Play: Afghanistan is Not Funny

Tonight, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) at the Arcola for Afghanistan is Not Funny, the true story of a British comedian, Henry Naylor, and photographer, Sam Maynard, in war-torn Afghanistan. Heading in that direction, I'd be passing close enough to O' Neill's.. so decided to try my luck at getting in there. Hallelujah - not only did I get a table, but it was the last one on the ground floor! Which has a better atmosphere, and quicker service - on the app. And wow, did the food taste good after what felt like so long, although it was only 10 days since I was last there!

I had a choice of buses - started with the #73, which was crammed; with downstairs full, and since I had a little way to go, I went upstairs. Which turned out to be just as well shortly afterwards, when there was an altercation between the driver and someone downstairs.. I couldn't really hear what it was about, or see it, being on the wrong side. Which was vexing. But I was happy to be out of it. Happier still to be on the less crowded #56 after a bit..

In the theatre bar, there were a few ahead of me.. I had a very nice glass of wine, which I could take in, as it comes in plastic. Sadly, they only do small or medium - the glasses don't come any bigger! But it is tasty. And we chatted away until showtime, my entrance delayed by the ticket scanner being broken! As the lady behind me remarked, "I'm glad you broke it, it's usually me..!"

The show is performed by the writer/comedian himself, and several photos from this trip to Afghanistan are displayed on the screen - this is the view from the side, one seat from the end, which I found fine. The double table-and-chair setup seems to have little function other than to give him space to roam around the stage, moving between them.

Advertised as 70 minutes, it definitely wasn't tonight - more like 90. They also started 10 minutes late. But did I mind?

No, I did not.

Certainly, the start of the play is entertaining - he's a very funny guy, and knows where the jokes lie. At some point in the play, however, he switches seamlessly to a more serious tone - we're taken, blow by blow, through his and his companions' personal experiences. Some are humorous - sometimes, the humour masks a dreadful, underlying truth. The horror of what the locals have to live through is only hinted at.

Some of what he had to say hit home - and in reconstructed sessions with his therapist, he (small spoiler) realised that what he was fighting with this play was indifference. The point, I guess, is to raise awareness. Of the fact that this is still going on, of the fact that there are less fortunate than we are, of the cynicism of armies and the governments that tell them where to go. Oh, he has plenty to say about that. And if it does raise awareness, that is indeed a good result.

I did also find it entertaining. As I say, he's a skilled raconteur. And it's a fascinating story. Runs till the 11th. Contains, as the warnings say, swearing and references to war. (Also had a flickering light, at tonight's performance.) As our group found, it's also a great source of discussion: but as one man said, the only thing worse than being talked about.. is not being talked about. Go see for yourselves..

Tomorrow, with the group again at the Peacock (I can walk to that!) for Bat Out of Hell, a musical based on the music of Meat Loaf. Awesome - just a pity it isn't one of the singalong nights..

On Friday, ending a run of UITCS with Lucrezia Borgia, by the English Touring Opera Company, at the Hackney Empire.

On Saturday, back cat-herding - Ivan suggested that whole day for, well, a lot of drinking. And food - he wanted to go back to O' Neill's. Well, he got in touch. To say that, unfortunately, he can't now make it. My other coworker from that company still can, though - as they've both said, it's been so long since they actually met each other! They can never seem to coordinate.. Still have to hear from my other ex-coworker with whom I'm in contact, as to whether he can make it himself.

On Sunday, back with Discover London at last - she does excellent walks, but sometimes they clash, and sometimes they sell out before I get to them! This one is Discover Historic Chelsea: From Quaint to Quant - 1660s to 1960s.

On Monday, back with - you guessed it - UITCS, for Romeo and Julie, at the Dorfman.

On Tuesday - not so much appealed on Meetup. Free Stuff and Free Events does have Free Community Singing with Ros Hone and the Global Fusion Sound Singers, which you can attend on Zoom, or in person at Fossdene School Community Hall. Which sounds just fine - except that this is the sort of thing I keep cancelling! So I decided not to confirm until nearer the time. Which is just as well, because - predictably last-minute - Eleanor Salter Thorn, from Tuned In London, just advertised an evening of Iranian music with Shahab Azinmehr, with the World Music Meetup. I adore this kind of music - and for once, it's not all the way out in Rotherhithe! It's just such a trek.. no, this is in St. Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace. Which, ironically, is just down the road from where I last lived.. anyway, much closer than usual for these concerts! Refugees and asylum seekers get free tickets.

Next Wednesday - back with the Crick Crack Club, woohoo! for Goddesses in the Garden, at the Chelsea Physic Garden. Features my favourite, Clare Murphy, along with Sarah Liisa Wilkinson, Laura Sampson, and Xanthe Gresham.

On the 9th, my final booking - for the week - with UITCS, for Brilliant Jerks at Southwark Playhouse. And wouldn't you know it, I still had credit on my Pay as you Go subscription, so got it for free! And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.

Play: Dinner with Groucho

Today, I headed to Reading for a face to face with my boss & co-writer. Happily, only for the first half of the day - so it didn't impact on my evening. And they were supposed to take me for lunch at Thai Square - gosh, it's ages since I had Thai!

Well, dragging myself out so early was a nightmare - but I managed it. The rented office is a nice space - nice, spacious reception, with friendly staff: nice, spacious canteen, where you have to pay, but they have games tables and good hot chocolate. (And yes, we can expense everything - the boss took me through it as part of today's induction.) There's free WiFi, and the private office you rent comes complete with power points, bottled, still water, and a screen for presentations. They also have phone booths and little sofa areas where you can have smaller meetings. Yes, just the thing! apart from the really noisy people in the next office. Sadly, lunch didn't happen - the boss got called into another meeting, and the other writer didn't fancy eating out. And since the boss had bought me a hot chocolate, I wasn't that hungry either! so just went home once we were finished.

