Comedy: One Night with Robbie Williams

Well, well, well - went out for food today.. and it snowed on me! I know they had little snowmen on the weather forecast, but this is London! Bitterly cold, too. Tonight, I was back with TAC for One Night With Robbie Williams. This was at The Courtyard. Walking distance - oh Lordy, and on a day like today! Never mind, off I set - into the most bitter, driving wind. "Bracing", someone described it as. "Vicious" would be closer to the truth.

Needing food - and warmth - I broke my journey at Pizza Express, reasoning that I hadn't been for a while. I've had pollo pesto the last few times, so fancied a change, and reverted to the pollo ad astra pizza, which I used to like. Knowing that I wouldn't finish a whole pizza, I skipped a starter, and just went for a rather delectable glass of Sauvignon Blanc - new to the menu, it seems! The pizza was nice, but sure enough, proved too much - but I did eat most. Service was flawless - I was never left alone too long, and the waiter was just the right amount of friendly. Anticipating my wishes, he asked whether I'd like a dessert menu, and when I ordered "just vanilla gelato", he agreed that that was just perfect to counteract the heat of the pizza. And it was delicious, so rich. Such a pain to brave that wind again.. Got a nice "goodbye" from him, though.

Between having to keep checking the map and having to keep wiping my eyes, which were tearing up in the wind, I had a terrible time. Had to put a glove on the hand holding the phone, or get frostbite - couldn't have one on the other hand, which I needed to work the phone! Boy, was I glad to get to the theatre. Also glad that I'd been here before - and my previous blog post was helpful in finding the entrance tonight, although I think the doorway was a little better advertised. The fellow at the bottom of the stairs cheerily asked me whether I had a ticket, I cheerily told him whom I'd booked with, and I headed into the bar.

Where someone was telling someone else about the snow. See? I didn't dream it. So I corroborated the story, and got a very reasonably priced large wine. Loved standing right under the heater, blowing hot air on me! Not seeing any spare tables in this too-small bar, I shared a table with a single lady, and we chatted a little - I explained that I'd been there five years or so ago, and she exclaimed how good it was to see places lasting that long! I also brought her attention to the book pages that still cover the wall - she went over to investigate, and discovered that they were all sort of "Daring Dan" and "Boys Own" sorts of stories. And in due course, we went in - well, I should say, along the hall, up the stairs, across the dance studio, and in, taking unassigned seats.

Started late, of course - unless you count the Robbie Williams soundtrack that ran for 10 minutes beforehand! Now, again I was misled by the blurb, which sounded as though she was going to be ranting about all the things she hated. No, not really - what she was doing was reliving a day with lots of detestable things in it, which did come across very funny! She started with a job interview, carried on to a night out that led to a hook-up.. and finished with a poignant tribute to her mother, and the only grownup conversation they ever had! Very good.. mild audience interaction, including her asking for a pen - which I could have provided her with, but I'd have had to dig! Glad I went to that - it only had two performances, finished tonight. Happily, the wind had died down for my walk home.

Well, I finally got a provisional start date from my new job - and it's next week. So tomorrow, still being free, I've booked with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners for a daytime walk. This is Tinker, Tailor, Soldier & a Hatful of Spies - and comes highly recommended from previous attendees! In fact, I got the last spot (at the time, anyway). 

That evening, back with the Crick Crack Club (CCC) for - The Grand Annual Lying Contest! at Rich Mix.

On Saturday, I had booked with Walks, Talks & Treasure Hunts for a Regent's Canal Walk. But yay, Laurence and the 45+s then advertised another walk for that day, which is pretty much guaranteed to be superior. So I've booked it. This is Scandals, Scriptwriters & Sumptuous Architecture - and of course, it being a London weekend, I can go!

That evening, an ex-colleague of mine is having a leaving do - he's emigrating. Happening at The Woodman, in Highgate. I said I'd put in an appearance.

On Sunday, the CCC again! Emily Hennessey and Sheema Mukherjee are at the British Museum, with Holy Cow! Tales from the River of Life. Unfortunately, the London Landmarks Half Marathon is also that day, so I'll probably be on the Tube, at least getting to the museum. 

On Monday, 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 Tuesday, I'm headed to But I'm a Cheerleader, a musical comedy at the Turbine Theatre.

