Concert: András Schiff and Quatuor Mosaiques

Tonight, back with London Classical Music and Theatre Group (LCMTG) for a concert at Wigmore Hall. Happily, there were a few people coming that I know and it'd be great to see them, as always.

Well, I could have taken the bus - but wouldn't you know it, got tied up in other stuff, and it came down to a choice between bus and eating. Eating took precedence, so Tube it was - while I still can, what with yet another strike looming! So, that deposited me quite near the venue, quite quickly. And I was glad I'd taken the quicker option, because I met one of the group downstairs, where we'd agreed - the organiser had gotten stuck in work (ah, I remember that!), and came along later. Sadly, we never did meet with the others who'd said they were coming.

It wasn't long till concert time, and my seat turned out to be right at the front, at the side of the stage. I had the better side too, behind the pianist (András Schiff), so I could see what was going on! May I recommend Row AA, by the way, rather than Rows BB or CC. They're all to the side of the stage, but of the three, AA is the only one that faces the stage - in the others, you have to turn to see.

Now, this concert was beset by misfortune! We had email after email from the organisers - the singer dropped out (we discovered tonight that she'd lost her voice), so her numbers had to be dropped, the instrument that the pianist was playing was changed, and the violinist caught Covid and couldn't leave Austria! which meant the programme had to be changed (again), because they were one musician down and couldn't play anything meant for a quartet. Oy ve. The violinist's absence was only communicated today, and I guess it was too late to upload the new programme, because András announced each piece from stage instead. Now, this is part of a Haydn festival, so we could at least guarantee it was all Haydn. Oh, and they scrapped the interval.

After all that fuss, I have to say, it was the loveliest concert I've been to in a while. Those who are going to multiple concerts in the series were warned in today's email that there would be repetition, but that wasn't an issue for those of us only attending tonight. The guy sitting in Row BB - who was right beside me - remarked to his companion in awe, as we waited for the concert to start, that this pianist is regarded as one of the finest in the world! Well, I'm no expert, but he seemed quite accomplished to me. Also quite a droll MC, as he introduced the pieces and remarked on their bad luck! Which was compounded during the encore, when one of the remaining musicians broke a string..

Afterwards, it was just me and the organiser for drinks - we walked the other attendee we'd met back to the station, and headed, in the rain, for what was the nearest pub - the Berkshire Lounge Bar, part of the Radisson. Where I had a lovely Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, and he had a Chilean red, in comfortable surrounds, watching people scurry by in the rain outside. Ah, I miss staying in hotels.. Anyway, another lovely event with this group. And I got the bus home - I should have had more faith in the elusive #8 though; just because TFL has no idea where it is doesn't mean it isn't coming! as I found out when it rounded the corner just as I was wondering whether I was in the right place. Just as well, considering it passes so close to my house!

Tomorrow, Interesting Talks London is discussing - via Zoom - IEMT and Psoriasis - How Moving Your Eyes Helps a Skin Condition! Hmm.. well, saves me travelling on a strike day.

On Wednesday, wouldn't you know it, Helen is unexpectedly in town for a conference. But that evening, I'm back with Civilised London (CL) for a Turkish meal, at Liman - meeting beforehand at The Crown, as usual. And this group doesn't take +1s! Nuts. So I've agreed to head over to Earl's Court to meet her briefly before tearing across town for my other event. Whoever said my life wasn't complicated.. will have to keep a close eye on the Tube situation though.

On Thursday, I was supposed to be back with Guided Walking Tours in Brighton and Sussex, for what promises to be a very interesting talk: Dark Days Virtual Show - The Dark Days of Edgar Allen Poe. Love Edgar Allen Poe, myself. But it was then rescheduled, and I can't make the new date. Have requested a refund. So, looking for something else to do, I came across Over 40 Living the Life. Who are off to the Vauxhall Comedy Club. Two interesting things about this. Firstly, the group is charging twice what the venue is advertising - so fine, I won't go with the group. Secondly, the venue is adding a 50p booking fee to what they're advertising. So, you know, seems a bit rich to advertise an "early bird" charge, then add a booking fee. But whatever. I'm going. On my own. (Oh, it does include a free drink.) Tickets from Design My Night.

On Friday, Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners have another walk - A Vibrant Village! Walking Tour of Marylebone. And as it's pretty unlikely that I'll have started my new job by then, I've said I'll go (provisionally). Lunch after as well, of course! and this time, I don't have a flight to catch.

On Saturday, back with them all again for the Heavenly Heights of Hampstead Walking Tour. Heavens, I shall be fit after the Hampstead hills..

On Sunday, it's back with the Crick Crack Club (CCC) for Atalanta, as recounted by Ben Haggarty, at the British Museum. Assuming their pipes are fixed. Well, he is the man for Greek mythology..

Next Monday, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) for a new version of Wuthering Heights, at the National. Well, this was my favourite book for a long time - let's see what they've done to it!

On the eighth, I'm at Anarchy at the Opera, at Hoxton Hall. Courtesy of TAC. Where we're going to hear some lesser known works..

