Tonight, back with London Speaks Sessions and LDN Talks @ Night, for a Funzing talk. This time, the talk was entitled "Can You Trust the Media?", and was given by Annie Machon, who gave an interesting talk last month on Russian Hacking. Another 30% discount. I just wish she'd use some visual aids.. At the Lighthouse again, terrific. :-/
Well, at least this time I wasn't rushing. Last time, I had to take the Tube, then trek from Old Street - hit up for money on the way. This time, praise be, I had time to take the bus; get on a short walk from the office, get off just a short walk from the bar. Great! The area might be colourful, but it's not pleasant for a casual stroll.
Into the bar, then - and as I was having a look around, was hailed from the side I wasn't looking at. There was a Funzing gal, with a table and loyalty cards - which reminded me! So now I have another, fully stamped card, whoopee. They did have a thing where you didn't have to have a physical card, just email them, 'coz they'd have the details. I notice that died a death. Anyway, she went through the whole thing about how to claim my free talk. Then gave me another voucher - Funzing30 seems to be in vogue again.
She also kindly informed me that there were bars on both levels, so I decided to avoid the travails of carrying a drink upstairs. At the upstairs bar, a fellow beside me was kindly asking all the questions - as I pointed out to him - that I also needed answers to. Basically, there's a £10 minimum on cards (must've known that before, but forgotten. Or maybe I had cash.) Now, a large glass of wine only costs £8.50, and they don't do snacks. However.. a bottle only costs £10. (!) Guess what we both did..
And so I took my seat, and in due course the talk began (no visual aids, gee). She is, as before, a great speaker. Someone in charge did decide that she was too softly spoken, and at some point increased the volume on the mic quite dramatically. But aside from that, we were well occupied in listening to her.
Everybody knows - or should - that you can't trust the media. "Believe none of what you read, and half of what you see", as the saying goes. This idea seemed to come as a shock to some in the audience - I guess there are always ingénues. Mind you, I knew the maxim by the age of 12 - haven't always abided by it, but I am well familiar with the concept. A lot of her talk dealt with her personal experience, which made it interesting; she had plenty to say about how she and her partner, David Shayler, quit M15 and sold their whistleblowing story to the press. They chose the Mail on Sunday, figuring that the Guardian would be too obvious a choice - people would be too dismissive of the story if it were printed there. They then went on the run around Europe. Unfortunately, their big breaking story coincided with.. the death of Diana! God, she's everywhere.. even on the bloody news when I got home! I don't know whether she was as annoying as a person as the news coverage of her has been.. Anyway, that was the end of their breaking news.
She gave us a potted history of fake news, starting all the way back in 1924, with something called the Zinoviev letter. Published by the Daily Mail, it purported to be evidence of a Russian plot to put Labour in power in Britain. (Gosh, does that sound at all familiar?) All concocted by the Tories, of course. Fast-forward to the Iraq war - Tony Blair, and his desperate attempt to convince everyone that the "enemy" had Weapons of Mass Destruction. Just so that everyone could attack Iraq, in retaliation for 9/11.. which they had nothing to do with. (But they did have oil!)
And so to the present day - with the founder of Amazon buying the Washington Post, and fake news proliferating over the 'net.. the most interesting tidbit of information for me tonight was that a company called Cambridge Analytica was behind the election campaigns of both Farage and Trump! Ah, now that explains a lot. Seems they use online social media behaviour to micro-profile certain individuals, then use targeted advertising to get them to do whatever they want.. like voters in swing states, for example. And you know something, I believe every word, for the following reason; were I in charge, that is. Exactly. What. I. Would. Do. It's logical, it's efficient, and with modern hi-tech, it's perfectly possible.
Mind you, beware of Trump-bashing.. as she said, it's an interesting theory that all the anti-Trump rhetoric coming out (and some has been extreme) is because he's friendly with Russia, and someone doesn't want him to be.. and you know why I think that's plausible? Look at the Reds Under the Beds attitude that the US government adopted, within living memory, and tell me that this is different.
So, a thought-provoking talk. Only problem was the blasted noise from the full-volume band, clearly audible downstairs - why do Funzing constantly run talks in unsuitable venues like this?? A fascinated crowd engaged her in lively discussion afterwards, and hung around even after the Q+A to discuss things. Me, after two glasses I'd had my money's worth - I was entitled to another free drink, but said enough! Two for £10 is good value. And I wended my way home, by bus again, entertained by an Asian-looking guy who complained to the driver that he bumped his head when the driver stopped abruptly, and by a gay guy down the back, who by the sound of it was trying to come on to another guy who was not only straight, but actually accompanied by his significant other! See now, you just don't get this level of entertainment on the Tube..
Tomorrow, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again. On Monday, I'm finally going to see Dreamgirls, at the Savoy, courtesy of Amazon Tickets.
On Tuesday, I was back with the Scarlet Ladies for a talk on Generation Sex. Until Let's Do This advertised a concert that sounds really good.. at the Apples & Pears Bar. Hey, I do allow myself to change if something sounds better.. and as I say, the Scarlet Ladies are not my kind of ladies.
On Wednesday, I'm with another new group - North London Friends - for an interview with Michael Palin, at the Knowledge Centre Theatre at the British Library. I was really torn, though - the London European Club is off to an early music concert the same night, and I do love that - but had already booked this, and it is Michael Palin. Hey-ho..
Next Thursday, I was back with North London Friends, and another talk on Fake News - different speaker, mind! This is the Fulbright Commission annual lecture, at the British Library. However, much more attractively, Let's Do This are reviving what used to be a regular Man with the Hat event - we're off to St. Martin-in-the-Fields, for some Vivaldi concertos. With a discount, yet! London Concertante, as usual.
On the 8th September, until the other day I was still technically booked for free comedy in Hammersmith with DiscoverLDN.UK. But, as I say - good atmosphere, but the comedy is usually pretty bad. I was saved - again - by Up in the Cheap Seats, who are off to see Doubt, a Parable, in Southwark Playhouse. Aww.. it's so long since I was there, and I have so many good memories of it from my time with the Man with the Hat!
On the 9th September, Helen and I have our 25km sponsored walk, in aid of Haslemere's Cat Protection Society. We're going as Dick Whittington and his cat, respectively, and the route is the Thames Bridges Trek. You can donate here.. Got a pair of Skechers Go Walk 4s today, woo! Dying to try them out now.
Which will tire me out nicely, just in time for my flight to Prague the next morning! I'm at a conference there, Sunday to Tuesday. (What a nice company I work for!) Gee, but I love Prague - most beautiful city I've ever seen, and I've seen a few. They're putting me up at a nice hotel too, just down the road.
So, I fly back on the 12th September, and on the 13th I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats, at Sadler's Wells, for the Hofesh Schechter Company grand finale.
On the 14th September, I was at another talk with Walks, Talks and Treasure Hunts - this one, at Southwark Cathedral, is about the River Effra, South London's Secret Spine. Another free Eventbrite event, this is to publicise a book about the subject, and the talk is again given by the author. Another thing that had no tickets, then it did (no notification)! Now I've changed though, and will be off with Up in the Cheap Seats to Loot, at the Park Theatre. Got the last £20 ticket, yay! Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On the 18th September, I was off to Showstopper! at the Lyric. Ticket courtesy of From the Box Office again. I have actually seen this before - but, being an improvised musical, it literally is different every time! But you'll never guess - the Crick Crack Club finally announced their autumn schedule last Friday, and now, that night, I'm off to Eaten Father, Eaten Mother by Ben Haggerty. In Soho Theatre, first time in ages.
On the 19th September, back with the Scarlet Ladies, for a talk entitled 100 Women - Their Breasts, Their Stories. Although actually, if I didn't like the other night's, I think I'll hate this - will be looking for alternatives.
On the 20th September, Funzing (same two groups) and Jennifer Rees again - this time, a fun talk about the Psychology of Batman Villains! The first of hers for which I managed to get a 30% discount.. and it's on nice and close to me again. Seems to be a feature of her talks!
On the 21st September, it was free comedy in Hammersmith - with Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith, Wimbledon and Greenwich, Random London, and DiscoverLDN.UK. But yay, I have my alternative at last! Going to some comedy I have to pay for, which will probably be better. Mae Martin is at Soho Theatre. Advertised by a group called Moxie Ladies.. good luck to them, but as they charge extra, I'm going solo.
And on the 22nd September, the same free comedy - with DiscoverLDN.UK. I rather doubt it though - don't you?
On the 23rd September, I was to do the same, but am now headed to the launch of Rob Luft's new album, Riser, at King's Place. As advertised by The London Jazz Meetup. I finally ended up paying their membership fee after booking an event with them the other day, for November, which someone is attending that I know. So I figured it was wiser!
I had booked the same free comedy, with the same group, on the 24th September, but was again saved - this time, by the World Music Meetup! They're off to see Kefaya, in Nell's Jazz and Blues bar, back in my old stomping ground of North End Road! Happy days, when I was working there..
On the 25th September, a group called Theatre and Stuff is off to see Prism, at Hampstead Theatre. They're charging extra to go with them, though - so I happily bought my own ticket. What the hey, odds are I won't know any of them anyway.
On the 26th September, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats - to see Wings, at The Young Vic. Accidentally booked standing, I think.. :-/
On the 27th September, with Up in the Cheap Seats again - for Jekyll & Hyde, presented by the National Youth Theatre, at the Ambassadors Theatre.
On the 28th September, with another new group: London, Surrey and Beyond.. for an event called "A Unique Experience. Olde Pub, Gerry's Private Club, 2 'i's Famous Fish 'n' Chips". Which says it all, really! Then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On the 2nd October, I had booked at Hampstead Theatre, for No One Will Tell Me How to Start a Revolution. North London Friends are attending - and charging extra, so I was going it alone! But now it turns out I'm spending the week in the Stockholm office - back on the 8th.
On the 3rd October, it was free comedy in Hammersmith - nominally. With Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith, Wimbledon and Greenwich. So, that was easy to cancel, for Stockholm!
On the 4th October was Up in the Cheap Seats and Labour of Love, with Martin Freeman, at the Noel Coward Theatre. Cheapest tickets from the venue, for once!
On the 5th October, same group - headed to see the Company Wayne McGregor, at Sadler's Wells.
