Play: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe & Concert: Flamenco Fusion

On Wednesday, I was back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) - this time, for the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe! at the Bridge Theatre. I absolutely loved the Chronicles of Narnia when I was a kid - I was keen to see how this matched up!

I had some trouble finding the ticket, though - of course, it'd be tricky with all the things I book, but I do usually get an email confirmation. A search of my mailbox revealed no notification from the theatre - I had to check the event page on Meetup to discover that I'd commented with a seat number (phew, I hadn't forgotten to book!), and had also mentioned that I'd booked it with What's On Stage, which worked out slightly cheaper. Right, I finally found the email confirmation. To be fair, I booked this before Christmas. No e-ticket attached.. I checked the t&cs, and it turns out that they only email tickets for certain theatres, and this ain't one. So I figured I'd chosen my second favourite option, of collecting at the box office - annoyingly, they almost never tell you which method you did choose! Well, although the Opera House has been sending tickets in the post, I didn't remember any from anyone else..

So, off I headed in decent time, and took the bus. Now, it'd have been nice if he'd let me (and someone else who wanted to get off there) off at the stop we wanted. But no, despite the bell having been pressed, the sign illuminating, and us standing conspicuously at the centre doors - he sailed on through. And I doubt he'd have stopped at the next one, if not for someone that wanted to get on there! I've complained, as usual. Anyway, it wasn't much further to walk from there - and I was only a little late to meet the group. And of course, it is handy to be meeting them a little early, which apart from providing an opportunity to chat, also provides a buffer of time to make the show itself. And yes, they did have a ticket waiting for me at the box office! :-)

I was in the very front row, round the side - the stage is high enough to cut off a little of the view - specifically, the actors' feet. And there was one occasion when someone popped up from a trapdoor and I couldn't see who it was. But by and by, it was no problem. (I was lucky to snap off this photo, BTW - there's a strict no-photography policy in the auditorium, and the usher was standing very near me! but for that moment, he looked the other way. And saw me just too late..

So, in this shot you can see the famous lantern - the one in Lantern Waste, which remains on stage throughout, but is only lit before the start, and whenever they're actually supposed to be seeing it. And under it, at this point, you can see a group of what are supposed to be wartime musicians, who play away merrily before the show. Indeed, the story is that, like our protagonists, we're wartime evacuee children from London, being sent somewhere safer. In fact, you're issued green evacuation cards before the start of the show!

(If you don't get one at the start, they're left around the lobby at the interval.) These are used later. In fact, there is rather sweet, mild audience interaction - don't worry, nothing extreme!

Aw, this is fabulous. I was delighted to find myself remembering bits from the book that I'd forgotten - it's a long time since I read it. It's sweet, and it's moving - and the scary bits are decently scary, with excellent masks; Maugrim is a particularly scary delight. Throughout, it's a marvel to see how they recreate effects from the simplest of props - the only complicated things on stage are that lantern, and the white witch's sledge / platform, which she appears on a few times and is otherwise parked, snugly, to the side.

The story is quite faithfully told - and there are fabulous effects, from the white sheets that act as snow, to the lion's growl that we hear long before we see him. The costumes are gorgeously imaginative.. and it's quite an immersive experience, with actors dashing through the audience, and a singalong finale. (Note - in the front row, do try to keep your feet in; they use that front passage quite a lot.)

Absolutely enchanting. Finishes on Sunday - low availability for tomorrow, and Sunday is sold out. Highly recommended - contains strobe lighting.

Now - apologies for the delay in posting, I have been that busy! Again, I was to be happy I hadn't anything booked for yesterday, when Eleanor from the London European Club (LEC) (and World Music Meetup) advertised a flamenco concert - I'm a sucker for flamenco. So I  booked for that - this time, it was in City Hope Church. Tickets, as usual, from Tuned In London - and as the lady said, on the eve of Brexit, we needed something European..

