Film: Mrs. Henderson Presents

Back to Ireland today. Just missed two buses that would have done me to get to Liverpool Street - they came and went while I was making my way across the road. The display at the stop was as much a work of fiction as ever - I waited for a while, until it got to the point where, even if it was telling the truth, I wouldn't get there in a time that would keep me from worrying. So I said hang it, and took the Tube instead - which, of course, was much faster.

Wow, the train was so empty.. as was the airport. Hallelujah for the end of summer, then! Or maybe it's just the constant strikes.. Anyway, my flight was, of course, delayed, giving me time to eat, but not enough time to have more than a quick meal. Pret it was - but oh, what a joy to have plenty of seating available! The food was welcome - even if, as usual, they had sold out of chocolate "moose". And this was the first time I'd been in a position to notice the departures board inside Pret at the airport - handily, right beside me, so all I had to do was look over. I had just finished when my gate was announced.

More joy - rather than make us trek halfway around the airport, to our usual Gates 40-59, we had a much shorter hop to Gate 86! (in the other direction). When I got there, I stood behind the guy who'd arrived just in front of me - he had a trolley bag, so I figured that, like me, he was priority - with Ryanair, only priority passengers can take a trolley bag as hand luggage. I couldn't see the sign that tells you which side is which. More people with bags filled in behind me - and then the chaos began, as one of the ground staff realised the sign was turned the wrong way around.. and, as luck would have it, we were on the wrong side. They were as helpful as your average goldfish, telling anyone who enquired that they'd have to go right to the back, and the end of the priority queue on the other side. Many of us ignored that, and one helpful individual released one of the elastic barriers, allowing us to squeeze into the other queue.

When boarding finally started, mayhem ensued, with priority passengers on both sides. Finally, there was movement on our side, with some priority passengers at the front making a break for it - so I stayed on that side. Whereupon our progress promptly ceased, as the people at the front on our side were now non-priority. So I made my own break for it, someone supportive kindly following behind. Funnily enough, my boarding pass wasn't scanned.. she just kind of peered at it to make sure the name matched my passport. Shortly afterwards, as we were stuck for ages in the tunnel, waiting to board, I overheard a woman behind me, who didn't seem to be familiar with the process. She mused aloud to her companion that she wondered whether it was somebody new to the job - hopefully, as she said, because she'd hate to think this was the future of aviation! (Whether she was talking about the boarding queue débacle, or the tunnel queue, I cannot say..)

During the flight, I had cause to wonder where she was on the plane. Because the bloke behind me had a frightful problem. It took the stewards most of the flight to get the trolley down to where we were - he would have been in Row 15. She was busy with the other side of the aisle, and he asked - loudly - whether they were dealing with our side. So she asked him what he wanted. He replied that he was starving, and thirsty. She replied that, well, she had neither food nor drink. She did have lasagne, but that would require heating, and by now we were 10 minutes from landing, so she wasn't going to do that. He enquired plaintively whether she didn't even have beer.. she replied that no, she had water and spirits.

He obviously wasn't used to Ryanair food carts in the evenings. Well, he resigned himself, and asked for a large scotch, with water. Heh. I wish I'd been in a position to see this, as well as hear it. Firstly, she didn't know what he meant - her colleague had to explain to her what he meant by "scotch". She then asked him whether he wanted to avail of the special offer. In a somewhat desperate tone, he asked what the special offer was. She produced one of those little airline bottles of whiskey, and said that he could have one bottle, or two for £10. He sighed, and took the special offer. Then he asked for water.

Heh. So, she asked whether he wanted still or sparkling, then produced a 500ml bottle. He nearly had a fit. A protracted argument followed, in which she completely failed to understand what he wanted the water for, and kept asking him how much he wanted! I dunno how they eventually solved it, but the time did finally come for him to pay - asking which was cheaper, £ or €, she confirmed that € would be cheaper. Oh, and she was also able to offer him a bar of chocolate - Mars or Twix. I think he went with Twix.

It's always fun to observe people who aren't used to Ryanair.

Well, I did finally make it to the ground, and collected my car from the Park4Less. Before I started off, I made sure to locate the QR code I'd been emailed, in the "unlikely" event of the barrier not opening. Well gee, when I got to it, the camera that was supposed to read my license plate and lift the barrier didn't do so. So there I was, making attempt after unsuccessful attempt to scan the QR code. Happily, after a few gos, someone came on the intercom and asked whether I was OK - when I explained, she let me out. Once I found the booking reference number..

I finally did get back to my mother's - where one of the late night films was Mrs. Henderson Presents, starring Dame Judi Dench in the true story of a wealthy widow who bought the rundown Windmill Theatre in London. Getting a more experienced manager (Bob Hoskins) didn't really help to revive the theatre's fortunes - until she had the idea of putting nude women on stage. Thing is, they ran right through the Blitz.. in fact, what I found moving about it was the demonstration of "Blitz spirit"! With floors underground, they figured the theatre was the safest place they could be! and, famously, never closed. My God, I'd have been proud to be there with them.. So, interesting film, and very watchable.