And finally! on the 6th October, headed to see Chekhov's The Seagull, at the Lyric. Third night in a row for that group - almost as busy a group as I am a person! So, four things in all I had to cancel, without refund.. what the hey, I'll doubtless be saving money in Stockholm! Expenses paid, after all.
On the 9th October, I'm finally going to see the show so many people have asked me whether I'm seeing. Ink is showing at the Duke of York's Theatre.
And on the 10th October, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats for Ballet Boyz at Sadler's Wells.
Today, I was supposed to be back with Up in the Cheap Seats, for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, at the Apollo (although booking is with the Young Vic), with Sienna Miller, Colm Meaney, and nudity. Cheapest tickets this time were with LoveTheatre. And then, London Literary Walks advertised one. So, instead, off I went on The Michelin Walk. Someone else took my play ticket though, and in return, treated me to dinner - the plan was to go to Pizza Express. It'd be great to catch up with her!
Would you believe it, by 5:30 on a Wednesday, Pizza Express was full! So, she waited outside in the rain for me - she'd thought she'd be late, so I left the office a little late. Just as well she had an umbrella. We had no definite ideas about an alternative, and right there was Pizza Toscana.. with plenty of room! So we went in and got ourselves a table.
Service was decent. Decor nice enough - temperature a little hot, especially as the pre-theatre crowd filled the place. We were lucky to beat them! Or.. maybe not. We only had main courses and wine (wise, as we only really had time for those) - I'll say this much, the sauvignon blanc was lovely. The food was pretty uniformly awful. How this happened, I'm kind of baffled to say - perhaps they only do pizza and pasta well, and it was just our misfortune to order something different? She had salmon, I had chicken. Not that it was easy to find, on the enormous menu we were given, Italian names more prominent so you really had to search for what you wanted. And we had rosemary potatoes as a side.
Oh dear God. Well, the chicken was a little bit chewy, but decent mostly - I did give up on it in the end. The sauce it was in was tasty enough, to be fair. It was served on a plate with a huge puddle of mash - puddle the right description, I've never seen mash so watery. Literally dripped off the fork. Oh, and that was absolutely tasteless. I was glad I'd ordered more substantial-looking rosemary potatoes.. glad, that is, until I took a bite. Bland, dry, and lukewarm. Despite being served in a dish that was shaped like a miniature wok - no way had these been served straight from the oven. Actually, none of the food was what you might call piping hot. My companion wasn't keen on her salmon either. She flummoxed the kitchen by asking for some kind of sauce to go with her potatoes - they were confused, given that these were supposed to be flavoured with rosemary (hah!). Gave her a big bowl of mustard and some olive oil. I suppose the olive oil was a good idea.
Truly, although the company was good, this was the worst meal I've endured for a very long time, and to say I won't be back is an understatement. How they stay in business, serving slop like this, is a testament to the pigswill that tourists will endure on their way to whatever else they're doing (in this case, attending one of the many nearby theatres). No wonder Pizza Express was full.. the quality is more reliable there!
Well, we left with some relief, and queued to get into the theatre. I needed to pick up the ticket at the box office, which I would then give to her, and I did think it ironic that I had to undergo a bag check when I'd be coming right out again. What the hey, needs must, and the deed was duly done. It was pretty tricky, squeezing my way back through the same queue! Now, I decided I'd have time to take the bus - and the stop was just across the road. Ah heavens though, I thought the #14 would never come, as no fewer than three #38s passed! (Sadly, they just wouldn't do.) I was on the point of taking the Tube when the bus finally arrived, a few minutes late.
So, that was ok then. Until we hit traffic like treacle at Hyde Park Corner. And then it occurred to me that we still had to pass through the black hole of Knightsbridge! I was beginning to think I'd made a big mistake. After our slow progress through Knightsbridge, I was seriously considering hopping out and taking the Tube anyway - but the stop is so far past the Tube station that I reasoned I'd be no faster - I had only three more stops on the bus. And only about five minutes to go till the scheduled time of the walk.. Mercifully, traffic eased right after that, and I was amazed to see, as we approached South Kensington, that it was only just about 8! And only delighted that the bus route took us right down Thurloe Place, where the Hoop and Toy is, where we were to meet.
The stop is just past the pub, thankfully. I wondered whether they'd left yet - they were supposed to leave at 8 - but decided to check the pub before contacting the organiser. A quick scout outside - no-one I knew. I entered - someone had messaged that they were in the cellar, and I was looking for the way to that when - there they were! Phew, after all that.. so, my visit to the Hoop and Toy was the shortest I've had to a pub in a long time.
Off we went, into a damp South Kensington where, fortunately, it had stopped raining. A statue of Béla Bartók to start - standing on some leaves, for some reason. Maybe he was a nature lover. Through rows of white, colonnaded houses then - as I remarked to a couple of people, I never lived here precisely, but not so far away - and I was often here, mainly for the Ciné Lumière, part of the Institut Français. The Michelin of the title made its appearance in due course - an old Michelin factory, now a restaurant. And still with those gorgeous ceramic tiles, showing off the company's products.
Did you know that rubber's natural colour is white? or that the Michelin Man is supposed to be made up of (white) tyres? They added carbon for durability, it seems, which gives tyres their modern, distinctively black colour. A guide with an insatiable curiosity means we always have a heap of facts like these, and he was full of tidbits last night, commenting on building styles and famous folks.