Well, I got caught up finishing something at work - to the extent that the only option to get there was the quickest. So, bus to Moorgate, then two Tubes. And do you know, initially it worked like clockwork. Yes, right up to London Bridge, where I had to change to the Jubilee Line - which was as packed as ever. So I couldn't squeeze onto the one I was supposed to get, and had to wait for the next.. which took three minutes and was then delayed.. and then took ages to leave, with people apparently obstructing the doors. Finally, on the walk from Bermondsey Station, I was lucky to have Google Maps to tell me when I got there - I was so busy hurrying and trying not to trip over tree roots on the uneven pavement that I completely missed the unobtrusive church!

Helpful signs directed me to the side door - I gave my name and took a seat, in the back; it was quite crowded. It was a cash bar, and I'd forgotten to get cash at lunchtime and hadn't had time in the evening, so that was out. Anyway, it wasn't long till Eleanor appeared to give her introductory speech, and the musicians took the stage:

And oh, what a tonic! A real blast of sunny, wild Spanish music, with the singer, Leo, beating percussion on the speaker she was also using as a seat - evidently much appreciated by the many Spaniards in the audience. Gorgeous, and much appreciated on what was, for me, quite a stressful week. Also mixed with some popular tunes, picked out on the guitar - and later in the show, they were joined by another..

So, a simply terrific evening - and the singer even gave us a few dance steps, at the end. A shame I didn't get to talk to Eleanor (or any others from the group) - but I know she's extremely busy, and actually organises these concerts herself. What the hey, I really enjoyed myself - as ever, at these! Oh, and I managed to get a bus straight home. Which let me off at home, rather than a bit further on..

Flew back to Ireland for the weekend tonight. In Shannon, an English passenger from the flight posed for a photo in front of the "EU Passengers" customs channel.. sad, as she remarked, that that would be the last time she could validly use it! Not that it matters in Shannon, of course, given that you can happily waltz through whichever channel you wish - there's no-one to stop you.

Ironically, the other day I was messaged by a Bulgarian fellow, who said he'll be in London for a few days from today, and could I recommend some social events to him?! Took a while to give him a shortlist.. and another while to split up all the links, because Meetup thought my messages were spam. Well, I hope he enjoys his stay.

On Monday, I'm back with the LEC (how appropriate that they should bookmark Brexit for me! completely coincidental on my part) for an organ concert at the Royal Festival Hall.

On Tuesday, I'm finally doing something with the folks from work - every now and then they have pop-up social events, and this time it's a pub quiz. So I can see whether all those tv quiz shows have helped! Taking place at The Castle pub, not far from the office.

On Wednesday, I've had it in mind for the longest time to accompany UITCS to see The Welkin at the National. But you see, I had a Seatplan theatre token that I wanted to use - and the bind is that they still haven't introduced web bookings for those, and so I had to ring. During office hours. And whenever I thought of doing it was outside of office hours. Until this week.. and in the meantime, of the £47 tickets that had sold out, three more became available - in the back row of the stalls. So I booked one of those. And despite the dire warning from the automated voice, that I'd be charged an extra £3 for booking this way.. well, she obviously completely forgot about that, because I wasn't.

On Thursday, I had film in mind at first. But top of the film list - when I had time to look at it - was Outside the City, a documentary about trappist monks, whose numbers are dwindling, and whose members are ageing, so they can no longer run the farm, and have taken to brewing beer instead. Yeah.. I'm sure it's very good, very interesting - but I'm not that enthused. I'm not even a beer drinker.

Instead, I noted that UITCS are off to see Leopoldstadt, which I found much more interesting. 'Tis the season for Holocaust memorials, indeed.. well, it's the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the majority of the camps. Anyway, it seems to be popular - when I checked the official website for Wyndham's, only three premium tickets remained in the whole theatre! However, checking the event page, I noted that someone was trying to sell a ticket, as he could no longer go, and didn't seem to be having any luck. Well, I got in touch - and it worked out well for both of us, as I'm now going in his place! for a much lower price. He says it's in the post - I'm sure it'll arrive on time.

Next Friday, Helen is coming to town and we're having lunch - in Byron Burger again. And that evening, I'm off to see Faustus: That Damned Woman, at the Lyric Hammersmith.