On Wednesday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats at Southwark Playhouse, and another free ticket for me! This time, it's for Anyone Can Whistle, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

Next Thursday, Tommy Tiernan is playing at the Hammersmith 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.

On the 11th, 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..

On the 12th, I'm finally going to Six, the Musical! Based around the story of the six wives of Henry VIII (very loosely, I'd say), it's playing at the Vaudeville and I hear good things. Cheapest tickets from Leicester Square Box Office.

On the 13th, back with Civilised London, who are off to the opera at the Southbank Centre. The show in question is The Paradis Files. Next day, I'm back to Ireland for Easter - but left it so late to book, I could only get an afternoon flight, and will have to start my new job (whenever) by asking for that day off work!

Well, my friend got back to me - they're away in the middle of Easter week, back on the 21st, so the most sensible thing to do seemed to be to visit on the 22nd, which I've now arranged with her. Whether I take that week as holiday, or take the laptop there and work from Ireland, remains to be seen. Anyway, I'll fly back to London on the 24th. And on the 25th, I'm off to The Corn is Green, at the National.

Play: The Fever Syndrome

Tonight, back with Civilised London (CL) - for a play this time. This was The Fever Syndrome, at Hampstead Theatre. So I decided to head up early, and grab a bite at Ye Olde Swiss Cottage, just across the road. I've eaten there before. Could have taken a bus, but the Tube got me there faster, meaning I didn't have to rush my food.

Happy to say, the staff were a lot friendlier than on my last visit! Anyway, I picked a cosy table by a window, ordered hunter chicken and a large glass of the only white wine they had - which was a nice chenin blanc. The chicken wasn't amazing, but it filled a spot - and the ice cream I had for dessert was lovely (although they only had vanilla). Nice place to hunker down out of the cold, though - we went back afterwards for a drink, and as one remarked, it was a real winter refuge! Comfortingly solid wood everywhere, comfy chairs..

And so to the theatre - and a temperature check! We had to stand in front of a gauge - happy to report that I passed. Joined the others, chatted briefly, and then they went to the Stalls - and I went to my cheapie seat upstairs. Which, I was delighted to learn, takes the same format as the National, with spurs of seats to the sides, culminating in individual seats - and mine was at the front of these! So, an excellent view of the stage - and, as it turned out, of them! I was probably closer to the stage than they were, too.. ;-)

It occurred to me that the stage was kind of like a dolls' house. It also occurred to me, as bits of the play took place in different rooms, that it was like watching a TV drama, different scenes set in different rooms.

The story concerns an elderly, retired IVF specialist, now ill with Parkinson's, who is due a lifetime achievement award, so his family has gathered around. The theatre website describes it as a squabble over inheritance, over the spoils of his career - well yes it is, kind of, except that apart from one character in particular, most of them are rather nice, and most of the arguments kind of fizzle out. So, I found it lacking in dramatic tension. But hey, nicely acted, good set, interesting. Runs until the end of next month.

And afterwards, as I say, back to the pub - just for the one. And for me, buses home - in what had become wintry conditions, ice cold rain dripping on us. Brr, glad to be in!

Tomorrow, back with TAC for One Night With Robbie Williams. This is at The Courtyard.

Well, I finally got a provisional start date from my new job - and it's next week. So on Friday, still being free, I've booked with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners for a daytime walk. This is Tinker, Tailor, Soldier & a Hatful of Spies - and comes highly recommended from previous attendees! In fact, I got the last spot (at the time, anyway). 

That evening, back with the Crick Crack Club (CCC) for - The Grand Annual Lying Contest! at Rich Mix.

On Saturday, I had booked with Walks, Talks & Treasure Hunts for a Regent's Canal Walk. But yay, Laurence and the 45+s then advertised another walk for that day, which is pretty much guaranteed to be superior. So I've booked it. This is Scandals, Scriptwriters & Sumptuous Architecture - and of course, it being a London weekend, I can go!

That evening, an ex-colleague of mine is having a leaving do - he's emigrating. Happening at The Woodman, in Highgate. I said I'd put in an appearance.

On Sunday, the CCC again! Emily Hennessey and Sheema Mukherjee are at the British Museum, with Holy Cow! Tales from the River of Life. Unfortunately, the London Landmarks Half Marathon is also that day, so I'll probably be on the Tube, at least getting to the museum. 