The nadir of the day was the sales induction meeting. (Sales? Me?) It was holding me back from going to eat before I went out. And not only that - but it wasn't the end of my woes; no, there are three blasted sales induction meetings next week, for which we have to do a load of work in advance. And which involve (ahem) roleplay. Three or four hours each, and running as late as 7pm. Words cannot describe my feelings about this - so I won't. Suffice to say that it also scuppered my plans to eat this evening - I just didn't have time before I had to leave.

This evening, well, Free Stuff and Free Events were holding another online singalong. Again, I cancelled my attendance at the last of these I booked for, so was reluctant to rush off and book again.. Or the Garden Talks had one on How Did Language Begin? Unfortunately, my free trial has long since expired, and they won't let me take out another. Well, I might have paid - but I'd be paying for a month's worth, so I figured I might as well wait until closer to the date, and get the value.. And yay, then Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) jumped to the rescue again, with a comedy called Dinner with Groucho, at the Arcola. The setting is a dinner, somewhere in heaven, with Groucho Marks and T. S. Eliot the guests.

I made it there first, and grabbed a table before they all got snapped up - they don't sell large glasses of wine here, so I got a medium: and would you credit it, not only do they have Tayto, but it's Republic of Ireland Tayto! So I had two packs - well, that was dinner! The others arrived in due course, and we chatted before going in. Unfortunately, most of us had seats to the street side, which meant we were supposed to enter via the street.. and Lordy, was it cold!

The house was only half full, and those who wanted were invited to sit closer. Mind you, there was a guy all alone in the back row, behind me, who explained to the usher that he'd actually chosen to move to the back! and people who'd taken drinks on the balcony - certainly those who'd taken wine - were made to move downstairs; you aren't allowed drinks on the balcony.

We loved the baubles hanging from the ceiling - they look really well, and provide good lighting effects throughout. Now, this has three characters - Groucho, T. S. Eliot (whose face really bugged me - he really reminded me of someone, but I couldn't think whom! Finally figured out it was Karl Malden), and someone who calls herself Marguerite, but says you can use any variant thereof - except Maggie. The whole setting is elegant. She, in particular, effects an outfit change every time she goes offstage - she acts as the waiter, taking their orders all evening, and usually staying for a chat.

The conversation is clever, as you'd expect - each guest asserts himself a fan of the other, and quotes the other at different points during the meal. And gee, they're having such a good time - and the alcohol is flowing so freely - that they frequently break into dance routines..!

Now, I loved the conversational exchanges between the guests - but I really struggled to see the point of the whole thing. I understand the guests' mutual appreciation - but quite what Margeuerite is doing there is beyond me - as are her profound musings. Still, I did enjoy parts. Any deeper meaning was lost on me, I'm afraid. Runs till Saturday, if you're interested. Has the advantage of being over early - which was a boon, on a night as cold as tonight!

Tomorrow, I'm back with UITCS for Baghdaddy at the Royal Court. About a little girl, realising she's half Iraqi, just as the Gulf War is raging. I see CT now has tickets for this.. unusually for this venue!

On Thursday, I've signed up for another Watkin's Bookshop talk! This is Colin Stanley on Colin Wilson's Introducing the Occult. Well, the last talk I was at here was interesting, so..

On Friday, I'm heading to Lightopia, at Crystal Palace Park. As suggested by Over 40 Living the Life, who are not actually hosting a trip themselves, but just wanted to advertise it. 15% discount if you subscribe to Lightopia's mailing list, 20% discount for purchases of 10 or more tickets. And durnit if Groupon hasn't just advertised cheap tickets..

On Saturday - well hallelujah, Bucket List London has finally scheduled something I want to go to, at a time I can make! He's off to see the Wallace Collection that morning - and so am I.

In the afternoon - London Social & Cultural Meetups (LSCM) has a bevy of Christmassy stuff! They're off for afternoon tea first - I should get there in time for that; we have a choice of the Garden at the Lane (at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), or, if people prefer, the Willows on the Roof terrace bar at John Lewis. Which, as she says, might be chillier!

So, then we're off to King's College Maughan Library, for an exhibition of old manuscripts. Followed by a trip to the Knights Templar pub, time permitting.

And finally, we're hitting the Christmas markets! All part of the Southbank Winter Festival. First is the Southbank Christmas Market, where I hear rumours of white mulled wine.. then I'm not sure whether I'll have time, but we're off to the Christmas by the River Market.

I might have to duck out early because that evening - I've bravely scheduled another meeting of Those who Do Not Come. It's my last weekend in London before Christmas, you see. Well, so far Ivan and my first boss in London are actually coming! while the one person who came the last two times probably not, for once. We shall see - I've booked The Lucas Arms - O' Neill's isn't taking bookings for that day. Deposit payable, refundable with cancellation up to 72 hours beforehand.

On Sunday, I was vaguely thinking of heading to see Carnaby Street's Christmas lights.. but now LSCM is off to the Museum of the Home, followed by carols by candlelight at Westminster Chapel.

And for that evening, CT advertised tickets for Love Factually - a kind of rewriting of one of the relationships in that classic Christmas romcom, Love Actually. Sadly, all their tickets were gone - but I got a full-price ticket from the venue. It sounds good. Showing at 2Northdown.