And on the 8th - why, I finally get to a UITCS social! They have them every now and again, but they're generally sometime I can't make. I go to so much with them, I'm delighted finally to be able to go to a social as well. This is on in the Phoenix Arts Club - ah, memories of happier days, when I worked in the next building over..

Comedy: Imagination

Tonight, I was back for more comedy at Soho Theatre - this time, it was Alfie Brown. And a late start, which meant I was once again one of the last to leave the office. Guess I'll never achieve the accolade of being last out! Anyway, it's just as well I left a little early for the show - because I decided on the #8 bus, and forgot that it has a shorter route these days, due to roadworks, duh!

Well, I got there in time, and gee, for once they had the right postcode for me - now that I've deleted the old one from their system! (I have to state my postcode to collect the ticket.) Went straight downstairs - and as I took my things to my seat, I noted how empty the room was: the emptiest I've ever seen it, to be honest. I decided to get a drink before the show started - but blast it, the comedian had been chatting among the audience and took that moment to take the stage, and immediately the blinds went up on the bar. Seriously?! I've never seen bar staff so happy to turn away business - and you'd think, with such a poor turnout, they'd have welcomed it. It's not as though they didn't have time - people were coming in for several minutes after.

Anyway, as I returned to my seat, the usher offered me the chance to come forward - the centre section wasn't full, even with everyone moved from the edges. So I did - although I kind of wish I hadn't; the chairs in the middle are hard plastic and not that comfortable, unlike the upholstered seats at the edges. Ah well, I got a seat that was - well, £2 more expensive than what I'd paid for. Whoopee.

Well, this was an odd show. Started off so slowly that I have to wonder whether he was for real - I know some of his downbeat, self-deprecating demeanour is for show, but this just seemed scatty, all over the place. No wonder it took the audience so long to warm to him - and he did mention how hard he was having to work with us. Indeed, it took him so long to warm up that he ran over by half an hour, even while rushing his set! Frankly, I've never seen a comedian whose heart seemed so little in it.

Which is a pity, because when he did get his teeth into the material, he was hilarious. The theme of this show is "crowds" - and I loved his description of going to a Liverpool match. Even though I'm not really a sports fan - mostly, it was about his interaction with scousers anyway: and his observations are spot on. Still, throughout the show he spent much of his time trying to be antagonistic and rather failing. Peculiar really - I'm not sure this show is finished. Hey-ho, runs till Saturday if you want to check for yourself.

On the way home, the #8 was the only suggestion that Google Maps had - ignoring the fact that I had to go all the way to Procter Street for it. Well, I didn't feel like walking all the way there - particularly not in today's biting wind. Happily, the #98 filled in the distance between me and where I could pick up the #8 - which, contrary to my bus app's predictions, came pretty much straight away. And, of course, the Hopper fare meant I didn't have to pay any extra for taking an extra bus. Best thing that Sadiq Khan ever did!

Tomorrow, back with Up in the Cheap Seats - this time, for the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe! at the Bridge Theatre. I absolutely loved the Chronicles of Narnia when I was a kid - let's see how this matches up!

Again, I was to be happy I hadn't anything booked for Thursday, when Eleanor from the London European Club (LEC) (and World Music Meetup) advertised a flamenco concert - I'm a sucker for flamenco. So I've booked for that - this time, it's in City Hope Church. Tickets, as usual, from Tuned In London - and as the lady says, on the eve of Brexit, we need something European.. Must remember to bring cash for the bar.

Then I'm back in Ireland for the weekend. Ironically, the other day I was messaged by a Bulgarian fellow, who said he'll be in London for a few days from Friday, and could I recommend some social events to him?! Took a while to give him a shortlist.. and another while to split up all the links, because Meetup thought my messages were spam.

On Monday, I'm back with the LEC (how appropriate that they should bookmark Brexit for me! completely coincidental on my part) for an organ concert at the Royal Festival Hall.

And next Tuesday, I'm finally doing something with the folks from work - every now and then they have pop-up social events, and this time it's a pub quiz. So I can see whether all those tv quiz shows have helped! Taking place at The Castle pub, not far from the office.