And then on, past expensive shops, and a couple of art galleries:
Ringo Starr's house, in a quiet enclave down a dark alley. A couple of churches followed - one a hotchpotch of Gothic, the other the first Catholic church since the reformation, with Madame Tussaud buried in the crypt! Who wouldha' thunk..?
At the end of another fascinating evening, some of us repaired to the Fox & Hounds - much less busy than the last time we were here, and we managed to grab a comfy space inside the door. A good chat to finish off what was a great evening. Pity I'm missing the next one, on Wednesday - see below.
On Monday, I'm finally going to see Dreamgirls, at the Savoy, courtesy of Amazon Tickets.
On Tuesday, I was back with the Scarlet Ladies for a talk on Generation Sex. Until Let's Do This advertised a concert that sounds really good.. at the Apples & Pears Bar. Hey, I do allow myself to change if something sounds better.. and as I say, the Scarlet Ladies are not my kind of ladies.
On Wednesday, I'm with another new group - North London Friends - for an interview with Michael Palin, at the Knowledge Centre Theatre at the British Library. I was really torn, though - the London European Club is off to an early music concert the same night, and I do love that - but had already booked this, and it is Michael Palin. Hey-ho..
Next Thursday, I was back with North London Friends, and another talk on Fake News - different speaker, mind! This is the Fulbright Commission annual lecture, at the British Library. However, much more attractively, Let's Do This are reviving what used to be a regular Man with the Hat event - we're off to St. Martin-in-the-Fields, for some Vivaldi concertos. With a discount, yet! London Concertante, as usual.
On the 8th September, until the other day I was still technically booked for free comedy in Hammersmith with DiscoverLDN.UK. But, as I say - good atmosphere, but the comedy is usually pretty bad. I was saved - again - by Up in the Cheap Seats, who are off to see Doubt, a Parable, in Southwark Playhouse. Aww.. it's so long since I was there, and I have so many good memories of it from my time with the Man with the Hat!
On the 9th September, Helen and I have our 25km sponsored walk, in aid of Haslemere's Cat Protection Society. We're going as Dick Whittington and his cat, respectively, and the route is the Thames Bridges Trek. You can donate here.. Must try and pick up some decent walking shoes.
Which will tire me out nicely, just in time for my flight to Prague the next morning! I'm at a conference there, Sunday to Tuesday. (What a nice company I work for!) Gee, but I love Prague - most beautiful city I've ever seen, and I've seen a few. They're putting me up at a nice hotel too, just down the road.
So, I fly back on the 12th September, and on the 13th I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats, at Sadler's Wells, for the Hofesh Schechter Company grand finale.
On the 14th September, I'm at another talk with Walks, Talks and Treasure Hunts - this one, at Southwark Cathedral, is about the River Effra, South London's Secret Spine. Another free Eventbrite event, this is to publicise a book about the subject, and the talk is again given by the author. Another thing that had no tickets, then it did (no notification)! I'm not going to believe any messages about door closures, like the erroneous one I got before. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On the 18th September, I was off to Showstopper! at the Lyric. Ticket courtesy of From the Box Office again. I have actually seen this before - but, being an improvised musical, it literally is different every time! But you'll never guess - the Crick Crack Club finally announced their autumn schedule last Friday, and now, that night, I'm off to Eaten Father, Eaten Mother by Ben Haggerty. In Soho Theatre, first time in ages.
On the 19th September, back with the Scarlet Ladies, for a talk entitled 100 Women - Their Breasts, Their Stories. Although actually, if I didn't like the other night's, I think I'll hate this - will be looking for alternatives.
On the 20th September, Funzing (same two groups) and Jennifer Rees again - this time, a fun talk about the Psychology of Batman Villains! The first of hers for which I managed to get a 30% discount.. and it's on nice and close to me again. Seems to be a feature of her talks!
On the 21st September, it was free comedy in Hammersmith - with Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith, Wimbledon and Greenwich, Random London, and DiscoverLDN.UK. But yay, I have my alternative at last! Going to some comedy I have to pay for, which will probably be better. Mae Martin is at Soho Theatre. Advertised by a group called Moxie Ladies.. good luck to them, but as they charge extra, I'm going solo.
And on the 22nd September, the same free comedy - with DiscoverLDN.UK. I rather doubt it though - don't you?
On the 23rd September, I was to do the same, but am now headed to the launch of Rob Luft's new album, Riser, at King's Place. As advertised by The London Jazz Meetup. I finally ended up paying their membership fee after booking an event with them the other day, for November, which someone is attending that I know. So I figured it was wiser!
I had booked the same free comedy, with the same group, on the 24th September, but was again saved - this time, by the World Music Meetup! They're off to see Kefaya, in Nell's Jazz and Blues bar, back in my old stomping ground of North End Road! Happy days, when I was working there..
On the 25th September, a group called Theatre and Stuff is off to see Prism, at Hampstead Theatre. They're charging extra to go with them, though - so I happily bought my own ticket. What the hey, odds are I won't know any of them anyway.
On the 26th September, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats - to see Wings, at The Young Vic. Accidentally booked standing, I think.. :-/
On the 27th September, with Up in the Cheap Seats again - for Jekyll & Hyde, presented by the National Youth Theatre, at the Ambassadors Theatre.
