Musical: Ain't Too Proud

Tonight, thought of heading back to Watkin's Bookshop, for the first time in an age - they had an author talk called Holy Waters - Searching for the Sacred in a Glass. There's a new book about this, which considers the use of alcohol in religion - sounded interesting!

But then I saw someone on the list of attendees that I really didn't want to meet, in what is a very small venue.. so I implemented Plan B. The London International Meetup was heading to Ain't Too Proud, the story of The Temptations, tonight - they had their own, limited, tickets, and were sold out, but I figured I could just head on my own. Several outlets have tickets for just under £30 - I picked the first of them I came across, which was London Theatre Direct.

Searching for eateries nearby, I realised it's quite near Chinatown - so I decided to head to New Loon Fung, for a change. Had to take two buses - and in each case, just missed the one I wanted, only to have another come along in a couple of minutes. Got fed to bursting at the restaurant - except it could be quite hard to catch the waiter's eye, in what was quite an empty restaurant. Anyway, it was then a short walk to the Prince Edward Theatre - which I realised I'd never been to before! Now, that is rare.. 

Well, it turned out to be a gorgeous, art deco building: and my seat, one of the cheapest in the theatre, was in the rear stalls - and despite its description as having a restricted view, had one of the least restricted views I've ever seen! Strangely though, as I went in, the usher didn't ask me my seat number, but actually my row - I think there's a separate entrance for the rows towards the front:

I'd love to try the boxes on the next level - they protrude past the rest of the seats up there, and look like they have a terrific view.

Well! Now, I'm no expert on The Temptations - but, like everyone else, I know some of their stuff: not all. But enough to sing along to some, as we were encouraged to do. And I mean, this puts me in mind of Motown: The Musical, which remains one of the best musicals I've ever seen! This is beautifully sung, beautifully choreographed: I sometimes wonder whom I'm applauding at the end, the performers or the playwright - not here, the standard of performance is so high.

Not just a jukebox musical either - this doesn't hold back in telling us all about the personal and professional problems that dogged the band. And it tells a really moving story, from the early days in Detroit, through the fame, the drink and drugs, the many changes in lineup - right through to when people start passing away. So, engaging as well as entertaining - well deserving of that standing ovation! and a pretty packed house. Delighted to have seen this at last. Currently booking until the 7th of January - run and see it!

On the way home, didn't have quite as much luck in the timing of buses - but on the other hand, it wasn't as cold as predicted.

Tomorrow, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again. Was waiting to hear what rating the new Indiana Jones film would have - Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny sees Harrison Ford, back again as the coolest archaeologist in the Western world. And yes, your eyes don't deceive you - that is Phoebe Waller-Bridge, tagging along as the female interest (his god-daughter). So, expect some good lines. And Antonio Banderas shows up as - someone scruffy-lookin'. And I'd be happy to see it - if only for the CGI that makes Harrison Ford look young and gorgeous again.. (there's some time travel, I believe).

However, now that its rating is out, the highest rated is Jesus Revolution, based on a real-life spiritual movement across America in the 70s. Stars Kelsey Grammer as the straight-laced pastor whose daughter convinces him to give these long-haired hippies a go.. Showing, as is Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, in Limerick Omniplex. (Actually, it was also showing yesterday evening in London, but I really wanted to see Asteroid City, so although it wasn't as highly rated, I executed an executive override..)

On Monday, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) for A Playlist for the Revolution, at the Bush Theatre.

On Tuesday, thinking film again - and it's looking like Hello, Bookstore, a documentary in the Curzon Bloomsbury again.

Then two more days with UITCS - well, they book so much stuff! On Wednesday, it's Robin Hood: The Legend - Rewritten, at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.

And next Thursday, it's School Girls: Or, the African Mean Girls Play, at the Lyric Hammersmith.

Film: Asteroid City

Today, was thinking film - and delighted to see that Asteroid City had risen in ratings, and was now top of my list! Ah well, that's a no-brainer - a Wes Anderson comedy, with an all-star cast, including Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Jeffrey Wright, Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Maya Hawke, Rupert Friend, Steve Park, Liev Schreiber, Matt Dillon, Steve Carell, Tilda Swinton, Jeff Goldblum (playing an alien, appropriately I guess..), Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Margot Robbie.. and probably some other people I recognise. Anyway, I love Wes Anderson's stuff - and it's on in my local cinema (for flat #1). And there were showings all today, so, given that I hadn't any other demands on my time, until I get another job, I could go to whatever suited!

5.30pm was what suited, and off I trotted, stopping at recycling on the way. And wouldn't you know it, I never before heard that they have cheap tickets on Wednesdays in Curzon! Obviously never been to the Curzon on a Wednesday before.. I was the first into the Plaza, one of the screens it's on in, which is a small one - I'd chosen an aisle seat near the front. Mine was a popular row - with another couple sat inside me, one seat away, when the lady who'd booked the seat beside me came and saw all my stuff on her seat, she volunteered to go into the (empty) front row. Quite sensible - who wants to have people on either side of them anyway, if not necessary?