On the ninth and 10th, back with LCMTG, The ninth, it's a concert at the Southbank Centre, where Sheku Kanneh-Mason plays Shostakovich. Apart from numerous other accolades, he achieved worldwide renown after playing at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

On the 10th, we're back to the Barbican for a concert of Haydn music by the Academy of Ancient Music. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On the 14th, more classical music at the Barbican - this time it's with London Baroque Music Lovers, and this is Handel with Les Arts Florissants.

On the 15th, headed with UITCS to The Woods, at Southwark Playhouse. Aw man, it's over a year since I last saw a performance from there, and over two years since I was last there in person! And would you believe it, I bought a PAYG subscription from them years ago, and it still entitles me to free tickets. So I used it for this! With the group having snapped up most of the front row, I'm in the row behind..

On the 16th, I'm back with LCMTG - for a play this time! We're seeing Straight Line Crazy, with Ralph Fiennes, at the Bridge. Just as well we booked early - availability is low for that night.

The 17th is, of course, St. Patrick's Day. In Ireland, it's a bank holiday - here, Kíla is playing the London Irish Centre again. A standing gig, this time. Should be mad.

On the 18th, I'm back with London European Club, for 24 Italian Songs & Arias, at Battersea Arts Centre. They're operating a "Pay What You Can" scheme, where you pay what you want, between £5 and £35 - recommended price, £16. They even sent me a survey afterwards to see what I thought!

On the 19th, back with Laurence and the 45+s - this time, it's Highgate: A Very English Village.

On the 20th.. someone I swore I'd never do a walk with again. Well, we'll see whether she's back on form - Walks, Talks & Treasure Hunts (WTTH) is off on a walk called Secrets of Belgravia. (Courtesy of her company, London Guided Walks.) The code MEETUP3 gets you a £3 discount on all her walks - which does cover the booking fee of £1, not advertised before you come to the point of purchasing the ticket. Well, it'll be a start if she shows up!

On the 21st, I'm at another Zoom talk - Quakers at War is the story of the Quakers and their pacifism. Courtesy of Surrey History Meetup.

On the 22nd.. I'm booked for Dear Evan Hansen, at the Noel Coward Theatre! Finally - I'd booked for this before lockdown, and of course it got cancelled. Cheapest tickets from the official site.

On the 23rd, back with CL - back at Le Sacré Coeur, meeting beforehand at The Crown, as usual.

On the 24th, back with TAC for Avocado Presents - Improv, at Etcetera Theatre. Eh, I think it's a jazz concert? Anyway, then back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On the 28th of next month, going to see Daddy at the Almeida. Having never seen a bad production here, I have high hopes.

On the 29th of next month, finally going to see Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella! I hear good things.. it's playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, which is new to me - Seatplan was invaluable in choosing the best seating option. What's On Stage provided the cheapest price for that seat, though!

On the 30th of next month, back with CL - for a play this time. This is The Fever Syndrome, at Hampstead Theatre.

On the 31st of next month, back with TAC for One Night With Robbie Williams. This is at The Courtyard.

On the 1st of April, back with the CCC for - The Grand Annual Lying Contest! at Rich Mix.

On the 2nd of April, back with WTTH for a Regent's Canal Walk. Different guide.

On the 3rd of April, the CCC again! Emily Hennessey and Sheema Mukherjee are at the British Museum, with Holy Cow! Tales from the River of Life.

On the 4th of April, I'm back at the Park Theatre for the first time in nearly three years! This is for Clybourne Park, a comedy about a white family moving into a predominantly black neighbourhood.

On the 5th of April, I'm headed to But I'm a Cheerleader, a musical comedy at the Turbine Theatre.

On the 6th of April, back with UITCS at Southwark Playhouse, and another free ticket for me! This time, it's for Anyone Can Whistle, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

On the 7th of April, Tommy Tiernan is playing at the Eventim Apollo! Now, I failed to get a ticket for this the first time around. Then it was rescheduled because of Covid.. and I got a ticket for the rescheduled event! Then that was rescheduled.. third time lucky?! Love Tommy Tiernan. The show is called Tomfoolery. And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.

And on the 11th of April, I've booked for The 47th, at The Old Vic. Written by Mike Bartlett, this imagines the American presidential elections of 2024. I am really looking forward to this play..

Old Jewish Neighbourhood Walking Tour & Films: Red Joan & Dog

Last Friday, Laurence Summers persuaded me to come on his Old Jewish Neighbourhood Walking Tour - with the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners, as it happens. Now, it started in the morning - and ended with lunch - so I thought that should be ok for my flight! Hell, it was all around my area. And my new job hasn't started yet, so.. Got cash out on the way home the evening before, as he requires it. I just hoped it'd warm up a bit..

And so it did, dawning bright and sunny, and nice and warm in the sunshine. Oh, if only I could find my sunglasses..! Anyway, I grabbed a bite to eat in Liverpool Street and walked from there to Aldgate Station, where we were to meet. The most direct route took me down through Devonshire Square - the first place of many that day, where I'd never been before!

