Tonight, finally back with Funzing! LDN Talks @ Night (I thought they were changing their name to Funzing Talks - perhaps not yet) and London Speaks Sessions were talking about the Seven Wonders of the Solar System, at Cafe 1001. Yeuch - can't stand the place: hipster central. Still, at least I could walk there..
And walk there I did! first time since I moved. When I eventually tore myself from a friendly, but overly chatty, co-worker I haven't spoken to in a while. I could just feel I was going to be late - so, ASAP, off I dashed. I might have taken the bus instead, except Google Maps got the time wrong again - when I got to the stop and saw I had another 10 minutes to wait, I realised I'd be faster walking! At least I was already going in the right direction.
Not hard - straight down Commercial Road, hanging a left eventually - I was coming at it from the opposite direction to usual, but it was easy enough. Unfortunately, I was a little late - good job I knew where I was going, as there were no signs, and nobody to guide me. So, through the crowd listening to the band - as I figured, the music proved quite distracting during the talk; this is a terrible venue for talks. Still, for once, there were people that took it upon themselves to close the doors if things outside got too loud.
Someone hopped up when I came in, and checked off my name on his laptop. The room was mostly full, but not entirely - I had no trouble getting a seat. She'd started already - but the guy who checked my name assured me that she hadn't gone far. Indeed, I can only have missed at most one planet - I don't recall her saying anything about Mercury. No problem about me arriving late, at least - and I wasn't the only one, someone crept in half an hour later..
She proceeded to make her way out past the planets - starting with the moon, then Venus, then each of the planets in order, heading out to the edge (and including Pluto, yay! Hated it when they downgraded that.) The images in her slideshow were awesome - I was soon lost in them. It's hard not to be, when faced with real-life wonders like this - the sheer size and scale of what she was discussing are unimaginable. The colours, which she assured us were real, were incredible. And much of the talk centred on massive volcanoes, craters.. the feasibility of life.. the vast distances involved.
There was an interval, which she extended because she'd got through the first bit so quickly. I got a drink at the bar, and asked about nibbles - nope, I'd have to go to the cafe downstairs. Nuts to that - I sat down again. After the interval, we were onto her pet project - Saturn. I can see why - with its famous rings, it's easily the most photogenic planet. The amazing pictures in this section, she explained, were the result of the Cassini Mission - and she enthralled us with talk of how a mission could last for 35 years, and how upset the people working on this mission were when the probe crashed into the planet, a few months ago. She revealed how one said that the data returned would take 100 years to analyse properly..
Plenty of people were taking pictures of the slides. I might have myself, but my phone was practically dead, and I needed to check my walk back.. This was a really great talk, delivered by someone obviously well used to public speaking. Scholarly rather than entertaining, this was one that didn't need a song and dance act - the planets spoke for themselves.
Outside afterwards, it was pissing with unforecast rain. And on the walk home, one of my principal irritations was having to skirt great hordes of joggers! I wonder whether this is a year-round thing, or just for the more uncomfortable months.. At least my phone lasted long enough for me to find my way. Tomorrow, I had RSVPed with London Science Talks and Museums Meetup, for a Science Museum late. But hey, it's free - so I had no problem cancelling when Let's Do This advertised a meal the same evening. Turkish, I believe, with a drink at the George Inn beforehand. Closer to me, too.
I start February with two from Up in the Cheap Seats. On Thursday, I'm at John in the National. And on Friday, my now-nearby venue, finally - I'm at Sadler's Wells Sampled. Hey, I can walk there and back, again..
On Saturday, I'm finally back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group (fairly trips off the tongue, that!) for a free walk - Secret Diaries and Public Spaces: the Legacy of Pepys and Wren. As run by Walk London. I had a great time with this group before - it's a shame they so frequently clash with other things I'm doing.
On Sunday, another walk, with Funzing, via Walking in London - Forgotten Old London is one I've had my eye on for a while. And that evening, someone suggested a classical concert in King's Place - well, whyever not? So I booked. Close enough to walk home after, too.
And on Monday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats, at Hampstead Theatre, for Dry Powder.
Tuesday, 30 January 2018
Play: Out of Love
Yesterday, it was back to the Orange Tree in Richmond for Out of Love, with Up in the Cheap Seats. I had a late meeting, but it did finish early, so - while not having a ton of time - I was likely to make it to the theatre.
Horrendous queue at Old Street - although not quite as bad as last time. Well, I was leaving a little later. Google Maps' timing was a little off, so the Tube arrived two minutes later than they predicted. And maybe it was the time it took me to change to the Jubilee Line, but I didn't catch that train until the time they'd predicted I'd already have arrived in Waterloo! Never mind, I might still catch the recommended train. In the event, it would've been too much of a rush, but there was another train, at a nearby platform, that had been supposed to leave at the same time, but was delayed - more signalling problems! And, of course, a horrendous crush - with the lack of oxygen, I felt quite ill by the time we finally got to Richmond. I gulped in the cold air when we got off.
I was somewhat restored by the time I got to the theatre, and met the others in the bar. A very welcome glass of cold wine, which I had to pay for in cash - their card machine wasn't working (more signal problems!). We weren't in time to get a seat - as I remarked when we went into the theatre, I hadn't sat since the office, an hour before, so it'd be a relief to sit now..! And, as it turned out, I was in the exact same seat as the last time I was here..
Simplest set I've seen in a while! A lit ring on the floor marks the stage area - technically, because they do keep entering and exiting through all available doors. No props whatsoever. Three actors - the main two women, and a token man. God knows how many characters, though - there's no indication when their identities change, unless someone calls them by name. And you really have to pay attention, or you'll get totally lost.
Actually, you will anyway. The main topic of conversation for our group afterwards was - who were the characters in the final scene? Someone speculated that they might be the daughters (or granddaughters) of the original characters. Someone else thought that maybe the different names were just pet names they had for each other. Damned if I know - I'd already missed one plot link earlier. The acting is great, BTW, and it's kept interesting - a story, told over time and with several flashbacks, of how the bond between two childhood friends endures through all that life can throw at it. I loved the disco scene - have always adored Born Slippy! But the writer tries to be far too clever, and the whole thing gets lost in confusion. Runs until the 3rd of March.
70 minutes without interval meant we were out nice and early - which meant that (most of us) went to the pub, first time in ages! Hallelujah. The Sun Inn is a nice place, just down the road, lined with rugby paraphernalia. They have a wine list on the bar - sadly, despite being out quite early, we were just too late for the kitchen, and I was hungry. They did quite nice crisps, though. We had to skirt an enormous Alsatian en route to a table just big enough for us all. And he was just the most gorgeous doggy.. licked my hand as I went back to the bar, and then got quite sniffy with me! His owner apologised for him being so "flirty".. must've been quite young, being so obstreperous; when he barked, it gave us all a start, being quite the loudest sound in the place. Back at the table, talk turned to theatre-related Meetup gossip.. I won't give away the details, but those of you who are regular readers might guess one of the groups that was discussed..!
Afterwards, to bed without delay, to be up in time for yet another U2 presale this morning (successful, on this occasion!). Mind you, there was a wealth of confusion, typically, with u2.com claiming one start time, and Ticketmaster another. U2.com won in the end, but it took some conversation between them and TM, apparently..
Tonight, finally back with Funzing! LDN Talks @ Night (I thought they were changing their name to Funzing Talks - perhaps not yet) and London Speaks Sessions are talking about the Seven Wonders of the Solar System, at Cafe 1001. Yeuch - can't stand the place: hipster central. Still, at least I can walk there..
Tomorrow, I had RSVPed with London Science Talks and Museums Meetup, for a Science Museum late. But hey, it's free - so I had no problem cancelling when Let's Do This advertised a meal the same evening. Turkish, I believe, with a drink at the George Inn beforehand. Closer to me, too.
I start February with two from Up in the Cheap Seats. On Thursday, I'm at John in the National. And on Friday, my now-nearby venue, finally - I'm at Sadler's Wells Sampled.
On Saturday, I'm finally back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group (fairly trips off the tongue, that!) for a free walk - Secret Diaries and Public Spaces: the Legacy of Pepys and Wren. As run by Walk London. I had a great time with this group before - it's a shame they so frequently clash with other things I'm doing.
On Sunday, another walk, with Funzing, via Walking in London - Forgotten Old London is one I've had my eye on for a while. And that evening, someone suggested a classical concert in King's Place - well, whyever not? So I booked. Close enough to walk home after, too.
And on Monday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats, at Hampstead Theatre, for Dry Powder.
Horrendous queue at Old Street - although not quite as bad as last time. Well, I was leaving a little later. Google Maps' timing was a little off, so the Tube arrived two minutes later than they predicted. And maybe it was the time it took me to change to the Jubilee Line, but I didn't catch that train until the time they'd predicted I'd already have arrived in Waterloo! Never mind, I might still catch the recommended train. In the event, it would've been too much of a rush, but there was another train, at a nearby platform, that had been supposed to leave at the same time, but was delayed - more signalling problems! And, of course, a horrendous crush - with the lack of oxygen, I felt quite ill by the time we finally got to Richmond. I gulped in the cold air when we got off.
I was somewhat restored by the time I got to the theatre, and met the others in the bar. A very welcome glass of cold wine, which I had to pay for in cash - their card machine wasn't working (more signal problems!). We weren't in time to get a seat - as I remarked when we went into the theatre, I hadn't sat since the office, an hour before, so it'd be a relief to sit now..! And, as it turned out, I was in the exact same seat as the last time I was here..
