Back in Ireland, snuffling away. My constitution just can't take this climate - I spend my entire time with my nose in a hankie! However, I managed to evade the torrential rain for my trip to Cork - just as well, considering it was the danger of flooding that prevented me from going there last Christmas..
I was, of course, visiting my friend who lives in Garrettstown. Didn't get there at all last year - we couldn't schedule it last Easter. Anyway, on Thursday, off I went in brilliant sunshine. They were away till evening, mind, so it was late-ish when I left. Still, I should've made it in time - we were to meet in the car park in Kinsale at 6:30 and go for something to eat. Until I met horrendous traffic while passing through Cork City - well, that put paid to that idea, and with small kids in the car, they returned home, and I met them there instead, half an hour late.
We had an awful lot of catching up to do, and it was a while before we set out again - but we still got back to Kinsale before 8:30. Jim Edwards we tried last time, and Jim Edwards we tried again; she was dubious about getting a table, but actually, the place was nearly empty, and we chose a cosy corner table.
My choice of starter was pretty immediate - I saw, and fancied, the golden fried mushrooms (unusually, not garlic), and I had those. For main course, I was determined to have the chicken chasseur - until my friend chose a steak sandwich, and I decided on that for myself as well. For her starter, she fancied the brie, which was on the set menu rather than the a la carte - no problem.
And we had a half bottle of wine. Which expanded to a second half bottle by the time we got through the starters! Well, they were very large portions - an unusually large number of mushrooms for me, huge pieces of brie for her. Her steak sandwich was well done, mine medium - she ate hers like a regular sandwich, with her hands, but that didn't work so well for mine, especially with blood running from the meat. Knife and fork it was for me.
The food was tasty, and despite the large portions we did our food justice. We polished off the wine, of course, but just didn't have room for dessert. Friendly service, good quality food, and prices much more reasonable than I'm used to, make this a reliable dinner spot in Kinsale. Go see for yourself..
I fly back to London on Wednesday. On Thursday, I'm back in action, going to see Bad Jews at Pentland Theatre - it's funny, I had loads of offer emails for this, but all for the run at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, which is just over. Damn long trip up there, and I'll probably be in Guildford that day - well, we'll see.
On Friday, I'm back with the London Dramatic Arts Meetup - we're off to see The Caretaker, starring Timothy Spall, at the Old Vic. And on Saturday, I'm back with Let's Do London - for less! (yay..) for The Fifth Column, at Southwark Playhouse. Love the group, love the venue, love Hemingway - and when Helen heard, she was tempted enough to come too. So that'll be a fun day out..
Saturday, 26 March 2016
Tuesday, 22 March 2016
Opera: I Capuleti e i Montecchi
Let's Do London - for less! Pop-up Opera. The Vaults. No-brainer - I booked as soon as I saw it.
I was in Guildford yesterday, but since this was around Waterloo, it wouldn't take long from home. Mind you, since it was around Waterloo - and the Leake Street entrance, the one I was previously familiar with, was closed - I made sure I knew where I was going. Hey, I even got lost while tracing the route to Lounge 34 - where we were to meet - on Streetview..
So, the traffic was light and I got to Waterloo in plenty of time. Around by Waterloo Road (exits to the right of the concourse as you come off the trains) and at the Old Vic, hang a right. This is where I got lost on Streetview - there are a few roads here. I wanted Lower Marsh.. head down the street to the right of Cubana, with the giant mural of the Latina dancer. Lounge 34 is just a bit down on the left.
The group was in the far corner when I arrived - and comprised most of the clientele, from what I could see. Well, it was a Monday! I could've got a drink, but it would've been a slight rush, and I didn't feel like rushing. Very chilled out, I was, on this last evening out before I fly back to Ireland for Easter. We chatted there while more drifted in - and at about 7, our Shepherd in the Hat trotted off to see whether the theatre was open yet. He reappeared shortly after to say that it was - and kudos to the lady who'd just got a glass of wine, and had it finished by the time I made it to the door! Couldn't have done it better myself.
This entrance is on Launcelot Street - left from Lounge 34 and the next right. Straight away, and typically for the Vaults, it got a bit mysterious - you don't enter by the large gate straight ahead, but by a door to the left. And we queued, while our names were ticked off a list. Then down a typically dark and mysterious tunnel (you'd have to come back out here for the toilet, BTW). Past a bar, up some steps, to a rather cool space where you could have your drink, on one of several slightly scruffy sofas. Where we queued again, listening to the odd snatch of operatic singing - we took it they were rehearsing.
We were finally admitted to the theatre proper. I hadn't been in this bit of the Vaults before - seating, on cinema-style seats that looked a bit worse for wear (but were quite comfortable), was tiered, and as we entered, we were asked please not to leave any spaces, as the performance was sold out. Nice wide steps meant I didn't have a problem with the stairs, for once. Good legroom, I noted as I sat.. funny how the seating in an underground tunnel is more comfortable than many an ornate theatre overhead.
Conscious of the fact that there'd be surtitles to read, we sat fairly close to the front. The words were projected onto a flat bit straight ahead, to the left side of the stage, and also on a blank bit of wall to the right - which came in very handy when singers got in the way of the other projection. And the programme seller was out in force again, merrily flogging as many programmes as he could before the show. I noted he had an assistant this time. Kind of. I gathered he, too, was selling programmes by the fact that he was carrying a big pile of them, and looking around him. Otherwise, you wouldn't have guessed.
We started a bit late. So, I Capuleti e i Montecchi (The Capulets and the Montagues) is based on Romeo & Juliet, with just a few tweaks. To start with, Romeo is traditionally sung by a woman. Juliet is now Giulietta, and her father makes more of an appearance - in this production, sung by a chap with a prodigious beard. Lorenzo is aligned to the Capulets, and has been helping Romeo for ages to have an affair with Giulietta. The whole thing starts with Romeo making a futile attempt to broker a peace deal - then Tebaldo, who's always wanted to marry Giulietta, persuades her father to hasten the wedding, and we're off in a frenzy of wedding preparations, with an understandably reluctant bride.
Pop-up Opera.. must be summer again! I love them, always have - the standard of performance is very high, and it's so fantastic to hear arias booming out so close to you. The Vaults make for good acoustics, and we were wowed throughout as they threw themselves into their parts. Fabulous, in such a unique venue..
The interval found us discovering the free WiFi, and one of us getting lost on her way to the loo. And there were some interesting touches in the second act. For one thing, I like this Giulietta! Fiestier than the original Juliet, this one stands up for herself.. argues with her dad, argues with Romeo - why must I be the one to give up everything? What are you giving up?! Stands in front of a gun to protect Romeo at one point (probably swords in the original, but anyway). And ooh - for her tomb scene, they have her in her wedding dress and veil - and standing! Kind of an elevated corpse idea. And.. poseable! Romeo is trying to bring her back to life, and pulling her arms out and turning her face to the side - crikey, in this setting, it was like watching the Bride of Frankenstein.
Yes, I do like this update. They're touring with this around the south of England until 7 May - one night only in each venue. Check them out - terrific performances, as up close to opera as you're ever likely to get, and terrific value.
Afterwards, with doors open at both ends of the theatre, we weren't quite sure which way to go for the Man with the Hat. We plumped for the rear, where we'd come in - and indeed, there he was, packing me off again to lead the thirsty back to Lounge 34. Not that many accompanied us, mind - well, we select few again comprised the bar's clientele until, after a succession of progressively less subtle hints, the barman finally gave up and just asked us, ever so nicely, if we'd leave..? So, reluctantly, we did - all heading back towards Waterloo, except for the Man with the Hat, who wended his solitary way in t' other direction. Another excellent night.. and Happy Easter to all!
Back to Ireland tonight, and nothing of note on the horizon before I fly back to London, on the 30th. On the 31st, I'm back in action, going to see Bad Jews at Pentland Theatre - it's funny, I had loads of offer emails for this, but all for the run at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, which is just over. Damn long trip up there, and I'll probably be in Guildford that day - well, we'll see.
Which brings us into April - on the 1st, I'm back with the London Dramatic Arts Meetup - we're off to see The Caretaker, starring Timothy Spall, at the Old Vic. And on the 2nd, I'm back with Let's Do London - for less! (yay..) for The Fifth Column, at Southwark Playhouse. Love the venue, love Hemingway - and when Helen heard, she was tempted enough to come too. So that'll be a fun day out, being a Saturday..
I was in Guildford yesterday, but since this was around Waterloo, it wouldn't take long from home. Mind you, since it was around Waterloo - and the Leake Street entrance, the one I was previously familiar with, was closed - I made sure I knew where I was going. Hey, I even got lost while tracing the route to Lounge 34 - where we were to meet - on Streetview..
So, the traffic was light and I got to Waterloo in plenty of time. Around by Waterloo Road (exits to the right of the concourse as you come off the trains) and at the Old Vic, hang a right. This is where I got lost on Streetview - there are a few roads here. I wanted Lower Marsh.. head down the street to the right of Cubana, with the giant mural of the Latina dancer. Lounge 34 is just a bit down on the left.
The group was in the far corner when I arrived - and comprised most of the clientele, from what I could see. Well, it was a Monday! I could've got a drink, but it would've been a slight rush, and I didn't feel like rushing. Very chilled out, I was, on this last evening out before I fly back to Ireland for Easter. We chatted there while more drifted in - and at about 7, our Shepherd in the Hat trotted off to see whether the theatre was open yet. He reappeared shortly after to say that it was - and kudos to the lady who'd just got a glass of wine, and had it finished by the time I made it to the door! Couldn't have done it better myself.
This entrance is on Launcelot Street - left from Lounge 34 and the next right. Straight away, and typically for the Vaults, it got a bit mysterious - you don't enter by the large gate straight ahead, but by a door to the left. And we queued, while our names were ticked off a list. Then down a typically dark and mysterious tunnel (you'd have to come back out here for the toilet, BTW). Past a bar, up some steps, to a rather cool space where you could have your drink, on one of several slightly scruffy sofas. Where we queued again, listening to the odd snatch of operatic singing - we took it they were rehearsing.
We were finally admitted to the theatre proper. I hadn't been in this bit of the Vaults before - seating, on cinema-style seats that looked a bit worse for wear (but were quite comfortable), was tiered, and as we entered, we were asked please not to leave any spaces, as the performance was sold out. Nice wide steps meant I didn't have a problem with the stairs, for once. Good legroom, I noted as I sat.. funny how the seating in an underground tunnel is more comfortable than many an ornate theatre overhead.
Conscious of the fact that there'd be surtitles to read, we sat fairly close to the front. The words were projected onto a flat bit straight ahead, to the left side of the stage, and also on a blank bit of wall to the right - which came in very handy when singers got in the way of the other projection. And the programme seller was out in force again, merrily flogging as many programmes as he could before the show. I noted he had an assistant this time. Kind of. I gathered he, too, was selling programmes by the fact that he was carrying a big pile of them, and looking around him. Otherwise, you wouldn't have guessed.
We started a bit late. So, I Capuleti e i Montecchi (The Capulets and the Montagues) is based on Romeo & Juliet, with just a few tweaks. To start with, Romeo is traditionally sung by a woman. Juliet is now Giulietta, and her father makes more of an appearance - in this production, sung by a chap with a prodigious beard. Lorenzo is aligned to the Capulets, and has been helping Romeo for ages to have an affair with Giulietta. The whole thing starts with Romeo making a futile attempt to broker a peace deal - then Tebaldo, who's always wanted to marry Giulietta, persuades her father to hasten the wedding, and we're off in a frenzy of wedding preparations, with an understandably reluctant bride.
Pop-up Opera.. must be summer again! I love them, always have - the standard of performance is very high, and it's so fantastic to hear arias booming out so close to you. The Vaults make for good acoustics, and we were wowed throughout as they threw themselves into their parts. Fabulous, in such a unique venue..
The interval found us discovering the free WiFi, and one of us getting lost on her way to the loo. And there were some interesting touches in the second act. For one thing, I like this Giulietta! Fiestier than the original Juliet, this one stands up for herself.. argues with her dad, argues with Romeo - why must I be the one to give up everything? What are you giving up?! Stands in front of a gun to protect Romeo at one point (probably swords in the original, but anyway). And ooh - for her tomb scene, they have her in her wedding dress and veil - and standing! Kind of an elevated corpse idea. And.. poseable! Romeo is trying to bring her back to life, and pulling her arms out and turning her face to the side - crikey, in this setting, it was like watching the Bride of Frankenstein.
Yes, I do like this update. They're touring with this around the south of England until 7 May - one night only in each venue. Check them out - terrific performances, as up close to opera as you're ever likely to get, and terrific value.
Afterwards, with doors open at both ends of the theatre, we weren't quite sure which way to go for the Man with the Hat. We plumped for the rear, where we'd come in - and indeed, there he was, packing me off again to lead the thirsty back to Lounge 34. Not that many accompanied us, mind - well, we select few again comprised the bar's clientele until, after a succession of progressively less subtle hints, the barman finally gave up and just asked us, ever so nicely, if we'd leave..? So, reluctantly, we did - all heading back towards Waterloo, except for the Man with the Hat, who wended his solitary way in t' other direction. Another excellent night.. and Happy Easter to all!
Back to Ireland tonight, and nothing of note on the horizon before I fly back to London, on the 30th. On the 31st, I'm back in action, going to see Bad Jews at Pentland Theatre - it's funny, I had loads of offer emails for this, but all for the run at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, which is just over. Damn long trip up there, and I'll probably be in Guildford that day - well, we'll see.