And so to Aldgate, where it wasn't long before a group of us congregated. Quite a large cohort, into which Laurence slipped without fuss and started checking off names. I was glad when we finally left - as I remarked to someone, I can walk, but I cannot stand.. my back starts to kill me after not too long.

Now, there's plenty to say about the neighbourhood - but of course, this walk had a Jewish theme, and we focussed on places associated with the Jewish community. Sadly, synagogues aren't always so easy to photograph. Churches tend to be more prominent:

And as we wended our way through narrow alleyways, some of the views were spectacular, looking upwards. A lot of this area was bombed in wartime, of course, and rebuilt. And with land at a premium, they tend to build vertically:

Also interesting things to see, closer to the ground:

Back to business, and a former soup kitchen:

..in an area of atmospheric old buildings:

And finally, a synagogue I could get a decent photo of.. in a lovely, narrow street:

But of course, there was more to the walk than architecture, and we learned a lot about the history of Jews in Europe, in England, and specifically in this area. Many people on the walk had a particular interest in the topic - me, I'm just a history buff in general, and I was delighted to come across a whole subject I knew little about, but now can say I know considerably more! If Laurence ever chose to write a book on the subject, I'd be interested, for one..

And so, back to Liverpool Street, where we ended the walk and some of us headed for lunch:

The Lord Aberconway was the destination, where we had booked the complete upper level - which, seating about 20 or so, was the perfect size! Why, as I remarked, if conversation palled, we were even overlooking the tv! (Not that there was a lack of conversation, of course.) Or, in the other direction, they had a live departures board for the station. Very handy - although I didn't need to catch a train for hours yet.

Ordering could be done by phone, or at the bar. Most people had toasties - mine was ham and cheese. I was jealous of those who had the fish finger sandwiches though! I wasn't crazy about my ham and cheese - the ham was a bit too thick for purpose, as was the bread, and I didn't finish it. When I ordered, I'd been given a choice of "chips or fries".. turned out, when I checked the menu afterwards, the chips are triple-cooked, and the fries are skin-on. Anyway, my chips were very good.

As was the conversation! When we finished up there, many of us repaired to another pub - at Laurence's suggestion, we headed to The Red Lion, just north of Finsbury Circus. Where again, we sat upstairs, providing company for the two people actually eating up there. And we spent a lovely hour. As the song says, "Of all the money that e're I had, I spent it in good company.." Truly, a lovely bunch of people, a great tour guide, and an excellent way to spend a day. Very glad I did that. I can't make all the upcoming walks, but will be keeping an eye out for more..

That evening, back to Ireland for the weekend, and the evening was spent watching telly with my mother. The late film turned out to be Red Joan - which I hadn't seen! Loosely based on the story of Melita Norwood, who passed British atomic secrets to the Soviets in the 1940s and 1950s, and was outed as a spy when elderly - in this film, she's played as an old woman by Dame Judi Dench. Tom Hughes plays her Communist lover, back in the day, who inspired her towards the actions she took. Hmm yes, I don't blame her.. Anyway, not terribly highly rated, which is why I never saw it in the cinema, but this is actually really watchable! despite the rather depressing interior decor of the time. By the time it was over, it was too late to blog, since I had to be up early-ish.

On Saturday, I had another legal meeting. I actually didn't have much to do, perhaps five minutes' worth - but the man was chatty, and honestly I thought I'd never get out of there! When I eventually did, I already had a film planned - which was (ahem) Dog, where Channing Tatum - a soldier - bonds with a dog he's taking to another soldier's funeral. (He also co-directs.) The Omniplex is cheaper, so I was delighted to be able to book for the earlier showing there.

And to be honest, it's better than I'd expected a film of his to be. The military jingoism is kept to a minimum - while the film acknowledges his military background, and actually has something to say about the way war veterans are treated in the States, it does show his softer side, and has something to say also about the problems with the army's gung-ho attitude. And then, there's that gorgeous dog.. a big dog, one of those complicated, exotic-sounding breeds that none of us have heard of, she looks quite like an Alsatian. And they have great fun along the way, as she goes from unmanageable to cute.. well gee, all she needed was someone to listen to her! One for dog lovers, this. Or Channing Tatum lovers. Works either way. Anyway, I enjoyed it. And that night, I was too tired to blog.

Spent most of today planning ahead - hang onto your hats, my schedule is getting back to its normal, crammed self. Now back in London, and tomorrow, back with London Classical Music and Theatre Group (LCMTG) for a concert at Wigmore Hall. Happily, there are a few people coming that I know and it'll be great to see them, as always.

On Tuesday, Interesting Talks London is discussing - via Zoom - IEMT and Psoriasis - How Moving Your Eyes Helps a Skin Condition! Hmm..

On Wednesday, wouldn't you know it, Helen is unexpectedly in town for a conference. But that evening, I'm back with Civilised London (CL) for a Turkish meal, at Liman - meeting beforehand at The Crown, as usual. And this group doesn't take +1s! Nuts. So I've agreed to head over to Earl's Court to meet her briefly before tearing across town for my other event. Whoever said my life wasn't complicated..