Film: 1917

Today was film. And top of the list was.. 1917. Now, I know I said I'm not into war films. But then I heard reviews from a couple of people who say the same - and they said it was awesome, and not like any war film they'd seen before. So I thought I was kind of obliged to see it. Co-written, co-produced, and directed by Sam Mendes, it stars Colin Firth as the general, the delectable Andrew Scott as the lieutenant, and Benedict Cumberbatch as the particularly obnoxious colonel, in a tale of two lads, sent on a suicide mission across no-man's-land, to deliver a message to a forward battalion not to attack, because they're walking into a trap. Stunning camerawork was promised, made to look as though it was all done in one take. Showing, conveniently, in the street-level cinemas at the Barbican - I said I'd try for the earlier showing, which wasn't booking out at first - I planned to keep an eye on it.

It was a day fit for nothing but film - the morning was beautiful, if cold, but it had started to rain by the time I got back to the office with my lunch. And boy, did it lash rain this afternoon! Cocooned in our office as we were, we couldn't hear it and barely noticed it on the glass - but the clouds were very ominous, and the rain terrible if you cared to look for it. Mercifully, it had stopped again by evening.

Caught up with something else, I suddenly realised that it was about an hour before the scheduled start time, when online booking usually ends! So I whipped up the website - and luckily, was in time; it was now nearly sold out. So I booked, wolfed down the dinner I'd bought at the same time as lunch, and set off. Didn't take me long at all - particularly not since, as I say, these screens are at street level. I just arrived at the scheduled start time, and went straight in, settling into my comfy seat.

The screen was fairly packed - and woe is me, the guy beside me was a heavy breather, with a snuffle. Reminds me of when I was doing private tuition, and teenage boys never felt the need to use a hanky. Even when offered one. Mind you, he completely forgot to snuffle as the film went on - as also the coughing lady behind me forgot to cough.

Because this film is utterly compelling. You might, in fact, forget to breathe. The camerawork is genius - tight on the central characters, so you have the suspense of never being able to see more than they can, which puts you right in the story. Not to mention the close-ups of all the icky stuff they have to wade through in no-man's land.. never too gory, it doesn't need to be. There's enough to feed our imaginations.

The three stars I mentioned at the beginning do appear, for exactly one scene each, and in the order mentioned (funny, that!). The general gives the lads the order to carry, sends them via the lieutenant who is to show them what direction to go in, and the colonel is the man to deliver the order to. But as I say, just one scene each - this is a film about these lads, and their incredible journey.

And it's really moving. No politics in this, no patriotism - plenty about the horrors of war though, without going too far over the top. I gasped at the scary bits, and was as relieved as the characters on screen whenever the grime lifted briefly, with a shot of green grass, or a snatch of song. I've honestly never seen anything that made me sympathise so much with ordinary soldiers - right from the first moment that they have to stick their heads over the trench, without knowing whether they're going to be blown straight off. And neither do we, as the camera is coming up right behind them, watching as they look at each other worriedly.

And every now and again, even amidst the grime comes a shot of real beauty. The writers apparently based the plot on old war stories their grandfathers told them - well, their grandads can be proud. Not at all surprised this is up for so many awards - it's a powerful and beautifully made film. Really glad I saw it.

Tomorrow, I'm back for more comedy at Soho Theatre - this time, it's Alfie Brown.

On Wednesday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats - this time, for the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe! at the Bridge Theatre. I absolutely loved the Chronicles of Narnia when I was a kid - let's see how this matches up!

Again, I was to be happy I hadn't anything booked for Thursday, when Eleanor from the London European Club (LEC) (and World Music Meetup) advertised a flamenco concert - I'm a sucker for flamenco. So I've booked for that - this time, it's in City Hope Church. Tickets, as usual, from Tuned In London - and as the lady says, on the eve of Brexit, we need something European.. Must remember to bring cash for the bar.

Then I'm back in Ireland for the weekend. Ironically, yesterday I was messaged by a Bulgarian fellow, who said he'll be in London for a few days from Friday, and could I recommend some social events to him?! Took a while to give him a shortlist..

Next Monday, I'm back with the LEC (how appropriate that they should bookmark Brexit for me! completely coincidental on my part) for an organ concert at the Royal Festival Hall.

And on the 4th, I'm finally doing something with the folks from work - every now and then they have pop-up social events, and this time it's a pub quiz. So I can see whether all those tv quiz shows have helped! Taking place at The Castle pub, not far from the office.

Tap Dance Jam Session

Tonight, London European Club (LEC) was staying pretty local (to me) - they were headed to a tap dance jam session in Gigi's in Hoxton. And so did I. It was my first event of the year with them.. Tickets from Design My Night again, and cheaper in advance.

Close enough to walk - but a miserable day for it, cold and rainy.

Never mind, I made it in the end - right on Hoxton Square, Gigi's is apparently under new ownership, with a new name. The guy on the door asked whether I was there for the tap.. and when I confirmed this, he told me to head to the bar on that level first, for a drink. So that's what I did, then checked my name off the list, and made my way downstairs - where we'd secured a table, to the rear, and with a decent view of the stage. Nice choice! The floor directly in front of the stage was also scattered with cushions, which people occupied as the night wore on - there was a nice, relaxed vibe to the place in general.

First there was an improv class, which two of our members joined: and what a great idea, to try it out in a safe space, with no obligation to perform afterwards. Although a lady did carry a list around, for those that wanted to. Some nifty moves, from our group members as well as others, at this point!

And finally, the show proper began, with hot moves and cool jazz. The MC was looking swell, in red top hat and shoes:

And we were treated to some really excellent dancers, and a few outstanding singers. Good age mix as well. Cool vibe, as I say, a fun and catchy way to spend a Sunday evening. And when one of the dancers won a prize of a bag of sweets, she very kindly came around to distribute them among the audience!

Awesome - who doesn't love jazz? Runs the last Sunday of every second month - very highly recommended. And it's great to be back with the group again!

Now.. tomorrow is promising to be film. And top of the list is.. 1917. Now, I know I said I'm not into war films. But then I heard reviews from a couple of people who say the same - and they say it's awesome, and not like any war film they've seen before. So I think I'm kind of obliged to see it. Co-written and directed by Sam Mendes, it stars Colin Firth as the general, the delectable Andrew Scott as the lieutenant, and Benedict Cumberbatch as the particularly obnoxious colonel, in a tale of two lads, sent on a suicide mission across no-man's-land, to deliver a message to a forward battalion not to attack, because they're walking into a trap. Stunning camerawork apparently, made to look as though it was all done in one take. Showing, conveniently, in the street-level cinemas at the Barbican - I'll try for the earlier showing, which isn't yet booking out - I'll keep an eye on it.

On Tuesday, I'm back for more comedy at Soho Theatre - this time, it's Alfie Brown.

On Wednesday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats - this time, for the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe! at the Bridge Theatre. I absolutely loved the Chronicles of Narnia when I was a kid - let's see how this matches up!

Again, I was to be happy I hadn't anything booked for Thursday, when Eleanor from the LEC (and World Music Meetup) advertised a flamenco concert - I'm a sucker for flamenco. So I've booked for that - this time, it's in City Hope Church. Tickets, as usual, from Tuned In London - and as the lady says, on the eve of Brexit, we need something European.. Must remember to bring cash for the bar.

Then I'm back in Ireland for the weekend. Ironically, today I was messaged by a Bulgarian fellow, who said he'll be in London for a few days from Friday, and could I recommend some social events to him?! Took a while to give him a shortlist..

On the 3rd, I'm back with the LEC (how appropriate that they should bookmark Brexit for me! completely coincidental on my part) for an organ concert at the Royal Festival Hall.

And on the 4th, I'm finally doing something with the folks from work - every now and then they have pop-up social events, and this time it's a pub quiz. So I can see whether all those tv quiz shows have helped! Taking place at The Castle pub, not far from the office.

Winter Lights Festival

This evening, Ken's Walks and Social Events and London Art, Comedy & Walks (essentially the same group, with two sets of members) were off to the Winter Lights Festival at Canary Wharf. Excellent idea, said I - it's always been great before, and this was the last night. Not that I'd darken their doors - I'd go on my own, thanks. Downloaded the map yesterday.

