Film it was for yesterday, and after I'd done the list - ranking them in terms of their IMDB ratings - two tied at the top: Room and The Revenant. I was torn.. but the Evening Standard film review on Friday, which covered both, preferred The Revenant. And with all the Oscar hype around it - well, I felt somewhat obliged. It's showing in Cineworld Wandsworth - now my closest cinema - so I booked there, which is cheaper than buying on the spot.
I got a lift back from the Guildford office, which was handy, as she dropped me within walking distance of the cinema. I was quite early, so decided to grab a bite beforehand in one of the several eateries at the entrance - Prezzo looked the most promising. With hardly anyone there, I was quickly served.. I recall that being my main gripe the last time I ate at Prezzo: but that was in the West End, and packed. Last night was much easier, and I was soon fed - although honestly, the garlic bread was a bit tasteless, and I don't think I'd bother again. The pollo carbonara was good, with deliciously tender chicken, although a bit overpowered by the cheese topping. Star of the meal, however, was dessert - I was torn between the hazelnut cheesecake and the mint cheesecake, finally plumping for the mint. Good choice - it was divine, with layers of mint and chocolate, and mint buttons on top. Definitely must have again!
After all that, I was still in plenty of time for the film - unfortunately, because the screen wasn't ready. I needed the loo, but it took me a while to notice there was one in the lobby, where I was waiting. And so I relieved myself - pity there wasn't any soap, and only one hand dryer was working. Anyhoo, by that time the screen had been cleaned, and in I went. Despite the near-emptiness of the screen at that time, I wasn't tempted to change my chosen seat - I'd chosen carefully, a row about halfway, seat on the aisle. Just as well I didn't change - by the time the film started, the place was very nearly full: which is good going for a Monday night in January.
The Revenant is based on the incredible true story of Hugh Glass (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), a frontiersman in North American at the start of the 19th century. The essentials of the story are that he was guiding a party of fur trappers through enemy "red injun" country when he was attacked by a bear and severely mauled. Left behind by the party, he was abandoned and left for dead by the two who had been tasked with caring for him, but overcame overwhelming odds to survive and search for Tom Fitzpatrick (played by Tom Hardy), the man he blamed for leaving him.
This film is epic. Directed by Alejandro Inárritu, who was also responsible for last year's Best Picture Oscar winner, Birdman, I guess you could classify it as a Western. You rarely see one quite like this, though. Inárritu is a highly original director, and this is a long, dark journey of the soul. I expected the scenery to be exceptional, and, with shooting taking place in a variety of locations in Canada, the United States, Mexico and Argentina, I wasn't disappointed. You are never allowed to forget it - the snowy mountains are always looming above, and in some of the most incredible camerawork I've seen, we're always at ground level, at river level - right in the action, made to feel small against the immensity of the landscape. And the director's insistence on using natural light helps set us in place.
The intensity never lets up, through all of its 2.5 hours. We go from injun attack to bear attack to blizzard.. The acting is incredible. DiCaprio has certainly earned his Oscar nomination - apparently, the conditions on set were atrocious, with Inárritu determined to have things as realistic as possible. So they were cold, and wet - and DiCaprio, despite being vegetarian, had to eat liver for one scene, tear chunks out of a fish, straight from the river, in another. And you really believe he's a hardened mountain man. Hardy is absolutely electrifying to watch, as ever. And, as mentioned in the Standard review, Domhnall Gleeson, who plays the expedition captain, brings an unexpected authority to the role, considering roles he's played before.
It's like a Beckett play, actually. Dialogue is minimal, and the scenery generally bleak - pure white snow, individual characters starkly outlined against it. Not what you'd call a date movie, the hardship the characters undergo is never-ending: attacks by soldiers on the Native Americans, attacks by the Native Americans on the soldiers and fur trappers, attacks by the white men on each other, bears, steep cliffs to climb, fast-flowing rivers, blizzards. You wonder how anyone could come out alive. But all the while, you're confronted by stunning beauty, and the most ominous soundtrack I can remember in anything.
Best Picture Oscar nomination well deserved. Acting Oscar nominations well deserved. Cinematography and sound Oscar nominations well deserved, ditto costume and makeup. I think it's a travesty that the score didn't get a nod, but then I haven't heard all the others. This is a film that will be remembered - and I can recommend it, as long as the gore and general bleakness don't put you off.
I doubt I'll see anything as disturbing for the rest of the week..The rest of next week is Meetups - somewhat making up for a sparcity of them, of late! Tonight, I'm going to a play about North Korea - P' Yong Yang is showing in the Finborough: ironically, walking distance from my old flat. The London Dramatic Arts Meetup
is going, too - and although I didn't get my ticket from them, the
organiser has been kind enough to include me on their list. Lovely to
get to go to something with them - it's been ages!
Tomorrow, I got in nice and early for one of those Crick Crack Club meetings that are always selling out. Fairytales for Grownups: Solomon and Sheba takes place in The Forge. And I don't have to pass through Waterloo (yippee!). On Thursday, I'm back with Let's Do London - for less!, who are off on a cheery outing to This Will End Badly, at Southwark Playhouse. Which is closer to my new place. On Friday, I'm back with the World Music Meetup for a concert I'm very much looking forward to - Sufi Chants from Andalusia. On Saturday I'm attending what I think will be my very first Meetup with the Spooky London group, who are running a convivial evening chat about vampires. And on Sunday, I'm with London's Secrets, Tales and Legends, for an enticing walk in Highgate, entitled The Village of the Damned: Ghosts, Drugs and Legends. What a week - most of my favourites in there somewhere!
Tuesday, 19 January 2016
Thursday, 14 January 2016
Cirque Berserk
Well, it had to happen, eh? Third time unlucky.
I was actually home earlier than expected - got a lift. Then I decided to scan and email the documents I'd got a call about earlier in the day, to prove my credentials for car finance. This ran on a little longer than expected when I discovered I had to search for a bank statement.. all was found in the end, and I set out for Waterloo.
I got the next available train, and arrived in Waterloo - after the obligatory, unexplained delay pulling into the platform - just after 7. On the way, I'd looked up the train times to Dartford on thetrainline.com, which said that the last train to get me there on time left Waterloo East at 7.12, and took around 40 minutes. Fair enough.. I'd never used Waterloo East before, but it was supposed to be walkable from the main station, and I figured it wouldn't take more than a few minutes to get there.
It was 5 past by the time I left the platform. And there I was again, lost again. A sign pointed to the right for Waterloo East - fair enough, but then there were no more. I got to the end of the concourse and turned around, confused. Saw a sign for it on the nearby entrance to the Underground station. Ah! Ok, I went down there. And then wondered why there were no signs for it any more.. a passer-by that I asked didn't know where it was either. And it was down there that I realised I was going to miss my train. But at least I found the Underground exit I was used to, on Waterloo Road..! Which is also the site of Stop C. So now I'm getting an idea of the intricate architecture, sent to vex us. That much is satisfying.
I made my way back up to the main concourse. Couldn't figure out where I'd gone wrong. A sign said to ask staff if we had any problems. Hah! Assuming you could find any staff. After some minutes, I did see one - and indeed, she was friendly, and explained that Waterloo East was upstairs, not downstairs.. Looking at the sign that had led me wrong, I can see the problem in depicting "up", when an upward arrow is generally used to mean "straight ahead".
Determined to solve the mystery, I went up to the retail balcony, and sure enough, roughly in the middle is the entrance to Waterloo East. The timetable is listed on a display at the entrance.. the website was wrong, there was no 7.12 train to Dartford. Nor was there a 7.07, as stated by Google Maps. No, the last train that would've got me there on time had left at 7.05, as I was still on the platform downstairs - there was no way I could've made it. The next wasn't until 7.35, which wouldn't have got me there until about 8.15 - far too late for an 8 o' clock show. I went home instead, buying myself a packet of Leibniz on the way.