The weekend's film, as of now, is looking like one I'd never even heard of until recently, when someone was talking about it! Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is a comedy about a 50s cleaning lady (Lesley Manville), who dreams of owning a Dior dress - so, off she goes to Paris for it! Based on a book, it seems - and from the trailer, it looks like the absolutely charming story of a middle-aged lady who finally gets the chance to fulfil a few of her dreams! Showing in Ennis, again.

On Monday, I'd booked with 50-50 Trivia again for the afternoon - and then cancelled, because of the job, which starts next week! Rescheduled from the day of the Queen's funeral. However, I've now told them I'm coming again, because I just found out they won't be ready to start me on Monday, it'll be Tuesday.. Then Ivan is supposed to be back, and has suggested going for a drink in the evening - I have to check with him on Sunday, when I'm back from Ireland, though.

On Tuesday, I "provisionally" booked with  Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners again - this time, for Down and Out in Clerkenwell, ironically very near to where I live. Again, I had to cancel this because, as he says, I'll have gone from "provisional" to "professional"!

That evening, at any rate, I'm with the 45+s again - this time for a classical concert, at St. John's, Smith Square. OMG it's years since I was last there - and they have discounted tickets!

On Wednesday, I "provisionally" booked for the Soho Comedy Factory again.. but lo, was saved from having to make another of those difficult decisions, when Up in the Cheap Seats posted a trip to see The Boy with Two Hearts, at the National! Based on another true story, of a refugee family from Afghanistan, with a little boy who needs heart surgery. Interestingly, I thought to use my Theatre Token for this - since I was finally booking something during box office hours, and could ring them up; few theatres take them online. But I had to book by phone for that - which incurs a £3 fee that other booking methods don't! So I left it, and just booked a ticket online for full price. Was perplexed when it wouldn't accept my card - until somehow I was logged into my National Theatre account, and noticed I had an old billing address. When I changed it, I had no further problems. There's a moral there. (Interestingly, I couldn't even my attendance at the comedy club - they now close RSVPs very early!)

On Thursday, I was thinking film - but what was coming up wasn't as interesting as what the same group is advertising in Hampstead Theatre. So I booked to go and see Ravenscourt with them - a medical drama, centred on the failings of the mental healthcare system. And yay, for this I finally used my Theatre Token! (No phone booking fee, here.) Well, that's a weight off..

Then I'm back to Ireland again, because of the dates I have weekend things in London in October, and the date of my mother's birthday, which I want to be back in Ireland for. It all works out - but only if I switch weekends, which I'm doing by coming back to Ireland again next weekend.

Film: Smile & Play: The Prince

Had an interview (well, an informal chat) yesterday! Unfortunately, only a couple of nights ago I finally booked something for yesterday - and wouldn't you know it, it was Walking the Lambeth Walk, which clashed with the interview! Even more annoying, I booked it with TAC to get it cheaper, and therefore had to pay in advance - and it's non-refundable. Nuts.

Well, they're desperate to hire someone, I have to say - NOT, I stress, because they hired me! But she only scheduled 20 minutes - and then only used up 10 of them. And most of it was her telling me what she'd found wrong with other people in the job - none of which, I assured her, I'd do! By yesterday evening, the recuiter was back to me, to tell me I had the job. :-) So, all those companies that kept me hanging - for weeks - can go take a running jump.. And I'm keeping them hanging, too.

Yesterday evening, the outlook was pretty bleak for things to do on Meetup - looked like Soho Comedy Factory again, really! Now, they do have a Meetup group, with no need to buy a ticket - but their attendance was booked up. Still, when I went before, nobody asked me for a ticket, or whom I was with.. Thought I might schlep along there.

Ate in O' Neill's beforehand - well, I fancied something nice and easy. And as I was eating - well, I just didn't feel like heading to the crowded environs of The Blue Posts. Just then - like a sign - a bus passed.. with a sign on the side.. advertising.. Smile. 😀 Well, that was all I needed. You know, when I used to attend pub Meetups with a group called Spooky London Pubs - since defunct - I once met a young man who gave me a business card. He was in this "serendipity" group - as he described it, they'd meet and then spontaneously decide what to do, which side street to go down.. I never did go, but I think he'd have approved of this. Well, I had now decided on horror - and gee, the highest rated horror film on my list was, indeed, Smile! which was showing in the Vue Islington in a couple of hours. I booked it - seeming to remember that's cheaper than paying when you show up, in this chain. Anyway, the Vue Islington is nice and cheap, as they go, too..

