Tonight - another Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) event that Meetup finally decided to flag to me. So I booked to go with them to see Briefs Factory's show, Bite Club! at Queen Elizabeth Hall. Drag, burlesque.. promised to be fun!
Thinking about eating beforehand, I couldn't see a better choice near the venue than I'd get in O' Neill's! So I ate there. Funny thing though - I was waiting a while, which was fine, they were busy - but my food arrived before my wine, which was unusual. I mentioned it to the server, who assured me that that would be along soon, too. Heh. I was nearly finished my meal, and wondering what the best way would be to complain that I'd never got my wine, when along came the same server, looking very sheepish, brandishing a glass of wine. Hmph. I had to reasuure him that he'd made it just under the line.. finished my food, finished my wine, and left. I have to say, it's unusual for them to forget something.
(They don't allow you to take pictures, as an usher explained to me - just after I'd taken this. Presumably for the protection of the wee ones who tend to enjoy this fountain.)
And so to the theatre, where I was one of the first to arrive - got a drink at the bar, whose price bore no relation to the price list (it was cheaper). Joined those who'd arrived already, and we chatted on the terrace before going in - it was a nice evening.
Acres of empty space in front of me - I thought about moving down, but figured I wouldn't improve my view much. Terrific show - burlesque, yes, full frontal nudity as promised (one scene), terrific musical numbers. Great fun! Shades of Dita von Teese with the water bath. Acrobatics, excellent musical numbers. Just the antidote to the everyday, with a terrific mc to egg us on. Only quibble was that it finished so early - seems wrong somehow! And honestly, it feels wrong to have them in such a large venue - should be more intimate, for greater effect. Anyway, it is a great show - runs until Sunday, if you're around.
Afterwards, I needed the loo - and when I came out, everyone had vanished! I suppose they felt they'd done enough socialising beforehand - or maybe this was too much for their delicate sensibilities, and they repaired to bed. Anyhoo, I never expect to stay out late with this group, and this was an even earlier finish than usual. Handy for blogging.
Tomorrow morning, I have my final interview with a likely job prospect - fingers crossed! Unfortunately, this would clash with the building works in my apartment block, which have been plaguing us all week with ultra-loud drilling every morning! It's impossible to have a call anywhere in the building with that going on - I'm literally going to have to schlep down the road to Brunswick Square, where I should be able to find some reasonably quiet corner to have the call. I think my internet coverage is OK there - just hope it doesn't rain! and that no pigeons pass with stomach upsets..
That night, I was thinking about the National Theatre's River Stage 2022. This will be the first night of the Hackney Empire's Young Producers Weekend, and there'll be some dance and some music. But now, Civilised London has organised an Ecuadorian meal at El Inca Plebeyo - so I'm going to that instead. His choices are always good. Meeting beforehand at The Canonbury Tavern.
On Saturday, back in Greenwich with Bucket List London - we're starting with the Old Royal Naval College and National Maritime Museum. Was originally supposed to be the Queen's House to finish, but turns out they're booked out all day for a wedding, despite not having clarified that on the website! Then in the afternoon, we're headed to Eltham Palace and Gardens. Quite the packed day.. Unless the rail strike scuppers it! He's considering cancelling. Well, I don't think the tickets are refundable, so if I have to head out there by myself, I will..
On Sunday, back with TAC for the opening night of I'm Not Myself Today: A Villainous Cabaret at the Bread and Roses in Clapham. An hour in which someone discusses with us why we all love the villain!
On Monday, I'm going to the Kiln Theatre for The Darkest Part of the Night. Another troublesome website - I tried for days to get it to work..!
On Tuesday, thinking vaguely about the Camden Fringe, which runs all next month - there's, for example, an interesting audio event called A Little Drape of Heaven, where you hold a precious item of clothing to your heart, then press play to access a YouTube link that you've paid for. Hmm.. Meantime, I had booked a walk with Laurence and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners for last week. This is The Magic of Midtown - and as I said to him, it finishes very near my new home! And wouldn't you know it - he postponed it, as a result of the heatwave, to this day. Not that I'm not glad he didn't run it when it was originally scheduled - I should still be able to make it..
On Wednesday, thinking of film - and v excited about what's coming up! Highest of the list is the NT Live showing of Prima Facie, the one-woman play with Jodie Comer, making her West End debut as a dynamic lawyer, whose world is turned upside down when she is raped, and I guess, gets to see the other side of the system. It's supposed to be an absolute tour de force, and is one I missed because tickets went so fast - well, now it is, as they say, coming to a cinema screen near you! In fact, it's showing in my local cinema, yay - not to mention that, as a member, I get to see it for free! And with three showings that day, even if I happen to be back working - which would be a very quick turnaround - I should still be able to make it.
Next Thursday, back with UITCS for a concert by Damien Lewis at Omeara. Yes, the actor! I've never actually been here before - should be interesting.
On the 5th, I've booked for another of Laurence's tours - Wonders of the National Gallery. Which I can go on, as long as I haven't started work again - Lordy, I wish he'd do something on evenings or weekends again! Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend - and will be trying, once more, to get my car serviced. Subject to availability of mechanics! So, not sure whether I'll get to a film, as of yet.
On the 8th - yes, I am succumbing. Finally managed to get a decently priced (seated) ticket to Abba Voyage. Hell, I love Abba, and even if they have been replaced by avatars - it's supposed to be a spectacular show. Kind of has to be done..
On the 9th, I've booked with London Classical Music and Theatre Group - Didi, from the group, who is herself a classical guitarist, is playing a free Summer Music Festival concert in the Holy Sepulchre Church, which should be lovely - assuming I'm either not working, or can get the time off! as it's at lunchtime. Close enough to the (potential) office that I might be able to risk it.
That evening, I'm at Chasing Hares, at the Young Vic. And wouldn't you know it, CT now has ticket offers for this..
And on the 10th, I'm with a new Meetup group - Soho Comedy Factory Shows and Socials, which organises free events on Wednesdays at the aforementioned Soho Comedy Factory. Unless something better comes along - I've had bad experiences with free comedy!
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