At the entrance to the venue, an idiot doorman was telling people who'd brought tickets on their phones that they'd have to go and get "real" tickets at the box office. Happily, the queue for the theatre side (there's a cinema here too) wasn't very long, so it didn't take me long to speak to someone there - who confirmed that no, of course I didn't need another ticket.
The theatre is upstairs, as is the bar where we were to meet. I didn't see the group as I entered, but did spot an outside section that looked attractive - and I figured that, if they had any sense, that was where they'd be. Sure enough, they were - at a long table under a marquee. Unfortunately, there weren't enough seats for us all - but we had a nice chat before we went in.
Technically, I was sat behind the stage - but it's performed in the round, so that doesn't matter. I'll tell you this though, it was pretty chilly in there, the aircon turned up too high. And the seats aren't too comfortable, for this two-hour production, without interval. Ignore the notices about no readmittance, though - a steady stream of people passed in and out near me, all night.
It's only through reading about it afterwards that I found out a bit more about what this is actually about. I'm afraid I spent most of the evening in a fug of ignorance - mainly caused by the confusion of different accents, which caused me to lose most of what was being said. Turns out that it's set over one day, in six different cities - from London, all the way south through Africa, to Johannesburg. Set entirely in barber shops, it's an entirely male cast - and as someone remarked afterwards, as we met briefly outside, it's unusual in presenting male voices, and in presenting African voices and stories.
My ears did prick up when I heard someone reference Lagos - but in general, I hadn't a notion that we were hopping around from city to city. The only other clue I had was when one barber mentioned that he lived in Peckham. And since I didn't know we were city-hopping, that only confused me more.. Similarly, for all that the audience were laughing uproariously, I honestly, generally, hadn't a clue what had just been said. And when I did hear, I generally didn't think it was funny at all - only one joke all night hit the mark with me. So, dearie me, I didn't really connect with it at all - the discussion outside afterwards was much more interesting. The best part of the show, for me, were the scene changes, which were done to music. (They let audience members on stage before the show starts, too, and take selfies with them in the barbers' chairs while pop music pumps out around them.)
So, caveat emptor - if you're not familiar with African accents, this is probably one to avoid. Runs till the 24th - but I wish I'd just stayed at the office and got more work done. I'd feel better, and have had a better night.
Tomorrow, 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 tomorrow morning. And let's not forget the cycle ride through London this weekend, which means a lot of central roads are closed, so I'd better take the Tube. 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 the ticket 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).
On Wednesday, London Literary Walks has a walk called Moby Dick (ahoy!). It's around Greenland Dock.
On Thursday, 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, Civilised London (CL) just 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment