It would be right when I was planning to leave that the boss sent a review of the latest thing I asked him to review. Which distracted me slightly - so I was a bit later than anticipated. And just missed my bus.. and when the next came (mercifully, it wasn't too much behind), it was detoured! Never mind, I made it in time for the show, and to chat briefly to the others. The theatre itself is discreetly tucked down a back alley in Soho - Google Maps was my friend, but even at that, it doesn't advertise itself too well - only a rather discreet sign to let you know that this is what you're looking for. But my, it's a lovely, cosy little venue!
My "roulette" ticket got me a high seat in the back row of the stalls - but it really is a lottery, others got to be right at the front. I think I was luckier than some - seems the very front row has terrible legroom. Me, I was in a very comfortable, bucket-style seat, with a fine view - as I say, I was in the back row, but that was Row G; nowhere in this theatre is far from the front. The balcony seemed unoccupied. I was happy that the seat beside me was free though, so I could leave my stuff on it - it's a long way down to the floor from these seats.
It's a real shame that there were so many free seats for this - it's an excellent production. Written by the brilliant Cormac McCarthy, it's a two-hander, playing straight through without interval. Set in a rundown apartment in NYC, it features a discussion between two men - it's not really a spoiler to tell you that one (the guy who lives there) has just saved the other guy from throwing himself in front of a train (the "Sunset Limited" of the title). He's an evangelical sort, and sees it as his duty to try to prevent the guy from trying again.
Ah, it's a long time since I saw a play like this - a straightforward discussion between two people, about philosophy, about religion, about.. whatever. About 95 minutes' worth of verbal tennis, as they bat arguments back and forth. The evangelist is an ex-con, uneducated but fervent in his beliefs - and for much of the play, he gets to direct the conversation, and this is the fun part, with many truly hilarious segments. The would-be jumper, in contrast, is a university professor, an erudite man - and really quite depressing when he gets free rein. As you might expect. Question is - who will prevail?
I loved the mental gymnastics. Runs until Saturday - see it if you can. Afterwards, we repaired to the first-floor bar (with a restaurant at the back), where we had a drink and a chat, and shared an appreciation of this lovely new venue! We'll be back, don't worry - this is quite a little gem, in the heart of Soho.
On the way home, Google Maps sent me completely wrong - either with bus routes, or where to catch them, because the two didn't match! Which led to a bit of an extra walk - but no harm, the rain had let up for once.
Tomorrow, off to see a WIP show by comedian Kerry Godliman in 2Northdown. With it starting quite late, we're meeting for a drink beforehand at the King Charles I pub.
On Wednesday, we're going to see A Number, at the Bridge.
Really looking forward to Thursday, when we're off to see Endgame, at the Old Vic. Double bill with Rough for Theatre II. I'm a huge Beckett fan. Incidentally, stars Daniel Radcliffe. I hope he does it justice. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, again - checking my mother's electricity meter, which they persist in over-estimating the usage of.
Next Monday, back with Civilised London for another of those free jazz nights at Wilton's. This time, it's One Voice, One Cello & a Mad Belgian!
On the 3rd, back at Soho Theatre to see Dane Baptiste's comedy show, The Chocolate Chip.
On the 4th, back with UITCS at Sadler's Wells for a collaboration between Crystal Pite and her company, Kidd Pivot, and Jonathon Young, on an adaptation of a Russian comic play, Revisor (The Inspector General).
And on the 5th, going to see Shoe Lady at the Royal Court.
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