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: Charpentier's Christmas Music

I was back in Ireland for the weekend - just worked out that way - coinciding perfectly with a train strike! So I booked a ticket on the bus - mercifully, he cancelled (yet again) our evening work meeting. In fact, it's now gone down to a single, daily meeting - which wouldn't have suited that day, so good timing.

I made the bus in good time -in fact, it was five minutes late. Now, it was to leave at 4.25, for a 7.25pm flight; I didn't want to leave it any later. So, it arrived at 4.30 and we piled on. And.. there we stayed, on the bus, as it crawled up the motorway for the next 2h 20 minutes (twice as long as normal).. in what the driver described as "shit" traffic (gee, I wonder why!). She postulated she'd get us there next week sometime, but she'd do her best - as it happened, we arrived at the airport five minutes before my gate was due to close. Approaching the airport, when it looked as though there was half a chance we'd make it, I'd booked Fast Track, so now legged it there ASAP - made it two minutes after the gate officially closed, and was let through. Which told me - the flight was delayed. Hallelujah - goes to show, if you're with Ryanair, and you're close - run for it. They generally are delayed, in which case they delay closing the gate. I finally made it to the boarding gate queue at 7.20pm - they hadn't started boarding yet. The relief..

.. And would you believe it, there wasn't a single film showing in any of my local cinemas in Ireland at the weekend that I haven't seen and wanted to see.. Bah humbug! Just had to go Christmas shopping. ;-)

Last night was another delayed flight back - I had my return bus ticket, which was just as well, because we'd have been too late for the train. Was very quickly out of the airport - so I made a bus within about half an hour of landing, and got home about 2.30am. Now, I was thinking of scrapping this late-night flight - but if work is scrapping early morning meetings, well..!

This evening, back with London Baroque Music Lovers for the first time in months! This time, we were back to see Les Arts Florissants, who were performing Charpentier's Christmas music at the Barbican. Now, my initial thought was to eat at Cote Barbican - but I checked, and they only had availability from 7pm, which was no good. Second choice was The Lucas Arms, which was on my way to the fastest bus - nope, they only had availability from 6.15pm, which was also no good. Sod it, no point in even checking O' Neill's - I went to Pret. Caught the bus from Stop E outside, afterwards (which Google Maps, for some reason, says is closed) - the departures board there is as much a work of fiction as ever, telling me my bus was 10 minutes away, as I could see it pulling up! In the end, I made it in good time, and chatted to the organiser - whom I hadn't seen in so long - and a couple of newcomers - before we went in.

I actually had a ton of empty seats around me, so could spread myself out as I liked - even more so after the interval, when the lady to my left didn't return! Well, to each their own - in common with the group, I thought the concert was absolutely lovely - as was the moment, just before the start, when someone from the Circle (where I was sitting) yelled out "Happy Birthday!" to the conductor, William Christie: whereupon he turned to acknowledge the gesture, hand on heart. As someone near me remarked, "Aww.."

The first half was gorgeous - particularly the choral parts, in my opinion. The second half started with the Pastorale sur la naissance de Notre Seigneur Jésus Christ, a lighthearted number sung by observers at Christ's birth. This might have been my favourite piece of the evening - but frankly, it's hard to choose. At the end, an encore, complete with tambourines. A concert I'm delighted not to have missed!

Afterwards, we repaired to the Martini Bar, which - unlike the downstairs bar - does stay open after shows. And sells wine, as well as martinis.. and we had a lovely time! Meetup can be lovely, when it throws people together like this.. and wouldn't you know it, we ran right into the orchestra on the way out.

Tomorrow, couldn't see anything on Meetup, again - so I'm with TAC for The Grotto, a Christmas comedy at the Drayton Arms, which was local to me, many years ago! You never know, I might even get to eat there.. I'll have a go. I remember the food being decent, long, long ago.. and they're less central, so it might be possible!

On Wednesday, back with London Classical Music and Theatre Group - we're going to St. John's, Smith Square to hear the Tallis Scholars. Which should be lovely! I had to get a ticket for the Gallery - the ground floor was already sold out!