Back to Ireland tomorrow. Monday is looking like a film, so it's just as well I had the night to do the film list (and no need to go to bed early!). Although the London Short Film Festival continues, there aren't as many, nor as highly rated. Instead, tying at the top of the list (in terms of IMDB ratings) for Monday are two mainstream films - both critically acclaimed, both Oscar hopefuls. Both look good, if harrowing, so we'll see how my tastes and the ratings evolve over the weekend - both are showing in my closest cinema, Cineworld Wandsworth. Room is based on the true story of Josef Fritzl, who kept a teenage girl for years in his basement as a sex slave, fathering children on her, who were kept captive with her, until she finally managed to escape. The acting is meant to be incredible. The Revenant, meanwhile, is also based on a true story - Leonardo DiCaprio plays a frontiersman, whom Tom Hardy leaves for dead after a bear attack, also deciding it would be more practical to kill DiCaprio's little boy, travelling with them. DiCaprio isn't dead, though, and comes back for revenge. The ever-versatile Domhnall Gleeson turns up as the captain of the band. Directed by the excellent Alejandro Inárritu, it promises to be a raw and uncompromising experience.
The rest of next week is Meetups - somewhat making up for a sparcity of them, of late! On Tuesday, I'm going to a play about North Korea - P' Yong Yang is showing in the Finborough: ironically, walking distance from my old flat. The London Dramatic Arts Meetup is going, too - and although I didn't get my ticket from them, the organiser has been kind enough to include me on their list. Lovely to get to go to something with them - it's been ages!
On Wednesday, I got in nice and early for one of those Crick Crack Club meetings that are always selling out. Fairytales for Grownups: Solomon and Sheba takes place in The Forge. And none of those three days involves passing through Waterloo (yippee!). On Thursday, I'm back with Let's Do London - for less!, who are off on a cheery outing to This Will End Badly, at Southwark Playhouse. Which is closer to my new place. On Friday, I'm back with the World Music Meetup for a concert I'm very much looking forward to - Sufi Chants from Andalusia. Finally, that Saturday I'm attending what I think will be my very first Meetup with the Spooky London group, who are running a convivial evening chat about vampires. What a week - most of my favourites in there somewhere!
I was actually home earlier than expected - got a lift. Then I decided to scan and email the documents I'd got a call about earlier in the day, to prove my credentials for car finance. This ran on a little longer than expected when I discovered I had to search for a bank statement.. all was found in the end, and I set out for Waterloo.
I got the next available train, and arrived in Waterloo - after the obligatory, unexplained delay pulling into the platform - just after 7. On the way, I'd looked up the train times to Dartford on thetrainline.com, which said that the last train to get me there on time left Waterloo East at 7.12, and took around 40 minutes. Fair enough.. I'd never used Waterloo East before, but it was supposed to be walkable from the main station, and I figured it wouldn't take more than a few minutes to get there.
It was 5 past by the time I left the platform. And there I was again, lost again. A sign pointed to the right for Waterloo East - fair enough, but then there were no more. I got to the end of the concourse and turned around, confused. Saw a sign for it on the nearby entrance to the Underground station. Ah! Ok, I went down there. And then wondered why there were no signs for it any more.. a passer-by that I asked didn't know where it was either. And it was down there that I realised I was going to miss my train. But at least I found the Underground exit I was used to, on Waterloo Road..! Which is also the site of Stop C. So now I'm getting an idea of the intricate architecture, sent to vex us. That much is satisfying.
I made my way back up to the main concourse. Couldn't figure out where I'd gone wrong. A sign said to ask staff if we had any problems. Hah! Assuming you could find any staff. After some minutes, I did see one - and indeed, she was friendly, and explained that Waterloo East was upstairs, not downstairs.. Looking at the sign that had led me wrong, I can see the problem in depicting "up", when an upward arrow is generally used to mean "straight ahead".
Determined to solve the mystery, I went up to the retail balcony, and sure enough, roughly in the middle is the entrance to Waterloo East. The timetable is listed on a display at the entrance.. the website was wrong, there was no 7.12 train to Dartford. Nor was there a 7.07, as stated by Google Maps. No, the last train that would've got me there on time had left at 7.05, as I was still on the platform downstairs - there was no way I could've made it. The next wasn't until 7.35, which wouldn't have got me there until about 8.15 - far too late for an 8 o' clock show. I went home instead, buying myself a packet of Leibniz on the way.
Back to Ireland tomorrow. Monday is looking like a film, so it's just as well I had the night to do the film list (and no need to go to bed early!). Although the London Short Film Festival continues, there aren't as many, nor as highly rated. Instead, tying at the top of the list (in terms of IMDB ratings) for Monday are two mainstream films - both critically acclaimed, both Oscar hopefuls. Both look good, if harrowing, so we'll see how my tastes and the ratings evolve over the weekend - both are showing in my closest cinema, Cineworld Wandsworth. Room is based on the true story of Josef Fritzl, who kept a teenage girl for years in his basement as a sex slave, fathering children on her, who were kept captive with her, until she finally managed to escape. The acting is meant to be incredible. The Revenant, meanwhile, is also based on a true story - Leonardo DiCaprio plays a frontiersman, whom Tom Hardy leaves for dead after a bear attack, also deciding it would be more practical to kill DiCaprio's little boy, travelling with them. DiCaprio isn't dead, though, and comes back for revenge. The ever-versatile Domhnall Gleeson turns up as the captain of the band. Directed by the excellent Alejandro Inárritu, it promises to be a raw and uncompromising experience.
The rest of next week is Meetups - somewhat making up for a sparcity of them, of late! On Tuesday, I'm going to a play about North Korea - P' Yong Yang is showing in the Finborough: ironically, walking distance from my old flat. The London Dramatic Arts Meetup is going, too - and although I didn't get my ticket from them, the organiser has been kind enough to include me on their list. Lovely to get to go to something with them - it's been ages!
On Wednesday, I got in nice and early for one of those Crick Crack Club meetings that are always selling out. Fairytales for Grownups: Solomon and Sheba takes place in The Forge. And none of those three days involves passing through Waterloo (yippee!). On Thursday, I'm back with Let's Do London - for less!, who are off on a cheery outing to This Will End Badly, at Southwark Playhouse. Which is closer to my new place. On Friday, I'm back with the World Music Meetup for a concert I'm very much looking forward to - Sufi Chants from Andalusia. Finally, that Saturday I'm attending what I think will be my very first Meetup with the Spooky London group, who are running a convivial evening chat about vampires. What a week - most of my favourites in there somewhere!
Ballet: The Nutcracker
My, what a saga there was for this! At the end of November, the Man With a Hat sent an email advertising coming attractions for the Let's Do London - for less! group. And I had the time to look at what was coming up - so I started to plan ahead. Managed to get a ticket for their trip to see Eugene Onegin. Next was The Nutcracker, scheduled for last night.. I got right up to the night before, and by the time I was ready to book for last night? "This Meetup is full.." Aagh! (Predictably, mind.)
Well, the evening before the trip to The Nutcracker, I was writing the previous blog post, and mentioned the group, and how I hadn't managed to get a ticket for this. So I opened their page to link to them, as usual. What did I see? 1 ticket left! (Someone had cancelled, it transpired.) I snapped it up. And so I got to go to the ball(et) after all..
