Comedy: So You Think You're Funny?

Tonight, I was at comedy again - not free this time, it was on a £3.60 ticket; I went to see So You Think You're Funny, at the Slug and Lettuce on Chicheley Street. This is an actual competition, which I figured might up the quality a bit - the semifinals are in Edinburgh. And the closest location that was on their list, which is usually how I choose my events with them..

Now, I hadn't been here before, and was delighted to see I could walk from the office. No rush, either, with the show not starting till 8. And off I strolled, at about 7:15. Lovely evening for it - mind you, as I crossed the bridge, I had a moment where I was glad it was a footbridge, following the recent terrorist attacks where vehicles were driven into pedestrians on London bridges. Just a moment, but it shook me a little. True what they say - you can't let them stop you living your life.

The pub turned out to be easy to find; just cross to the other side of Jubilee Gardens and head down the road that runs perpendicular - that's Chicheley Street, and the pub's on the right. With several signs to direct you to the main door. Conveniently, there was a notice on the main door to say that the So You Think You're Funny heat would be starting at 8, and the doors opening at 7:45. Didn't say what doors, though. It was nearly that now.. I entered the ground floor bar. Nice decor. Had a look around, figured the comedy would probably be downstairs, where the sign indicated extra seating, and toilets. Went down - yep. They weren't quite open yet though, which gave me time to head back upstairs for a drink. Just in case the downstairs bar wasn't open. Very reasonably priced it was, too.

Back downstairs, they still weren't quite ready, and by now a queue was snaking up the stairs. But it wasn't long after that. I didn't need to show the man anything - my name was on the list, and we near the front of the queue were encouraged to take the tables at the front; there were also rows of seats. A decent-sized crowd, in the end - one of the acts said he'd counted, and there were 43. And no, the downstairs bar wasn't open.

So - two sets, one with five performers, one with four. No more than seven minutes each, and an mc. Who, in the time-honoured tradition of comedy mcs everywhere, got us whoopin' and hollerin' so hard that it was virtually impossible to hear anyone's name. So I really have no idea who performed, since I had never seen any of them before - this is a competition for newbies (one year or less performing). A couple of them had decent material, but really dull delivery. They were on early - they kept the better acts for later. One guy.. jeez, it was his first time ever performing, and he died so badly it was hilarious! Well done, that man. Highlights of the first set, though - both with quite polished sets - were the woman who told us all about online dating, and the guy who fiddled around with the song Mandy.. the chorus was now "Oh, Brexit!"

A short and snappy interval, and we finally came to the friend of the banking software engineers sat in front of me (the mc was kind enough to find that much out for us). A nice, thick Glaswegian accent there. And there was a fella with a "feral" Irish granny, who I'm sure would've been delighted at being the star of his set. A wee lass who'd considered being a nun (because she had a phobia about speaking), and a long-haired chap from Mauritania, who kept being mistaken for a girl from behind. No audience vote - I think they probably filmed them and decided from all the heats. And yes.. this was the highest standard I've seen in a while. Yay!

A trip to the poshest toilets I've seen in a while:

..and back nicely early, to a lovely sunset:

Tomorrow, I'd booked for free comedy ("Hecklers' Edition") with Random London. Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith Wimbledon and Greenwich, London Live Comedy, Hammersmith & Fulham Friends, and DiscoverLDN.UK (three times!!) have also advertised it. But you know, there are a few interesting Funzing talks on that night. Courtesy of London Speaks Sessions and LDN Talks@ Night. Or I might have gone to a film. But I wasn't enthused about tomorrow's offerings, and then the organiser of Kensington Classical Music invited me to a concert, in Mayfair - drinks before and a drinks and canapés reception after. It's all very secret - invitation only, and I pay her on the night. Dress code - smart casual. Ooh-err.. what have I gotten myself into now?! A clothes hunt, is what..!

On Wednesday, it was originally supposed to be free comedy again - Random London, Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith Wimbledon and Greenwich, and London Live Comedy were advertising a "Cooking Edition", for which I'd booked. But then I booked a Funzing talk, with those two above-mentioned Funzing groups - ExMI5 Agent Talks Russian Hacking. I got a discount of 30%. (That code's now expired, mind.. but you can usually get 10% off with "Fun_Week10".) And Helen's coming too. We can eat at the venue.

On Thursday, some more storytelling with the Crick Crack Club. Nick Hennessy is telling the story of The Ruined House of Skin - an Irish one, which I've heard before, but he's one of the best on the circuit, and always worth going to. Now, this is on at the Arthouse in Crouch End again, and after the debacle the last time, with no confirmation email from them, I checked - and don't have one for this either! So, when I was up there the last time, I asked them to print out my receipt, which I've been holding onto carefully ever since.

On Friday, London Dramatic Arts is seeing Gloria in Hampstead Theatre - and since they're getting us to buy our own tickets for once, so am I! Pulitzer-Prize-winning, apparently.

And on Saturday, I had my eye on Day Trips from London, who are headed on a Lulworth Cove Heritage Site, Corfe Castle Village + Warhead Quay Day Trip. But I was busy when the email came through to advertise it, and wouldn't you know it, by the time I got around to it, it had booked out! Always popular, it seems. Never mind - while I was at Soho Theatre the other night, I was facing the screen advertising future events, and what should I see but that Andrew Maxwell is performing a run there, ending that day. Now, I saw him live once before, and he was fall-off-your-seat hilarious! So I've booked. So much for my Westminster Residents' Card though, which is supposed to give £1 off at this venue - there was no mention of it when I came to book! Bah humbug.. Well, at least it means I can have a lie-in on Saturday..