And - last London event of the year, on Thursday, goes to (drum roll).. Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners!! Oh, it'll be so good to see them again - I'm taking the day off specially. It's for Dickens in the City - a Festive Walk. Ah well now, I wouldn't miss the last of the year.. Starts nice and close to me too, at the Shakespeare's Head pub. And it's full, with four on the waitlist. Nice way to finish the year - I can't go on his walks so much now, while I'm working and he's only scheduling them during working hours..

On Friday, it's back to Ireland for Christmas. See you on the other side..! Have a very merry one.

Concert: Half Six Fix

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Musical: Anything Goes

Last night, I finally succumbed to Anything Goes, at the Barbican. Now, I got my ticket for this from Time Out, which is the first place I saw the offer - but it turns out that any number of outlets have £25 tickets! If they're all for the same seats as Time Out, then I'd have to feel sorry for people that bought tickets for £38, which is cheaper than the original price of £45 for the seats on offer! Assuming anyone did. Anyway, with no bad seats here, you'd have to be crazy to pay more. And they helpfully emailed me the ticket link again yesterday afternoon!

The bus dropped me at the other end of Whitecross Street from the Barbican, which meant I just had to walk down it:

I was slightly early - the house wasn't open yet, and annoyingly, the only bar here is downstairs, which seemed a bit much effort, considering that the Upper Circle - where my ticket was for - is on the entrance level! So I skipped it and waited until I could go straight in.

Felt kind of like being on the deck of a ship.. I have to wonder though, who in their right mind thought this seat was worth £45? A decent seat, for sure - albeit with an annoying rail in view, and slightly-too-tight legroom - but not worth that. I hope nobody in these seats paid it. Interestingly - predictably, perhaps - everyone around me seemed to be foreign.

Have I seen this before? Probably, but I didn't remember it, so that's ok. You couldn't help but recognise the fantastic music, though - such famous songs, the lyrics so clever.. courtesy of Cole Porter, based on a book co-written by P. G. Wodehouse. The story takes place aboard an ocean liner heading from New York to London in 1934. Multiple stories jostle for attention, but the main one concerns a lovelorn stockbroker who discovers that his sweetheart has boarded with her mother, to travel to London to marry her English aristo fiancé. What's more, there's a woman on board who owns a bar, and who carries a torch for our stockbroker friend - not to mention that his boss is on board, and will fire him if he sees him there, rather than hard at work! Oh, and there's an undercover mobster. And those are just the main characters..

The dance numbers are amazing. The costumes are fantastic - real 30s glamour for the ladies, all flowing dresses and glitter. The comic elements are done beautifully. It's just.. would you believe, the singing. Now, it's all right for the group numbers - but oh, when they have to do solos, very few are up to the task! Lordy, I suppose it's hard to get the talent, but me-oh-my, I winced several times when the spotlight turned on individuals - or, indeed, couples. They can carry a tune.. but they're straining. Seriously, go source a film version! It's cheaper, and the singing is better.

Handily, I discovered that the bus back dropped me right in front of my local supermarket. 

This evening, back with Bucket List London (BLL) - who obligingly is doing something midweek! I'll have to skip off work early - this is for vespers in Westminster Cathedral, and starts at 4.30. He is actually in Westminster all day, attending Ministerial Question Time earlier - but not only do I have a job to go to, but jeez, I do believe this would just infuriate me! So that, I'm not attending.. I did have to be up early though, to get in early, to justify the early departure. Hence the delay with the blog.

Tomorrow, back with Civilised London (CL) for dinner at Caravel. Terrific reviews.. Meeting at The Narrowboat. Now, this is closer to my flat than to the office - but really, for the sake of having to take a bus, I don't want to have to drag the laptop with me this evening and home tonight: not to mention back in on Monday, because the office will be handier again. No, I'll just bus it to the dinner tomorrow.