On the 28th September, with another new group: London, Surrey and Beyond.. for an event called "A Unique Experience. Olde Pub, Gerry's Private Club, 2 'i's Famous Fish 'n' Chips". Which says it all, really! Then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On the 2nd October, I had booked at Hampstead Theatre, for No One Will Tell Me How to Start a Revolution. North London Friends are attending - and charging extra, so I was going it alone! But now it turns out I'm spending the week in the Stockholm office - back on the 8th.
On the 3rd October, it was free comedy in Hammersmith - nominally. With Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith, Wimbledon and Greenwich. So, that was easy to cancel, for Stockholm!
On the 4th October was Up in the Cheap Seats and Labour of Love, with Martin Freeman, at the Noel Coward Theatre. Cheapest tickets from the venue, for once!
On the 5th October, same group - headed to see the Company Wayne McGregor, at Sadler's Wells.
And finally! on the 6th October, headed to see Chekhov's The Seagull, at the Lyric. Third night in a row for that group - almost as busy a group as I am a person! So, four things in all I had to cancel, without refund.. what the hey, I'll doubtless be saving money in Stockholm! Expenses paid, after all.
On the 9th October, I'm finally going to see the show so many people have asked me whether I'm seeing. Ink is showing at the Duke of York's Theatre.
And on the 10th October, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats for Ballet Boyz at Sadler's Wells.
Tonight, I was off to see Five Guys Named Moe, at the Marble Arch Theatre. From the Box Office provided the best deal on this occasion. And the organiser of last Thursday's event is keen to hear my feedback - of the venue as well as of the show - as she's taking a group there next week.
So, off we go! Firstly, From the Box Office required me to print out my ticket - which shouldn't have been a problem, except that the office printer is playing up again, and the IT guy is impossible to pin down! Finally, I decided I'd have to head home and print it out there. Was almost there when I realised I should've brought my phone, which provides my only internet access at home, because this ticket came via email.. of course, I'd left it in the office, and needs must head back in, then back home again, then back to the office. Hey, it's practice for next month..
The show starts late enough that I could stay late in the office, which was handy, as I had quite a bit to catch up on. And lo, Google Maps said it was just a 30-minute walk to Marble Arch! Yes, well, Google Maps and their estimates.. but I figured it was close enough to walk, and off I headed. A little before I needed to, knowing their estimates, as previously mentioned.
It feels like a very long walk, all the way along the straight, full length of Oxford Street. 1.2 miles, I believe. Passed one quite spectacular busker on the way, thumping out a rhythm on pots, pans and basins, Stomp-style. Swerved around family after family.. mostly Muslim, out shopping. Families with kids provide the worst obstacles, then teenagers on their phones, then other tourists, taking in the sights and getting lost - no wonder Google Maps gets its estimates wrong! I was glad when I finally saw the arch - the theatre is snuggled right behind it, and you can't miss it, with the name blazoned in lights.
I was less glad to see the queue, which was massive (I arrived at 7:30, 15 minutes before the advertised showtime). Bag checks and body scanners, no exceptions - it took over 10 minutes just to get into the venue. Therefore, do NOT waste time hanging around in the plaza outside. The whole thing is enclosed inside a wooden fence - the box office is just inside, past security on the left. And no, I didn't have to exchange the voucher that From the Box Office gave me - which did have my seat number - for a ticket, although she said I could if I wanted. Then there was an usher to check the tickets, and we were in the bar:
It's in a massive Spiegeltent, the auditorium entrance to the right-hand side. There are also toilets, somewhere - I didn't need them. Hard to see in the above photo, but the bar is round, and located in the centre - with a live band playing on its roof! Get this party started, indeed.. seating inside, and I think there are benches outside too - caught a glimpse of them as we passed on the bus on Saturday. Anyway, it was nearly 7:45, so I just made my way into the auditorium. FYI, I was in G85 (cheapest seats in the house, near the back and to the side):
This is the most central seat for that price. Oh, and that padding you can see on the seats in front? Didn't make it back to our row. Seats are otherwise the same throughout, and not the most comfortable - but I have had worse. In this photo, the stage is to the left, partly obscured by that column, and a circular walkway radiates out from it. The posh seats are within that walkway - the "bullring", as the performers call it. Cabaret-style tables. And behind them, directly facing the stage, is tiered seating.
Oh my goodness, ladies and gentlemen, hang onto your hats! The beer is cold and the piano hot, as they say.. the band is behind the stage, on a platform that occasionally moves forward, but otherwise they're behind a curtain. And the rhythm is red hot.. jazz, rock, rhythm and blues. Be prepared for a decent helping of audience interaction.. particularly if you're in the bullring. Watch out for your drinks - those tables were made for dancing. And there's one song for which the ushers scatter lyric sheets in the audience; beware not singing, if you're in the bullring - they're watching you..
An awesome, toe-tapping evening! Kinda like Motown the Musical, but a bit less formal. Man - as one audience member remarked on leaving, "Wow"! Kudos to them, also, for being able to perform acrobatic antics like that and still sing - rather breathlessly. Obviously not mimed. Oh, and when they lead you in a conga - they're headed to the bar, and never fear, the show ain't over, it's just the interval. Highly, highly recommended - currently booking through to the 25th November. One of the best shows in town, for sure! Tonight was mostly, but not completely sold out - on a Tuesday. So, booking also highly recommended.
