Tonight, London Literary Walks (LLW) advertised a walk called Heart of the City. Wouldn't you know it, it went from practically outside my office.. to practically outside my flat! Couldn't refuse that, now could I?! Why, they'd just be walking me home from work.. and while rain was predicted again, it proved a much better day than yesterday. Besides, it's more pleasant if you're on the move, even in wet weather.
We started just down the road from the office, under five minutes' walk - so, of course, I was slightly late. In my defence, another of the group who works locally was one of the last to arrive! The Paternoster is our office pub, the first stop for work-related drinks - but I hadn't been there before. We were to spend a lot of the evening in the shadow of St. Paul's, and it's certainly evident here:
Famous people were mentioned. Did you know that around here is the highest point in the area?! Doesn't feel it - but it makes sense, given that Marconi decided to put his transmission mast here!
Heavens, the amount of things I pass every day without knowing their significance. For instance, this tree seems to have been mentioned by Wordsworth, and might be the oldest in London!
We also came across some interesting statues:
We talked about the remains from the Temple of Mithras, discovered locally.. and how so much was discovered from digging the foundations for new buildings!
Plenty of financial stories too, of boom and bust, in this area. But we finished the walk near where Shakespeare first lodged in London - just down the road from me!
And just a few of us finished the night back in The Astronomer, where someone new to the group kindly stood us a round, and we talked of this and that. Jeez, it's so seldom now that I go for a drink after a Meetup.. makes a nice change. And it's not exactly as though I had far to go to my bed.. another excellent evening, in excellent company. May there be many more. Oh, and yes, the rain held off!
Tomorrow, attending a performance of Hamlet by Shit-Faced Shakespeare at Leicester Square Theatre, with Civilised London (CL). Apparently, the idea is that one cast member performs while, well, shitfaced drunk. The organiser scored us some cheap tickets.
On Friday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) for Barber Shop Chronicles at the Roundhouse. A National Theatre co-production, apparently.
On Saturday, a group called Get Out of London is off to Stratford-upon-Avon. Ooh, I thought, that sounds nice - but they're leaving ridiculously early, and coming back the same evening. It being a Saturday, I thought it'd be much nicer to head off at a more civilised hour and stay the night! So that's what I'm doing. Booked a nice, cheap advance train ticket and a night at the Doubletree by Hilton - and because I booked with Expedia, I got a nice discount, on account of all those U2 trips I've been booking with them lately! It's very near the station, which will be convenient. Handily enough, my guide book to England didn't get thrown out in the recent move - and reading it, I might have missed a trick; seems the Shakespeare Hotel is an olde-fashioned type of establishment, and might have been nice. Never mind, it might just be noisy. Only thing is, I just on Monday got a delivery slip for a missed delivery, which I have to pick up at the sorting office - which isn't close to me! And the only real window I have to pick that up - is on Saturday morning. Just as well I didn't book too early a train - for that price, I have to take a specific one!
Of course, I've been busy booking other things too - such as a "full-story" ticket to all the five houses associated with Shakespeare (much better value than individual tickets: I pick it up when I get there - valid for a year); a couple of them are a bit far-flung, but I believe the hop-on, hop-off city sightseeing bus covers them all. So I've booked a 24-hour ticket for that too - cheaper on that website. (Valid for three months after booking, and for 24 hours after first use. Cancellable up to 48 hours beforehand. But I had to get a co-worker to print it for me - they only accept paper confirmations! and I still can't get the office printer to work.) And, of course - considering what I'm like - I've booked myself into an RSC production that night, at the Swan. It's not Shakespeare, but it is a period play; Venice Preserved is a Restoration thriller.
I'll come back on Sunday evening. On Monday, back with UITCS for Pilgrims, at the Orange Tree Theatre.
On Tuesday, I'm off to the Bunker.. they have a program of plays by black writers, called This is Black, and that day, I'm seeing Double Bill 2 (they run on alternate days).
Next Wednesday, LLW has a walk called Moby Dick (ahoy!). It's around Greenland Dock.
On the 8th, I'm at a UITCS double bill at the Orange Tree! The Mikvah Project and Eight Gigabytes of Hardcore Pornography! (ahem..) Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On the 12th, I booked for This is Black, Double Bill 1. But gee, today, CL advertised another night at Wilton's - featuring, on this occasion, the Lucky Dog Jazz Trio. Now, that'll be a blast! So I'm going to that, instead.