Simplest set I've seen in a while! A lit ring on the floor marks the stage area - technically, because they do keep entering and exiting through all available doors. No props whatsoever. Three actors - the main two women, and a token man. God knows how many characters, though - there's no indication when their identities change, unless someone calls them by name. And you really have to pay attention, or you'll get totally lost.
Actually, you will anyway. The main topic of conversation for our group afterwards was - who were the characters in the final scene? Someone speculated that they might be the daughters (or granddaughters) of the original characters. Someone else thought that maybe the different names were just pet names they had for each other. Damned if I know - I'd already missed one plot link earlier. The acting is great, BTW, and it's kept interesting - a story, told over time and with several flashbacks, of how the bond between two childhood friends endures through all that life can throw at it. I loved the disco scene - have always adored Born Slippy! But the writer tries to be far too clever, and the whole thing gets lost in confusion. Runs until the 3rd of March.
70 minutes without interval meant we were out nice and early - which meant that (most of us) went to the pub, first time in ages! Hallelujah. The Sun Inn is a nice place, just down the road, lined with rugby paraphernalia. They have a wine list on the bar - sadly, despite being out quite early, we were just too late for the kitchen, and I was hungry. They did quite nice crisps, though. We had to skirt an enormous Alsatian en route to a table just big enough for us all. And he was just the most gorgeous doggy.. licked my hand as I went back to the bar, and then got quite sniffy with me! His owner apologised for him being so "flirty".. must've been quite young, being so obstreperous; when he barked, it gave us all a start, being quite the loudest sound in the place. Back at the table, talk turned to theatre-related Meetup gossip.. I won't give away the details, but those of you who are regular readers might guess one of the groups that was discussed..!
Afterwards, to bed without delay, to be up in time for yet another U2 presale this morning (successful, on this occasion!). Mind you, there was a wealth of confusion, typically, with u2.com claiming one start time, and Ticketmaster another. U2.com won in the end, but it took some conversation between them and TM, apparently..
Tonight, finally back with Funzing! LDN Talks @ Night (I thought they were changing their name to Funzing Talks - perhaps not yet) and London Speaks Sessions are talking about the Seven Wonders of the Solar System, at Cafe 1001. Yeuch - can't stand the place: hipster central. Still, at least I can walk there..
Tomorrow, I had RSVPed with London Science Talks and Museums Meetup, for a Science Museum late. But hey, it's free - so I had no problem cancelling when Let's Do This advertised a meal the same evening. Turkish, I believe, with a drink at the George Inn beforehand. Closer to me, too.
I start February with two from Up in the Cheap Seats. On Thursday, I'm at John in the National. And on Friday, my now-nearby venue, finally - I'm at Sadler's Wells Sampled.
On Saturday, I'm finally back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group (fairly trips off the tongue, that!) for a free walk - Secret Diaries and Public Spaces: the Legacy of Pepys and Wren. As run by Walk London. I had a great time with this group before - it's a shame they so frequently clash with other things I'm doing.
On Sunday, another walk, with Funzing, via Walking in London - Forgotten Old London is one I've had my eye on for a while. And that evening, someone suggested a classical concert in King's Place - well, whyever not? So I booked. Close enough to walk home after, too.
And on Monday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats, at Hampstead Theatre, for Dry Powder.
Friday, 26 January 2018
Play: The Birthday Party
Last night, I went to The Birthday Party, by Harold Pinter, in the Harold Pinter Theatre. How appropriate.. I think that London Dramatic Arts were originally scheduled to go to this, but must have cancelled - with a cheaper ticket, I wouldn't have been going with them anyway. Interesting review in a recent paper. Someone recently said she couldn't make head nor tail of it - well, it was my mission last night to find out what it was all about!
Again, two buses to get there, one to come back. My first bus was quick enough that, when I got off, I was early enough to wonder whether I'd be faster walking than waiting for the second! As I was looking that up, the bus I was waiting for turned the corner.. and apart from the usual jam on Shaftesbury Avenue, all was good thereafter, and I arrived in good time.
Happily, the two higher levels have a separate entrance, so I was spared the crush of the lobby. I was also spared the attentions of any ushers, apart from those doing a very cursory bag check - I think this was true for everyone, though. First time in I don't know how long that I've completely had to find my own way to my seat! I would have liked a drink, to celebrate my purchase of U2 tickets for this year's UK concerts - but having braved the narrow corridor, lined with framed collages of newspaper clipping related to productions, the bar was so damn crowded I gave up, and just went and found my seat. Without help, as I say.
"Restricted view" they call this - I fail to see how. Mind you, anyone who wants an answer could consult that lunatic that sent me a hate message last year for giving her a free, restricted view ticket - I daresay she'd find something wrong with it. Anyway, legroom was also decent - sadly, I was sat beside somebody too fat for her seat, so I was a bit restricted from one side, and forced to encroach on the lady on the other side, who was chewing so industrially (gum? the cud?) that she literally sounded like a washing machine.
Another night that makes me think I'll never understand the British sense of humour. This is an extremely dark play. There's a bit of black humour in it- but jeez, from the first scene, when the husband comes in and sits down to read the paper, and his rather simple-minded wife (Zoe Wanamaker) asks from the kitchen whether that's him - most of the audience was doubled over laughing!
..?
Seriously, all she did was to ask whether that was him. Was there a joke there? Were the audience expecting slapstick? Just plain weird. Fortunately, nobody around me laughed for most of it. Happily, the laughter pretty much ceased once the violence started, later on - gee, really? What wasn't funny about that? I think I need a rulebook about what West End audiences find funny. Or maybe they just expect everything to be funny. Maybe, like Zoe Wanamaker's character, they don't think it's entertainment unless it has singing and dancing in it. Or, I guess, slapstick. Frankly, I found them annoying as hell through the whole thing.
Well, back to what is an excellent play. It's set in a rather run-down boarding-house - apart from this chap, who spends most of his time out, and his simple-minded wife, there is only one guest - a rather reclusive man called Stanley (Toby Jones). Watch this guy - it's on him that the whole story pivots. Zoe Wanamaker gets it into her head that it's his birthday today - which, apparently, it isn't - and decides to celebrate accordingly.
Spoiler - the whole thing is a kind of power play. In this claustrophobic house, Stanley holds the power. As a guest, what he says goes, and he can be quite nasty to the poor lady of the house. Until.. two smartly dressed gents arrive (the one in charge played by Stephen Mangan) and Stanley gets very worried indeed. Now, what do they have over him..?
It's an absolutely vicious play. I don't agree with the review's assessment that it was lacking in menace - I definitely picked up on it, and thought it was all the more effective for being subtle. Stanley is a big fish in a little pond, until two mysterious tough guys come along - and show him what it's really like to be in charge. They're absolute psychopaths - I thought the audience's tittering was most misplaced. The only one left undisturbed by their visit is - of course - the one who understood the least about it, who was beneath their contempt.
Fantastic production, if you like them dark. I do. Currently booking till the 14th of April - highly recommended.
Had to be in bed early to get up in time for the general U2 sale today - somewhat successful, if not completely. Still trying for black market tickets for Lisbon, if you know any going.. Tonight, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend. Must leave soon, actually.
On Monday, back to the Orange Tree in Richmond for Out of Love, with Up in the Cheap Seats. Have to rush for that one - it's another evening I have a late meeting! Should make it, though.
On Tuesday, finally back with Funzing! LDN Talks @ Night (I thought they were changing their name to Funzing Talks - perhaps not yet) and London Speaks Sessions are talking about the Seven Wonders of the Solar System, at Cafe 1001. Yeuch - can't stand the place: hipster central. Still, at least I can walk there from work..
On Wednesday, I had RSVPed with London Science Talks and Museums Meetup, for a Science Museum late. But hey, it's free - so I had no problem cancelling when Let's Do This advertised a meal the same evening. Turkish, I believe, with a drink at the George Inn beforehand. Closer to me, too.
I start February with two from Up in the Cheap Seats. On Thursday, I'm at John in the National. And next Friday, my now-nearby venue, finally - I'm at Sadler's Wells Sampled.
On the 3rd, I'm finally back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group (fairly trips off the tongue, that!) for a free walk - Secret Diaries and Public Spaces: the Legacy of Pepys and Wren. As run by Walk London. I had a great time with this group before - it's a shame they so frequently clash with other things I'm doing.
On the 4th, another walk, with Funzing, via Walking in London - Forgotten Old London is one I've had my eye on for a while. And that evening, someone suggested a classical concert in King's Place - well, whyever not? So I booked. Close enough to walk home after, too.
And on the 5th, back with Up in the Cheap Seats, at Hampstead Theatre, for Dry Powder.
Again, two buses to get there, one to come back. My first bus was quick enough that, when I got off, I was early enough to wonder whether I'd be faster walking than waiting for the second! As I was looking that up, the bus I was waiting for turned the corner.. and apart from the usual jam on Shaftesbury Avenue, all was good thereafter, and I arrived in good time.
Happily, the two higher levels have a separate entrance, so I was spared the crush of the lobby. I was also spared the attentions of any ushers, apart from those doing a very cursory bag check - I think this was true for everyone, though. First time in I don't know how long that I've completely had to find my own way to my seat! I would have liked a drink, to celebrate my purchase of U2 tickets for this year's UK concerts - but having braved the narrow corridor, lined with framed collages of newspaper clipping related to productions, the bar was so damn crowded I gave up, and just went and found my seat. Without help, as I say.