At the weekend, I'm back with the man with the famous name - Dr. Stephen King (not the writer) is guiding a couple of walks for London Guided Walks (courtesy of Walks, Talks and Treasure Hunts). Both topics / areas I've covered many times before, but gee, he's such a great guide! So I hope I make these - early. On Saturday, it's his Southwark Walk. Sadly, although it's now advertised on TAC, I booked it through the official site (discount of £3 with the code MEETUP3, as usual).

On Sunday, it's his Royal Coronation Walk - not advertised on TAC yet. I just bet he comes up with something I didn't already know..

On Monday, I'm headed to A Doll's House Part 2, at Donmar Warehouse - sequel to the famous original, where the wife leaves an unhappy marriage; this sequel examines what happens when she returns.

On Tuesday - well, I finally saw Up In The Cheap Seats (UITCS)' ad for Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch, at the Underbelly Festival! A parody musical, right up my street - I hate how Meetup so often doesn't show me the events I really would enjoy! Just as well I saw this in time, before I booked anything else. So it'll be a hectic evening, with an interview scheduled for 5.30! I'd better quit work early I think, and head home for that - I can't guarantee quiet in the office.

On Wednesday, back with CT for a concert by the Royal College of Music Brass Ensemble, at the college on Shelton Street.

Next Thursday, back with Guided Walking Tours in Brighton and Sussex, for The London Necropolis Virtual Tour. I pointed out to him that the registration link had the wrong date, and he said it was outdated, and he'd replace it and send me the new link - well, he's removed it, but no new link yet. And then - you guessed it, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again!

On the 11th, I'm going to Favour, at the Bush Theatre - after much effort, as their website wasn't working for days! In fact, it seems to go down sporadically. I chose an unreserved seat, will be allocated one on the day. Anyway, I see TAC has now started selling tickets for this - gee, might be not only the cheapest, but the easiest way to book! Only up to the 6th, however. Wow, was only there once before, 3.5 years ago..

On the 12th, I'm going to The Southbury Child, at the Bridge Theatre. I noticed that UITCS is going, later in the week - ah well.

On the 13th, back with CL for dinner - this time at The Crown itself, where we usually meet for drinks before heading somewhere else for dinner. Excellent choice. Which marks the beginning of a whole spate of Meetups in a row! When's the last time that happened..?

On the 14th, back with The Garden Talks - this online talk is How Do Languages Evolve?

On the 15th, back with the London Classical Music and Theatre Group for the opera Otello, at the Royal Opera House.

On the 16th, which is a Saturday, I had booked with Discover London for a trip to see a cart making ceremony - and then Eleanor, organiser of TunedIn London, advertised a concert through the World Music Meetup, for that evening, at City Hope Church. So now I'm going to both.

On Sunday the 17th, back with BLL - this time, it's a trip to Sandown Antiques Market. Well, I've never been to Sandown, so this could be interesting.

On the 18th, back with North London Friends! for the first time since before lockdown. This is for an Edinburgh Comedy Festival preview, at the King's Head in Crouch End, featuring Lucy Porter and Rachel Fairburn.

On the 19th.. I'm taking a punt that I won't actually be employed that day, and have signed up again - at last - for a walk with Laurence and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners. This is The Magic of Midtown - and as I said to him, it finishes very near my new home! I also promised to let him know if I can't actually make it - although, even if I have started work by then (which would be surprising), perhaps I could take a day off.

On the 20th, I finish my Meetup run with a trip with UITCS to Leicester Square Theatre to see Frankie Boyle, who has a work in progress show.

On the 21st, I'm thinking of heading - at last - to Summer by the River at More London. This is for a free evening of music, curated by Soho Radio. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.

On the 25th, I'm headed to see The Throne, a comedy about to open at Charing Cross Theatre, in which the Queen gets locked in a portaloo with a staunch republican. Time Out has an offer of £10 tickets for the cheapest seats for this - a saving of more than 50%!

On the 26th - tan-ta-ra! I finally managed to get a decently priced ticket to Jerusalem, at the Apollo. I have heard so much about this, and it's always at the top of the Time Out listings - nearly as hard as Hamilton to get a reasonably priced ticket for, so I'm delighted to get one, if only not to have to look any more.

On the 27th, back to Summer by the River again.. for Bumper Blyton: Improvised Adventures for Grown-Ups! Improvised comedy in the style of Enid Blyton books.. sounds jolly good!

And on the 28th - another 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!

Concert: BBC Symphony Orchestra

I had a viewing today, for a room out near Victoria. Location not near enough to work to be ideal, but not a million miles away - and quite close to the West End. And the room didn't look huge - but there seemed to be a massive wardrobe, and shelving, and the fact that there was a sofa was a good sign. Took the bus out there, arrived early - and just as I was about to message the landlady, she rocked up with her husband and a new vacuum cleaner! which he was carrying. She'd said the place needed cleaning..

So, she showed me in, chattering nineteen to the dozen. The room was empty of stuff, just did need a vacuuming and a couple of paint touch-ups where there were marks. Opens directly onto the balcony, but it isn't private, the stairs down to the entrance come up there. Still, nice. The wardrobe is lovely, including a trouser rack - and she told me that there's only one other flatmate, who is a professional chef and has his own fridge, paying for the extra electricity separately. So I'd have a fridge freezer to myself.

But.. as I say, not close enough to work. Also, the room is a little cramped for all my stuff, even allowing for everything that could go in the wardrobe. Plus, a new building is going up across the road, so there'll be a lot of building work.. she checked with me that I'd be in the office most of the time. (Hah! not out there.) The orthopaedic mattress also seemed a bit hard for my liking. I don't think it's a runner, but I said I'd let her know, and wouldn't keep her waiting long. And she certainly was chatty.. very pleasant, in fact.

And so to brunch. I'd researched what was in the area, and came up with the Moo Cantina, a gastropub a short walk from there. I am in luck with food these days - it was terrific! I sat outside, it was such a lovely, warm day - baking hot that side of town, in fact. They have a large amount of outdoor seating - covered, with heaters for when necessary. Service is really friendly. Choosing wine was easy, they only have three whites available by the glass. Food was trickier - I finally went for calamari for a starter, and really considered deeply whether I'd like a steak, finally deciding the day was too hot. Instead, I had the beef milanese, an escalope. He asked whether I'd like it Napolitan, and I had to ask what that was - topped with cheese and tomato. I passed. FYI, I don't think they have a single vegetarian dish - a couple left because of that.

The calamari smelled lovely, but was a bit rubbery. The beef, however, was delicious - the more so when I squeezed the accompanying lemon slice over it! And the fries that come with it were obviously home-made (as is the bread, according to the menu, but I didn't have that). They come skin-on, and in irregular shapes - and they're absolutely divine. Yep, I can happily recommend this as an eatery!

Later this afternoon, London Classical Music and Theatre Group (LCMTG) had a late-advertised event, at the Barbican: the BBC Symphony Orchestra was playing Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6. Oh man, it has been so long since I last met this group! Something has just always gotten in the way.. Anyway, because I was taking the bus there, I had to forego dessert, making my apologies to the lovely waiter. And had a desperately hot wait, in the baking sun, for the first of the two buses I had to take. It arrived early in Aldwych - where there was a nice breeze, and shade from the trees. Just as well, considering my second bus was late!

15 minutes I was there, watching the LED predict it'd arrive later and later.. I was on the bus (finally) when our organiser, Didi, messaged the group to say she was at the concert, if anyone wanted to meet.. well, when I eventually got off (minutes to spare) I hurried down as fast as I could. Made it in, and down the steps to my seat as they were tuning up. Except.. I didn't go to my seat! I was in G4, you see (G was the front row on this occasion) - but as it happened, that turned out to be the seat on the end! whereas I sat in the fourth seat along, which was G7. They'd started by the time I realised my mistake.

