Last night, our team social continued, though our team is no more! A large group of employees - past, present, and present but considering their options, but all friends - was headed to the excellent Le Sacré Coeur, which I ate at a while ago. Promised to be be a great night.
Ivan suggested meeting up beforehand for a drink or several, and I duly obliged - we met at the King's Head, just around the corner from the restaurant. He'd never been there before, and I was glad to be able to enlighten him about the pub's other incarnation as a theatre - you really cannot believe the quality of performances in theatre pubs all around London. Anyway, it was great to see him again as we caught up on all that had happened in the 18 days (!) since we'd last seen each other.
When it was time, we headed for the restaurant. Our numbers were somewhat depleted by several last-minute cancellations, but that just made it more manageable, as we occupied a long string of tables, much where I sat the last time. We were the first there, but it wasn't long before we were joined by several.
I went with the same starter as before (stuffed mushrooms), which was gorgeous, again, but more filling than I'd remembered.. I think the bottle of wine I'd just downed in the pub had somewhat dampened my appetite. I managed that, but had unwisely chosen the lamb stew for main. Unfortunately, anything red-meat based tends to be heavy here, and I really wasn't able for it. Still, I left room for that chocolate mousse dessert, which does indeed have a perfect, crumbly texture - and the wine flowed freely. Damn that Ivan though - those who left early paid their share, but when we who stayed later came to leave, we discovered that he'd covered the rest of the bill..!
And so on to a pub - whose name I failed to catch, sorry! And when we were chucked out, we were down to four who weren't ready to call it a night - so I suggested we go to the Hippodrome, that handy all-night venue. Where we snuggled into a cosy corner of the lounge until that closed, some time after 2, then Ivan and I went to the main bar for a bit before we finally folded, too.
I went straight to bed - no blogging - because I had an appointment with an estate agent this afternoon. Fruitless, I might add. This evening, I had booked with my cheap ticket club for Omid Singh, back at 2 Northdown - but then an ex-colleague, also job-hunting, messaged to say he had an interview in the area, and did I want to meet for a drink? Cue a nice evening's chat in the Craft Beer Co, and after he headed home - as I hadn't had time to eat properly - I headed for Nando's. Where I had pretty much the same as always, except for a quarter chicken, because I was entitled to one for free on my Nando's card. And on top of that, they were so frazzled by the time I was ready for dessert - I had to go and order it at the counter myself, unusually - that I got it for free. They usually take payment straight away, but had neither remembered to do that, nor billed me. So, a very good value meal then..
Tomorrow, the Crick Crack Club is back with their Archetype Series - this one is Rebels & Heroes, which should provide plenty of material. Participants this time are Hugh Lupton, Jan Blake, and Nell Phoenix - and the customary newcomer. And as usual, there'll be a Q+A. An excellent night is expected! It's back at Rich Mix. I've invited Ivan, who's a big fan of Jan Blake - hope he decides to come, he'd get a real kick out of it.
On Thursday, were to have yet another set of drinks to celebrate our recent redundancies - one of our number was on holiday for the last lot! So we'd be back at The Draft House. But that isn't happening now - so I'm going back to my original plan, of joining the Spooky London Paranormal Pub Meetup at the Viaduct. Then I'm back to Ireland for the Bank Holiday weekend.
Next Tuesday, I'm treating myself to a trip back to the Globe! It's been so long.. Henry IV, Part I is the occasion. Hope the weather's warmed up a bit, or I might be renting one of their cosy blankets..
The next three days are all with Up in the Cheap Seats. On the 8th, we're at the Royal Opera House for a mixed programme by the Royal Ballet.
On the 9th, we're back to Sadler's Wells for the opening night of Yang Liping's Rite of Spring.
And on the 10th - for something completely different - we're off to the Park Theatre for The Last Temptation of Boris Johnson! Brexit, of course, should feature strongly..
On the 11th, mention was made last night of Ivan playing piano, at some bar or other. So I feel a field trip coming on!
Tonight, back with Meetup - London European Club was off to a flamenco show at Sadler's Wells. Olé! Irresistible. Except.. early today, I checked the list of attendees. And who was coming (RSVPed today) but the Crazy Member.. nuts, I thought, I really want to go to that, but the last thing I want to do is spend all night trying to avoid her. So I cancelled my attendance - nothing I could do about the ticket.
Said I'd go to the cinema instead - and it was about time I went to see Wild Rose. It's kind of the country version of A Star Is Born - and I don't like country that much: but it's getting rave reviews, and the trailer looked ok, so.. It's been out a while, and by now the nearest place it was showing was in the BFI; when I checked, it was already mostly sold out! So I booked. Got the last seat that wasn't in the front row. It was a matinée, and I was just in nice time to catch the bus.