Which brings us into April - on the 1st, I'm back with the London Dramatic Arts Meetup - we're off to see The Caretaker, starring Timothy Spall, at the Old Vic. And on the 2nd, I'm back with Let's Do London - for less! (yay..) for The Fifth Column, at Southwark Playhouse. Love the venue, love Hemingway - and when Helen heard, she was tempted enough to come too. So that'll be a fun day out, being a Saturday..
Monday, 21 March 2016
Organ Recital
I was without anything specific to do yesterday - until last Thursday, when the London European Club saved the day with an organ recital in All Saints' Church, Margaret Street. Free, with a suggested donation of £5. Lovely - I decided to go.
With nothing else to do all day but get out of bed and feed myself, of course I was rushing in the end. We were to meet beforehand in Yumchaa, a tea shop not far away from the church - turned out be pretty much the route I take to Dean Street, but turn off early from Oxford Street, turning right on Berwick Street instead. It's a little way down on the left, just on a corner.
As I made my way to the counter to order, I spotted the organiser in the queue ahead of me - good timing, then! I ordered a hot chocolate, which was rapidly served, and he grabbed a small table - the place was pretty packed. Just as well, in the end, that only one other person showed up there. And the hot chocolate was excellent, might I add - and it's something I'm picky about. Mind you, tea seems to be their specialty, with 400 different blends. Nice, cosy place to know about - free WiFi n all - and I'm assured it's less busy during the week.
The church was to be open to the public at about 7, after Benediction - so we trotted along there in due course, our organiser pointing out to us the many religious institutions on Margaret Street. It wasn't long before we came across the one we were after - the ornate porch gives it away, and the spire is visible from Oxford Street, if you know where to look. We waited in the courtyard while Benediction finished - we could hear the congregation inside.
We filed in when we could, taking seats in the main aisle. It's fabulously ornate - pictures available at the "organ recital" link above. And I was struck, having been raised Catholic, at the similarities to that church in what is an Anglican church - not only the ornate design, but the covering of statues in purple cloth for Lent, and the clergy's antiquated costumes, the likes of which haven't been worn by Catholic priests for years (well, certainly not for walking around).. ankle-length cassocks, and capes, for goodness' sake! Looked gorgeous, mind.
The organist was introduced to us - a second-year student at the Royal College of Music, he looked about 12! He gave a short intro to each piece he'd be playing - which we had the details of, courtesy of the fliers that had been handed out (again, this is pictured at the "organ recital" link above. And then he made his way all around the altar to the organ, hidden behind a screen on the left of the altar as you looked at it.
The concert lasted something over an hour, and consisted of five pieces, the sound swelling gloriously to fill this quite small space. Although preferences varied among our group, my personal preference was for the older, Baroque pieces - although all were spectacular, and a lovely, contemplative way to end Palm Sunday.
Afterwards, we passed our donations to the fellow with the basket, standing discreetly at the door, and after another brief look around, we headed to the door on the other side of the courtyard, where a steep and narrow spiral staircase led down to the bar. Which - as the organiser remarked - reminded him of sports clubs when he was a kid. Yep, I concur - a bare room, some simple tables and chairs, and a bar at the end. At £2 for a glass of decent wine, however, I wasn't complaining! They close quite early, mind, and we left as they were clearing glasses, just before 9. As we made our way up the stairs again, someone called out that the exit wasn't that way! but with the courtyard gate still open, we left the way we'd come.
A lovely evening, good company, and a good prelude to Easter. Tonight, for something completely different.. my last Meetup before Easter sees me back with - surprise, surprise, Let's Do London - for less! The Man with the Hat is taking us underground - to the Vaults. Jeez, it's ages since I've been there - definitely more a warm-weather venue, we may have to keep our coats on! Pop-up Opera is staging their version of Romeo & Juliet down there. Romantic, down in the dark? Well, as long as I don't get dripped on.. I'll tell you this much, it's about as complicated to get to as anything around Waterloo, I just spent some time on Streetview confirming the route.. and I think I'll take a printout of the directions (as given by the Man with the Hat) with me.
Tomorrow, I'm back to Ireland for just over a week, for Easter - dates specifically chosen for the cheapest flights! I fly back to London on the 30th.
With nothing else to do all day but get out of bed and feed myself, of course I was rushing in the end. We were to meet beforehand in Yumchaa, a tea shop not far away from the church - turned out be pretty much the route I take to Dean Street, but turn off early from Oxford Street, turning right on Berwick Street instead. It's a little way down on the left, just on a corner.
As I made my way to the counter to order, I spotted the organiser in the queue ahead of me - good timing, then! I ordered a hot chocolate, which was rapidly served, and he grabbed a small table - the place was pretty packed. Just as well, in the end, that only one other person showed up there. And the hot chocolate was excellent, might I add - and it's something I'm picky about. Mind you, tea seems to be their specialty, with 400 different blends. Nice, cosy place to know about - free WiFi n all - and I'm assured it's less busy during the week.
The church was to be open to the public at about 7, after Benediction - so we trotted along there in due course, our organiser pointing out to us the many religious institutions on Margaret Street. It wasn't long before we came across the one we were after - the ornate porch gives it away, and the spire is visible from Oxford Street, if you know where to look. We waited in the courtyard while Benediction finished - we could hear the congregation inside.
We filed in when we could, taking seats in the main aisle. It's fabulously ornate - pictures available at the "organ recital" link above. And I was struck, having been raised Catholic, at the similarities to that church in what is an Anglican church - not only the ornate design, but the covering of statues in purple cloth for Lent, and the clergy's antiquated costumes, the likes of which haven't been worn by Catholic priests for years (well, certainly not for walking around).. ankle-length cassocks, and capes, for goodness' sake! Looked gorgeous, mind.
The organist was introduced to us - a second-year student at the Royal College of Music, he looked about 12! He gave a short intro to each piece he'd be playing - which we had the details of, courtesy of the fliers that had been handed out (again, this is pictured at the "organ recital" link above. And then he made his way all around the altar to the organ, hidden behind a screen on the left of the altar as you looked at it.
The concert lasted something over an hour, and consisted of five pieces, the sound swelling gloriously to fill this quite small space. Although preferences varied among our group, my personal preference was for the older, Baroque pieces - although all were spectacular, and a lovely, contemplative way to end Palm Sunday.
Afterwards, we passed our donations to the fellow with the basket, standing discreetly at the door, and after another brief look around, we headed to the door on the other side of the courtyard, where a steep and narrow spiral staircase led down to the bar. Which - as the organiser remarked - reminded him of sports clubs when he was a kid. Yep, I concur - a bare room, some simple tables and chairs, and a bar at the end. At £2 for a glass of decent wine, however, I wasn't complaining! They close quite early, mind, and we left as they were clearing glasses, just before 9. As we made our way up the stairs again, someone called out that the exit wasn't that way! but with the courtyard gate still open, we left the way we'd come.
A lovely evening, good company, and a good prelude to Easter. Tonight, for something completely different.. my last Meetup before Easter sees me back with - surprise, surprise, Let's Do London - for less! The Man with the Hat is taking us underground - to the Vaults. Jeez, it's ages since I've been there - definitely more a warm-weather venue, we may have to keep our coats on! Pop-up Opera is staging their version of Romeo & Juliet down there. Romantic, down in the dark? Well, as long as I don't get dripped on.. I'll tell you this much, it's about as complicated to get to as anything around Waterloo, I just spent some time on Streetview confirming the route.. and I think I'll take a printout of the directions (as given by the Man with the Hat) with me.
Tomorrow, I'm back to Ireland for just over a week, for Easter - dates specifically chosen for the cheapest flights! I fly back to London on the 30th.
Saturday, 19 March 2016
Storytelling: 7 Princesses
When I heard the Crick Crack Club had a meeting tonight, I rushed to book it. Love a good story, me. This one, unusually in my experience of the group, was in Rich Mix - 7 Princesses was the intriguing title.
Again, the drive would've been too complicated - and I've discovered my phone simply doesn't have space for Waze, that'll have to wait till I get a new one. Good incentive to do so though - I've been checking it out online, looks like the way to go! Back to sourcing my route - not only would the drive have been too much, but I remember not seeing obvious parking around the venue. So, Overground to Shoreditch High Street again.
Now, I remembered the bar in Rich Mix only taking cash, at least in the main space, where I was before. So I determined to get some cash before I left - would you believe, there isn't a cash machine in Clapham Junction Station? The closest was probably on St. John's Hill - I decided to try for the earlier train, and take my chances with a cash machine in Shoreditch - as it happened, I came across one outside the Sainsbury's across the road from Rich Mix.
Both times I've been in Rich Mix before have been in the Main Space - well, tonight was an eye-opener! That had been my only impression of the building - actually, tonight's performance was upstairs, as it happened; a sign in the lobby had an arrow pointing to the lift, and directions to the Crick Crack Club in Venue 1, or an art installation in Venue 2 (both on the 4th floor).. the Main space was devoted, tonight, to comedy. I had to queue at the ticket desk first - never have I seen such a queue here. Busy, busy night.
There's only one lift, but I didn't have to wait long - when you alight, Venue 2 is on the left, Venue 1 on the right. And, about 10 minutes before the advertised start time, it wasn't yet open. The guy standing guard to make sure we didn't go in helpfully pointed out the bar, conveniently located between the Venues - so I popped over there, where they were automatically handing out drinks in plastic containers. I see the installation had a buffet. Hmph!
We were let in about five minutes early. And I was duly impressed - Venue 1 is a substantial space, with a large performance area and tiered seating. What the hey, I sat in the front row. For once, this didn't sell out completely - almost, but not quite! And as I sat, I contemplated the stage. Firstly, although I didn't remember the details I'd read about the performance, it was obvious there'd be more than one performer; to the side, a chair was almost completely surrounded by musical instruments, including a table on which various music-making devices had been placed. Now, someone had to be making use of all that - but since it didn't provide a conducive setting for storytelling, someone else would have to do that.. The rest of the stage was mainly populated by 1, 2, 3.. yes, 7 hairdresser's dummy heads, arranged in an arc, and all adorned with long, curling wigs. These would be the princesses, I mused.
There was a considerable delay while the audience trooped in, and finally the man in the (suit and) hat welcomed us, and introduced our entertainers - yes, a storyteller and a musician. She (the storyteller, Xanthe Gresham) took her place centre stage - he (the musician, Arash Moradi) clambered into his chair, from where he adorned the stories she told, with a constant musical backdrop.
We were served an Iranian tale in honour of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year. And yes, she donned the wigs. The story basically concerns a prince who falls for, and marries, seven princesses, then builds a palace with seven different-coloured domes, one for each of them. And he spends a night with each one, and each tells him a story from her land. As our storyteller wove the stories for us, she swapped one wig for another.. even picking up a (red, naturally) accordion to accompany her tale of the (red) Russian princess.
She knows how to tell a story. And required audience participation! (Don't worry, mainly just in making sounds.) And each story had the most fantastic musical accompaniment - with a variety of instruments, some of which seemed specially tailored for the purpose. But the highlight of the whole evening, for me, was the last bit just before the interval, when they both sat on the floor in the middle of the room, a spotlight trained on them, and he told a tale himself, neglecting his tanbour for a spell.. he's Iranian himself, and it was just as though we were sitting in the desert, listening to tales around the dim light of a campfire on a pitch black night..
Spellbinding stuff. Can't wait for my next storytelling outing - although that'll have to wait till next month, what with Easter n all. Climbed a lot of stairs, back up to the Overground platform, and JUST arrived in time for a train to Clapham Junction. Just as well - there's a 15-minute gap between those trains, you know.
For tomorrow, the London European Club just on Thursday announced an organ concert at the church of All Saints, Margaret Street.. free, with suggested donation of £5. So I've said I'll go..
On Monday, my last Meetup before Easter sees me back with - surprise, surprise, Let's Do London - for less! The (main) Man with the Hat is taking us underground - to the Vaults. Jeez, it's ages since I've been there - definitely more a warm-weather venue, we may have to keep our coats on! Pop-up Opera is staging their version of Romeo & Juliet down there. Romantic, down in the dark? Well, as long as I don't get dripped on.. And then I'm back to Ireland for just over a week, for Easter - dates specifically chosen for the cheapest flights! I fly back to London on the 30th.
Again, the drive would've been too complicated - and I've discovered my phone simply doesn't have space for Waze, that'll have to wait till I get a new one. Good incentive to do so though - I've been checking it out online, looks like the way to go! Back to sourcing my route - not only would the drive have been too much, but I remember not seeing obvious parking around the venue. So, Overground to Shoreditch High Street again.
Now, I remembered the bar in Rich Mix only taking cash, at least in the main space, where I was before. So I determined to get some cash before I left - would you believe, there isn't a cash machine in Clapham Junction Station? The closest was probably on St. John's Hill - I decided to try for the earlier train, and take my chances with a cash machine in Shoreditch - as it happened, I came across one outside the Sainsbury's across the road from Rich Mix.
Both times I've been in Rich Mix before have been in the Main Space - well, tonight was an eye-opener! That had been my only impression of the building - actually, tonight's performance was upstairs, as it happened; a sign in the lobby had an arrow pointing to the lift, and directions to the Crick Crack Club in Venue 1, or an art installation in Venue 2 (both on the 4th floor).. the Main space was devoted, tonight, to comedy. I had to queue at the ticket desk first - never have I seen such a queue here. Busy, busy night.