My mistake was a happy one, as the first half was a set of Brahms choral works, displayed on a surtitle screen that I probably couldn't have seen from the seat I'd actually booked! What the hey, the actual owners of this seat and G8 never arrived, and for the second half I moved to G8 to give the guy beside me more room - like many others, the guy in G9 didn't come back after the interval, so I had lots of space. Could have moved more centrally, except that I was so low down that the performers would probably have blocked my view of the screen.

Ah, this was exactly what I needed! It's months since I was last at a classical concert, and this music was sublime. The Brahms was solemn and powerful, the Tchaikovsky equally powerful, and moving. And what a change from the rapid pace of my life these days, just to slow down and listen to this. The draw for our organiser, though, was the conductor, who was apparently very charismatic - I couldn't really tell, although I could see her head bobbing over the various members of the orchestra. Anyway, we had a lovely time, and met for a drink afterwards in the Barbican Kitchen - with all the other bars closed, this one was severely understaffed, but once we were finally served, it was lovely to sit outside in the courtyard and have a chat - quite a long one, as it transpired, in the lovely sunshine! Great to chat to people again.. it's been the better part of a week since I last sat down with folks!

Tomorrow, I have yet another viewing. Now, this is an interesting one - I'd asked to see the room ages ago, he didn't get back to me - then got back to me the other day and said the room was available again, and did I want to view?! Ooh, yes please - and unless something unexpected crops up during the viewing, I'm taking it on the spot - it's big enough, I think, it has a good big wardrobe, it's walking distance to work. The only one of those on the horizon. And it has its own, private balcony! Watch this space.. 

That evening, I'm at an online talk - Anglo-Saxon Surrey - with the Surrey History Meetup.

On Tuesday, woo! back at Shakespeare's Globe - for Henry VIII, which I've never seen. And it's years since I was last here..

On Wednesday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats for Bonnie and Clyde, at the Arts Theatre. Now, most of the group going booked this ages ago - I just booked recently. And I noticed that all the cheapest seats were bench seating, which didn't sound terribly comfortable. But for under £2 more, so £25, I managed to get a ticket in the next band up - in the rear stalls - from Todaytix! See, they have this great £25 ticket offer until next Sunday. Whatever about the show, the offer is highly recommended!

On Thursday, back with LCMTG - this time, we're at the Royal Festival Hall, where the Philharmonia is playing Mozart and Bruckner. Which makes this my best week for Meetup since lockdown, the only non-Meetup day being Tuesday!

And then back to Ireland for the weekend.

Film: Boycott

Today.. I booked with someone I swore I'd never do a walk with again. Walks, Talks & Treasure Hunts (WTTH) was off on a walk called Secrets of Belgravia. (Courtesy of her company, London Guided Walks.) The code MEETUP3 gets you a £3 discount on all her walks - which does cover the booking fee of £1, not advertised before you come to the point of purchasing the ticket. Funnily enough, she messaged me the other day - because I signed up on the Meetup group - to remind me to book a ticket through her company. I see she still doesn't cross-reference, since I already did!

I optimistically wore my lighter coat again - dunno about the wisdom of it, considering the wind chill. Anyway, it was another day of travel woes - no, not my fault this time! So. First, Google Maps told me that the buses I could get wouldn't go from my nearest stop - o no, I had to schlep down to Old Broad Street. Hmm. Well, I did - although from where they were coming from, they'd have had to go past the other stop anyway, and I couldn't see a reason for them not to stop there! And in heading to the next, I actually missed a couple I could have taken. But never mind, I was still in time, and I don't think it made a difference.

I duly got to Holborn, and had to schlep over towards the British Museum to catch my next bus. The app said it was due in 5 minutes.. 4.. 3.. 2..1.. DUE. Pause. Said it had just been, and the next was due in 10 minutes. Uh, wha'? After a bit of hopeful dithering to see whether it would magically appear, I gave up - my best chance was now by Tube, which was vexing, considering I'd just come from that direction! So I schlepped back again - and for a moment, thought my luck was in, as there was a train sitting right there. I hopped on board. But of course, there was a reason it was sitting there - there was some sort of "ongoing incident" on the track ahead, and we were being held. We did get moving eventually, but by now I figured I'd be lucky to make it.

