Concert: Half Six Fix

Tonight, I was finally back with London Classical Music and Theatre Group - we were headed to the Barbican, where the London Symphony Orchestra was playing Ravel and Debussy, in the "Half Six Fix", conducted by Sir Simon Rattle. I bought a cheap wildcard, so was due to find out my seat on the night - CT subsequently advertised it too, even cheaper, rats.

Tore myself away from the coverage of the Queen's lying-in-state - yes, I know, I'm obsessed. But if anything can claim to be a once-in-a-lifetime event, it's this. Anyway, to be fair, I got to the stage where all I'd be missing was the public filing in - figured I could happily miss that. So I caught a bus - I was the only one who stayed on to the end, think the driver forgot I was there! I figured I'd be let off off if I stood by the door when he pulled in - nope, I still had to press the button. Anyway, got to the Barbican early enough to exchange my wildcard ticket for a real one (stalls, lovely) and get a drink. Which I was then told I couldn't take in, so I had to neck it! It actually went down really well, so that wasn't really an issue. And with a few of the group meeting beforehand, we had a nice chat before we went in.

(Oh, and as we went in, it was announced that we could take drinks in. And I saw people doing so. Oh well..)

Pretty decent seat for a wildcard. The concert started with the National Anthem - this time, I felt moved to stand with the rest (though not to sing). Well, if there were any time to be in solidarity with the British.. When the concert proper started, it was with a lovely piece by Berlioz. Followed by a couple by Debussy, a piece by Takemitsu - who, it transpires, wrote the music to Kurusawa films! and Ravel's La Valse, to finish. Except not, because we got a little encore of Stravinsky, whuch everyone enjoyed mightily. A varied programme - and as one pointed out afterwards, the conductor involved the audience in it throughout, giving us context. An early-evening "fix", indeed! Highly recommended. I keep saying it, but I really don't get to enough classical.

And so afterwards to Cote, where we were sat despite having no reservation - they have a large seating area. And were satisfyingly fed, while the conversation bubbled on merrily. Truly an enjoyable evening - I do love coming with this group. Roll on the next one..

Tomorrow, Over 40 Living the Life is - again - headed to the Vauxhall Comedy Club, on a "special deal for regulars". And I am - again - headed there on my own. Because, if you book direct, tickets are cheaper than the price quoted for this group - regardless of whether you're a regular. Now I just need to figure out how to access the online loyalty card I got from them, last time.. and I should probably donate something, this time! They're very good at guilting people.

I'm back to Ireland for the weekend. Film-wise, they are showing Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song - a biopic, which I'd love to see. But it's only in the evening, which I can't manage! (sob) Which leaves the (joint) highest rated as Bodies Bodies Bodies! Set at a teen country house party, in the middle of nowhere. Opinion is divided as to whether this is a horror or a murder mystery, but everyone agrees it's a comedy - and it sounds right up my street. FYI the other at the top of the ratings is See How They Run, which is a murder mystery comedy, with Saoirse Ronan as the overenthusiastic young copper, striving to assist the detective, Sam Rockwell, in 1950s London. Also stars Adrien Brody as the victim, and Harris Dickinson and David Oyelowo among the suspects. Gee, as it said in the paper, this type of film is regaining popularity! Both showing in Ennis.

Back on Sunday. On Monday, there was a suggestion of seeing Ivan - he fancies a blowout again. But with it being declared a bank holiday, he's instead taking himself off to see the family. Probably. Well, the best Meetup alternative seems to be a Zoom talk about The Black Historical Presence in Surrey. Courtesy of the Surrey History Meetup. So I signed up to that.

On Tuesday, I'm also going virtual - this is a new group, called London History & Culture, and the talk is on Jack the Ripper and Victorian Times, courtesy of Heygo, who seem to do a lot of these. You have to register separately with Heygo for the talk, but hey, it's free! Like Monday's. Jeez though, this is feeling like lockdown again..

And on Wednesday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats for Eureka Day, with Helen Hunt, at the Old Vic. Oh thank goodness, an in-person Meetup at last!