Really, really slow quques at the concession stands. It was quite full, as it happened - I, handily, found a seat with a spare seat beside it, so I wasn't sitting right beside anyone. And Lordy, that girl two seats away, who never turned off her phone, but kept looking at it and messaging on it throughout. Seriously guys, this is an addiction you need to quit - not least because the screen is so distracting to those of us trying to concentrate on the film! Plus, you're spoiling the experience for yourselves. As pointed out during the "turn your phone off" ad before the feature started. During which ad, she was, of course, messaging someone. Interestingly, she took a screenshot of the censor's certificate, and shared it with someone.. I guess she doesn't get to many horrors.

Now, I didn't need to research this, apart from the rating - I had a pretty good idea what I was dealing with. I watch a lot of short horror films on YouTube - it's a great way to pass a few minutes - and the "grinning man" (it's usually a man) is a common trope. Basically, someone with a rictus grin, and some kind of evil intent - looking manic, they are never good news. And so it proves in this film, with an unfortunate psychiatrist, who has a patient kill herself in front of her - with a rictus grin on her face - and seems haunted by it ever after.

I have to say, this is a genuinely good horror film. I was actually jumpy on the way home - hell, it's a long time since that happened to me. They succeed in creating a truly creepy atmosphere - yes, initially by means of maybe too many jump scares, but they do the job. It's damn creepy, when you catch sight of somebody, grinning manically for no apparent reason - especially if their attention is fixed on you. Simple, huh? Combine that with a sinister soundtrack, dizzying, upside-down camerawork - reminiscent of another excellent horror, Midsommar (which I notice also had the jangly music) - and a very effective transformation of the lead character, from the calm and collected doctor, to someone who looks truly like she is a danger to herself and others. And you have a horror film that started with a high rating (for a horror film) and has since climbed in ratings. Not that it's to everyone's taste, for sure - the initially verbal crowd got very quiet as the film progressed, and I overheard one guy remark to his companion that "that was twisted". In rather a shocked voice. Well, it is an R.. So, in short, highly recommended to those who appreciate the genre.

Last night, was busy reworking the film list - and too tired to blog when that was finished. Today, was thinking film again. A few Indian films at the top - which, of course, I'm very wary of. I rejected one romance - but had trouble deciding on the next on the list, Dhokha. This is a thriller, in which a cop's wife is taken hostage by a terrorist. Has a twist, though - she's got mental health issues. Something along the lines of - which reality should we believe? So, thought I might give that a whirl - would have to traipse all the way up to Wood Green again, is the only thing.

Having spent so long on the list, I'd forgotten that others might have things on - and when I looked, I decided I'd rather accompany Up in the Cheap Seats to The Prince, at Southwark Playhouse. Happily, I still had credit left on my PAYG subscription! So I booked that, late last night.

Got to bed really late, then was woken too early by a series of messages from people requiring me to sign things, send them copies of things, fill out forms - I was at it for hours, by which time it was time for me to get up! I've been wrecked, all day. Now, for this theatre, I really should have headed to Mercato Metropolitano for food - it's just across from the theatre. But, tired as I was, I just couldn't face it - traipsing from stall to stall for food, a different stall for wine, then searching for a seat. No, I fancied something easier, so just went back to O' Neill's. Where I ordered from the table and had everything brought to me, and got to watch Sky News tell us how dreadful the UK economy is.

When I was finished, I headed straight to the theatre - was the first of our group there. They're requiring paper tickets, unusually - problems with people getting in without a ticket, perhaps? We weren't sat together:

A minimalist stage, divided into black and white squares - two raised platforms, which turned out to house boxes. We are plunged into Henry IV Part I, the King complaining that his ne-er-do-well son and heir, Prince Hal, is no match for the splendid, warrior son of the Earl of Northumberland, Harry "Hotspur" Percy. Into the scene, enter two incongruous characters - dressed in modern clothes, speaking in a modern way - as the play continues, it transpires that they have been trapped in this alternate dimension, full of Shakespearian characters. One of the newcomers is newly arrived, so we get exposition when the one who's been there longer explains everything. However, the newcomer isn't just content to observe - she has a tendency to get involved. Which leads to climactic consequences for all concerned!

The writer, in fact, plays Hotspur, here. The casting is a bit gender-blind, but for once it works, with people making a real effort to resemble the gender they're supposed to convey. Oh, and it's packed with actual Shakespearian dialogue - which, it seems, left my companions a bit cold! Me, I love a bit of Shakespeare - I also loved the way that the modern characters weave around and through the story, and comment on it after a scene! Oh, and spoiler - you also get a bit of Hamlet, the writer playing the title character. I swear, she only does it to get to perform that soliloquy!

So, as I say, I thought it was excellent - inventive, and with plenty of Shakespearian dialogue. I've always felt a bit funny about standing ovations - are you applauding the actors, or the playwright? No such problems here, as she takes her bows with the others, then individually! Runs till the 8th - very highly recommended!