On Thursday, I was supposed to be back with Guided Walking Tours in Brighton and Sussex, for what promises to be a very interesting talk: Dark Days Virtual Show - The Dark Days of Edgar Allen Poe. Love Edgar Allen Poe, myself. But it was then rescheduled, and I can't make the new date. Have requested a refund. So, looking for something else to do, I came across Over 40 Living the Life. Who are off to the Vauxhall Comedy Club. Two interesting things about this. Firstly, the group is charging twice what the venue is advertising - so fine, I won't go with the group. Secondly, the venue is adding a 50p booking fee to what they're advertising. So, you know, seems a bit rich to advertise an "early bird" charge, then add a booking fee. But whatever. I'm going. On my own. (Oh, it does include a free drink.) Tickets from Design My Night.

On Friday, Laurence and the 45+s have another walk - A Vibrant Village! Walking Tour of Marylebone. And as it's pretty unlikely that I'll have started my new job by then, I've said I'll go (provisionally). Lunch after as well, of course! and this time, I don't have a flight to catch.

On Saturday, back with them all again for the Heavenly Heights of Hampstead Walking Tour. Heavens, I shall be fit after the Hampstead hills..

Next Sunday, it's back with the Crick Crack Club (CCC) for Atalanta, as recounted by Ben Haggarty, at the British Museum. Assuming their pipes are fixed. Well, he is the man for Greek mythology..

On the seventh, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) for a new version of Wuthering Heights, at the National. Well, this was my favourite book for a long time - let's see what they've done to it!

On the eighth, I'm at Anarchy at the Opera, at Hoxton Hall. Courtesy of TAC. Where we're going to hear some lesser known works..

On the ninth and 10th, back with LCMTG, The ninth, it's a concert at the Southbank Centre, where Sheku Kanneh-Mason plays Shostakovich. Apart from numerous other accolades, he achieved worldwide renown after playing at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

On the 10th, we're back to the Barbican for a concert of Haydn music by the Academy of Ancient Music. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On the 14th, more classical music at the Barbican - this time it's with London Baroque Music Lovers, and this is Handel with Les Arts Florissants.

On the 15th, headed with UITCS to The Woods, at Southwark Playhouse. Aw man, it's over a year since I last saw a performance from there, and over two years since I was last there in person! And would you believe it, I bought a PAYG subscription from them years ago, and it still entitles me to free tickets. So I used it for this! With the group having snapped up most of the front row, I'm in the row behind..

On the 16th, I'm back with LCMTG - for a play this time! We're seeing Straight Line Crazy, with Ralph Fiennes, at the Bridge. Just as well we booked early - availability is low for that night.

The 17th is, of course, St. Patrick's Day. In Ireland, it's a bank holiday - here, Kíla is playing the London Irish Centre again. A standing gig, this time. Should be mad.

On the 18th, I'm back with London European Club, for 24 Italian Songs & Arias, at Battersea Arts Centre. They're operating a "Pay What You Can" scheme, where you pay what you want, between £5 and £35 - recommended price, £16. They even sent me a survey afterwards to see what I thought!

On the 19th, back with Laurence and the 45+s - this time, it's Highgate: A Very English Village.

On the 20th.. someone I swore I'd never do a walk with again. Well, we'll see whether she's back on form - Walks, Talks & Treasure Hunts (WTTH) is off on a walk called Secrets of Belgravia. (Courtesy of her company, London Guided Walks.) The code MEETUP3 gets you a £3 discount on all her walks - which does cover the booking fee of £1, not advertised before you come to the point of purchasing the ticket. Well, it'll be a start if she shows up!

On the 21st, I'm at another Zoom talk - Quakers at War is the story of the Quakers and their pacifism. Courtesy of Surrey History Meetup.

On the 22nd.. I'm booked for Dear Evan Hansen, at the Noel Coward Theatre! Finally - I'd booked for this before lockdown, and of course it got cancelled. Cheapest tickets from the official site.

On the 23rd, back with CL - back at Le Sacré Coeur, meeting beforehand at The Crown, as usual.

On the 24th, back with TAC for Avocado Presents - Improv, at Etcetera Theatre. Eh, I think it's a jazz concert? Anyway, then back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On the 28th of next month, going to see Daddy at the Almeida. Having never seen a bad production here, I have high hopes.

On the 29th of next month, finally going to see Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella! I hear good things.. it's playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, which is new to me - Seatplan was invaluable in choosing the best seating option. What's On Stage provided the cheapest price for that seat, though!

On the 30th of next month, back with CL - for a play this time. This is The Fever Syndrome, at Hampstead Theatre.

On the 31st of next month, back with TAC for One Night With Robbie Williams. This is at The Courtyard.

On the 1st of April, back with the CCC for - The Grand Annual Lying Contest! at Rich Mix.

On the 2nd of April, back with WTTH for a Regent's Canal Walk. Different guide.