Ah, Wes Anderson. Quite surreal. First, we meet Byran Cranston, who's hosting a tv show about the writer (Edward Norton) of this play called "Asteroid City". That bit's in black and white - then we're into the technicolour of the desert, where Jason Schwartzman is driving the kids to Asteroid City, where there's a science event for which his son, Jake Ryan, has qualified. His daughters are of similar age, if not actually triplets - and a right little coven they make. Also accompanying their children to this shindig are Scarlett Johansson, a famous actress, and Liev Schreiber. Maya Hawke is a teacher, accompanying a school group to observe. Jeffrey Wright plays the local military general. Rupert Friend is a local cowboy, who hangs out with a gang of cowboys, playin' music, mostly. Tom Hanks is Jason Schwartzmann's father-in-law, who drives to the rescue when his car conks out - Matt Dillon is the mechanic. Steve Carell runs the motel. Tilda Swinton is a local scientist involved with the event. Margot Robbie plays (spoiler) Jason Schwartzman's deceased wife.

And then it gets weird. So, Adrien Brody doesn't apparently exist in this version, he plays Jason Schwartman's character in - the stage version, I think? Lives on the set, gives advice to Jason Schwartzman at one point. Willem Dafoe shows up as a kind of talk-show host, interviewing Edward Norton. Really, some of them are only in it for one scene - you can imagine them joining for fun, then kind of hanging around the set chuckling at the rest of it, once they're finished and can relax. And fun it is - gloriously funny, in that weird, Wes Anderson way. Absolute star of the show, for me, however - is Jeff Goldblum, who plays an alien like nobody else can. Ah yes - won't be for everyone, but if you like Wes Anderson, you'll probably love this. Oh, and why not stay for the road runner's antics, over the closing credits..

Tomorrow, thinking of heading back to Watkin's Bookshop, for the first time in an age - they have an author talk called Holy Waters - Searching for the Sacred in a Glass. There's a new book about this, which considers the use of alcohol in religion - sounds interesting!

Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again. Was waiting to hear what rating the new Indiana Jones film would have - Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny sees Harrison Ford, back again as the coolest archaeologist in the Western world. And yes, your eyes don't deceive you - that is Phoebe Waller-Bridge, tagging along as the female interest (his god-daughter). So, expect some good lines. And Antonio Banderas shows up as - someone scruffy-lookin'. And I'd be happy to see it - if only for the CGI that makes Harrison Ford look young and gorgeous again.. (there's some time travel, I believe).

However, now that its rating is out, the highest rated is Jesus Revolution, based on a real-life spiritual movement across America in the 70s. Stars Kelsey Grammer as the straight-laced pastor whose daughter convinces him to give these long-haired hippies a go.. Showing, as is Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, in Limerick Omniplex. (Actually, it was also showing this evening in London, but I really wanted to see Asteroid City, so although it wasn't as highly rated, I executed an executive override..)

On Monday, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) for A Playlist for the Revolution, at the Bush Theatre.

On Tuesday, thinking film again - and it's looking like Hello, Bookstore, a documentary in the Curzon Bloomsbury again.

Then two more days with UITCS - well, they book so much stuff! Next Wednesday, it's Robin Hood: The Legend - Rewritten, at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.

And on the 6th, it's School Girls: Or, the African Mean Girls Play, at the Lyric Hammersmith.

Musical: A Strange Loop

This evening, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) again - this time, for A Strange Loop, at the Barbican. Multi-award-winning, it seems - cheaper tickets available from WhatsOnStage (WOS), fulfilled by London Theatre Direct. Interestingly though, to get the cheaper offer, buy through WOS..

I had a yen to eat at Cote Barbican - but checked this evening, only to find they were completely booked up. Durnit! I didn't fancy eating at The Lucas Arms again so soon - and frankly, didn't leave myself much time to eat at all. So, Pret it was - and then Tube. The Northern Line promised the least walking - and my shoe was chafing - so that was how I went. Ran into one of the group as I was coming off the Tube, and together, we navigated the building works all around there, joining the rest eventually, downstairs at the Barbican. Not, perhaps, the wisest location for those of us sat in the higher levels.. Anyway, most of the bar was roped off for a conference: and wouldn't you know it, they'd literally drunk the bar dry! of white wine, at least. They had rose or prosecco, both of which give me a headache. So I passed. We were subsequently passed by a guy trundling a crate full of bottles of white wine, headed for somewhere else in the building.. I seriously considered an ambush..

And so we slogged upstairs, in due course. I then had to clamber down some more stairs, to reach my precarious seat at the edge:

There were a couple of people sitting inside me in the row - he congratulated me for making it all the way up there!