"Restricted view" they call this - I fail to see how. Mind you, anyone who wants an answer could consult that lunatic that sent me a hate message last year for giving her a free, restricted view ticket - I daresay she'd find something wrong with it. Anyway, legroom was also decent - sadly, I was sat beside somebody too fat for her seat, so I was a bit restricted from one side, and forced to encroach on the lady on the other side, who was chewing so industrially (gum? the cud?) that she literally sounded like a washing machine.
Another night that makes me think I'll never understand the British sense of humour. This is an extremely dark play. There's a bit of black humour in it- but jeez, from the first scene, when the husband comes in and sits down to read the paper, and his rather simple-minded wife (Zoe Wanamaker) asks from the kitchen whether that's him - most of the audience was doubled over laughing!
..?
Seriously, all she did was to ask whether that was him. Was there a joke there? Were the audience expecting slapstick? Just plain weird. Fortunately, nobody around me laughed for most of it. Happily, the laughter pretty much ceased once the violence started, later on - gee, really? What wasn't funny about that? I think I need a rulebook about what West End audiences find funny. Or maybe they just expect everything to be funny. Maybe, like Zoe Wanamaker's character, they don't think it's entertainment unless it has singing and dancing in it. Or, I guess, slapstick. Frankly, I found them annoying as hell through the whole thing.
Well, back to what is an excellent play. It's set in a rather run-down boarding-house - apart from this chap, who spends most of his time out, and his simple-minded wife, there is only one guest - a rather reclusive man called Stanley (Toby Jones). Watch this guy - it's on him that the whole story pivots. Zoe Wanamaker gets it into her head that it's his birthday today - which, apparently, it isn't - and decides to celebrate accordingly.
Spoiler - the whole thing is a kind of power play. In this claustrophobic house, Stanley holds the power. As a guest, what he says goes, and he can be quite nasty to the poor lady of the house. Until.. two smartly dressed gents arrive (the one in charge played by Stephen Mangan) and Stanley gets very worried indeed. Now, what do they have over him..?
It's an absolutely vicious play. I don't agree with the review's assessment that it was lacking in menace - I definitely picked up on it, and thought it was all the more effective for being subtle. Stanley is a big fish in a little pond, until two mysterious tough guys come along - and show him what it's really like to be in charge. They're absolute psychopaths - I thought the audience's tittering was most misplaced. The only one left undisturbed by their visit is - of course - the one who understood the least about it, who was beneath their contempt.
Fantastic production, if you like them dark. I do. Currently booking till the 14th of April - highly recommended.
Had to be in bed early to get up in time for the general U2 sale today - somewhat successful, if not completely. Still trying for black market tickets for Lisbon, if you know any going.. Tonight, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend. Must leave soon, actually.
On Monday, back to the Orange Tree in Richmond for Out of Love, with Up in the Cheap Seats. Have to rush for that one - it's another evening I have a late meeting! Should make it, though.
On Tuesday, finally back with Funzing! LDN Talks @ Night (I thought they were changing their name to Funzing Talks - perhaps not yet) and London Speaks Sessions are talking about the Seven Wonders of the Solar System, at Cafe 1001. Yeuch - can't stand the place: hipster central. Still, at least I can walk there from work..
On Wednesday, I had RSVPed with London Science Talks and Museums Meetup, for a Science Museum late. But hey, it's free - so I had no problem cancelling when Let's Do This advertised a meal the same evening. Turkish, I believe, with a drink at the George Inn beforehand. Closer to me, too.
I start February with two from Up in the Cheap Seats. On Thursday, I'm at John in the National. And next Friday, my now-nearby venue, finally - I'm at Sadler's Wells Sampled.
On the 3rd, I'm finally back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group (fairly trips off the tongue, that!) for a free walk - Secret Diaries and Public Spaces: the Legacy of Pepys and Wren. As run by Walk London. I had a great time with this group before - it's a shame they so frequently clash with other things I'm doing.
On the 4th, another walk, with Funzing, via Walking in London - Forgotten Old London is one I've had my eye on for a while. And that evening, someone suggested a classical concert in King's Place - well, whyever not? So I booked. Close enough to walk home after, too.
And on the 5th, back with Up in the Cheap Seats, at Hampstead Theatre, for Dry Powder.
Thursday, 25 January 2018
Play: Rita, Sue and Bob Too
Yesterday, I finally went to Rita, Sue, and Bob Too! at the Royal Court, with Up in the Cheap Seats. Interesting one, this - we'd booked before, but then the whole run was cancelled after the co-director thought that the subject matter, about the exploitation of teenage girls, was too controversial in the wake of the Weinstein controversy. The artistic director subsequently reversed the decision.
Two buses, again - not nearly as crowded as yesterday, and indeed, the only problem - apart from freezing my tush off waiting between them - was the predictable traffic jam in Shaftesbury Avenue. As we crawled along, and the obliging driver let people off at places he shouldn't have, I had time to gaze at our old office building: not demolished yet, I see! Arrived in decent time at the theatre, and went to the box office to collect my ticket. Well, that was an interesting experience - I'd received an email saying I'd be refunded when the run was cancelled, but behold, they never did cancel my first ticket! So I'd blithely gone off and booked another. And I now had two - one in the Circle, one in the Stalls. After some confusion, she cancelled the one in the Circle, on the spot.
And I joined the others in the really crowded downstairs bar! Never seen it so bad. I picked the end of the bar that had good service - they're notoriously appalling, here. So it only took about five minutes to get my drink - and after a bit of a chat, we headed back upstairs, and I took my comfy, leather seat in the rear stalls. Perfect legroom, and not too far from the stage, even in the second row from the back:
Four seats - those are the only props they need. I do like that in a play. Anyway, turns out this is based on a film I haven't seen (was it banned in Ireland, perhaps?) - which in turn is inspired by the experiences of a teenage girl in the north of England. And this lass and her pal go babysitting for Bob and his wife, Bob drops them home in his car, and has sex with them as a parting gesture. (The seats are re-aligned to represent a car.) This becomes a regular thing, and things develop from there.
So yes, this run was cancelled, and then un-cancelled. And this was the second time this week that I've seen a man's naked bum on stage! (This one was hairier.) And both were set oop nawth.. what is it about that part of the country? Mind you, in the 80s, when this was set, in a less well-off community, in Thatcher's Britain, when the North in particular was hard-served, work was scarce, and people's opportunities were limited.. what else was there to do?
So, they're banging away pretty quickly in this, and you can see why they thought it might be a tad controversial. It only occurred to me as the deed was finishing - they'd raised the house lights! which were turned off again immediately after. WTF - were they recording us or something? Not appreciated - I hear there's been a walkout before over this.
Apart from that, it came across - to me - as an extended version of Coronation Street, the show that Bob is so keen on watching. I got absolutely nothing from it. It's nothing we haven't heard before - at length. It was probably a lot more controversial at the time.. afterwards, folks were saying that the film was darker, and indeed, a touch more darkness wouldn't have gone amiss here. Ironically, for a show that was originally cancelled, I don't think they were controversial enough. Although, by excluding other characters from the story, perhaps they were trying to direct our focus to Bob.
Kudos to the actors. Especially Bob, who suffers for his art in an impressive mullet! (No, it's not a wig - the whole cast showed up in the bar afterwards, and he was still sporting it.) And I could have done with the music being a bit louder - it was kept very faint, so as not to distract us, but I love 80s music! Anyway, no interval - and I was glad to leave. Runs until Saturday - limited availability. As the man said, there's no such thing as bad publicity!
Afterwards, some of us repaired to the bar - unfortunately, the slow side. I had a packet of crisps, and Lordy, I would've had the whole thing eaten by the time we were served! Anyway, we had a nice chat, over by the side - it was early, after all. And the 19 took me straight home, just in time to catch the Co-op before it closed!
Couldn't blog last night - I had to be up early for a U2 presale. Successful, BTW - wish me luck in the public scrum tomorrow! Tonight, I'm going to The Birthday Party, in the Harold Pinter Theatre. Interesting review in a recent paper. Tomorrow, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.
On Monday, back to the Orange Tree in Richmond for Out of Love, with Up in the Cheap Seats. Have to rush for that one - it's another evening I have a late meeting! Should make it, though.
On Tuesday, finally back with Funzing! LDN Talks @ Night (I thought they were changing their name to Funzing Talks - perhaps not yet) and London Speaks Sessions are talking about the Seven Wonders of the Solar System, at Cafe 1001. Yeuch - can't stand the place: hipster central. Still, at least I can walk there from work..
On Wednesday, I had RSVPed with London Science Talks and Museums Meetup, for a Science Museum late. But hey, it's free - so I had no problem cancelling when Let's Do This advertised a meal the same evening. Turkish, I believe, with a drink at the George Inn beforehand. Closer to me, too.
I start February with two from Up in the Cheap Seats. Next Thursday, I'm at John in the National. And on the 2nd, my now-nearby venue, finally - I'm at Sadler's Wells Sampled.
On the 3rd, I'm finally back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group (fairly trips off the tongue, that!) for a free walk - Secret Diaries and Public Spaces: the Legacy of Pepys and Wren. As run by Walk London. I had a great time with this group before - it's a shame they so frequently clash with other things I'm doing.
On the 4th, another walk, with Funzing, via Walking in London - Forgotten Old London is one I've had my eye on for a while. And that evening, someone suggested a classical concert in King's Place - well, whyever not? So I booked. Close enough to walk home after, too.
And on the 5th, back with Up in the Cheap Seats, at Hampstead Theatre, for Dry Powder.