There's only one lift, but I didn't have to wait long - when you alight, Venue 2 is on the left, Venue 1 on the right. And, about 10 minutes before the advertised start time, it wasn't yet open. The guy standing guard to make sure we didn't go in helpfully pointed out the bar, conveniently located between the Venues - so I popped over there, where they were automatically handing out drinks in plastic containers. I see the installation had a buffet. Hmph!
We were let in about five minutes early. And I was duly impressed - Venue 1 is a substantial space, with a large performance area and tiered seating. What the hey, I sat in the front row. For once, this didn't sell out completely - almost, but not quite! And as I sat, I contemplated the stage. Firstly, although I didn't remember the details I'd read about the performance, it was obvious there'd be more than one performer; to the side, a chair was almost completely surrounded by musical instruments, including a table on which various music-making devices had been placed. Now, someone had to be making use of all that - but since it didn't provide a conducive setting for storytelling, someone else would have to do that.. The rest of the stage was mainly populated by 1, 2, 3.. yes, 7 hairdresser's dummy heads, arranged in an arc, and all adorned with long, curling wigs. These would be the princesses, I mused.
There was a considerable delay while the audience trooped in, and finally the man in the (suit and) hat welcomed us, and introduced our entertainers - yes, a storyteller and a musician. She (the storyteller, Xanthe Gresham) took her place centre stage - he (the musician, Arash Moradi) clambered into his chair, from where he adorned the stories she told, with a constant musical backdrop.
We were served an Iranian tale in honour of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year. And yes, she donned the wigs. The story basically concerns a prince who falls for, and marries, seven princesses, then builds a palace with seven different-coloured domes, one for each of them. And he spends a night with each one, and each tells him a story from her land. As our storyteller wove the stories for us, she swapped one wig for another.. even picking up a (red, naturally) accordion to accompany her tale of the (red) Russian princess.
She knows how to tell a story. And required audience participation! (Don't worry, mainly just in making sounds.) And each story had the most fantastic musical accompaniment - with a variety of instruments, some of which seemed specially tailored for the purpose. But the highlight of the whole evening, for me, was the last bit just before the interval, when they both sat on the floor in the middle of the room, a spotlight trained on them, and he told a tale himself, neglecting his tanbour for a spell.. he's Iranian himself, and it was just as though we were sitting in the desert, listening to tales around the dim light of a campfire on a pitch black night..
Spellbinding stuff. Can't wait for my next storytelling outing - although that'll have to wait till next month, what with Easter n all. Climbed a lot of stairs, back up to the Overground platform, and JUST arrived in time for a train to Clapham Junction. Just as well - there's a 15-minute gap between those trains, you know.
For tomorrow, the London European Club just on Thursday announced an organ concert at the church of All Saints, Margaret Street.. free, with suggested donation of £5. So I've said I'll go..
On Monday, my last Meetup before Easter sees me back with - surprise, surprise, Let's Do London - for less! The (main) Man with the Hat is taking us underground - to the Vaults. Jeez, it's ages since I've been there - definitely more a warm-weather venue, we may have to keep our coats on! Pop-up Opera is staging their version of Romeo & Juliet down there. Romantic, down in the dark? Well, as long as I don't get dripped on.. And then I'm back to Ireland for just over a week, for Easter - dates specifically chosen for the cheapest flights! I fly back to London on the 30th.
Friday, 18 March 2016
Concert: French Chanson and Swing
Tonight was originally supposed to be a monthly social with Spooky London. Not that I've had that much to do with them - but I have been to one event of theirs, and thought it'd be nice to be.. social. Except the venue was never announced - and then it wasn't happening at all. Never mind, that left me free to go to what I was really more interested in going to - London European Club's French Chanson and Swing. I booked in advance - it was cheaper.
It was happening in Jamboree, a place I'd never before heard of. The website mentioned that parking was available in nearby residential streets - well hey, driving was an exciting prospect! Except the day was wearing on.. and my Skype call to my mother took forever, because of her poor internet connection.. and when she finally gave up, and I finally researched the driving route, and discovered I'd have to go through Vauxhall, Elephant & Castle, (both of which I know to have horrendous traffic, and complicated lane systems) AND Tower Hill - which seemed to have something like a spaghetti junction (well, maybe a pretzel) - I realised I'd never master the required route in time.
Now, someone had recommended an app called Waze to me - said he drives everywhere, and it's always helped him when he's got lost. So I tried downloading it. It was still downloading when I eventually left.. but while it was doing that, I decided I'd better plump for public transport. Google Maps suggested (deep breath) - train to Waterloo, Waterloo & City Line to Bank, DLR to Limehouse, and walk. An easy walk, to be fair: right, left, left, and it's on the right. The alternative was the Overground to Wapping, and a bus - well, I wanted to get there as quickly as possible at this stage, and didn't fancy the delay of a bus.
So I was all set to do the train, Tube, DLR route, and turned off the computer. And then realised I hadn't researched my route back, which was likely to be late, and could be different, if services weren't still running at that time! Turned the computer back on - and when I eventually got it to work, it suggested the Overground from Shadwell, which I could walk to. Huh?! Yup. Google Maps can be funny sometimes - now, if they'd only told me that route was available for the outbound journey. So, when I left for this evening's concert, I got the Overground to Shadwell.
This was to be a decently long journey, and my phone battery was failing. Still, for the first few stops, entertainment was provided by a rail worker who hovered near me. I reached for my Oyster card, and she reassured me that she didn't want to check it - she was doing a customer satisfaction survey instead, and would I like to participate? Sure - I'd be there for ages, and I'm always doing surveys..
I was lost in a reverie by the time we got to Shadwell, and only just remembered to get off. Never been there before. You climb some stairs, past signs warning how many more there are if you don't get the lift. So we all got the lift. At the top, you can exit left or right. Tip: for Jamboree, exit right. I know this, because I exited left - fortunately, there was a map to tell me I was going the wrong way. I could see a DLR station across the road. And so I turned tail and went the other way - Shadwell isn't a big station, it doesn't take long to get un-lost.
The walk (left, down Cable Street) took me nigh on 15 minutes. From Jamboree's website, I knew it was in the courtyard of Cable Street Studios - otherwise, I'd never have found it. Walked through the archway, discovered a gate that had to be electronically unlocked - luckily, the light turned green as I approached (on my way out, I discovered there was a guard in a hut to the side). Made my way into the courtyard inside, walked to the end, and sure enough, Jamboree was where the people were clustered outside.
A fellow at a desk just inside the door scribbled my name off the list and stamped my wrist, and I was in. Bugger - the place was tiny, and crammed; I'd be standing. Got myself a drink at the bar - 10p extra for card payments, but I had practically no cash left. Was just wondering where was best to stand when I was tapped on the shoulder by someone I knew from the group - which makes two people there tonight that I knew: her and the organiser. So we stood together, at the side, with a decent view of the (empty) stage.
Jamboree is actually lovely - really quirky, one of those atmospheric places with assorted household objects scattered about on shelves, hung on the walls and from the ceiling. A heavy curtain runs on a semicircular rail just inside the door, insulating the room and allowing them to leave the door open. We could have done with a bit less insulation, mind - the place was heaving, and oppressively stuffy.
The music, we'd heard, was to start at 8:45 - in the event, it started after 9. And we'd been promised two acts - but the first on were neither of these. I have, to this moment, no idea who they were - although my companion was stood next to the sound engineer, and interrogated him; he said they were Italian. They, themselves, said it was their first time performing live (ahh!) and proceeded to play just three tunes - and all named after animals. One was playing an accordion - very jumpily for the first number, "The Whale". Did the whale perhaps have the hiccups?
Well hey, the crowd was receptive, and they left the stage around 9:30. And we waited, and waited.. I was feeling queasy from sheer lack of oxygen (and wishing I'd had less dinner) and after a bit I decided to pop outside while we were still waiting for the next act. There are picnic benches outside, and I grabbed a seat on a bench by the door, and gulped in the welcome, ice-cold air. Watched the woman I'd seen inside, with two little dogs on a joint lead - she brought them outside and let them off; well, it's a gated courtyard, they were safe enough. And a German chap near me attracted my attention when he was describing to someone near me how much friendlier the staff are at Lidl in London than in Berlin..
Next time I saw him, he was up on stage playing a balalaika.. for yes, this was one of the Berlin Balalaika Brothers! I'd promised myself that if they hadn't started by 10 I was leaving - well, they started about 10 minutes before that, with a "Guten Abend!" from stage. So I made my way back in, greatly refreshed from my re-oxygenation, and over to the far side again - a good place to stand, away from the main crush of people. Firstly, there's a bit more air there. Secondly, you get a better view, as you can stand behind a whole heap of people that are sitting. I couldn't quite make my way back to the wall, where my companion still stood, but was decently comfortable where I was, with a great view of half the stage, and where I could lean on the chairs in front of me for respite.
The Berlin Balalaika Brothers might have been playing in London for the first time, but newcomers to the stage they obviously are not. Flamboyantly dressed in shiny shirts (reminiscent of the last balalaika concert I was at, not two weeks ago), they roared us into enthusiasm. The crowd got very jiggy for this! And they egged us on - lots of shouting in Russian, lots of clapping and stamping of feet. A couple of numbers I remembered from the last concert too, including a nod to Dr. Zhivago..
They're mad, this pair, and the madness reached a crescendo near the end - which is just the way to perform Kalinka. So, one of 'em decided to go crowd-surfing, the crowd carrying him above their heads, where he continued to strum away as he came in grave danger of crashing into the bunting. And when they could go no further with him, they let him down, and he led them in a conga..!
Fantastic stuff, I'd rush to see them again. They finished just before 11, and my companion and I decided to go - I had to catch the 11:16 train from Shadwell if I was to be home by midnight, and she'd found out from the sound guy that this gig was due to continue till 3! and has to be somewhere early in the morning. Indeed, the headliners probably wouldn't have been on until 11:30, given the way the evening was going. So our "French Chanson & Swing" lacked French chanson - although perhaps not swing!
We both walked to Limehouse, where she waited for the DLR to Bank, and I took it back to Shadwell. Handy I'd noticed there was a DLR station at Shadwell! Made it with just a few minutes to spare. No survey-takers on the way back - just a guy noisily chewing gum, and slapping his thighs to the rhythm of what he was listening to through his earphones. And boy am I tired after my evening..
Tomorrow, I'm with the Crick Crack Club, for an event entitled Seven Princesses - at Rich Mix, which will be my first event there with them. I was asked this evening what time that was, and didn't have a clue - "evening" is generally all I need to know until the day. 7:30 seems to be the answer, FYI!
For Sunday, the London European Club just yesterday announced an organ concert at the church of All Saints, Margaret Street.. free, with suggested donation of £5. So I've said I'll go..
On Monday, my last Meetup before Easter sees me back with - surprise, surprise, Let's Do London - for less! The Man with the Hat is taking us underground - to the Vaults. Jeez, it's ages since I've been there - definitely more a warm-weather venue, we may have to keep our coats on! Pop-up Opera is staging their version of Romeo & Juliet down there. Romantic, down in the dark? Well, as long as I don't get dripped on.. And then I'm back to Ireland for just over a week, for Easter - dates specifically chosen for the cheapest flights! I fly back to London on the 30th.
It was happening in Jamboree, a place I'd never before heard of. The website mentioned that parking was available in nearby residential streets - well hey, driving was an exciting prospect! Except the day was wearing on.. and my Skype call to my mother took forever, because of her poor internet connection.. and when she finally gave up, and I finally researched the driving route, and discovered I'd have to go through Vauxhall, Elephant & Castle, (both of which I know to have horrendous traffic, and complicated lane systems) AND Tower Hill - which seemed to have something like a spaghetti junction (well, maybe a pretzel) - I realised I'd never master the required route in time.
Now, someone had recommended an app called Waze to me - said he drives everywhere, and it's always helped him when he's got lost. So I tried downloading it. It was still downloading when I eventually left.. but while it was doing that, I decided I'd better plump for public transport. Google Maps suggested (deep breath) - train to Waterloo, Waterloo & City Line to Bank, DLR to Limehouse, and walk. An easy walk, to be fair: right, left, left, and it's on the right. The alternative was the Overground to Wapping, and a bus - well, I wanted to get there as quickly as possible at this stage, and didn't fancy the delay of a bus.
So I was all set to do the train, Tube, DLR route, and turned off the computer. And then realised I hadn't researched my route back, which was likely to be late, and could be different, if services weren't still running at that time! Turned the computer back on - and when I eventually got it to work, it suggested the Overground from Shadwell, which I could walk to. Huh?! Yup. Google Maps can be funny sometimes - now, if they'd only told me that route was available for the outbound journey. So, when I left for this evening's concert, I got the Overground to Shadwell.
This was to be a decently long journey, and my phone battery was failing. Still, for the first few stops, entertainment was provided by a rail worker who hovered near me. I reached for my Oyster card, and she reassured me that she didn't want to check it - she was doing a customer satisfaction survey instead, and would I like to participate? Sure - I'd be there for ages, and I'm always doing surveys..
I was lost in a reverie by the time we got to Shadwell, and only just remembered to get off. Never been there before. You climb some stairs, past signs warning how many more there are if you don't get the lift. So we all got the lift. At the top, you can exit left or right. Tip: for Jamboree, exit right. I know this, because I exited left - fortunately, there was a map to tell me I was going the wrong way. I could see a DLR station across the road. And so I turned tail and went the other way - Shadwell isn't a big station, it doesn't take long to get un-lost.