On the 13th, back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group - they're at a free outdoor concert in Canada Square Park, called the Magic of the Movies. Again, I'll be watching the weather.
Now, UITCS is at Matthew Bourne's Romeo and Juliet the same night, at Sadler's Wells - and I was gutted not to get a ticket. But guess what - I got one for the next night! Last seat in the house, in fact.. love Matthew Bourne.
On the 15th, back with The Embers Collective, who are performing Full Moon Stories at Cafe Cairo.
On the 16th, I'm back with the Best Authentic Walking Tours in London (aka Funzing) - for the Sex, Drugs, Sausage Rolls Tour. Unusual for me to find a new walk!
On the 17th, going to see The Doctor, with Juliet Stevenson, at the Almeida. Now, I'd originally booked for this for the 15th, forgetting that The Embers Collective were meeting that day. Can happen when I'm booking lots of stuff. When I realised my mistake, I thought I just wouldn't bother with this - then saw that London Dramatic Arts are going on the 17th! So I switched my ticket to that night, and let them know I was coming too. Now, the organiser is selling tickets for this, and doesn't appreciate competition - or anyone advertising another way to get tickets. Which might be why she deleted the comment I left to explain that I'd be there that night too! I haven't had a message from her either - so I suppose she'll be ignoring me, then. Wouldn't be the first time.
On the 18th, going with CL to the Cartoon Museum - with optional dim sum afterwards. Yes please!
On the 19th, I'm finally going to see Evita, at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. Never have seen it.
On the 20th, with the London European Club at the Globe - we're going to risk The Comedy of Errors.
And on the 21st, I'm seeing Showtune - an evening of Jerry Herman music - at the Union Theatre.
Yesterday, I was to be back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group (ACEWAG), who were off to a free Motown concert in Canary Wharf. First come, first served for spots on the grass. But with thunderstorms predicted, I didn't really fancy that. So instead, I booked with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) again, for Fiddler on the Roof, at the Playhouse. Up in the highest level (literally, in the cheap seats), I booked myself an aisle seat, for the extra legroom. I'd never seen this live - seen the film a few times, of course! This also had the advantage that I didn't have to leave so early.
Boy, was I ever right with the weather forecast - it was a miserable day! It lashed consistently. In the end, I see about a quarter of the people from that group who'd signed up for that concert cancelled - including the host. Me, I left a bit early, and arrived first of our group to the theatre.
Now, this turns out to be one of those old-fashioned establishments that don't scan barcodes on phones. So I tried to print out the ticket at the office - and wouldn't you know it, the printer just ignored me. No error, but no printing either. So I rang the box office, to get them to print it out. And when I eventually got through, the nice man said of course they would. The box office here turns out to be a completely separate door at the side, BTW - and lo, when I got there and asked her, there was no ticket for me. Well, I explained the situation, and she happily printed me another copy - asking me first did I remember my seat number, of all things! Interestingly, I'm sure I saw others who had printed out tickets, but were still made to go to the box office..
We gradually accumulated, under the convenient tree outside, before heading in, as soon as everyone was there - there was quite a queue. Two were in the stalls - the rest of us all the way up in the upper circle. And boy, are there some stairs up there! I think the only place I've been that's more exhausting is the Coliseum. Even meeting the others in the dress circle bar, as a compromise, at the interval was like mountaineering. (Well-signposted, mercifully.) Well, I managed it without cardiac arrest - just - and took my seat:
I'm glad I was on the aisle - someone was complaining about the legroom, afterwards, and I do know it's just uncomfortable at this level. I spent the whole show with my legs swivelled to the side. And most of it leaning, to see over people's heads - luckily, there was no-one behind me to complain.
Fantastic show though - reminding me of everything I'd forgotten from the film. Beautifully sung, beautifully danced - and the dance where they balance bottles on their heads was all the better for one falling off, and proving to us all that they weren't glued on! Gotta be honest, by and large, I did spend my whole time remembering how the film did it: but the ending is more poignant than the film, as this poor man whose travails we've been living through for the evening faces the worst of all, as his family is banished in the pogrom. Cannot fault the production - and you can't go wrong with the Fiddler. Runs on selected dates to the 2nd of November - highly recommended. Oh, and I got my wine in a proper glass at the interval - she said that was fine, as long as I wasn't in the front two rows (I'm guessing that applies to the upper levels). And as I didn't see anywhere to leave it on the way out, I took it home as a souvenir - goodness knows, the wine was expensive enough anyway.
