Play: Retrograde

Tonight, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS), for Retrograde, in the Kiln. Based on Sidney Poitier, and what he had to do to become a star.. Now, this is from the same writer as For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy. Which I hated. So I was taking a risk.

Blasted late-running meeting at work, as every Wednesday.. today's was cut a little short when the air raid siren went off in the Tel Aviv office. And this, heh, is where they're planning on sending me on my next overseas junket. Well, definitely different.. Anyway, for today, I took it as my cue to leg it down to The Lucas Arms - I hadn't seen anywhere I fancied eating, near the theatre. It was filling up - I secured a table with my coat, and when I went back to order, she started typing it in without asking. Her only question to me was the table number! She's good, that one..

I paid, returned to my table, and found a large group that turned out to be Aussies settling into the table next to me - only for my coat, they'd have grabbed mine too. And they were lovely and friendly! One consulted me on the size of my glass of wine - I informed him that was a large, and off he went to get one. He was also delighted that he'd ordered the pie, when he saw mine.. and I heard a murmur of contentment when he got his own. As I left, I wished them a good trip - good on them, finding this place! It's not on the main tourist route..

Off I dashed for the Tube - I am so sick of rushing. Got a seat for most of the journey, at least. Arrived at the theatre a little behind the group, who were gathered outside the bar - and we hung around for a bit before heading in.

Front row, which was fine, except for two things - I had to keep myself from accidentally kicking the wooden base of the stage, and I got a stiff neck from craning upwards all the time to see the action.

So - this is set in the office of the lawyer at NBC, who want to sign Sidney Poitier. Thing is, though, they're a little concerned at his involvement with Paul Robeson, known for his socialist affiliations. So, before Sidney signs the contract of his life, they want him to sign an "oath" - and a denunciation of Paul Robeson, his idol. Just how far is he prepared to go to live his dream..?

Well now, this was a surprise. After the aforementioned play that I hated, I was not expecting this to be so good - but then, it's very different. And woah, this is amazing! The script sparkles, as the zingers fly among Poitier, the lawyer, and the guy who wants Poitier in his film - some memorable one-liners, here. The acting throughout is superb - I had no problem joining the audience in a standing ovation at the end. The whole thing is so engaging that, when the other guy came in after Poitier and the lawyer had been arguing, and wanted to know why, the lady beside me gasped out loud in frustration, "Read it!"

A lovely piece about Poitier's early days in the business, battling both racism and McCarthyism. And yes, we agreed, Ivanno Jeremiah does an excellent job of portraying Poitier's suppressed rage. And Daniel Lapaine is completely convincing as the hard-nosed, hard-drinking lawyer. Ah yes, this is really worth seeing - 10/10. Maybe don't sit in the front row, though! 90 minutes straight through - runs till the 27th. Go see!

Afterwards, we hung around again. Pity nobody seemed to want to sit down, or have a drink - but if nobody else wants to, I'm not going to force them. It just seemed like an obvious idea, us in the bar and the play over early.. Out in the rain again, I took the bus. And that was a really long journey.. my second bus was the #46, which does something funny around College Crescent - not the route, but the driver! It stopped for a minute, and he said something - completely drowned out by the PA. Directed at me, as the only passenger - well, I stayed put, and got home eventually.. where I've had my glass of wine, to celebrate the best play I've seen in a while. I'd just have preferred it in company.

Never mind, more luck over the next few days. Tomorrow, I'm back with The Hideout: Horror Sci-Fi Club London, for wine tasting followed by comedy (hmm..) in La Pizzica restaurant. Could be interesting..

On Friday, I was thinking of film (which meant I had no idea) - but London Social & Cultural Meetups, whom I haven't been with in so long, are having a trip to the National Gallery, to see an exhibition of art related to St. Francis of Assisi! I wasn't going to go with them, given that the group was to include that mad lady that I've been avoiding - but when I looked yesterday, she'd cancelled! for whatever reason. So I'm now free to go. They do advise booking a (free) ticket, and although we're supposed to meet in the Sainsbury Wing, it seems that entrance is closed for renovations.. well, we'll figure it out.

And on Saturday, I'm even busier than usual.. First, I booked with UITCS for the matinée of Leaves of Glass, at the Park Theatre.

And then I have to dash across London.. you see, Mandy, who runs London Herstory Guided Walks, has now started a new Meetup group, Buddies on a Budget in London. And lo, if she isn't taking a group to an outdoor Eurovision party! First, she suggested Battersea - but (free) tickets for that went really fast, with only three of us having managed to book. So we've now switched venue, and are going to Between the Bridges, complete with drag acts! You don't have to pay, but if you buy a ticket, it comes with a free drink.. and this, apart from, as she says, being likely to be more fun, also has the advantage of starting an hour later. Which is handy for me, rushing across town as I'll be.. Both advertised by Eventbrite, and as of now, Between the Bridges still has tickets.. and street food, so I don't have to eat en route.