The walk (left, down Cable Street) took me nigh on 15 minutes. From Jamboree's website, I knew it was in the courtyard of Cable Street Studios - otherwise, I'd never have found it. Walked through the archway, discovered a gate that had to be electronically unlocked - luckily, the light turned green as I approached (on my way out, I discovered there was a guard in a hut to the side). Made my way into the courtyard inside, walked to the end, and sure enough, Jamboree was where the people were clustered outside.
A fellow at a desk just inside the door scribbled my name off the list and stamped my wrist, and I was in. Bugger - the place was tiny, and crammed; I'd be standing. Got myself a drink at the bar - 10p extra for card payments, but I had practically no cash left. Was just wondering where was best to stand when I was tapped on the shoulder by someone I knew from the group - which makes two people there tonight that I knew: her and the organiser. So we stood together, at the side, with a decent view of the (empty) stage.
Jamboree is actually lovely - really quirky, one of those atmospheric places with assorted household objects scattered about on shelves, hung on the walls and from the ceiling. A heavy curtain runs on a semicircular rail just inside the door, insulating the room and allowing them to leave the door open. We could have done with a bit less insulation, mind - the place was heaving, and oppressively stuffy.
The music, we'd heard, was to start at 8:45 - in the event, it started after 9. And we'd been promised two acts - but the first on were neither of these. I have, to this moment, no idea who they were - although my companion was stood next to the sound engineer, and interrogated him; he said they were Italian. They, themselves, said it was their first time performing live (ahh!) and proceeded to play just three tunes - and all named after animals. One was playing an accordion - very jumpily for the first number, "The Whale". Did the whale perhaps have the hiccups?
Well hey, the crowd was receptive, and they left the stage around 9:30. And we waited, and waited.. I was feeling queasy from sheer lack of oxygen (and wishing I'd had less dinner) and after a bit I decided to pop outside while we were still waiting for the next act. There are picnic benches outside, and I grabbed a seat on a bench by the door, and gulped in the welcome, ice-cold air. Watched the woman I'd seen inside, with two little dogs on a joint lead - she brought them outside and let them off; well, it's a gated courtyard, they were safe enough. And a German chap near me attracted my attention when he was describing to someone near me how much friendlier the staff are at Lidl in London than in Berlin..
Next time I saw him, he was up on stage playing a balalaika.. for yes, this was one of the Berlin Balalaika Brothers! I'd promised myself that if they hadn't started by 10 I was leaving - well, they started about 10 minutes before that, with a "Guten Abend!" from stage. So I made my way back in, greatly refreshed from my re-oxygenation, and over to the far side again - a good place to stand, away from the main crush of people. Firstly, there's a bit more air there. Secondly, you get a better view, as you can stand behind a whole heap of people that are sitting. I couldn't quite make my way back to the wall, where my companion still stood, but was decently comfortable where I was, with a great view of half the stage, and where I could lean on the chairs in front of me for respite.
The Berlin Balalaika Brothers might have been playing in London for the first time, but newcomers to the stage they obviously are not. Flamboyantly dressed in shiny shirts (reminiscent of the last balalaika concert I was at, not two weeks ago), they roared us into enthusiasm. The crowd got very jiggy for this! And they egged us on - lots of shouting in Russian, lots of clapping and stamping of feet. A couple of numbers I remembered from the last concert too, including a nod to Dr. Zhivago..
They're mad, this pair, and the madness reached a crescendo near the end - which is just the way to perform Kalinka. So, one of 'em decided to go crowd-surfing, the crowd carrying him above their heads, where he continued to strum away as he came in grave danger of crashing into the bunting. And when they could go no further with him, they let him down, and he led them in a conga..!
Fantastic stuff, I'd rush to see them again. They finished just before 11, and my companion and I decided to go - I had to catch the 11:16 train from Shadwell if I was to be home by midnight, and she'd found out from the sound guy that this gig was due to continue till 3! and has to be somewhere early in the morning. Indeed, the headliners probably wouldn't have been on until 11:30, given the way the evening was going. So our "French Chanson & Swing" lacked French chanson - although perhaps not swing!
We both walked to Limehouse, where she waited for the DLR to Bank, and I took it back to Shadwell. Handy I'd noticed there was a DLR station at Shadwell! Made it with just a few minutes to spare. No survey-takers on the way back - just a guy noisily chewing gum, and slapping his thighs to the rhythm of what he was listening to through his earphones. And boy am I tired after my evening..
Tomorrow, I'm with the Crick Crack Club, for an event entitled Seven Princesses - at Rich Mix, which will be my first event there with them. I was asked this evening what time that was, and didn't have a clue - "evening" is generally all I need to know until the day. 7:30 seems to be the answer, FYI!
For Sunday, the London European Club just yesterday announced an organ concert at the church of All Saints, Margaret Street.. free, with suggested donation of £5. So I've said I'll go..
On Monday, my last Meetup before Easter sees me back with - surprise, surprise, Let's Do London - for less! The Man with the Hat is taking us underground - to the Vaults. Jeez, it's ages since I've been there - definitely more a warm-weather venue, we may have to keep our coats on! Pop-up Opera is staging their version of Romeo & Juliet down there. Romantic, down in the dark? Well, as long as I don't get dripped on.. And then I'm back to Ireland for just over a week, for Easter - dates specifically chosen for the cheapest flights! I fly back to London on the 30th.
Thursday, 17 March 2016
Concert: Trio Isimsiz
Kensington Classical Music was off to see Trio Isimsiz tonight, at a place called the 1901 Club. Fair enough - but buy my own ticket, and pay £2.50 more for the Meetup? I think not; I bought my own ticket, but neglected to RSVP to the Meetup - I was happy flying solo.
Never been there before, so I had to look up where it was - a hop, skip and jump from Waterloo, actually, which meant a short trip. Looking it up on Streetview - which allows an interior view of this venue - I saw just how small the room was. Little chance of avoiding the group, then! As it happens, I was late back from work, and time was tight. Doubting the availability of parking at my destination, I took the train to Waterloo instead. To get to the venue, I headed for the bus stop C exit, which you get to by seeking the Jubilee Line. Waiting to cross the road, I was asked directions to the London Eye, by a chap with a foreign accent. Ehh.. well, there was an elderly gentleman with an Irish accent in front of me, who overheard, and correctly directed him to carry on up the road to the left, then turn left at the end. Hey, it's not always easy to get your bearings, y' know?
Cross the road, hang a left, turn right just as you get to the church railings.. this is Exton Street, and you want No. 7. Carrying on down the street, I thought I must've passed it - but no, it's near the end. And I passed loads of free parking spaces - but I'd never have come in so fast if I'd driven, anyway. And I hadn't much time to spare. The door was ajar, the concert room just to the left as we entered. Someone crossed my name off the list, someone else took my coat, and it was suggested that I pop upstairs for a free glass of wine, which I could bring back in with me. So I did - and an excellent wine it was, too! I positioned myself discreetly in the back row, and was glad to see that the organisers were considerate enough to furnish those at the rear with higher chairs, for a better view!
The trio duly filed in, and took their spot at the head of the room - where the baby grand was. One played that, one the violin, one the cello. The programme - which I'd been given for free, on my way in, promised Haydn and Schubert piano trios: and the music, once it began, soared to fill the whole room. Lovely.. As previously mentioned, the room was small - seating 45, apparently - from my perch at the back, I could count eight empty seats. So, well attended, then!
They played right through, without a proper interval - just a short break during which they stood outside the door of the room to tune the violin and cello. The concert lasted a bit over 90 minutes, and was a lovely, refined way to end the day. Gorgeous furnishings, friendly staff, convenient location - I'll definitely be back here. I'd have taken photos, but my phone was dead - see Streetview for much better ones, anyhow!
I'd decided it wouldn't be expedient to stay for the reception after, despite the free nibbles. For one thing, I was hungrier than could be satisfied by nibbles.. I asked the nice man where I could pick up my coat - and guess where they'd put them? At the other end of the room - I had to walk up the centre aisle to get at them! (Knew I should've kept it with me.) And who do you think spotted me as I was doing that..? Yes, the organiser of Kensington Classical Music.
We had a brief, convivial chat - I hadn't seen her in months. "Were you at the concert?" "What did you think?" "Will you be writing about it?" "Will you be staying for the reception?" I did consider it for a moment, but no - I swiftly headed off to collect my coat, which was on a rail, now positioned beside the baby grand. A Steinway, naturally. And then I legged it.. as I scurried back down the road, my name was called - another group member, who'd also been at the concert and was leaving early because she was tired. So I had company, on the short walk to the station.
Tomorrow, I was supposed to join Spooky London for their monthly spooky pub night - but the venue was never announced, and now it's been cancelled.. Instead, I'm off with the London European Club, to an excellent-sounding event, entitled French Chanson and Swing, at Jamboree. Third new place in a row.. didn't print off the ticket, because they don't want you to. Eco-friendly, dontcha know?
On Saturday, I'm with the Crick Crack Club, for an event entitled Seven Princesses - at Rich Mix, which will be my first event there with them.
For Sunday, the London European Club just announced an organ concert at the church of All Saints, Margaret Street.. free, with suggested donation of £5. So I've said I'll go..
On Monday, my last Meetup before Easter sees me back with - surprise, surprise, Let's Do London - for less! The Man with the Hat is taking us underground - to the Vaults. Jeez, it's ages since I've been there - definitely more a warm-weather venue, we may have to keep our coats on! Pop-up Opera is staging their version of Romeo & Juliet down there. Romantic, down in the dark? Well, as long as I don't get dripped on.. And then I'm back to Ireland for just over a week, for Easter - dates specifically chosen for the cheapest flights! I fly back to London on the 30th..
Never been there before, so I had to look up where it was - a hop, skip and jump from Waterloo, actually, which meant a short trip. Looking it up on Streetview - which allows an interior view of this venue - I saw just how small the room was. Little chance of avoiding the group, then! As it happens, I was late back from work, and time was tight. Doubting the availability of parking at my destination, I took the train to Waterloo instead. To get to the venue, I headed for the bus stop C exit, which you get to by seeking the Jubilee Line. Waiting to cross the road, I was asked directions to the London Eye, by a chap with a foreign accent. Ehh.. well, there was an elderly gentleman with an Irish accent in front of me, who overheard, and correctly directed him to carry on up the road to the left, then turn left at the end. Hey, it's not always easy to get your bearings, y' know?
Cross the road, hang a left, turn right just as you get to the church railings.. this is Exton Street, and you want No. 7. Carrying on down the street, I thought I must've passed it - but no, it's near the end. And I passed loads of free parking spaces - but I'd never have come in so fast if I'd driven, anyway. And I hadn't much time to spare. The door was ajar, the concert room just to the left as we entered. Someone crossed my name off the list, someone else took my coat, and it was suggested that I pop upstairs for a free glass of wine, which I could bring back in with me. So I did - and an excellent wine it was, too! I positioned myself discreetly in the back row, and was glad to see that the organisers were considerate enough to furnish those at the rear with higher chairs, for a better view!
The trio duly filed in, and took their spot at the head of the room - where the baby grand was. One played that, one the violin, one the cello. The programme - which I'd been given for free, on my way in, promised Haydn and Schubert piano trios: and the music, once it began, soared to fill the whole room. Lovely.. As previously mentioned, the room was small - seating 45, apparently - from my perch at the back, I could count eight empty seats. So, well attended, then!
They played right through, without a proper interval - just a short break during which they stood outside the door of the room to tune the violin and cello. The concert lasted a bit over 90 minutes, and was a lovely, refined way to end the day. Gorgeous furnishings, friendly staff, convenient location - I'll definitely be back here. I'd have taken photos, but my phone was dead - see Streetview for much better ones, anyhow!
I'd decided it wouldn't be expedient to stay for the reception after, despite the free nibbles. For one thing, I was hungrier than could be satisfied by nibbles.. I asked the nice man where I could pick up my coat - and guess where they'd put them? At the other end of the room - I had to walk up the centre aisle to get at them! (Knew I should've kept it with me.) And who do you think spotted me as I was doing that..? Yes, the organiser of Kensington Classical Music.
We had a brief, convivial chat - I hadn't seen her in months. "Were you at the concert?" "What did you think?" "Will you be writing about it?" "Will you be staying for the reception?" I did consider it for a moment, but no - I swiftly headed off to collect my coat, which was on a rail, now positioned beside the baby grand. A Steinway, naturally. And then I legged it.. as I scurried back down the road, my name was called - another group member, who'd also been at the concert and was leaving early because she was tired. So I had company, on the short walk to the station.
Tomorrow, I was supposed to join Spooky London for their monthly spooky pub night - but the venue was never announced, and now it's been cancelled.. Instead, I'm off with the London European Club, to an excellent-sounding event, entitled French Chanson and Swing, at Jamboree. Third new place in a row.. didn't print off the ticket, because they don't want you to. Eco-friendly, dontcha know?
On Saturday, I'm with the Crick Crack Club, for an event entitled Seven Princesses - at Rich Mix, which will be my first event there with them.
For Sunday, the London European Club just announced an organ concert at the church of All Saints, Margaret Street.. free, with suggested donation of £5. So I've said I'll go..
On Monday, my last Meetup before Easter sees me back with - surprise, surprise, Let's Do London - for less! The Man with the Hat is taking us underground - to the Vaults. Jeez, it's ages since I've been there - definitely more a warm-weather venue, we may have to keep our coats on! Pop-up Opera is staging their version of Romeo & Juliet down there. Romantic, down in the dark? Well, as long as I don't get dripped on.. And then I'm back to Ireland for just over a week, for Easter - dates specifically chosen for the cheapest flights! I fly back to London on the 30th..