Two buses, again - not nearly as crowded as yesterday, and indeed, the only problem - apart from freezing my tush off waiting between them - was the predictable traffic jam in Shaftesbury Avenue. As we crawled along, and the obliging driver let people off at places he shouldn't have, I had time to gaze at our old office building: not demolished yet, I see! Arrived in decent time at the theatre, and went to the box office to collect my ticket. Well, that was an interesting experience - I'd received an email saying I'd be refunded when the run was cancelled, but behold, they never did cancel my first ticket! So I'd blithely gone off and booked another. And I now had two - one in the Circle, one in the Stalls. After some confusion, she cancelled the one in the Circle, on the spot.
And I joined the others in the really crowded downstairs bar! Never seen it so bad. I picked the end of the bar that had good service - they're notoriously appalling, here. So it only took about five minutes to get my drink - and after a bit of a chat, we headed back upstairs, and I took my comfy, leather seat in the rear stalls. Perfect legroom, and not too far from the stage, even in the second row from the back:
Four seats - those are the only props they need. I do like that in a play. Anyway, turns out this is based on a film I haven't seen (was it banned in Ireland, perhaps?) - which in turn is inspired by the experiences of a teenage girl in the north of England. And this lass and her pal go babysitting for Bob and his wife, Bob drops them home in his car, and has sex with them as a parting gesture. (The seats are re-aligned to represent a car.) This becomes a regular thing, and things develop from there.
So yes, this run was cancelled, and then un-cancelled. And this was the second time this week that I've seen a man's naked bum on stage! (This one was hairier.) And both were set oop nawth.. what is it about that part of the country? Mind you, in the 80s, when this was set, in a less well-off community, in Thatcher's Britain, when the North in particular was hard-served, work was scarce, and people's opportunities were limited.. what else was there to do?
So, they're banging away pretty quickly in this, and you can see why they thought it might be a tad controversial. It only occurred to me as the deed was finishing - they'd raised the house lights! which were turned off again immediately after. WTF - were they recording us or something? Not appreciated - I hear there's been a walkout before over this.
Apart from that, it came across - to me - as an extended version of Coronation Street, the show that Bob is so keen on watching. I got absolutely nothing from it. It's nothing we haven't heard before - at length. It was probably a lot more controversial at the time.. afterwards, folks were saying that the film was darker, and indeed, a touch more darkness wouldn't have gone amiss here. Ironically, for a show that was originally cancelled, I don't think they were controversial enough. Although, by excluding other characters from the story, perhaps they were trying to direct our focus to Bob.
Kudos to the actors. Especially Bob, who suffers for his art in an impressive mullet! (No, it's not a wig - the whole cast showed up in the bar afterwards, and he was still sporting it.) And I could have done with the music being a bit louder - it was kept very faint, so as not to distract us, but I love 80s music! Anyway, no interval - and I was glad to leave. Runs until Saturday - limited availability. As the man said, there's no such thing as bad publicity!
Afterwards, some of us repaired to the bar - unfortunately, the slow side. I had a packet of crisps, and Lordy, I would've had the whole thing eaten by the time we were served! Anyway, we had a nice chat, over by the side - it was early, after all. And the 19 took me straight home, just in time to catch the Co-op before it closed!
Couldn't blog last night - I had to be up early for a U2 presale. Successful, BTW - wish me luck in the public scrum tomorrow! Tonight, I'm going to The Birthday Party, in the Harold Pinter Theatre. Interesting review in a recent paper. Tomorrow, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.
On Monday, back to the Orange Tree in Richmond for Out of Love, with Up in the Cheap Seats. Have to rush for that one - it's another evening I have a late meeting! Should make it, though.
On Tuesday, finally back with Funzing! LDN Talks @ Night (I thought they were changing their name to Funzing Talks - perhaps not yet) and London Speaks Sessions are talking about the Seven Wonders of the Solar System, at Cafe 1001. Yeuch - can't stand the place: hipster central. Still, at least I can walk there from work..
On Wednesday, I had RSVPed with London Science Talks and Museums Meetup, for a Science Museum late. But hey, it's free - so I had no problem cancelling when Let's Do This advertised a meal the same evening. Turkish, I believe, with a drink at the George Inn beforehand. Closer to me, too.
I start February with two from Up in the Cheap Seats. Next Thursday, I'm at John in the National. And on the 2nd, my now-nearby venue, finally - I'm at Sadler's Wells Sampled.
On the 3rd, I'm finally back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group (fairly trips off the tongue, that!) for a free walk - Secret Diaries and Public Spaces: the Legacy of Pepys and Wren. As run by Walk London. I had a great time with this group before - it's a shame they so frequently clash with other things I'm doing.
On the 4th, another walk, with Funzing, via Walking in London - Forgotten Old London is one I've had my eye on for a while. And that evening, someone suggested a classical concert in King's Place - well, whyever not? So I booked. Close enough to walk home after, too.
And on the 5th, back with Up in the Cheap Seats, at Hampstead Theatre, for Dry Powder.
Tuesday, 23 January 2018
Play: Yous Two
Tonight, I was going to Yous Two, at Hampstead Theatre - my first Meetup with North London Friends, finally! Sunday's organiser was going to that too, separately. Well, I did leave in good time, work not being as frantic as yesterday - unfortunately, it turns out that where I'm now based is actually less handy for Hampstead than where I've just left was. Two bus journeys of about half an hour each, it was going to take me. Ah well..
My first was the #214 - a single-decker, unusually in my experience. And I was lucky to get on early - dear God, I don't know whether the driver was counting, but these things have a maximum capacity, which I'm fairly sure was exceeded. As bad as any Tube train I've ever been on - I was worried I wouldn't be able to squeeze off! Most of the crowd were disgorged at King's Cross - only to be replaced by an army of schoolkids, just around the corner! Seriously, they need a double-decker on this route. Happily, most of them got off with me, at Camden Town - and although we'd been a bit delayed, I was still in time for my connecting bus, which was a double-decker, phew - and let me off at Swiss Cottage in light rain (damn that weather forecast!).
Well, I headed for a drink at the theatre bar first - and is it my accent that makes bar workers (particularly the men, for some reason) think I said "red" instead of "white" when I ask for wine? Jeez.. Anyway, the group wasn't hard to spot, being a small number of people occupying a large table. Dead giveaway. They hadn't found it hard to get one - as the organiser explained, the main house is closed temporarily, so it wasn't as busy as it might have been. She arrived a bit after me and distributed tickets - free seating for this. And I must say, they're a lovely, friendly bunch! Chat was good, but I ended up having to gulp my wine when she gave us the heads-up that the queue was forming, downstairs.
Boy, we were in that queue a long time, for whatever reason. More chatting was done, but some were ready to sit by the time we finally got moving. Upholstered benches, among which we dispersed ourselves - and gee, we were looking into a bathroom! with a bath in it! with a rather fit-looking fellow in it! He didn't quite give us the full Monty, never fear - but v nearly. He's the dad in this, wouldya believe.. the plot revolves around his relationship with his teenage daughter, whom he's brought up alone, and who's in her final year of school, with big dreams for the future.
It's just over an hour long, but it's terrific! Some people don't need so long to tell a story, and such is true here. The acting is marvellous, the characters and plot believable. It's hilarious in parts - but gets darker, right at the end. A play that raises many questions about the future for the people involved, and leads us, in particular, to question the relationship between father and daughter, and to wonder whether history is likely to repeat itself..
Afterwards, there was a general move to leave - well, I got an early night! Always good. And I look forward to joining this group again, which I will, next month - more anon. They reminded me of what London Dramatic Arts used to be like, actually - right back in the beginning, before it got snooty.
Tomorrow, I'm finally going to Rita, Sue, and Bob Too! at the Royal Court, with Up in the Cheap Seats. Interesting one, this - we'd booked before, but then the whole run was cancelled after the co-director thought that the subject matter, about the exploitation of teenage girls, was too controversial in the wake of the Weinstein controversy. The artistic director subsequently reversed the decision.
On Thursday, I'm going to The Birthday Party, in the Harold Pinter Theatre. Interesting review in a recent paper. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.
On Monday, back to the Orange Tree in Richmond for Out of Love, with Up in the Cheap Seats. Have to rush for that one - it's another evening I have a late meeting! Should make it, though.
Next Tuesday, finally back with Funzing! LDN Talks @ Night (I thought they were changing their name to Funzing Talks - perhaps not yet) and London Speaks Sessions are talking about the Seven Wonders of the Solar System, at Cafe 1001. Yeuch - can't stand the place: hipster central. Still, at least I can walk there from work..
On the 31st, I had RSVPed with London Science Talks and Museums Meetup, for a Science Museum late. But hey, it's free - so I had no problem cancelling when Let's Do This advertised a meal the same evening. Turkish, I believe, with a drink at the George Inn beforehand. Closer to me, too.
I start February with two from Up in the Cheap Seats. On the 1st, I'm at John in the National. And on the 2nd, my now-nearby venue, finally - I'm at Sadler's Wells Sampled.
On the 3rd, I'm finally back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group (fairly trips off the tongue, that!) for a free walk - Secret Diaries and Public Spaces: the Legacy of Pepys and Wren. As run by Walk London. I had a great time with this group before - it's a shame they so frequently clash with other things I'm doing.
On the 4th, another walk, with Funzing, via Walking in London - Forgotten Old London is one I've had my eye on for a while.
And on the 5th, back with Up in the Cheap Seats, at Hampstead Theatre, for Dry Powder.