Opera: Il Matrimonio Secreto

For last night, I was supposed to be going to - ahem - free comedy in Hammersmith. With Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith Wimbledon and Greenwich, Random London, London Live Comedy, Hammersmith & Fulham Friends, and DiscoverLDN.UK. However - well, you know how un-keen I am on these. And they couldn't even seem to agree who was headlining. So I was only delighted when the London European Club (LEC) advertised pop-up opera for last night! Ah now, that was one of the Man with the Hat's summer staples. And this one, in St. Mary's Islington, was free (and included a free glass of wine!) .. Part of the Soul in the City Festival. The organiser, Patty, advertised it as two separate events, accidentally.

I may have been headed north three nights in a row, but it's been getting progressively easier. Last night, I did't even have to rush - just up the road, I could catch either the 19 or the 38, which go right past the church. And wouldn't you know it, the 38 followed me up the road. A relaxed journey got me to Islington - and at Angel, a diversion was announced. A quick look at my map revealed that I was only seven minutes' walk away, and I had time - so I decided that was the wiser option. There were, indeed, roadworks ahead - mind you, the diversion announcement was a bit premature, considering that the bus continued for at least one stop more.

I'd wondered whether I'd ever actually been inside St. Mary's before - and as it happens, no, I hadn't! I've just passed it so many times, used it as a landmark - on a recent guided walk, we stood in the porch to escape the rain while our guide told us about the area. And oh, it was lovely:

The place was filling up, but our group had the front four pews on the left. Mind you, that was as far as the social element went.. it turned out that Patty was also one of the organisers of the Soul in the City festival, which was obviously her priority, and why she'd invited us along. I don't know whether she wasn't interested in getting to know her attendees, or whether it just hadn't occurred to her that she should, but she showed no earthly interest in us for the whole evening, just chatting to the people in the front. The whole group, in fact, were engrossed in their own, private conversations - very unlike the LEC meeting on Tuesday, with Henning. And an unusual experience for me at Pop-Up Opera, where I'm so used to being looked after by the Man with the Hat, who always tried to make sure everyone felt included. He's a sad loss, indeed..

But the opera itself was, as ever, an absolute delight. It was obvious that few around me knew what to expect, and the irreverent staging and hilarious captions entertained them royally! as did the topical political references. Indeed, the woman in front of me, who'd never been to the opera at all before, had a whale of a time. It is a great introduction to opera - I just hope she doesn't expect all productions to be like this.. It is a unique experience, to have someone burst into an aria right beside your ear.

The interval saw them provide us with small glasses of wine - there was also beer, and soft drinks. The white wine was rather sweet, but quite nice - and I don't know how they managed to have some left over, but when someone came around and offered me a top-up, I gratefully accepted. Not even at the interval was there a chance to meet the group - they all vanished into the crowd at the drinks table, I couldn't see Patty, and I didn't know anyone else. When the show ended, I legged it. I had trouble finding my way to the other side of the church, with Google Maps directing me down all sorts of laneways that were either blocked off completely, or just scary. And as I finally found a road I could take, it started to pour rain - the bus arrived as I did, and she didn't see me, closing the door after the other guy got on; I was lucky I caught her attention before she drove off.

And on the way home, a passenger who'd just got on expressed to the driver the hope that Labour would win. Seeing the result today - well, they didn't, but they scored a kind of victory. This evening, I'm out of the madness and back to Ireland for the weekend. On Monday, I'm at comedy again - not free this time, it's on a £3.60 ticket - I'm going to see So You Think You're Funny, at the Slug and Lettuce on Chicheley Street. And this is an actual competition, which might up the quality a bit.

On Tuesday, I'd booked for free comedy ("Hecklers' Edition") with Random London. Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith Wimbledon and Greenwich, London Live Comedy, Hammersmith & Fulham Friends, and DiscoverLDN.UK have also advertised it. But you know, there are a few interesting Funzing talks on that night. Courtesy of London Speaks Sessions and LDN Talks@ Night. Or I might have gone to a film. But I wasn't enthused about next week's offerings either, and now the organiser of Kensington Classical Music has  invited me to a concert, in Mayfair - drinks before and a drinks and canapés reception after. It's all very secret - invitation only, and I pay her on the night. Dress code - smart casual. Ooh-err.. what have I gotten myself into now?!

On Wednesday, it was originally supposed to be free comedy again - Random London, Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith Wimbledon and Greenwich, and London Live Comedy were advertising a "Cooking Edition", for which I'd booked. But then I booked a Funzing talk, with those two above-mentioned Funzing groups - ExMI5 Agent Talks Russian Hacking. I got a discount of 30%. (That code's now expired, mind.. but you can usually get 10% off with "Fun_Week10".) And Helen's coming too. We can eat at the venue.

On Thursday, some more traditional storytelling with the Crick Crack Club. Nick Hennessy is telling the story of The Ruined House of Skin - an Irish one, which I've heard before, but he's one of the best on the circuit, and always worth going to. Now, this is on at the Arthouse in Crouch End again, and after the debacle the last time, with no confirmation email from them, I checked - and don't have one for this either! So, when I was up there the last time, I asked them to print out my receipt, which I've been holding onto carefully ever since.

Next Friday, London Dramatic Arts is seeing Gloria in Hampstead Theatre - and since they're getting us to buy our own tickets for once, so am I! Pulitzer-Prize-winning, apparently.