Wednesday, 16 March 2016
Coppell High School Band
I had the chance of a cheap ticket tonight to the Coppell High School Band - and with nothing better on offer at the time, I booked. Working from home today, naturally, I ended up rushing.. to Central Hall, Westminster this time. With no time to spare, and knowing I wouldn't get parking around Westminster, I went for the fastest public transport option - train to Victoria, Tube to St. James' Park.
Google Maps is better these days at estimating walking times, but still sadly optimistic about how long it takes me to walk to Clapham Junction station. So I left a bit earlier than they suggested.. they had said the last train to Victoria to get me to the church on time (literally, this venue is a Methodist church!) would leave Clapham Junction at 5:03. I couldn't see one scheduled for that time - the one I was just in time to catch was scheduled to depart at 5:02.
At Victoria Tube station, there are separate entrances for the Victoria Line and the others - and seeing the sea of people trying to squash through the Victoria Line entrance, just after 5pm, I was so glad I wasn't going that way! Much more relaxed at the other entrance - and with a corridor leading internally from there to the Victoria Line, it's handy to know as a shortcut, should I ever need one..
Either of the other two lines will take you to St. James' Park, which is just the next stop along. According to the directions I found to the church, I needed Tothill Street - however, neither of the two possible exits from St. James' Park were marked with that, and I was glad I'd checked on Streetview, where I'd been confused by the fact that all the streets around the station exit I needed seemed to be called Broadway. Handy, then, that one of the exits was for "Broadway & Park"!
Exiting that way, hang a right - towards the bulk of Westminster Abbey, just visible from there. At the end of the road, just across the road from the Abbey, the Central Hall is just on your left - entrance from Storey's Gate, facing the Abbey. I'd wondered, seeing it on Streetview, where the entrance was - although these old churches have lots of doors, most are usually kept closed. No problem - we entered via the main door, right under the flag.
A church it may be, but it's also a heavily marketed venue, and just up the stairs as you enter, there's a ticket desk, where I picked up my ticket. Then it was up the grand, marble staircase to the hall proper - with the banisters not extending all the way to the bottom of each flight, I wondered how I'd make it down again.
Finally, we entered the hall. Now, I was all set to take a picture or two, but this is one of those venues that, while spectacular, don't really lend themselves to photographs - all wide, sweeping curves. Very nice, though - the stage was set up in front of a massive organ, and what with seating being unassigned, I took an aisle seat a few rows from the front - I figured a brass band isn't what you want to be in the front row for!
Now, it was obvious that the people filing in at the same time I arrived were the band - the musical instruments kinda gave it away. This might give you the impression that the concert was about to start. Oh no. They had a lot of seat-shuffling to do first. To be fair, I had made it a little early, and it wasn't far after the official start time when they actually started. I didn't recognise any of the pieces, but did know the names, courtesy of the free programmes that were distributed beforehand by helpful ushers.
As the mc - a dead ringer for Susan Sarandon, apart from her Eastern European accent - ran through the conductors' (also teachers, of course) list of accomplishments, and the focus of the school (in Texas, FYI), it became obvious that this school places a strong emphasis on music. The concert was in three sections - and as the programme progressed, the pieces became progressively more jolly - and more.. daring. I use this word because I got the distinct impression that they started out with really careful pieces, really cautiously played. Which is fair enough, for schoolkids, and to their credit, I couldn't detect a bum note. But then, I do believe the school's music programme has been judged the "best in the nation"!
The second piece - On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss - was delightful. And after that, we had a break - as we did between each pair of sections - lasting five minutes or so, during which more seat-shuffling occurred. And after some moments of the mc standing uncomfortably at the side, it finally occurred to someone to pass her one of the (many) folding chairs round about. For the latter sections, the wind sections came on - and oh my, when they were tuning up, was I glad not to be in the front row! That's quite a volume..
Highlight of the programme was, without doubt, the last section - the "Honor Winds", who played really lively, entertaining pieces. As the evening progressed, it was obvious that there were many family members in the audience - in fact, I think they were confined to the balcony, where they snapped pictures away happily. All in all, a lovely evening - and so nice and early! It lasted just over an hour.. And on the way downstairs, the musicians - descending at the same time - were so polite in moving each other out of the way..
I decided to walk back to Victoria, donning gloves because of the cold - and this gave me the opportunity to buy my first Easter present. Which I can't say any more about, in case the recipient happens to be reading.. It's a while since I've been this way, but when I got to Westminster Cathedral, I knew where I was going:
Tomorrow, Kensington Classical Music is off to a concert by the Trio Isimsiz - you had to get your own ticket, though, then pay extra to join the group at the concert. Huh. I'll avoid them, and the extra charge - have to be discreet though, I believe it's a small room! It's at the 1901 Arts Club - another first for me. Read tomorrow's post to see how successful I was..
On Friday, I was supposed to join Spooky London for their monthly spooky pub night - but the venue was never announced, and now it's been cancelled.. Instead, I'm off with the London European Club, to an excellent-sounding event, entitled French Chanson and Swing, at Jamboree. Third new place in a row.. And on Saturday, I'm back with the Crick Crack Club, for an event entitled Seven Princesses - at Rich Mix, which will be my first event there with them.
Google Maps is better these days at estimating walking times, but still sadly optimistic about how long it takes me to walk to Clapham Junction station. So I left a bit earlier than they suggested.. they had said the last train to Victoria to get me to the church on time (literally, this venue is a Methodist church!) would leave Clapham Junction at 5:03. I couldn't see one scheduled for that time - the one I was just in time to catch was scheduled to depart at 5:02.
At Victoria Tube station, there are separate entrances for the Victoria Line and the others - and seeing the sea of people trying to squash through the Victoria Line entrance, just after 5pm, I was so glad I wasn't going that way! Much more relaxed at the other entrance - and with a corridor leading internally from there to the Victoria Line, it's handy to know as a shortcut, should I ever need one..
Either of the other two lines will take you to St. James' Park, which is just the next stop along. According to the directions I found to the church, I needed Tothill Street - however, neither of the two possible exits from St. James' Park were marked with that, and I was glad I'd checked on Streetview, where I'd been confused by the fact that all the streets around the station exit I needed seemed to be called Broadway. Handy, then, that one of the exits was for "Broadway & Park"!
Exiting that way, hang a right - towards the bulk of Westminster Abbey, just visible from there. At the end of the road, just across the road from the Abbey, the Central Hall is just on your left - entrance from Storey's Gate, facing the Abbey. I'd wondered, seeing it on Streetview, where the entrance was - although these old churches have lots of doors, most are usually kept closed. No problem - we entered via the main door, right under the flag.
A church it may be, but it's also a heavily marketed venue, and just up the stairs as you enter, there's a ticket desk, where I picked up my ticket. Then it was up the grand, marble staircase to the hall proper - with the banisters not extending all the way to the bottom of each flight, I wondered how I'd make it down again.
Finally, we entered the hall. Now, I was all set to take a picture or two, but this is one of those venues that, while spectacular, don't really lend themselves to photographs - all wide, sweeping curves. Very nice, though - the stage was set up in front of a massive organ, and what with seating being unassigned, I took an aisle seat a few rows from the front - I figured a brass band isn't what you want to be in the front row for!
Now, it was obvious that the people filing in at the same time I arrived were the band - the musical instruments kinda gave it away. This might give you the impression that the concert was about to start. Oh no. They had a lot of seat-shuffling to do first. To be fair, I had made it a little early, and it wasn't far after the official start time when they actually started. I didn't recognise any of the pieces, but did know the names, courtesy of the free programmes that were distributed beforehand by helpful ushers.
As the mc - a dead ringer for Susan Sarandon, apart from her Eastern European accent - ran through the conductors' (also teachers, of course) list of accomplishments, and the focus of the school (in Texas, FYI), it became obvious that this school places a strong emphasis on music. The concert was in three sections - and as the programme progressed, the pieces became progressively more jolly - and more.. daring. I use this word because I got the distinct impression that they started out with really careful pieces, really cautiously played. Which is fair enough, for schoolkids, and to their credit, I couldn't detect a bum note. But then, I do believe the school's music programme has been judged the "best in the nation"!
The second piece - On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss - was delightful. And after that, we had a break - as we did between each pair of sections - lasting five minutes or so, during which more seat-shuffling occurred. And after some moments of the mc standing uncomfortably at the side, it finally occurred to someone to pass her one of the (many) folding chairs round about. For the latter sections, the wind sections came on - and oh my, when they were tuning up, was I glad not to be in the front row! That's quite a volume..
Highlight of the programme was, without doubt, the last section - the "Honor Winds", who played really lively, entertaining pieces. As the evening progressed, it was obvious that there were many family members in the audience - in fact, I think they were confined to the balcony, where they snapped pictures away happily. All in all, a lovely evening - and so nice and early! It lasted just over an hour.. And on the way downstairs, the musicians - descending at the same time - were so polite in moving each other out of the way..
I decided to walk back to Victoria, donning gloves because of the cold - and this gave me the opportunity to buy my first Easter present. Which I can't say any more about, in case the recipient happens to be reading.. It's a while since I've been this way, but when I got to Westminster Cathedral, I knew where I was going:
Tomorrow, Kensington Classical Music is off to a concert by the Trio Isimsiz - you had to get your own ticket, though, then pay extra to join the group at the concert. Huh. I'll avoid them, and the extra charge - have to be discreet though, I believe it's a small room! It's at the 1901 Arts Club - another first for me. Read tomorrow's post to see how successful I was..
On Friday, I was supposed to join Spooky London for their monthly spooky pub night - but the venue was never announced, and now it's been cancelled.. Instead, I'm off with the London European Club, to an excellent-sounding event, entitled French Chanson and Swing, at Jamboree. Third new place in a row.. And on Saturday, I'm back with the Crick Crack Club, for an event entitled Seven Princesses - at Rich Mix, which will be my first event there with them.
Tuesday, 15 March 2016
Play: Cyrano de Bergerac
Another event with Let's Do London - for less! I freely admit it - I'll always try to go to these (assuming I don't think it's something I'll actually hate). The most fun Meetups around, the most diverse and interesting groups, the best value, and generally terrific shows too.. Cyrano de Bergerac it was then, in Southwark Playhouse - one of their regular haunts.
I hadn't planned to be in Guildford today, and then I was.. with great trepidation, considering the bad luck I've had with traffic lately! I was so afraid I wouldn't make it back in time. But, as before, the traffic gods were with me - I flew back, and had plenty of time to get to the theatre. Decided on the train to Waterloo, and a bus.. bravely, considering this was a new bus stop to me (Stop E, this time). Streetview was invaluable - from it, I recognised the bridges that told me I should come out by the exit for Stop C, across the road.. easy-peasy, after that.
So, at Waterloo I headed straight for - the Jubilee Line. Naturally, that's the way to bus stop C - just don't actually enter the Underground. Exit the station there instead. Stop E is just across the road, on the left - in front of The Wellington pub. I was looking for bus #1 - so naturally, it came as I was waiting to cross the road. Waiting at the stop, I did wonder whether I wouldn't just be faster walking - stayed standing there instead. When the #188 was sighted, stuck in traffic just down the road, I checked - yes, it went there too! So I caught that.
We spent so long in traffic that I probably would've been faster walking. Especially just at Elephant & Castle. Never mind - I knew I was in plenty of time, and which way to go, and didn't hurry on my way to the theatre. And I knew where to find the Man with the Hat - just keep walking till you come across the Hat, complete with Man, somewhere in the bar just to the right of the entrance to the theatres proper. This occasion saw him perched in a chair, absorbed in his phone - to be fair, I can only imagine the logistics of shepherding a group of around 30 people, most arriving at different times, some unfamiliar with the venue - or him.. and all to collect tickets that he was in possession of..
So he presented me with a ticket, and shepherded me to the back. Right to a back room I'd never seen before, in fact, which we seemed to have colonised already. Where I deposited my coat, returning to the bar for a glass of their quite good and very reasonably priced wine. When I returned to the back, it was to a group of people of whom I knew an uncommonly large number! Basically, I've been coming with this group for ages, and met quite a lot of people.. and lots were there tonight.
After a bit, we decided we might as well head in. Unassigned seating here, as ever, and by the time we trooped in, the section directly facing the stage was pretty full. Some of us headed to the side instead. A small group of us sat in the second and third rows from the stage - but there were so many of us altogether, we spread out over quite a bit of the theatre. And as we settled ourselves, the actors appeared.. with.. trays of madeleines?! Yes please - and many of us had one. This is a new one, the cast feeding the audience..
The play opens in a convent, with the (all-female) cast, dressed as nuns - scarves acting as veils - singing for us, most beautifully: fine voices, these ladies. And one or two are upset that they've missed the old storyteller - so the others conspire to act out his story. Which is, of course, the one we've come to see..
A pared-down production, it uses only four crates, which provide something to sit or lie on, as well as storage for the costumes. Sticks for guns, a ladder at the side. Not much else on stage, really - a construction at the back doubles as Roxane's house, and later as a fort. We are swiftly introduced to the main characters.. and this is a fun production throughout - plenty of jokes, plenty of banter. Beware, ye who choose to sit in the front row for this production; prepare to be.. interacted with!
But oh my, there's no disputing who the star of the show is. Kathryn Hunter completely owns the stage from the moment she steps on it. Cyrano, the poet, of course gets the best lines - but she is so completely believable in the role that I can understand why one critic called her a shape-shifter. She leaps about the stage, playing the fighter that she's meant to be, and all the time wearing this ridiculous fake nose strapped to her face (must be uncomfortable!). And aside from that, pretty much all you can see of her face are the most expressive eyes..