And the walk home afterwards was even shorter - excellent! Now, tomorrow, I was back with Up in the Cheap Seats, for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, at the Apollo (although booking is with the Young Vic), with Sienna Miller, Colm Meaney, and nudity. Cheapest tickets this time were with LoveTheatre. And then, London Literary Walks advertised one. So, instead, I'm off on The Michelin Walk. Someone else is taking my play ticket though, and in return, treating me to dinner at Pizza Express. Be great to catch up with her!
On Thursday, back with London Speaks Sessions and LDN Talks @ Night, for a Funzing talk. This time, the talk is entitled "Can You Trust the Media?", and is given by Annie Machon, who gave an interesting talk last month on Russian Hacking. Another 30% discount. I just wish she'd use some visual aids.. At the Lighthouse again, terrific. :-/ Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On Monday, I'm finally going to see Dreamgirls, at the Savoy, courtesy of Amazon Tickets.
Next Tuesday, I was back with the Scarlet Ladies for a talk on Generation Sex. Until Let's Do This advertised a concert that sounds really good.. at the Apples & Pears Bar. Hey, I do allow myself to change if something sounds better.. and as I say, the Scarlet Ladies are not my kind of ladies.
On the 6th September, I'm with another new group - North London Friends - for an interview with Michael Palin, at the Knowledge Centre Theatre at the British Library. I was really torn, though - the London European Club is off to an early music concert the same night, and I do love that - but had already booked this, and it is Michael Palin. Hey-ho..
On the 7th September, I was back with North London Friends, and another talk on Fake News - different speaker, mind! This is the Fulbright Commission annual lecture, at the British Library. However, much more attractively, Let's Do This are reviving what used to be a regular Man with the Hat event - we're off to St. Martin-in-the-Fields, for some Vivaldi concertos. With a discount, yet! London Concertante, as usual.
On the 8th September, until the other day I was still technically booked for free comedy in Hammersmith with DiscoverLDN.UK. But, as I say - good atmosphere, but the comedy is usually pretty bad. I was saved - again - by Up in the Cheap Seats, who are off to see Doubt, a Parable, in Southwark Playhouse. Aww.. it's so long since I was there, and I have so many good memories of it from my time with the Man with the Hat!
On the 9th September, Helen and I have our 25km sponsored walk, in aid of Haslemere's Cat Protection Society. We're going as Dick Whittington and his cat, respectively, and the route is the Thames Bridges Trek. You can donate here.. Must try and pick up some decent walking shoes.
Which will tire me out nicely, just in time for my flight to Prague the next morning! I'm at a conference there, Sunday to Tuesday. (What a nice company I work for!) Gee, but I love Prague - most beautiful city I've ever seen, and I've seen a few. They're putting me up at a nice hotel too, just down the road.
So, I fly back on the 12th September, and on the 13th I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats, at Sadler's Wells, for the Hofesh Schechter Company grand finale.
On the 14th September, I'm at another talk with Walks, Talks and Treasure Hunts - this one, at Southwark Cathedral, is about the River Effra, South London's Secret Spine. Another free Eventbrite event, this is to publicise a book about the subject, and the talk is again given by the author. Another thing that had no tickets, then it did (no notification)! I'm not going to believe any messages about door closures, like the erroneous one I got before. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On the 18th September, I was off to Showstopper! at the Lyric. Ticket courtesy of From the Box Office again. I have actually seen this before - but, being an improvised musical, it literally is different every time! But you'll never guess - the Crick Crack Club finally announced their autumn schedule last Friday, and now, that night, I'm off to Eaten Father, Eaten Mother by Ben Haggerty. In Soho Theatre, first time in ages.
On the 19th September, back with the Scarlet Ladies, for a talk entitled 100 Women - Their Breasts, Their Stories. Although actually, if I didn't like the other night's, I think I'll hate this - will be looking for alternatives.
On the 20th September, Funzing (same two groups) and Jennifer Rees again - this time, a fun talk about the Psychology of Batman Villains! The first of hers for which I managed to get a 30% discount.. and it's on nice and close to me again. Seems to be a feature of her talks!
On the 21st September, it was free comedy in Hammersmith - with Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith, Wimbledon and Greenwich, Random London, and DiscoverLDN.UK. But yay, I have my alternative at last! Going to some comedy I have to pay for, which will probably be better. Mae Martin is at Soho Theatre.
And on the 22nd September, the same free comedy - with DiscoverLDN.UK. I rather doubt it though - don't you?
On the 23rd September, I was to do the same, but am now headed to the launch of Rob Luft's new album, Riser, at King's Place. As advertised by The London Jazz Meetup. I finally ended up paying their membership fee after booking an event with them the other day, for November, which someone is attending that I know. So I figured it was wiser!
I had booked the same free comedy, with the same group, on the 24th September, but was again saved - this time, by the World Music Meetup! They're off to see Kefaya, in Nell's Jazz and Blues bar, back in my old stomping ground of North End Road! Happy days, when I was working there..
On the 25th September, a group called Theatre and Stuff is off to see Prism, at Hampstead Theatre. They're charging extra to go with them, though - so I happily bought my own ticket. What the hey, odds are I won't know any of them anyway.