Well, I say nice time - it was actually about to pull out from the stop as I rounded the corner. I hate running for buses - wouldn't have bothered at all, but for the lady that ran ahead of me, for whom the driver waited. So, with a sigh, I ran too - she was still fiddling with her card when I got on.
So I got to the cinema even earlier than I predicted. I was a bit peckish, so checked out the café - I see they now have a cake and gelato counter! So gee, I ended up with - yes, yet another slice of lemon drizzle cake. This is becoming a habit. And very nice it was, too - and, I must say, a lot cheaper than that at the Curzon Soho.. By the time I was finished, the cinema was open, and I went in - as usual, missing the program notes they always provide just inside the door, and having to go back for them. It is a nice feature of coming here.
This film, set mostly in an overcast Glasgow, tells the story of wannabe country singer Jessie Buckley, who has a number of things blocking her career plans. There's the fact that she's just out of jail, and wearing an ankle tag that requires her to be at her registered address between 7pm and 7am. There's the fact that she has two small kids. And there's her mother (Dame Julie Walters), who treads a delicate line between trying to make her live up to her responsibilities and trying not to block her hopes and dreams. Mind you, on the other side, there's the rich lady (Sophie Okonedo), for whom she cleans, and who is blown away when she hears her sing, and encourages her any way she can. "Whispering" Bob Harris, the Radio 2 presenter, appears as himself.
See, my reservations about seeing this were as follows; I am not that crazy about country, and thought I'd have an overdose of it. I thought it'd be mawkish. I thought it'd be typically Glaswegianly depressing. And which of those happened? None of the above! She's a beautiful singer, and the songs - some original - are truly moving and perfectly chosen. The kids are sweet, but never too much - and as for it being depressing? Not a bit of it! Yes, the sky is perpetually overcast, and yes, when she does get to Nashville (spoiler!), the skies are blue. But the whole thing is peppered by wit, and her enthusiasm is infectious. Oh, and it's not a typical "A Star Is Born" storyline either - go see, find out for yourselves.
On the bus back, I noticed that they've cleaned off most (not all) of the graffiti on Waterloo Bridge, from the recent Extinction Rebellion protest! I saw much more when I last crossed it, on Wednesday. I decided just to try the Meetup page and see whether there'd been any change - and lo, my nemesis had cancelled her attendance! Well, lovely. I changed my RSVP - as soon as a dodgy internet connection would let me - got off early, and schlepped up the road to The Old Red Lion Theatre Pub, where the group was to meet.
That dog is quite the celebrity:
His dog bed lies near the back, but he hangs out wherever. Me, I headed to the (smelly) toilet - there's only one, but a sofa is provided outside for the queue. I then got a drink - and when I got to the table, saw the pie menu. I hadn't had time to organise food, with all the change of schedule - so I ordered the "moo" pie (steak and craft ale). They also have "moo & blue" (with cheese), "the free-ranger" (chicken), "Heidi" (vegetarian, with cheese etc.), and "Kevin" (vegan, with mushroom and tomato in a red wine sauce).
A sign outside proclaims these award-winning pies - I dunno about that, but mine was tasty enough. I'm guessing they're not made on the premises - and perhaps mine would've been better but for the stodgy gravy served with it, which probably was. Anyway, it filled the spot. The pub as a whole is quite dark and dingy-looking, but service comes with a smile and the wine is decent. And those who showed up there had a good chat until it was time for the short walk to the theatre.
Most of us were sat in the same row, in the rear of the second circle. But you know, it was a shame to leave so many empty seats in front of us. So we didn't.
Nine rows further forward, and maybe over twice the price. Nice! As was remarked during our chat, you don't expect conventionality - and sure enough, this was flamenco with a difference. Modelled, apparently, on what flamenco performers get up to after the show, it was a deconstruction of flamenco. Some dancers had the costume, some sang, some danced, some played guitar. Almost no-one coordinated what they were doing with anyone else. And towards the end, it got - literally as well as metaphorically - dark: perhaps an exploration of the darker side of the music.
Predictably, it received a mixed response. I noticed a couple of audience members leave at one point. Some of our group absolutely hated it. Me.. I appreciated the bits of familiar flamenco that I heard and saw. There was a lot of flamenco-style clapping, which I happily closed my eyes and listened to. There was some very accomplished dancing, and some truly amazing singing. I had had enough as the end drew near - to be fair, that coincided with a great lack of any traditional elements at all to focus on. And as I remarked at the end, if that's what they get up to after a show, I pity whoever has to clean up after them; the stage was a mess! Anyway, it was great to see everyone. Delighted I could go. That'll be my last Meetup for a while.
Tomorrow, our team social continues, though our team is no more! A large group of employees - past, present, and present but considering their options, but all friends - is headed to the excellent Le Sacré Coeur, which I ate at a while ago. Should be a great night.
On Tuesday, back with my cheap ticket club for Omid Singh, back at 2 Northdown.