I arrived at Clapham Junction just in time to catch a delayed train - lovely, I'd been expecting to wait a bit longer. Now, I had terrible trouble getting to the Opera House the last time. Took ages to find the right bus stop outside the living nightmare that is Waterloo. So, after consultation with Helen, and with Google Maps, I decided to catch the RV1 at Stop V, which seemed more accessible.
I arrived at Waterloo at 7. I kid you not - I spent fully 20 minutes looking for that blasted stop. Those roads are tortuous - for future reference, if you're heading from the station towards the South Bank, and you pass Azzurro on your left, turn left at the (station-side) corner of it, under the bridge. It's down there, on the right. (Oh, and even the map on the Azzurro website has Azzurro in the wrong location! This area is like the Bermuda Triangle.) I finally found the route on Streetview just now - after getting lost on that too!
As I dashed back and forth across busy road crossings like a demented bat (I happened to be wearing a black cape), it occurred to me that, even if I found the stop, I wasn't going to make it on time. Taxi seemed the answer - except I was carrying a small evening bag, which wouldn't fit my wallet, and I hadn't brought much cash. Well, it was my only option, so I panted my way wearily back uphill to the taxi rank, and checked with the next driver in the queue how much it'd cost. I had £20, he said it'd only cost about £6. Perfect. He did say he also had a card machine, but the only card I had with me was my Oyster, which I didn't think was what he meant..
My knight in shining black cab was also good enough to provide me with a tissue for my sniffly nose, on request. Mine had fallen out of my sleeve - what an evening I was having! As we crawled through the traffic on the one-way system, I got a text from the Man With the Hat, to say he'd left my ticket at the box office, under my name. And that I'd probably miss the first half - they don't let you in once it's started, of course - but that they have a swanky viewing room. I agreed - I probably would miss it now. At least I'd get to see the viewing room! I resisted the urge to mention my hurry to the driver - I could see he couldn't go any faster, and there was no point in stressing him, too.
Again, it was a lovely drive through the West End. He knew his stuff, this driver, and let me off at the closest door to the box office, where I could still see people milling about. Could I still make it on time..? I made my way to the desk, causing some agitation when I said they had a ticket for me. They found it - and from there, some kind of early warning system operated. I love the olde-worlde service in this venue! The guy at the end of the hall knew, perhaps by hand signals, what level I was going to, and told me to hurry as fast as possible to the lifts at the other end of the lobby. The guy standing on my way, when he saw me galloping towards him, bellowed "LIFT!" and I soon saw someone standing in the lift door to hold it for me. She even pressed the button for me - not that the lift moved at all for a minute or so! When I did get to my level, someone was waiting for me, and hurried me along to the right door; I was shown to my row (mine was the empty seat, surprise..) and congratulated by my fellow group members, seated around me. I just had time to turn off my phone before the lights went down..
Phew! I breathlessly applauded the orchestra, and we were off. I've seen The Nutcracker before, although not this production. So tell me, did you ever wish upon a star? Have you ever, as a child, curled up in the corner with a book and been absolutely transported? This evening took me right back to childhood. Even from my elevated perch in the auditorium, the stage looked massive. From the start, the staging was absolutely gorgeous - beautiful costumes, glittering lights, a Christmas tree at the back, for this most Christmassy of ballets.
It was fabulous. The magician, resplendent in a large blue cape, floated from the back in a shower of golden glitter, snow fell, and we were all transported in the magic of it. I love this ballet, but I swear I have never seen a more perfect production of it. This is how, as a child, you would dream it. Later, billowing curtains, and in the second act, billowing clouds of smoke from stage - spilling onto the poor musicians in the pit - only enhanced the dreamlike quality of the story. When the dream itself started, the Christmas tree at the end grew huge! and it was something you could really believe. It occurred to me that this was the perfect production for someone who'd never seen it before - which was the case for a number of our group. But even if you have, this is exactly how it SHOULD be done, obviously directed by someone who truly loves it. And it was lovely to see recognition from the first-timers, when they started to recognise the beautiful music of the second act. As I remarked afterwards, some things deserve their fame.
Last performance tonight, a few tickets apparently still available on the opera house website for £104. You're unlikely to see a better production. Highly recommended.
Afterwards, we headed to the Sun Tavern, which let us in this time, and where we occupied a large table upstairs. And I had some decent wine, and some varied conversation as usual, before their unusually prompt closing time..
Today, I'm in the office - which I normally wouldn't be on a Thursday - because I attended a product planning meeting, which didn't have remote access. Unfortunately, that means that, once again, I've had to cancel on the Central London Outdoor Group - that's happened a few times now, but I'd never make it in time. Instead, I got another of those cheap tickets - to Cirque Berserk, in Dartford. Long journey, but I know they're good too. Looks easier to get to from the station, although I doubt Google Map's walking directions. And I don't have to travel to work tomorrow! Later on tomorrow, of course, I fly back to Ireland for the weekend - that plan hasn't changed (yet)!
Well, the evening before the trip to The Nutcracker, I was writing the previous blog post, and mentioned the group, and how I hadn't managed to get a ticket for this. So I opened their page to link to them, as usual. What did I see? 1 ticket left! (Someone had cancelled, it transpired.) I snapped it up. And so I got to go to the ball(et) after all..
I arrived at Clapham Junction just in time to catch a delayed train - lovely, I'd been expecting to wait a bit longer. Now, I had terrible trouble getting to the Opera House the last time. Took ages to find the right bus stop outside the living nightmare that is Waterloo. So, after consultation with Helen, and with Google Maps, I decided to catch the RV1 at Stop V, which seemed more accessible.
I arrived at Waterloo at 7. I kid you not - I spent fully 20 minutes looking for that blasted stop. Those roads are tortuous - for future reference, if you're heading from the station towards the South Bank, and you pass Azzurro on your left, turn left at the (station-side) corner of it, under the bridge. It's down there, on the right. (Oh, and even the map on the Azzurro website has Azzurro in the wrong location! This area is like the Bermuda Triangle.) I finally found the route on Streetview just now - after getting lost on that too!
As I dashed back and forth across busy road crossings like a demented bat (I happened to be wearing a black cape), it occurred to me that, even if I found the stop, I wasn't going to make it on time. Taxi seemed the answer - except I was carrying a small evening bag, which wouldn't fit my wallet, and I hadn't brought much cash. Well, it was my only option, so I panted my way wearily back uphill to the taxi rank, and checked with the next driver in the queue how much it'd cost. I had £20, he said it'd only cost about £6. Perfect. He did say he also had a card machine, but the only card I had with me was my Oyster, which I didn't think was what he meant..
My knight in shining black cab was also good enough to provide me with a tissue for my sniffly nose, on request. Mine had fallen out of my sleeve - what an evening I was having! As we crawled through the traffic on the one-way system, I got a text from the Man With the Hat, to say he'd left my ticket at the box office, under my name. And that I'd probably miss the first half - they don't let you in once it's started, of course - but that they have a swanky viewing room. I agreed - I probably would miss it now. At least I'd get to see the viewing room! I resisted the urge to mention my hurry to the driver - I could see he couldn't go any faster, and there was no point in stressing him, too.
Again, it was a lovely drive through the West End. He knew his stuff, this driver, and let me off at the closest door to the box office, where I could still see people milling about. Could I still make it on time..? I made my way to the desk, causing some agitation when I said they had a ticket for me. They found it - and from there, some kind of early warning system operated. I love the olde-worlde service in this venue! The guy at the end of the hall knew, perhaps by hand signals, what level I was going to, and told me to hurry as fast as possible to the lifts at the other end of the lobby. The guy standing on my way, when he saw me galloping towards him, bellowed "LIFT!" and I soon saw someone standing in the lift door to hold it for me. She even pressed the button for me - not that the lift moved at all for a minute or so! When I did get to my level, someone was waiting for me, and hurried me along to the right door; I was shown to my row (mine was the empty seat, surprise..) and congratulated by my fellow group members, seated around me. I just had time to turn off my phone before the lights went down..