On the 3rd of April, the CCC again! Emily Hennessey and Sheema Mukherjee are at the British Museum, with Holy Cow! Tales from the River of Life.

On the 4th of April, I'm back at the Park Theatre for the first time in nearly three years! This is for Clybourne Park, a comedy about a white family moving into a predominantly black neighbourhood.

On the 5th of April, I'm headed to But I'm a Cheerleader, a musical comedy at the Turbine Theatre.

On the 6th of April, back with UITCS at Southwark Playhouse, and another free ticket for me! This time, it's for Anyone Can Whistle, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

On the 7th of April, Tommy Tiernan is playing at the Eventim Apollo! Now, I failed to get a ticket for this the first time around. Then it was rescheduled because of Covid.. and I got a ticket for the rescheduled event! Then that was rescheduled.. third time lucky?! Love Tommy Tiernan. The show is called Tomfoolery. And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.

And on the 11th of April, I've booked for The 47th, at The Old Vic. Written by Mike Bartlett, this imagines the American presidential elections of 2024. I am really looking forward to this play..

Concert: London Symphony Orchestra

Today saw an absolutely bitter wind - Arctic, in fact. My mother told me she had snow. Here, it was cold enough for it - but dry, after the morning passed. When I headed to Delice de France, the rain had passed over - but that wind was vicious. Even when he was serving me my steak slice, the napkins kept blowing off.. great ventilation they have in Liverpool Street. As if in compensation, that steak slice was absolutely molten! I swear, my eyes kept running as I was attempting to eat it, from the sheer pain of taking something so hot into my mouth.. Wooh. Well, a definite antidote to the weather.

This evening, London Classical Music and Theatre Group (LCMTG) just lately advertised an LSO concert at the Barbican - so I booked. CT apparently had cheap tickets for this, but I missed the offer - never mind. So naturally, when I came to thinking about dinner, the most convenient place was Cote Barbican! After the trouble I had yesterday, getting a restaurant, I booked - for safety. And when I arrived, was shown the Prix Fixe menu - which included wild mushroom soup. Ah well now.. so I had that, with steak frites to follow, because it's quick and the concert was early.

You'll never guess - the soup was molten as well. Really, I do think it was in response to the weather. But it was lovely - and I wolfed down the steak. And the frites. Sadly, didn't really have time for dessert. Trotted over to the Barbican and met the others, and we didn't really have long before we went in.

So, first up - as per the photo - was Metamorphosen, by Strauss. A sombre piece - which I found appropriate, on a day when someone I know has had her country attacked. I'd just been reading about that, in fact.

..Followed by La Voix Humaine. The story of what seems like a quite hysterical woman, on the phone to her ex-lover, and filmed from different angles, displayed on screen at the back, with subtitles, this I did fid compelling to watch. Perhaps not for the entire duration. She both sings and conducts the piece - it's quite a feat. Musically, we agreed, not our bag - but.. interesting. The closeups of her mouth on screen, of course, reminded me of nothing so much as Not I. But then, I'm a massive Beckett fan..

Afterwards, we repaired - back to Cote! Where the others had a late dinner, and I had a very late dessert! Good times, good company as always.

Tomorrow, Laurence Summers persuaded me to come on his Old Jewish Neighbourhood Walking Tour - with the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners, as it happens. Now, it starts in the morning - and ends with lunch - so that should be ok for my flight! Hell, it's all around my area. And my new job hasn't started yet, so.. Got cash out on the way home this evening, as he requires it. I just hope it warms up a bit..

Tomorrow evening, back to Ireland for the weekend - and with more legal stuff pending, doesn't look like I can squeeze in a film. If I do, what's coming up is (ahem) Dog, where Channing Tatum - a soldier - bonds with a dog he's taking to another soldier's funeral. We'll see.

On Monday, back with LCMTG for a concert at Wigmore Hall.

On Tuesday, Interesting Talks London is discussing - via Zoom - IEMT and Psoriasis - How Moving Your Eyes Helps a Skin Condition! Hmm..

On Wednesday, back with Civilised London for a Turkish meal, at Liman - meeting beforehand at The Crown, as usual.

And next Thursday, I was supposed to be back with Guided Walking Tours in Brighton and Sussex, for what promises to be a very interesting talk: Dark Days Virtual Show - The Dark Days of Edgar Allen Poe. Love Edgar Allen Poe, myself. But it was rescheduled the other day, and I can't make the new date. Have requested a refund. So, looking for something else to do, I came across Over 40 Living the Life. Who are off to the Vauxhall Comedy Club. Two interesting things about this. Firstly, the group is charging twice what the venue is advertising - so fine, I won't go with the group. Secondly, the venue is adding a 50p booking fee to what they're advertising. So, you know, seems a bit rich to advertise an "early bird" charge, then add a booking fee. But whatever. I'm going. On my own. (Oh, it does include a free drink.) Tickets from Design My Night.