On the 26th September, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats - to see Wings, at The Young Vic. Accidentally booked standing, I think.. :-/
On the 27th September, with Up in the Cheap Seats again - for Jekyll & Hyde, presented by the National Youth Theatre, at the Ambassadors Theatre.
On the 28th September, with another new group: London, Surrey and Beyond.. for an event called "A Unique Experience. Olde Pub, Gerry's Private Club, 2 'i's Famous Fish 'n' Chips". Which says it all, really! Then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On the 2nd October, I had booked at Hampstead Theatre, for No One Will Tell Me How to Start a Revolution. North London Friends are attending - and charging extra, so I was going it alone! But now it turns out I'm spending the week in the Stockholm office - back on the 8th.
On the 3rd October, it was free comedy in Hammersmith - nominally. With Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith, Wimbledon and Greenwich. So, that was easy to cancel, for Stockholm!
On the 4th October was Up in the Cheap Seats and Labour of Love, with Martin Freeman, at the Noel Coward Theatre. Cheapest tickets from the venue, for once!
On the 5th October, same group - headed to see the Company Wayne McGregor, at Sadler's Wells.
And finally! on the 6th October, headed to see Chekhov's The Seagull, at the Lyric. Third night in a row for that group - almost as busy a group as I am a person! So, four things in all I had to cancel, without refund.. what the hey, I'll doubtless be saving money in Stockholm! Expenses paid, after all.
On the 9th October, I'm finally going to see the show so many people have asked me whether I'm seeing. Ink is showing at the Duke of York's Theatre.
And on the 10th October, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats for Ballet Boyz at Sadler's Wells.
Well, I was a real Jilly-no-mates today! The organiser of Walks, Talks & Treasure Hunts promised Helen and me free tickets to a treasure hunt she was supposed to be organising today - in recompense for that treasure hunt, not run by her but advertised by her, where the organisers never showed, and instead marked us as no-shows. However, the event today never happened, and what with severe engineering works at Waterloo for the whole month, Helen couldn't even have made it. Mary also said she might come to the pictures with me - but wouldn't answer my messages when I tried to arrange it.
Well, with nothing too promising on Meetup (I did get up rather late to go to some things, to be fair), I decided to go to a film on my own - and with a whole heap of worthy documentaries on top of the film list, I decided just to go to the one I'd have gone to with Mary; American Made stars Tom Cruise as the real-life Barry Seal, who flew drugs for the Medellín cartel, then was used by Oliver North for his anti-drugs campaign, sold out, and eventually murdered by the drug lords. (Spoiler.)
Really convenient - it's running four times a day at the cinema beside the office, where I'd spent the afternoon. So I got a takeaway from Cafe Milano and, when I'd finished, moseyed on over there, arriving 10 minutes after the advertised start time, but still during the trailers. Relaxed place - I'd booked online because it's cheaper. but they didn't even check tickets.
I'm afraid the film falls a bit flat. Kudos to Tom Cruise, who apparently did his own flying for the film, and - as one reviewer remarked, gee, what is he taking?! Once, he played an adult to the 11-year-old girl who plays his wife in this - and it looks completely believable! However.. try as he might, the direction is lazy, and for all the action, it's actually kinda boring. To make him more palatable - I guess - they have Domhnall Gleeson as a CIA operative who recruits him to smuggle guns to the Contras, in between drug runs. So they burden us with quite a lot of education about US fiddling in Central America in the 80s, but still fail to make it interesting - I was willing it to be over, and frankly, didn't give a hoot what happened to any of the main characters.
Better luck tomorrow, when I'm off to see Five Guys Named Moe, at the Marble Arch Theatre. From the Box Office provided the best deal on this occasion. And the organiser of last Thursday's event is keen to hear my feedback - of the venue as well as of the show - as she's taking a group there next month.
On Wednesday, I was back with Up in the Cheap Seats, for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, at the Apollo (although booking is with the Young Vic), with Sienna Miller, Colm Meaney, and nudity. Cheapest tickets this time were with LoveTheatre. And then, London Literary Walks advertised one. So, instead, I'm off on The Michelin Walk. Someone else is taking my play ticket though, and in return, treating me to dinner at Pizza Express. Be great to catch up with her!
On Thursday, back with London Speaks Sessions and LDN Talks @ Night, for a Funzing talk. This time, the talk is entitled "Can You Trust the Media?", and is given by Annie Machon, who gave an interesting talk last month on Russian Hacking. Another 30% discount. I just wish she'd use some visual aids.. At the Lighthouse again, terrific. :-/ Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.
Next Monday, I'm finally going to see Dreamgirls, at the Savoy, courtesy of Amazon Tickets.
On the 5th September, I was back with the Scarlet Ladies for a talk on Generation Sex. Until Let's Do This advertised a concert that sounds really good.. at the Apples & Pears Bar. Hey, I do allow myself to change if something sounds better.. and as I say, the Scarlet Ladies are not my kind of ladies.
On the 6th September, I'm with another new group - North London Friends - for an interview with Michael Palin, at the Knowledge Centre Theatre at the British Library. I was really torn, though - the London European Club is off to an early music concert the same night, and I do love that - but had already booked this, and it is Michael Palin. Hey-ho..