Phew! I breathlessly applauded the orchestra, and we were off. I've seen The Nutcracker before, although not this production. So tell me, did you ever wish upon a star? Have you ever, as a child, curled up in the corner with a book and been absolutely transported? This evening took me right back to childhood. Even from my elevated perch in the auditorium, the stage looked massive. From the start, the staging was absolutely gorgeous - beautiful costumes, glittering lights, a Christmas tree at the back, for this most Christmassy of ballets.
It was fabulous. The magician, resplendent in a large blue cape, floated from the back in a shower of golden glitter, snow fell, and we were all transported in the magic of it. I love this ballet, but I swear I have never seen a more perfect production of it. This is how, as a child, you would dream it. Later, billowing curtains, and in the second act, billowing clouds of smoke from stage - spilling onto the poor musicians in the pit - only enhanced the dreamlike quality of the story. When the dream itself started, the Christmas tree at the end grew huge! and it was something you could really believe. It occurred to me that this was the perfect production for someone who'd never seen it before - which was the case for a number of our group. But even if you have, this is exactly how it SHOULD be done, obviously directed by someone who truly loves it. And it was lovely to see recognition from the first-timers, when they started to recognise the beautiful music of the second act. As I remarked afterwards, some things deserve their fame.
Last performance tonight, a few tickets apparently still available on the opera house website for £104. You're unlikely to see a better production. Highly recommended.
Afterwards, we headed to the Sun Tavern, which let us in this time, and where we occupied a large table upstairs. And I had some decent wine, and some varied conversation as usual, before their unusually prompt closing time..
Today, I'm in the office - which I normally wouldn't be on a Thursday - because I attended a product planning meeting, which didn't have remote access. Unfortunately, that means that, once again, I've had to cancel on the Central London Outdoor Group - that's happened a few times now, but I'd never make it in time. Instead, I got another of those cheap tickets - to Cirque Berserk, in Dartford. Long journey, but I know they're good too. Looks easier to get to from the station, although I doubt Google Map's walking directions. And I don't have to travel to work tomorrow! Later on tomorrow, of course, I fly back to Ireland for the weekend - that plan hasn't changed (yet)!
Wednesday, 13 January 2016
Circus: La Soirée
Some things, you just know are going to be good. I saw La Soirée last year, I think it was.. maybe longer ago, since I can't seem to find it in the blog. Anyway, they made an impression - and when I was booking ahead for this week.. and came across La Soirée.. no hesitation required, I booked.
Well, I anticipated an easy trip last night from Waterloo.. it didn't quite work out that way. To start with, I was delayed coming from work. Well, but the show wasn't starting until 8 anyhow. I grabbed a quick bite in Clapham Junction on the way, then hopped on a train for Waterloo. And then realised I hadn't tapped in with my Oyster card - I'd just come straight off the train from Guildford and hadn't passed through the barriers. Ehh.. oops. And the train was now moving. I got off at Vauxhall, the next stop - no Oyster readers. I had to go all the way back to Clapham Junction, pass through the barrier, tap in with my Oyster card, and get on another train to Waterloo. All of which I could've done without.
I finally got there at 7.50. I knew which exit to take, at least - or thought I did. The terrible exterior design of Waterloo struck again, and I was completely lost, despite following signs for the South Bank and Southbank Centre. Turning left from the platforms, I was faced with two exits - in retrospect, the (main) exit, to the right, would've been a bit easier, but I still ended up in the same place - Belvedere Road, facing the backs of a number of buildings, knowing that London Wonderground was just around the other side, but with no way of getting there.
In retrospect again, I could've just climbed the steps straight in front of me, to the Southbank Centre. But there was a sign for the Spiegeltent, pointing to the left - so off I went, under the bridge, crossing the road, looking for a road to the right. Do not believe Google Maps at this point - there is no access to the side of Jubilee Gardens. They've blocked off all those roads for deliveries and such. No, I had to go right into the gardens, walk down the middle - as Big Ben struck 8, and I was sure I'd be late: eyes and nose streaming in the freezing cold breeze.
I couldn't find the box office, so made straight for the tent - turns out there is no box office, they just crossed my name off the list and gave me a wristband, and bless, there were even ladies there to put it on for me! This is so you can pass in and out to the bar, at the entrance. I was just after 8 - but sure enough, the MC didn't come on until 5 past, and the show proper didn't start until 10 past. Phew. One convivial chap passed me on to another, who showed me to a decent seat at the end of a row. I think all these people were performers in the show as well - they run a tight ship.
I am at something of a loss as to how to describe this show. I certainly can't do it justice - I can start by saying that yes, it was at least as good as I remembered (and a different show, mostly - they have a huge cast, which varies between performances), and that it must absolutely be one of the best shows in London right now. Sexy and sassy, there's so much to watch in this stylish show that you sometimes forget to keep an eye on the really spectacular circus acts being performed in front of you. And spectacular many of them are, as you bop along to the most excellent soundtrack. All circus should be like this.
I don't want to give too much away, but to give you a flavour - an Irish cabaret singer started us off with a demented, but talented performance. Immediately followed by possibly, for me, the stars of the show - The English Gents, complete with pinstripe suits and bowler hats. Muscular is not the word for what lies underneath. :-) Acrobatics ain't all they get up to - the act of the show (for me, and many others I think, judging by the cheers) was the bubble-blowing in the second act.
A trapeze artist in stilettos, smoking a cigar throughout, and never dropping the trilby she was wearing. A hilarious contortionist / sword swallower. A chap who doesn't do much dramatic, but does it so salaciously you don't care! A juggler with a yen for Queen. And more.. there was a large crowd in, who seemed to have set up their boss to be dragged up on stage - and a good sport he was. We laughed, we gasped, we cheered, and we gave them a standing ovation at the end. Seriously, you don't want to miss this! Runs until Sunday - beg, borrow, or steal a ticket.
I came out around the other side - I now know the area better, but I don't think that would've been any faster to go by - you need to leave about 10 minutes to get from Waterloo to the Spiegeltent. And the show ran later than your average circus show - 2.5 hours including interval - so I wasn't home until after bedtime. What the hey, it was worth it!
Again, if you've been reading regularly, you'll know that I didn't get a ticket to The Nutcracker tonight with Let's Do London - for less! - after all the fuss, they were sold out by the time I got to them. I got a ticket to an evening of poetry set to music instead, part of the Winter Festival at the Southbank Centre. I got a seated ticket when there was a cancellation - and it's free! And then.. I was literally just writing the last post, and looked up the link to the Let's Do London - for less! page (just for reference).. and there had just been a cancellation (as he afterwards explained); they had one ticket left (one of the more expensive ones, but still the best value available) in the auditorium. So I snapped it up, and now I'm going to that instead! Better be careful with my timings - I had a complicated trip to the Opera House last time. This time, I think I'll take the RV1 - with my newfound knowledge of the station, that stop seems easiest to get to!
Tomorrow's plans have also changed. I've decided I want to come to the office - which I normally wouldn't be on a Thursday - because I'm interested in our product planning meeting that's happening that day, and which won't have remote access. (Means an early start after what's bound to be a late night, but never mind! And at least I get a free lunch out of it). Unfortunately, that means that, once again, I have to cancel on the Central London Outdoor Group - that's happened a few times now, but I'd never make it in time. Instead, I got another of those cheap tickets - to Cirque Berserk, in Dartford. Long journey, but I know they're good too. And I don't have to travel to work on Friday! Later that day, of course, I fly back to Ireland for the weekend - that plan hasn't changed (yet)!