On Monday, 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 Tuesday, I'm headed to But I'm a Cheerleader, a musical comedy at the Turbine Theatre.

Next Wednesday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats 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, Tommy Tiernan is playing at the Hammersmith 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.

On the 11th, 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..

On the 12th, I'm finally going to Six, the Musical! Based around the story of the six wives of Henry VIII (very loosely, I'd say), it's playing at the Vaudeville and I hear good things. Cheapest tickets from Leicester Square Box Office.

On the 13th, back with CL, who are off to the opera at the Southbank Centre. The show in question is The Paradis Files. Next day, I'm back to Ireland for Easter - but left it so late to book, I could only get an afternoon flight, and will have to start my new job (whenever) by asking for that day off work!

Well, my friend got back to me - they're away in the middle of Easter week, back on the 21st, so the most sensible thing to do seemed to be to visit on the 22nd, which I've now arranged with her. Whether I take that week as holiday, or take the laptop there and work from Ireland, remains to be seen. Anyway, I'll fly back to London on the 24th. And on the 25th, I'm off to The Corn is Green, at the National.

Musical: Cinderella

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

Looking for somewhere to eat beforehand, I didn't even know where it was.. Drury Lane, it turned out. I fancied Cote - and the nearest was the Covent Garden branch. So, there I headed - a bus kindly obliged me by arriving just as I did, and I arrived at the restaurant on the dot of the time I'd arranged for. I was just a little dubious after my experience at the St. Martin's Lane branch - but I needn't have worried. Service was quick - and friendly as could be - and the food was excellent. And this time, I got to have chocolate ice cream - which is so rich, I swear it's the chocolatiest thing on the menu! I know it was a Tuesday, but they just seem better managed here. Kudos.

And so, up the road to the theatre. Ahah! It's the one where School of Rock has been playing every time I've passed it! I just never went to see that, and had never been inside. Well, tonight I got to see the interior. Stairs or escalator up to the lobby, where, as the usher said, "everything is". Oh, and on the escalator, oddly, you stand on the left. Upstairs, you can have the Winter Garden bar on one side, or the Sean Kenny bar on the other - naturally, I went to the latter, and after a trip to the loo, got myself a drink and consulted the nearest usher about the fact that only door numbers, not seat numbers, are displayed on the signs, while a seat number, but no door number, was displayed on my ticket. For seat #4 in the Circle, she directed me to Door 5.. and wow, what a lot of stairs! Ah well, it turned out that the seats either side of me were empty, which gave me plenty of space - indeed, while the Stalls were pretty full, the Circle was half empty. Good legroom, and as promised by Seatplan, the view is just fine - the corner of the stage is cut off, but nothing happens there.

Now, this starts off simperingly sweet. Never fear, it doesn't continue that way.. this is Cinderella with a few twists! I mean, when the rhyme for "Cinderella" is "salmonella".. For a start, Prince Charming has been killed in battle - he'd been engaged to Cinderella, and when his shiny new statue is defaced, the people turn to her (this is a hint that the engagement was not exactly a fairytale). So, his shy and retiring younger brother - generally considered a poor substitute - is now heir to the throne. And needs a bride. And has to choose one at a ball. And.. you know the rest.

Cue the interval - and I needed the loo again. Unfortunately, the nearest toilets from upstairs only have three cubicles, and the queue lasted forever! Happily, the interval lasted long enough for me to grab a rather nice choc choc chip ice cream. The vendor asked me whether it was my first time seeing this (!). I mean, I have been known to go to repeat showings of things, but generally restrict that to U2 concerts..

And so to the second half. And if you thought you knew the story, think again.. this has been rethunk. Oh, and if you're in the front stalls - in front of that barrier - try not to leave your seat in the second half. Because - possibly just to centre the stage for the ball - the stage rotates, and for a while that bit of the audience ends up on the other side. Must be interesting if you are sitting there, mind.

The music, as you'd expect, is cracking. And I love what they've done with the story! Yes, this is good fun.. Booking until the 19th of February, recommended. Very clever take on the tale.

Damn cold again - I'm back in my winter coat. And it drizzled on me on the way back, unexpectedly. Tomorrow, back with Civilised London (CL) - for a play this time. This is The Fever Syndrome, at Hampstead Theatre.

