Tour: Wonders of the National Gallery

This morning, 9am (ouch), I had another interview with one of the companies I'm considering - I've put a hurry on them, on account of being at the final stages with their rivals. Had to be early, because in the middle of the day, I'd booked for another tour with Laurence and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners - Wonders of the National Gallery. Heading for lunch after to the Lamb and Flag.

Interview went well, I thought - and wouldn't you know it, the drilling started right after I hung up! Spectacular timing. No word back from them yet though, and they were supposed to get back to me this evening - well, no news is good news.. Anyway, I grabbed a banana and headed out. And given that I was getting buses there, I was on time, this time! Wasn't entirely sure where we were meeting, but as I rounded the building, there was someone I hadn't seen in an age - who spotted me. And sure enough, that was where we all grouped - Laurence in his summer hat again. I shall have to start calling him the Man with the Hat, if he keeps this up! So, so many people there that I hadn't seen in ages - and it was great to see them.

We trooped inside, and he gathered us together in the lobby for an initial word, attracting the attention of some passers-by. He explained that this was a private tour, and off they went - however, as he said, he couldn't really do that in the galleries. And sure enough, as we went around, lots of hangers-on benefitted from his wisdom as he delved into the finer points of famous paintings. I've seen this tour advertised before, but never been able to go - so felt myself very lucky today!

We started in the Middle Ages - with the Wilton Diptych! Now, most of what I ended up taking photos of were paintings I've actually seen before - and this is one. I've done an awful lot of reading about royalty over the years, and this is one picture of Richard II that I have seen - just not the whole artefact!

Just grabbed this next one in passing - thought it looked nice:

You know when you've hit Leonardo:

The mysterious portrait with hidden meanings:

I was faced with an absolute riot of paintings that I knew, when we came to the Hans Holbein section! The main focus was - naturally enough - on The Ambassadors:

but there were other old friends there, such as Christina of Denmark:

and the man she didn't particularly want to marry, Henry VIII himself, sketched in the corner:

On to more modern pieces, and a couple painted by Gainsborough - she was looking a bit shifty-eyed, it seemed:

We saw Turner:

Constable's Hay Wain:

and to finish, a couple of Monets:

and van Goghs:

(The obvious one to photograph here would have been Sunflowers. But I never took to it. Unlike the person with the face mask of that design!)

What a smorgasbord of amazing art to absorb. And all through the gallery, Laurence picked famous paintings to stand in front of and describe to us - their significance, their symbolism, their hidden meanings. I've always loved that in art.. wonder whether any of the casual listeners roundabouts the gallery got something from it!

Well, we got a lot from that, and I'm delighted I went - but it was somewhat exhausting, and we were glad to head for lunch.

Where the convivial host had reserved a section of the upstairs for us! and we were tastily fed - me on the steak pie, Laurence on the fish pie, others on salads, sausages, or sandwiches.. took a while to come out, but it was worth the wait. And after a most pleasant and relaxed lunch, as we were leaving, we took note of the Christmas menu. Yep, you read right.. watch this space!

Now, that had nothing to do with me missing my flight. Which I did. Blasted bus got mired in traffic, took forever to get to the station, and I missed the train I needed to get. The timetables are erratic, and the next wouldn't get me there in time - I tried Uber, but first the app insisted on being updated, and then took forever - I had to go back to street level to get it to work! Then it refused my card - and by the time I'd added my Irish card details, Uber couldn't have got me there in time either. Now, I know the flights are usually delayed (and indeed, tonight's was, and I should just have got the train after all, as it turned out) - but you can't depend on it. So I rebooked, at a premium rate, for the morning flight, and went back home. Bah humbug. And now I have to get up ridiculously early.

So TOMORROW I'm back to Ireland for the weekend - tried, once more, to get my car serviced, but for two days in a row, nobody was answering the phone. So, sod that - I'll get my taxi driver to take it for a service somewhere else. Which leaves me free to go to a film tomorrow afternoon - and what's coming up is Bullet Train, an adventure caper with a Japanese bullet train full of assassins, one of whom is Brad Pitt. Looks like fun - I've seen so many trailers for this! Ennis it is.