Well, I anticipated an easy trip last night from Waterloo.. it didn't quite work out that way. To start with, I was delayed coming from work. Well, but the show wasn't starting until 8 anyhow. I grabbed a quick bite in Clapham Junction on the way, then hopped on a train for Waterloo. And then realised I hadn't tapped in with my Oyster card - I'd just come straight off the train from Guildford and hadn't passed through the barriers. Ehh.. oops. And the train was now moving. I got off at Vauxhall, the next stop - no Oyster readers. I had to go all the way back to Clapham Junction, pass through the barrier, tap in with my Oyster card, and get on another train to Waterloo. All of which I could've done without.
I finally got there at 7.50. I knew which exit to take, at least - or thought I did. The terrible exterior design of Waterloo struck again, and I was completely lost, despite following signs for the South Bank and Southbank Centre. Turning left from the platforms, I was faced with two exits - in retrospect, the (main) exit, to the right, would've been a bit easier, but I still ended up in the same place - Belvedere Road, facing the backs of a number of buildings, knowing that London Wonderground was just around the other side, but with no way of getting there.
In retrospect again, I could've just climbed the steps straight in front of me, to the Southbank Centre. But there was a sign for the Spiegeltent, pointing to the left - so off I went, under the bridge, crossing the road, looking for a road to the right. Do not believe Google Maps at this point - there is no access to the side of Jubilee Gardens. They've blocked off all those roads for deliveries and such. No, I had to go right into the gardens, walk down the middle - as Big Ben struck 8, and I was sure I'd be late: eyes and nose streaming in the freezing cold breeze.
I couldn't find the box office, so made straight for the tent - turns out there is no box office, they just crossed my name off the list and gave me a wristband, and bless, there were even ladies there to put it on for me! This is so you can pass in and out to the bar, at the entrance. I was just after 8 - but sure enough, the MC didn't come on until 5 past, and the show proper didn't start until 10 past. Phew. One convivial chap passed me on to another, who showed me to a decent seat at the end of a row. I think all these people were performers in the show as well - they run a tight ship.
I am at something of a loss as to how to describe this show. I certainly can't do it justice - I can start by saying that yes, it was at least as good as I remembered (and a different show, mostly - they have a huge cast, which varies between performances), and that it must absolutely be one of the best shows in London right now. Sexy and sassy, there's so much to watch in this stylish show that you sometimes forget to keep an eye on the really spectacular circus acts being performed in front of you. And spectacular many of them are, as you bop along to the most excellent soundtrack. All circus should be like this.
I don't want to give too much away, but to give you a flavour - an Irish cabaret singer started us off with a demented, but talented performance. Immediately followed by possibly, for me, the stars of the show - The English Gents, complete with pinstripe suits and bowler hats. Muscular is not the word for what lies underneath. :-) Acrobatics ain't all they get up to - the act of the show (for me, and many others I think, judging by the cheers) was the bubble-blowing in the second act.
A trapeze artist in stilettos, smoking a cigar throughout, and never dropping the trilby she was wearing. A hilarious contortionist / sword swallower. A chap who doesn't do much dramatic, but does it so salaciously you don't care! A juggler with a yen for Queen. And more.. there was a large crowd in, who seemed to have set up their boss to be dragged up on stage - and a good sport he was. We laughed, we gasped, we cheered, and we gave them a standing ovation at the end. Seriously, you don't want to miss this! Runs until Sunday - beg, borrow, or steal a ticket.
I came out around the other side - I now know the area better, but I don't think that would've been any faster to go by - you need to leave about 10 minutes to get from Waterloo to the Spiegeltent. And the show ran later than your average circus show - 2.5 hours including interval - so I wasn't home until after bedtime. What the hey, it was worth it!
Again, if you've been reading regularly, you'll know that I didn't get a ticket to The Nutcracker tonight with Let's Do London - for less! - after all the fuss, they were sold out by the time I got to them. I got a ticket to an evening of poetry set to music instead, part of the Winter Festival at the Southbank Centre. I got a seated ticket when there was a cancellation - and it's free! And then.. I was literally just writing the last post, and looked up the link to the Let's Do London - for less! page (just for reference).. and there had just been a cancellation (as he afterwards explained); they had one ticket left (one of the more expensive ones, but still the best value available) in the auditorium. So I snapped it up, and now I'm going to that instead! Better be careful with my timings - I had a complicated trip to the Opera House last time. This time, I think I'll take the RV1 - with my newfound knowledge of the station, that stop seems easiest to get to!
Tomorrow's plans have also changed. I've decided I want to come to the office - which I normally wouldn't be on a Thursday - because I'm interested in our product planning meeting that's happening that day, and which won't have remote access. (Means an early start after what's bound to be a late night, but never mind! And at least I get a free lunch out of it). Unfortunately, that means that, once again, I have to cancel on the Central London Outdoor Group - that's happened a few times now, but I'd never make it in time. Instead, I got another of those cheap tickets - to Cirque Berserk, in Dartford. Long journey, but I know they're good too. And I don't have to travel to work on Friday! Later that day, of course, I fly back to Ireland for the weekend - that plan hasn't changed (yet)!
Tuesday, 12 January 2016
Plays: All On Her Own & Harlequinade
A side effect of booking ahead for this week, at the end of November (and all working towards Let's Do London - for less!'s outing to The Nutcracker), is that most Meetup groups don't arrange things that far in advance. So it was Time Out that suggested that, for yesterday, I go to Harlequinade, directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh. Fair enough - it sounded ok. Now, it's in the Garrick, which I know from bitter experience to be one of those old theatres that's appalling for seating in the upper levels (no legroom whatsoever) - so the stalls it had to be. Which made it expensive. I found the best deal through London Box Office.
Yesterday evening, I didn't have much time to eat, but when I arrived back from work to Clapham Junction station, I was hungry - and Sainsbury's, conveniently located in the station precinct, provided me with the handiest hot counter, where I picked up a cooked half roast chicken. Very much appreciated! With Google Maps telling me that the 7.13 train would get me there in time, 7 o'clock seemed time enough to leave the flat, which just nicely gave me time to eat my purchase.
I arrived back at the station just in time to catch the 7.07 to Waterloo. Great - except there was a delay as we approached the station (something about a fault with the doors) and we eventually chugged in at nearly 20 past. Then I had what is commonly described as a senior moment, and couldn't find the Underground for a few minutes, despite walking right past it twice - and by the time I made it to Leicester Square, I was already five minutes late for the show. Well, I wasn't giving up on a £65 ticket, so I persevered.
I'm not used to exiting Leicester Square from the Northern Line, so it took me a moment to locate Exit 1, still to my left. From there, it's left down Charing Cross Road - I looked enviously at Wyndham's, which I passed on the way, but mine was further down. Sure enough, by the time I got there, the only people still in the lobby were staff. But they were kind enough to get me my ticket, and show me to the bar, where they sat me on a cushioned stool in front of a large television, showing a live feed, until I could be let in. So not so bad - and I wasn't even the last to arrive, as I discovered when they pulled up another stool next to me for another fellow.
Well, the sound quality wasn't terrific, and I couldn't get all the dialogue. And it was some minutes before the display changed to colour. Nonetheless, it was good that I hadn't really missed anything. The first play is the short one - All On Her Own, where Zoe Wanamaker gives an excellent solo performance as a drunk, middle-aged woman, downing the whiskey while conversing with her dead husband.