On Wednesday, the Crick Crack Club is back with their Archetype Series - this one is Rebels & Heroes, which should provide plenty of material. Participants this time are Hugh Lupton, Jan Blake, and Nell Phoenix - and the customary newcomer. And as usual, there'll be a Q+A. An excellent night is expected! It's back at Rich Mix.
On Thursday, we're having yet another set of drinks to celebrate our recent redundancies - one of our number was on holiday for the last lot! So we'll be back at The Draft House, I think. Then I'm back to Ireland for the Bank Holiday weekend.
On the 7th, I'm treating myself to a trip back to the Globe! It's been so long.. Henry IV, Part I is the occasion. Hope the weather's warmed up a bit, or I might be renting one of their cosy blankets..
And the next three days are all with Up in the Cheap Seats. On the 8th, we're at the Royal Opera House for a mixed programme by the Royal Ballet.
On the 9th, we're back to Sadler's Wells for the opening night of Yang Liping's Rite of Spring.
And on the 10th - for something completely different - we're off to the Park Theatre for The Last Temptation of Boris Johnson! Brexit, of course, should feature strongly..
Meetup actually had a few things on today. But none grabbed me more than any other - and when I checked what was coming up top of the film list, it actually looked more attractive! A Tous Ceux Qui ne Me Lisent pas (To All Those Who Don't Read Me) is a comedy about a hapless poet. And he seemed an appealing chap, in the trailer. Was showing in the Curzon Soho at 1pm - but then, I wasn't too late to bed. Showed no signs of booking out, so I saved myself the booking fee.
I bussed - but Lord, was it cold, with a strong, biting wind! I shivered as I waited, at both stops.. and, as usual, was glad I carefully checked where Google Maps was sending me. I don't know what their logic was, but I was glad with my decision to get off a stop early, which made more sense to me. Anyway, I deliberately arrived early - in case of last-minute sales. I had a surprise when I went in - they've removed the box office! Makes sense - it really clogged up the space just inside the door. So now you just buy your ticket at the bar, downstairs. And since I still had loads of time, I had a slice of lemon drizzle cake at their cafe, on ground level. A nice big slice she cut me, too! And it was truly lemony.
They actually opened late - I took a seat opposite the screen door, so I could keep an eye on them. They finally let me in, 1-ish.. technical difficulties. I was the first, and seating was unreserved. Because gee, almost no-one seemed to want to see this! Anyway, it was part of their Canada Now programme, still running. That ends tomorrow.
It's loosely based on the life of the real-life Montréal poet, Yves Boisvert. An anarchic soul, dedicated to his work, he seems desperate not to conform to normality. Bless him, in the course of the film, he gets a girlfriend, bonds with her son, gets a 9-5 job.. and surprise, chucks it all. There was a Q+A afterwards with the director, who explained to us that yes, the girlfriend exists, and yes, she has a son - when asked whether the son was modelled on himself, he had to admit that he had grafted his story onto the son's character. Because he was about that age when he met Yves, who obviously made a big impression.
Yves - as represented in the film - has a lot of charisma, and I found it impossible not to sympathise with him. Despite the dinner party where he plays the part of the world's worst dinner guest, criticising the hostess for giving up her painting career for parenthood, accusing her of taking the easy path. (Best line in the film - the baby cries, and he remarks, "Ah, the sound of shattered dreams.") The director explained that he hadn't wanted to do a straight biopic, preferring to try to capture the man's essence - and I think he did a smashing job. This was a one-off showing, but I recommend it, if you should come across it - I defy you not to support the man's efforts to avoid conformity! The title, by the way, comes from something he says during the film - he says that he writes for the people who don't read him, just as nuns pray for those who don't have the time..
There was a syncing problem later in the film, with a disconnect between the sound and visuals. So someone involved in the festival offered anyone who wanted free tickets to a show tonight, to compensate - but I decided not to be greedy. Instead, I shivered my way home through something akin to gale-force winds. Brr - glad to be in again!
Tomorrow, back with Meetup - London European Club is off to a flamenco show at Sadler's Wells. Olé! Irresistible.
On Monday, our team social continues, though our team is no more! A large group of employees - past, present, and present but considering their options, but all friends - is headed to the excellent Le Sacré Coeur, which I ate at a while ago. Should be a great night.
On Tuesday, back with my cheap ticket club for Omid Singh, back at 2 Northdown.
On Wednesday, the Crick Crack Club is back with their Archetype Series - this one is Rebels & Heroes, which should provide plenty of material. Participants this time are Hugh Lupton, Jan Blake, and Nell Phoenix - and the customary newcomer. And as usual, there'll be a Q+A. An excellent night is expected! It's back at Rich Mix.
On Thursday, we're having yet another set of drinks to celebrate our recent redundancies - one of our number was on holiday for the last lot! So we'll be back at The Draft House, I think. Then I'm back to Ireland for the Bank Holiday weekend.