On Thursday, back with TAC for One Night With Robbie Williams. This is at The Courtyard.

On Friday, my job still being up in the air, I've provisionally - again - booked with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners for a daytime walk. This is Tinker, Tailor, Soldier & a Hatful of Spies - and comes highly recommended from previous attendees! In fact, I got the last spot (at the time, anyway). Do hope I can make it.

That evening, back with the Crick Crack Club (CCC) for - The Grand Annual Lying Contest! at Rich Mix.

On Saturday, I had booked with Walks, Talks & Treasure Hunts for a Regent's Canal Walk. But yay, Laurence and the 45+s then advertised another walk for that day, which is pretty much guaranteed to be superior. So I've booked it. This is Scandals, Scriptwriters & Sumptuous Architecture - and of course, it being a London weekend, I can go!

That evening, an ex-colleague of mine is having a leaving do - he's emigrating. Happening at The Woodman, in Highgate. I said I'd put in an appearance.

On Sunday, the CCC again! Emily Hennessey and Sheema Mukherjee are at the British Museum, with Holy Cow! Tales from the River of Life. Unfortunately, the London Landmarks Half Marathon is also that day, so I'll probably be on the Tube, at least getting to the museum. 

On Monday, 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.

Next Tuesday, I'm headed to But I'm a Cheerleader, a musical comedy at the Turbine Theatre.

On the 6th, back with Up in the Cheap Seats 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, Tommy Tiernan is playing at the Hammersmith 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.

On the 11th, 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..

On the 12th, I'm finally going to Six, the Musical! Based around the story of the six wives of Henry VIII (very loosely, I'd say), it's playing at the Vaudeville and I hear good things. Cheapest tickets from Leicester Square Box Office.

On the 13th, back with CL, who are off to the opera at the Southbank Centre. The show in question is The Paradis Files. Next day, I'm back to Ireland for Easter - but left it so late to book, I could only get an afternoon flight, and will have to start my new job (whenever) by asking for that day off work!

Well, my friend got back to me - they're away in the middle of Easter week, back on the 21st, so the most sensible thing to do seemed to be to visit on the 22nd, which I've now arranged with her. Whether I take that week as holiday, or take the laptop there and work from Ireland, remains to be seen. Anyway, I'll fly back to London on the 24th. And on the 25th, I'm off to The Corn is Green, at the National.

Play: Daddy

Tonight, booked to see Daddy at the Almeida. Having never seen a bad production here, I had high hopes. Decided to check out the theatre cafe beforehand for something to eat. Was intrigued when I downloaded my ticket, mind - the first photo was of Andrew Scott! Got excited for a minute, thinking - is he in this, and I missed it? Sadly, no - the caption explains that these are photos of past productions at this theatre, and this one was of him in Hamlet. Now, that brings back memories.. arguably the best production of anything that I've ever seen!

My, it's over two years since I was here in person, imagine.. And this was the first time I arrived before a show and could get a table! I see space hasn't increased in the meantime. I ordered the pasta with smoked salmon and cream, and the wine that someone was kind enough to introduce me to once, but whose name I can never remember. They gave me a number, I took a table. The food took about 15 minutes to arrive - they never did recoup the number! And.. I have to say, it was rather tasteless. Perhaps it was the ratio of cream to fish - there was hardly any salmon - but I hardly tasted a thing. Ah well, being pasta, it filled me up nicely. And the portion wasn't too large. The last table, BTW, was taken 50 minutes before the show was due to start. Just as an FYI.

I got another glass of wine - in plastic - to take in with me. Unfortunately, I was in the Circle - but then, with warnings that those in the front two rows might get splashed with water, perhaps it was as well! As we went in, she was checking our tickets - and handing us stickers to put over our phone cameras! I kid you not. Just in case we should be tempted. As I replied, I was intrigued..

My seat was to the side - it was fine, although I was glad to have the seat beside me free to swing my legs into, and I was glad not to be closer to the stage - I had to lean a couple of times to see what was going on, but the guy right at the end must have had some difficulty!

When the curtains parted, we could see why the audience at the front were in danger of being splashed - the setting is a villa, complete with a pool in front. And at one stage or another, all the characters end up in there. Clothed or not (hence the camera covers).