It ran too late to blog, last night. Tonight, London Literary Walks (LLW) advertised a walk called Heart of the City. Wouldn't you know it, it goes from practically outside my office.. to practically outside my flat! Couldn't refuse that, now could I?! Why, they'll just be walking me home from work.. and while rain is predicted again, it's already a better day than yesterday. Besides, it's more pleasant if you're on the move.
Tomorrow, attending a performance of Hamlet by Shit-Faced Shakespeare at Leicester Square Theatre, with Civilised London (CL). Apparently, the idea is that one cast member performs while, well, shitfaced drunk. The organiser scored us some cheap tickets.
On Friday, back with UITCS for Barber Shop Chronicles at the Roundhouse. A National Theatre co-production, apparently.
On Saturday, a group called Get Out of London is off to Stratford-upon-Avon. Ooh, I thought, that sounds nice - but they're leaving ridiculously early, and coming back the same evening. It being a Saturday, I thought it'd be much nicer to head off at a more civilised hour and stay the night! So that's what I'm doing. Booked a nice, cheap advance train ticket and a night at the Doubletree by Hilton - and because I booked with Expedia, I got a nice discount, on account of all those U2 trips I've been booking with them lately! It's very near the station, which will be convenient. Handily enough, my guide book to England didn't get thrown out in the recent move - and reading it, I might have missed a trick; seems the Shakespeare Hotel is an olde-fashioned type of establishment, and might have been nice. Never mind, it might just be noisy. Only thing is, I just on Monday got a delivery slip for a missed delivery, which I have to pick up at the sorting office - which isn't close to me! And the only real window I have to pick that up - is on Saturday morning. Just as well I didn't book too early a train - for that price, I have to take a specific one!
Of course, I've been busy booking other things too - such as a "full-story" ticket to all the five houses associated with Shakespeare (much better value than individual tickets: I pick it up when I get there - valid for a year); a couple of them are a bit far-flung, but I believe the hop-on, hop-off city sightseeing bus covers them all. So I've booked a 24-hour ticket for that too - cheaper on that website. (Valid for three months after booking, and for 24 hours after first use. Cancellable up to 48 hours beforehand. But I had to get a co-worker to print it for me - they only accept paper confirmations!) And, of course - considering what I'm like - I've booked myself into an RSC production that night, at the Swan. It's not Shakespeare, but it is a period play; Venice Preserved is a Restoration thriller.
I'll come back on Sunday evening. On Monday, back with UITCS for Pilgrims, at the Orange Tree Theatre.
On Tuesday, I'm off to the Bunker.. they have a program of plays by black writers, called This is Black, and that day, I'm seeing Double Bill 2 (they run on alternate days).
Next Wednesday, LLW has a walk called Moby Dick (ahoy!). It's around Greenland Dock.
On the 8th, I'm at a UITCS double bill at the Orange Tree! The Mikvah Project and Eight Gigabytes of Hardcore Pornography! (ahem..) Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On the 12th, This is Black, Double Bill 1.
On the 13th, back with ACEWAG - they're at a free outdoor concert in Canada Square Park, called the Magic of the Movies. Again, I'll be watching the weather.
Now, UITCS is at Matthew Bourne's Romeo and Juliet the same night, at Sadler's Wells - and I was gutted not to get a ticket. But guess what - I got one for the next night! Last seat in the house, in fact.. love Matthew Bourne.
On the 15th, back with The Embers Collective, who are performing Full Moon Stories at Cafe Cairo.
On the 16th, I'm back with the Best Authentic Walking Tours in London (aka Funzing) - for the Sex, Drugs, Sausage Rolls Tour. Unusual for me to find a new walk!
On the 17th, going to see The Doctor, with Juliet Stevenson, at the Almeida. Now, I'd originally booked for this for the 15th, forgetting that The Embers Collective were meeting that day. Can happen when I'm booking lots of stuff. When I realised my mistake, I thought I just wouldn't bother with this - then saw that London Dramatic Arts are going on the 17th! So I switched my ticket to that night, and let them know I was coming too. As for whether they'll actually meet me, I'm not sure - the organiser was selling tickets for this, and might take umbrage at the fact that I bought my own: despite the fact that I originally bought it for another night, and wasn't deliberately trying to avoid buying hers! She can be like that, though.
