch beforehand in Palmyra's Kitchen, around the corner. I'd originally agreed to lunch, but the way things panned out, of course I cancelled. Hightailed it over there after Zizzi's - Tube was the only way to get there fast enough. This was my first look at what they've done to the environs of Finsbury Park Tube Station - very impressive approach now! And I joined the group just as the house opened - so, just enough time to say hi. Seating was unassigned - I got a drink, and joined them.

A circular stage - kind of like a (small) circus ring. At the beginning of each new scene, a narrator explains to us what number circle (of hell) we're on, gives it a name - there are, of course, nine altogether. The protagonist, we discover, is an American "grunt" - as he says himself - stationed in Iraq during the war. We first meet him being (honourably) discharged - and none too happy about it. There's a lot of "SIR, YESSIR!" - now, and throughout. Quite loud then, in what is a small space - the smaller of the theatres here. Only four actors in all, and this "grunt" is onstage constantly, changing clothes when necessary, as the story jumps back and forth through the last year or so of his life.

His whole story slowly unfolds - and it's not a pretty picture. Something happened in Iraq that led to him being discharged, and has ongoing repercussions - it's not too much of a spoiler to mention that one of our group objected to both war crimes and the death penalty being highlighted in the same play - felt, with some justification, I think, that it was too much to hang the play on both. The group also felt, afterwards, that the play is mis-advertised - that it isn't a thriller. I suppose the "thriller" element comes in trying to figure out what really happened, as well as what this guy's fate will be.

Certainly, it's very intense, and very well-acted - the lead actor is compelling. This isn't an easy watch, but is very well-staged, with plenty of eye contact with the audience, and some clever manipulation of the space. It's based on a true story - in which the play's lead character comes across much more unfavourably than here - and much is explained in an interview that the lead actor conducted in advance of the play's run in Edinburgh. My opinion? Well, the death penalty element doesn't appear in the true story, and is an addition. And I think it does confuse the issue, given the emphasis that is also put on the crime that was committed. True, in this case the writer seems to be conducting two arguments - which is one too many. Definitely an interesting production though - only runs until Saturday, so run if you want to see it.

And of course Eleanor, organiser of TunedIn London, advertised a concert through the World Music Meetup, for last Saturday evening, at City Hope Church. It was still a little early - wondering what to do before I headed out there, I was ethused by someone's suggestion of ice cream. Had some trouble finding any, though - although the theatre had them upstairs, there was no service there, and the fridge didn't even look to be on. No ice cream downstairs - and few enough places outside. It wasn't until I consulted Google Maps again that I was alerted to Creams Cafe, which I hadn't even noticed!

Perfect - I went in. My God, how understaffed they were, though! I was waiting so long to order that I took a seat intended for people waiting for takeaways - it was several minutes before the unsmiling woman behind the till took my order. First, she had to make three milkshakes - or some such - and take them to a table. I don't know what the other people working behind the counter were doing during this time. Anyway, she finally did give me what I wanted - and in this large cafe, I took one of only two tables that were actually empty of the remains of other people's food. The ice cream itself was perfect, just what I needed - but I was halfway through before the woman came out from behind the till and started to clear the tables. I don't know whether that was on account of the sudden apparition of someone else behind the till, or the arriving customers' complaints. But it was past time.

Picked up a bottle of lemonade before I headed to the concert - it was already getting hot enough to need something, and I had to take the Tube again, it's so far. First time I've taken the Tube to Bermondsey - crikey, the station is the size of the one at the O2, or Canary Wharf! Anyway, I strolled down to the church, said hi to Eleanor, who was taking names. Gosh, it's years since I've seen her! Had a drink in the bar, which was cash only - just as well I had it, from that morning. And while I was drinking it, I was accompanied by a fellow who turned out to be something to do with the evening.

You see, this was in memory of Ada Salter, a well-to-do woman who moved to what was then the slum area of Bermondsey, and was a great social pioneer, working to improve the lot of those who lived there. The chap who'd sat with me in the bar had written her biography. Anyway, so first up we had Silvia Balducci, singing Latin American protest songs - including the first I'd heard by Víctor Jara, whom I first heard of in a U2 song.