And on the 17th, I had my eye on Day Trips from London, who are headed on a Lulworth Cove Heritage Site, Corfe Castle Village + Warhead Quay Day Trip. But I was busy when the email came through to advertise it, and wouldn't you know it, by the time I got around to it, it had booked out! Always popular, it seems. Never mind - while I was at Soho Theatre the other night, I was facing the screen advertising future events, and what should I see but that Andrew Maxwell is performing a run there, ending that day. Now, I saw him live once before, and he was fall-off-your-seat hilarious! So I've booked. So much for my Westminster Residents' Card though, which is supposed to give £1 off at this venue - there was no mention of it when I came to book! Bah humbug..

Podcast: The Unseen Hour

Last night was looking like a film. But I wasn't that enthused about the offerings, and lo, during Monday's corporate-speak meeting, I was saved.. I'm a member of a couple of cheap ticket sites, whose names I can't divulge over social media. But anyway, both sites offer £3 tickets to shows (apart from this one, which has started to charge VAT, so they're now £3.60). Still cheaper than official tickets. Anyway, they were now selling tickets to a horror-comedy live podcast broadcast called The Unseen Hour, at the Rosemary Branch Theatre, last night. O lovely, said I, and booked asap. Much closer than the night before, thank goodness!

I could get a 38 bus straight there. Yeah.. I could if I left on time. But, see, I was doing the film list for Tuesday.. So, by the time I left, it was too late for the bus. Damn - it'd be Tube and bus now. And thus began one of the more stressful journeys I've had in all my time in London (although it actually worked out quite well). Galloping up Charing Cross Road, I decided to cross with another woman - not at a crossing, so I was keeping an eye on the traffic. So I nearly came a cropper when I tripped over a bump in the road. Passed a 38 on my way - nah, I'd never make it by bus alone, now - and they wouldn't start a recording late.

My Tube was supposed to leave at 7:30 - Lordy, I'd never make it! They never do factor the time to navigate tube stations into travel times, you know.. anyway, it turned out my Tube had been delayed until 7:32, and just whooshed to the platform as I arrived. Hallelujah, I even got a seat! Four stops to Bank - the easiest Tube station to get lost in, with four separate lines, nine entrances/exits, and seven streets to choose from when you get out. Mind you, my first problem was getting off the train - I finally understand the significance of the phrase "Mind the gap!" A yawning chasm had to be stepped over as I got off the back of the train - this was the worst I've ever seen.. and some gaps further up the train were worse.  Indeed, an article identifies these as the worst gaps on the network.. 375mm. Goodee.

Safely on the platform, I had to find the best way out. Up the escalator behind two women in stilettos - have there been many more impractical items of clothing? They teetered the whole way up - at least the damn heels didn't get stuck in the gratings! I checked my phone for the street I wanted - Princes Street. No signs for that, of course - but with not much time to catch the bus, I didn't have time to search properly. Saw a sign for Poultry (Exit 9) - checked the map: that'd do. And whom should I be stuck behind but those blasted women in stilettos again, who'd been joined by accompanying men - at least they could lean on them. I couldn't pass them, with the crowds.

Finally got past them on the stairs to the street. Looked around me - no sign of Princes Street, of course.. I made a quick estimate where it should be, and just handily made the crossing light. At the corner, passed the Underground exit I should have taken - no idea what number it is. And lo, there was my bus stop! The handy indicator told me there was one due shortly, and when it came, I could sit down and relax.

Well, not really - not with all the traffic delays. We stopped at every traffic light, and were frequently stopped for no apparent reason. Oh no.. and I was looking forward to this show. I finally realised I wasn't going to make it for 8 - maybe 5 past would be ok? The traffic eased as we got out of town and closer to my destination - when I got off, I dashed up the road, another woman running right in front of me. Was she going to the same place, I wondered? Nope, she turned into a house further up - maybe there was something unmissable on the telly. Anyway, I'd given up running by now - it isn't something I do very often - and at the top of the road, there was The Rosemary Branch, just across the way.

In the door, and no sign where to go. The only barman was busy, and I figured my best bet was to try the door with the "Theatre" sign overhead. Inside, there was a (very dark) stairway - as I started to climb, I met a woman coming down with a clipboard. "Oh, hi!" she exclaimed, moving back out of my way. "Would I possibly be on time?" I laughed. "Of course!" she reassured me. "They're just dealing with technical issues." Phew - I went where she pointed, saw the steps into the recording.. room, went in and took a seat - the seats were hard chairs, with cushions.

So, The Unseen Hour, which has been running for a little while, takes about half an hour to record. We sat through two episodes - seven and eight. Three regular actors, it seems, using the props you commonly associate with radio broadcasts - there was a hotel bell, a plastic bag and a crisp bag to rustle, two cardboard coffee cups attached by string (used to represent the voice on the other end of a phone). There was an old-fashioned phone, for phone noises. Things to rattle. And wooden blocks to emphasise the sound of steps.

It seems that each episode includes a bit of comedy, which they supply, a scary story, read by a guest actor, and a musical interlude, with guest performers. Scripts are prepared in advance, of course. And they're all very good - actors and musicians both. I didn't find the scripts terribly funny - or terribly scary. I wouldn't be rushing out to listen to the episodes. But it was good fun to watch. After trying to hold the banister on the way down - oddly wrapped in prickly stuff, ow - I missed the last step in the dark. Great! At least I wasn't hurt. And I got a bus straight home - just in time to miss one, still there was another along just after. And I was home in time to have dinner, first time this week! Didn't pass the office on the way though, where my laptop lives, so no blog till now.