Opera: L' Incoronazione di Poppea (The Coronation of Poppea)

Last night, I was to head back to Summer by the River again.. for Bumper Blyton: Improvised Adventures for Grown-Ups! Improvised comedy in the style of Enid Blyton books. But instead, I headed with London Baroque Music Lovers to a Grimeborn opera at the Arcola - I' Incoronazione di Poppea. I was in the stalls - could have got a cheaper ticket in the balcony, but you can't take a drink up there! Just as glad not to be headed outdoors really - the very hot spell has passed for the moment, and the weather is cooler and in-between.

Took myself off in time to get something to eat - and didn't see anything around the theatre that enthused me more than O' Neill's (well, I do like it!). Fancied a chicken katsu curry - had a chicken katsu curry. V moreish! Was served quickly, set off again in good time - even though I was getting the bus. Which, I might add, was horrendously crowded. Arrived at the theatre with loads of time to kill, so got myself a drink in the bar. They only come in small glasses, so I had two! and in due course, tonight's organiser joined me there. Where we chatted for a bit before we headed in.

This is the view from my assigned seat. Mind you, my entire row was empty - so as soon as it was apparent that no-one else was sitting there, I scooched over to be a bit more central - mainly to be able to see the surtitles properly (to the right of this shot). I hadn't realised that there was a smaller surtitle board straight ahead of me - but it was just as well I moved to where I could see both, because the smaller board was difficult to read, with the top line a little dark!

So, the story is based on the real-life story of Poppea, second wife of the Emperor Nero. And it's a cracker - she married Otho, a friend of Nero's, apparently just to get close to Nero, who duly repudiated his wife, Claudia Octavia, so he could marry Poppea. Spoiler - she didn't last long. These all show up in the opera.

It's nearly three years since I was here last - but Grimeborn never disappoints. And how great to be so close to the singing - as someone remarked at the interval, they have great pipes! The volume alone is tremendous - but with such beautiful music, and so passionately performed, this is a real winner. In fact, I became so enthralled with the performances, I kept forgetting to check the surtitles to see what they were actually singing about! Absolutely stunning music.. the highlight must have been the duet between Nerone and Poppea, near the end, when he's finally got rid of Ottavia and can marry Poppea - the combination of their voices is electrifying! Wow, I don't think you'll get a better performed version of this - run and see it! Performances until Saturday.

And afterwards, got a drink at the bar - where a sharp-nosed bartender had a sniff, and asked whether anyone was wearing Opium? Well, that was well-done.. I couldn't even still smell it myself! Anyway, the organiser and I had a nice chat over one last glass. A lovely evening, both for the performance and for meeting what is a very nice group - look forward to the next one!

On the way home, I had to change buses - which turned out to be a curious experience. Because the stop where I was let off - had an LCD display that said it was closed! Hmph. Hadn't stopped me getting off there - nor did it stop all the buses that stopped there as I was waiting! Sadly, none of them were the one I wanted - and could I get any information out of the Buses Due app? Anyway, by the time I'd checked Google Maps - and found out I could have made my way home with any of them (which it had neglected to tell me in the first place) - they were all gone. And the next one to happen along.. was the one I'd wanted all along. Still no answer from the Buses Due app, which thought nothing was stopping there at all.. Anyway, it ran too late last night to blog, I was tired.

Tonight - another Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) event that Meetup finally decided to flag to me. So I've booked to go with them to see Briefs Factory's show, Bite Club! at Queen Elizabeth Hall. Drag, burlesque.. should be fun!

Tomorrow morning, I have my final interview with a likely job prospect - fingers crossed! Unfortunately, this would clash with the building works in my apartment block, which have been plaguing us all week with ultra-loud drilling every morning! It's impossible to have a call anywhere in the building with that going on - I'm literally going to have to schlep down the road to Brunswick Square, where I should be able to find some reasonably quiet corner to have the call. I think my internet coverage is OK there - just hope it doesn't rain!

That night, I was thinking about the National Theatre's River Stage 2022. This will be the first night of the Hackney Empire's Young Producers Weekend, and there'll be some dance and some music. But now, Civilised London has organised an Ecuadorian meal at El Inca Plebeyo - so I'm going to that instead. His choices are always good. Meeting beforehand at The Canonbury Tavern.

On Saturday, back in Greenwich with Bucket List London - we're starting with the Old Royal Naval College and National Maritime Museum. Was originally supposed to be the Queen's House to finish, but turns out they're booked out all day for a wedding, despite not having clarified that on the website! Then in the afternoon, we're headed to Eltham Palace and Gardens. Quite the packed day.. Unless the rail strike scuppers it! He's considering cancelling. Well, I don't think the tickets are refundable, so if I have to head out there by myself, I will..

On Sunday, back with TAC for the opening night of I'm Not Myself Today: A Villainous Cabaret at the Bread and Roses in Clapham. An hour in which someone discusses with us why we all love the villain!

On Monday, I'm going to the Kiln Theatre for The Darkest Part of the Night. Another troublesome website - I tried for days to get it to work..!

On Tuesday, thinking vaguely about the Camden Fringe, which runs all next month - there's, for example, an interesting audio event called A Little Drape of Heaven, where you hold a precious item of clothing to your heart, then press play to access a YouTube link that you've paid for. Hmm.. Meantime, I had booked a walk with Laurence and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners for last week. This is The Magic of Midtown - and as I said to him, it finishes very near my new home! And wouldn't you know it - he postponed it, as a result of the heatwave, to this day. Not that I'm not glad he didn't run it when it was originally scheduled - I should still be able to make it..