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

On Tuesday, I've booked with London Classical Music and Theatre Group - Didi, from the group, who is herself a classical guitarist, is playing a free Summer Music Festival concert in the Holy Sepulchre Church, which should be lovely.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Concert: Damian Lewis

Today, I had a final interview with one of the companies I'm in the running for. No drills by that stage, apart from the interviewer trying to find out what it was about the other company I've applied for that attracts me! and me determined not to tell her. Anyway, after I survived that, I was back with Up in the Cheap Seats for a concert by Damien Lewis at Omeara. Yes, the actor! Tickets were from See Tickets. I'd never actually been here before. Met Didi for dinner beforehand at Tas Borough - she came to the concert too.

I can't fault the service at Tas. Considerate at every turn, when I mentioned I was late, he said he'd saved us a table by the window :-) and brought a glass of iced water while I waited for Didi. As we ordered, he was happy to explain whatever needed explaining - and we were well fed, and sated, me looking up what I'd had before to see what was good, and ordering from the set menu. The house wine, I have to say, was very nice. And we were done in plenty of time to mosey down to the venue.

A massive queue greeted us - so handy to have people we knew in the line! so we joined about halfway. They  opened late, of course, and gave us a rather fetching stamp on our way in.

The bar in the venue proper doesn't serve wine - but she helpfully explained that there was a full bar, out the way I came in, and to the right. Which there is - quite a nice one, actually. This direction is also where the toilets are. Useful information.

Back in the hall, we snaffled some seats - until it turned out that that was where the Lewis fanily were sitting, and we were turfed out. Some seating on the other side, but basically this was a standing gig. Naturally, the time on the tickets (7pm) bore no relation to reality - doors opened at about 7.15, posters on the way in advertised the support act, Cherise, to come on from 8 to 8.30, Damian Lewis from 9 to 10. And to be fair, they stuck pretty well to those times.

Cherise, we agreed, has a lovely voice. But of course, everyone was there for the main attraction:

Although sometimes, it was easier to get a secondhand view:

There was no single style, the concert a mishmash of rock, blues, jazz.. but the atmosphere was excellent. His first ever gig, he said. And OMG, it's the closest I've come to a rock concert in nearly three years. Crikey, it felt good..!

A relief, afterwards, to get out into the air though:

Tomorrow, 9am (ouch), I have another interview with the other company - I've put a hurry on them, on account of being at the final stages with their rivals. Had to be early, because in the middle of the day, I've booked for another tour with Laurence and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners - Wonders of the National Gallery. Which I should be able to go on. Heading for lunch after to the Lamb and Flag.

Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend - tried, once more, to get my car serviced, but for two days in a row, nobody was answering the phone. So, sod that - I'll get my taxi driver to take it for a service somewhere else. Which leaves me free to go to a film on Saturday - and what's coming up is Bullet Train, an adventure caper with a Japanese bullet train full of assassins, one of whom is Brad Pitt. Looks like fun - I've seen so many trailers for this!

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

On Tuesday, I've booked with London Classical Music and Theatre Group - Didi, from the group, who is herself a classical guitarist, is playing a free Summer Music Festival concert in the Holy Sepulchre Church, which should be lovely.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Audio: A Little Drape of Heaven

I was thinking vaguely about the Camden Fringe, which runs all this 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 link that you've paid for. Hmm.. Well, I hadn't before, but I paid for it yesterday evening - and the link didn't work! I complained, and today they got back to me with the correct link.

Well, I listened to it this evening. It's rather nice - the story of a special piece of fabric, and a gradually woven story about what happened to it. And you're supposed to relish this while holding your own special fabric close to your heart. I didn't, but I had one in mind - not very similar to the one in the story, it sounded like, but hey. Anyway, it's half an hour or so long, and they charge £5.40 including booking fee, with an optional donation. The narration is well-done, if the audio levels are a bit up and down! But there are definitely worse things you could be doing.

Tomorrow - after the final interview with one of the companies I'm in the running for, and yes, I'll have to run the gamut of drills again - I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats for a concert by Damien Lewis at Omeara. Yes, the actor! I've never actually been here before - should be interesting. Meeting Didi for dinner beforehand at Tas Borough - she's coming to the concert too.

On Friday, I've booked for another tour with Laurence and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners - Wonders of the National Gallery. Which I should be able to go on. Heading for lunch after to the Lamb and Flag. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend - and will be trying, once more, to get my car serviced. Subject to availability of mechanics! No answer, when I tried calling them today - they might be on holiday. So, not sure whether I'll get to a film, as of yet.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Film: NT Live - Prima Facie

I was thinking vaguely about the Camden Fringe, which runs all this 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.. Well, I hadn't before, but I paid for it yesterday evening - and the link didn't work! I complained, and today they got back to me with the correct link. I'll listen to it in due course - watch this space!