For tonight, I was supposed to be going to - ahem - free comedy in Hammersmith. With Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith Wimbledon and Greenwich, Random London, London Live Comedy, Hammersmith & Fulham Friends, and DiscoverLDN.UK. However - well, you know how un-keen I am on these. And they couldn't even seem to agree who was headlining. So I was only delighted when - also during that meeting - the London European Club (LEC) advertised pop-up opera for tonight! Ah now, that was one of the Man with the Hat's summer staples. And this one, in St. Mary's Islington, is free (and includes a free glass of wine!) .. Part of the Soul in the City Festival. Advertised by two separate LEC groups, it seems, only one of which has included the booking link!

Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend. On Monday, I'm at comedy again - not free this time, it's on a £3.60 ticket - I'm going to see So You Think You're Funny, at the Slug and Lettuce on Chicheley Street. And this is an actual competition, which might up the quality a bit.

On Tuesday, I'd booked for free comedy ("Hecklers' Edition") with Random London. Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith Wimbledon and Greenwich, London Live Comedy, Hammersmith & Fulham Friends, and DiscoverLDN.UK have also advertised it. But you know, there are a few interesting Funzing talks on that night. Courtesy of London Speaks Sessions and LDN Talks@ Night. Or I might have gone to a film. But I wasn't enthused about next week's offerings either, and now the organiser of Kensington Classical Music has  invited me to a concert, somewhere in Mayfair - drinks before and a drinks and canapés reception after. In her typically disorganised fashion, she hasn't given me any more details - you know, address, booking link, that sort of thing.. well, if she does I'll go, and if she doesn't I won't. Simple as that. Anyway, I've cancelled the comedy.

On Wednesday, it was originally supposed to be free comedy again - Random London, Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith Wimbledon and Greenwich, and London Live Comedy were advertising a "Cooking Edition", for which I'd booked. But then I booked a Funzing talk, with those two above-mentioned Funzing groups - ExMI5 Agent Talks Russian Hacking. I got a discount of 30%. (That code's now expired, mind..) And Helen's coming too. We can eat at the venue.

Next Thursday, some more traditional storytelling with the Crick Crack Club. Nick Hennessy is telling the story of The Ruined House of Skin - an Irish one, which I've heard before, but he's one of the best on the circuit, and always worth going to. Now, this is on at the Arthouse in Crouch End again, and after the debacle the last time, with no confirmation email from them, I checked - and don't have one for this either! So, when I was up there the last time, I asked them to print out my receipt, which I've been holding onto carefully ever since.

On the 16th, London Dramatic Arts is seeing Gloria in Hampstead Theatre - and since they're getting us to buy our own tickets for once, so am I! Pulitzer-Prize-winning, apparently.

And on the 17th, I had my eye on Day Trips from London, who are headed on a Lulworth Cove Heritage Site, Corfe Castle Village + Warhead Quay Day Trip. But I was busy when the email came through to advertise it, and wouldn't you know it, by the time I got around to it, it had booked out! Always popular, it seems. Never mind - while I was at Soho Theatre the other night, I was facing the screen advertising future events, and what should I see but that Andrew Maxwell is performing a run there, ending that day. Now, I saw him live once before, and he was fall-off-your-seat hilarious! So I've booked. So much for my Westminster Residents' Card though, which is supposed to give £1 off at this venue - there was no mention of it when I came to book! Bah humbug..

Images Ballet Company

So, last night I was back amongst the living - Henning of the London European Club (LEC) was going to the ballet. Lovely - I don't get to enough dance. He doesn't book tickets for us, so I booked my own. Mind you, I had trouble finding the blasted confirmation email again - I was looking for "Arts Depot", should have been looking for "artsdepot"..

Ah Lordy, up in North Finchley again. At least I was headed from the centre of town - this must be the furthest away of any venue I go to in London! Still, there was no way a bus was going to get me there in under an hour - so, Tube it was: Northern Line to Woodside Park. Flippin' Zone 4 - nearly the end of the line - and for practically the whole, long journey, no seats available. And it was raining when I got off. Still, rain has its compensations:

Having been here all of once before - just over a year ago, as it turns out - I did remember to tap out with my Oyster card before crossing the footbridge (there's nowhere to do it on the other side). A 15-minute walk to the Arts Depot, and buffeted by a ferociously strong wind. Years since I had to battle a wind this fierce - and freezing cold with it. Just as I finally approached the Arts Depot, a message came through from Henning, to say he'd forgotten his Meetup sign, but was sat in the cafe, wearing shorts (?!)

Inside, the table with tickets in envelopes was just for press and staff - the nice lady directed me back to the reception desk, which doubles as a very discreet box office. And when I had my ticket, I headed upstairs to the cafe. Got a wine and a slice of lemon drizzle cake. And that was so good, I got another slice. And oh, it was good to see these people again.

We had to head up another level to the theatre, where we all had seats in the front stalls - all the same price, these weren't at all expensive. Nice, modern theatre, good legroom. I'd bought a programme on the way in - they can come in handy for these contemporary pieces. And as the lights dimmed, it became apparent that the dancers had many friends in the audience, with all the whooping and hollering.. jeez, it was just like being back in the school gym, watching a production! Indeed, they're all students at London Studio Centre.