Concert: The Choir of Man

Tonight, I was supposed to be with Civilised London (CL) again. They're going to a lot of plays these days - tonight, we booked for The Forest in Hampstead Theatre. A few famous people in this - Millie Brady, Silas Carson, Paul McGann, Gina McKee, Toby Stephens.. A while ago, I was contacted by the box office to say that during rehearsals, they'd discovered that my seat had a restricted view. Which is very thorough of them! So they'd reduced the price. I had a choice to make - did I want to stay in that seat - in which case they'd give me a credit note for the price difference, or change to another seat - if available, or upgrade to a more expensive seat and pay the difference, or perhaps book for another night? Well, I didn't want another night - so I rang them, and discovered there were no other seats available at my original price, so I upgraded, and was now in the second row. Well, as she said, the view would be excellent! Anyway, this is now sold out for the entire run.

And then today the theatre contacted me to say that tonight's performance was cancelled, owing to "the indisposition of a cast member". Jeez, this performance seems to have been cursed! Anyway, I could have got a credit note, but as I never really know what my plans are, I asked for a refund. 15 minutes I was on hold, waiting for that. And then had a look to see what else was on tonight! and wouldn't you know it, Up in the Cheap Seats was off to The Choir of Man. So, I did a little hunting around.. and handily, Seatplan was one of the cheapest ticket sellers offering deals on this, with plenty of £15 tickets, no fees. Especially handy because I had a £10 Seatplan voucher. So, for £5, I had me an end seat in the stalls..

I wanted to get something to eat beforehand, but hadn't thought to book anywhere. And the West End was unbelievably crowded - most places were turning people away, and there were queues at every door to every branch of Bella Italia that I passed!

I knew there were a couple of restaurants right beside the theatre - and carrying on to there, I came to P. F. Chang's Asian Table. Where - gee, they could seat me right away! They'd have to put me at a high table - but that was ok. Service came with a smile - I got the impression a lot of the staff were quite inexperienced - and I had a helluva choice, from what sounded like a whole menu of delicious choices. I eventually decided on chicken dumplings with sweet chilli sauce to start, followed by Mongolian beef in dark soy sauce and fried rice. And a large Sauvignon Blanc.

The fun started when the mains arrived before the starter. But never mind, the dumplings arrived in due course - and I have to say, everything was delicious! Beef a little chewy maybe - and caveat, that chilli sauce is quite spicy! but it was lovely. However, good luck getting anyone to take a dessert order - this is where the lack of experience might have showed, and they had got a bit busier, but after 15 minutes of trying to get anyone's attention, and with an hour now to showtime and half an hour to meeting the group, I gave up, put on my coat, and stood by the cash registers, waiting. And someone eventually got the hint and gave me my bill. A downer on what had been a lovely meal.

In the theatre, the bar was open - and already starting to fill up. And ooh, they had ice cream! So I had my dessert there. Followed by more wine. The group duly happened along, and we chatted before going in.

Now, the idea is, the stage is done as a bar, and sundry audience members are invited up and given free beer - and later, one woman scored a pina colada. You could be targeted from anywhere in the stalls - in Row F, I was invited up (no thanks!). They wanted to make sure no-one missed out, which was nice of them:

Well, this has been described as a musical - no it isn't, it has no plot! What it is, is a singalong-cum-choral concert. Set in a pub. It starts with Welcome to the Jungle - the idea being that "the jungle" in question is the pub. But don't let that fool you - most of their repertoire is easy-listening. Think Adele, think The Pina Colada Song. Think Dance with my Father, which I honestly never liked. Also some I'd never heard at all. So, not for everyone. But hey, they're amazing singers - and when they do get everyone singing along, it's great.. they finish with The Parting Glass, a beautiful choice - albeit a very highly produced version. Yep, worth a look. Runs until the 3rd of April.

Tomorrow, London Classical Music and Theatre Group (LCMTG) just yesterday advertised an LSO concert at the Barbican - so I'm going. 

On Friday, Laurence Summers persuaded me to come on his Old Jewish Neighbourhood Walking Tour - with the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners, as it happens. Now, it starts in the morning - and ends with lunch - so that should be ok for my flight! Hell, it's all around my area. And my new job hasn't started yet, so..

That evening, back to Ireland for the weekend - and with more legal stuff pending, doesn't look like I can squeeze in a film. If I do, what's coming up is (ahem) Dog, where Channing Tatum - a soldier - bonds with a dog he's taking to another soldier's funeral. We'll see.

On Monday, back with LCMTG for a concert at Wigmore Hall.

On Tuesday, Interesting Talks London is discussing - via Zoom - IEMT and Psoriasis - How Moving Your Eyes Helps a Skin Condition! Hmm..

On the second, back with CL for a Turkish meal, at Liman - meeting beforehand at The Crown, as usual.

And on the third, I was supposed to be back with Guided Walking Tours in Brighton and Sussex, for what promises to be a very interesting talk: Dark Days Virtual Show - The Dark Days of Edgar Allen Poe. Love Edgar Allen Poe, myself. But it was rescheduled yesterday, and I can't make the new date. Have requested a refund. So, looking for something else to do, I came across Over 40 Living the Life. Who are off to the Vauxhall Comedy Club. Two interesting things about this. Firstly, the group is charging twice what the venue is advertising - so fine, I won't go with the group. Secondly, the venue is adding a 50p booking fee to what they're advertising. So, you know, seems a bit rich to advertise an "early bird" charge, then add a booking fee. But whatever. I'm going. On my own. (Oh, it does include a free drink.) Tickets from Design My Night.