On Wednesday, thinking of film - and v excited about what's coming up! Highest of the list is the NT Live showing of Prima Facie, the one-woman play with Jodie Comer, making her West End debut as a dynamic lawyer, whose world is turned upside down when she is raped, and I guess, gets to see the other side of the system. It's supposed to be an absolute tour de force, and is one I missed because tickets went so fast - well, now it is, as they say, coming to a cinema screen near you! In fact, it's showing in my local cinema, yay - not to mention that, as a member, I get to see it for free! And with three showings that day, even if I happen to be back working - which would be a very quick turnaround - I should still be able to make it.

Next Thursday, back with UITCS for a concert by Damien Lewis at Omeara. Yes, the actor! I've never actually been here before - should be interesting.

On the 5th, I've booked for another of Laurence's tours - Wonders of the National Gallery. Which I can go on, as long as I haven't started work again - Lordy, I wish he'd do something on evenings or weekends! Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend - and will be trying, once more, to get my car serviced. Subject to availability of mechanics! So, not sure whether I'll get to a film, as of yet.

On the 8th - yes, I am succumbing. Finally managed to get a decently priced (seated) ticket to Abba Voyage. Hell, I love Abba, and even if they have been replaced by avatars - it's supposed to be a spectacular show. Kind of has to be done..

On the 9th, I've booked with London Classical Music and Theatre Group - Didi, from the group, who is herself a classical guitarist, is playing a free Summer Music Festival concert in the Holy Sepulchre Church, which should be lovely - assuming I'm either not working, or can get the time off! as it's at lunchtime. Close enough to the (potential) office that I might be able to risk it.

That evening, I'm at Chasing Hares, at the Young Vic. And wouldn't you know it, CT now has ticket offers for this..

And on the 10th, I'm with a new Meetup group - Soho Comedy Factory Shows and Socials, which organises free events on Wednesdays at the aforementioned Soho Comedy Factory. Unless something better comes along - I've had bad experiences with free comedy!

Opera: Treemonisha

Tonight, the second of three days in a row with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS): we were at Treemonisha, by Scott Joplin, at the Arcola. Part of the Grimeborn Opera Festival. So, back to Dalston again! Right around the corner from the garden. Sold out by today. I - as usual - left slightly late, but my bus made such good time that I got there early! Mind you, I still haven't caught up on my sleep - nearly dropped off, just as I was to get off..

But I didn't. So I got off outside the garden, walked around the corner - and past the massive queue for something next door - and into the theatre. It's lovely that you can just display your ticket on a phone now, so I didn't have to bother with the box office. As I say, I was slightly early - literally 55 seconds before the organiser pinged us to say that some of them were sat in the bar. So in I went, and chatted to some I knew, and some I didn't - but it was all very pleasant. I had to laugh though when the barman mistook my order, and thought I said "medium" instead of "large" - how those get confused is beyond me. Methinks he wasn't paying attention. Not that the "large" is so large - 175ml? Ah well. Meantime, our organiser was trying to get shot of a load of bananas she'd bought on the way.. she hadn't realised that the offer included so many! Not many takers, though..

So we went in at the appointed time - just as well I'm a quick drinker, because you can't take drink onto the balcony, here - where I was. We found two more of the group there, sat right behind us.

That's a kind of safety wire you can see, stretched across. The band, as you can also see, spend the evening perched above the stage, and the staging is minimal. Pretty stuffy in there too - it was a relief to gather outside at the interval and the end, and get a cool breeze.

Like last night, beautifully sung, and like last night, I missed a lot of what they were singing. However, it generally seemed easier tonight - and certainly the plot is simple enough. Set in 1884, it tells the story of the one educated young black woman in the community, who scoffs at the local witch doctor, ends up being kidnapped - then rescued: she returns to her community, and at the end, she pardons two of the witch doctors, whom her community has captured.

As you might expect, given the composer, it's the catchiest opera I think I've ever seen! In fact, he won a Pulitzer Prize for Music for this piece. He combined ragtime most effectively with a more operatic score - but only in the dance sequences. And it's great to listen to. None of us were so impressed with the story though, and apparently it's attracted criticism before. To me, it felt unfinished. But hey, it's interesting - tomorrow's final performance is also sold out though. Still, there were a few free seats tonight, so you never know..

Afterwards, I left our organiser to catch my bus. And she lugged a load of bananas homeward. Funnily enough, the bus I took home passed my last flat - and the one I took to the theatre earlier passed the one I lived in before that! Well, that's what you get for moving around the same area. Once I got off the bus, I had other obstacles to navigate - honestly, this proliferation of rental bikes without docking stations is just a nuisance.

Was thinking about a film for tomorrow. And after all the effort of doing the film list - I didn't like what came top of the list: at least, not more than I liked the idea of a new event posted by UITCS, to see Actually, at Trafalgar Studios. A play about sexual politics sounds like it could be interesting, if done right. So I booked it. Special offer - great value - from Today Tix. Mind you, I just heard there's to be a huge demo outside, with road closures.. should be interesting too! Protesting against the prorogation of Parliament.

On Sunday, I'm off to the Kubrick Exhibition! Taking place at the Design Museum, this should be fascinating - I've seen so many of his films, and I believe some sets have been reconstructed.

On Monday, back to Wilton's - Civilised London is at another jazz night. This time, it's the Hot Club of Jupiter!

On Tuesday, UITCS is at A Very Expensive Poison, at the Old Vic. Still in preview, this is based on a book inspired by recent Russian poisonings.

On Wednesday, my first Meetup with Love London Theatre, Arts, Music & Stuff - we're off to Secret River, at the National. And there should be a couple of people there from other groups of mine - nothing like cross-pollination! This one is about the tensions caused by Europeans' arrival in Australia.