Ah, where to start. Multi-award-winning, eh? Well, someone beforehand did caution that that was in America.. Good point, and one that came back to haunt me through what I found a gruelling production. Now, I will happily concede that it's well-written - lyrically clever. The performances are top-notch. And I'm guessing the awards were mostly awarded on the basis of it being "woke". The protagonist - and author - is, by his own admission, fat, he's homosexual - of which his staunchly religious parents disapprove. He's in a dead-end job, which he hates, and his mother accuses him - with some justification - of wasting his expensive education. So he, em, decides to go off and write a musical about it.

Now, I love musical theatre as much as anyone - and as I say, this is award-winning in America - but could he not possibly have, I dunno, written a book instead? What in the name of all that's holy convinced him to write songs about this? And it's basically an autobiography - the "strange loop" of the title is an examination of the ego, as he explains to someone on the subway (actually a figment of his imagination, as are many of the characters on stage).

Someone was of the opinion that it went downhill in the second half - that there was something to applaud in the beginning, but after that, it became a feast of self-loathing. I agree about the self-loathing; I just failed to be much enthused about the first half either. As someone else pointed out, a lot of the American references were lost to a British audience - as a prime example, I was left wondering who on earth Tyler Perry was, who features so prominently! A couple of warnings, also - there's quite a graphic and disturbing sex scene, as well as a section where the lights are directed straight at the centre of the audience! A couple of our group were sat there, and one described being blinded - sure enough, that had occurred to me, sat safely over the side as I was.

This has been described in reviews as "hilarious".. well, I did laugh once. Mainly though, it came across to me as self-indulgent. And there he was on stage, with his "inner voices" telling him he had to let the audience know when to go home - and I was so tempted to yell "yes please!".. Now, some from our group absolutely loved it, and I'm happy for them. Me, I was first out of there.. Currently booking until the 9th of September, if you're curious.

Tomorrow, thinking film - and delighted to see that Asteroid City has risen in ratings, and is now top of my list! Ah well, that's a no-brainer - a Wes Anderson comedy, with an all-star cast, including Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Jeffrey Wright, Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Maya Hawke, Rupert Friend, Steve Park, Liev Schreiber, Matt Dillon, Steve Carell, Tilda Swinton, Jeff Goldblum (playing an alien, appropriately I guess..), Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Margot Robbie.. and probably some other people I recognise. Anyway, I love Wes Anderson's stuff - and it's on in my local cinema (for flat #1). And there are showings all day, so, given that I probably shan't have any other demands on my time that day, until I get another job, I can go to whatever suits!

On Thursday, thinking of heading back to Watkin's Bookshop, for the first time in an age - they have an author talk called Holy Waters - Searching for the Sacred in a Glass. There's a new book about this, which considers the use of alcohol in religion - sounds interesting!

Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again. Still waiting to hear what rating the new Indiana Jones film will have - Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny sees Harrison Ford, back again as the coolest archaeologist in the Western world. And yes, your eyes don't deceive you - that is Phoebe Waller-Bridge, tagging along as the female interest (his god-daughter). So, expect some good lines. And Antonio Banderas shows up as - someone scruffy-lookin'. And I'd be happy to see it - if only for the CGI that makes Harrison Ford look young and gorgeous again.. (there's some time travel, I believe).

Failing a high rating, or any rating (although it shouldn't be long) for that, the highest rated is, ahem, Jesus Revolution, based on a real-life spiritual movement across America in the 70s. Stars Kelsey Grammer as the straight-laced pastor whose daughter convinces him to give these long-haired hippies a go.. Showing, as is Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, in Limerick Omniplex.

And on Monday, I'm back with UITCS for A Playlist for the Revolution, at the Bush Theatre.

Concert: From Swing to Soul

For today, got a cheap ticket with CT for From Swing to Soul, a concert series at Wonderville. I did wonder whether they fixed their tech issues from last time..

Couldn't see anywhere to eat out there that I fancied - and goodness knows, Wonderville itself was never known for its culinary offerings. So I ate at The Lucas Arms. Where I got a great welcome. They'd changed the seating arrangement slightly, and the only really suitable table for me ended up being that sole table for 1, beside the ladies' loos. Which is fine - my chair was only banged once by the toilet door opening - you have to do it with some force to achieve that. Anyway - sadly, I really couldn't finish my dinner; the steak and ale pie is delish, but a bit heavy for this weather. But I did eat most.

I kind of remembered where Wonderville was - certainly, off the bus, I made my way to Haymarket unassisted. Couldn't then quite remember where on Haymarket it was - but it didn't take long to find. Bless her, the receptionist was quite away with the fairies - didn't notice me standing there at all: in fact, I gave her an awful fright! She checked me off the list and waved me in. Now, seeing the entrance to the concert area open, I headed in there - only to find that they were still working on the soundcheck, and I was supposed to head back out to the bar. The maitre d' did ask whether there was a table I fancied - so I asked whether I could just leave my coat on a chair, to reserve it! He kind of made a face, then said ok.