I started the day looking for a new bag - and finally found what I wanted in a card shop, of all places! In Liverpool Street Station. Well, after all the effort that went into that, I was hungry - and an Upper Crust kiosk caught my eye. They specialise in baguettes and croissants - I had their last plain ham baguette, at a very reasonable price, and when she asked whether I'd like it hot, I said yes please! on such a cold day. And yummy it was, too.

Ann Marie phoned soon after, and after that, it was about time to leave for the Winter Lights Festival. Sunset was scheduled for 4.37, and I was due to arrive there just after that. I planned to start from Westferry Circus - which worked out well, as the roads around Canary Wharf itself were blocked off, and this was as close as the bus would take me. Not that it was easy to find my way to the roundabout, although I could see it:

As it turned out, that building on the left has a spiral staircase that can be accessed from the street, which is the handiest way to get up there. Which I discovered when I'd already got up there. How I actually got up there was to jaywalk across two roads, then inch my way up a narrow pavement, squeezing past anyone coming against me. Never mind, I made it, and started to take photographs.

Not everything, mind, was worth photographing. One of the best installations of the night was Sky on Earth, which had us walking across a bridge over a huge spewing of foam, which represented clouds, and which had lights hidden in it that flashed occasionally, to the accompaniment of thunder sounds from the adjacent speakers. Terrific effect - although the several people who were tempted to touch the foam proclaimed themselves sorry they had - that it felt awful! Looked great though.

The other worthwhile installation there was Strata, where lights travelled up and down poles to a musical accompaniment. Like most of the light features, this was most easily found by looking for where a crowd was gathered - and again, this was excellent. Sadly, the video I took of it never saved itself to my phone..

After that, I tried to to follow the most logical path I could - not always easy, with a few things straggled along the edges of the area. Most of the installations included music:

And for this next one, I really didn't see the point in queueing to go in - I thought the better view was outside!

The big advantage of visiting on the weekend - unlike my previous, midweek visit - was that I had plenty of time, and got to see all the light exhibits. The big disadvantage, of course, were the huge crowds - and by the end, I was oh so sick of walking around people, having people walk into me, being run over by buggies, or having to take massive detours around family groups. Hey ho.

A couple of exhibits I'd seen before - the words from light droplets were as stunning as last year, and I remembered the light benches from some years ago!

The next exhibits were indoors - and when I saw we were entering through a foodcourt, that was it; I just had to get something! I wasn't enamoured of either of the exhibits in there, and was considering my food options.. when whom should I run into but Stephen, from London Literary Walks! Well well. He only runs events from April to September, but obviously doesn't spend the rest of the year cloistered in his room! So we had a brief chat, and I went on my way. Lovely to see him - looking forward to the revival of his walks!

There was a huge queue outside Nando's, but I was too tired and hungry to go any further, so I joined the end of the queue and waited. And just a few minutes later, someone came, checked that I was alone, and said they had a table for me! She explained that all the others were waiting for tables for three or more. Hallelujah - and never have a sit-down, a meal, and a glass of wine been so appreciated. Even if the chicken was slightly charred. The garlic bread was very flavoursome, though. Unfortunately, they'd sold out of their phenomenal choc-a-lot cake. As I sat there, I noticed a large group of people to the side - and it suddenly occurred to me that this might be (part of) one of those Meetup groups that were coming tonight. It also occurred to me that, had I joined them, I wouldn't have got a seat! And I was glad I hadn't joined them.

And so to the last of the exhibits. 

Despite the claims of the maitre d' in Nando's, I don't think this was quite as good as last year's - quite a few of the exhibits were underwhelming enough that I took one look and moved on. Conceptually interesting, just not pleasing to look at. But yay, for the first time, I did see everything - and had another rest, at the last exhibit, before heading home.

I had to head to the edge of the festival area again, for my bus - and the diversion stymied the young Spanish-speaking woman in front of me, who was busy feeding her toddler (who had a habit of smiling back at me). I was fully halfway home when she turned to ask whether the bus went to Canary Wharf..! Of course, where I had got on was as close as she could have got, on this bus, to Canary Wharf! I explained to her about the diversion, and that we were now well past it - she got off at the next stop, and had a long conversation with the driver about what best to do to get there. Hope she made it ok.