On the 7th, I'm treating myself to a trip back to the Globe! It's been so long.. Henry IV, Part I is the occasion. Hope the weather's warmed up a bit, or I might be renting one of their cosy blankets..
And the next three days are all with Up in the Cheap Seats. On the 8th, we're at the Royal Opera House for a mixed programme by the Royal Ballet.
On the 9th, we're back to Sadler's Wells for the opening night of Yang Liping's Rite of Spring.
And on the 10th - for something completely different - we're off to the Park Theatre for The Last Temptation of Boris Johnson! Brexit, of course, should feature strongly..
Today, I thought of film - and what came up was Eighth Grade, opening today, about the final week of an unfortunate teen in middle school. (Higher-rated offerings didn't appeal.) The trailer looks quite appealing - quite funny. Showing in Rich Mix - I planned for the earlier showing. Never actually been to the cinema there before!
Gee, when I left my food in a bag in the fridge, my flatmate left it alone..! So I did get to eat before I left. And I could walk to this venue - Google Maps, as usual, was a lifesaver, despite wanting me to slip in the back entrance. Just as well I knew better. Now, Rich Mix has an interesting procedure for the cinema - they have a red line, leading along the floor from the entrance, to show you the way. They advertise this on the website, and sure enough, there it was. Anyway, first I approached the box office for a ticket - which he sold me, although strangely his first instinct was to give me one for the later showing! I know the public website doesn't allow ticket purchase within an hour of the performance, but surely he should have had access.. anyway, I asked whether there wasn't one earlier, and duly got my ticket. "Follow the red line," he said.
First, the line takes you to the back, and to Level 1, where there is a cinema box office and concession stand. (There is a lift.) A long corridor follows - which was quite dark as I walked through, an usher relaxing in one of the chairs along the way. Checking my ticket, he informed me that Screen 3 - where I was headed - was on the top floor. And reminded me about the lift. And sure enough, each of the screens is on a separate floor up - arrive early if you plan to take the stairs, it's quite a climb!
Interesting wallpaper once you get there - look closely:
I was first into the screen, and as predicted by the guy at the box office, there weren't many more - he assured me I was free to change my seat, which I did. And so, the film.. The only actor I recognised in this was Josh Hamilton, who plays the clueless but devoted single father - although I'm guessing I'll hear a lot more about Elsie Fisher, the star, in years to come.
I don't normally watch coming-of-age stuff - I tend to find it twee, or derivative. Aw man though, they've reworked it here! It's actually - real! The star is pimply-faced and gauche, a bit plump, a bit geeky, always saying the wrong thing. All the predicaments she finds herself in are realistic, all the characters are believable. The mean, popular, non-spotty girl with the nerdy cousin, the guy with the dreamy eyes that makes her go ga-ga every time he walks in the room (despite being one of life's major jerks) - and her poor dad, trying desperately to connect with this increasingly insane-behaving teenager that lives in his house. Oh Lord, most of the time I didn't know whether to laugh or cringe. Actually, most of the time I wanted to give her a hug. Everyone's been in at least one of the situations depicted here. But seriously, I have to ask - is there no discipline at all in American schools..?
Truly worth a look - go see. On my way out, when I was again glad of the red line, curiously, I ran into a sea of people - so many that it was hard to squeeze my way through! The Avengers movie, I suppose.. which would've been my choice if I were into such things.
After seeing the chicken nuggets meal in the film - well, I just had to have a KFC. So I schlepped off - in a biting wind - to find one. Unfortunately, there was no room to sit - but it was just across from Liverpool Street Station, so I headed in there to eat, out of the wind. And it was piping hot and just delicious. Even though they seem to have forgotten my fries, and popped in sauce sachets instead of dips. I'd forgotten to bring a spoon for the beans I asked for as a side, so they didn't get eaten, sadly. And Storm Hannah hit on the way home, as it poured rain on me.
Meetup actually has a few things on tomorrow. But none grabs me more than any other - and when I checked what's coming up top of the film list, it actually looked more attractive! A Tous Ceux Qui ne Me Lisent pas (To All Those Who Don't Read Me) is a comedy about a hapless poet. And he seems an appealing chap. Showing in the Curzon Soho at 1pm - but then, I shouldn't be too late to bed; I'm certainly glad to be in, on a night like this! Doesn't seem to be booking out, but I should keep an eye on it - this cinema tends to fill up at the last minute!
On Sunday, back with Meetup - London European Club is off to a flamenco show at Sadler's Wells. Olé! Irresistible.
On Monday, our team social continues, though our team is no more! A large group of employees - past, present, and present but considering their options, but all friends - is headed to the excellent Le Sacré Coeur, which I ate at a while ago. Should be a great night.
On Tuesday, back with my cheap ticket club for Omid Singh, back at 2 Northdown.