On the 7th September, I was back with North London Friends, and another talk on Fake News - different speaker, mind! This is the Fulbright Commission annual lecture, at the British Library. However, much more attractively, Let's Do This are reviving what used to be a regular Man with the Hat event - we're off to St. Martin-in-the-Fields, for some Vivaldi concertos. With a discount, yet! London Concertante, as usual.
On the 8th September, until the other day I was still technically booked for free comedy in Hammersmith with DiscoverLDN.UK. But, as I say - good atmosphere, but the comedy is usually pretty bad. I was saved - again - by Up in the Cheap Seats, who are off to see Doubt, a Parable, in Southwark Playhouse. Aww.. it's so long since I was there, and I have so many good memories of it from my time with the Man with the Hat!
On the 9th September, Helen and I have our 25km sponsored walk, in aid of Haslemere's Cat Protection Society. We're going as Dick Whittington and his cat, respectively, and the route is the Thames Bridges Trek. You can donate here.. Must try and pick up some decent walking shoes - tomorrow, perhaps?
Which will tire me out nicely, just in time for my flight to Prague the next morning! I'm at a conference there, Sunday to Tuesday. (What a nice company I work for!) Gee, but I love Prague - most beautiful city I've ever seen, and I've seen a few. They're putting me up at a nice hotel too, just down the road.
So, I fly back on the 12th September, and on the 13th I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats, at Sadler's Wells, for the Hofesh Schechter Company grand finale.
On the 14th September, I'm at another talk with Walks, Talks and Treasure Hunts - this one, at Southwark Cathedral, is about the River Effra, South London's Secret Spine. Another free Eventbrite event, this is to publicise a book about the subject, and the talk is again given by the author. Another thing that had no tickets, then it did (no notification)! I'm not going to believe any messages about door closures, like the erroneous one I got before. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On the 18th September, I was off to Showstopper! at the Lyric. Ticket courtesy of From the Box Office again. I have actually seen this before - but, being an improvised musical, it literally is different every time! But you'll never guess - the Crick Crack Club finally announced their autumn schedule last Friday, and now, that night, I'm off to Eaten Father, Eaten Mother by Ben Haggerty. In Soho Theatre, first time in ages.
On the 19th September, back with the Scarlet Ladies, for a talk entitled 100 Women - Their Breasts, Their Stories. Although actually, if I didn't like the other night's, I think I'll hate this - will be looking for alternatives.
On the 20th September, Funzing (same two groups) and Jennifer Rees again - this time, a fun talk about the Psychology of Batman Villains! The first of hers for which I managed to get a 30% discount.. and it's on nice and close to me again. Seems to be a feature of her talks!
On the 21st September, technically, free comedy in Hammersmith - with Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith, Wimbledon and Greenwich, Random London, and DiscoverLDN.UK. And on the 22nd September, the same - with DiscoverLDN.UK. I rather doubt it though - don't you?
On the 23rd September, I was to do the same, but am now headed to the launch of Rob Luft's new album, Riser, at King's Place. As advertised by The London Jazz Meetup. I finally ended up paying their membership fee after booking an event with them the other day, for November, which someone is attending that I know. So I figured it was wiser!
I had booked the same free comedy, with the same group, on the 24th September, but was again saved - this time, by the World Music Meetup! They're off to see Kefaya, in Nell's Jazz and Blues bar, back in my old stomping ground of North End Road! Happy days, when I was working there..
On the 25th September, a group called Theatre and Stuff is off to see Prism, at Hampstead Theatre. They're charging extra to go with them, though - so I happily bought my own ticket. What the hey, odds are I won't know any of them anyway.
On the 26th September, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats - to see Wings, at The Young Vic. Accidentally booked standing, I think.. :-/
On the 27th September, with Up in the Cheap Seats again - for Jekyll & Hyde, presented by the National Youth Theatre, at the Ambassadors Theatre.
On the 28th September, with another new group: London, Surrey and Beyond.. for an event called "A Unique Experience. Olde Pub, Gerry's Private Club, 2 'i's Famous Fish 'n' Chips". Which says it all, really! Then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On the 2nd October, I had booked at Hampstead Theatre, for No One Will Tell Me How to Start a Revolution. North London Friends are attending - and charging extra, so I was going it alone! But now it turns out I'm spending the week in the Stockholm office - back on the 8th.
On the 3rd October, it was free comedy in Hammersmith - nominally. With Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith, Wimbledon and Greenwich. So, that was easy to cancel, for Stockholm!
On the 4th October was Up in the Cheap Seats and Labour of Love, with Martin Freeman, at the Noel Coward Theatre. Cheapest tickets from the venue, for once!
On the 5th October, same group - headed to see the Company Wayne McGregor, at Sadler's Wells.
And finally! on the 6th October, headed to see Chekhov's The Seagull, at the Lyric. Third night in a row for that group - almost as busy a group as I am a person! So, four things in all I had to cancel, without refund.. what the hey, I'll doubtless be saving money in Stockholm! Expenses paid, after all.
On the 9th October, I'm finally going to see the show so many people have asked me whether I'm seeing. Ink is showing at the Duke of York's Theatre.
And on the 10th October, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats for Ballet Boyz at Sadler's Wells.