I exited at Hyde Park Corner about 8 minutes after start time - immediately saw where we were to meet, and saw there was nobody anywhere about. Figures - her advertised start times are actual start times, and she doesn't give contact details for latecomers. My only hope had been if she'd hung around for a bit, and I could have caught up with her. But no. So I plonked myself at the bus stop where we'd been supposed to meet, and thought about what else to do with my day. Film was the obvious choice - but I hadn't checked the listings in a long time, and by the time I'd come up with something to see today, my hands were like ice!

So, the highest rated available was a documentary called Boycott. Handily enough, it was showing in the Barbican, so close to home! I booked, as it was already mostly sold out - I had a few hours or so before the showing. Perfect. And the sun shone warmly on me as I waited for a bus on the other side of the road! A lovely, scenic, sunny drive back, and when I had to change buses, I wasn't waiting too long. I'd decided I'd eat at Cote - I had time. I couldn't seem to get their booking system to work, so took my chances.

The smiley fellow welcomed me back! No problem at all getting seated, and I took the sofa for a change. Sadly, they didn't have the Prix Fixe menu, with the delicious mushroom soup - so I skipped a starter and just ordered steak frites and wine; the steak came with the most enormous knob of garlic butter! Service was flawless - I wonder whether the sofa is a better place to sit for that? As soon as I'd finished my main, she proffered a dessert menu, and I decided on chocolate ice cream for a change - you can have one scoop, or two. Excellent idea - it's really rich!

When I'd eaten, I still had nearly an hour to go to the film, so headed into the Barbican. Tried the stairs, only to discover that the door to the bottom level requires special access. So, back up again, and I took the lift down. Sadly, the bar wasn't open, so I positioned myself close to the cinema door and played my phone competition. Someone happened by eventually, asked whether I was going to the film, and proffered me a flier - which is how I discovered that this film is part of the Human Rights Watch Film Festival, which runs until Friday! This was their Centrepiece film, and it seems all films are available on this site until the end of the festival. Cheaper too! Now they tell me. But what on earth is all the stuff on the back, about how if you're affected by the issues raised, you should take a break from the film, shift focus, afterwards you can talk to people about it, research the issues.. what, is this directed at schoolkids?!

Went in when it opened, and took my nice, comfy seat. Someone came on to explain to us that there'd be a Q+A after, and we could participate in it by submitting questions online. And so to the film, which concerns itself with recent developments in the United States, where most states passed a law preventing people that receive government funding from boycotting, or calling for a boycott of, the state of Israel (over its treatment of the Palestinians). Three people in particular are featured - an Arizona lawyer fighting the bill as unconstitutional, an Arkansas publisher of a free newspaper that depends on government advertising (so is effectively banned from publishing anything anti-Israel), and a Muslim teacher from Austin who lost her job by campaigning for Palestinians.

Never heard of this bill before, myself. It's interesting to hear the different stories, and of course we all know how powerful the Israeli lobby is in the States. More interesting was the Q+A, with someone from Human Rights Watch, the filmmaker, the producer, and the President of the US/Middle East Project. The latter - an Englishman, who bemoaned the fact that he couldn't join us, as he was just up the road in Islington - was by far the most impassioned, and made for very interesting listening. It was also entertaining to watch the efforts of the captioner - who was, necessarily, working live - to keep up with everyone, and tackle words that weren't easy to decipher, or unfamiliar names! Anyway, the main theme of the Q+A was how similar legislation is being enacted in the UK, except that it is vague enough to ban all sorts of boycotts that the government doesn't approve of. Typical - ask not what your government can do for you, ask what it is doing to you..

Nice to get back to the cinema again. Tomorrow, I'm at another Zoom talk - Quakers at War is the story of the Quakers and their pacifism. Courtesy of Surrey History Meetup.

On Tuesday.. I'm booked for Dear Evan Hansen, at the Noel Coward Theatre! Finally - I'd booked for this before lockdown, and of course it got cancelled. Cheapest tickets from the official site.