After about 15 minutes, that play was ending and we were shown to our seats - in my case, at least, making several of my neighbours grumpy! As I sat, they were showing a postwar-style film, which explained how a national board was sponsoring a number of theatre companies (this one included) to bring culture to the masses. In due course, the curtain rose to a Renaissance-style set, and Kenneth Branagh appeared in Renaissance costume and a flamboyant wig.
Oh dear. Oh dearie me. Now, the audience loved it - well, the laughter died down as the evening progressed, but the people around me had a hoot! It's the story of the shenanigans of a madcap touring theatre company, with him as the director - and Zoe Wanamaker back, after a costume change, as his aunt, who is also a member. Comedy is subjective - and I'm afraid, although this elicited some laughs from me, and indeed, I loved their use of the venue - I just found it far too silly. Note to self - never, ever again go to a comedy directed by Kenneth Branagh. I'd have left, if I'd been on the end of the row - it played without interval, so I had to stay to the end.
At least it finished quite early - although there still wasn't time to blog, last night. London Box Office asked for a review today, and I told them the same - and remarked that, although the seat was fine, it definitely wasn't worth £65. Which, by the way, is face value.
Well, I have higher hopes for tonight - both for quality, and likelihood of getting there on time. Again part of my early booking, I have a ticket to La Soirée, playing at the Spiegeltent, walking distance from Waterloo. And, having been there before, I MIGHT not get lost.
Well, if you've been reading regularly, you'll know that I didn't get a ticket to The Nutcracker tomorrow - after all that fuss, they were sold out by the time I got to them! I got a ticket to an evening of poetry set to music instead, part of the Winter Festival at the Southbank Centre. I got a seated ticket when there was a cancellation - and it's free! And then.. I was literally just writing this very post, a short while ago, and looked up the link to the Let's Do London - for less! page (just for reference).. and there had just been a cancellation (as he only just now explained); they had one ticket left (one of the more expensive ones, but still the best value available) in the auditorium. So I snapped it up, and now I'm going to that instead!
Thursday's plans have also changed. I've decided I want to come to the office that day - which I normally wouldn't be - because I'm interested in our product planning meeting that's happening that day, and which won't have remote access. (Means an early start after what's bound to be a late night, but never mind! And at least I get a free lunch out of it). Unfortunately, that means that, once again, I have to cancel on the Central London Outdoor Group - that's happened a few times now, but I'd never make it in time. Instead, I got another of those cheap tickets - to Cirque Berserk, in Dartford. Long journey, but I know they're good. And I don't have to travel to work on Friday! Later that day, of course, I fly back to Ireland for the weekend - that plan hasn't changed (yet)!
Yesterday evening, I didn't have much time to eat, but when I arrived back from work to Clapham Junction station, I was hungry - and Sainsbury's, conveniently located in the station precinct, provided me with the handiest hot counter, where I picked up a cooked half roast chicken. Very much appreciated! With Google Maps telling me that the 7.13 train would get me there in time, 7 o'clock seemed time enough to leave the flat, which just nicely gave me time to eat my purchase.
I arrived back at the station just in time to catch the 7.07 to Waterloo. Great - except there was a delay as we approached the station (something about a fault with the doors) and we eventually chugged in at nearly 20 past. Then I had what is commonly described as a senior moment, and couldn't find the Underground for a few minutes, despite walking right past it twice - and by the time I made it to Leicester Square, I was already five minutes late for the show. Well, I wasn't giving up on a £65 ticket, so I persevered.
I'm not used to exiting Leicester Square from the Northern Line, so it took me a moment to locate Exit 1, still to my left. From there, it's left down Charing Cross Road - I looked enviously at Wyndham's, which I passed on the way, but mine was further down. Sure enough, by the time I got there, the only people still in the lobby were staff. But they were kind enough to get me my ticket, and show me to the bar, where they sat me on a cushioned stool in front of a large television, showing a live feed, until I could be let in. So not so bad - and I wasn't even the last to arrive, as I discovered when they pulled up another stool next to me for another fellow.
Well, the sound quality wasn't terrific, and I couldn't get all the dialogue. And it was some minutes before the display changed to colour. Nonetheless, it was good that I hadn't really missed anything. The first play is the short one - All On Her Own, where Zoe Wanamaker gives an excellent solo performance as a drunk, middle-aged woman, downing the whiskey while conversing with her dead husband.
After about 15 minutes, that play was ending and we were shown to our seats - in my case, at least, making several of my neighbours grumpy! As I sat, they were showing a postwar-style film, which explained how a national board was sponsoring a number of theatre companies (this one included) to bring culture to the masses. In due course, the curtain rose to a Renaissance-style set, and Kenneth Branagh appeared in Renaissance costume and a flamboyant wig.
Oh dear. Oh dearie me. Now, the audience loved it - well, the laughter died down as the evening progressed, but the people around me had a hoot! It's the story of the shenanigans of a madcap touring theatre company, with him as the director - and Zoe Wanamaker back, after a costume change, as his aunt, who is also a member. Comedy is subjective - and I'm afraid, although this elicited some laughs from me, and indeed, I loved their use of the venue - I just found it far too silly. Note to self - never, ever again go to a comedy directed by Kenneth Branagh. I'd have left, if I'd been on the end of the row - it played without interval, so I had to stay to the end.
At least it finished quite early - although there still wasn't time to blog, last night. London Box Office asked for a review today, and I told them the same - and remarked that, although the seat was fine, it definitely wasn't worth £65. Which, by the way, is face value.
Well, I have higher hopes for tonight - both for quality, and likelihood of getting there on time. Again part of my early booking, I have a ticket to La Soirée, playing at the Spiegeltent, walking distance from Waterloo. And, having been there before, I MIGHT not get lost.
Well, if you've been reading regularly, you'll know that I didn't get a ticket to The Nutcracker tomorrow - after all that fuss, they were sold out by the time I got to them! I got a ticket to an evening of poetry set to music instead, part of the Winter Festival at the Southbank Centre. I got a seated ticket when there was a cancellation - and it's free! And then.. I was literally just writing this very post, a short while ago, and looked up the link to the Let's Do London - for less! page (just for reference).. and there had just been a cancellation (as he only just now explained); they had one ticket left (one of the more expensive ones, but still the best value available) in the auditorium. So I snapped it up, and now I'm going to that instead!
Thursday's plans have also changed. I've decided I want to come to the office that day - which I normally wouldn't be - because I'm interested in our product planning meeting that's happening that day, and which won't have remote access. (Means an early start after what's bound to be a late night, but never mind! And at least I get a free lunch out of it). Unfortunately, that means that, once again, I have to cancel on the Central London Outdoor Group - that's happened a few times now, but I'd never make it in time. Instead, I got another of those cheap tickets - to Cirque Berserk, in Dartford. Long journey, but I know they're good. And I don't have to travel to work on Friday! Later that day, of course, I fly back to Ireland for the weekend - that plan hasn't changed (yet)!
Monday, 11 January 2016
Films: Throw Me To The Dogs, The Way We Fall, Boy, More Hate Than Fear, Fire, Jester, The Son, The Breaking, Oedipussy, & RinGtone
Another week, another film list, and this week's was absolutely crammed with short films, what with the London Short Film Festival in full flight. Which is a drag, since I have to check every single one for IMDB ratings - most of them weren't rated (you need at least five ratings for it to show), but it still takes time. When I finally got finished, it wasn't surprising that the whole top of the list was full of shorts - the top four (like most of them) showing in Hackney Picturehouse.