Tomorrow, London European Club is staying pretty local (to me) - they're headed to a tap dance jam session in Gigi's in Hoxton. And so am I. It'll be my first event of the year with them.. Tickets from Design My Night again, and cheaper in advance.

Exhibition: Troy - Myth and Reality

Tonight, I booked for the Troy: Myth and Reality exhibition at the British Museum. Promised to be interesting. I could walk there - headed off in decent time. In light rain - but at least this time, it was promised!

I only took one small wrong turn en route. At this time of night, on a weekday, there was hardly any queue, and I went through the fast track anyway, as an exhibition ticket holder. So I entered the museum about five minutes before my scheduled time slot, and headed to the floor plans in the central court - the exhibition, I discovered, is in a long room at the far end from the main entrance. Now, it's a massive building, so by the time I got all the way over there, I was a couple of minutes late - that wasn't a problem, of course.

The exhibition is housed in a darkened room, and from the start, you can hear music. It's cleverly sorted, starting with a section about Greek bardic tradition:

(That's supposed to be Homer.) This leads into a long section depicting the various bits of the Iliad and Odyssey:

Urns are accompanied with clever visuals that explain the scenes depicted on them. And you might notice some wooden structures, in the background of that photo - in a nice touch, they've kind of reconstructed the Trojan horse, for that bit of the story!

Gorgeous statuary and pottery abound. Famous names also abound, but you don't have to swot up before you come - there are plenty of explanatory texts, with large-print versions available. Mind you, as someone near me said, it was very crowded.. it could be a trial to get to see anything properly, particularly in this section! The above statue of Achilles proved popular though - certainly, there are enough versions of it in the special giftshop they've set up for the exhibition, which you walk through to the exit!

Clever touches include this handy graphic of which gods were on whose side:

After this section, we come to a very interesting bit (sadly, not very large) about the excavation of Troy, including some artifacts:

The final part of the exhibition is a fascinating collection of artistic depictions of the Trojan war - the chanting that is audible through much of the exhibition turns out to be from a production of The Trojan Women that's being projected on a screen, around this side. 

Above, we see Helen on the left, admiring her beauty in an intact Troy: Cassandra on the right, tearing her hair as Troy burns. And below, we see Clytemnestra, who when her husband, Agamemnon, got back from the battle, had a bone to pick with him over sacrificing their daughter for a victory..!

The exhibition includes several contributions from organisations that work with the victims of modern-day wars:

And there are plenty of points of view that don't go with the traditional narrative:

An interesting survey is available at the exit (does take a while, mind), and so to the giftshop. Saw a couple of books I might be interested in - which are cheaper on Amazon. And they have Trojan Horse erasers:

It's an excellent exhibition, which I spent over an hour in, and could have spent a lot longer - runs till the 8th March, recommended. And I was delighted with my brave little phone, which eked out the last of its battery life, having had a busy day, and lasted all the way to the bus stop - nearly. Anyway, it did what I needed it to! Also delighted to take a seat while I waited - I'd been on my feet for over two hours by that stage. Just had a nice rest before the bus came.

Tomorrow, Ken's Walks and Social Events and London Art, Comedy & Walks (essentially the same group, with two sets of members) are off to the Winter Lights Festival at Canary Wharf. Excellent idea, sez I - it's always been great before, and this is the last night. Not that I'll darken their doors - I'll go on my own, thanks. Downloaded the map today.

And on Sunday, London European Club is staying pretty local (to me) - they're headed to a tap dance jam session in Gigi's in Hoxton. And so am I. It'll be my first event of the year with them.. Tickets from Design My Night again, and cheaper in advance.

Storytelling: Wild Beasts

I hadn't anything definite booked for tonight - which turned out to be for the best, as The Embers Collective finally published their New Year's schedule! Very late notice - I swear this wasn't up till last Thursday. They had a show tonight, called Wild Beasts, in Cafe Cairo - and I booked. Tickets, as usual, from Design My Night. I just hoped I wouldn't have a repeat of the last time I tried to get there, when the Tubes were down..