On Wednesday, back with Civilised London (CL) - back at Le Sacré Coeur, meeting beforehand at The Crown, as usual.

On Thursday, back with TAC for Avocado Presents - Improv, at Etcetera Theatre. Eh, I think it's a jazz concert? 

Failing any information from my new job, have provisionally booked for Friday - Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners are off to see Elegant London! Anyway, then back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On the 28th, going to see Daddy at the Almeida. Having never seen a bad production here, I have high hopes.

On the 29th, finally going to see Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella! I hear good things.. it's playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, which is new to me - Seatplan was invaluable in choosing the best seating option. What's On Stage provided the cheapest price for that seat, though!

On the 30th, back with CL - for a play this time. This is The Fever Syndrome, at Hampstead Theatre.

On the 31st, back with TAC for One Night With Robbie Williams. This is at The Courtyard.

On the 1st, back with the Crick Crack Club (CCC) for - The Grand Annual Lying Contest! at Rich Mix.

On the 2nd, I had booked with WTTH for a Regent's Canal Walk. Different guide. But yay, Laurence and the 45+s then advertised another walk for that day, which is pretty much guaranteed to be superior. So I've booked it. This is Scandals, Scriptwriters & Sumptuous Architecture - and of course, it being a London weekend, I can go!

On the 3rd, the CCC again! Emily Hennessey and Sheema Mukherjee are at the British Museum, with Holy Cow! Tales from the River of Life. Unfortunately, the London Landmarks Half Marathon is also that day, so I'll probably be on the Tube, at least getting to the museum. 

On the 4th, I'm back at the Park Theatre for the first time in nearly three years! This is for Clybourne Park, a comedy about a white family moving into a predominantly black neighbourhood.

On the 5th, I'm headed to But I'm a Cheerleader, a musical comedy at the Turbine Theatre.

On the 6th, back with Up in the Cheap Seats at Southwark Playhouse, and another free ticket for me! This time, it's for Anyone Can Whistle, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

On the 7th, Tommy Tiernan is playing at the Hammersmith Apollo! Now, I failed to get a ticket for this the first time around. Then it was rescheduled because of Covid.. and I got a ticket for the rescheduled event! Then that was rescheduled.. third time lucky?! Love Tommy Tiernan. The show is called Tomfoolery. And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On the 11th, I've booked for The 47th, at The Old Vic. Written by Mike Bartlett, this imagines the American presidential elections of 2024. I am really looking forward to this play..

On the 12th, I'm finally going to Six, the Musical! Based around the story of the six wives of Henry VIII (very loosely, I'd say), it's playing at the Vaudeville and I hear good things. Cheapest tickets from Leicester Square Box Office.

On the 13th, back with CL, who are off to the opera at the Southbank Centre. The show in question is The Paradis Files. Next day, I'm back to Ireland for Easter - but left it so late to book, I could only get an afternoon flight, and will have to start my new job (whenever) by asking for that day off work!

Well, my friend got back to me - they're away in the middle of Easter week, back on the 21st of next month, so the most sensible thing to do seemed to be to visit on the 22nd of next month, which I've now arranged with her. Whether I take that week as holiday, or take the laptop there and work from Ireland, remains to be seen. Anyway, I'll fly back to London on the 24th of next month. And on the 25th of next month, I'm off to The Corn is Green, at the National.

Concert: Handel with Les Arts Florissants

Made it back to London..

Tonight, more classical music at the Barbican - this time it was with London Baroque Music Lovers, and this was Handel with Les Arts Florissants. Barbican, ergo Cote - I booked, just in case, and because it's free, but I really didn't need to, on a Monday.

Really smiley waiter - I always wonder whether he remembers me, or just has that sunny a disposition! Anyway, I was back on the prix fixe, with mushroom soup and steak frites, and a large chardonnay. Except that the waiter suggested that I upgrade the steak to a ribeye! Hmm.. I hadn't had one in ages. OK then, I said.