Back to Ireland tomorrow - and the weekend's film, as of now, is looking like one I'd never even heard of until recently, when someone was talking about it! Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is a comedy about a 50s cleaning lady (Lesley Manville), who dreams of owning a Dior dress - so, off she goes to Paris for it! Based on a book, it seems - and from the trailer, it looks like the absolutely charming story of a middle-aged lady who finally gets the chance to fulfil a few of her dreams! Showing in Ennis, again.

On Monday, I'd booked with 50-50 Trivia again for the afternoon - and have now had to cancel, because of the job, which starts next week! Rescheduled from the day of the Queen's funeral. Then Ivan is supposed to be back, and has suggested going for a drink in the evening - I have to check with him on Sunday, when I'm back from Ireland, though.

On Tuesday, I "provisionally" booked with  Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners again - this time, for Down and Out in Clerkenwell, ironically very near to where I live. Again, I had to cancel this because, as he says, I'll have gone from "provisional" to "professional"!

That evening, at any rate, I'm with the 45+s again - this time for a classical concert, at St. John's, Smith Square. OMG it's years since I was last there - and they have discounted tickets!

And on Wednesday, I've "provisionally" booked for the Soho Comedy Factory again.. We shall see.

Concert: Divas & Walk: Sophisticated (& Sometimes Seedy) St. James'

Yesterday, as usual for a Monday, I was on my own.. heading to Divas, at the QT bar. Which, of course, focuses on the hits of - the divas! Now, Over 40 Living the Life were going to this, too, but their event was full - I can't actually remember where I got the idea to go to the show, but it might well have been from them! Anyway, with them charging £20, I got a cheaper ticket on my own, for £15.

Well, the weather finally seems to have remembered it's supposed to be cold by this time of year - and it's catching up with a vengeance. I first noticed it on Sunday, and yesterday was freezing! Cue me having a major search for jumpers..

Now, I never trust places like this for food - not great choice, and too expensive. So I ate in O' Neill's (as usual) before leaving. Got to the address in time for 6.30, as specified on my ticket. So - the address is #66 Great Queen Street. What you need to know is, this is part of the Middle Eight - I'd have saved myself some confusion if I'd realised. It's actually a hotel. Has a big "66" on the front, you can't miss it. Oh, and I'd have saved myself some more confusion if I'd realised that the large windows are actually automatic sliding doors.. well, to be fair, I'd never seen any so wide! So, once I saw someone go in - and followed him - I was making progress.

Next thing I needed to know was - heh. The QT bar - which, it turns out, is in the basement - only opens around 7. And while the nice man said the show would start at 7.30 - naw, it didn't start until nearly 8. So, don't be in any hurry. Now, I really should have ordered something from this bar - the menu is more extensive, and the lady you can just see in blue, on the left (who was also attending the show) ordered a carafe, which they kindly brought downstairs for her, with her glass, when it was time. (We were led down.) No carafes downstairs, and no sauvignon blanc.

Instead, £12 for a 175ml glass of chardonnay, which does make it the most expensive (by volume) I've had in London. Ouch. On the plus side, I got a very decent seat, for what was the cheapest ticket price in the house. I think I recognised the group, when they arrived around 7, BTW - not any individual, but they kind of had the look of a Meetup group about them. And guess what? Yes, for their £20, they were sat closer than I was - slightly. The row in front of me, in fact - and to the side. Four of them - when another pair arrived and said hi to them, they weren't seated together, but at another table, not even adjacent. Have to say, for the extra that you always seem to have to pay with them, I can't see the value!

And so to the show. Four singers, belting out a medley from a gallery of "divas" - aka solo female stars. Interestingly, one of the first things I noticed was that the singer in the strapless dress - second from the right in the photo - bore a striking resemblance to someone I knew in college! Huh, fancy. Second thing I noticed was how she had to keep hoiking up that dress during the show. :-) Might have had something to do with the mic pack hanging on the back..

So, as you might expect, it was a mixture - some I had never heard, some I had heard of and wished never to hear again. Some were crowd pleasers - and, as usual, what pleased the crowd the most generally left me quite cold, so as they were urging everyone onto their feet, I was sat there, sipping expensive wine and thinking - "don't you dare". Happily, they didn't really force anyone to do anything - although people in the front row, as in comedy shows, tended to get more attention. And the one in red had a habit of meandering through the audience, "engaging" us.