The story concerns a promising young artist, who acquires a sugar daddy - this is his villa, and he's moved the young man in. The artist's friends move in at his invitation, and the whole first half is an OTT riot of fun, as they enjoy the wealth, and wallow in shallowness. Just wait until mom shows up in the second half, wanting to know why her artist son never calls any more! and bringing everyone down to earth with a harsh dose of reality..

God bless the Almeida, yet again they haven't disappointed! This is marvellous, featuring a Gospel choir who pop up all the time, the pool (which looks great from upstairs), a feast of male nudity.. and some suitably swish outfits on the ladies! A feast for the eyes, hilarious in the first half, profound in the second. Yep, the Almeida's productions are always worth a look. Runs until the end of next month - limited availability for the rest of the week, and on the 5th, and sold out on Thursday. Run, get a ticket! Highly recommended.

Tomorrow, 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 Wednesday, back with Civilised London (CL) - for a play this time. This is The Fever Syndrome, at Hampstead Theatre.

On Thursday, back with TAC for One Night With Robbie Williams. This is at The Courtyard.

On Friday, my job still being up in the air, I've provisionally - again - booked with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners for a daytime walk. This is Tinker, Tailor, Soldier & a Hatful of Spies - and comes highly recommended from previous attendees! In fact, I got the last spot (at the time, anyway). Do hope I can make it.

That evening, back with the Crick Crack Club (CCC) for - The Grand Annual Lying Contest! at Rich Mix.

On Saturday, I had booked with Walks, Talks & Treasure Hunts for a Regent's Canal Walk. But yay, Laurence and the 45+s then advertised another walk for that day, which is pretty much guaranteed to be superior. So I've booked it. This is Scandals, Scriptwriters & Sumptuous Architecture - and of course, it being a London weekend, I can go!

That evening, an ex-colleague of mine is having a leaving do - he's emigrating. Happening at The Woodman, in Highgate. I said I'd put in an appearance.

On Sunday, the CCC again! Emily Hennessey and Sheema Mukherjee are at the British Museum, with Holy Cow! Tales from the River of Life. Unfortunately, the London Landmarks Half Marathon is also that day, so I'll probably be on the Tube, at least getting to the museum. 

Next Monday, 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, I'm headed to But I'm a Cheerleader, a musical comedy at the Turbine Theatre.

On the 6th, back with Up in the Cheap Seats 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, Tommy Tiernan is playing at the Hammersmith 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.

On the 11th, 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..

On the 12th, I'm finally going to Six, the Musical! Based around the story of the six wives of Henry VIII (very loosely, I'd say), it's playing at the Vaudeville and I hear good things. Cheapest tickets from Leicester Square Box Office.

On the 13th, back with CL, who are off to the opera at the Southbank Centre. The show in question is The Paradis Files. Next day, I'm back to Ireland for Easter - but left it so late to book, I could only get an afternoon flight, and will have to start my new job (whenever) by asking for that day off work!

Well, my friend got back to me - they're away in the middle of Easter week, back on the 21st, so the most sensible thing to do seemed to be to visit on the 22nd, which I've now arranged with her. Whether I take that week as holiday, or take the laptop there and work from Ireland, remains to be seen. Anyway, I'll fly back to London on the 24th. And on the 25th, I'm off to The Corn is Green, at the National.

Walk: Elegant London & Film: The Batman

Well, the background screening for my new job is finally complete - and the one thing they couldn't verify was my last job! (Oh, for the love of..) Their story is that they tried several times and got no response - yet nobody that would have been sensible to contact had any word from them! So, with no definite word on that yet, I couldn't start on Friday, and booked with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners, who were off to see Elegant London!

Stayed up far too late the night before, blogging - sometimes it does take that long. So it was rather painful, waking next morning.. I'd have had to rush a bit much to take the bus, so was on the Tube again. Which took half the time, but had the disadvantage that I had no idea which exit to take, and came out at completely the opposite end of the station. Never mind, I knew where I was supposed to be - we've met there before - and just had to keep walking around the station until the view looked right. And we certainly had the weather for a walk, with glorious sunshine! Blast, I wish I could find my sunglasses. Anyway, the last time, we met across the road - this time, they were at the corner with Terminus Place. Took me a minute to find them!