On Thursday, back at last with Spooky London! It's ironic, he'd only just said that I'd been to all the pub socials - and I stopped going! Not deliberate, I can assure you.. this time, we're at The George. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On the 9th, back with London European Club for a night at the Proms - this is Prom 68: Wagner Night. At the Royal Albert Hall, natch.

On the 10th, back at Trafalgar Studios - this time with North London Friends, for The Fishermen.

And on the 11th, I'm back to the Proms, on my own.. Prom 71: Bach Night

Plays: Radio & The Glass Menagerie

This is going to be a busy week with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS). To celebrate the final end of my flat moving, I had a full day planned today with UITCS in the Arcola - Radio, followed by The Glass Menagerie. We planned to grab a bite to eat in between, but didn't decide where in advance.

After writing my last post, it was time to head straight to the theatre. Mind you, it took a while for the bus to come - meanwhile, I somewhat amused myself by watching someone do something unspecified at a height:

 

Rather him than me! Anyway, Google Maps was doing strange things with its journey planning - although it recognised that I wanted to get there in the afternoon, it was having me start out at night! So it predicted a much shorter travel time than I actually had, on a very crowded bus. I made it on time, but without much time to spare - and when the guy at the box office asked for my postcode, I had a sudden memory freeze! He gave me a hint - "East", which gave it to me.

Radio is in the downstairs studio, and I had a front-row seat on the end, right on the opposite side from the entrance. Which made it terribly inconvenient when my cough reared its ugly head again - honestly, it's not going to clear until the weather warms up some: which, at least, it's showing signs of. Mercifully, I had chewy sweets on my person - otherwise, I'd have had to leave, and I'm not sure how I'd have managed that, as I'd have had to walk right across the stage - in the middle of this 85-minute show without interval. Ugh. It was a one-man show, and the actor actually gave me a sympathetic smile on the way out.

This is the story of a man born in the dead centre of America in 1950 - or what was, at the time, prior to the acquisition of the last two states. And when you think about it, what a time to live through - the prosperity of the 50s, dynamic events of the 60s - culminating in the moon landing, whose imagery permeates most of the content of this story. Kennedy's assassination, the Vietnam War, the loss of interest in the space program.. they're all here. As told through the eyes of this man, who grew up learning pretty much everything from the radio - hence the name of the play.

It's terrific. Beautifully and wittily written, beautifully and charismatically performed, it was a joy to watch from start to finish. The only props necessary were a chair for him to sit on, when he needed to, a cassette player to play music and radio broadcasts relevant to the context, and a couple of jackets. And as he ranges around the stage, he perfectly evokes the spirit of the time. I enjoyed it a lot more than I'd thought I would - well, until the cough started, at least. Highly recommended.

Afterwards, two of us, who'd booked for The Glass Menagerie later, headed just around the corner, to the Dalston Eastern Curve Garden - a surprisingly green resource in the midst of the steel and concrete. They weren't doing food, but we had a nice stroll..

And although there are tables and chairs, these were all occupied too. Instead, we headed to The Speakeasy, again just a short step away, where they'd opened the wall for diners, what with the lovely weather. And where they do food! So there we stayed, and were joined by a third in due course. Happy Hour - which runs for seven hours on Saturday - means a discount on cocktails if you buy two - but they have to be two of the same. So we ended up with margaritas.. a few rounds of them! Dinner was pasta - we had prawn spaghetti (somewhat oily base, I believe) and chicken and tomato penne. And both plates were cleared. Delish.. our latecomer had a lighter bite, with wine.

And I was well positioned to watch the ever-changing hologram over the bar:

And so - with some reluctance, as the margaritas were very tasty - we returned to the theatre, and were shortly seated for the second play of the day. I love Tennessee Williams anyway, so this was an easy sell for me. And I was glad to be further from the stage - just in case of emergency coughing..

That rail was a bit obtrusive, but not much so. An ornate stage, this: especially in comparison with the last. The story - based on the writer's own family life - concerns a character obviously modelled on himself, trapped in a factory job he hates, dreaming of writing. His mother is desperate to improve their social standing, nostalgic for the higher living standards of previous years - she now lives vicariously through her children. And his sister is a shy mouse, too scared to interact with the outside word, obsessed with her glass animals, which give the play its name.

It's well acted - the sister is a painful character to watch, gingerly feeling her way through social situations that she can't avoid. The mother is a frightful nag, always niggling at her children, and shrilly giggling as she describes how popular she used to be. The writer is duly irritated and desperate for escape, as - towards the end of the play - his mother's one chance of happiness shatters, just like his sister's glass menagerie. A fine ending shows William's skill, as he makes an epic drama out of - well, not very much plot at all. Recommended - although honestly, I thought Radio the better of the two. Both shows run till the 13th.

Afterwards, just one other of the group fancied a drink - and she knew of a nice wine bar down the road, so off we headed there. Acqua7 was closed the last time we darkened its doors, but was open tonight, and we took a table and ordered just the one glass each. 175ml - the next size up is a carafe, and even I didn't think I could manage that, after three margaritas earlier! But it was lovely, and a lovely evening in general - great to see everyone.

On the way home, I'd just missed a bus - the one I eventually boarded had a couple of American-sounding people get on later; they looked like father and son. They'd obviously been visiting people who lived locally, who paid their bus fare and instructed them to get off when it said "Liverpool Street Station". They peered outside as we made our way through Haggerston, Hoxton, Shoreditch.. what with the crowds on the street, constantly dodging traffic, the buzzing night spots, and the skimpy clothes, I had to wonder what they made of this bacchanalian sight..

Tomorrow, back with UITCS for 549: Scots of the Spanish Civil War, at the New Diorama Theatre. Haven 't been there before. And boy, am I glad it's an evening performance, exhausted as I am.