On Wednesday, the Crick Crack Club is back with their Archetype Series - this one is Rebels & Heroes, which should provide plenty of material. Participants this time are Hugh Lupton, Jan Blake, and Nell Phoenix - and the customary newcomer. And as usual, there'll be a Q+A. An excellent night is expected! It's back at Rich Mix.
On Thursday, we're having yet another set of drinks to celebrate our recent redundancies - one of our number was on holiday for the last lot! So we'll be back at The Draft House, I think. Then I'm back to Ireland for the Bank Holiday weekend.
On the 7th, I'm treating myself to a trip back to the Globe! It's been so long.. Henry IV, Part I is the occasion. Hope the weather's warmed up a bit, or I might be renting one of their cosy blankets..
And the next three days are all with Up in the Cheap Seats. On the 8th, we're at the Royal Opera House for a mixed programme by the Royal Ballet.
On the 9th, we're back to Sadler's Wells for the opening night of Yang Liping's Rite of Spring.
And on the 10th - for something completely different - we're off to the Park Theatre for The Last Temptation of Boris Johnson! Brexit, of course, should feature strongly..
So, over Easter, I got a phone call from one of the interviewers I'd spoken to before, to invite me to an interview on Tuesday - which was perfect, as I was to fly back to London on Monday. And this was a face-to-face - without even a phone screen! And when Helen then asked whether I'd be free for lunch on Tuesday - well, of course I said yes, as long as I was done in time! Happily, my flight wasn't delayed by much at all - go figure, I guess no-one was travelling on Easter Monday. So I was to bed in decent time - well, allowing for washing my hair and swotting up for the interview..
On Tuesday, I was up in good time, and had agreed to meet Helen at Byron Burgers, there being a branch close to the interview site. Of course, I got slightly held up.. that night, I was headed with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) again for Come From Away, finally, at the Phoenix. And, having some time to spare before I left for lunch, I said I'd just check what the arrangements were about my ticket. Well, wouldn't you know it - this is one of the rare places that absolutely requires you to print out the ticket, if you'd selected an e-ticket! Tarnation - I booked this before there was any whisper of redundancies, then subsequently, of course completely forgot that, by the time the event rolled around, I wouldn't have access to the office printer any more! I emailed the box office to ask them to duplicate the ticket, so that I could pick it up - but it took them a while to respond, and in the meantime I dragged my own printer out from the dark cupboard where it'd resided for nearly a year, and went to all the trouble of finding paper, hooking it up and printing out the ticket myself. Pretty disastrous - the ink needs replacing and it came out all funny. Happily, the box office did eventually get back to me and confirm that I could pick up my duplicate, as requested.
(Sigh.) As a point of interest, Byron is on the first floor of One New Change. Made it to the eatery about 10 minutes late - she'd worried that we might have to book, but as we discovered, at 12.10 - 40 minutes after opening - it was almost empty. We even snagged a booth, all to ourselves. (Mind you, she remarked that the town was pretty empty in general.) Careful here - everything is delicious, but also filling, and you will probably overextend yourself. I certainly did - she had some of the onion rings I'd ordered, but I was completely unable; of course, these days they do include a portion of fries as standard, which wasn't always the case. They really have a way with burgers though - she had BBQ beef, I had BBQ chicken, and they both got finished, along with cheesy fries that she cheekily requested instead of the regular ones that come for free. All washed down with a very tasty bottle of pinot grigio. Somehow, we did manage a brownie each for dessert.. and service comes with a smile. Highly recommended, at all branches. My appetite wasn't perfectly on form though, as I was a bit nervous - I was happy to be sat facing an enormous clock, so I could check the time..
Afterwards, we schlepped up to the viewing deck for a while - again, no crowds! Simply delightful:
Well, I was grateful for something to take my mind off the interview for a few hours: but actually, within minutes of the interview starting, I was amazed at how relaxed I felt! I immediately had a really good feeling about it, and by the time I came out - it took a reassuringly long time - I was quite ready for evening. I've heard so much about this award-winning show, it's about time I saw it, eh? It's the true story, apparently, of the aftermath of 9-11, when all planes were temporarily grounded. And a small Newfoundland town played host to people stranded there, from all over!
I was early, so popped into the Caffe Nero across the road - just for a drink of water, as I was still quite full! Headed over near the time that we were due to meet (leaving most of the water - they unfortunately only had the large bottles. And I couldn't have taken it into the theatre).
Queued for the box office, then back outside - I was in the Grand Circle, whose door wasn't yet open. Not long till it was though, and I climbed an inordinate number of steps - in very short flights, so it didn't feel as bad - up to the Grand Circle bar, where our organiser was waiting, as most of us were sat up there.. and he had a spare seat! the last in the bar. I grabbed that pretty quickly, got myself an overpriced drink, and as the group arrived, I proceeded to regale them with tales of how well my interview had gone. On the way in, there was a board where you could attach a little tag to show where you were from - I'd thought it was too crowded, not noticing the separate board for the British Isles, where I might have found a space!
