It didn't start well. No e-ticket for Young Marx in my inbox. I emailed - no response. So I phoned the box office - after six minutes (at 7p per minute, plus network rate), they answered, and helpfully resent my e-ticket. Immediately after which, someone replied to my email (were they all just back from lunch?) - resending the confirmation mail, but not the ticket. Now, my office printer is still playing up, so I then asked whether it'd be ok on my phone. Yep, no problem..
I took the bus(es). From where I am now, the fastest way was to change buses, which is what I did - next time I'm due here, I'll be in the new office (and flat!), and it'll be easier. As it was, it was a damn cold wait at the bus stops, let me tell you! Anyway, my route took me over Tower Bridge, and as we crossed I could see the theatre, just to the side and down by the water. And it was quite easy to get to - they even have a map, as you approach around the corner!
What a gorgeous view it has - perfect location for a theatre, really.
A branch of The Ivy on the corner looked appealing - might check it out sometime; you never know, it might be easier to get into than the one in the West End! But for now, I hastened into the theatre, and a crowded foyer bar. It was easy enough to find our group though, who were clustered around a pillar to the left of a flight of stairs leading down. Well, when I say clustered - it was hard, in that space, to gather together, and we formed into little individual groups all night. Had we wished to be sociable, I think we would have done well to try to find a less crowded pub nearby - although there was such a large group of us, that would have been tricky.
There was no point even trying to get a drink, really - besides, it wouldn't have been comfortable to have one, standing as we were. So, we just stood and chatted until the bell was rung, and in we went. Those stairs down lead to the stalls and Gallery 1 - doors at the end of the foyer lead to the upper galleries, one on each side. And that's where I was. As we passed through into the corridors to our seats - gosh, I fancy I could still smell the newness! In the auditorium, comfy seats are, in the galleries, angled towards the stage, and I had a decent view:
Someone from work apparently wanted to see this, and I can happily recommend it. It's a damn clever production! That large box-like structure on stage revolves, so interior and exterior scenes can be represented alternately, and bits of it open out to show other backdrops. And the writing is hilarious - at least at the start of this description of Marx's life, during the years when he was living just down the road from me, in Dean Street. Gets more serious later, as the harsh realities of life get in the way, and they start to think about the politics of revolution. Some knowing gags in there too - one where Marx remarks that the proletariat of Russia had better never get their hands on his works; goodness knows what'd happen if that lot got a glimmer of hope! Another has him cautioning his little daughter about getting too excited over Christmas - why, he thought it was being completely taken over by commercialism, and one day he could foresee not a day, but a whole week of festivities as a result..! Got a big laugh, that one.
Runs until the end of the year. Well, I'm afraid I was starving throughout.. trays of madeleines lined the bar at the interval, but it seems they had to be prebooked, so I did without. With no plans to drink afterwards, before long, out we went into the cold.
I had an unconscionably long wait for the bus - whatever route I took involved me going south and catching a bus going north again. In the end, it took me nearly two hours to get home! Looking forward to having an easier trip the next time I'm here, as I say. Well, at least the last section of my journey took me the full length of Regent Street, where my favourite light display lives!
Well, I had internet issues at home, so left the blog for that night. Yesterday was busy with work, and I was too tired last night, hence the delay. Now back in Ireland for the weekend again - where it's even colder!
On Monday, I'm headed to see Follies at the National - one that London Dramatic Arts (LDAM) went to a while ago, expensively. What with their ticket prices, and other things getting in the way, I really don't know when I'll be with them again..
On Tuesday, back with Let's Do This! (LDT) at a place called The Fiddler's Elbow, for a Blues Club & Jam. Be good to see them again!
On Wednesday, the Crick Crack Club has their long-awaited 30th birthday party at Rich Mix. Finally advertised by their Meetup group, I see, months after tickets went on sale. A friend is going to this, and Helen is thinking about it. Oh, and the crazy lady is supposed to be going - may she not dare to cross my path! I'm perfectly capable of throwing a drink over her. If the need arises.