The very start of the walk was rather similar to that last time, but we were soon into pastures new:

Our walk took us around lots of embassies - and it was depressing how few flags I could recognise! I'm really out of practice. We didn't swing by the Irish embassy. We did notice a police presence outside the entrance to the Turkish embassy! They seemed friendly, but we did wonder what they were doing there..

Simón Bolívar was a busy chap. He led Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Bolivia to independence. Crikey, must have been public enemy #1 in the upper echelons of the Spanish government! And these days, I'm sure he'd be gratified to know that his statue provides a handy resting place for workers and others. The countries' coats of arms decorate the base - but it was awkward to take a photo, with all those folks sat there. Still, we (well, Laurence) provided quite a floorshow for the ladies..

The first Marquess of Westminster, Robert Grosvenor. Had a great interest in building.. did a lot around here. Which is why, in this humungous statue, he's reading plans. The plaque on the side tells the interesting story of how the family came over with the Normans - as did the breed of dog depicted with him. That breed has since died out. The Grosvenors, on the other hand, have thrived, with an estimated wealth today of £10 billion or so. Ah, it is handy to hold so many freeholds in London..

And so to lunch, in the Tattersalls Tavern (everyone attended, which was the first time I remember that happening, and was lovely to see!) - we were put down the back - and lo, if it wasn't the same menu as in the Marlborough Head! Both Greene King pubs, you see. Well, if it ain't broke, don't fix it - and I ordered the same as before, chicken with BBQ sauce and onion rings, and a nice glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

We queued up to order, and a friendly chap called Matt, with an American(?) accent blazed efficiently through the orders. They arrived in the order of ordering them - unfortunately, the kitchen wasn't as quick in cooking them as he had been in noting them, and by the time the last of us were served, some of us had finished. Hey ho, Matt was on hand, delivering orders, making sure we were all happy, and apologising for the delay. Really makes a difference when the staff seem to care, you know? Very nice place to come for lunch. Even if they did give me a paltry three onion rings..

I'd booked fast track in the airport, just in case, but as we didn't head out together after lunch, and from where we finished, I needed to get the Tube home - which was faster - I had plenty of time, really. Anyway, then back to Ireland for the weekend again - too tired to blog that night - and yesterday, I booked to go see The Batman at the Omniplex. It's free to book, and handier when you get there. And gee, I'd heard great things about this! A very dark take on the story - has Andy Serkis as Alfred, and Peter Sarsgaard as the DA.

Traffic was a nightmare - seems there was an accident on the road I normally take, so it's a very good thing that I went another way! It was also fun locating the two cheapest petrol stations, as I needed to fill up.. happily, one was on my way out as well, so I later stopped there, and got petrol not very much more expensive than the last time I'd bought it! These days, that's quite an achievement.

Meantime, I made it just nicely in time for my film. And wow, this merits a cinema viewing. Beautifully made, beautifully shot - very, very dark. I do wonder whether that was how it was meant to be, when Batman was originally conceived. The Riddler - a mysterious figure for most of the film - is fantastic when unmasked at the end, so normal it's surreal! And in one of the last scenes, he gets to chat with the Joker, both inmates in the asylum.. now, there's a disturbing combination, setting us up nicely for a sequel. As to the plot - it's deliciously OTT, but simultaneously believable. Plenty of high tech to keep us happy, too. And OMG, he's so well disguised, I never realised The Penguin was Colin Farrell!

Batman himself is Robert Pattinson, already well-known from Twilight. He does marvellously in the outfit - well hey, I love a man in uniform! He's kind of like a moving statue, implacable, large.. now, I'm terribly sorry, but out of the uniform he just annoys me. That brooding, Byronic (or Emo) look just doesn't do it for me. You'd be lucky to get him to crack a smile. Nah, keep the cape on, much better. Catwoman can have him..

Tomorrow, going to see Daddy at the Almeida. Having never seen a bad production here, I have high hopes.

On Tuesday, 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 Wednesday, back with Civilised London (CL) - for a play this time. This is The Fever Syndrome, at Hampstead Theatre.

On Thursday, back with TAC for One Night With Robbie Williams. This is at The Courtyard.

On Friday, my job still being up in the air, I've provisionally - again - booked with Laurence and the 45+s for a daytime walk. This is Tinker, Tailor, Soldier & a Hatful of Spies - and comes highly recommended from previous attendees! In fact, I got the last spot (at the time, anyway). Do hope I can make it.