Today, was thinking of film - and v excited about what was coming up! Highest of the list was the NT Live showing of Prima Facie, the one-woman play with Jodie Comer, making her West End debut as a dynamic lawyer, whose world is turned upside down when she is raped, and gets to see the other side of the system. It was supposed to be an absolute tour de force, and is one I missed because tickets went so fast - well, now it is, as they say, coming to a cinema screen near you! In fact, it's showing in my local cinema, yay - not to mention that, as a member, I get to see it for free! Three showings today.

I managed to get myself up for the first of them - showed up in good time, and got my free ticket, as well as a 10% discount on some moreish chocolate honeycomb bites and a lovely glass of sauvignon blanc. There were still plenty of seats - but lo, when I got to the screen, the only person there before me was in my row, and I had to squeeze past her! And she gave me a look as I crunched my honeycomb bites. Well, I held off as soon as the show proper started - the film actually begins with an extensive intro, filmed in the theatre, a performance by the band that provides the soundtrack, and a short round-table discussion with the actor, playwright, and a female barrister and police officer. They're partnering with the Schools Consent Project, BTW.

It's a one-woman show, set primarily in a legal setting - she shifts the furniture around a bit, but it's mostly either set in chambers, or a courtroom. The walls are lined with folders full of legal documents. And we are taken through this story by the lead character, a sassy, self-made woman, a hot-shot barrister, involved in criminal defence, who absolutely adores the game. And it is a game - she describes it from the first as being a race for thoroughbreds, the starter's pistol being when the judge arrives in the courtroom - and they're off!

This play is the most wonderful combination of a brilliant script and a completely devastating delivery. She absolutely holds us in the palm of her hand throughout - mesmerising as she brings to life for us the cut and thrust of a legal case, describing what it's like to win. We're clear on the rules, by the end - one of the most important things is not that you know everything, but importantly - working for the defence - that you not know everything. She's scathing about the naivety of a junior colleague who asks - "but what if you know they're guilty?" Interestingly, one of her best friends is someone she met at law school, who gave it up and went into acting - a throwaway line that holds more weight when you think about it later..

And then THAT NIGHT happens, and nothing is the same again. And the change in her is absolutely devastating - as she describes her mother saying to her, "Don't let this thing destroy you. Don't let it ruin our Tess." Really moving, really powerful - and a harrowing description of her experience as a witness. And how she finally realises that the system is stacked against her.

By the time it was over - and for a considerable time afterwards - I couldn't actually breathe properly. And I am not someone to whom anything like this has ever happened - nor anything like it, mercifully! A completely overwhelming performance, the likes of which I haven't seen in years. I'm not necessarily going to recommend this, because it will be too much for some people - but if you are at all interested in the subject matter - even if only from the point of view of technical arguments, which are brilliantly dealt with - then go see this, it's incredible.

Tomorrow - after the final interview with one of the companies I'm in the running for, and yes, I'll have to run the gamut of drills again - I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats for a concert by Damien Lewis at Omeara. Yes, the actor! I've never actually been here before - should be interesting. Meeting Didi for dinner beforehand at Tas Borough - she's coming to the concert too.

On Friday, I've booked for another tour with Laurence and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners - Wonders of the National Gallery. Which I should be able to go on. Heading for lunch after to the Lamb and Flag. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend - and will be trying, once more, to get my car serviced. Subject to availability of mechanics! No answer, when I tried calling them today - they might be on holiday. So, not sure whether I'll get to a film, as of yet.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walk: The Magic of Midtown

I had booked a walk with Laurence and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners for a while ago. This is The Magic of Midtown - and as I said to him, it finishes very near my new home! And wouldn't you know it - he postponed it, as a result of the heatwave, to this day. Not that I'm not glad he didn't run it when it was originally scheduled - it was literally boiling that day. Happily, I could still make it today.

Of course, being close enough to walk to it, I was slightly late getting there (sigh). How predictable of me. Never mind, he is kind enough to wait for (up to) 15 minutes after the official start time - and I would have messaged (and cancelled) if I couldn't make it anyway! Of course, I might have been mown down in a terrible traffic accident.. Interestingly, just as I was approaching the group, I had to cross a street with no lights. Vehicles were moving down it - an impatient van driver was honking the car in front, and just as that car came to the main road, the driver had had enough and got out to argue with the van driver. Lovely, no-one was driving anywhere, I nipped across and joined the group, and our guide.