My first was the #214 - a single-decker, unusually in my experience. And I was lucky to get on early - dear God, I don't know whether the driver was counting, but these things have a maximum capacity, which I'm fairly sure was exceeded. As bad as any Tube train I've ever been on - I was worried I wouldn't be able to squeeze off! Most of the crowd were disgorged at King's Cross - only to be replaced by an army of schoolkids, just around the corner! Seriously, they need a double-decker on this route. Happily, most of them got off with me, at Camden Town - and although we'd been a bit delayed, I was still in time for my connecting bus, which was a double-decker, phew - and let me off at Swiss Cottage in light rain (damn that weather forecast!).
Well, I headed for a drink at the theatre bar first - and is it my accent that makes bar workers (particularly the men, for some reason) think I said "red" instead of "white" when I ask for wine? Jeez.. Anyway, the group wasn't hard to spot, being a small number of people occupying a large table. Dead giveaway. They hadn't found it hard to get one - as the organiser explained, the main house is closed temporarily, so it wasn't as busy as it might have been. She arrived a bit after me and distributed tickets - free seating for this. And I must say, they're a lovely, friendly bunch! Chat was good, but I ended up having to gulp my wine when she gave us the heads-up that the queue was forming, downstairs.
Boy, we were in that queue a long time, for whatever reason. More chatting was done, but some were ready to sit by the time we finally got moving. Upholstered benches, among which we dispersed ourselves - and gee, we were looking into a bathroom! with a bath in it! with a rather fit-looking fellow in it! He didn't quite give us the full Monty, never fear - but v nearly. He's the dad in this, wouldya believe.. the plot revolves around his relationship with his teenage daughter, whom he's brought up alone, and who's in her final year of school, with big dreams for the future.
It's just over an hour long, but it's terrific! Some people don't need so long to tell a story, and such is true here. The acting is marvellous, the characters and plot believable. It's hilarious in parts - but gets darker, right at the end. A play that raises many questions about the future for the people involved, and leads us, in particular, to question the relationship between father and daughter, and to wonder whether history is likely to repeat itself..
Afterwards, there was a general move to leave - well, I got an early night! Always good. And I look forward to joining this group again, which I will, next month - more anon. They reminded me of what London Dramatic Arts used to be like, actually - right back in the beginning, before it got snooty.
Tomorrow, I'm finally going to Rita, Sue, and Bob Too! at the Royal Court, with Up in the Cheap Seats. Interesting one, this - we'd booked before, but then the whole run was cancelled after the co-director thought that the subject matter, about the exploitation of teenage girls, was too controversial in the wake of the Weinstein controversy. The artistic director subsequently reversed the decision.
On Thursday, I'm going to The Birthday Party, in the Harold Pinter Theatre. Interesting review in a recent paper. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.
On Monday, back to the Orange Tree in Richmond for Out of Love, with Up in the Cheap Seats. Have to rush for that one - it's another evening I have a late meeting! Should make it, though.
Next Tuesday, finally back with Funzing! LDN Talks @ Night (I thought they were changing their name to Funzing Talks - perhaps not yet) and London Speaks Sessions are talking about the Seven Wonders of the Solar System, at Cafe 1001. Yeuch - can't stand the place: hipster central. Still, at least I can walk there from work..
On the 31st, I had RSVPed with London Science Talks and Museums Meetup, for a Science Museum late. But hey, it's free - so I had no problem cancelling when Let's Do This advertised a meal the same evening. Turkish, I believe, with a drink at the George Inn beforehand. Closer to me, too.
I start February with two from Up in the Cheap Seats. On the 1st, I'm at John in the National. And on the 2nd, my now-nearby venue, finally - I'm at Sadler's Wells Sampled.
On the 3rd, I'm finally back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group (fairly trips off the tongue, that!) for a free walk - Secret Diaries and Public Spaces: the Legacy of Pepys and Wren. As run by Walk London. I had a great time with this group before - it's a shame they so frequently clash with other things I'm doing.
On the 4th, another walk, with Funzing, via Walking in London - Forgotten Old London is one I've had my eye on for a while.
And on the 5th, back with Up in the Cheap Seats, at Hampstead Theatre, for Dry Powder.
Monday, 22 January 2018
Musical: Everybody's Talking About Jamie
Tonight, I was finally off to see Everybody's Talking About Jamie, at the Apollo - I rescheduled from the date I'd booked for last year. Sold on that original ticket, and bought another - using a £10 theatre token I earned from Seatplan, for leaving reviews with a photo! Not bad.. I heard great reviews of this, so was looking forward to it.
Wouldn't you know it, something tied me up at work again! (Pesky work..) Anyway, I still did make the bus stop in time, according to Google Maps' estimate. Just. No sign of the bus, though - and when I checked the indicator at the stop, it said mine wasn't due for another 12 minutes! I refreshed Google Maps, and sure enough, it said there was no way I'd now be there in time. Plan B: the Tube. So, I needs must make my way back across the busy road and onto the Tube, disembarking much more relaxed at Piccadilly Circus, being now in decent time. Now, it's a circular station, which makes finding the right exit a bit tricky - and it doesn't help when adjacent signs for Shaftesbury Avenue point in opposite directions! (I kid you not.) Still, it wasn't a long walk once I did find the exit (Exit 4, FYI). Short enough that the crowds on Shaftesbury Avenue weren't an issue, for once!
Actually, the worst crowd I encountered was the queue to see Thriller, showing next door to where I was going! A short queue at my theatre, I got my ticket at the box office, and made my way down to the stalls. I let out a massive sigh of relief as I was headed down - which was remarked upon by a nice American-sounding lady, descending with me! I explained that it'd been something of a trial to get there - she remarked that she'd eaten her dinner in, she thought, 12 minutes! I said I hoped it was nice, at least - she said it had been.
In the stalls, I was waved vaguely towards the back (gee!). I was in Row X, which turns out to be the very back row. And Seat 13 turns out to be the one right by the mixing desk - actually an excellent seat, generally, as you don't have to let anyone past, and there's space for your stuff. Plenty of legroom too, both by turning to the side, and if I let my legs drop over the ledge under the row in front. Not too far away, even at the back.That row is also raised nicely, to give a great view:
The band are positioned above the stage, as you can see. Now, as I say, I heard nothing but rave reviews about this. The show opens in a classroom, where a bored group of Sheffield teenagers in their final year are enduring an uninspiring careers class, taught by - I guess - the principal, as she features later. The class from hell, as I think anyone who's ever endured a class like them will recognise. Anyway, Jamie is in the class - and it all kicks off from there, as he takes the test to determine what career he's fit for, and it comes up as - forklift driver! or prison guard. He's having none of it - he wants to be a drag queen..
Aw man, they're right. This has to be absolutely one of the very best shows in town right now! It's hilarious, it's touching - it's really hard to believe that it's the writers' first musical, because what they've produced is right up there with anything that Andrew Lloyd-Webber could do. Toe-tapping throughout, with a blazing soundtrack that I'd like to buy, it's also got soaring melodies that show off the impressive vocal range of the actors. Terrific dance routines too, as you'd expect. I absolutely adored it - even the person on the mixing desk was bopping away.. and the whole of the stalls, at least, leapt to our feet at the end in a standing ovation. I felt like punching the air and yelling, "Hell, yeah!". As we made our slow way out, someone behind me agreed with her mother that they should come again - and bring her dad too, he'd love it. Currently booking until the 16th of October - probably wise to book in advance, it was pretty full tonight. (There was a House Full sign outside, but the tickets might have been sold to resellers that didn't manage to sell them on.)
Wouldn't you know it, something tied me up at work again! (Pesky work..) Anyway, I still did make the bus stop in time, according to Google Maps' estimate. Just. No sign of the bus, though - and when I checked the indicator at the stop, it said mine wasn't due for another 12 minutes! I refreshed Google Maps, and sure enough, it said there was no way I'd now be there in time. Plan B: the Tube. So, I needs must make my way back across the busy road and onto the Tube, disembarking much more relaxed at Piccadilly Circus, being now in decent time. Now, it's a circular station, which makes finding the right exit a bit tricky - and it doesn't help when adjacent signs for Shaftesbury Avenue point in opposite directions! (I kid you not.) Still, it wasn't a long walk once I did find the exit (Exit 4, FYI). Short enough that the crowds on Shaftesbury Avenue weren't an issue, for once!
Actually, the worst crowd I encountered was the queue to see Thriller, showing next door to where I was going! A short queue at my theatre, I got my ticket at the box office, and made my way down to the stalls. I let out a massive sigh of relief as I was headed down - which was remarked upon by a nice American-sounding lady, descending with me! I explained that it'd been something of a trial to get there - she remarked that she'd eaten her dinner in, she thought, 12 minutes! I said I hoped it was nice, at least - she said it had been.
In the stalls, I was waved vaguely towards the back (gee!). I was in Row X, which turns out to be the very back row. And Seat 13 turns out to be the one right by the mixing desk - actually an excellent seat, generally, as you don't have to let anyone past, and there's space for your stuff. Plenty of legroom too, both by turning to the side, and if I let my legs drop over the ledge under the row in front. Not too far away, even at the back.That row is also raised nicely, to give a great view:
The band are positioned above the stage, as you can see. Now, as I say, I heard nothing but rave reviews about this. The show opens in a classroom, where a bored group of Sheffield teenagers in their final year are enduring an uninspiring careers class, taught by - I guess - the principal, as she features later. The class from hell, as I think anyone who's ever endured a class like them will recognise. Anyway, Jamie is in the class - and it all kicks off from there, as he takes the test to determine what career he's fit for, and it comes up as - forklift driver! or prison guard. He's having none of it - he wants to be a drag queen..