On Thursday, LDT is off to.. Saint George and the Dragon, at the National! Now, when this was advertised, I remembered having booked it already. Checked, and discovered that was during my week in Stockholm - so I was happy to book it again. Completely forgot, of course, that I was already booked for another date, with Up in the Cheap Seats. But then, of course, I couldn't go to that either.. third time lucky, I hope! Mind you, consensus seems to be that it drags - never mind. Then I'm back to Ireland again.
On the 4th, I'm finally seeing Heisenberg: the Uncertainty Principle, at Wyndham's Theatre. Another that LDAM saw before I have, and another I rescheduled - this from the 16th October, when I was with Up in the Cheap Seats. Another nominal fee to change. And they posted me physical tickets - how retro!
On the 5th, my annual trip to La Soirée! "Posh new venue", as they say - they're now in the Aldwych Theatre. Cheapest tickets at Amazon tickets - you save on the booking fee. I see they're another one to have a family-friendly version - La Petite Soirée!
The 6th sees our office Christmas party! Mercifully, I've just found out it's not black tie this year - don't have to buy a new outfit, then! It's at Bounce - a pub with ping pong tables, wouldya believe?! We have a private room, with three such tables and a karaoke machine. I foresee a noisy night..!
I can't stay long though - have to be at Stansted at 6 in the morning of the 7th, for a trip to Nuremberg Christmas market with London European Club! We'll also be doing some travelling in the area. Helen liked the sound of it, and is coming too. We'll have a ball! I just bought Lonely Planet's chapter on Bavaria, downloaded it, and have shared it with her - isn't it handy how you can buy individual chapters? Mercifully, although the crazy woman was supposed to go on this, she's pulled out. So, the plan is to stay in the new place, the night before..
Back late on the 10th, and on the 11th - having taken the day off work (I'll be exhausted) - I'm off to the Barbershop Chronicles. At the National.
On the 12th, I've just booked a Funzing talk - Interviews With a Serial Killer, courtesy of London Speaks Sessions and LDN Talks @ Night. For which, with their new loyalty scheme, I earned £10 credit! Not so shabby..
On the 13th, my last visit of the year to Sands Films - finally advertised on Meetup, through the World Music Meetup, TunedIn London has a concert by Plastikes Karekles, a Greek group.
On the 14th, my friends who came to Soho a while ago are headed to Wilton's Music Hall, for something called The Box of Delights. And for once, I'm letting them decide for me, and am going myself too.
On the 15th, my final trip of the year to the Crick Crack Club - Jan Blake is performing Masters of Hex at the British Library. Along with Ben Haggerty and TUUP. Same friend going with me as on the 29th, and Helen too - and the same lunatic. Well, after the nasty things she had to say about me, I'll be surprised if she dares to approach me at all. Next day, I'm back to Ireland for Christmas.
Flying back to London on the 2nd of January, and on the 3rd I've booked to see Stewart Lee at Leicester Square Theatre. Determinedly not in the front two rows - not for a comedy show!
On the 4th of January, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats (Happy New Year to them!), who are off to see Hanna, at the Arcola.
On the 5th of January, I thought Time Out threw me a curiously interesting event - so I'm going on this Space Descent VR experience, at the Science Museum. I'll have to leave work early for it - there are timed slots, and it consists of wearing goggles, and living the experience of a descent to earth, with the astronaut Tim Peake narrating in your ears.
On the 6th of January, Crick Crack is back! Happy New Year to them too. The story of When Time Began is being told at King's Place. Creation myths. And wouldn't you know it, we're being treated to a host of performers - the husband and wife team, Emily and Nick Hennessy, and co-founder of the club, the amazing Ben Haggerty. Accompaniment provided by the wonderful musician, Sheema Mukherjee.
On the 7th of January, another Happy new Year - this time to LDT, who are off to an art exhibition. Gilbert & George: the Beard Pictures and their Fuckosophy. Sorry, but that is the title. Showing at the White Cube Gallery. Honestly, but for the group that's hosting, I wouldn't bother..
And finally, more art on the 8th of January, which I'll probably enjoy more. I'm taking the day off to go see Reflections at the National Gallery - an exhibition of Pre-Raphaelites, which, with a free day, I can peruse at my leisure. As inspired by a walk by the excellent London Literary Walks - roll on the summer, and a return of those!
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