Contemporary the programme may have been, but the first piece was very classical, dancers moving in time to an adaptation of the prologue to Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty. And a more accomplished group of performers I have not seen. Beautiful.. but the rest of the programme really showcased the talents of the choreographers. The second piece was a witty homage to the choreographer's grandmother, a giant reproduction of her wedding photograph dominating the background, as it does her living room, one dancer representing the grandmother, the others alternating between being other geriatrics (donning dressing gowns and caps), and carers. Very clever.

A short interval followed, during which one of our group had to leave - she was travelling today, and needed to pack. Well, what a shame - because, as we remarked afterwards, she missed the best of it. The third piece was inspired by sculptures of the human body - in quite an abstract work, and accompanied by sounds generated by the human body (clapping, slapping, etc.), dancers in nude dresses moved angularly, giving the impression of the sculptures themselves.

It was the last piece that impressed us most, though - in Scenes of Death and Disaster, the girls lamented how all traditional choreographers - "blokes" - killed off all the poor female lead dancers! So, in a witty piece, we had Death stalking the stage in head-to-toe black, with a cheeky smirk; and we had the hapless victims, in red, sometimes playing their role - and sometimes deciding to break out for a "final fling". Sometimes a Highland Fling! Ah gosh, this was one of the most inventive pieces I've ever seen - the standing ovation at the end was well-deserved. And we agreed among ourselves that one dancer in particular stood out - Eleonora Falovo is one to watch. Keep up with their tour at www.tinyurl.com/lscmailinglist - this is a show to watch! More information also available on their tour page - they're touring England until next Wednesday.

Afterwards, a few of us went for drinks at The Tally Ho, just down the road. Which our organiser was kind enough to stand us to. And all the best to the lady who's job-hunting; I was in a very similar situation not that long ago, I know what it's like to hate your job, and how amazing it is to score another!

It was so hard to venture out in the cold again.. but I at least managed a direct bus home (much cheaper - £1.50 instead of £3.90). And at that time of night, with less traffic, and fewer passengers and stops, it was much quicker - especially as I didn't have as far to go. Still, it was after midnight when I got home - what a marathon!

Well, that was the start of three long journeys northwards in a row. Tonight was looking like a film. But I wasn't that enthused about the offerings, and lo, during Monday's corporate-speak meeting, I was saved.. I'm a member of a couple of cheap ticket sites, whose names I can't divulge over social media. But anyway, both sites offer £3 tickets to shows (apart from this one, which has started to charge VAT, so they're now £3.60). Still cheaper than official tickets. Anyway, they're now selling tickets to a horror-comedy live podcast broadcast called The Unseen Hour, at the Rosemary Branch Theatre, tonight. O lovely, said I, and booked asap. Much closer than last night, thank goodness!

For tomorrow, I was supposed to be going to - ahem - free comedy in Hammersmith. With Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith Wimbledon and Greenwich, Random London, London Live Comedy, Hammersmith & Fulham Friends, and DiscoverLDN.UK. However - well, you know how un-keen I am on these. And they couldn't even seem to agree who was headlining. So I was only delighted when - also during that meeting - the LEC advertised pop-up opera for that night! Ah now, that was one of the Man with the Hat's summer staples. And this one, in St. Mary's Islington, is free.. Part of the Soul in the City Festival. Advertised by two separate LEC groups, it seems, only one of which has included the booking link!

Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend. On Monday, I'm at comedy again - not free this time, it's on a £3.60 ticket - I'm going to see So You Think You're Funny, at the Slug and Lettuce on Chicheley Street. And this is an actual competition, which might up the quality a bit.

On Tuesday, I've booked for free comedy ("Hecklers' Edition") with Random London. Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith Wimbledon and Greenwich, London Live Comedy, Hammersmith & Fulham Friends, and DiscoverLDN.UK have also advertised it. But you know, there are a few interesting Funzing talks on that night. Courtesy of London Speaks Sessions and LDN Talks@ Night. Or I might go to a film. As usual, watch this space..

On the 14th, it was originally supposed to be free comedy again - Random London, Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith Wimbledon and Greenwich, and London Live Comedy were advertising a "Cooking Edition", for which I'd booked. But then I booked a Funzing talk, with those two above-mentioned Funzing groups - ExMI5 Agent Talks Russian Hacking. I got a discount of 30%. (That code's now expired, mind..)

On the 15th, some more traditional storytelling with the Crick Crack Club. Nick Hennessy is telling the story of The Ruined House of Skin - an Irish one, which I've heard before, but he's one of the best on the circuit, and always worth going to. Now, this is on at the Arthouse in Crouch End again, and after the debacle the last time, with no confirmation email from them, I checked - and don't have one for this either! So, when I was up there the last time, I asked them to print out my receipt, which I've been holding onto carefully ever since.

On the 16th, London Dramatic Arts is seeing Gloria in Hampstead Theatre - and since they're getting us to buy our own tickets for once, so am I! Pulitzer-Prize-winning, apparently.

And on the 17th, I had my eye on Day Trips from London, who are headed on a Lulworth Cove Heritage Site, Corfe Castle Village + Warhead Quay Day Trip. But I was busy when the email came through to advertise it, and wouldn't you know it, by the time I got around to it, it had booked out! Always popular, it seems. Never mind - while I was being stood up at Soho Theatre last night, I was facing the screen advertising future events, and what should I see but that Andrew Maxwell is performing a run there, ending that day. Now, I saw him live once before, and he was fall-off-your-seat hilarious! So I've booked. So much for my Westminster Residents' Card though, which is supposed to give £1 off at this venue - there was no mention of it when I came to book! Bah humbug..

