I'm Not Myself Today: A Villainous Cabaret

Tonight, 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!

This wasn't on until 9, but I got hungry earlier, and headed up to O' Neill's. Unfortunately, my hunger pangs coincided pretty perfectly with the Women's Euro 22 final, England v Germany.. the pub was rammed. Hell, even the pavement outside was crowded with people watching the large tv through the window:

So, no chance of a table. Checking Google Maps, I saw there was a Prezzo up the road, so went there instead. Where the waiter pasted on a smile for me, and showed me to a table at the edge of an absolutely dead restaurant. I ordered garlic bread, chicken with mushrooms in a sauce with marsala wine (comes with fries), and a glass of wine. I was to be waiting (again) for the wine - it was five minutes before they poured it, and I watched as they left it on the bar to go and do more important things. My starter was nearly finished by the time someone thought to bring it down, and my sarcastic remark was completely lost on the waiter.

The garlic bread was lovely - the chicken was quite dry and tasteless in itself, but the mushrooms with the sauce were delicious, and the fries were nice. I ordered some chocolate ice cream for dessert, and the waiter asked whether I'd like another glass of wine - I'd finished the first. Funnily enough, this one came without delay - and the ice cream was divine, really creamy. So, a mixed meal, in all - but I was, basically, fed.

This left me enough time to run home briefly - I had to get the Tube to the show, buses would have taken too long. And it was stifling - it's been a very clammy day. I could hear the pub before I saw it - a rather good r n b band was playing downstairs, and most surprised to learn they had to finish for 9 for a play upstairs! I actually asked at the bar when I got there whether the theatre was open - she said no, that they'd make an announcement. They never did - when I saw people moving upstairs, and the music had stopped, I followed them. Mind you, when we got upstairs, they still weren't ready.. it was a bit late when we finally got in, and I took a seat in the second row.

I was lucky I didn't go for the front row - it was full of the performer's pals! Now, I have to give him credit as a good singer, and a born performer - it's just the material. See, what he's done is put together about an hour's worth of songs by villains, which he performs. To his credit, he has looked outside Disney - he also does Jud Fry's solo from Oklahoma, and a terrific version of You'll Be Back from Hamilton, with one of his pals mirroring his movements tonight, in an accomplished performance. But I didn't recognise most of the material - or even most of the characters - and therefore didn't get as much from it as the thrilled front row. I also found the show very self-referential, with him constantly harping on his harsh treatment at school. I hope he has a great career ahead of him - but this is a show for students. I was too old for the intended demographic. I was so glad when it ended! Managed to get buses back - they were quicker than earlier, there being less traffic.

Tomorrow morning, another job interview.. with another company.. at least it's not at 9am! I'll see how the drilling goes - might get away with staying at home, how nice would that be! In the evening, 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.

On Thursday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats for a concert by Damien Lewis at Omeara. Yes, the actor! I've never actually been here before - should be interesting. Meeting Didi for dinner beforehand at Tas Borough - she's coming to the concert too.

On Friday, 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..

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!

On the 11th, I've booked a free ticket with an improv group called Kid Smokers Improv! at Barons Court Theatre. (It's Pay What You Can, actually.) They're actually stepping in while Avocado Presents takes a summer holiday - they seem to have a residency here, now. Anyway, I've seen Avocado Presents before, and they're excellent - so I figure I'll give these people a shot! Avocado Presents, interestingly, have a Meetup group now - Watch Improv & Chat Comedy! which I've also just joined.

On the 12th, I've booked for the Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street Tour with Poppy's Events for 40s 50s and 60s, another new group to me. But Laurence has a walk that day as well - the Strange Tales of Old (and New) London Tour, which, you know, I'll go on if I'm free.. haven't booked it yet though.

On the 13th, I'm off to see The Ehrlich Brothers, a magic show at the Wembley Arena. This is with Friendly Frolickers 50+ Meetup Group - so I've joined them as well, making that four new groups in a row! I was - as often happens - rather frazzled when I booked though, and completely forgot that they have their own, discounted tickets! Blast - they do this specifically so that they can sit together. Well, I've booked my own - more expensively - and explained. Can't be helped.

And on the 14th, I've booked with the 45+s again - but not with Laurence this time! They do have walks guided by other people, and this one is of Brick Lane.