Circus: Limbo

First off, let me explain that I didn't go anywhere of note last night (Thursday). I had been going to go to a play, but was late, so instead I went to eat in the Black Bean (previously mentioned), and the only thing really worth mentioning about it was that I found the beef Szechuan not quite as good as the version with chicken. But still very nice.

Tonight (Friday), I finally took myself to a show that I've seen on Tube posters for weeks - Limbo, the headline show of London Wonderground. Delighted to be finally getting to it! When I was booking, I saw the seats are divided into five categories - "cheap seats", stalls, "posh seats", ringside, and booths. On the official website, the "cheap seats" and stalls were sold out, the next cheapest option being "posh seats" at £40. Thankfully, I shopped around, because several sites are selling tickets for this show, and I got a stalls ticket on lovetheatre.com for £25, which is face value, with no booking fee. Always check, for popular or expensive shows.

Good thing I arrived early. Even though I had selected a "Print at home" ticket rather than to collect from the box office, specifically to save myself time, they refused to take it and sent me to the box office to pick up my ticket there. Honestly, why do they give the option if you can't use it?! Anyway, I did get in on time. "Cheap seats" seem to be kind of at the back, and pretty much behind the action, and I wouldn't recommend them. I was very happy with my "stalls" seat, however. The stalls turn out to be the back row of the seating that's not at the back of the stage. Nonetheless, in the cosy environs of the spiegeltent, you're nowhere far from the action, and I was sat near where the performers mostly come onstage, which was interesting. "Ringside" probably refers to the front row of seats, which I'm not sure I'd recommend either, for reasons to be explained - and "posh" seats are between the "stalls" and ringside. The booths line the outer wall of the tent, contain a table and seating, and can seat four comfortably, perhaps more. They're raised, to give a good view, and not too far. Still, more for socialising than viewing - you can order a dinner there. I only saw one occupied tonight. Everywhere else was pretty full, so I would recommend booking, certainly on weekends. I did have a free seat beside me, though, which was handy for leaving my things on. Seating is on folding chairs, but comfortable. Some "stalls" seats suffer from proximity to pillars, so it's worth arriving early, if possible, to get a good place.

And so, to the show. This is a circus, about an hour long. Definitely not for the kids. I am continually amazed by the quality of performers in London shows. This show comprises a band, and about six other performers, all of whom multitask. In that, it reminded me of Flown (now finished), which I saw some time ago in the Udderbelly Festival, right next door. We have a contortionist that doubles as a fire-eater. We have a tap dancer that clowns around. We have a trapeze artist that plays the accordion. And everyone, without exception, does acrobatics. Including one of the musicians, who keeps singing and playing as someone does a handstand on his shoulders.

Yes, this is a show of the unexpected. There are some things you've seen before, performed with great finesse - but how many years has it been since I've seen sword-swallowing? or fire-eating? (Oh, and speaking of fire, that's the main objection I'd have to sitting ringside. No, no accidents were had, but the blasts of heat were quite intense enough in the stalls thank you.) And we've seen acrobatics on an unsupported ladder, but, eh, this is the first time I've seen it done with the bottom half of the ladder on fire, and the acrobat wearing a scarf over his face to protect from the fumes. And there's a bit with a spike.. and I was not that far away, as I say, and I STILL could not figure out how it was done. Go see it and let me know the secret!

And the whole thing was rapid-fire, one act after another, and with a rock soundtrack, and plenty of laughs, and the hour just flew. I strongly recommend this! Well worth the price of admission. Ate in La Piazza on the way home, because I was hungry and the rain had stopped and it was Friday and I felt like it! Have eaten there twice now, and can't really fault it, despite the mixed online reviews. I see they do takeaways too.

So. Off to Fifty Words in the Arcola tomorrow. Bit of a slog, but a nice theatre, and I do have all day to get there. Interestingly, Time Out said there was a matinee, but the theatre website made no mention of it. Maybe Time Out made a mistake, maybe the matinee is sold out. I don't know. Then, I finally get to see Children of the Sun on Sunday (that is a matinee). Back to the National again! Gratifyingly, I got one of their well advertised Travelex-sponsored £12 seats. That's been showing for ages, and I had thoughts of seeing it, but something always cropped up. Anyway, this is a new venue for it. As for Monday, I got an email today offering free tickets to previews of The Internship, on Monday evening, and by the time I checked for availability, asap after reading the mail.. all London tickets were gone! Jeez, that speed would give U2 a run for their money..