That evening, back with the Crick Crack Club (CCC) for - The Grand Annual Lying Contest! at Rich Mix.

On Saturday, I had booked with Walks, Talks & Treasure Hunts for a Regent's Canal Walk. But yay, Laurence and the 45+s then advertised another walk for that day, which is pretty much guaranteed to be superior. So I've booked it. This is Scandals, Scriptwriters & Sumptuous Architecture - and of course, it being a London weekend, I can go!

That evening, an ex-colleague of mine is having a leaving do - he's emigrating. Happening at The Woodman, in Highgate. I said I'd put in an appearance.

Next Sunday, the CCC again! Emily Hennessey and Sheema Mukherjee are at the British Museum, with Holy Cow! Tales from the River of Life. Unfortunately, the London Landmarks Half Marathon is also that day, so I'll probably be on the Tube, at least getting to the museum. 

On the 4th, 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, I'm headed to But I'm a Cheerleader, a musical comedy at the Turbine Theatre.

On the 6th, back with Up in the Cheap Seats 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, Tommy Tiernan is playing at the Hammersmith 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.

On the 11th, 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..

On the 12th, I'm finally going to Six, the Musical! Based around the story of the six wives of Henry VIII (very loosely, I'd say), it's playing at the Vaudeville and I hear good things. Cheapest tickets from Leicester Square Box Office.

On the 13th, back with CL, who are off to the opera at the Southbank Centre. The show in question is The Paradis Files. Next day, I'm back to Ireland for Easter - but left it so late to book, I could only get an afternoon flight, and will have to start my new job (whenever) by asking for that day off work!

Well, my friend got back to me - they're away in the middle of Easter week, back on the 21st, so the most sensible thing to do seemed to be to visit on the 22nd, which I've now arranged with her. Whether I take that week as holiday, or take the laptop there and work from Ireland, remains to be seen. Anyway, I'll fly back to London on the 24th. And on the 25th, I'm off to The Corn is Green, at the National.

Comedy: Avocado Presents - Improv

Tonight, back with TAC for Avocado Presents - Improv, at Etcetera Theatre. Had no actual idea what to expect, but as it wasn't starting till 9, I said I'd eat beforehand. Had thoughts about eating in the pub downstairs, the Oxford Arms, but the menu looked a bit fiddly - still, looking at the map revealed lots of eateries round about, so I said I'd decide when I got there.

Three different bus combinations I could take, from three different places - the tyranny of choice! Happily, it was a lot less crowded than yesterday, and it wasn't complicated to get there. Looking around, I came across Rossopomodoro - an Italian that looked the most promising option. So I decided to try it, and got a table without issue. Checking out the starters, the garlic bread came with tomato sauce, so I said I'd skip it - I might have tried the calamari, but thought £11 was a bit steep for it! So I went straight for the main - thought I'd try the chicken thighs with mushrooms and potatoes. Wine isn't the cheapest either, at a minimum of £10 for a 175ml glass. But of course, I ordered a glass.

I have to say, the chicken was delicious! and the potatoes were sautéed, and lovely - mind you, there were far too many, and far too many mushrooms. I had a basket of bread along with the main, and it has to have been the softest bread I've ever tasted. So, I was well fed. Now, I might well have had a dessert - but they never came near me! To be fair, this might have been because I was engrossed in my phone game, and they didn't want to disturb me. They didn't need the table, after all. I was keeping an eye on the time, and when it was time to leave, I asked for the bill, and had no trouble catching the maitre d's eye. And wow, I think that £45 was enough to be paying for one course! (albeit that £20 of that was on wine.) After all, the listed price was £16.95.. Included a 12.5% service charge, £2.95 for the bread, and a £1 "Cook for Ukraine" charge, which goes to refugee relief. The service charge isn't calculated on that, and I was happy to pay it. But this is still going on my list as one of the more expensive places to eat..

And so across the road, where I found the theatre entrance without difficulty, at the rear of the pub, and got my name ticked off, and a card that entitles me to £1.50 off shows there for the next year. The guy on the door told me that an announcement would be made in the bar when they were ready for us to go up - so out I went again, and had time to grab another glass of wine. Despite it taking forever to get served! Anyway, real Irish vibe to the place:

In due course, the announcement was made and the pub emptied. And so, up the narrow pub stairs, and into the small theatre - unreserved bench seating. Nobody went for the front row, and I positioned myself with others in the second. Just two chairs on stage, so we waited for developments. And waited - it was 10 past before anything happened. Whereupon an announcement explained that the show was completely improvised. And then two blokes appeared.