On the 18th, going with CL to the Cartoon Museum - with optional dim sum afterwards. Yes please!
On the 19th, I'm finally going to see Evita, at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. Never have seen it.
On the 20th, with the London European Club at the Globe - we're going to risk The Comedy of Errors.
And on the 21st, I'm seeing Showtune - an evening of Jerry Herman music - at the Union Theatre.
Tonight, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) - we were off to see Present Laughter, by Noel Coward, with the wonderful Andrew Scott, at the Old Vic. It'd be interesting to see how he is in a comedy. Rear stalls again, yay! Sold out for the entire run, now. I got a curious phone call, just as I was getting ready to leave, on Thursday - which delayed me slightly - from the box office. While assuring me that my booking was safe, the guy explained that they'd had a problem with the payment system, and the payment hadn't gone through! Well, I subsequently checked my account, and a payment had gone through to the theatre.. but that was for something else I've booked. So I gave them my card number again, and they put it through again.. the price on the ticket corresponds to the price I ended up paying, but somehow, I'm sure I was originally charged a lot less! O well, what can you do..?
At the bus stop, I tried to have a look at the bus route map to double-check alternatives, but a young, smooching couple were in the way slightly: and somewhat miffed to have me staring at them! Tough. Anyway, my bus was along in no time. And once again, I say - you do see the most interesting things on the bus..
And no, he wasn't cleaning the windows. I had watched him hopping around on the porch that you can see to the left, then he edged his way along that ledge. Our bus was stopped at traffic lights, briefly - by the time we rounded the corner and could no longer see him, he was gingerly creeping around an outcrop..
Well, the last time I was here to see Andrew Scott, I was a couple of minutes late, and they wouldn't let me in. No such problems this time.. When I got to the theatre, a small group of our people had already gathered - there were to be lots more! They're still renovating, here, and entrance to the stalls is still by the side streets. My seat was quite decent, not at all too far from the stage, for the rear stalls:
Unfortunately, that picture gives you an optimistic impression of the sightline - I raised the camera to take it. Actually, my view was severely impaired by all the large heads in front of me - at best, I could see 60% of the stage, and when the lady in front of me leaned to her left at one point, I could see practically nothing! I'd have done better behind a pillar, I think.
But I had the most fantastic evening, all the same. This was written in 1939 - not performed for a few years after, because of the outbreak of war: and the art deco set and the costumes reflect this. It's acknowledged to be autobiographical - the central character, based on Coward himself, is a narcissistic showman, adored all his life but now ageing. Still, he seems to have lost none of his charm - and the subject of the play is the constant stream of lovers that he has to fend off!
Guess which part Andrew Scott plays? ;-) Actually, it seems that the part was chosen for him - indeed, he absolutely storms the stage, and I'd find it hard to imagine anyone else who could pull off the part. Echoes of James Stewart in parts - but I do confess to being a huge fan of Andrew Scott. Still, watching how he throws himself into it, completely overacting in parts - which adds to the play, I think - and with perfect comic timing and emotional balance, I defy anyone to find fault with his performance.
Indeed, the acting in general was praised. Our group were less keen on the play itself. One did remark how it wasn't all lighthearted, and indeed, it seems the original title was Sweet Sorrow. After all, the central character - while apparently adored and living the high life - has one scene where he really seems lonely: and for all that he's constantly wearing a mask, he's often the most truthful character. Interestingly, those homosexual relationships in the play.. weren't originally homosexual! The director made that decision, apparently after ok-ing it with the Coward estate. You wouldn't know it from the writing - it fits in seamlessly. And not only was Coward homosexual - so is Andrew Scott. So it makes perfect sense - not to mention neatly sidestepping the accusations of misogyny that dogged the original (all these women throwing themselves at the Great Man..)
Oh, I adored it - would nearly have bought a program, for the full-page picture of Andrew Scott that comes in the middle! but I didn't come across them on the way out, so wasn't tempted. As a final note, I have to warn against the crowded Dress Circle bar - with just temporary bars downstairs, this is now the closest proper bar to the stalls. And it's a scrum at the interval - avoid unless desperate.