Storytelling: The Frog Princess (Punked)

Last night, I was back to Soho Theatre with the Crick Crack Club, for something called The Frog Princess - Punked. Ben Haggerty, the mc and co-founder of the club, told us the other night that there was going to be a full punk band - goodness, who would've thought that Sally Pomme Clayton had a hidden punk side! And the theatre was kind enough to both ring and email me, just to make sure I got the news that it had been moved to the basement. Goodee, fewer steps! And the Meetup group made sure we knew, too. Oh, and we have a new company CEO, who visited the London office yesterday: so, drinks beforehand, at Barrio Soho. Five minutes' walk from the theatre; I was going to be fine, especially as it was now at a later time.

Yawn - another of those earnest, corporate get-to-know-you meetings, questions actively sought. Well, they managed the questions, and it was with relief that we piled out of there at about 6, after about 90 minutes of corporate-speak. And so to Barrio Soho, a 10-minute walk through mild drizzle. I'd looked up the route on Google Maps - but considering that I was in the company of several folks who said, oh yes, we know the way, the old office was over here - well, I said I'd just follow them. Well, I did, until they got completely lost and had to fall back on my map..

Food at ground level, bar downstairs, which - when we arrived - we had pretty much to ourselves. The VIP CEO - who arrived a bit late - occupied the booth at the end, while most of us milled around the main space, taking advantage of the free beers and white wine that our office manager had arranged to have on several tables. I think we also had her to thank for the nibbles; this is a Mexican bar, and first to arrive were nachos, followed later by mini fajitas. The crowd started to thin out sometime after 8, which suited me just fine - someone in the Meetup group had wanted to know whether there were any plans to meet, and I'd told her I'd be there after 8:30.

In the event, I was there a bit before, got my ticket, and headed to the bar - another glass of wine, and crisps: I was hungry (don't like Mexican food, and hadn't had any in the last place). Tyrrell's, they were here - sweet chilli chicken flavour, and hot enough to make your tastebuds weep. I managed to get a table, and left a message on the Meetup page explaining where I was. No response, and no approaches from anyone, sadly.. this really isn't a sociable group. Anyway, finished my small meal just after the downstairs space opened, and made my way down - it was quite packed, with cabaret seating, and an usher showed me to a spare chair.

The stage seemed to have a cobbled-together cardboard background, on which sundry images were displayed. And although punk isn't my thing, they were all right.. the story itself, it seems, is of Russian origin, about three princely brothers who are tasked by their father, the king, with finding brides. Each fires an arrow, and finds his bride where it lands - the youngest's lands in a swamp, and he ends up with a frog. Who turns out, naturally, to be the best of the bunch. Then bad stuff happens and he ends up having to consult the notorious witch, Baba Yaga, and - I lost track at that point, as the storyteller got lost in the music and started bouncing up and down. Anyhoo. It's good to see storytelling mix it up, but I do prefer a slightly more traditional format - it says something that, with a punk band on stage, I found myself falling asleep. Hey, I'd stayed up too late the night before, as usual.. 

There was an interval, during which I visited the brightly coloured toilets. And despite the promise of a 70-minute runtime, it lasted nearly two hours, and it was after 11 by the time we got out of there! So, straight home to bed. Tonight, I'm with the London European Club (LEC), to see the Images Ballet Company at the Arts Depot. And won't that be a pleasant journey, with the lashing rain we have today (which at least seems to have cleared), and the fierce wind that, up on the eighth floor, I can hear even over the white noise coming through my headphones..

Tomorrow was looking like a film. But I wasn't that enthused about the offerings, and lo, during that meeting, I was saved.. I'm a member of a couple of cheap ticket sites, whose names I can't divulge over social media. But anyway, both sites offer £3 tickets to shows (apart from this one, which has started to charge VAT, so they're now £3.60). Still cheaper than official tickets. Anyway, they're now selling tickets to a horror-comedy live podcast broadcast called The Unseen Hour, at the Rosemary Branch Theatre, tomorrow night. O lovely, said I, and booked asap.

For Thursday, I was supposed to be going to - ahem - free comedy in Hammersmith. With Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith Wimbledon and Greenwich, Random London, London Live Comedy, Hammersmith & Fulham Friends, and DiscoverLDN.UK. However - well, you know how un-keen I am on these. And they couldn't even seem to agree who was headlining. So I was only delighted when - also during that meeting - the LEC advertised pop-up opera for that night! Ah now, that was one of the Man with the Hat's summer staples. And this one, in St. Mary's Islington, is free.. Part of the Soul in the City Festival. Advertised by two separate LEC groups, it seems, only one of which has included the booking link!

Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend. On Monday, I'm at comedy again - not free this time, it's on a £3.60 ticket - I'm going to see So You Think You're Funny, at the Slug and Lettuce on Chicheley Street. And this is an actual competition, which might up the quality a bit.

Next Tuesday, I've booked for free comedy ("Hecklers' Edition") with Random London. Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith Wimbledon and Greenwich, London Live Comedy, Hammersmith & Fulham Friends, and DiscoverLDN.UK have also advertised it. But you know, there are a few interesting Funzing talks on that night. Courtesy of London Speaks Sessions and LDN Talks@ Night. Or I might go to a film. As usual, watch this space..