Cruising Covent Garden Pub Walk

Today got off to a fine start with an absolutely molten steak slice from Delice de France. I swear, it really makes a difference what time you get there. They obviously aren't kept very hot after being cooked - you really need to get there when they're fresh. So, the earlier the better. Today's was, as I say, molten - hot enough to burn my mouth. Yum.

This evening, I finally got to see Laurence Summers again - 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners were off on a Cruising Covent Garden pub walk. Except I saw it first on their sister group, Carpe Diem, and booked with them. Mercifully, the wind died down!

I needed to get cash for this - he only takes cash. And wouldn't you know it, the ATM near me had a beggar literally sitting under it. Fine, I said, I'll get cash in the West End instead. Which worked out fine - isn't it great how Google Maps can just direct you to the nearest ATM? Anyway, I'd headed in early to get food - I didn't have a huge amount of time, so ended up in Pret, where they do lovely smoked salmon sandwiches. Also had apple juice, and their delectable "chocolate moose". Had an interesting time observing people taking selfies - there was a couple of guys, incessantly taking pictures of each other sitting in the window. And I swear, as I arrived, one of them was trying to persuade the driver of the courier van parked outside to move, because its reflection was messing up his photo.. I only wish I'd stayed to hear the response. I do know the van stayed where it was.

Another guy was taking selfies as I left - dunno what it is about Pret. Anyway, I had little else to do but trot up the road to the Coliseum, where we were to meet. I swear, all human life is there - while I waited, one woman had some sort of panic attack - lucky her friend was with her, and flagged down a black cab to take her home. Finally, someone else on the walk happened along. And then we seemed to act as a magnet, because everybody else just gravitated towards us. Indeed, they opened the theatre doors and invited us in, thinking we were there for the show! Except the organiser.. poor chap arrived, panting, just as we were giving up on him - there'd been some problem with the Northern Line, and he'd run all the way from where he got off, finally.

Well, we got underway with a multi-stop - something about the Coliseum, something about Edith Cavell, who has a statue to her just down the way - honestly, not one I ever paid attention to before - something about St. Martin-in-the Fields, which is a little further down.

Now, this was as much a pub tour as anything else - and although we passed The Nell Gwynne, with a couple of (Aussie-sounding) ladies outside who entreated us to the Strand Palace Hotel, where they worked, we were bound for the Coal Hole. Ehh.. until we saw how packed it was. So.. back to the Aussie ladies. Who recommended the Pinot Grigio as we headed in - so that was what I had! and v nice it was. And a convivial chat was had. And they were still trying to get our custom - for their hotel - as we left!

That wasn't the last we were to hear of the lady..

And so in and around Covent Garden, pointing out things we mightn't have noticed:

Our second pub was the Freemason's Arms, just down from the Freemason's Hall - as we remarked, nice and spacious and uncrowded. And we ended the night in The Round House - where the barman mentioned they had a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc - now I'm not sure what it was, but it was gorgeous. So glad I chose that. And so glad I came with this group again - one of the friendliest, one of the best nights out I've had in a while.

Tomorrow, I'm with Civilised London (CL) again. They're going to a lot of plays these days - tomorrow, we're at The Forest in Hampstead Theatre. A few famous people in this - Millie Brady, Silas Carson, Paul McGann, Gina McKee, Toby Stephens.. A while ago, I was contacted by the box office to say that during rehearsals, they'd discovered that my seat had a restricted view. Which is very thorough of them! So they'd reduced the price. I had a choice to make - did I want to stay in that seat - in which case they'd give me a credit note for the price difference, or change to another seat - if available, or upgrade to a more expensive seat and pay the difference, or perhaps book for another night? Well, I didn't want another night - so I rang them, and discovered there were no other seats available at my original price, so I upgraded, and am now in the second row. Well, as she said, the view would be excellent! Anyway, this is now sold out for the entire run.

On Thursday, London Classical Music and Theatre Group (LCMTG) just advertised an LSO concert at the Barbican - so I'm going. 

On Friday, Laurence persuaded me to come on his Old Jewish Neighbourhood Walking Tour - with the 45+s, as it happens. Now, it starts in the morning - and ends with lunch - so that should be ok! Hell, it's all around my area. And my new job hasn't started yet, so..

That evening, back to Ireland for the weekend - and with more legal stuff pending, doesn't look like I can squeeze in a film. If I do, what's coming up is (ahem) Dog, where Channing Tatum - a soldier - bonds with a dog he's taking to another soldier's funeral. We'll see.

On Monday, back with LCMTG for a concert at Wigmore Hall.