Aw man, they're right. This has to be absolutely one of the very best shows in town right now! It's hilarious, it's touching - it's really hard to believe that it's the writers' first musical, because what they've produced is right up there with anything that Andrew Lloyd-Webber could do. Toe-tapping throughout, with a blazing soundtrack that I'd like to buy, it's also got soaring melodies that show off the impressive vocal range of the actors. Terrific dance routines too, as you'd expect. I absolutely adored it - even the person on the mixing desk was bopping away.. and the whole of the stalls, at least, leapt to our feet at the end in a standing ovation. I felt like punching the air and yelling, "Hell, yeah!". As we made our slow way out, someone behind me agreed with her mother that they should come again - and bring her dad too, he'd love it. Currently booking until the 16th of October - probably wise to book in advance, it was pretty full tonight. (There was a House Full sign outside, but the tickets might have been sold to resellers that didn't manage to sell them on.)
Tomorrow, I'm going to Yous Two, at Hampstead Theatre - my first Meetup with North London Friends, finally! I think they might have been the only outlet for tickets, when I booked - I haven't tended to book with them, as they charge a fee. Last night's organiser is going to that too, it seems.
On Wednesday, I'm finally going to Rita, Sue, and Bob Too! at the Royal Court, with Up in the Cheap Seats. Interesting one, this - we'd booked before, but then the whole run was cancelled after the co-director thought that the subject matter, about the exploitation of teenage girls, was too controversial in the wake of the Weinstein controversy. The artistic director subsequently reversed the decision.
On Thursday, I'm going to The Birthday Party, in the Harold Pinter Theatre. Interesting review in a recent paper. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.
Next Monday, back to the Orange Tree in Richmond for Out of Love, with Up in the Cheap Seats. Have to rush for that one - it's another evening I have a late meeting! Should make it, though.
On the 30th, finally back with Funzing! LDN Talks @ Night and London Speaks Sessions are talking about the Seven Wonders of the Solar System, at Cafe 1001. Yeuch - can't stand the place: hipster central. Still, at least I can walk there from work..
On the 31st, I had RSVPed with London Science Talks and Museums Meetup, for a Science Museum late. But hey, it's free - so I had no problem cancelling when Let's Do This advertised a meal the same evening. Turkish, I believe, with a drink at the George Inn beforehand. Closer to me, too.
I start February with two from Up in the Cheap Seats. On the 1st, I'm at John in the National. And on the 2nd, my now-nearby venue, finally - I'm at Sadler's Wells Sampled.
On the 3rd, I'm finally back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group (fairly trips off the tongue, that!) for a free walk - Secret Diaries and Public Spaces: the Legacy of Pepys and Wren. As run by Walk London. I had a great time with this group before - it's a shame they so frequently clash with other things I'm doing.
On the 4th, another walk, with Funzing, via Walking in London - Forgotten Old London is one I've had my eye on for a while.
And on the 5th, back with Up in the Cheap Seats, at Hampstead Theatre, for Dry Powder.
Musical: Barnum & Lumiere
Yesterday, I booked for the matinée of Barnum, in the Menier Chocolate Factory. And then, wouldn't you know it, Up in the Cheap Seats advertised a trip to the Lumiere Festival in the evening! It was the last day. So I said I'd tag along, after my show - as the organiser said, it could be a problem finding each other, but what the hey! I see London Social Detours was doing the same thing - and charging £3. So I stuck to Up in the Cheap Seats.
Wow, what a horrible day, weather-wise. When I looked out the window in the morning, it was snowing heavily! Not lodging, though - the ground was too wet. In due course, I wrapped myself up and headed out in it - there was no great rush, the show started later than the day before's matinée, and I didn't have a meal planned beforehand. By the time I left, it had turned to persistent rain. I was lucky the bus came straight away - I was already soaked! The smiling driver pulled right up to where I was standing - much appreciated.
Across the bridge then, and another soggy walk - I was glad to see the theatre approaching. Squelched in, through the restaurant to the theatre behind - I would've loved to pause to have something to eat, but there wasn't time. Instead, I made my way through to the theatre bar and box office. Now, funny thing here - I'd booked a Print at Home ticket originally, and the following month, got an email from them explaining that the seat I'd booked was restricted view for the previews, and allocating me a different seat in the same row, which I could pick up at the box office. And that's what I did, grateful to be in from the bitter cold, and defrosting. I got a glass of water - there was plenty about - and one of very decent wine at the bar, and grabbed about the last seat in the bar - seating isn't plentiful, here. I noted that the display cabinet across from the bench I was seated on was covered over, unusually - the rest of the bar is decorated with the sort of stuff that P. T. Barnum might have displayed: a pea from the last supper, that sort of thing.
Sipping the wine, I had it half drunk by the time the house opened, 20 minutes before start time. The place is decorated like a circus tent, so seating is in the round - I was intrigued to find that the seat I'd been given in the end - A32, the front row, is the next seat along from my original seat, A45! And that that is, indeed, right behind a pillar - my new seat's view was slightly restricted by the same pillar. I guess there's a more sensible seating arrangement after the previews..?
Well, entertainers move among the crowds as soon as they're seated, performing magic tricks and, later, juggling. And by the time start time arrives, the place is an absolute riot, people tumbling, shimmying up and down poles, juggling, and performing card tricks, so that you hardly know where to look! It sets the tone for almost the whole of the piece that is to follow, as we watch the story of the original showman!
What a show - what an opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with a production that's every bit as good as what you'll find in the West End! Beautifully sung, including the operatic numbers - Celinde Schoenmaker, who plays Jenny Lind, has a background in musical theatre. Beautifully choreographed - and nowhere in the West End will you get so close that you have to make sure to pull your legs in, lest the performers come a cropper as they dash on- and off-stage! Close enough to see them panting in the wings. This is a fantastic day out- for young and old alike! For me, however, the show was stolen by Mrs. Barnum, played by the excellent Laura Pitt-Pulford, who played a storm as Nell Gwynn at the Globe, last year. Ticket prices aren't cheap, but it's worth it. Running until the 3rd of March, evening performances Tue - Sat, matinées Saturday and Sunday. Booking recommended..
At the interval, I'd bought a bar of chocolate at the bar - gee, branded "Menier Chocolate Factory"! Nice to see them retaining some of that heritage. On my way out at the end, I took a moment to peruse the exhibits - and wouldn't you know it, that display case that was covered beforehand.. now contained.. eh, well, I'd hate to spoil the surprise! Go see for yourself. Anyway, I now had to race across town - and the show had finished late. Happily, the organiser had said we'd meet somewhere around Bond Street Tube, which I could get the Jubilee Line to, straight from London Bridge. Pissed rain on me all the way there, mind!
By the time I got to Bond Street, I was a bit later than anticipated - but they were still roughly where they'd expected to be, as I discovered when I got through to the organiser, on the second attempt. They were headed for Brown Hart Gardens (?). Gotta hand it to Lumiere, it took people down back alleys they'd never seen before! Well, Google Maps directed me there, and I had a bit of a wait before we all met up - but we did, in the end: a much depleted group from the number that had originally signed up, and who can blame them, with the weather? I had to laugh when I saw the map that the poor organiser had printed out - the soggy mess barely lasted him until we were finished with the Mayfair section!
I managed four here - of course, I missed the start! My favourite, I think, was Impulse - seesaws in the street, illuminated by the action of people playing on them!
More photos - and videos - here. After Mayfair, we moved on to the West End section - the largest. And yay, by this time, the rain had stopped! We meandered through the streets, trying to get everything on the list - weren't entirely successful, but as our guide said, hey, he didn't lose anyone! Plenty to love, here.. I think my favourite had to be the fish in a phonebox. :-) (Yes, they are actual, real fish..)
Tomorrow, I'm going to Yous Two, at Hampstead Theatre - my first Meetup with North London Friends, finally! I think they might have been the only outlet for tickets, when I booked - I haven't tended to book with them, as they charge a fee. Last night's organiser is going to that too, it seems.
On Wednesday, I'm finally going to Rita, Sue, and Bob Too! at the Royal Court, with Up in the Cheap Seats. Interesting one, this - we'd booked before, but then the whole run was cancelled after the co-director thought that the subject matter, about the exploitation of teenage girls, was too controversial in the wake of the Weinstein controversy. The artistic director subsequently reversed the decision.
On Thursday, I'm going to The Birthday Party, in the Harold Pinter Theatre. Interesting review in a recent paper. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.
Next Monday, back to the Orange Tree in Richmond for Out of Love, with Up in the Cheap Seats. Have to rush for that one - it's another evening I have a late meeting! Should make it, though.
On the 30th, finally back with Funzing! LDN Talks @ Night and London Speaks Sessions are talking about the Seven Wonders of the Solar System, at Cafe 1001. Yeuch - can't stand the place: hipster central. Still, at least I can walk there from work..
On the 31st, I had RSVPed with London Science Talks and Museums Meetup, for a Science Museum late. But hey, it's free - so I had no problem cancelling when Let's Do This advertised a meal the same evening. Turkish, I believe, with a drink at the George Inn beforehand. Closer to me, too.
I start February with two from Up in the Cheap Seats. On the 1st, I'm at John in the National. And on the 2nd, my now-nearby venue, finally - I'm at Sadler's Wells Sampled.
On the 3rd, I'm finally back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group (fairly trips off the tongue, that!) for a free walk - Secret Diaries and Public Spaces: the Legacy of Pepys and Wren. As run by Walk London. I had a great time with this group before - it's a shame they so frequently clash with other things I'm doing.