Having said that, there were some songs I really got into. "All the Single Ladies" opened the show, and was a pretty good choice. But it didn't make as much of an impression on me as "Torn", one I've always loved. And wow, Mary J. Blige was a revelation! Crikey, I'd forgotten "Family Affair" was one of hers.. Also glad to hear "Man! I Feel Like a Woman", it's been too long. But wow, I could have done without the Whitney.. So, basically, a good show. But just over an hour long! Hmm. Ah well. So, when they sent me a survey link today, I responded with two comments - overpriced drinks, and an unexpectedly short show. Otherwise, it's a good night out - runs every second Monday. And now you know. Oh, and FYI the toilets are back in the ground-level bar, through the restaurant.. and the disposal bin in my cubicle wouldn't work. Just sayin'.

Didn't have time to blog last night, as today, I was back with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners! Gee, over two weeks since I last saw them.. Anyway, this walk is around Sophisticated (& Sometimes Seedy) St. James'.. I got a combination of buses down there. Should have gotten there six minutes early - better, in fact, given that my second bus came early! Well, early according to Google Maps - the LCD display would make you lose hope entirely, constantly predicting it was coming when there was no sign.

The journey was entertaining - the lovely, quiet doggie sat across from me was as good as gold until another of his kind started complaining, somewhere down the back. So then the doggie beside me must needs join in, with the human attached to the dog down the back finally trying to shush it. And then there was a middle-aged lady, obviously unfamiliar with both London and its buses. So, unable to get the required info from the driver, she decided to sit beside me and ask how to get to the V&A - oh, and by the way, how to pay, which she hadn't for this bus! So, Google Maps and I helped her tremendously. (Wonder how she got back..)

With all the traffic, the damn bus was late. And I couldn't see anyone - of course, cold as it was, they were all ensconced in Pret. Easy to find 'em - just look for the large group. So I said hi, paid, and seeing all the peeps with hot drinks, thought - now there's an idea. So off I schlepped and got a hot chocolate. Which was v nice. And then we nipped back across the road I'd just nipped across to join them.

We started in Green Park, before mooching off around the posh streets of the area - our progress only marred by traffic noise, road works, and rain - we got poured on for a lot of the way.

Shocking to hear there are still men's clubs that refuse to allow women, or only allow them in certain parts. Sorry, I don't care how you frame it, I cannot support that. Anyway, speaking of toffs:

I never realised there was a statue of Beau Brummel! Well now. And it faces the fabulous Burlington Arcade:

Down alleys and backstreets we went - always good. And taking cover from the monsoon where possible. In one covered passage, we came across a piece of artwork, a play on the piece of artwork that brought Yoko Ono to John Lennon's attention:

An interesting frieze commemorates St. James' Theatre, demolished - as the plaque underneath explains - despite a campaign by Vivien Leigh and her husband, Sir Laurence Olivier, who managed it. That's them in the middle:

No visit to the area would be complete without swinging by the palace, of course:

And among other famous faces:

(More usually depicted with a hat..) In other facts - it had completely slipped my notice that Constance Markievicz was actually the first female MP! (and, after Irish independence, was elected to the Irish cabinet, making her the first female cabinet member in Europe).

Our walk finished with the Crimean War memorial:

and its most famous participant, Florence Nightingale:

One of the more interesting walks this, I have to say. And then we walked some more, seeking lunch! and passing a guy that I'm sure was filming for Streetview. Also noticed the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square is covered - in preparation for a new sculpture! Anyway, we finally fetched up at Mr. Fogg's Tavern - where, by dint of moving some folks, we made room for all of us! What a quirky place:

The ceiling is an absolute riot of colour, covered in every imaginable accessory - and some not really imaginable:

A constant diet of music hall music and similar - we remarked that the staff must have been sick of listening to so much of it! We ordered wine, as usual - which came in a fancy ice bucket:

Bit hard to put a meal together, with so many different menus - a separate one for sandwiches, and one with "small bites", which, however, includes fish n chips. Also burgers. And I have to hand it to them, the chips are some of the best I've had. Even if they did leave the tomato in my burger, after I asked them not to..

Cute pub, excellent day! Meantime, during the walk, I got a phone call from the latest recruiters - called them back on my way home, and scheduled an interview (well, an informal chat) tomorrow! Maybe this one will work out..? Unfortunately, only last night I finally booked something for tomorrow - and wouldn't you know it, it's Walking the Lambeth Walk, which clashes with the interview! Even more annoying, I booked it with TAC to get it cheaper, and therefore had to pay in advance - and it's non-refundable. Nuts. So, after tomorrow's interview, the outlook is pretty bleak for things to do on Meetup - looking like Soho Comedy Factory again, really! Now, they do have a Meetup group, with no need to buy a ticket - but their attendance is booked up. Still, when I went before, nobody asked me for a ticket, or whom I was with.. Might schlep along there. Or might not. Watch this space.

On Thursday, thinking film (which is why this blog took so long!). A few Indian films at the top - which, of course, I'm very wary of. I rejected one romance - but had trouble deciding on the next on the list, Dhokha. This is a thriller, in which a cop's wife is taken hostage by a terrorist. Has a twist, though - she's got mental health issues. Something along the lines of - which reality should we believe? So, might give that a whirl - have to traipse all the way up to Wood Green again, is the only thing.