A short interval means a reasonable finishing time for what is a long play, and we were soon ushered back in. (You can take drinks in here, don't panic.) In the second part, the jollity of the first part gives way to the hardship and uncertainty of the battlefield, and the tale turns tragic. Which is, of course, where I lost it - I'm a complete softie, I dissolve at a sad story, and I've always found Cyrano's so hopelessly sad.. just about managed to compose myself by the time they were taking their bows.
Stunning. Kathryn Hunter's is, as I've said, the stand-out performance, but the whole production draws you in, turning from fun to unexpectedly moving. And I always do love a production that uses fewer props and more imagination. It's absolutely disgraceful that more people aren't seeing this - there were plenty of empty seats tonight, while they pack the seats of mediocre, but more famous, shows in more famous venues. Go, go, go.. only runs until Saturday. And tomorrow night, they have a Q+A, with the writer, and Kathryn Hunter! Jeez, I'm nearly tempted to go again, just for that..
Some of us returned to the back room, after, and stayed until we could stay no more. As we left, someone had the idea, seconded by some more, of congratulating the cast, some of whom were at a table very near us. So we did. And I thought they looked pleased. And I know they deserved it.
I ended up walking back to Waterloo, with another who lives near me. Trains were a bit less frequent than during the day, but we did get home eventually. And I should've been in bed ages ago! Just as well I'm not in Guildford tomorrow, at least - also because what I'm going to starts so early. I got a cheap ticket to a concert by the Coppell High School Band, at the Central Hall, Westminster. A new venue for me! Cool, I do like to keep discovering them. And it starts at 5:30.
On Thursday, Kensington Classical Music is off to a concert by the Trio Isimsiz - you had to get your own ticket, though, then pay extra to join the group at the concert. Huh. I'll avoid them, and the extra charge - have to be discreet though, I believe it's a small room! It's at the 1901 Arts Club - another first for me.
On Friday, I was supposed to join Spooky London for their monthly spooky pub night - but the venue was never announced, and now it's been cancelled.. Instead, I'm off with the London European Club, to an excellent-sounding event, entitled French Chanson and Swing, at Jamboree. Third new place in a row.. And on Saturday, I'm back with the Crick Crack Club, for an event entitled Seven Princesses - at Rich Mix, which will be my first event there with them. (Oh, and their next event has now appeared on Meetup.. and I booked it! but that's for next month..)
I hadn't planned to be in Guildford today, and then I was.. with great trepidation, considering the bad luck I've had with traffic lately! I was so afraid I wouldn't make it back in time. But, as before, the traffic gods were with me - I flew back, and had plenty of time to get to the theatre. Decided on the train to Waterloo, and a bus.. bravely, considering this was a new bus stop to me (Stop E, this time). Streetview was invaluable - from it, I recognised the bridges that told me I should come out by the exit for Stop C, across the road.. easy-peasy, after that.
So, at Waterloo I headed straight for - the Jubilee Line. Naturally, that's the way to bus stop C - just don't actually enter the Underground. Exit the station there instead. Stop E is just across the road, on the left - in front of The Wellington pub. I was looking for bus #1 - so naturally, it came as I was waiting to cross the road. Waiting at the stop, I did wonder whether I wouldn't just be faster walking - stayed standing there instead. When the #188 was sighted, stuck in traffic just down the road, I checked - yes, it went there too! So I caught that.
We spent so long in traffic that I probably would've been faster walking. Especially just at Elephant & Castle. Never mind - I knew I was in plenty of time, and which way to go, and didn't hurry on my way to the theatre. And I knew where to find the Man with the Hat - just keep walking till you come across the Hat, complete with Man, somewhere in the bar just to the right of the entrance to the theatres proper. This occasion saw him perched in a chair, absorbed in his phone - to be fair, I can only imagine the logistics of shepherding a group of around 30 people, most arriving at different times, some unfamiliar with the venue - or him.. and all to collect tickets that he was in possession of..
So he presented me with a ticket, and shepherded me to the back. Right to a back room I'd never seen before, in fact, which we seemed to have colonised already. Where I deposited my coat, returning to the bar for a glass of their quite good and very reasonably priced wine. When I returned to the back, it was to a group of people of whom I knew an uncommonly large number! Basically, I've been coming with this group for ages, and met quite a lot of people.. and lots were there tonight.
After a bit, we decided we might as well head in. Unassigned seating here, as ever, and by the time we trooped in, the section directly facing the stage was pretty full. Some of us headed to the side instead. A small group of us sat in the second and third rows from the stage - but there were so many of us altogether, we spread out over quite a bit of the theatre. And as we settled ourselves, the actors appeared.. with.. trays of madeleines?! Yes please - and many of us had one. This is a new one, the cast feeding the audience..
The play opens in a convent, with the (all-female) cast, dressed as nuns - scarves acting as veils - singing for us, most beautifully: fine voices, these ladies. And one or two are upset that they've missed the old storyteller - so the others conspire to act out his story. Which is, of course, the one we've come to see..
A pared-down production, it uses only four crates, which provide something to sit or lie on, as well as storage for the costumes. Sticks for guns, a ladder at the side. Not much else on stage, really - a construction at the back doubles as Roxane's house, and later as a fort. We are swiftly introduced to the main characters.. and this is a fun production throughout - plenty of jokes, plenty of banter. Beware, ye who choose to sit in the front row for this production; prepare to be.. interacted with!
But oh my, there's no disputing who the star of the show is. Kathryn Hunter completely owns the stage from the moment she steps on it. Cyrano, the poet, of course gets the best lines - but she is so completely believable in the role that I can understand why one critic called her a shape-shifter. She leaps about the stage, playing the fighter that she's meant to be, and all the time wearing this ridiculous fake nose strapped to her face (must be uncomfortable!). And aside from that, pretty much all you can see of her face are the most expressive eyes..
A short interval means a reasonable finishing time for what is a long play, and we were soon ushered back in. (You can take drinks in here, don't panic.) In the second part, the jollity of the first part gives way to the hardship and uncertainty of the battlefield, and the tale turns tragic. Which is, of course, where I lost it - I'm a complete softie, I dissolve at a sad story, and I've always found Cyrano's so hopelessly sad.. just about managed to compose myself by the time they were taking their bows.
Stunning. Kathryn Hunter's is, as I've said, the stand-out performance, but the whole production draws you in, turning from fun to unexpectedly moving. And I always do love a production that uses fewer props and more imagination. It's absolutely disgraceful that more people aren't seeing this - there were plenty of empty seats tonight, while they pack the seats of mediocre, but more famous, shows in more famous venues. Go, go, go.. only runs until Saturday. And tomorrow night, they have a Q+A, with the writer, and Kathryn Hunter! Jeez, I'm nearly tempted to go again, just for that..
Some of us returned to the back room, after, and stayed until we could stay no more. As we left, someone had the idea, seconded by some more, of congratulating the cast, some of whom were at a table very near us. So we did. And I thought they looked pleased. And I know they deserved it.
I ended up walking back to Waterloo, with another who lives near me. Trains were a bit less frequent than during the day, but we did get home eventually. And I should've been in bed ages ago! Just as well I'm not in Guildford tomorrow, at least - also because what I'm going to starts so early. I got a cheap ticket to a concert by the Coppell High School Band, at the Central Hall, Westminster. A new venue for me! Cool, I do like to keep discovering them. And it starts at 5:30.
On Thursday, Kensington Classical Music is off to a concert by the Trio Isimsiz - you had to get your own ticket, though, then pay extra to join the group at the concert. Huh. I'll avoid them, and the extra charge - have to be discreet though, I believe it's a small room! It's at the 1901 Arts Club - another first for me.
On Friday, I was supposed to join Spooky London for their monthly spooky pub night - but the venue was never announced, and now it's been cancelled.. Instead, I'm off with the London European Club, to an excellent-sounding event, entitled French Chanson and Swing, at Jamboree. Third new place in a row.. And on Saturday, I'm back with the Crick Crack Club, for an event entitled Seven Princesses - at Rich Mix, which will be my first event there with them. (Oh, and their next event has now appeared on Meetup.. and I booked it! but that's for next month..)
Storytelling: UniVerse
Goodee, the Crick Crack Club was in action again last night, with a show called UniVerse, by Clare Muireann Murphy, at Soho Theatre. No-brainer, I was going - love my storytelling. No-brainer, I booked - they always sell out.
Blessedly light traffic coming back yesterday evening - third time's the charm, eh? So I was in loads of time for my regular route - train to Vauxhall or Victoria, Victoria Line to Oxford Circus, leave by Exit 5, hang a right. Right again just past the building works. I arrived at the theatre with a bit of time to spare.. after the long, long climb to the upstairs space, I passed the (other) man with the hat, waiting at the head of the stairs. And I was in.
It was almost full when I arrived - I got a decent seat though, facing the stage in the first elevated row. Pretty central. And after the customary "Crick!" "Crack!" etc., we were introduced to our performer.. Irish, as it happens, and who had composed her own work - unusually for the storytellers I see. She began by remarking how hot it was.. and it was! and anticipating the "Soho striptease", a bit later.
Her story - a new one - is of the creation of the universe. And with it, she explains her method of "myth-ience" - the crossover of myth and science. What followed was an enchanting 70 minutes or so, where she kind of moved to our left for the science-y bits; we got Einstein, we got gluons and quarks, we got the formation of primitive atoms..
And then she hopped over to our right, and told us a lot about turtles. And this slipped into Greek legend..
Which gave her a nice intro to talk about Pythagoras (back on our left). After getting us to recite his infamous theorem, she explained how he related maths to music. And then told us to look under our chairs, under some of which sticks had been placed, and under the others, various metal household items. And the idea was that the metal items had strings attached to the edges, and we had to wind the other ends round our fingers, and stick those fingers in our ears, while the people with sticks beat the metal things. And thus we could hear the music that obsessed Pythagoras.. (sadly, there was nothing under my chair - perhaps one of the people beside me picked it up by mistake - but someone gave me some sticks. And then I had nothing to hit them off of! Aww.. sad to be alone when the exercise is for pairs..)
She's a fantastic, animated storyteller. You've never seen subatomic particles acted out like this, nor heard Greek legends made so funny. A little bit of Irish reference made it in too.. the man with the hat had said he always anxiously anticipates new work by this artist, and I can see why - she's one of the best I've seen, and to know this is an original work makes it all the better.
Also nice to be home in time to grab a quick bite to eat. Not to blog, though.. Tonight, I'm with the main Man with the Hat again, with Let's Do London - for Less! again, as they head to Cyrano de Bergerac at Southwark Playhouse - one of his preferred venues, and a good one.
Tomorrow, I got a cheap ticket to a concert by the Coppell High School Band, at the Central Hall, Westminster. A new venue for me! Cool, I do like to keep discovering them. On Thursday, Kensington Classical Music is off to a concert by the Trio Isimsiz - you had to get your own ticket, though, then pay extra to join the group at the concert. Huh. I'll avoid them, and the extra charge - have to be discreet though, I believe it's a small room! It's at the 1901 Arts Club - another first for me.
On Friday, I was supposed to join Spooky London for their monthly spooky pub night - but the venue was never announced, and now it's been cancelled.. Instead, I'm off with the London European Club, to an excellent-sounding event, entitled French Chanson and Swing, at Jamboree. Third new place in a row.. And on Saturday, I'm back with the Crick Crack Club, for an event entitled Seven Princesses - at Rich Mix, which will be my first event there with them. There was mention of an event next month, but it doesn't seem to have been advertised on Meetup yet..
Blessedly light traffic coming back yesterday evening - third time's the charm, eh? So I was in loads of time for my regular route - train to Vauxhall or Victoria, Victoria Line to Oxford Circus, leave by Exit 5, hang a right. Right again just past the building works. I arrived at the theatre with a bit of time to spare.. after the long, long climb to the upstairs space, I passed the (other) man with the hat, waiting at the head of the stairs. And I was in.
It was almost full when I arrived - I got a decent seat though, facing the stage in the first elevated row. Pretty central. And after the customary "Crick!" "Crack!" etc., we were introduced to our performer.. Irish, as it happens, and who had composed her own work - unusually for the storytellers I see. She began by remarking how hot it was.. and it was! and anticipating the "Soho striptease", a bit later.
Her story - a new one - is of the creation of the universe. And with it, she explains her method of "myth-ience" - the crossover of myth and science. What followed was an enchanting 70 minutes or so, where she kind of moved to our left for the science-y bits; we got Einstein, we got gluons and quarks, we got the formation of primitive atoms..
And then she hopped over to our right, and told us a lot about turtles. And this slipped into Greek legend..
Which gave her a nice intro to talk about Pythagoras (back on our left). After getting us to recite his infamous theorem, she explained how he related maths to music. And then told us to look under our chairs, under some of which sticks had been placed, and under the others, various metal household items. And the idea was that the metal items had strings attached to the edges, and we had to wind the other ends round our fingers, and stick those fingers in our ears, while the people with sticks beat the metal things. And thus we could hear the music that obsessed Pythagoras.. (sadly, there was nothing under my chair - perhaps one of the people beside me picked it up by mistake - but someone gave me some sticks. And then I had nothing to hit them off of! Aww.. sad to be alone when the exercise is for pairs..)
She's a fantastic, animated storyteller. You've never seen subatomic particles acted out like this, nor heard Greek legends made so funny. A little bit of Irish reference made it in too.. the man with the hat had said he always anxiously anticipates new work by this artist, and I can see why - she's one of the best I've seen, and to know this is an original work makes it all the better.