On Monday, Helen and her husband were supposed be in town, but can't make it now. Never mind, when I checked, UITCS had posted a new event; Wife is on in the Kiln (which used to be the Tricycle), and - possibly just for that day - all tickets bought by tomorrow are £10! So I'm joining them for that - we are, of course, picking top price seats, and taking up pretty much the whole of the front row of the Circle.

On Tuesday, back with UITCS for a performance at Sadler's Wells by the Birmingham Royal Ballet.

On Wednesday - not with UITCS!! Instead, I'm back with London Literary Walks - this is The Third Westminster Walk, and on past experience, should be fascinating.

On Thursday - yes of course, back with UITCS.. for On Your Feet at the Coliseum: the musical about Emilio and Gloria Estefan. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.

..and then we're into next month! On the 1st, nothing much on Meetup - instead, I got a cheap ticket to some quite local comedy - Catch 22 Years is a WIP by Katie O' Brien, at The Glory. 

On the 2nd, I'm headed to a Summer Science Exhibition Late at the Royal Society - adults only. London European Club (LEC) organised an outing - then London Science Events did, too. I decided I'd rather go with the LEC, so haven't RSVPed to London Science Events - they'd only be looking for me if I did. Free, no registration required.

On the 3rd, London Literary Walks is taking us all the way out west - for Strand on the Green.

On the 4th, back with Spooky London - this time, we're off to the Rising Sun. A fascinating part of town, with a ton of history - I've been there a lot, but never been in the actual pub. And with these two events being free as well (not counting drinks!), it'll be a cheap week.

And on the 5th, Helen's in town for a training course. The LEC is taking a group to a flamenco (music only, no dance) concert at Rich Mix, and we're going.

Play: Sitting

First day of garden leave! I woke late, decided to treat myself to brunch out, and ended up in Nando's on City Road. D'you know, I've passed this one so many times, but never gone in there - and yet I love Nando's!

Gotta say, it was one of the better Nando's I've had - I had my usual, with lemon & herb sauce (I know, mild - but they go so spicy here!). The chicken was ever so slightly chewy - but the sauce was the best I've had: absolutely delicious. The garlic bread was a bit crispy, but very moreish - and the mash was lovely. The chocolate cake didn't disappoint, either, and the chenin blanc was most refreshing.

So, all good then. Except for the table next to me, which was occupied by a family who took issue with their order, and called the waiter back to amend it. Fair enough - there was some problem with a side, and one of them ordered wings and only got one. Well, but you have never heard such a tirade.. and when the waiter brought an extra wing on a separate plate for her, he made the mistake of saying, "Here's your additional wing."

Uh-oh. Now, let me clarify that this guy isn't a native English speaker, and so his phrasing might leave something to be desired. She absolutely exploded, exclaiming that that wasn't an "additional" wing, but rather she was entitled to it, and it hadn't been brought till she made an issue of it. As the manager tried to calm her down, the waiter made a swift exit and got on with his job. Jeez though, this woman was a nightmare - never stopped complaining to her companion for the rest of the meal about how rude the service was, went up to the till TWICE to complain again! I mean, what..?! Oh, and the irony? She took most of it home with her. Dunno whether it was too much food, or had just gone cold while she was complaining. It was a relief to get out of there - kudos to the waiting staff for putting up with her and her ilk. As they say, dealing with the public is like chewing razor blades.

Tonight, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS), at Sitting, Katherine Parkinson's debut play, at the Arcola. One of the group decided to head a bit early, and I said I'd join him - I had redundancy news to impart, after all! So I wandered up - and boy, did I need the exercise; this is a longer walk than I normally have. I wouldn't have walked, had I been going to/from the office, which is a bit further away from the theatre. Passed a most jolly-looking funeral on the way in.. Ordered a most refreshing white wine at the bar, and a couple of us who were there early found a table in the lobby - where the others eventually joined us.

We were all sat pretty much together, in what is a small theatre anyway - Studio 2. My seat had great legroom, with no-one in front of me - but they weren't the most comfortable. Still, there's no interval, and it's only just over an hour long. Blank canvases adorn the stage, for this play about people who sit for portraits - and it starts most entertainingly, with a gent who comes in and immediately strips off, thinking the painting is going to be a nude! He's wrong, and quickly gets his kit on again, to uproarious laughter - most welcome for me, as of course my cough chose the start of the play to make itself felt! I took a Strepsil that was in my bag, but what cured me quickest was being able to cough during the fits of laughter in the audience..

Three sitters reproduce conversations with the artist, to hilarious effect, overlapping slightly with each other. This actually wrongfooted me, as I thought this was essentially as far as the plot was going to go - but as the play progresses, it gets more serious, and right at the end - as you might suspect - the three stories are interlinked in a rather unexpected way. The writing is sharp, and there are some nice, subtle political jokes. I dunno about my companions, but I wasn't paying sufficient attention - confusion about the finer points of the plot caused a discussion that lasted for ages in the bar afterwards! But it was great fun, and lovely not to rush off. Runs till the 11th - highly recommended. 

Tomorrow, the London European Club belatedly advertised a Brahms concert at St. James' Church, Bermondsey. Hosted by Eleanor Salter Thorn, and again, it'll be lovely to see her, after such a long time! Free, with donations gratefully accepted.

On Sunday, back with the Crick Crack Club for another welcome, relaxing Sunday afternoon at the British Museum. Even though I have to get up a bit earlier than today or tomorrow. This is Metamorphoses: Ovid's Tales of Transformation, with Hugh Lupton and Daniel Morden. My now ex-boss - Ivan - is coming along, as a newly minted fan of storytelling! And we'll meet an ex-colleague afterwards - not such a fan of storytelling.