Back to Ireland on Friday - and the weekend's film, as of now, is looking like one I'd never even heard of until today, when someone was talking about it! Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is a comedy about a 50s cleaning lady (Lesley Manville), who dreams of owning a Dior dress - so, off she goes to Paris for it! Based on a book, it seems - and from the trailer, it looks like the absolutely charming story of a middle-aged lady who finally gets the chance to fulfil a few of her dreams! Showing in Ennis, again.

On Monday, I've booked with 50-50 Trivia again for the afternoon - which might be scuppered if I get this job, which starts next week! Rescheduled from the day of the Queen's funeral. Then Ivan is supposed to be back, and has suggested going for a drink in the evening - I have to check with him on Sunday, when I'm back from Ireland, though.

Next Tuesday, I've "provisionally" booked with Laurence and the 45+s again - this time, for Down and Out in Clerkenwell, ironically very near to where I live. Again, I might have to cancel this if, as he says, I go from "provisional" to "professional"!

That evening, at any rate, I'm with the 45+s again - this time for a classical concert, at St. John's, Smith Square. OMG it's years since I was last there - and they have discounted tickets!

And on the 5th, I've "provisionally" booked for the Soho Comedy Factory again.. We shall see.

London Sheep Drive & Livery Fair

Today, booked with Discover London - History Walks and Events for the London Sheep Drive & Livery Fair. Have to hand it to her, she always comes up with interesting things..

Ah well, it wasn't the easiest thing to drag myself out of bed, but I managed it. Wasn't up as late as often recently, to be fair. And trotted off in time to catch my bus - which was diverted, but handily, that meant it dropped me even closer to the Royal Exchange, where we were to meet!

Ironically, I found myself passing a cash machine - when, for once, I didn't need cash! One person needed the loo, and found it harder to find that - this part of town isn't known for its public toilets, and particularly on a Sunday morning! She eventually found an open pub.

After the scheduled 15-minutes grace period, we headed off - stopping first on Walbrook, for a sheepy connection!

So that's the origin of the word "worshipful" as applied to guilds and such - means they had a church associated with them!

And so, on to London Bridge. Where the footpath on one side was blocked off to regular pedestrians, being for the exclusive use of sheep and their drovers:

There were several "pockets" of sheep, so what seemed to be happening was they were run / walked for a little between stages. And, as subsequently seen at the Livery Fair, it seemed you could apply for a certificate to drive them! There were staged drives through the day, and they seemed to be doing good business:

The Livery Fair also afforded people the chance to get closer to the sheep:

Sheep in the City, eh!

Well, we hadn't really known what to expect, but it was interesting. Our guide had planned to take us to the Lamb Tavern, in Leadenhall Market, afterwards - but it was completely blocked off to the public! For a private event, it seems - perhaps the folks from the sheep drive, being ironic? Instead, we ended back in the Monument pub, across from the Livery Fair - but lo, they were no longer doing food by 2.15 (!) and at least a couple of us were hungry. (The place was filthy, too - nobody seemed to be clearing up. Staff shortage?) So, off we schlepped, to Cote, in Hay's Galleria:

Where the maitre d' was initially dubious about seating us, but there was room to squeeze us in upstairs. And we were v well fed - steak frites for both, one with the optional upgrade of truffle fries, triple-cooked. Unfortunately, he wasn't mad about those. But his cheeseboard went down better, as did the truffles I had for dessert - and a bottle of their v nice Chardonnay. So, it was a long, leisurely, enjoyable lunch, and a most successful afternoon!

Tomorrow, as usual, I'm on my own.. heading to Divas, at the QT bar. Which, of course, focuses on the hits of - the divas! Now, I see that Over 40 Living the Life are going to this, too, but the event is full - I can't actually remember where I got the idea to go to the show, but it might well have been from them!

And on Tuesday, back with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners! (Considering I probably won't be in a job at that point.) Gee, seems ages since I saw them.. Anyway, this walk is around Sophisticated (& Sometimes Seedy) St. James'..

Restaurant: Imad's Syrian Kitchen

Tonight, I was supposed to meet Ivan, as well as two other ex-colleagues, at Imad's Syrian Kitchen. Which, of course, I know about from a previous CL event! Of course, it didn't work out that way - one of them has the flu and didn't want to spread it, and Ivan had to take his dog to the vet. So, me and one other - well, so much was good!

Earlier in the day, I got what I assume was an automatic text from the restaurant, confirming that I was still coming - "1" for "yes", "9" for "no"! "1", sez I, and got what I assume was an autogenerated response, reminding me of my time! My companion messaged me later in the afternoon to say his train was cancelled, he might be a little late - typical, you just can't trust trains south of London. In the event, he arrived exactly on time!