On the 14th, it was originally supposed to be free comedy again - Random London, Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith Wimbledon and Greenwich, and London Live Comedy were advertising a "Cooking Edition", for which I'd booked. But then I booked a Funzing talk, with those two above-mentioned Funzing groups - ExMI5 Agent Talks Russian Hacking. As usual, I got a discount - one of those 30% ones, so I'm guessing it was SCIENCEPOLITICS30. If I feel like it, I can of course cancel up to 48 hours in advance. Unlikely - the listings for that day aren't inspiring.

On the 15th, some more traditional storytelling with the Crick Crack Club. Nick Hennessy is telling the story of The Ruined House of Skin - an Irish one, which I've heard before, but he's one of the best on the circuit, and always worth going to. Now, this is on at the Arthouse in Crouch End again, and after the debacle the last time, with no confirmation email from them, I checked - and don't have one for this either! So, when I was up there the last time, I asked them to print out my receipt, which I've been holding onto carefully ever since.

On the 16th, London Dramatic Arts is seeing Gloria in Hampstead Theatre - and since they're getting us to buy our own tickets for once, so am I! Pulitzer-Prize-winning, apparently.

And on the 17th, I had my eye on Day Trips from London, who are headed on a Lulworth Cove Heritage Site, Corfe Castle Village + Warhead Quay Day Trip. But I was busy when the email came through to advertise it, and wouldn't you know it, by the time I got around to it, it had booked out! Always popular, it seems. Never mind - while I was being stood up at Soho Theatre last night, I was facing the screen advertising future events, and what should I see but that Andrew Maxwell is performing a run there, ending that day. Now, I saw him live once before, and he was fall-off-your-seat hilarious! So I've booked. So much for my Westminster Residents' Card though, which is supposed to give £1 off at this venue - there was no mention of it when I came to book! Bah humbug..

Weekend in the Country

And so to a well-timed weekend down south with Helen - perfectly slotted in between weekends in Ireland, and a history festival too.. Lordy, it's years since I was last at one of these! So I booked my train, and we were set.

Except, of course, that I was late leaving the office on Friday.. and boy, did I do my damnedest to make the train I'd intended! Northern Line was the fastest, and indeed, I did make Waterloo pretty much in time. Except I still had to pick up my ticket.. (damn them and their printable tickets!). Of course, by the time I'd done that, my train had left the station, and I had half an hour till the next one. Mind you, it did give me time to buy a bottle of water -just. And happily, my ticket was valid at any time.

A drowsy and peaceful trip to Milford, a valiant heave to get my case off the upper shelf, and Helen kindly helped me down the steps of the footbridge wth it. Handy how you don't need a ticket to access the platforms, here. A short drive to her home, where her ever-obliging husband was waiting with a fish n chip takeaway that we'd agreed on before I arrived. Well, as it happened, it was National Fish and Chip Day - go figure. (Who decides these things?)

The focal point of my visit was the annual Living History Festival at the Weald & Downland Living Museum - something funny happened when I was trying to print out the pdf brochure she'd sent me the link to, but I did manage to glean that it was on for two days - Saturday and Sunday - so we had a choice of when to go, and decided on Sunday, when there was supposed to be some extra stuff on. Which left us free, on Saturday, to go to Godalming (the "a" isn't pronounced), where there was a festival, and a pirate parade!

So, out we set in time for the parade. It was such a hot and sunny day (albeit cold in the shade, or when the wind blew) that we were glad we hadn't gone to the history festival that day. And it was lovely to see a good turnout of pirates, arr..!

More photos here. Afterwards, lunch beckoned, and we were tastily fed in Piazza Firenze. Simple decor and friendly service, the garlic pizza bread was dripping in sauce, and I really have to recommend the chicken in mushroom sauce, which was lovely and tender. And after that, we headed down to the park, where they had set up a number of stalls, which we meandered through - in the heat - until we decided we'd had enough, and called our chauffeur to come pick us up.

After a relaxed afternoon watching How to Train Your Dragon (a very decent film), hiding from the heat, and talking to the cats, we headed out for dinner in the evening - courtesy of Helen's husband, whose sister's birthday it was. And given the slow service we'd had before in the place nearby, this time we plumped for The Golden Fleece - a pub / Thai restaurant. A table had been booked, and we were shown into a Regency-style room, high ceiling, large bay windows, large tables: plenty of space all round. They have set, mixed menus for two three, or four: we preferred the menu for two to that for four, so ordered two of those. A high, brassy serving dish held a mix of starters - spicy fishcakes, prawn crackers, spring rolls, etc. - and of the mains, I have to say the pad thai was my favourite: as delicious as I've had. The meal finished - for Helen and me, anyway - with delectable desserts; she had an apparently very lemony tartufo filled with limoncello, I had the lightest, fluffiest chocolate cake I've had in an age, plenty of fudge icing. Highly recommended.

Phew! And so, on to Sunday, and we left nice and early (as Helen remarked, before most people were up), for the longish, winding drive, through posh villages with red brick homes and Conservative posters, to the environs of Chichester, and the Living Museum. Well, they had an official carpark (we were in the first row of the overflow), and a veritable army of people to direct traffic! One guy really got into it, waving his arm like a windmill. We parked, we headed for the entrance marquee, we paid (and got a decent, printed brochure of events).

I just love these - all the different periods of history at a glance, bumping into each other as the make their way around a large field. After Helen had used the portaloos (complete with dinky, portable washbasin), we passed the WW1/2 camp, heading for the arena, where the day's main events were held. The place was awash with families, children, and doggies - and I got a little black dachshund licking my foot, until mummy saw him and berated her kids for not watching him properly, taking over herself.