I was delighted to find that the bar was now - unlike last time - taking actual verbal orders. So I had a glass of wine, and grabbed a sofa, while the going was good - the bar was completely full by half an hour before showtime, I was lucky I was early. As for the soundcheck being private - HAH! It was, in fact, deafening, from the perspective of the far side of the bar. And when it was time, in I went-  seating appeared unassigned, and lots of people were throwing dirty looks at my poor coat, which was in a pretty prime position. Thank goodness I left it there - I really don't know how that maitre d' would have reserved it for me otherwise!

Well, there I was, the only one at a table on my own, and feeling a bit sorry for myself - and just at that point, a young lady popped up and asked - very politely - whether she and her friend could gatecrash my table, as they didn't have a great view! Well of course, I said yes - and they turned out to be lovely, we had a lovely chat all evening.

The show is excellent - three singers, all top notch, a terrific backing band.

And they perform lots of classics - also some classical takes on more modern pieces. Highlight, for me, was the two-song tribute to Tina Turner - I could have listened to their adaptations of her music all night! Low point.. had to be their (swing) adaptation of, er - Creep. Now, I admire their willingness to try to adapt - pretty much anything. But honestly, how did those lyrics fit into this concert? ("I'm a creep, I'm a weirdo"..) No, no, this was just surreal.

At the interval, I gave up on trying to get another drink online, and headed for the bar again. Where a group arrived, wanting to know where their order was, it was taking so long! Yep, I guess DIY is the way to go - although we did note one group that got their orders delivered. But in general - nope, I don't think it's working yet.

Meantime, the performers were mingling with the audience, which was a nice touch. The second half is, as they say, our chance to dance. Now, we didn't - but plenty did. The atmosphere was great - I'd be delighted to come back. Highly recommended - runs on selected dates until the 15th of November.

Tomorrow evening, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) again - this time, for A Strange Loop, at the Barbican. Multi-award-winning, it seems - cheaper tickets available from WhatsOnStage (WOS), fulfilled by London Theatre Direct. Interestingly though, to get the cheaper offer, buy through WOS..

On Wednesday, thinking film - and delighted to see that Asteroid City has risen in ratings, and is now top of my list! Ah well, that's a no-brainer - a Wes Anderson comedy, with an all-star cast, including Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Jeffrey Wright, Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Maya Hawke, Rupert Friend, Steve Park, Liev Schreiber, Matt Dillon, Steve Carell, Tilda Swinton, Jeff Goldblum (playing an alien, appropriately I guess..), Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Margot Robbie.. and probably some other people I recognise. Anyway, I love Wes Anderson's stuff - and it's on in my local cinema (for flat #1). And there are showings all day, so, given that I probably shan't have any other demands on my time that day, until I get another job, I can go to whatever suits!

On Thursday, thinking of heading back to Watkin's Bookshop, for the first time in an age - they have an author talk called Holy Waters - Searching for the Sacred in a Glass. There's a new book about this, which considers the use of alcohol in religion - sounds interesting! Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.

And next Monday, I'm back with UITCS for A Playlist for the Revolution, at the Bush Theatre.

Walk: Discover the Secrets of the 19th Century London Docks

Yesterday, back with Discover London - History Walks and Events to Discover the Secrets of the 19th Century London Docks. Always love this part of town - again, this was walking distance from my new place. So it would've been nice to stay the night.. still waiting on word of my keys. Anyway, I was so glad it wasn't on till afternoon, and I could lie in!

Still ended up rushing, knowing me - just made the bus in perfect time though. Wow - must have been the hottest day of the year (or one of them) - I felt like I was cooking from the minute I stepped out of the house. Glad I brought a hat. Was a bit early for the start, and took myself first to the nearby ice cream stand - never has an ice cream tasted better. And they had Flake to put in it - that shortage must have ended! Well now..

I finished it before joining the others - didn't want to have to multitask by eating, talking, and paying, all at once. We made sure to stand in the shade as we waited the usual 15 minutes for people to arrive. And indeed, we spent most of the walk in the shade - much pleasanter.

We started on the attractive St. Katherine Dock:

It's always lovely to be near water on a sunny day:

We moseyed mainly through less-trafficked, more residential areas: with, we decided, utterly unaffordable housing. Except for wildlife, which there was in plenty:

before coming to Tobacco Dock - most recently a conference centre, as, indeed, mentioned by one of our group, who had been to a conference there. The hogs' heads decorating the gate refer to the name of the large barrels they're depicted with:

We passed through Wapping Woods to get to Shadwell Basin, the largest remaining body of water in the docklands. Which seemed to be hosting a tightrope competition! Well, of all the days to get a dunking:

And so, finally, to the Prospect of Whitby - an attractive pub, with lots of cubbyholes, and a long history. Used to be called The Pelican - which is where the adjacent Pelican Stairs, down to the water, got their name. The tour actually ended down the stairs, but I've been down there before, and have a thing about stairs - so I gave it a miss.