Tomorrow, I was to be back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group (ACEWAG), who are off to a free Motown concert in Canary Wharf. First come, first served for spots on the grass. But with thunderstorms predicted, I don't really fancy that. So instead, I'm back with UITCS, for Fiddler on the Roof, at the Playhouse. Up in the highest level (literally, in the cheap seats), I've booked myself an aisle seat, for the extra legroom. Never seen this live - seen the film a few times, of course! This also has the advantage that I don't have to leave so early.
On Wednesday, London Literary Walks (LLW) just recently advertised a walk called Heart of the City. Wouldn't you know it, it goes from practically outside my office.. to practically outside my flat! Couldn't refuse that, now could I?! Why, they'll just be walking me home from work..
On Thursday, attending a performance of Hamlet by Shit-Faced Shakespeare at Leicester Square Theatre, with Civilised London (CL). Apparently, the idea is that one cast member performs while, well, shitfaced drunk. The organiser scored us some cheap tickets.
On Friday, back with UITCS for Barber Shop Chronicles at the Roundhouse. A National Theatre co-production, apparently.
On Saturday, a group called Get Out of London is off to Stratford-upon-Avon. Ooh, I thought, that sounds nice - but they're leaving ridiculously early, and coming back the same evening. It being a Saturday, I thought it'd be much nicer to head off at a more civilised hour and stay the night! So that's what I'm doing. Booked a nice, cheap advance train ticket and a night at the Doubletree by Hilton - and because I booked with Expedia, I got a nice discount, on account of all those U2 trips I've been booking with them lately! It's very near the station, which will be convenient. Handily enough, my guide book to England didn't get thrown out in the recent move - and reading it, I might have missed a trick; seems the Shakespeare Hotel is an olde-fashioned type of establishment, and might have been nice. Never mind, it might just be noisy. Only thing is, I just got a delivery slip for a missed delivery, which I have to pick up at the sorting office - which isn't close to me! And the only real window I have to pick that up - is on Saturday morning. Just as well I didn't book too early a train - for that price, I have to take a specific one!
Of course, I've been busy booking other things too - such as a "full-story" ticket to all the five houses associated with Shakespeare (much better value than individual tickets: I pick it up when I get there - valid for a year); a couple of them are a bit far-flung, but I believe the hop-on, hop-off city sightseeing bus covers them all. So I've booked a 24-hour ticket for that too - cheaper on that website. (Valid for three months after booking, and for 24 hours after first use. Cancellable up to 48 hours beforehand. But I'll have to find the office printer - they only accept paper confirmations!) And, of course - considering what I'm like - I've booked myself into an RSC production that night, at the Swan. It's not Shakespeare, but it is a period play; Venice Preserved is a Restoration thriller.
I'll come back on Sunday evening. Next Monday, back with UITCS for Pilgrims, at the Orange Tree Theatre.
On the 6th, I'm off to the Bunker.. they have a program of plays by black writers, called This is Black, and that day, I'm seeing Double Bill 2 (they run on alternate days).
On the 7th, LLW has a walk called Moby Dick (ahoy!). It's around Greenland Dock.
On the 8th, I'm at a UITCS double bill at the Orange Tree! The Mikvah Project and Eight Gigabytes of Hardcore Pornography! (ahem..) Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On the 12th, This is Black, Double Bill 1.
On the 13th, back with ACEWAG - they're at a free outdoor concert in Canada Square Park, called the Magic of the Movies. Again, I'll be watching the weather.
Now, UITCS is at Matthew Bourne's Romeo and Juliet the same night, at Sadler's Wells - and I was gutted not to get a ticket. But guess what - I got one for the next night! Last seat in the house, in fact.. love Matthew Bourne.
On the 15th, back with The Embers Collective, who are performing Full Moon Stories at Cafe Cairo.
On the 16th, I'm back with the Best Authentic Walking Tours in London (aka Funzing) - for the Sex, Drugs, Sausage Rolls Tour. Unusual for me to find a new walk!
On the 17th, going to see The Doctor, with Juliet Stevenson, at the Almeida. Now, I'd originally booked for this for the 15th, forgetting that The Embers Collective were meeting that day. Can happen when I'm booking lots of stuff. When I realised my mistake, I thought I just wouldn't bother with this - then saw that London Dramatic Arts are going on the 17th! So I switched my ticket to that night, and let them know I was coming too. As for whether they'll actually meet me, I'm not sure - the organiser was selling tickets for this, and might take umbrage at the fact that I bought my own: despite the fact that I originally bought it for another night, and wasn't deliberately trying to avoid buying hers! She can be like that, though.