Also nice to be home in time to grab a quick bite to eat. Not to blog, though.. Tonight, I'm with the main Man with the Hat again, with Let's Do London - for Less! again, as they head to Cyrano de Bergerac at Southwark Playhouse - one of his preferred venues, and a good one.
Tomorrow, I got a cheap ticket to a concert by the Coppell High School Band, at the Central Hall, Westminster. A new venue for me! Cool, I do like to keep discovering them. On Thursday, Kensington Classical Music is off to a concert by the Trio Isimsiz - you had to get your own ticket, though, then pay extra to join the group at the concert. Huh. I'll avoid them, and the extra charge - have to be discreet though, I believe it's a small room! It's at the 1901 Arts Club - another first for me.
On Friday, I was supposed to join Spooky London for their monthly spooky pub night - but the venue was never announced, and now it's been cancelled.. Instead, I'm off with the London European Club, to an excellent-sounding event, entitled French Chanson and Swing, at Jamboree. Third new place in a row.. And on Saturday, I'm back with the Crick Crack Club, for an event entitled Seven Princesses - at Rich Mix, which will be my first event there with them. There was mention of an event next month, but it doesn't seem to have been advertised on Meetup yet..
Saturday, 12 March 2016
Concert: Iness Mezel
Such a pity I didn't get to go to Rich Mix on Wednesday - I love the venue, and know the organiser from other London European Club events. But och! it was raining, it had taken me two hours to get back from Guildford, I was very tired, I was hungry, I wasn't going to have time to eat, it was over late and I had to be up early and would be even more tired.. the list was endless, and it was a free concert anyway. So I cancelled, and had a very nice night in.
Come Thursday, ironically, it took me just as long to get back from Guildford - what a dreadful week for traffic! No fewer than three accidents on the A3, you see.. my passenger was very vexed, he missed his yoga class. But I'd had a decent night's sleep for a change, and although again I wouldn't have time to eat, I wasn't that hungry - besides, I'm working from home today, so I could eat late. So off I went, on the journey I should've taken on Wednesday.
I still nearly fell asleep on the Overground to Shoreditch. Turn left from the station, there's an interesting wire fence like that bridge in Paris, with "love" padlocks on it, that people have written their names on. I'd have taken a photo if my phone hadn't been dead again.. turn right on the main road, continue to where it forks, and you can see Rich Mix a short distance ahead, on the left. Much more convenient for the Overground than for the Tube..
The organiser had said he'd be there from 7, but had no table in the café - I sat in the lobby, where he came and introduced himself in due course, having heard me give my name when I was getting my hand stamped. There were a few of us - the main space, where the concert was to take place, didn't open till 8, and he told us he had reserved a corner of it, with tables and sofas. So when we went in, two of us dashed for a sofa - a slightly dangerous option, as it rolls really easily. The suspension was also gone - but what the hey, it was comfy, with a good view of the stage - the room is large enough, but it's not long, so you're never that far away.
When I went to the bar on the side to get a drink, she poured me a good - and cheap - house white (in plastic), but couldn't yet give me change - the till hadn't arrived. And it was a while until it did. Think it's a cash bar, too. Hey-ho, the concert didn't start until 8.30, and I had plenty of time to chat to my fellow members beforehand - I do like the World Music Meetup, which attracts a good mixture of nationalities (Algerian, French, and Tunisian that night, at least..) It's a pity I haven't got to more of their Meetups, but they always seem to clash with something. I'd also signed up with the London European Club for this - the organiser is a member of both, and advertised it on both pages - but there weren't any others there from that group, as far as I was aware, despite some having said they'd come.
At 8.30, Iness Mezel and her band took the stage - no support. Now, the last time I was here was a while ago, also with World Music Meetup, as it happens; I don't remember who was playing, but it didn't appeal to me at all, and I left early. No such trouble last night - after some sound problems in the first number, I thought, she was terrific! A heady, slightly crazy mix of blues and African rhythms, with some really beautiful Berber numbers, entertained us for an hour or so before she took a well deserved break. Every second number, pretty much, was a lively one - which made it difficult for her to catch her breath for the slower numbers in between. Because she not only sang - she seemed incapable of not dancing, and wanted us to do the same - apart from a couple of people, she didn't get her way until she restarted after the break and we all got up. Once we did, of course, it was infectious - much easier to stay up than to get up. And we had a great night!
An obliging performer, at the break she happily posed for selfies.. I bought a copy of her cd. The second bit was shorter than the first, and after she gave a brief interview at the end, we were out of there for 10.30 - handy, as my last train was due to leave just after 11. Really recommended, if she happens by your way!
Well, by the time I got home it was nearly midnight, and I didn't have time to blog. Then, when I'd nearly finished this post yesterday, my internet crashed! Hope my flatmates have it fixed by the time I get back tomorrow. I'm back in Ireland for the weekend now, despite the best efforts of London fog, which delayed all yesterday's flights.. and after hours of iffy internet, and when it was fixed, the blog site being down.. I finally got online to do this. Good to be back!
We were supposed to be off to the final night of the Clare Drama Festival tonight, in my old school, but my mother's now decided she doesn't want the hassle. As she says, we'd have to figure out parking.. and we'd eat in Nuala's, whose service tends to be slow.. and it's adjudication night, which means tons of waiting around for votes, for plays we haven't seen..
Back in London, I'm headed to the Crick Crack Club on Monday, who are back at Soho Theatre for an evening of storytelling entitled UniVerse - as ever with these, booking essential; they always sell out. On Tuesday, I'm with Let's Do London - for Less! again, as they head to Cyrano de Bergerac at Southwark Playhouse - one of the Man with the Hat's preferred venues, and a good one.
On Wednesday, I got a cheap ticket to a concert by the Coppell High School Band, at the Central Hall, Westminster. A new venue for me! Cool, I do like to keep discovering them. On Thursday, Kensington Classical Music is off to a concert by the Trio Isimsiz - you had to get your own ticket, though, then pay extra to join the group at the concert. Huh. I'll avoid them, and the extra charge - have to be discreet though, I believe it's a small room! It's at the 1901 Arts Club - another first for me.
On Friday, I was supposed to join Spooky London for their monthly spooky pub night - but the venue was never announced, and now it seems to have been cancelled.. Instead, I'm off with the London European Club again, to an excellent-sounding event, entitled French Chanson and Swing, at Jamboree. Third new place in a row.. And on Saturday, I'm back with the Crick Crack Club, for an event entitled Seven Princesses - at Rich Mix, which will be my first event there with them.
Come Thursday, ironically, it took me just as long to get back from Guildford - what a dreadful week for traffic! No fewer than three accidents on the A3, you see.. my passenger was very vexed, he missed his yoga class. But I'd had a decent night's sleep for a change, and although again I wouldn't have time to eat, I wasn't that hungry - besides, I'm working from home today, so I could eat late. So off I went, on the journey I should've taken on Wednesday.
I still nearly fell asleep on the Overground to Shoreditch. Turn left from the station, there's an interesting wire fence like that bridge in Paris, with "love" padlocks on it, that people have written their names on. I'd have taken a photo if my phone hadn't been dead again.. turn right on the main road, continue to where it forks, and you can see Rich Mix a short distance ahead, on the left. Much more convenient for the Overground than for the Tube..
The organiser had said he'd be there from 7, but had no table in the café - I sat in the lobby, where he came and introduced himself in due course, having heard me give my name when I was getting my hand stamped. There were a few of us - the main space, where the concert was to take place, didn't open till 8, and he told us he had reserved a corner of it, with tables and sofas. So when we went in, two of us dashed for a sofa - a slightly dangerous option, as it rolls really easily. The suspension was also gone - but what the hey, it was comfy, with a good view of the stage - the room is large enough, but it's not long, so you're never that far away.
When I went to the bar on the side to get a drink, she poured me a good - and cheap - house white (in plastic), but couldn't yet give me change - the till hadn't arrived. And it was a while until it did. Think it's a cash bar, too. Hey-ho, the concert didn't start until 8.30, and I had plenty of time to chat to my fellow members beforehand - I do like the World Music Meetup, which attracts a good mixture of nationalities (Algerian, French, and Tunisian that night, at least..) It's a pity I haven't got to more of their Meetups, but they always seem to clash with something. I'd also signed up with the London European Club for this - the organiser is a member of both, and advertised it on both pages - but there weren't any others there from that group, as far as I was aware, despite some having said they'd come.
At 8.30, Iness Mezel and her band took the stage - no support. Now, the last time I was here was a while ago, also with World Music Meetup, as it happens; I don't remember who was playing, but it didn't appeal to me at all, and I left early. No such trouble last night - after some sound problems in the first number, I thought, she was terrific! A heady, slightly crazy mix of blues and African rhythms, with some really beautiful Berber numbers, entertained us for an hour or so before she took a well deserved break. Every second number, pretty much, was a lively one - which made it difficult for her to catch her breath for the slower numbers in between. Because she not only sang - she seemed incapable of not dancing, and wanted us to do the same - apart from a couple of people, she didn't get her way until she restarted after the break and we all got up. Once we did, of course, it was infectious - much easier to stay up than to get up. And we had a great night!
An obliging performer, at the break she happily posed for selfies.. I bought a copy of her cd. The second bit was shorter than the first, and after she gave a brief interview at the end, we were out of there for 10.30 - handy, as my last train was due to leave just after 11. Really recommended, if she happens by your way!
Well, by the time I got home it was nearly midnight, and I didn't have time to blog. Then, when I'd nearly finished this post yesterday, my internet crashed! Hope my flatmates have it fixed by the time I get back tomorrow. I'm back in Ireland for the weekend now, despite the best efforts of London fog, which delayed all yesterday's flights.. and after hours of iffy internet, and when it was fixed, the blog site being down.. I finally got online to do this. Good to be back!
We were supposed to be off to the final night of the Clare Drama Festival tonight, in my old school, but my mother's now decided she doesn't want the hassle. As she says, we'd have to figure out parking.. and we'd eat in Nuala's, whose service tends to be slow.. and it's adjudication night, which means tons of waiting around for votes, for plays we haven't seen..
Back in London, I'm headed to the Crick Crack Club on Monday, who are back at Soho Theatre for an evening of storytelling entitled UniVerse - as ever with these, booking essential; they always sell out. On Tuesday, I'm with Let's Do London - for Less! again, as they head to Cyrano de Bergerac at Southwark Playhouse - one of the Man with the Hat's preferred venues, and a good one.
On Wednesday, I got a cheap ticket to a concert by the Coppell High School Band, at the Central Hall, Westminster. A new venue for me! Cool, I do like to keep discovering them. On Thursday, Kensington Classical Music is off to a concert by the Trio Isimsiz - you had to get your own ticket, though, then pay extra to join the group at the concert. Huh. I'll avoid them, and the extra charge - have to be discreet though, I believe it's a small room! It's at the 1901 Arts Club - another first for me.
On Friday, I was supposed to join Spooky London for their monthly spooky pub night - but the venue was never announced, and now it seems to have been cancelled.. Instead, I'm off with the London European Club again, to an excellent-sounding event, entitled French Chanson and Swing, at Jamboree. Third new place in a row.. And on Saturday, I'm back with the Crick Crack Club, for an event entitled Seven Princesses - at Rich Mix, which will be my first event there with them.
Wednesday, 9 March 2016
Tran-Siberian March Band
..didn't happen. I've reached my limit - tired, hungry, got home much later than expected, it's on late and I have to be up early again tomorrow, it takes nearly an hour to get there, and it's raining. And it was free, so nothing lost.
Gosh, what a novelty - a night in! Dinner's in the oven and wine is poured. I'll try and get to bed early tonight, be back to normal tomorrow.
Tomorrow, I'm at Rich Mix for a concert by Iness Mezel. - I've signed up for that jointly with London European Club and the World Music Meetup. Then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.. we're off to the final night of the Clare Drama Festival on Saturday, in my old school - followed by the Crick Crack Club on Monday, who are back at Soho Theatre for an evening of storytelling entitled UniVerse - as ever with these, booking essential; they always sell out. On Tuesday, I'm with Let's Do London - for Less! again, as they head to Cyrano de Bergerac at Southwark Playhouse - one of the Man with the Hat's preferred venues, and a good one.
On Wednesday, I got a cheap ticket to a concert by the Coppell High School Band, at the Central Hall, Westminster. A new venue for me! Cool, I do like to keep discovering them. On the 17th, Kensington Classical Music is off to a concert by the Trio Isimsiz - you had to get your own ticket, though, then pay extra to join the group at the concert. Huh. I'll avoid them, and the extra charge - have to be discreet though, I believe it's a small room! It's at the 1901 Arts Club - another first for me.
On the 18th, I'm joining Spooky London for their monthly spooky pub night! Wherever it is. If I actually go. And on the 19th, I'm back with the Crick Crack Club, for an event entitled Seven Princesses - at Rich Mix, which will be my first event there with them.
Gosh, what a novelty - a night in! Dinner's in the oven and wine is poured. I'll try and get to bed early tonight, be back to normal tomorrow.
Tomorrow, I'm at Rich Mix for a concert by Iness Mezel. - I've signed up for that jointly with London European Club and the World Music Meetup. Then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.. we're off to the final night of the Clare Drama Festival on Saturday, in my old school - followed by the Crick Crack Club on Monday, who are back at Soho Theatre for an evening of storytelling entitled UniVerse - as ever with these, booking essential; they always sell out. On Tuesday, I'm with Let's Do London - for Less! again, as they head to Cyrano de Bergerac at Southwark Playhouse - one of the Man with the Hat's preferred venues, and a good one.