Me, I arrived a little early - mooched around outside for a moment, starting a message to my companion, but then the waiter grabbed me and said my table was ready, if I wanted. So I sat, and got tap water. And my companion arrived in due course.

The menus have starters on one side of the page, mains on the other - I had falafel and shish tawook again, he had lamb koftas. I ordered wine - a glass, this time - he had beer. When I was asked which white wine I wanted, I was perplexed - surely only one was listed by the glass! Well anyway, I had the same as before - a white rioja. But Lordy, when it came, I was glad I hadn't ordered it before my companion arrived - it was the tiniest glass of wine I'd ever seen! I swear, it wasn't even 125ml - I could have drunk it in one gulp. Interestingly, when I asked (twice, again) for a second glass, this was much larger. Beware - you're probably better off getting a bottle, here; it's more reliable. They don't specify on the menu how much is in a glass.

My food was as delicious as before - seriously, I'd forgotten how good the potatoes are. And we both polished off our plates, amid good conversation. Booking essential here - it was packed tonight, as you'd expect. We were too stuffed for dessert - but yes, I'd recommend it. Again. Despite the débacle over the wine. Can be tricky to get anyone's attention, though - it was great fun trying to get the bill.

Afterwards, to The Blue Posts, where we stood outside for a bit, with our drinks, until a table was vacated, and then sat there - later sharing it with a couple of Germans. Again, conversation flowed merrily - briefly interrupted by the local, passing Hare Krishnas!

Certainly one of the jollier religions. Anyway, was great to catch up with my old friend - roll on the next time! Although next month is rapidly filling up - watch this space! ;-) So it'll have to be the month after.

Tomorrow, booked with Discover London - History Walks and Events for the London Sheep Drive & Livery Fair. Have to hand it to her, she always comes up with interesting things..

On Monday, as usual, I'm on my own.. heading to Divas, at the QT bar. Which, of course, focuses on the hits of - the divas!

And on Tuesday, back with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners! (Considering I probably won't be in a job at that point.) Gee, seems ages since I saw them.. Anyway, this walk is around Sophisticated (& Sometimes Seedy) St. James'..

Pub / Restaurant The Plaquemine Lock

Tonight, back with Civilised London for a Cajun & Creole meal at Plaquemine Lock, with drinks at The Narrowboat.

Making my way cautiously along the towpath, I made it there early. Still, two of them beat me to it! And we chatted.. and drank.. and chatted.. and headed to the restaurant in due course. Nice to be with a sociable Meetup group, eh!

Our visit to the restaurant was enlivened by the appearance of a large, fluffy white dog, which I made sure to say hi to when I was passing to/from the loo. Now, I hadn't eaten here before. Looking at the prices - and the selection - of the starters, some of us decided to go for the "bar snacks" on the menu as starters. So, I had fried chicken from there, and blackened chicken for main. And a glass of sauvignon blanc - being, as usual, the only one on white.

Hem. The fried chicken was ok, apart from a burnt coating - the main was, indeed, blackened chicken, accompanied by a sausage I couldn't eat (too spicy). The chicken was tasty - the blackened coating was as pointless as you might expect. The rice was ok. In short, I didn't like it much, didn't rate the service (I had to ask twice for a second glass of wine, and she acted like it was the first time she'd heard it). I've had better food, and better service, elsewhere. I won't be back - why on earth would I?

En route back, we stopped at The Island Queen, which I think our organiser had liked the look of on the outbound journey. And had a nightcap there. Always a good group to join - but I don't think I'll join them there for food again.

Tomorrow, I was supposed to meet Ivan, as well as two other ex-colleagues, at Imad's Syrian Kitchen. Which, of course, I know about from a previous CL event! Of course, it isn't working out that way - one of them has the flu and doesn't want to spread it, and Ivan has to take his dog to the vet. So, me and one other - well, so much is good!

On Sunday, booked with Discover London - History Walks and Events for the London Sheep Drive & Livery Fair. Have to hand it to her, she always comes up with interesting things..

On Monday, as usual, I'm on my own.. heading to Divas, at the QT bar. Which, of course, focuses on the hits of - the divas!

And on Tuesday, back with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners! (Considering I probably won't be in a job at that point.) Gee, seems ages since I saw them.. Anyway, this walk is around Sophisticated (& Sometimes Seedy) St. James'..

Play: Who Killed My Father

Tonight - well, blast, I wanted to use my Theatre Token again, and still haven't gotten around to calling the box office during opening hours! So yesterday, I bit the bullet and booked without benefit of token - for Who Killed My Father at the Young Vic, with Up in the Cheap Seats.