On the 18th, going with CL to the Cartoon Museum - with optional dim sum afterwards. Yes please!
On the 19th, I'm finally going to see Evita, at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. Never have seen it.
On the 20th, with the London European Club at the Globe - we're going to risk The Comedy of Errors.
And on the 21st, I'm seeing Showtune - an evening of Jerry Herman music - at the Union Theatre.
Tonight, back with the London European Club (LEC) - it'd be my first time in St. Mary's Church Rotherhithe, where the Little Symphonic Duet was performing (their first time in London, too!). They aim to reproduce famous classical pieces, with only a guitar and an instrument called a charango, a kind of miniature ukulele. It'd also be my first time in an age with Tuned In London - delighted to be with them again! Being in a church, we expected to be nice and cool - and one person was heading to the nearby Mayflower first - I decided to join him.
I headed off in reasonable time. It's interesting how my office is slightly less convenient for transport than my flat is - I had to take two buses again, from the office. And with this having been the hottest July day ever in the UK (and the second hottest day ever), even by the time I left the office in the evening, the air was still at a temperature reminiscent of standing beside a hot stove. I was lucky with buses, mind - having seen two of the first one I wanted depart the stop as I approached, I wasn't optimistic; imagine my shock to discover a third pulling up! I actually nearly missed it - the kind driver, on seeing me wave, stopped for me. Now, this is the one without many seats, so I had to stand - happily, only for a few stops, and I changed buses - my second bus arriving in just a couple of minutes!
I got a seat on this one - but they were both pretty airless. I also noted that the stop I wanted was closed - as, indeed, is almost every second stop on this route! Roadworks.. Another lovely driver though, who - seeing that people wanted to get off there - found somewhere (in heavy traffic) to let us off. Which greatly shortened my walk! And I have to say, the moment I stepped off the bus, I breathed a sigh of relief - it was so much cooler in Rotherhithe, and I thought I could see why - it looked like it'd been raining heavily. Earlier than predicted - and yes, some drops fell on me, too! Well, at least I had the shelter of a newspaper.
The pub was packed and noisy - happily, the guy who'd said he'd be there early had messaged his location, so he wasn't too hard to find. He'd also taken the wise decision to stay outside, where it was cooler and quieter - and he was under a canopy, to protect us from any further rain! although it was about finished, now. I queued for ages for a drink, then joined him outside, where we were later joined by a third. And when it was about time, we moseyed across the road to the church.
Well, almost immediately, we ran into the organiser, who knew us - so we didn't have to check in, or show our tickets. As I say, it was my first time here: and I had great fun, photographing the decor..
The concert started a little later than expected - but was well worth the wait! The two Chilean musicians - one now living in Italy - were delighted to play for us - and to chat, at the interval. And the arrangements of common classical pieces - in roughly the order advertised on the Meetup page - were beautiful. One highlight among many was the Italian singer who played with them briefly, featuring Chilean political protest songs.
It was a stunning evening, and I'm so glad I came. It's just a pity, as we were saying, that there weren't more people there - probably a combination of the time of year (with people on holiday), and the hot weather. Certainly, the church was warmer than was ideal - but again, well worth showing up. Happily, it was a little cooler when we left - and not raining! And I got a bus straight home - as I say, handier location!
Tomorrow, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend. On Monday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) - we're off to see Present Laughter, by Noel Coward, with the wonderful Andrew Scott, at the Old Vic. It'll be interesting for us all to see how he is in a comedy. Rear stalls again, yay! Sold out for the entire run, now. I got a curious phone call, just as I was getting ready to leave, this evening - which delayed me slightly - from the box office. While assuring me that my booking was safe, the guy explained that they've had a problem with the payment system, and the payment hasn't gone through! Now, I screen my calls, so I didn't take this live - he left a message. Well, I subsequently checked my account, and a payment has gone through to the theatre.. I'll try and clear this up tomorrow.
On Tuesday, I'm back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group (ACEWAG), who are off to a free Motown concert in Canary Wharf. First come, first served for spots on the grass. Unless it's promised to rain, in which case I'll probably cry off..