Left a little bit late - but then, they always start late. I had planned to walk to Bank, given the busyness of the Central Line (even at 6.30pm), but since I was a little late I decided to risk taking the Central Line there. And it actually wasn't that bad - I squeezed onto the second train, which was literally 1 minute behind the first. Couldn't actually breathe very well, it was so crowded, but never mind - I was only on for one stop. And the Northern Line, which came immediately, was much less crowded - I even got a seat, after one stop!

I only made one wrong turn, walking to the pub - to be fair, all I had to do was pick the right road and walk straight along it! So, after picking the wrong road - I realised my mistake pretty quickly - I was ok. I arrived at about 7.15 - my ticket said 7pm, but I know they never start the performance for at least half an hour after the scheduled time anyway. Turned out we were downstairs - with no bar down there, I could've brought a drink down with me, but those steep stairs were off-putting. Besides, I got one of the last two of four actual chairs in the place, and it being a high one, I had enough trouble getting onto it and staying there. I kept feeling as though the thing was lurching forwards, and trying to secure myself  - it was ages before I felt like I wasn't going to fall off!

Sarah Liisa Wilkinson was on the door, checking us off the list - I don't think they were selling tickets on the door. The place eventually filled to bursting anyway. As she said, she didn't have a real stamp, so she'd give me a virtual one - making the motion, and a kind of thonking sound. The stage itself is where that enormous half-mask is.. and the pictures you can just see, arranged around the base, belong to the act of the first person to appear - Sarah Randall, I think her name was, was actually the person who offered me the last of the high seats! Started late, even assuming they wouldn't get going till 7.30 - but anyway.

It was enjoyable enough, her bit - although I did get the feeling that it was also used for schoolkids. She used the drawings - which were interesting in themselves - to illustrate her story, which was a Japanese legend - as she explained to us, Japanese mythology has two mischievous characters: fox and badger (well, not really a badger, but that's what she'd call it), the latter being better at shapeshifting. So they were the "wild beasts" in her story. She was followed by the excellent Jordan Campbell, who gave us one I already knew, about the princess who disguises herself in bearskin. But he's always a pleasure to listen to, with a lovely, gentle voice.

Mind you, it's an awful venue. The gentler voiced performers were difficult to hear, what with all the noise from upstairs - the ceiling was quite close to my head, and I could hear music, talking, and a loud thud every time someone dropped a glass. Sound also carried quite well down both sets of stairs, front and back - I was right beside the back ones. Seating, as I say, was less than comfortable - the alternatives to the high chairs were very low squat stools, and large cushions scattered about. The last to arrive ended up sitting on the stairs.

Two booths - one at either end - housed a number of people, how many depending on how they chose to arrange themselves. Some chose to kind of lie on top of each other. A very touchy feely audience in general - there was more than one couple, and the guy in front of me was completely incapable of keeping his hands off his girlfriend. Indeed, one hand was pretty permanently stuck down the back of her trousers - where I could get the best view of it. I think he was getting more of a thrill out of doing that in public than she was - she stuck on an overcoat for the second half. His hand was still in position, of course.

With no food on site, a lot of people went across the road for food at the interval - the pub had no problem with them bringing it back. The Red Spice takeaway, it was, and they proclaimed it excellent.

The second half was less successful - Sarah Liisa gave us a Baba Yaga story I'd heard before (and I wasn't quite sure what it had to do with beasts!), and Sarah Randall was back with yet more pictures, and yet another tale of shapeshifting Japanese creatures. It was cute the first time - but by the second round, I'd been on that seat for long enough, and was praying for the end. Which came right after - and boy, was I stiff. I'd hesitate to go back there again. Happily, the buses would now run fast enough to be an option to get home - and wouldn't you know it, it rained on me again as I was making my way. Again, not predicted. But the buses were nice and relaxing - much better than the Tube, any day.

Tomorrow, I've booked for the Troy: Myth and Reality exhibition at the British Museum. Should be interesting.