On Wednesday, I got a cheap ticket to a concert by the Coppell High School Band, at the Central Hall, Westminster. A new venue for me! Cool, I do like to keep discovering them. On the 17th, Kensington Classical Music is off to a concert by the Trio Isimsiz - you had to get your own ticket, though, then pay extra to join the group at the concert. Huh. I'll avoid them, and the extra charge - have to be discreet though, I believe it's a small room! It's at the 1901 Arts Club - another first for me.
On the 18th, I'm joining Spooky London for their monthly spooky pub night! Wherever it is. If I actually go. And on the 19th, I'm back with the Crick Crack Club, for an event entitled Seven Princesses - at Rich Mix, which will be my first event there with them.
"Star of Kings" Special Comedy Night
Comedy. There are so many comedy gigs in London.. curiously, for all the comedy gigs I go to, and all the London for Less Than a Tenner things that I go to, they never coincided.. until last night, in the form of a comedy night at the Star of Kings. The Man with the Hat explained that this was in aid of the MTI Syria Refugee Relief Appeal - all good. And so was the line-up, generally.. I'm very picky with comedy, but for this group, I'm always inclined to take a risk. So I booked - it was free entry, but he was taking a small fee, part of which was being donated, part to cover costs. Oh, go on then..
No way was I driving up there - for one thing, it'd take ages. I was working from home, so naturally, with all the time in the world, I ended up rushing. Same drill as the day before - train to Vauxhall or Victoria, then the Victoria Line. As usual, the next train I was likely to catch was headed to Vauxhall - boy, was I to regret that decision. As I entered Vauxhall Underground station, an announcement informed us that there were severe delays on the Victoria Line - broken-down train at Oxford Circus. I dithered about whether to go straight back to the mainline station and get a train to somewhere else I could catch a different Tube line - but after a few minutes, a Victoria Line train arrived. And we sat on it. And then the announcement came that the entire line was shut, south of King's Cross - which is where I was headed.
London does have a wonderfully intricate transport network - there's always an alternative. Mine involved traipsing back up to the mainline station, taking a train to Waterloo, Jubilee Line to Green Park, long trek through the corridors to the Piccadilly Line. Thank goodness the daily Oyster fare is capped, and the whole thing cost no more than the day before..
Of course, I took the wrong exit from King's Cross, and ended up on the other side of the road. Hey-ho, I got to York Way eventually, and past King's Place, to the Star of Kings. Found the front door, had a scout around for the Comedy Grotto, which I knew was downstairs. Was just about to trot off down the stairs - but was delayed by a whole stream of persons coming the other way! Huh..? And at the end of the stream was the omnipresent Man with the Hat, who directed me downstairs and to a seat, with some story about how they'd all been scared off.. (Actually, I gather there was another Meetup there last night, and they were on the wrong floor.)
Sure enough, being comedy, it started late - but I still didn't have time to grab a drink before they got underway. MC for the evening was Stuart Laws. First up was a last-minute replacement, Nish Kumar, whom I saw before at the Boat Show. Rapid-fire, excellent observation - as before - he took us through slavery, gentrification, and social media. As he helpfully summarised at the end. Weird to have this bigger name start the show, but what the hey.
To be followed by Rachel Parris.. she was the other one I'd seen before, at the Circus Show of all things, where she played piano and sang humorous songs. She's good with or without a piano, I see.. although I am reminded of her starring moment in that other show, when some beefy individual hopped onstage during her set - presumably to request something. He was rapidly hustled off by bouncers, but didn't take it too well; he and his girlfriend/wife/significant other promptly finished their drinks, grabbed their coats and left. Making sure to cross the stage as they did so, each giving her the finger in the process. Ah, the exciting life of a stand-up.. best response to a heckler that I've seen, she immediately composed and performed a little ditty entitled "Did You Just Give Me the Finger?" or words to that effect. Last night though, no piano and no hecklers.. just a book, with clippings in it.
They were the last I'd seen before. Next up was Jamie Fraser, one of those relative newbies that keep touring the circuit. Plenty of audience interaction - beware if sitting in the two front rows! And the rather excellent Matt Winning took us to the break - one of those people who, when he has nothing to say, can still make you laugh just by looking at you sideways. Such a handy talent for a comedian..
Interval - time for drinkies! Some of us made our way upstairs - the bar downstairs wasn't serving, sadly. My wine came in a snifter, but was perfectly drinkable.. and we chatted until it seemed time to go down again.
The second half started with an extended blurb by our friendly MC - about puffins. We are now all much better informed. Next was Andrea Hubert, who caused some ripples in the audience when she gave us the sign language for abortion. Followed by the winner of Weirdest Act of the Night award - Ben Target redefined stand-up comedy by giving us an act that no-one was sure was meant to be funny, as he told us how his friends died. It was funny, how the audience started off laughing and gradually.. stopped.. Personally, I loved it! Act of the night for me - but I'm wired oddly. He had a nice red hoodie too.
Penultimate comic was Alex Kealy, actually the organiser of the event, whose main purpose on stage seemed to be to pass around his laptop so people could put themselves on the mailing list if they wanted. And we finished with an unusual turn by - tarnation, don't seem to have his name! - but he came on in what might be described as a fluorescent outfit, all clashing neon colours. And read from his spy novel - the likes of which I guarantee you haven't heard before.
An evening of new material, you never know what you're gonna get, but this was a good line-up. They collected - in a vase, rather than a bucket - as we left. And leave we had to, it was unfortunately too late to stay. Bummer - won't be back with them till next week, now.. A cold walk got us back to King's Cross, where the Victoria Line was now working, leading to a much less exciting journey than earlier. Apart from one suspenseful delay at Green Park. Home after bedtime, and a busy morning, meant a slightly delayed post..
Tonight, I'm headed to a Trans-Siberian March Band concert at Rich Mix, with the London European Club - I was interested in going with London Dramatic Arts Meetup, but they're going to the St. James Theatre, whose legroom is a bit tight for me; I did ask whether she had any aisle seats, but by the time she got back to me, I'd found this other event. What the hey, Miss Atomic Bomb didn't sound great anyway.
Tomorrow, I'm back at Rich Mix for a concert by Iness Mezel. - I've signed up for that jointly with London European Club and the World Music Meetup. Then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.. we're off to the final night of the Clare Drama Festival on Saturday, in my old school - followed by the Crick Crack Club on Monday, who are back at Soho Theatre for an evening of storytelling entitled UniVerse - as ever with these, booking essential; they always sell out. On Tuesday, I'm with Let's Do London - for Less! (the Man with the Hat's other group) again, as they head to Cyrano de Bergerac at Southwark Playhouse - another of the Man with the Hat's preferred venues, and another good one.
On Wednesday, I got a cheap ticket to a concert by the Coppell High School Band, at the Central Hall, Westminster. A new venue for me! Cool, I do like to keep discovering them. On the 17th, Kensington Classical Music is off to a concert by the Trio Isimsiz - you had to get your own ticket, though, then pay extra to join the group at the concert. Huh. I'll avoid them, and the extra charge - have to be discreet though, I believe it's a small room! It's at the 1901 Arts Club - another first for me.
On the 18th, I'm joining Spooky London for their monthly spooky pub night! Wherever it is. If I actually go. And on the 19th, I'm back with the Crick Crack Club, for an event entitled Seven Princesses - at Rich Mix, which will be my first event there with them.
No way was I driving up there - for one thing, it'd take ages. I was working from home, so naturally, with all the time in the world, I ended up rushing. Same drill as the day before - train to Vauxhall or Victoria, then the Victoria Line. As usual, the next train I was likely to catch was headed to Vauxhall - boy, was I to regret that decision. As I entered Vauxhall Underground station, an announcement informed us that there were severe delays on the Victoria Line - broken-down train at Oxford Circus. I dithered about whether to go straight back to the mainline station and get a train to somewhere else I could catch a different Tube line - but after a few minutes, a Victoria Line train arrived. And we sat on it. And then the announcement came that the entire line was shut, south of King's Cross - which is where I was headed.
London does have a wonderfully intricate transport network - there's always an alternative. Mine involved traipsing back up to the mainline station, taking a train to Waterloo, Jubilee Line to Green Park, long trek through the corridors to the Piccadilly Line. Thank goodness the daily Oyster fare is capped, and the whole thing cost no more than the day before..
Of course, I took the wrong exit from King's Cross, and ended up on the other side of the road. Hey-ho, I got to York Way eventually, and past King's Place, to the Star of Kings. Found the front door, had a scout around for the Comedy Grotto, which I knew was downstairs. Was just about to trot off down the stairs - but was delayed by a whole stream of persons coming the other way! Huh..? And at the end of the stream was the omnipresent Man with the Hat, who directed me downstairs and to a seat, with some story about how they'd all been scared off.. (Actually, I gather there was another Meetup there last night, and they were on the wrong floor.)
Sure enough, being comedy, it started late - but I still didn't have time to grab a drink before they got underway. MC for the evening was Stuart Laws. First up was a last-minute replacement, Nish Kumar, whom I saw before at the Boat Show. Rapid-fire, excellent observation - as before - he took us through slavery, gentrification, and social media. As he helpfully summarised at the end. Weird to have this bigger name start the show, but what the hey.
To be followed by Rachel Parris.. she was the other one I'd seen before, at the Circus Show of all things, where she played piano and sang humorous songs. She's good with or without a piano, I see.. although I am reminded of her starring moment in that other show, when some beefy individual hopped onstage during her set - presumably to request something. He was rapidly hustled off by bouncers, but didn't take it too well; he and his girlfriend/wife/significant other promptly finished their drinks, grabbed their coats and left. Making sure to cross the stage as they did so, each giving her the finger in the process. Ah, the exciting life of a stand-up.. best response to a heckler that I've seen, she immediately composed and performed a little ditty entitled "Did You Just Give Me the Finger?" or words to that effect. Last night though, no piano and no hecklers.. just a book, with clippings in it.
They were the last I'd seen before. Next up was Jamie Fraser, one of those relative newbies that keep touring the circuit. Plenty of audience interaction - beware if sitting in the two front rows! And the rather excellent Matt Winning took us to the break - one of those people who, when he has nothing to say, can still make you laugh just by looking at you sideways. Such a handy talent for a comedian..
Interval - time for drinkies! Some of us made our way upstairs - the bar downstairs wasn't serving, sadly. My wine came in a snifter, but was perfectly drinkable.. and we chatted until it seemed time to go down again.
The second half started with an extended blurb by our friendly MC - about puffins. We are now all much better informed. Next was Andrea Hubert, who caused some ripples in the audience when she gave us the sign language for abortion. Followed by the winner of Weirdest Act of the Night award - Ben Target redefined stand-up comedy by giving us an act that no-one was sure was meant to be funny, as he told us how his friends died. It was funny, how the audience started off laughing and gradually.. stopped.. Personally, I loved it! Act of the night for me - but I'm wired oddly. He had a nice red hoodie too.
Penultimate comic was Alex Kealy, actually the organiser of the event, whose main purpose on stage seemed to be to pass around his laptop so people could put themselves on the mailing list if they wanted. And we finished with an unusual turn by - tarnation, don't seem to have his name! - but he came on in what might be described as a fluorescent outfit, all clashing neon colours. And read from his spy novel - the likes of which I guarantee you haven't heard before.
An evening of new material, you never know what you're gonna get, but this was a good line-up. They collected - in a vase, rather than a bucket - as we left. And leave we had to, it was unfortunately too late to stay. Bummer - won't be back with them till next week, now.. A cold walk got us back to King's Cross, where the Victoria Line was now working, leading to a much less exciting journey than earlier. Apart from one suspenseful delay at Green Park. Home after bedtime, and a busy morning, meant a slightly delayed post..
Tonight, I'm headed to a Trans-Siberian March Band concert at Rich Mix, with the London European Club - I was interested in going with London Dramatic Arts Meetup, but they're going to the St. James Theatre, whose legroom is a bit tight for me; I did ask whether she had any aisle seats, but by the time she got back to me, I'd found this other event. What the hey, Miss Atomic Bomb didn't sound great anyway.
Tomorrow, I'm back at Rich Mix for a concert by Iness Mezel. - I've signed up for that jointly with London European Club and the World Music Meetup. Then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.. we're off to the final night of the Clare Drama Festival on Saturday, in my old school - followed by the Crick Crack Club on Monday, who are back at Soho Theatre for an evening of storytelling entitled UniVerse - as ever with these, booking essential; they always sell out. On Tuesday, I'm with Let's Do London - for Less! (the Man with the Hat's other group) again, as they head to Cyrano de Bergerac at Southwark Playhouse - another of the Man with the Hat's preferred venues, and another good one.
On Wednesday, I got a cheap ticket to a concert by the Coppell High School Band, at the Central Hall, Westminster. A new venue for me! Cool, I do like to keep discovering them. On the 17th, Kensington Classical Music is off to a concert by the Trio Isimsiz - you had to get your own ticket, though, then pay extra to join the group at the concert. Huh. I'll avoid them, and the extra charge - have to be discreet though, I believe it's a small room! It's at the 1901 Arts Club - another first for me.
On the 18th, I'm joining Spooky London for their monthly spooky pub night! Wherever it is. If I actually go. And on the 19th, I'm back with the Crick Crack Club, for an event entitled Seven Princesses - at Rich Mix, which will be my first event there with them.
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