Looking around the area for somewhere to eat, I came across a steakhouse, just around the corner, called Bar + Block. Thought I'd better book it, to be safe. I got there a little early - and it was completely empty! I joked with the maitre d' that I hardly needed to book - he countered that I definitely did, because they were only taking bookings! I later found out why, when he was turning away another couple - seems they were short-staffed today.

Service was good, I have to say - she seemed a little unsure of herself, but was pretty on the ball. Handily, she waited while I consulted the wine list - and later, the dessert menu - so that I didn't have to wait, having chosen, until she returned! They have a decent choice of wines, and I chose one - the food menu took longer.

It's all along the same lines - their primary market is not vegetarians! Lots of things on the menu were crossed out, though - possibly because of the staff shortage. I was intrigued by "beefy" garlic bread for starter, so ordered that. For main, I could have a steak sampler - three 4oz samples of different steaks, with sauce and chunky chips. Or a classic steak, which also comes with sauce and chips - 8oz standard, but they do quote a price for 16oz, and encourage you to enquire if you want bigger! Over the page are burgers. I noticed chicken. Also lots of sides. I finally opted for a (standard 8oz) sirloin with pepper sauce (they have four or five different options). And onion rings, natch. With a large glass of sauvignon blanc.

Ah now, I think it's hard to go wrong here! The garlic bread came pre-sliced into neat fingers, stacked on a little plate - a bit salty, but very moreish, coated in beef dripping! The steak.. was the best I've had in years - couldn't have done it better myself. One of those you nearly don't need sauce with. Delicious onion rings. The chips were massive. The wine was lovely - I had a second glass. And with the swift service, I had time for dessert - so, with only four options available, I plumped for the chocolate tort - a chocolate mousse cake with a chocolate sponge base. OMG, perfect texture. Wow, would love to have an excuse to come back here.. and the prices are reasonable. Highly recommended. Just a pity the free WiFi wasn't working..

And so, a short trot over to the theatre, where the group was gathered on the pavement outside, and we chatted before going in. Now, curiously, I was listed as being "upstairs", although the seating plan seemed to indicate that I was in the lower level - how it works is, yes, I was in the main stalls section, but towards the rear. And a couple of rows in front of mine, the bench seating runs all the way across, not leavng an access aisle. So, everyone sitting behind that has to enter from upstairs and walk down, whereas everyone in front of it enters from downstairs and walks up. Well, that's one way to do it..

Found the seating a bit uncomfortable - or maybe it was the steak repeating on me. Anyway, they started about 10 minutes late - the whole performance takes place in a single room, with a single actor giving a monologue. He's Dutch, as it happens, and I was to be glad of the captions after a bit, as I couldn't quite make out everything he was saying.

The first half of the play has him discussing his difficult childhood, living with an alcoholic, abusive father, who objects to his son doing "girlish" things like dressing up, singing the girl's part of a pop song, obsessing on Titanic! It took me a while to figure out that he was switching between the father's and son's parts by the simple means of stuffing his hands under his jumper to represent his father's beer belly. You couldn't miss him playing the son though, when he's playing the lead singer of Aqua, performing Barbie Girl and bouncing along the stage..

All of a sudden, the son grows up and moves to Paris (this is actually set in France). And lives his own life. And suddenly, his view of his father changes to how he's a victim of the system. Our group afterwards thought this U-turn in the play had happened rather suddenly.. anyway, from then on, this is a really political play (left-wing, of course). Culminating in a list of accountable French politicians, reeled off..

I couldn't get into the early part, I'm afraid - he worked much better for me as the angry young man from the wrong side of the tracks, in the more political second half. But kudos to him for carrying a 90-minute show, on his own. Also kudos for him for actually fetching a bottle of water, presumably left there for his use, and giving it to the lady in the third row, with the persistent cough. Seriously, he reached out with it from the stage, saying "This is for you". Haven't seen that before.

Runs till Saturday, if you're interested. Contains strobe lighting, offensive language, and loud sections (sounds and music). I can't say it set me on fire, but it was interesting.

Tomorrow, back with Civilised London for a Cajun & Creole meal at Plaquemine Lock, with drinks at The Narrowboat. Looking forward to it.

On Saturday, meeting (all going well) Ivan, as well as two other ex-colleagues, at Imad's Syrian Kitchen. Which, of course, I know about from my last CL event! Now, I just hope this rendezvous happens, given the complete failure of last month's..

On Sunday, booked with Discover London - History Walks and Events for the London Sheep Drive & Livery Fair. Have to hand it to her, she always comes up with interesting things..

On Monday, as usual, I'm on my own.. heading to Divas, at the QT bar. Which, of course, focuses on the hits of - the divas!

And on Tuesday, back with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners! (Considering I probably won't be in a job at that point.) Gee, seems ages since I saw them.. Anyway, this walk is around Sophisticated (& Sometimes Seedy) St. James'..