Into the pub then, for what turned out to be a long afternoon - a couple of us had food. It's a Greene King pub, whose steak and ale pies I love, but I skipped it on this occasion, what with the heat. Decided on chicken kyiev instead. We sat upstairs, where there was more space - and handily, there was service up there too. Mind you, although the queue was shorter, it was still a pain - and the food took forever to arrive. When it did, the coating on my chicken was a bit burnt - and it didn't taste much of kyiev - but it was succulent, and hit the spot. My fellow eater had a burger, which she proclaimed lovely. And then the afternoon passed merrily, with a few of us sharing bottles of wine, and some excellent conversation. All in all, a most enjoyable outing! Pity I don't get to go with this group more.. Anyway, with all that wine, I was too tired last night to blog.

For today, got a cheap ticket with CT for From Swing to Soul, a concert series at Wonderville. I do wonder whether they fixed their tech issues from last time..

Tomorrow evening, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) again - this time, for A Strange Loop, at the Barbican. Multi-award-winning, it seems - cheaper tickets available from WhatsOnStage (WOS), fulfilled by London Theatre Direct. Interestingly though, to get the cheaper offer, buy through WOS..

On Wednesday, thinking film - and delighted to see that Asteroid City has risen in ratings, and is now top of my list! Ah well, that's a no-brainer - a Wes Anderson comedy, with an all-star cast, including Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Jeffrey Wright, Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Maya Hawke, Rupert Friend, Steve Park, Liev Schreiber, Matt Dillon, Steve Carell, Tilda Swinton, Jeff Goldblum (playing an alien, appropriately I guess..), Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Margot Robbie.. and probably some other people I recognise. Anyway, I love Wes Anderson's stuff - and it's on in my local cinema (for flat #1). And there are showings all day, so, given that I probably shan't have any other demands on my time that day, until I get another job, I can go to whatever suits!

On Thursday, thinking of heading back to Watkin's Bookshop, for the first time in an age - they have an author talk called Holy Waters - Searching for the Sacred in a Glass. There's a new book about this, which considers the use of alcohol in religion - sounds interesting! Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.

And next Monday, I'm back with UITCS for A Playlist for the Revolution, at the Bush Theatre.

Play: The Comedy of Errors

Today, delighted to be back with Expat Bucket List London! Well, back with the founder of both this and Bucket List London - I hadn't actually been with the Expat group yet. Yippee, back to the Globe - for The Comedy of Errors. Unfortunately, while I was in the Lower Gallery, as usual, the others were upstairs.. the organiser did offer to switch with me, so I'd have some company, but I wouldn't subject him to such a lower-priced seat! Anyway, I do like to be close.

Slight confusion beforehand - I couldn't find the message where we'd arranged where to meet, but thought it was the river entrance - but when I got there, there was no sign. So I meandered around to the other entrance, then back - and wouldn't have spotted them at all, but for that he spotted me. Do you know, it turned out I was the only one of us to have been there before! so I did a wee tour for them, before we went in. Someone had advised him against the Lower Gallery seats, tsk..

It was such a hot, clammy day - as usual, the ushers' main job was preventing groundlings from sitting on anything. Several people were fanning themselves, lots had the Globe "hats", which provide a shade for the eyes but not much else. I really pitied people caught in the sun, when it came out - a couple felt faint, and were let sit in the Gallery. (You can actually see my fellow group members in the photo, if you zoom right in.. they were directly in my sight line.)

Well, the performance - typically for here - was as merry and raucous as you could wish. A boat "sailed" in through the crowd a couple of times, and there was a bit of banter with the crowd near the stage. Interestingly, I see they now have two groundling rates - near the stage and not near, perhaps? One of the main performers had injured herself, and someone had to stand in for her - as another explained at the start, with absolutely no rehearsal - they don't have understudies. She acquitted herself quite well, although having to read, and not getting to dress up..

Well, 'tis another barmy tale of mixed-up identities - Shakespeare did seem to fancy those. Identical twin brothers - to be fair, played by similar-looking, and identically dressed, actors - are separated at birth, and their lives follow quite separate paths. They finally fetch up in the same city, and hilarity ensues as one is mistaken for the other. The craziness is compounded by the fact that each has a manservant who is the brother of the other's - and guess what? They look alike, too. Or maybe people don't pay so much attention to servants - certainly, they dress the same, though. There's also a father knocking around - and as the Duke says at the end, there'll be a lot of gossip at the feast!

As usual, my side view wasn't really a problem - except when there was some visual gag, and a huge laugh from the crowd, just as the actor was standing on the other side of a pillar from me. They had a platform running into the audience this time - that's nice, you do see more. Not to mention it gives the groundlings another thing to lean on. Only quibble from me - the father, in particular, had poor projection: and frankly, they all needed to yell today - the helicopter that keeps swooping over was particularly noisome. Hovered right above for what must have been 15 minutes - I swear, I have a theory they're watching the show. The actors feel it too, of course - in fact, it was even woven into the text today, with one of the servants complaining about the helicopter! ("Whatever a 'helicopter' is..")

