Opera: Il Trovatore

Two nights in a row with the Man with the Hat, and Let's Do London - for less! - great way to end the week. Tonight, it was Il Trovatore, in the Opera House. So I booked asap, as is necessary for some of his venues..

Working from home today - well, you know the story; I had all day to get there, so I ended up rushing. I fully intended to take the bus, but, of course, left just in time to miss the one I wanted, but be early for everything else. So instead, I took the train to Waterloo - information boards all working again - and walked from there. Nice, bracing breeze crossing the bridge.

The Man was there, the Hat was there.. what was different was the orderly queueing system! Jeez, I'm used to something like a scrum. Maybe it was the venue. Maybe it was the hat. Anyway, I queued obediently, and duly got a ticket. Turned out he had both rows of the side slips this evening - I was in the back. Also turned out that we had several newbies! New to the Opera House, new to the group.. always good to see them, and I trust they all had a good time.

We started slightly late - of course. Someone remarked at the interval - where we convened on the balcony, it being such a nice evening - that this opera had all the elements that people think of when they think of opera. Can't argue - this was an opera where Dramatic Things Happen. Typical of Verdi, actually. Mistaken identity, doomed love affairs, people giving their lives for love..

The set was persistently grey, grey screens between scenes too. Some projections were used - musical notes, birds and butterflies featured. But - as an Evening Standard review during the week pointed out - Caruso once said that all you need for this opera are the four greatest singers in the world. And what stood out for me - and others, I think - was the beautiful music, the incredible singing. Extended rounds of applause greeted them at the end, and were well deserved.

Outside, we gathered - and headed, not for our regular Sun Tavern (which our Leader with the Hat had determined was reserved for a private function), but rather for The Globe - now renamed as The Covent Garden. Where he persuaded them to let us occupy a large table in the corner, upstairs. And do you know, I didn't have to buy a drink all night! What with the generous contributions of the Man with the Hat.. and certain attendees.. the wine just kept flowing. As did the conversation. Finally, we wore out even the Man with the Hat himself, who scarpered.. A record six of us lasted until we were expelled from the pub, and ended up drinking out of plastic on the pavement, where we were co-opted into the adjacent karaoke group that shared our bit of the street. Gee, had some of us not had reasons to get home, this could still be going on.. With the lateness of the hour, I figured I'd better go for the train again, and boy am I glad they have late-night services to Clapham Junction!

Awesome evening! Thanks, Man with Hat - thanks, man with wine - thanks, several people with buzzing conversation! Looking forward to the next night..

Meantime, tomorrow the plan is to meet Helen, and go to "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum". Which we got a couple of cheap tickets for..