This is my 'hood, but as usual, it's amazing how much I didn't know about. For instance, can you imagine, this used to be a factory:

And what a picturesque (ex-) petrol station:

Oh, and I interviewed for a lectureship here, once!

Now, we crossed through the following building, and it's quite an impressive building inside. Quite ominous outside though, I think, and yes, I can see it as the Ministry of Truth:

In fact, it seems that Orwell's wife worked here, for the Ministry of Information. Inspration indeed.

The following hotel is one I've passed so many times - mainly on the way to work. I noticed it was an ornate building, but not how much. For instance, they depict the four sovereign Protestant queens of England (L-R, in chronological order: Elizabeth I, Mary II, Anne, Victoria) - before the current one, of course:

And so to Queen's Square (the queen in question is Charlotte):

At Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, we came across a photo opp - when they were done, we got to do a bit of exploring, and discovered the statue of Peter Pan:

Still meandering about my area, we came across Brunswick Square, where I had my interview on Friday:

We passed lots of blue plaques - I'm not the first notable person to live here. ;-) And we were glad, at last, to fetch up for lunch at the Lord John Russell:

..where tables had been reserved for us in the alley to the side. And a lovely day it was for it, too. Food came in the order of ordering - and some didn't get theirs until others were half-finished! Now, someone remarked that it was basic pub grub - but you know, it was tasty, it was good value. V glad, also, to get someone to share a bottle of sauvignon blanc with, and v appreciative of the landlord who, when I spilled my glass, gave me another on the house! A lovely time was had - and it was great to see these folks again! Roll on the next time..

I was also thinking vaguely about the Camden Fringe, which runs all this 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.. Well, I hadn't before, but I paid for it this evening - and the link didn't work! I've complained, the organisers of the festival got back to me to say the link must have been updated, and they've contacted the producers - watch this space..

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

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

On Friday, I've booked for another of Laurence's tours - Wonders of the National Gallery. Which I should be able to go on. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend - and will be trying, once more, to get my car serviced. Subject to availability of mechanics! So, not sure whether I'll get to a film, as of yet.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Play: The Darkest Part of the Night

This morning, another job interview.. with another company.. at least it wasn't at 9am! Amazingly, the drilling from the works in our building was un-troublesome enough that I decided it was no worse than the park, and I stayed put. And hallelujah, the interview went great - I have a writing test to do for them now, asap. Meantime, Friday's company want one final interview with me, towards the end of the week - time TBC. Ah, what it is to be in demand!!

In the evening, I headed to the Kiln Theatre for The Darkest Part of the Night. Another troublesome website - I tried for days to get it to work..! Anyway, I didn't see anywhere at my destination that appealed to eat at - and the theatre cafe closes too early to make that an option. So I headed to O' Neills, as usual! where, this time, there was plenty of space. Ordered what has become my usual - I have a soft spot for chicken katsu curry - and I think the waiter is getting to know me! Mind you, the noise in the bar made it awkward when the recruiters from both of the above companies decided to ring me, one after the other..

And so to buses, and arrived early at the theatre. Where I got a drink, and transferred it to plastic when the house opened. I actually didn't go in until a few minutes after the announcement that the house was open - even at that, the usher was surprised I wanted to go in! but as I said, I might as well..

The logo on the back wall represents the company that the dad works for. This is set in Leeds, and feels like it's based on a true story - it's the story of a family with an autistic son, the parents having come to the UK from Jamaica. It's not easy, what with police brutality, a world that doesn't understand difference, the father getting laid off, and the sister having to grow up fast as she ends up caring for her brother.

I loved the first scene, which shows him interacting with his sister, both as her childhood self, and as her grown-up self. The rest of the play shows us how they got to the state they're now in, as adults - and the fellow playing the autistic boy/man plays a blinder, as we really learn to appreciate his problems: unlike the people his mother describes, who keep asking her why she doesn't discipline him, or her mother-in-law, who takes him to church to be exorcised.

I ended up feeling for the characters, and although I couldn't empathise fully with the story - I'm not black, for instance, so wouldn't appreciate all the racial themes - it is a compelling one. The stage, interestingly, revolves - apparently designed to resemble a vinyl record. Music features heavily - the autistic character loves it, it calms him. Unfortunately, none of the themes touched on are dealt with in much depth, so it becomes a bit much. But it is interesting. Runs until the 13th.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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