On the 4th, another walk, with Funzing, via Walking in London - Forgotten Old London is one I've had my eye on for a while.
And on the 5th, back with Up in the Cheap Seats, at Hampstead Theatre, for Dry Powder.
Wow, what a horrible day, weather-wise. When I looked out the window in the morning, it was snowing heavily! Not lodging, though - the ground was too wet. In due course, I wrapped myself up and headed out in it - there was no great rush, the show started later than the day before's matinée, and I didn't have a meal planned beforehand. By the time I left, it had turned to persistent rain. I was lucky the bus came straight away - I was already soaked! The smiling driver pulled right up to where I was standing - much appreciated.
Across the bridge then, and another soggy walk - I was glad to see the theatre approaching. Squelched in, through the restaurant to the theatre behind - I would've loved to pause to have something to eat, but there wasn't time. Instead, I made my way through to the theatre bar and box office. Now, funny thing here - I'd booked a Print at Home ticket originally, and the following month, got an email from them explaining that the seat I'd booked was restricted view for the previews, and allocating me a different seat in the same row, which I could pick up at the box office. And that's what I did, grateful to be in from the bitter cold, and defrosting. I got a glass of water - there was plenty about - and one of very decent wine at the bar, and grabbed about the last seat in the bar - seating isn't plentiful, here. I noted that the display cabinet across from the bench I was seated on was covered over, unusually - the rest of the bar is decorated with the sort of stuff that P. T. Barnum might have displayed: a pea from the last supper, that sort of thing.
Sipping the wine, I had it half drunk by the time the house opened, 20 minutes before start time. The place is decorated like a circus tent, so seating is in the round - I was intrigued to find that the seat I'd been given in the end - A32, the front row, is the next seat along from my original seat, A45! And that that is, indeed, right behind a pillar - my new seat's view was slightly restricted by the same pillar. I guess there's a more sensible seating arrangement after the previews..?
Well, entertainers move among the crowds as soon as they're seated, performing magic tricks and, later, juggling. And by the time start time arrives, the place is an absolute riot, people tumbling, shimmying up and down poles, juggling, and performing card tricks, so that you hardly know where to look! It sets the tone for almost the whole of the piece that is to follow, as we watch the story of the original showman!
What a show - what an opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with a production that's every bit as good as what you'll find in the West End! Beautifully sung, including the operatic numbers - Celinde Schoenmaker, who plays Jenny Lind, has a background in musical theatre. Beautifully choreographed - and nowhere in the West End will you get so close that you have to make sure to pull your legs in, lest the performers come a cropper as they dash on- and off-stage! Close enough to see them panting in the wings. This is a fantastic day out- for young and old alike! For me, however, the show was stolen by Mrs. Barnum, played by the excellent Laura Pitt-Pulford, who played a storm as Nell Gwynn at the Globe, last year. Ticket prices aren't cheap, but it's worth it. Running until the 3rd of March, evening performances Tue - Sat, matinées Saturday and Sunday. Booking recommended..
At the interval, I'd bought a bar of chocolate at the bar - gee, branded "Menier Chocolate Factory"! Nice to see them retaining some of that heritage. On my way out at the end, I took a moment to peruse the exhibits - and wouldn't you know it, that display case that was covered beforehand.. now contained.. eh, well, I'd hate to spoil the surprise! Go see for yourself. Anyway, I now had to race across town - and the show had finished late. Happily, the organiser had said we'd meet somewhere around Bond Street Tube, which I could get the Jubilee Line to, straight from London Bridge. Pissed rain on me all the way there, mind!
By the time I got to Bond Street, I was a bit later than anticipated - but they were still roughly where they'd expected to be, as I discovered when I got through to the organiser, on the second attempt. They were headed for Brown Hart Gardens (?). Gotta hand it to Lumiere, it took people down back alleys they'd never seen before! Well, Google Maps directed me there, and I had a bit of a wait before we all met up - but we did, in the end: a much depleted group from the number that had originally signed up, and who can blame them, with the weather? I had to laugh when I saw the map that the poor organiser had printed out - the soggy mess barely lasted him until we were finished with the Mayfair section!
I managed four here - of course, I missed the start! My favourite, I think, was Impulse - seesaws in the street, illuminated by the action of people playing on them!
More photos - and videos - here. After Mayfair, we moved on to the West End section - the largest. And yay, by this time, the rain had stopped! We meandered through the streets, trying to get everything on the list - weren't entirely successful, but as our guide said, hey, he didn't lose anyone! Plenty to love, here.. I think my favourite had to be the fish in a phonebox. :-) (Yes, they are actual, real fish..)
Before we did the last couple, we repaired to the pub for a drink and some crisps. And it was a long, long night - but a good one! When we finally parted, it was my intention to grab something to eat - but wouldn't you know it, everywhere was closed or closing, this being a Sunday. Happily, I discovered an open Co-Op on the way home, where I could at least buy something to stave off my hunger..
I could've blogged last night, except that I was anticipating a presale code, to entitle me to entry to a presale for tickets for U2's upcoming tour! The presale started this morning, so I went to bed early. This was something I was supposed to be entitled to, for pre-ordering the new album from an approved retailer, back in November. Sadly, it now turns out, even though I ordered via a link from U2's website, that this was "not an approved retailer", so I don't get a code. Someone really needs to take the management of that site round the back and have a word.. Good luck to me in the public scrum on Friday!
Tonight, I'm finally off to see Everybody's Talking About Jamie, at the Apollo - I rescheduled from the date I'd booked for last year. Sold on that original ticket, and bought another - using a £10 theatre token I earned from Seatplan, for leaving reviews with a photo! Not bad.. I hear great reviews of this, so looking forward to it.
Tomorrow, I'm going to Yous Two, at Hampstead Theatre - my first Meetup with North London Friends, finally! I think they might have been the only outlet for tickets, when I booked - I haven't tended to book with them, as they charge a fee. Last night's organiser is going to that too, it seems.
On Wednesday, I'm finally going to Rita, Sue, and Bob Too! at the Royal Court, with Up in the Cheap Seats. Interesting one, this - we'd booked before, but then the whole run was cancelled after the co-director thought that the subject matter, about the exploitation of teenage girls, was too controversial in the wake of the Weinstein controversy. The artistic director subsequently reversed the decision.
On Thursday, I'm going to The Birthday Party, in the Harold Pinter Theatre. Interesting review in a recent paper. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.
Next Monday, back to the Orange Tree in Richmond for Out of Love, with Up in the Cheap Seats. Have to rush for that one - it's another evening I have a late meeting! Should make it, though.
On the 30th, finally back with Funzing! LDN Talks @ Night and London Speaks Sessions are talking about the Seven Wonders of the Solar System, at Cafe 1001. Yeuch - can't stand the place: hipster central. Still, at least I can walk there from work..
On the 31st, I had RSVPed with London Science Talks and Museums Meetup, for a Science Museum late. But hey, it's free - so I had no problem cancelling when Let's Do This advertised a meal the same evening. Turkish, I believe, with a drink at the George Inn beforehand. Closer to me, too.
I start February with two from Up in the Cheap Seats. On the 1st, I'm at John in the National. And on the 2nd, my now-nearby venue, finally - I'm at Sadler's Wells Sampled.
On the 3rd, I'm finally back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group (fairly trips off the tongue, that!) for a free walk - Secret Diaries and Public Spaces: the Legacy of Pepys and Wren. As run by Walk London. I had a great time with this group before - it's a shame they so frequently clash with other things I'm doing.
On the 4th, another walk, with Funzing, via Walking in London - Forgotten Old London is one I've had my eye on for a while.
And on the 5th, back with Up in the Cheap Seats, at Hampstead Theatre, for Dry Powder.
Saturday, 20 January 2018
Play: Witness for the Prosecution & Lumiere
Happy New Year to Helen and her husband! Today, we all went to see Agatha Christie's Witness for the Prosecution, which is showing in County Hall. Lunch beforehand - then we planned to hit the Lumiere Festival after, for a bit.
Drizzle when I set out - it was forecast to clear, later. The #4 bus took me to Waterloo, where their train was coming in - I believe it's listed as one of the scenic bus routes, and it's not hard to see why!
More photos here. Made it to the station early - it was too cold to sit, honestly, so I stood and waited, and when I saw a crowd of people getting off a train, sure enough, it was theirs. We decided on Italian, and headed for Azzurro, just outside. We were seated without trouble, served pretty quickly - apart from the jug of tap water, which they forgot about for a while. Still, the Chenin Blanc was lovely, as was the garlic bread - pity the carbonara was so bland. Perhaps I should have had the mozzarella on top, after all - I remember with fondness the gorgeous carbonara I used to have at Cafe Milano. Ah well, never mind. The others had penne, sea bass, rosé, and San Pellegrino, along with a basket of different breads - all went down well. We might have stayed for a delicious-sounding dessert, but time was passing, and it wouldn't have been pleasant to rush.
Well, Helen knew her way to County Hall, so we found it without trouble, and it was just a quick walk. Just as well, as the rain hadn't heard the forecast, and was pouring down! Inside, we presented our tickets, bought a programme - on that lovely, smelly paper, as she remarked - and made our way upstairs. The front stairs are marble, carpeted in a rich blue - the back stairs we ended up on are narrower, uncarpeted. And there is a very great lot of them! I believe there is a lift, should you need it. Anyway, we duly reached our level - where there was yet another bar. I must say, they're well-served for them here! Got drinks, and made our way into the impressive council chamber, which serves as a very atmospheric courthouse:
Steep stairs in the gallery - comfy bench seats though, leather, as with the rest of the chamber, and a birds'-eye view of proceedings, if somewhat restricted by the large, obtrusive, marble pillars. We settled ourselves - we could spread out a bit, as we didn't have anyone else in our bit. And wouldn't you know it, one of our ex-colleagues was right in front of us! We weren't sure it was him until he checked in on Facebook as Helen was checking her feed. Well gee, as he remarked, it's a small world.