On Monday, I'm going to The Amatis Piano Trio, at the Purcell Room in the Southbank Centre.

On Tuesday, back with UITCS for a charity gig at the Backyard Comedy Club. Then I'm back to Ireland for Easter - by the time I got around to booking flights, that was the closest reasonably cheap date! Flying back to London on Easter Monday.

On the 23rd, with UITCS again for Come From Away, finally, at the Phoenix. I've heard so much about this award-winning show, it's about time I saw it, eh?

On the 24th, back with London Literary Walks for his Elephant and Castle Walk. Another popular one.

And on the 25th - considering I'll still be on garden leave, and my days will be nice and free, I'm meeting 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners! for a walk about A History of Chelsea - from quaint to Quant. Starting in the morning, we're meeting in the bar of the Royal Court, and will have lunch after the walk.

Operetta: Elephant Steps

Last night, I went with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) to the Arcola, for Elephant Steps. Ryanair, the night before, surpassed themselves in actually taking off with a delay of only about 1hr 45 minutes, so I got home at the abnormally early time of 3.10am, and wasn't as tired as I might have been. Still not exactly bounding with energy.

The main thing I hate about the decimation of our team at work is how, after a full day's work for us, California comes online, and hey, we're off again with a swarm of emails and messages. And late meetings. And we're the only ones to deal with them. So, even if I don't stay for them - or even if I do, and then rush off - I feel guilty, because I'm leaving my boss to pick up the excess. I really wish he wouldn't do that - let them wait. Anyway, yesterday I managed the late meeting, then explained how, not only was I leaving now (6.30pm), but I wouldn't be coming back to the office after the show. Not convenient. As I pointed out, it's good to take a night off, every now and again..

I can walk to the Arcola from home, but from the office it's a bit far, so I took the bus - which obligingly came a couple of minutes after I got to the stop. And dropped me around the corner from the theatre. I'd just picked up my ticket when there was an announcement that the doors were now open for the preshow.. I checked, and couldn't see the group organiser (I didn't know any of the others coming). So I went in and took my seat.

This is part of the Grimeborn opera festival, which runs until Sunday.. Truly not your average opera festival. Now, this particular piece's preshow is interesting.. a man lies in a bed, another sits at a table, jiggling. That must be hard work, for the nearly half hour he has to keep it up before the show starts. They are later joined by a few ladies - one in Edwardian, white lace, the others in psychedelic minidresses with long, silver boots. People wander in and out, a fellow appears from a window shouting "63". That sort of thing.

See, it turns out that this show turns 50 this year! So it's a product of its times, and as they say, if you can remember the 60s, you weren't really there. Very strange stuff indeed.. the main show is more of the same, really, with some singing. The overhead captions are mildly interesting. The story is - baffling. Something about the guy in the bed turning into an elephant, and repeated references to someone called "Reinhardt". Goes on for over an hour. The soundtrack is - for the most part - rather catchy.. Oh, and they hand out cucumbers at the end. Which would be great, if I liked cucumbers - as it was I had to endure the smell - bleurgh.

I'd have left pretty quickly if I hadn't been in a group. There being a large gap in the audience, we'd all been moved down from the side balcony before the show started, so I was third row from the front for most of it - £20, whereas I'd only paid £12. I was glad I hadn't paid £20 for this. Anyway, I moved down to the front row to join the others for the Q+A. And, to be honest, I was glad I'd come, just for that - it's happening after every show, and the director is in conversation with the musical composer, who turns 80 this year. And last night, the cast members came out, when they'd showered and changed. And do you know, it's absolutely fascinating to hear somebody who was active at the height of the 60s, in New York, talk about what it was like, and his influences. I'd nearly book for the other performances, just to hear what he says next! Such as the little anecdotes, like where the song You Can Call Me Al came from..

Nobody felt like a drink after - not even me, really, although I'd like a chat with the organiser about how he got on at the Edinburgh Fringe. So I walked home. Tonight, the £3.60 club is providing me with a ticket to see Aprile Millo perform at Cadogan Hall. Gotta say, terrific value for something whose official prices start at £35! Had a dicky tummy all afternoon, but mercifully it seems to have sorted itself - I've cried off the last meeting today, and will head off soon.

And tomorrow, again, off with UITCS (and the same organiser) to the Camden Fringe. We're seeing Secondhand Stories and Whimsy, two short plays at The Lion and Unicorn. I would have been missing an evening with London Literary Walks that day, but he then moved it. And scheduled something else in its place, nuts!

Play: Spun

Tonight, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) again, but different people, for the very last performance of Spun, at the Arcola. Second in a row involving terrorism - this one is about the London bombings. Beforehand, we were headed for dinner at the Stone Cave, a Turkish place - and afterwards, to the Aqua7 wine bar.

Man, was I tired, after my week - woke late, and still spent a good portion of the afternoon asleep. Thank goodness to have the rare chance! Got ready in good time though, and walked up to Dalston, where I was the first at the restaurant. Not long before I was joined by others - and we had a long table, just inside the entrance - they'd opened up the whole entrance wall, to let the breeze circulate. Although it's cooler than before, that was very pleasant! Befitting the name, the walls and ceiling are made to look like stone, from which hang Turkish lamps and gilt stalactites:

Lots of people I knew there, from different Meetup groups - great cross-pollination. Most of us didn't have starters - which was probably a mistake, as we were quite early. Never mind.. the food was good, although the "spicy" adana lamb shish kebabs were not, by any definition, spicy. The ice cream was good, I can testify, and the sauvignon was excellent.. I'd be happy to come back and try another dish.