Now, the top-rated film (Stutterer) was showing in a programme that turned out to be sold out, but the next three (More Hate Than Fear, Murmur, and Seachild), which tied in second place, were showing in two back-to-back shorts programmes, yesterday afternoon. And I could have gone to both - except that, of course, I got caught up in doing something, and ended up just going to the second one - Boyhood, eschewing the first (Girlhood).
Well, Google Maps suggested that my easiest (and cheapest) route would be the Overground directly to Hackney Central. However, this was also the longest of the routes they suggested, and by the time I was ready to go, it wasn't an option. Instead, I cut across town: train to Victoria, Victoria Line to Highbury & Islington, and pick up the Overground there (the Overground runs in a roughly circular route around the city).
Google Maps is great for directions and suggestions - not so great on timing! The train they said left for Victoria at 5.13 didn't exist - I arrived at 5.06, just in time to miss one, and the next wasn't until 5.16. The rest of my journey was unproblematic, until I arrived at Highbury & Islington, where I had a six-minute wait for an Overground (they're not as frequent as other trains) that wouldn't get to Hackney until 6 - the scheduled start time. Ah well - it's not like this was a live performance, they wouldn't mind me arriving slightly late.
From Hackney Central, turn right (under the railway bridge), and the cinema is already just visible: the building with a blue neon sign, just up the road on the left. I queued for a ticket, then climbed to the second floor for Screen 1 - they were still showing the ad for the festival, thankfully, and although the house was mostly full, I got an end seat a few rows back from the (enormous) screen.
And we were off! Throw Me to the Dogs is a gritty short, about an only son, bullied by the neighbourhood kids, whom his father ends up coaching in a football team. A gruelling look at the effect that bullying can have, it has a harsh twist in the tail.
The Way We Fall is a touching look at a wheelchair-bound young man, attending his first wheelchair basketball training session and learning what it takes to cope.
Boy is quite a disturbing drama, about a woman who's recently lost her teenage son, and meets someone who reminds her of him. The twist is interesting.
More Hate Than Fear is the one whose rating brought me to this showing, and it was obviously highly anticipated by the crowd, who whooped and cheered at both start and finish. Based on real events, it follows a young graffiti artist as he starts his 3 1/2 year stretch in prison.
Fire is an imaginative short, about a young lad who learns to channel his rage into a powerful force.
Jester tells the tale of an ordinary lad trying to impress a posh bird. Great characterisation in this, and a great sense of humour.
The Son has a narrator telling the tale of an only son, who carries the hopes and dreams of his parents on unwilling shoulders.
The Breaking is the story of a young man, with a love of guns, who reaches breaking point. I found the ending unsatisfying, and I think the crowd agreed - the applause, which follows each film, was hesitant.
Oedipussy is a funny short about a young man whose interest in porn carries over into his daily life, where he starts to make associations with what he's been watching. Not as salacious as it sounds!
Finally, RinGtone is a cool little film, about a school leaver in 1999, who finds he can make a great business out of programming ringtones with popular tunes.
A great programme - but at the end of the two-hour session, I was glad I hadn't sat through two; many of the films were gruelling to watch, and watching so many films at once was a bit overwhelming anyway. Still, I was glad I came - it's great to see such well made films! Sadly, as usual I hadn't brought a pen with me, and couldn't complete their feedback form; well, it wasn't specific to the films anyway, but to the festival overall - they basically wanted my contact details.
I took the Overground all the way back - but having to be up early today to go to Guildford meant I had to be in bed too early to blog. Nonetheless, I'm ploughing on with going to things.. Tonight and tomorrow are longterm bookings, booked - as previously mentioned - when I was working my way towards The Nutcracker, as attended by Let's Do London - for less!, this Wednesday. So, tonight, I'm going to Harlequinade, with Kenneth Branagh and Judi Dench, and tomorrow, I'm delighted to have got a ticket for La Soirée. Seen them before, and they're terrific.
Wednesday, as I say, Let's Do London - for less! are off to something good again. But guess what? "This Meetup is full" greeted me when I finally got up that date! I'd missed out by a matter of hours. Never mind - I'm off to an evening of poetry set to music: part of the Southbank Centre's Winter Festival. And it's free - I was lucky to get a seat though - told them I didn't want to stand, and it turned out there'd been a cancellation, so I don't have to! With La Soirée on in the Spiegeltent, right next door, that's two nights that are going to be really convenient for me to get to, as the venues are right by Waterloo.
Finally for this week, on Thursday the Cloggies are off on a tour of Kray country, in the East End. Followed by a curry in Brick Lane, natch. And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend..
Now, the top-rated film (Stutterer) was showing in a programme that turned out to be sold out, but the next three (More Hate Than Fear, Murmur, and Seachild), which tied in second place, were showing in two back-to-back shorts programmes, yesterday afternoon. And I could have gone to both - except that, of course, I got caught up in doing something, and ended up just going to the second one - Boyhood, eschewing the first (Girlhood).
Well, Google Maps suggested that my easiest (and cheapest) route would be the Overground directly to Hackney Central. However, this was also the longest of the routes they suggested, and by the time I was ready to go, it wasn't an option. Instead, I cut across town: train to Victoria, Victoria Line to Highbury & Islington, and pick up the Overground there (the Overground runs in a roughly circular route around the city).
Google Maps is great for directions and suggestions - not so great on timing! The train they said left for Victoria at 5.13 didn't exist - I arrived at 5.06, just in time to miss one, and the next wasn't until 5.16. The rest of my journey was unproblematic, until I arrived at Highbury & Islington, where I had a six-minute wait for an Overground (they're not as frequent as other trains) that wouldn't get to Hackney until 6 - the scheduled start time. Ah well - it's not like this was a live performance, they wouldn't mind me arriving slightly late.
From Hackney Central, turn right (under the railway bridge), and the cinema is already just visible: the building with a blue neon sign, just up the road on the left. I queued for a ticket, then climbed to the second floor for Screen 1 - they were still showing the ad for the festival, thankfully, and although the house was mostly full, I got an end seat a few rows back from the (enormous) screen.
And we were off! Throw Me to the Dogs is a gritty short, about an only son, bullied by the neighbourhood kids, whom his father ends up coaching in a football team. A gruelling look at the effect that bullying can have, it has a harsh twist in the tail.
The Way We Fall is a touching look at a wheelchair-bound young man, attending his first wheelchair basketball training session and learning what it takes to cope.
Boy is quite a disturbing drama, about a woman who's recently lost her teenage son, and meets someone who reminds her of him. The twist is interesting.
More Hate Than Fear is the one whose rating brought me to this showing, and it was obviously highly anticipated by the crowd, who whooped and cheered at both start and finish. Based on real events, it follows a young graffiti artist as he starts his 3 1/2 year stretch in prison.
Fire is an imaginative short, about a young lad who learns to channel his rage into a powerful force.
Jester tells the tale of an ordinary lad trying to impress a posh bird. Great characterisation in this, and a great sense of humour.
The Son has a narrator telling the tale of an only son, who carries the hopes and dreams of his parents on unwilling shoulders.
The Breaking is the story of a young man, with a love of guns, who reaches breaking point. I found the ending unsatisfying, and I think the crowd agreed - the applause, which follows each film, was hesitant.
Oedipussy is a funny short about a young man whose interest in porn carries over into his daily life, where he starts to make associations with what he's been watching. Not as salacious as it sounds!
Finally, RinGtone is a cool little film, about a school leaver in 1999, who finds he can make a great business out of programming ringtones with popular tunes.