On Wednesday, London Literary Walks (LLW) just recently advertised a walk called Heart of the City. Wouldn't you know it, it goes from practically outside my office.. to practically outside my flat! Couldn't refuse to go on that, now could I?! Why, they'll just be walking me home from work..
Next Thursday, attending a performance of Hamlet by Shit-Faced Shakespeare at Leicester Square Theatre, with Civilised London (CL). Apparently, the idea is that one cast member performs while, well, shitfaced drunk. The organiser scored us some cheap tickets.
On the 2nd, back with UITCS for Barber Shop Chronicles at the Roundhouse. A National Theatre co-production, apparently.
On the 3rd, a group called Get Out of London is off to Stratford-upon-Avon. Ooh, I thought, that sounds nice - but they're leaving ridiculously early, and coming back the same evening. It being a Saturday, I thought it'd be much nicer to head off at a more civilised hour and stay the night! So that's what I'm doing. Booked a nice, cheap advance train ticket and a night at the Doubletree by Hilton - and because I booked with Expedia, I got a nice discount, on account of all those U2 trips I've been booking with them lately! It's very near the station, which will be convenient. Handily enough, my guide book to England didn't get thrown out in the recent move - and reading it, I might have missed a trick; seems the Shakespeare Hotel is an olde-fashioned type of establishment, and might have been nice. Never mind, it might just be noisy.
Of course, I've been busy booking other things too - such as a "full-story" ticket to all the five houses associated with Shakespeare (much better value than individual tickets: I pick it up when I get there - valid for a year); a couple of them are a bit far-flung, but I believe the hop-on, hop-off city sightseeing bus covers them all. So I've booked a 24-hour ticket for that too - cheaper on that website. (Valid for three months after booking, and for 24 hours after first use. Cancellable up to 48 hours beforehand. Only problem is, I'll have to find the office printer - they only accept paper confirmations!) And, of course - considering what I'm like - I've booked myself into an RSC production that night, at the Swan. It's not Shakespeare, but it is a period play; Venice Preserved is a Restoration thriller.
I'll come back on the Sunday evening. On the 5th, back with UITCS for Pilgrims, at the Orange Tree Theatre.
On the 6th, I'm off to the Bunker.. they have a program of plays by black writers, called This is Black, and that day, I'm seeing Double Bill 2 (they run on alternate days).
On the 7th, LLW has a walk called Moby Dick (ahoy!). It's around Greenland Dock.
On the 8th, I'm at a UITCS double bill at the Orange Tree! The Mikvah Project and Eight Gigabytes of Hardcore Pornography! (ahem..) Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On the 12th, This is Black, Double Bill 1.
On the 13th, back with ACEWAG again - they're at a free outdoor concert in Canada Square Park, called the Magic of the Movies.
Now, UITCS is at Matthew Bourne's Romeo and Juliet the same night, at Sadler's Wells - and I was gutted not to get a ticket. But guess what - I got one for the next night! Last seat in the house, in fact.. love Matthew Bourne.
On the 15th, back with The Embers Collective, who are performing Full Moon Stories at Cafe Cairo.
On the 16th, I'm back with the Best Authentic Walking Tours in London (aka Funzing) - for the Sex, Drugs, Sausage Rolls Tour. Unusual for me to find a new walk!
On the 17th, going to see The Doctor, with Juliet Stevenson, at the Almeida. Now, I'd originally booked for this for the 15th, forgetting that The Embers Collective were meeting that day. Can happen when I'm booking lots of stuff. When I realised my mistake, I thought I just wouldn't bother with this - then saw that London Dramatic Arts are going on the 17th! So I switched my ticket to that night, and let them know I was coming too. As for whether they'll actually meet me, I'm not sure - the organiser was selling tickets for this, and might take umbrage at the fact that I bought my own: despite the fact that I originally bought it for another night, and wasn't deliberately trying to avoid buying hers! She can be like that, though.
On the 18th, going with CL to the Cartoon Museum - with optional dim sum afterwards. Yes please!
On the 19th, I'm finally going to see Evita, at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. Never have seen it.
On the 20th, with the LEC at the Globe - we're going to risk The Comedy of Errors.
And on the 21st, I'm seeing Showtune - an evening of Jerry Herman music - at the Union Theatre.