We had Saxons:

We had a few, rather rag-tag Civil War Royalists:

We had, of course, 20th century soldiers:

 

And we had oh, so many mediaeval characters, whose displays culminated in the joust:

More photos here. Other highlights included the Saxon long house, up a leafy path at the side of the hill and hidden in the trees, where we sat on benches as a storyteller regaled us with a declamation in Old English, and we could have been back in the ninth century. Except, perhaps, for the periodic booming of cannons, further down the hill. There was the 19th-century drunk, who spent a good portion of the day asleep in the town trough in the village. And there was a lone centurion, lost among people so much more modern than he was.

The day alternated between roasting and freezing - coats on, coats off - and the music that was supposed to take place that day never materialised. But we had the most excellent time - and were worn out by the end. Lunch was from the organic burger stall, and dinner that evening was chez Helen, courtesy of her again obliging husband. Truly, I had a terrific weekend, and it was great to see her, and for a couple of days on the trot. A chilly wait for the delayed train to take me back to London, and I'd intended to take a bus from the station. But it was late when I got there, and my phone - which I'd have needed to guide me - was nearly dead. So, Tube it was, a shower, and bed.

Tonight, I'm back to Soho Theatre with the Crick Crack Club, for something called The Frog Princess - Punked. Ben Haggerty, the mc and co-founder of the club, told us the other night that there's going to be a full punk band - goodness, who would've thought that Sally Pomme Clayton had a hidden punk side! And the theatre was kind enough to both ring and email me, just to make sure I got the news that it's been moved to the basement. Goodee, fewer steps! Oh, and we have a new company CEO, who's visiting the London office at some stage today: so, drinks beforehand, at Barrio Soho. Five minutes' walk from the theatre; I should be fine, especially as it's now at a later time.

Tomorrow, I'm with the London European Club, to see the Images Ballet Company at the Arts Depot.


And Wednesday, at the moment, looks like a film. But I can tell you this: despite its high rating, and one of our group being an extra in it, I don't think it'll be Wonder Woman. Watch this space..!

New Beginnings

Yesterday, I eschewed the free comedy in Hammersmith for the Ghosts & Executions Tour, with London for a Tenner or Less (now defunct) - even though that guide wasn't great the last time, so I cancelled this previously, he's better than that free comedy! Funzing again, of course. Oh, and the code WELLBEING30 got me 30% off this. How it qualifies as "well-being" I don't know, but I'm not complaining! ..but last Sunday week, one of the Man with the Hat's old group got in touch, and a half-dozen of us arranged to get together in the Swan - we'd hate to lose touch. Not including said Man with the Hat, mind you - sadly, he's apparently cut off all contact - with Meetup, at least. Well, if and when he comes back, he'll still be welcome.

A late meeting meant I couldn't make the pub as early as intended - and I was regretting my decision to walk from the office, it was so hot! Beautiful though, people out sunning themselves. Massive queues at the National, as I passed - I guess, although they didn't implement it with me, that email they sent about bag checks, and leaving extra time, wasn't lying.. around the corner, a more peaceful scene with deckchairs: and all the way along Bankside, shorts, t-shirts and tourists were in evidence, along with much fussed-over doggies. Passing an enthusiastic bunch of what sounded like Aussies, headed to a show at the Globe, I made my way in to the Swan, and saw some familiar faces on the left.

And so we occupied a sofa at the edge - narrowly avoiding being moved, for reasons of space. At least, in this side section, there was something of a breeze from the open windows - had we had to move to the main room, it'd have been stifling! Most of us ordered food; can't say I recommend the shepherd's pie, which was quite bland. Service was considerate, but as slow as ever.

One of the group - not a Man with the Hat disciple, but culled from Cultureseekers - left after a bit, saying she was an outdoor girl and needed to be outside on an evening like this. And after the first round, and the food, we decamped as well. Mary's idea of sitting on the beach outside the Founder's Arms was rather scuppered by the fact that the tide was in - but lo, we scored a table on the outside deck anyway! and had a lovely evening, shooting the breeze and gazing at the sun going down over London:

Although he wasn't mentioned much, the Man with the Hat was on everybody's mind. And you heard it here first: on a balmy summer's evening, a new Meetup group was born! Yes, in a very good piece of news, a name was chosen last night; keep an eye out for upcoming events with More of London for Less..! I know I will.

This evening, I'm off down to Helen for the weekend - she told me about this Living History Festival, and I said yes please! We'll see what the weather's doing as to when we'll actually go.

Monday, I'm back to Soho Theatre with the Crick Crack Club, for something called The Frog Princess - Punked. Ben Haggerty, the mc and co-founder of the club, told us the other night that there's going to be a full punk band - goodness, who would've thought that Sally Pomme Clayton had a hidden punk side! And the theatre was kind enough to both ring and email me, just to make sure I got the news that it's been moved to the basement. Goodee, fewer steps! Oh, and we have a new company CEO, who's visiting the London office on Monday: so, drinks beforehand, at Barrio Soho. Five minutes' walk from the theatre; I should be fine.

On Tuesday, I'm with the London European Club, to see the Images Ballet Company at the Arts Depot.

And Wednesday, at the moment, looks like a film. But I can tell you this: despite its high rating, and one of our group being an extra in it, I don't think it'll be Wonder Woman. Watch this space..!