Ahah, it's comedy! See now, when I did a search to see what it might be about, so much came up about music that I got confused. Actually, this show had no music at all - just two guys, bouncing ideas off each other. Improvisationally. And when you get to see people do it properly, as they do here, it is a joy to watch! If you watch closely enough, you can see how they take cues from each other - and if one makes a blunder, the other is on it like a whippet. They covered about four stories over the course of the next 50 minutes, switching roles, improvising wildly - to hilarious effect. Really, this was another winner! Seems their next show is in Baron's Court, they were saying, on the 21st.. Highly recommended.

Afterwards, the internet on my phone completely gave up, leaving me at a loss as to how to get home. So, I managed to retrace my steps to where I'd got off, then not seeing a bus stop on the other side to go the opposite way, consulted the bus stop directions to see where I should head. And as I was making my way there, lo, I happened on a bus stop with an LED indicator that, as I passed, advertised the 214 to Moorgate. Um - that's walking distance from home! And it was imminent. So, I lucked out there - not until halfway through the trip did the internet start working on my phone, though!

Well, the background screening for my new job is finally complete - and the one thing they couldn't verify was my last job! (Oh, for the love of..) Their story is that they tried several times and got no response - yet nobody that would have been sensible to contact had any word from them! So, with no definite word on that yet, I won't be starting tomorrow, and have booked with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners, who are off to see Elegant London! Booked fast track in the airport, just in case.

Anyway, then back to Ireland for the weekend again, and on Saturday, I've booked to go see The Batman at the Omniplex. It's free to book, and handier when you get there. And gee, I've heard great things about this! A very dark take on the story, it seems - has Andy Serkis as Alfred, and Peter Sarsgaard as the DA.

On Monday, going to see Daddy at the Almeida. Having never seen a bad production here, I have high hopes.

On Tuesday, 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 Wednesday, back with Civilised London (CL) - for a play this time. This is The Fever Syndrome, at Hampstead Theatre.

Next Thursday, back with TAC for One Night With Robbie Williams. This is at The Courtyard.

On the 1st, back with the Crick Crack Club (CCC) for - The Grand Annual Lying Contest! at Rich Mix.

On the 2nd, I had booked with Walks, Talks & Treasure Hunts for a Regent's Canal Walk. But yay, Laurence and the 45+s then advertised another walk for that day, which is pretty much guaranteed to be superior. So I've booked it. This is Scandals, Scriptwriters & Sumptuous Architecture - and of course, it being a London weekend, I can go!

That evening, an ex-colleague of mine is having a leaving do - he's emigrating. Happening at The Woodman, in Highgate. I said I'd put in an appearance.

On the 3rd, the CCC again! Emily Hennessey and Sheema Mukherjee are at the British Museum, with Holy Cow! Tales from the River of Life. Unfortunately, the London Landmarks Half Marathon is also that day, so I'll probably be on the Tube, at least getting to the museum. 

On the 4th, 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, I'm headed to But I'm a Cheerleader, a musical comedy at the Turbine Theatre.

On the 6th, back with Up in the Cheap Seats 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, Tommy Tiernan is playing at the Hammersmith 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.

On the 11th, 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..

On the 12th, I'm finally going to Six, the Musical! Based around the story of the six wives of Henry VIII (very loosely, I'd say), it's playing at the Vaudeville and I hear good things. Cheapest tickets from Leicester Square Box Office.

On the 13th, back with CL, who are off to the opera at the Southbank Centre. The show in question is The Paradis Files. Next day, I'm back to Ireland for Easter - but left it so late to book, I could only get an afternoon flight, and will have to start my new job (whenever) by asking for that day off work!

Well, my friend got back to me - they're away in the middle of Easter week, back on the 21st, so the most sensible thing to do seemed to be to visit on the 22nd, which I've now arranged with her. Whether I take that week as holiday, or take the laptop there and work from Ireland, remains to be seen. Anyway, I'll fly back to London on the 24th. And on the 25th of next month, I'm off to The Corn is Green, at the National.