Well, despite that, another fun production at the Globe - and as usual, this feels like the start of summer for me. Runs till the 29th of next month. Afterwards, with the organiser having to shoot off, I didn't wait for them - headed off to the adjacent Pizza Express, as usual when I'm here, and asked to sit upstairs, for their gorgeous views. And tried another of their new starters - the garlic mushrooms are very moreish, very strong flavour, what with the balsamic syrup.. served with slivers of goat's cheese, which counterpoints the flavour nicely. And I had my usual carbonara (which arrived while I was still tacking the mushrooms) - didn't honestly think I'd manage to finish it, in this heat, but I surprised myself. Had to be ice cream for dessert, of course. And then a bus home - and here's an interesting thing - I caught it on Blackfriars Bridge, and lo! it has something like half the number of steps up to it of, say, Waterloo Bridge. Now, that's a fact worth knowing, if you're not keen on overexerting yourself..

I fully intended to move into my new flat tonight, stay till Monday - when I'm at something nearer my old place. I packed a load of stuff - as much as I could reasonably take in one run - and slogged out there, in what was a cooler, but still muggy, night. On which none of the buses obliged me, and I was waiting for ages. Only to discover that my flat key wouldn't work! They obviously gave me the wrong one. Well, I knocked, and lo, the flatmate whose room is near the door let me in. So at least I got to meet him! We confirmed that I had the wrong key - I did get into my room though, which has a code (or I probably wouldn't have). But, well, I did leave some stuff, moved the furniture around, hooked my phone up to the WiFi.. Not practical to move in though, until the key issue is sorted. Not and have to have someone let me in all the time! I still have the old place until the end of next month anyway.. I'd just have liked to leave more stuff out there, but it didn't work out that way. Never mind.

Tomorrow, back with Discover London - History Walks and Events to Discover the Secrets of the 19th Century London Docks. Always love this part of town - again, this is walking distance from my new place. So it would've been nice to stay the night.. So glad it's not on till afternoon, and I can lie in!

On Monday, got a cheap ticket with CT for From Swing to Soul, a concert series at Wonderville. I do wonder whether they fixed their tech issues from last time..

On Tuesday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) again - this time, for A Strange Loop, at the Barbican. Multi-award-winning, it seems - cheaper tickets available from WhatsOnStage (WOS), fulfilled by London Theatre Direct. Interestingly though, to get the cheaper offer, buy through WOS..

On Wednesday, thinking film - and delighted to see that Asteroid City has risen in ratings, and is now top of my list! Ah well, that's a no-brainer - a Wes Anderson comedy, with an all-star cast, including Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Jeffrey Wright, Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Maya Hawke, Rupert Friend, Steve Park, Liev Schreiber, Matt Dillon, Steve Carell, Tilda Swinton, Jeff Goldblum (playing an alien, appropriately I guess..), Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Margot Robbie.. and probably some other people I recognise. Anyway, I love Wes Anderson's stuff - and it's on in my local cinema (for flat #1). My new flat isn't so close to a cinema, so I'll stay in the old one for this, while I still have access to it. And there are showings all day, so, given that I probably shan't have any other demands on my time that day, until I get another job, I can go to whatever suits!

On Thursday, thinking of heading back to Watkin's Bookshop, for the first time in an age - they have an author talk called Holy Waters - Searching for the Sacred in a Glass. There's a new book about this, which considers the use of alcohol in religion - sounds interesting! Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.

And on the 3rd, I'm back with UITCS for A Playlist for the Revolution, at the Bush Theatre.

Murder Mystery: The Murder Express - Jewel of the Empire

Tonight, my sometime-companion from Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) suggested a murder mystery! The Murder Express: Jewel of the Empire.. set on a train, and includes dinner (phew). Oh, lovely.. she got a Groupon deal, apparently..

Well, I headed out there by bus, she by train - I got less lost than she did, arrived first, and took refuge in the shade, on what was a very hot day.

She arrived just as we were being let in. Tables seat six, although not all were full - space was left for performers to sit. First though, we were left waiting in the bar - where there was no seating, unless you needed it. Drinks can only be ordered online - they have two WiFi systems, one of which I could connect to, ordering us some wine - took about five minutes to get it all sorted. Remember your table number when you check in, BTW..

Screens at each table depict "passing scenery" - although the graphics aren't great, this is still quite atmospheric. And the actors are quite entertaining. Dinner progresses in the meanwhile - we started with an amuse-bouche, which was ok, then a leek starter that I didn't like much. Beef, for main course, was lovely - there is a vegan alternative. Dessert is a delish chocolate thing. Portions are tiny though.. do eat beforehand if you're hungry.

As to the murder mystery - they recommend you buy the paper at the bar outside beforehand - and it's a good idea, it does help with the atmosphere, and you do get a clue from it. In my case, the barman's WiFi was down, so he couldn't charge me - and forgot to do it later, so I got it for free! Apart from that, though, you can forget the "immersive" murder mystery - the actors might talk to you, and they're very entertaining, but you haven't really a hope of solving it, you're not given enough clues. I remember doing a murder mystery over lockdown where you really could have a stab at solving it - not this one. But, as I say, it's atmospheric, it's entertaining - a fun night out.