When we'd finished the faff of splitting the bill, we meandered off in the direction of the theatre, where at the box office, I guessed the correct postcode with which I'd booked! Yay - my prize was my ticket. Thus to the bar, where the very nice man tried to serve me two drinks. Which would have been fine, had he not tried to charge me for both.. Anyway, we managed to find a table at the end, large enough for us all to squeeze around.

This was in Studio 2, where many of us were in the front row. Last time I was here was a one-woman show; this time, if you hadn't known there were two, you'd have guessed from the two chairs that are the only props, moved around for them to sit on, and placed near or far, at different angles to each other to represent the state of their relationship. Because, you see, these are two girls from East London, best friends in school, who find it harder when school ends and they have to decide what life holds for them.

It's punchy and energetic; the stage is interestingly laid out in circular ridges, along which the chair legs can be placed. The acting is excellent, contrasting the one who stays in the community and discovers her roots with the one who breaks out into the wider world and tries to integrate with a different set. Although the London bombings happen in the course of the story, they're quite incidental to it - they might be a catalyst for the division between the girls, but I think it would have happened anyway.

The one who goes criticises the one who stays, thinking her a hypocrite for suddenly adopting her family's traditions. The one who stays thinks that the one who goes, who now has less time for her, is letting herself be used by people who look down on her. To be fair, she has a point with the other girl's job offer, which is a bit derisory. However, this doesn't have to be a play about Muslims - I found the same thing when I left home, and the people who stayed still don't understand why I did leave.

One person found it a bit long.. I think that might have been because we could predict what was coming. Still, as I say, well acted, and punchily delivered.

Afterwards, I was glad that some of us were already fixed on heading to a bar - the bulk of the group did the usual thing of standing around in the lobby for ages, as if on the point of leaving but not doing it, blocking traffic and talking about the play! Why they can't sit down to do that baffles me. If they had been, I'd have joined them, but I'm not a big fan of standing in hallways. They're the only group that does that. Anyway, we left them to it. The Aqua7 turned out to be closed, but happily one of our number knew of Newcomer Wines, which was happy to serve us some excellent wine. There was much gossip, about Meetup and otherwise. And many thanks to him for buying a second round before we called it a night.

My phone battery, of course, died on the way home, but somehow I figured out the way. Tomorrow, I booked with Walking in London, and Katie of Look Up London! Delighted she has a new walk - Smithfield & Clerkenwell: Guts & Glory. It's actually cheaper on her own site than on Funzing - unless you're getting one of those common 10% discounts! However, just yesterday she messaged to say she's had to cancel, unfortunately, due to family commitments. (Well, I had to cancel for myself, actually.) So it looks as though that film list will come in handy! Top for tomorrow is Kaiser: The Greatest Footballer Never to Play Football. Based on the true story of a Brazilian footballer who, through faking injury and frequently changing clubs, managed to live the footballer lifestyle without ever playing a match..! I wouldn't normally go for a football film, but the trailer looks really good.. it's on in my local Vue. Woucher actually has a voucher for Vue - five tickets for £20 - but they have a time limit, and I can't guarantee using them by then, so I won't bother. 

On Monday, I'm taking myself to the Proms, at the Albert Hall, for the first time in ages. This one is An Alpine Symphony.

On Tuesday, I'm finally back with North London Friends, for Give My Regards to Broadway, Upstairs at the Gatehouse. Completely sold out now, I believe.

On Wednesday - London Literary Walks is taking a break! That was the day I was originally looking at films for - but what was coming top was Teefa in Trouble. A Bollywood film - fine: except when I watched the trailer, the jokes weren't quite as funny to me as I think they were to the makers, and there was a bit too much exaggerated action - think slo-mo, and people balancing motorbikes on their fingertips. And 2.5 hours of all that was, I thought, a bit much - so no thanks. Which left Sanju again. Not so much.. so I then thought about heading, with UITCS, to Julie, again at the National. Huh! Only tickets left were £50, when I checked! I then checked again.. they had two tickets for £26! Gone again now, but they have £44 tickets.. Anyway, I've booked for a Heroism & Villainy Walking Tour (with Real Magic!), via Walking in London.

On Thursday, I was also booked with them - for The Summer Ghost Walk. I've been with this guide before - found him very good. And then.. Ryanair announced another bloody strike!! Yes, for the next day. Yes, when I was to go to Ireland for the weekend. So now I'm flying on Thursday, instead - happily, it was Funzing, so I'll get a refund. And they've even refunded me the credits that I used to book it! And I retain the record of bookings that'll earn me more credits. And at least I found out earlier this time, so booked an alternative flight earlier, so it was a bit cheaper.

On the 6th, Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group is off to Westferry Circus again, for The Importance of Being Earnest. I RSVPed for that.. but then London Dramatic Arts announced that they were off to see One for Sorrow, at the Royal Court again. They cleverly left the announcement until the theatre had sold out for that day - I guess there's an offer. So they were the only place I could get a ticket, and I did - probably at a slightly higher price than the theatre charged. Anyway, better than sitting on the grass, in the heat.

On the 7th, UITCS is off to When Midnight Strikes, Upstairs at the Gatehouse.

On the 8th, London Literary Walks is back with Brook Green - another area near where I used to live! Actually, the first medical practice that I registered with, in London. Nice nurse - one very narky doctor.

On the 9th, UITCS is back to the Camden Fringe, with How to Be a Londoner in an Hour, at the Hen & Chickens Theatre. Then I'm down to Helen's for the weekend, for a party..

And on the 13th, back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group, back to Westferry Circus.. this time it's for A Woman of No Importance.