What a dramatic setting! Imposing, traditional, timeless - the perfect backdrop to this courtroom murder drama. That stool that's spotlit at the start is soon to support the weight of the accused, a charming young man who befriended an older, wealthy woman, whom he's now accused of killing. The poor fellow's only hope is his devoted wife, with whom he spent the evening, and who will provide his alibi. But none of us are prepared for what happens next!
It's Agatha Christie, so you know it's good. I couldn't see much of the judge, from where I was sat, but otherwise - by leaning to one side or the other - could see all the other action. Dramatic background music - as well as appropriate crowd reactions - are piped through the chamber, to help create the mood. And at the interval - as we dined on very moreish Marshfield ice cream from the bar - we debated who might actually have killed her, and what the motives of the various characters might be. But for all our acumen, we didn't get it right! Highly recommended for fans of murder mysteries - owing to demand, it's now booking till the 16th of September. (They might want to invest in a new cape for the prosecutor, though - his is very threadbare!)
Afterwards, we just had a quick schlep along a very cold South Bank to see how much of the Lumiere Festival was on show. Not too much, along there - the London Eye was changing colours:
..and we finished our walk with a (very) hot chocolate, and a look at a triangle illumination - we were there for the turning on, when they turned off the illuminations on the surrounding trees. Apparently, the lights are motion-sensitive, and activated by people walking through the installation:
The night ended for us with kayakers paddling down the river, lights on their boats. And so I bade my companions farewell at the station again - it was a very good day.
Tomorrow, I'm going to the matinée of Barnum, in the Menier Chocolate Factory. And then, wouldn't you know it, Up in the Cheap Seats advertised a trip to the Lumiere Festival that evening! It's the last day. So I said I'd tag along, after my show - as the organiser said, it could be a problem finding each other, but what the hey! I see London Social Detours is doing the same thing - and charging £3. So I'll stick to Up in the Cheap Seats.
On Monday, I'm finally off to see Everybody's Talking About Jamie, at the Apollo - I rescheduled from the date I'd booked for last year.
On Tuesday, I'm going to Yous Two, at Hampstead Theatre - my first Meetup with North London Friends, finally! I think they might have been the only outlet for tickets, when I booked - I haven't tended to book with them, as they charge a fee.
On Wednesday, I'm finally going to Rita, Sue, and Bob Too! at the Royal Court, with Up in the Cheap Seats. Interesting one, this - we'd booked before, but then the whole run was cancelled after the co-director thought that the subject matter, about the exploitation of teenage girls, was too controversial in the wake of the Weinstein controversy. The artistic director subsequently reversed the decision.
On Thursday, I'm going to The Birthday Party, in the Harold Pinter Theatre. Interesting review in yesterday's paper. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.
On the 29th, back to the Orange Tree in Richmond for Out of Love, with Up in the Cheap Seats. Have to rush for that one - it's another evening I have a late meeting! Should make it, though.
On the 30th, finally back with Funzing! LDN Talks @ Night and London Speaks Sessions are talking about the Seven Wonders of the Solar System, at Cafe 1001. Yeuch - can't stand the place: hipster central. Still, at least I can walk there from work..
On the 31st, I had RSVPed with London Science Talks and Museums Meetup, for a Science Museum late. But hey, it's free - so I had no problem cancelling when Let's Do This advertised a meal the same evening. Turkish, I believe, with a drink at the George Inn beforehand. Closer to me, too.
And I start February with two from Up in the Cheap Seats. On the 1st, I'm at John in the National. And on the 2nd, my now-nearby venue, finally - I'm at Sadler's Wells Sampled.
Drizzle when I set out - it was forecast to clear, later. The #4 bus took me to Waterloo, where their train was coming in - I believe it's listed as one of the scenic bus routes, and it's not hard to see why!
More photos here. Made it to the station early - it was too cold to sit, honestly, so I stood and waited, and when I saw a crowd of people getting off a train, sure enough, it was theirs. We decided on Italian, and headed for Azzurro, just outside. We were seated without trouble, served pretty quickly - apart from the jug of tap water, which they forgot about for a while. Still, the Chenin Blanc was lovely, as was the garlic bread - pity the carbonara was so bland. Perhaps I should have had the mozzarella on top, after all - I remember with fondness the gorgeous carbonara I used to have at Cafe Milano. Ah well, never mind. The others had penne, sea bass, rosé, and San Pellegrino, along with a basket of different breads - all went down well. We might have stayed for a delicious-sounding dessert, but time was passing, and it wouldn't have been pleasant to rush.
Well, Helen knew her way to County Hall, so we found it without trouble, and it was just a quick walk. Just as well, as the rain hadn't heard the forecast, and was pouring down! Inside, we presented our tickets, bought a programme - on that lovely, smelly paper, as she remarked - and made our way upstairs. The front stairs are marble, carpeted in a rich blue - the back stairs we ended up on are narrower, uncarpeted. And there is a very great lot of them! I believe there is a lift, should you need it. Anyway, we duly reached our level - where there was yet another bar. I must say, they're well-served for them here! Got drinks, and made our way into the impressive council chamber, which serves as a very atmospheric courthouse:
Steep stairs in the gallery - comfy bench seats though, leather, as with the rest of the chamber, and a birds'-eye view of proceedings, if somewhat restricted by the large, obtrusive, marble pillars. We settled ourselves - we could spread out a bit, as we didn't have anyone else in our bit. And wouldn't you know it, one of our ex-colleagues was right in front of us! We weren't sure it was him until he checked in on Facebook as Helen was checking her feed. Well gee, as he remarked, it's a small world.
What a dramatic setting! Imposing, traditional, timeless - the perfect backdrop to this courtroom murder drama. That stool that's spotlit at the start is soon to support the weight of the accused, a charming young man who befriended an older, wealthy woman, whom he's now accused of killing. The poor fellow's only hope is his devoted wife, with whom he spent the evening, and who will provide his alibi. But none of us are prepared for what happens next!
It's Agatha Christie, so you know it's good. I couldn't see much of the judge, from where I was sat, but otherwise - by leaning to one side or the other - could see all the other action. Dramatic background music - as well as appropriate crowd reactions - are piped through the chamber, to help create the mood. And at the interval - as we dined on very moreish Marshfield ice cream from the bar - we debated who might actually have killed her, and what the motives of the various characters might be. But for all our acumen, we didn't get it right! Highly recommended for fans of murder mysteries - owing to demand, it's now booking till the 16th of September. (They might want to invest in a new cape for the prosecutor, though - his is very threadbare!)
Afterwards, we just had a quick schlep along a very cold South Bank to see how much of the Lumiere Festival was on show. Not too much, along there - the London Eye was changing colours:
..and we finished our walk with a (very) hot chocolate, and a look at a triangle illumination - we were there for the turning on, when they turned off the illuminations on the surrounding trees. Apparently, the lights are motion-sensitive, and activated by people walking through the installation:
The night ended for us with kayakers paddling down the river, lights on their boats. And so I bade my companions farewell at the station again - it was a very good day.
Tomorrow, I'm going to the matinée of Barnum, in the Menier Chocolate Factory. And then, wouldn't you know it, Up in the Cheap Seats advertised a trip to the Lumiere Festival that evening! It's the last day. So I said I'd tag along, after my show - as the organiser said, it could be a problem finding each other, but what the hey! I see London Social Detours is doing the same thing - and charging £3. So I'll stick to Up in the Cheap Seats.
On Monday, I'm finally off to see Everybody's Talking About Jamie, at the Apollo - I rescheduled from the date I'd booked for last year.
On Tuesday, I'm going to Yous Two, at Hampstead Theatre - my first Meetup with North London Friends, finally! I think they might have been the only outlet for tickets, when I booked - I haven't tended to book with them, as they charge a fee.
On Wednesday, I'm finally going to Rita, Sue, and Bob Too! at the Royal Court, with Up in the Cheap Seats. Interesting one, this - we'd booked before, but then the whole run was cancelled after the co-director thought that the subject matter, about the exploitation of teenage girls, was too controversial in the wake of the Weinstein controversy. The artistic director subsequently reversed the decision.
On Thursday, I'm going to The Birthday Party, in the Harold Pinter Theatre. Interesting review in yesterday's paper. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.
On the 29th, back to the Orange Tree in Richmond for Out of Love, with Up in the Cheap Seats. Have to rush for that one - it's another evening I have a late meeting! Should make it, though.
On the 30th, finally back with Funzing! LDN Talks @ Night and London Speaks Sessions are talking about the Seven Wonders of the Solar System, at Cafe 1001. Yeuch - can't stand the place: hipster central. Still, at least I can walk there from work..
On the 31st, I had RSVPed with London Science Talks and Museums Meetup, for a Science Museum late. But hey, it's free - so I had no problem cancelling when Let's Do This advertised a meal the same evening. Turkish, I believe, with a drink at the George Inn beforehand. Closer to me, too.
And I start February with two from Up in the Cheap Seats. On the 1st, I'm at John in the National. And on the 2nd, my now-nearby venue, finally - I'm at Sadler's Wells Sampled.
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