Being at the earlier showing though, we were rushed out. And afterwards, we went to Casa Blue for one more drink. Passing, on the way, some of the graffiti that the area is known for:

Tomorrow, delighted to be back with Expat Bucket List London! Well, back with the founder of both this and Bucket List London - I haven't actually been with the Expat group yet. Yippee, back to the Globe - for The Comedy of Errors. Unfortunately, while I'm in the Lower Gallery, as usual, the others are upstairs.. the organiser did offer to switch with me, so I'd have some company, but I wouldn't subject him to such a lower-priced seat! Anyway, I do like to be close. I'd have moved to my new flat by now - indeed, tonight's event was closer to my new place than to my old one - but there's so much to move, even for a brief stay, that it's impractical! I have to make at least two trips - I'll have a go tomorrow evening.

On Sunday, back with Discover London - History Walks and Events to Discover the Secrets of the 19th Century London Docks. Always love this part of town - again, this is walking distance from my new place.

On Monday, got a cheap ticket with CT for From Swing to Soul, a concert series at Wonderville. I do wonder whether they fixed their tech issues from last time..

On Tuesday, back with UITCS again - this time, for A Strange Loop, at the Barbican. Multi-award-winning, it seems - cheaper tickets available from WhatsOnStage (WOS), fulfilled by London Theatre Direct. Interestingly though, to get the cheaper offer, buy through WOS..

On Wednesday, thinking film - and delighted to see that Asteroid City has risen in ratings, and is now top of my list! Ah well, that's a no-brainer - a Wes Anderson comedy, with an all-star cast, including Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Jeffrey Wright, Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Maya Hawke, Rupert Friend, Steve Park, Liev Schreiber, Matt Dillon, Steve Carell, Tilda Swinton, Jeff Goldblum (playing an alien, appropriately I guess..), Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Margot Robbie.. and probably some other people I recognise. Anyway, I love Wes Anderson's stuff - and it's on in my local cinema (for flat #1). My new flat isn't so close to a cinema, so I'll stay in the old one for this, while I still have access to it. And there are showings all day, so, given that I probably shan't have any other demands on my time that day, until I get another job, I can go to whatever suits!

On Thursday, thinking of heading back to Watkin's Bookshop, for the first time in an age - they have an author talk called Holy Waters - Searching for the Sacred in a Glass. There's a new book about this, which considers the use of alcohol in religion - sounds interesting! Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.

And on the 3rd, I'm back with UITCS for A Playlist for the Revolution, at the Bush Theatre.

Circus: Les Enfants du Paradis

Tonight - headed out to Elstree, of all places, for Giffords Circus. Well, it was the best of what I saw advertised.. it's a helluva journey, and I planned to eat out there - they apparently had "food wagons". Well, I'm not working now, so I could leave at whatever time I needed to!

Whatever way you look at it, the quickest is train, then bus - which, depending on your route, should get you there in just under an hour. At best. So, I found myself on the Thameslink for the first time - on a train headed for Luton! Ah, so that's where it is - I'd always vaguely wondered. I was a bit puzzled by Google Maps' insistence that the train left from Platform B - but, sure enough, there are only two, dedicated, Thameslink platforms in St. Pancras. Now, I've fallen foul of the size of St. Pancras before - so I left home half an hour before the train was due to leave, despite Google Maps telling me I'd make it in less than half that time. And sure enough, the Thameslink platforms were right up the other end - I followed signs for "Trains to the airport". And made it with five minutes to spare.

Lovely, quiet, reasonably clean, air-conditioned trains. It took something like half an hour to travel the three stops to Elstree, then it was easy as pie to find the bus stop, right outside the station entrance - where an LCD screen informed me that I'd have to wait a few minutes. The bus journey, I have to say, was one of the bumpier I've had - and then I had to walk for a quarter of an hour or so. It's quite a rural-looking bit of the world - much of the architecture is pleasantly red-brick, there's lots of greenery. And I mused, as car after car zoomed past me, that heavy traffic seems to be a characteristic of the English countryside. So, it doesn't exactly feel.. rural. Meantime, I had the misfortune to be wearing sandals that chafed my feet - so it wasn't the pleasantest walk. Particularly when I discovered that the footpath on my side petered out - and with all that traffic, I wasn't risking walking on the road! So I carried on, on the wrong side of the road..

I came there in due course - I do believe I was the only person who didn't come by car. And the path in was all churned up, as by a tractor - so, tricky in sandals. I did make it, in the end. Was passed by a couple of circus employees, in costume, who bade me a cheery hello. Giffords obviously own all the catering vans - they're all painted in the same livery as the souvenir van, the toilet van - and, by the looks of it, the private vans for the performers!