Next Tuesday, Interesting Talks London is discussing - via Zoom - IEMT and Psoriasis - How Moving Your Eyes Helps a Skin Condition! Hmm..

On the second, back with CL for a Turkish meal, at Liman - meeting beforehand at The Crown, as usual.

And on the third, I was supposed to be back with Guided Walking Tours in Brighton and Sussex, for what promises to be a very interesting talk: Dark Days Virtual Show - The Dark Days of Edgar Allen Poe. Love Edgar Allen Poe, myself. But it was rescheduled today, and I can't make the new date. Have requested a refund. So, looking for something else to do, I came across Over 40 Living the Life. Who are off to the Vauxhall Comedy Club. Two interesting things about this. Firstly, the group is charging twice what the venue is advertising - so fine, I won't go with the group. Secondly, the venue is adding a 50p booking fee to what they're advertising. So, you know, seems a bit rich to advertise an "early bird" charge, then add a booking fee. But whatever. I'm going. On my own. (Oh, it does include a free drink.)

Comedy: Rob Newman - WIP

Started off the day getting food in Liverpool Street again - I see the departure boards have trains on them again! Anyway, for this evening, my other cheap ticket club - and more comedy. CT has limited tickets for the excellent Rob Newman's comedy show at 2Northdown. At least the rain died off.

I decided to have dinner up that direction, for a change - and spotted an Indian restaurant, Indian Lounge, nearby. So I determined to head for that, a little early. Well, the buses had different ideas.. all the stops near Liverpool Street were closed when I headed out, because of an "unsafe structure" on a nearby building. When I eventually figured out where the #205 came from to get there, and made my way down there - no sign of the bus! I finally gave it up as a bad job, and took the Tube.

Wasn't too hard to find the restaurant anyway - and I was the first to arrive, beating the evening rush.

Really friendly staff. One was dead keen on stepping outside to hail passers-by. Sometimes, it worked. To be fair, the place did fill up well, shortly after I arrived.

I was entertained by a never-ending stream of - not sure whether it was movie clips or music videos - projected onto the wall opposite, mutely. It was quite entertaining - looked like a mish-mash of Bollywood dancing and action. Meantime, I stuck to the old reliables - lamb samosas, butter chicken, peshwari naan. A large glass of the house white - and that canny maitre d', seeing that my glass was getting low, suggested another. How prescient. The samosas were nice - the butter chicken was unusual in my experience, less buttery than I'm used to. But nice. I have to say, from the gorgeous smell coming from a nearby table, I don't think I got the best dish! The naan was gorgeous - despite the base being burnt to a crisp. Wow, it was nice to have an Indian again - and I definitely can't fault the service. Or the price. Would happily return. Oh, and they treated me to a shot (and a chocolate) as I paid..

Made the short walk down to the venue - and it was a very good thing I knew where it was. Basically, turn from Euston Road onto Northdown Street, it's a shed-like building on the right. A small door to the right allows access. There was no sign when I arrived. Someone inside the door checked my name off a list, I bought a drink and took a seat at the back.

He's a very cerebral performer, and we got a lot of education about geological time periods, for example. And this is very much a WIP. Well, I did get into it to some extent - but thought it'd be funnier. Ah well, at least I paid under the odds. Runs till the end of the week.

Oh, and on the way back - I got the #205. Go figure.

Tomorrow, I finally get to see Laurence Summers again - 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners are off on a Cruising Covent Garden pub walk. Except I saw it first on their sister group, Carpe Diem, and have booked with them. Let's hope the wind has died down by then!

On Wednesday, I'm with Civilised London (CL) again. They're going to a lot of plays these days - on Wednesday, we're at The Forest in Hampstead Theatre. A few famous people in this - Millie Brady, Silas Carson, Paul McGann, Gina McKee, Toby Stephens.. A while ago, I was contacted by the box office to say that during rehearsals, they'd discovered that my seat had a restricted view. Which is very thorough of them! So they'd reduced the price. I had a choice to make - did I want to stay in that seat - in which case they'd give me a credit note for the price difference, or change to another seat - if available, or upgrade to a more expensive seat and pay the difference, or perhaps book for another night? Well, I didn't want another night - so I rang them, and discovered there were no other seats available at my original price, so I upgraded, and am now in the second row. Well, as she said, the view would be excellent! Anyway, this is now sold out for the entire run.

On Thursday, London Classical Music and Theatre Group just advertised an LSO concert at the Barbican - so I'm going. Then back to Ireland for the weekend - and with more legal stuff pending, doesn't look like I can squeeze in a film. We'll see.

Next Monday, back with them for a concert at Wigmore Hall.

On the first, Interesting Talks London is discussing - via Zoom - IEMT and Psoriasis - How Moving Your Eyes Helps a Skin Condition! Hmm..

On the second, back with CL for a Turkish meal, at Liman - meeting beforehand at The Crown, as usual.

And on the third, back with Guided Walking Tours in Brighton and Sussex, for what promises to be a very interesting talk: Dark Days Virtual Show - The Dark Days of Edgar Allen Poe. Love Edgar Allen Poe, myself..