Unfortunately, she couldn't play everything she wanted to play, as they started late. Anyway, after the break, we had Adam Beattie and friends, for - as they said - a complete change of tempo; this was a relaxed, jazzy set, during which he eventually unplugged his guitar and wandered through the audience as he sang! Nearly tripped over someone en route, but hey. It wasn't me.

A lovely evening, as ever with the events this group schedules! Sadly, again, time got the better of them - I guess they were conscious of the neighbours, in this residential area. I managed to get buses back, what with not having to go quite as far, and the lighter traffic - and to memorise my route before my phone battery gave out! After all, it was nearly as busy that day as I was.. Again, no time to blog, as I had to be up early.

Yesterday, back with Bucket List London (BLL) - this time, it was a trip to Sandown Antiques Market. Well, I'd never been to Sandown, so decided this could be interesting. Crikey though, with the temperatures forecast for this weekend, I'd have to be careful in the great outdoors..

(This event is described in today's post Part III - simply because I ran out of space for all the labels I wanted to add!)

Tonight, back with North London Friends! for the first time since before lockdown. This is for an Edinburgh Comedy Festival preview, at the King's Head in Crouch End, featuring Lucy Porter and Rachel Fairburn.

Tomorrow.. I took a punt that I wouldn't actually be employed that day, and signed up again - at last - for a walk with Laurence and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners. This is The Magic of Midtown - and as I said to him, it finishes very near my new home! I also promised to let him know if I couldn't actually make it. Another day predicted to be scorching.. shade recommended! And wouldn't you know it - he postponed it, as a result. So now, instead, I'm headed with London Baroque Music Lovers to a late-night gig at the Albert Hall - Prom 7 is Dido and Aeneas. Can hide indoors until evening.

On Wednesday, I finish my Meetup run with a trip with UITCS to Leicester Square Theatre to see Frankie Boyle, who has a work in progress show.

On Thursday, I'm heading - at last - to Summer by the River at More London. This is for a free evening of music, curated by Soho Radio. Meeting someone for this, we are getting food beforehand at Wawa - she's keen on ramen. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend. Unlikely to get to a film that weekend, as I need to get my car serviced for its NCT - sooner the better, and I couldn't last weekend.

On the 25th, I'm headed to see The Throne, a comedy about to open at Charing Cross Theatre, in which the Queen gets locked in a portaloo with a staunch republican. Time Out has an offer of £10 tickets for the cheapest seats for this - a saving of more than 50%!

On the 26th - tan-ta-ra! I finally managed to get a decently priced ticket to Jerusalem, at the Apollo. I have heard so much about this, and it's always at the top of the Time Out listings - nearly as hard as Hamilton to get a reasonably priced ticket for, so I'm delighted to get one, if only not to have to look any more.

On the 27th, back to Summer by the River again.. for Bumper Blyton: Improvised Adventures for Grown-Ups! Improvised comedy in the style of Enid Blyton books.. sounds jolly good!

On the 28th - another UITCS event that Meetup finally decided to flag to me. So I've booked to go with them to see Briefs Factory's show, Bite Club! at Queen Elizabeth Hall. Drag, burlesque.. should be fun!

On the 29th, I was thinking about the National Theatre's River Stage 2022. This will be the first night of the Hackney Empire's Young Producers Weekend, and there'll be some dance and some music. But now, Civilised London has organised an Ecuadorian meal at El Inca Plebeyo - so I'm going to that instead. His choices are always good. Meeting beforehand at The Canonbury Tavern.

On the 30th, back in Greenwich with BLL - we're starting with the Old Royal Naval College and National Maritime Museum. Was originally supposed to be the Queen's House to finish, but turns out they're booked out all day for a wedding, despite not having clarified that on the website! Then in the afternoon, we're headed to Eltham Palace and Gardens. Quite the packed day..

On the 31st, 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!

On the 1st, 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..!

And on the 2nd, 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, Laurence has postponed that walk to this day. Which I can go on as well, assuming I'm not gainfully employed yet..!