My first mission was food - there were really only two food vans though: the burger van, and the Creperie. Now, had you been willing to pay a hefty sum, you could have signed up for the "circus sauce", a slap-up meal held in an adjacent tent. I hadn't. I decided the Creperie sounded more appealing - and was intrigued by the beef bourgignon crepe. Didn't take long for me to be served - and they also provide (wooden) knives and forks, and napkins. I had to sit on the ground to eat it properly - there wasn't anywhere else. Indeed, the filling was beef bourgignon. However, as a crepe.. nah. Weird. I didn't finish it. Happily, each van has its own bin. My trip to the bar, next, was more successful - although they only sell medium glasses of wine. And I'd hardly started mine when they started to let people in.

Seating - apart from "reserved" seats at the front, which I think are a perk of the "circus sauce" - is unassigned. But there isn't really a bad seat - the big top isn't that big!

An Aladdin's cave, to the side, stores props for upcoming acts:

Aw, this is such a terrific circus! They go with a French theme throughout - as per the title. The soundtrack is almost all French, or French-related, pop and classical - everything from Danse Macabre by Saint-Saens to Voulez-Vous, by Abba! by way of I Dreamed a Dream, from Les Misérables.. and the costumes are French-inspired:

All the acts have French names, too - these are the Soeurs d'Étoiles (Star Sisters):

A love story, involving a masked admirer, permeates the show:

and yes, you can't quite see it here, but she's wearing a bustle:

The artistry is terrific:

The classic French clown, Pierrot, makes an appearance:

The only animals in the show are miniature ponies - described by the ringmaster as "fat dalmatians":

This is the same ringmaster who turns up later as a trapeze artist! Everyone earns their way in this show - even the ponies double-job!

And the acts themselves are really accomplished - what this pair got up to was awe-inspiring, roller-skating around this small platform, and swinging off each other:

Some shadow-puppets:

A very stylish show, really entertaining - and let's not forget the clown, Tweedy, who is quite hilarious! The crowd get dragged into the ring at the end for a dance.. and mind you, there is a little audience interaction in general:

Runs till Monday - very highly recommended, if you can make the trip - for me, it was quite a trek, but worth it. Mind you, I mused as I trudged along, it was uphill in this direction.. Oddly, Google Maps no longer suggested Thameslink as an option, suggested I take the Tube from Edgware instead, taking the same bus a bit further on. I had to think to myself - I'd always thought of Edgware as being at the far reaches of the earth: but this evening, as I took such pains to get there, it seemed like the pinnacle of civilisation! Of course, more fun ensued when I got there, considering that - being at the end of the line - all the trains go in the same basic direction.. bless Google Maps for directing me right. Of course, when I got to King's Cross, I was hungry again - so I ended the night in Pret.

Tomorrow, my sometime-companion from Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) suggested a murder mystery! The Murder Express: Jewel of the Empire.. set on a train, and includes dinner (phew). Oh, lovely.. she got a Groupon deal, apparently..

On Saturday, delighted to be back with Expat Bucket List London! Well, back with the founder of both this and Bucket List London - I haven't actually been with the Expat group yet. Yippee, back to the Globe - for The Comedy of Errors. Unfortunately, while I'm in the Lower Gallery, as usual, the others are upstairs.. the organiser did offer to switch with me, so I'd have some company, but I wouldn't subject him to such a lower-priced seat! Anyway, I do like to be close. And if I can organise myself to move some stuff into my new place by then.. I might be walking to this!

On Sunday, back with Discover London - History Walks and Events to Discover the Secrets of the 19th Century London Docks. Always love this part of town - again, this is walking distance from my new place.

On Monday, got a cheap ticket with CT for From Swing to Soul, a concert series at Wonderville. I do wonder whether they fixed their tech issues from last time..

On Tuesday, back with UITCS again - this time, for A Strange Loop, at the Barbican. Multi-award-winning, it seems - cheaper tickets available from WhatsOnStage (WOS), fulfilled by London Theatre Direct. Interestingly though, to get the cheaper offer, buy through WOS..

On Wednesday, thinking film - and delighted to see that Asteroid City has risen in ratings, and is now joint top of my list! Ah well, that's a no-brainer - a Wes Anderson comedy, with an all-star cast, including Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Jeffrey Wright, Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Maya Hawke, Rupert Friend, Steve Park, Liev Schreiber, Matt Dillon, Steve Carell, Tilda Swinton, Jeff Goldblum (playing an alien, appropriately I guess..), Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Margot Robbie.. and probably some other people I recognise. Anyway, I love Wes Anderson's stuff - and it's on in my local cinema (for flat #1). My new flat isn't so close to a cinema, so I'll stay in the old one for this, while I still have access to it. And there are showings all day, so, given that I probably shan't have any other demands on my time that day, until I get another job, I can go to whatever suits!

Next Thursday, thinking of heading back to Watkin's Bookshop, for the first time in an age - they have an author talk called Holy Waters - Searching for the Sacred in a Glass. There's a new book about this, which considers the use of alcohol in religion - sounds interesting! Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.

And on the 3rd, I'm back with UITCS for A Playlist for the Revolution, at the Bush Theatre.