Most of us were sat in the very back row of the theatre - but as we tried to enter, there was this little old lady sat in one of our seats! She explained that she had booked a seat in the centre of the row, but was looking for one with a better view, as she hadn't brought her glasses. Like a magpie, she did try other seats, but it was sold out, I think - would you believe it, she managed to perch at the bottom of the stairs, right at the front of the Grand Circle, for the whole show without being evicted! Good for her.. it helped, of course, that there was no interval, so the ushers weren't around so much. Mind you, as we remarked, the view was perfectly good, even from the very back row of the theatre:
I was under some pressure here, in the company of so many who'd been before and were back for a repeat performance. Ok.. first impressions and I could immediately see the attraction. The soundtrack is damn catchy, a foot-thumping medley of songs driven by the band sitting to the rear of the stage. As emphasised by the foot-stamping cast, who play up a storm, representing different roles, shifting the minimal props around to represent different settings - from the bar to a plane to one of the public spaces used to accommodate 7,000 unexpected visitors..!
It's absolute machine-gun delivery, never letting up. Funny, poignant and true, as it tells some true stories of people that interacted in this small town. We're far removed from it now, and it's not so raw - but one scene that just melted me was when they set a room aside for religious services. And as the stranded, worried passengers filter in, they start with Make Me a Channel of Your Peace.. but just wait until the other religions enter, and start to merge their own hymns. I defy anyone not to be moved. You know, I did say afterwards that - with no reflection on the quality of the show - I still felt no major need to see it again. But hey, all the same, I wouldn't mind if I found myself in that position.. and that soundtrack is going on my favourites list. Runs until the 14th of September, booking highly recommended. Seeing it is also highly recommended - definitely one of the best shows in town. Most deserving of the standing ovation that extended all the way to the back row.
Listed as a separate Meetup for that night - afterwards, the band from the show plays at the Arts Club, downstairs, on Tuesdays: entry free if you have a ticket for the musical. If you're going separately, the entry ticket includes a free cocktail, which makes this excellent value! Se we scooted down there - no ticket check, I noted. And our efficient organiser had had a word in advance with the manager, who'd reserved some tables for us by the wall. We had a good night, a good chat, and the band treated us to hours of excellent trad music. Oh, and the wine is quite a bit cheaper than upstairs.
Proud to have been one of the last three of our group in the bar. ;-) I was too tired to bother blogging afterwards - went straight to bed. And yesterday, I got all caught up doing the film list..
Last night, back with London Literary Walks for his Elephant and Castle Walk. Another popular one - he even restricted the numbers, for the first time! We were to meet in The Three Stags - and I travelled there in buoyant mood, having received the news, just before I headed out, that I got that job. Yes, the one I interviewed for the day before! Unheard of, really - but the recruiter, when I mentioned as much to her, remarked that they weren't in the habit of hanging around. So I fairly skipped in. This is an interesting pub - very politically correct, shall we say:
They also support an animal charity, and something I haven't seen in many pubs - a contactless payment point on the bar to donate to the homeless. £3 a pass. Terrific idea!
There were so many of us that a helpful barman shoved over another table. Not only that, but there was cross-pollination - a couple of people who'd been with UITCS the night before had come along for the first time, and the organiser (Anthony) of Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group had come along! This group's fame is spreading..! Well, our guide for the evening spent so much time socialising that he fair forgot to drink his pint. So we were a little late in leaving - and as usual, we left without the full contingent. These things will happen when you run a free event - most people did show up, but not everyone bothers to cancel.
Someone had remarked that the theme of this "literary" walk wasn't the most literary. Indeed - but it was interesting, and it was varied. Our highlights included a lot of Charlie Chaplin's early life - we even got a dance performance from our guide as he demonstrated how the young Chaplin would entertain passers-by by tap dancing on the door to the cellar. As we remarked on leaving that spot, we hoped no-one had been under him in the cellar just then!
We got an explanation of how, not only is Easter a moveable feast, but so is St. George's Day, which can't be held in Easter Week - so it's next week instead. There was also a scientific bent to the walk, with an explanation of the periodic table of elements - and, walking through a park in bitter cold, we were told that Faraday was born there. Gee, I hope it was a bit warmer on that occasion.. And who could forget the Museum of Anarchy?
Kudos also to the participant in the walk who, with his comprehensive knowledge of both Chaplin and Kubrick, contributed much. (There's a Kubrick exhibition on, you see.) And to finish, we repaired to The Tankard - mock Tudor exterior, somewhat spoiled, as was pointed out, by the big banner outside advertising Sky Sports. Sure enough, there was football on inside, accompanied by two screens showing other programs, muted. The entire pub is dotted with them. When the football ended, they switched to music.. didn't stop those of us who stayed for a couple. And isn't it funny, at the end of the night there were three of us left again!