A great programme - but at the end of the two-hour session, I was glad I hadn't sat through two; many of the films were gruelling to watch, and watching so many films at once was a bit overwhelming anyway. Still, I was glad I came - it's great to see such well made films! Sadly, as usual I hadn't brought a pen with me, and couldn't complete their feedback form; well, it wasn't specific to the films anyway, but to the festival overall - they basically wanted my contact details.
I took the Overground all the way back - but having to be up early today to go to Guildford meant I had to be in bed too early to blog. Nonetheless, I'm ploughing on with going to things.. Tonight and tomorrow are longterm bookings, booked - as previously mentioned - when I was working my way towards The Nutcracker, as attended by Let's Do London - for less!, this Wednesday. So, tonight, I'm going to Harlequinade, with Kenneth Branagh and Judi Dench, and tomorrow, I'm delighted to have got a ticket for La Soirée. Seen them before, and they're terrific.
Wednesday, as I say, Let's Do London - for less! are off to something good again. But guess what? "This Meetup is full" greeted me when I finally got up that date! I'd missed out by a matter of hours. Never mind - I'm off to an evening of poetry set to music: part of the Southbank Centre's Winter Festival. And it's free - I was lucky to get a seat though - told them I didn't want to stand, and it turned out there'd been a cancellation, so I don't have to! With La Soirée on in the Spiegeltent, right next door, that's two nights that are going to be really convenient for me to get to, as the venues are right by Waterloo.
Finally for this week, on Thursday the Cloggies are off on a tour of Kray country, in the East End. Followed by a curry in Brick Lane, natch. And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend..
Saturday, 9 January 2016
Musical: Looking For You
It's just been one of those days. I arrived at the garage in good time for my test drive, but they were really busy and couldn't take me out straight away. I waited. Finally, the manager asked would I be ok taking it out on my own? Sure, said I, except I'm completely unfamiliar with the area. Oh, you won't get lost, said he, recommending a route and handing me the key.
Lovely drive - v similar to my existing car, which is a good recommendation. Better than anticipated at speed, comfy. I was well happy when I decided it was time to take it back. Until I realised I didn't know how to get back! Lovely. I did actually get most of the way without issues, but I KNEW I'd get lost. After about 20 minutes of wrong turns, I finally started driving aimlessly along any road that - at first - looked promising, and - later - I hadn't tried yet. And so it happened that I eventually stumbled across the garage again.
I'd wondered how long they'd leave it before calling to see whether I'd run off with it, but you know, they probably hadn't noticed at all, they were so busy. At least, as one remarked when I told him, I got to give the car a good workout! Oh yes, said I - plenty of u-turns.. (one of the handiest places I found to retrace my steps was the prison - they must've thought I was casing the joint, I was there so often!)
Then it was ages before they got around to me. I was there for the better part of two hours. And my debit card had gone missing, as I discovered when I tried to pay the deposit - mercifully, I had my credit card. And when I came out - and had to walk to the bus stop, and wait - the weather had turned horrible. And I hadn't eaten yet, and had come out without breakfast too, having got up very late. And it took an hour to get home. So it's understandable that I had no enthusiasm for heading all the way up to Hampstead - another hour's journey, more or less - for the musical I'd booked. Pity, but it takes so long to get to the other side of town, and in this weather.. and I hadn't paid much. Anyway, staying in gave me a chance to get myself organised, this evening, for all the payments I've now let myself in for..
Well! I'm organised for the rest of the week. Tomorrow is a film - and with all the shorts showing in town at the moment (for the LSFF), it took literally days to sort my film list (in terms of IMDB ratings). It's no great surprise that a programme of shorts came out top - and so I'm headed to Hackney Picturehouse tomorrow evening. There are three shorts programmes tomorrow afternoon, the first sold out - but I can choose between the other two. Or maybe go to both, we'll see how I feel.
Monday and Tuesday are longterm bookings, booked - as previously mentioned - when I was working my way towards The Nutcracker, as attended by Let's Do London - for less!, this Wednesday. So, on Monday, I'm going to Harlequinade, with Kenneth Branagh and Judi Dench, and on Tuesday, I'm delighted to have got a ticket for La Soirée. Seen them before, and they're terrific.
Wednesday, as I say, Let's Do London - for less! are off to something good again. But guess what? "This Meetup is full" greeted me when I finally got up that date! I'd missed out by a matter of hours. Never mind - I'm off to an evening of poetry set to music: part of the Southbank Centre's Winter Festival. And it's free - I was lucky to get a seat though - told them I didn't want to stand, and it turned out there'd been a cancellation, so I don't have to! With La Soirée on in the Spiegeltent, right next door, that's two nights that are going to be really convenient for me to get to, as the venues are right by Waterloo.
Finally for this week, on Thursday the Cloggies are off on a tour of Kray country, in the East End. Followed by a curry in Brick Lane, natch. And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend..
Lovely drive - v similar to my existing car, which is a good recommendation. Better than anticipated at speed, comfy. I was well happy when I decided it was time to take it back. Until I realised I didn't know how to get back! Lovely. I did actually get most of the way without issues, but I KNEW I'd get lost. After about 20 minutes of wrong turns, I finally started driving aimlessly along any road that - at first - looked promising, and - later - I hadn't tried yet. And so it happened that I eventually stumbled across the garage again.
I'd wondered how long they'd leave it before calling to see whether I'd run off with it, but you know, they probably hadn't noticed at all, they were so busy. At least, as one remarked when I told him, I got to give the car a good workout! Oh yes, said I - plenty of u-turns.. (one of the handiest places I found to retrace my steps was the prison - they must've thought I was casing the joint, I was there so often!)
Then it was ages before they got around to me. I was there for the better part of two hours. And my debit card had gone missing, as I discovered when I tried to pay the deposit - mercifully, I had my credit card. And when I came out - and had to walk to the bus stop, and wait - the weather had turned horrible. And I hadn't eaten yet, and had come out without breakfast too, having got up very late. And it took an hour to get home. So it's understandable that I had no enthusiasm for heading all the way up to Hampstead - another hour's journey, more or less - for the musical I'd booked. Pity, but it takes so long to get to the other side of town, and in this weather.. and I hadn't paid much. Anyway, staying in gave me a chance to get myself organised, this evening, for all the payments I've now let myself in for..
Well! I'm organised for the rest of the week. Tomorrow is a film - and with all the shorts showing in town at the moment (for the LSFF), it took literally days to sort my film list (in terms of IMDB ratings). It's no great surprise that a programme of shorts came out top - and so I'm headed to Hackney Picturehouse tomorrow evening. There are three shorts programmes tomorrow afternoon, the first sold out - but I can choose between the other two. Or maybe go to both, we'll see how I feel.
Monday and Tuesday are longterm bookings, booked - as previously mentioned - when I was working my way towards The Nutcracker, as attended by Let's Do London - for less!, this Wednesday. So, on Monday, I'm going to Harlequinade, with Kenneth Branagh and Judi Dench, and on Tuesday, I'm delighted to have got a ticket for La Soirée. Seen them before, and they're terrific.
Wednesday, as I say, Let's Do London - for less! are off to something good again. But guess what? "This Meetup is full" greeted me when I finally got up that date! I'd missed out by a matter of hours. Never mind - I'm off to an evening of poetry set to music: part of the Southbank Centre's Winter Festival. And it's free - I was lucky to get a seat though - told them I didn't want to stand, and it turned out there'd been a cancellation, so I don't have to! With La Soirée on in the Spiegeltent, right next door, that's two nights that are going to be really convenient for me to get to, as the venues are right by Waterloo.
Finally for this week, on Thursday the Cloggies are off on a tour of Kray country, in the East End. Followed by a curry in Brick Lane, natch. And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend..
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