Had to take a couple of buses home, in absolutely freezing conditions. On the second, several people were asleep - including one sitting at the edge of the buggy / wheelchair area. When the bus braked suddenly, he went flying - his fall was broken by the folding bike that someone had left there.
Spent the rest of the night finishing the film list, in anticipation of going to a film today. Considering I'm still on garden leave, and my days are nice and free, I booked to meet 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners for a walk about A History of Chelsea - from quaint to Quant. Starting in the morning, they were meeting in the bar of the Royal Court, and were to have lunch after the walk. But you know, it was late enough when I got in, and I'd have had to go to bed pretty much straight away - I hadn't paid anything, so I just cancelled. Have to wait a bit longer to meet them.
Then, this morning, I got an email from my cheap ticket club - and lo, they had a couple of interesting offerings! So I said I'd pick one of those. A play called Devil's Choice sounded up my street - love devilish things, me. It's at The Playground Theatre - a fairly new one, I believe; I certainly hadn't been there before. This was the opening night. And my ticket represented a substantial saving on the official price, courtesy of Eventbrite.
Having spent most of the day doing this (extremely long) blog post, I was tight for time - finally dragged myself away and scooted down to the kitchen to grab what I had in the fridge from yesterday. Wouldn't you know it, one of my bloody flatmates had eaten it! I didn't really have time to buy more, bring it back and cook it - so I was quite hungry, heading all the way out West! Tube it was, this far out - and uncomfortable on the Northern Line, with me positioned so the only handrail I could reach was the ceiling one, which was uncomfortably high. Things, as usual, were much better on the Circle Line.
It's funny how far Latimer Road Station actually is from Latimer Road, where the theatre is! Seems a portion of the road was demolished for construction of the flyover, before which the road did run much closer to the station. Anyway, I need the exercise. And I love walking through the suburbs of West London, which are so much more pleasant.
Google Maps directed me until I practically fell across the theatre, which doesn't heavily advertise itself. I did arrive half an hour early - and boy, was I glad to see a cafe to the side! Better yet, they had some sandwiches - I chose one, and the nice man asked whether I wanted it toasted. Now, they were all made with brown bread, which doesn't often toast well - but I loved the sound of a toastie, and said yes please. I also had a wine, which he served to me in a plastic container - although I did manage to finish it before I went in. Grabbed the very last table - and he was obliging enough to bring the sandwich over for me, attractively presented on a plate, complete with knife and fork.
Oh Lord, it was lovely. Whatever bread they use toasts beautifully, and it was exactly what I needed. My mood had massively improved by the time I finished - the only thing that upset me was that I didn't have time to try what was a most attractive-looking chocolate cake. My table had several free chairs, and I'd happily have shared with any of the folks round about, looking for a place - but I'm afraid they were all too English to ask. Never mind..
When I was finished, the theatre was open - it had opened quite unobtrusively. So I showed the nice man my confirmation, and he scrabbled on his phone to find the list, before letting me in. Seating is unassigned in this small venue - I must also, sadly, report that it's a bit uncomfortable. The set takes the form of a well-appointed living room:
The central character - at least at first - is an ageing actress, to whom the Devil pays a visit. And a suave fellow he is too - sings, dances, wears a suit.. the only concession to his profession is a pair of red socks: and later, a red hat. Quite charming. She decides she wants eternal youth - he decides her soul isn't really enough for that, and persuades her to invite her three kids (sat in the audience) around, on the pretence that she's dying. But what deal does he have in mind? and what choices will everyone make?
There's a lot to like here. The set is pleasant, the soundtrack elegantly classical, and as I say, the Devil is a delight to watch. By and large, the acting is fine. However, for me, the son didn't convince, the first half (well, 2/3, given how short the section after the interval is) dragged, and - what the hell is with the ending? Took me quite a while to decide what I thought had happened. Most confusing. Anyway, if you decide to give it a try, it's on till Sunday - but honestly, I don't think it's worth the official price. Never mind the VIP ticket, whatever it is!
The Tube home was much emptier. Tomorrow, I'm also thinking of film - and what's coming up is Eighth Grade, opening tomorrow, about the final week of an unfortunate teen in middle school. (Higher-rated offerings didn't appeal.) The trailer looks quite appealing - seems quite funny. Showing in Rich Mix - I might surface in time for the earlier showing. Never actually been to the cinema there before!
On Tuesday, I was back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) for a charity gig at the Backyard Comedy Club. Mind you, I'd had an interview that afternoon - and was it gruelling! I was somewhat exhausted by the end - and still so when I headed out that evening, despite having had something to eat. We were meeting a bit early, and some people were going to have food there.
I only got more tired on the way, and by the time I got there, I was sufficiently out of it that I walked right past the venue. To be fair, I'd never been there before. Happily though, I met a couple of the group coming in the other direction, who directed me back to where I needed to be. We were early enough to get a table that was - roughly - large enough for the group, and while some ordered pizzas, I just had a glass of wine and some onion rings.
Gotta say, I'd be happy enough to eat a full meal here - the onion rings were very nice, and most restorative. Wine was nice, too - and the pizzas looked lovely. Anyway, the rest of the group gradually joined us, and when we saw someone sit at the "box office" desk, we all shuffled over to get our hands stamped - tickets not necessary, she had a checklist of our names. We had a fun time chatting - but once they knew the box office was occupied, some folk were preoccupied with spotting when the doors opened; few people want to be at the front of a comedy gig, after all! For all their peering over the crowd, they missed the actual moment - it wasn't until there was a general movement of the crowd (which now filled the bar) that we all made a move ourselves. Happily, we got a row near the back - it's not as though we were going to miss anything, the venue isn't that big! Glasses - and indeed food - can be taken in, so that's not an issue.
MC was Ben van der Velde, a charming chap who introduced to us a whole range of comedy talent. The comedy came to us in three sections, each with two acts - starting off the night was Jonny & The Baptists, who entertained us with musical numbers. But for me, the highlight of the first section was Angela Barnes, with some wicked one-liners. For instance, the image of Jacob Rees Mogg being "the end result of a government experiment to produce the world's most punchable face" will stay with me. Imran Yusuf took a seat for his mild-mannered performance. Interesting background - never mind his ethnic origin, or family history; he used to be a software developer! (Well, I would find that interesting..)
We went back out to the bar for each of the two intervals, and got our table back - but with me being so spaced-out, I decided against any more alcohol. Although I didn't have much cash on me - never do - I did find some for one of the several charity buckets going around - the night was in aid of Refugees at Home, which supports people with spare rooms who want to accommodate refugees.
The second section started with Tez Ilyas - but Aisling Bea got a larger reaction! She used the show as a practice run for her speech for her sister's upcoming wedding.. but the talking point afterwards was whether her dentist is really called Mark Wahlberg!
The final section had the biggest hitters of the night - Ed Gamble, with an hilarious description of a massage, and Josh Widdicombe, whose solo show I had booked for a while back and missed. He wasn't the first of the night to base his routine around his baby, but his description of being a new parent was terrific. Afterwards, they milled around the bar - but we didn't hang around long, the evening had overrun and people wanted to get home. I accompanied them down the road until they all literally poured into the Tube station! Me, of course, I was bussing it, as usual.
Yesterday, I arrived back in Ireland for Easter - by the time I got around to booking flights, that was the closest reasonably cheap date! Not only that, but the evening flights were full - I had to fly in the morning, which meant I hardly got any sleep that night. And by the time last night rolled around, I was far too tired to blog. Today was much more relaxed - I took my mother to confession in Ennis. Might I point out that the "Wait/Enter" lights above the confessional were most misleading, given that the wrong one was always illuminated.. Afterwards we headed, for the first time in years, to The Grove for dinner - it has the advantage of easy parking.
What a glorious day it turned out to be, warm and sunny! (Is winter over at last?!) We took a seat near the door, for the breeze, and regretted it when someone closed it. Not enough to reopen it, mind - it wasn't that hot!
Wow, this place has improved since I was last here. Service was terrific, quick and friendly - although they took a while to come to us after we arrived, so I got menus from the bar myself. And they took forever to come to us for our dessert order - by which time we'd decided we didn't want one anyway. There is a decent supermarket next door, which served us well for that.
The choice has improved, and the food was very good. Vegetable soup - with some indifferent bread - was followed, for me, by "Phille" chicken, with mushroom sauce and cheese, which was delicious. My mother had salmon, as usual, which she polished off. We had terrific sides of onion rings and sauté mushrooms, which were served with onion - both utterly delicious. The only problem was the quantity of food, which was a little too much for us. Still, I'd definitely be back here.
Flying back to London on Monday. On Tuesday, with UITCS again for Come From Away, finally, at the Phoenix. I've heard so much about this award-winning show, it's about time I saw it, eh? It's the true story, apparently, of the aftermath of 9-11, when all planes were temporarily grounded. And a small Newfoundland town played host to people stranded there, from all over! And - listed as a separate Meetup - afterwards, the band from the show is playing at the Arts Club, downstairs: entry free if you have a ticket for the musical. If you're going separately, the entry ticket includes a free cocktail, which makes this excellent value!
On Wednesday, back with London Literary Walks for his Elephant and Castle Walk. Another popular one.
And next Thursday - considering I'll still be on garden leave, and my days will be nice and free - I'm meeting 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners for a walk about A History of Chelsea - from quaint to Quant. Starting in the morning, we're meeting in the bar of the Royal Court, and will have lunch after the walk.