The soup was gorgeous as ever, the bread slightly less rock-hard than last time. The rib-eye, which I'd asked to be cooked to medium, was slightly overcooked - I'd call it medium-well, and it was just more cooked than I like. I wasn't mad about it. I will say this - the upgrade if you're having the prix fixe is great value; I checked the bill after, and I was only charged £2.95 extra for the rib-eye (which comes with watercress), rather than the £7 more it costs than the steak frites on the a la carte! So, if you're hungry.. me, I prefer the steak frites, and I'll go back to that next time. For dessert, I was tired of the mousse - they have an option of three chocolate truffles, which they suggest you have with a drink. So I did, and they were just perfect.

I headed over to the Barbican in enough time to meet the others - in fact, I was early, and took a seat within sight of where we were to meet. Not easy, I must say - it was pretty packed and there isn't a lot of seating in the foyer. I was there for half an hour before it was time to go in - our organiser had said she'd wear a piece of green cloth, or have a piece on her bag. Nope, predictably, I didn't see her. I asked one lady who was wearing a green scarf - it wasn't her. Dunno whether they were no-shows, or perhaps in the wrong place, but it's very vexing when Meetup groups behave like this.

The Stalls and Circle were quite full - I don't think the Balcony was open. Anyway, the programme was Handel, set to the poetry of John Milton, which was displayed on the screen behind, and sung by a group of solo singers. Absolutely sublime - I do love baroque music! But it was when the choir was unleashed in the second half that I thought it really took off. Mind you, the low point of the night was the resurgence of this unpredictable cough that I've developed - which, of course, attacked me with some force just as the concert started. Mercifully, I'd had the forethought to bring Strepsils, and one of those cured it fairly quickly. Ah well, 'tis the season..

At the interval, I posted a message on the Meetup page explaining that I hadn't been able to find them, and what I was wearing. No response. After the performance ended, I hung around outside for a while, but still didn't see anyone likely to be them. A group of four women did make an appearance at the edge of the crowd - and sure enough, it was four other women that I was looking for. Still, they didn't bear much resemblance to the pictures on the Meetup page. I tried the upstairs bar, where the organiser had suggested going afterwards - nobody that looked likely to be them. The Mysterious Four did come in as I was leaving, but again, they didn't look like the people I was looking for, and they showed no recognition of me. I gave up and came home. Might join this group again sometime, might have better luck.

Tomorrow, headed with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) to The Woods, at Southwark Playhouse. Aw man, it's over a year since I last saw a performance from there, and over two years since I was last there in person! And would you believe it, I bought a PAYG subscription from them years ago, and it still entitles me to free tickets. So I used it for this! With the group having snapped up most of the front row, I'm in the row behind.. And there'll be several people there that I know.

On Wednesday, booked again with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners.. well, you couldn't make up the trouble I'm having with the new job, so I'm guessing I still won't have started by then! Latest is, they've been trying to verify my qualifications with the university - the university, however, needs a consent form signed by me before they'll divulge the information. Now, I did sign a consent form - electronically. They don't accept electronic signatures. With no ink in my printer - I haven't used it in years - the quickest thing to do is head to an internet cafe tomorrow to print the page I have to sign! Jeez, just as well I have savings.. This walk is Glamorous Chelsea and its Famous Residents.

That evening, I'm back with London Classical Music and Theatre Group - for a play this time! We're seeing Straight Line Crazy, with Ralph Fiennes, at the Bridge. Just as well we booked early - availability is low for the rest of the month.

Thursday is, of course, St. Patrick's Day. In Ireland, it's a bank holiday - in London, Kíla is playing the London Irish Centre again. A standing gig, this time. Should be mad.

On Friday, I'm back with London European Club, for 24 Italian Songs & Arias, at Battersea Arts Centre. They're operating a "Pay What You Can" scheme, where you pay what you want, between £5 and £35 - recommended price, £16. They even sent me a survey afterwards to see what I thought!

On Saturday, back with Laurence and the 45+s - this time, it's Highgate: A Very English Village. More hills..

On Sunday.. someone I swore I'd never do a walk with again. Well, we'll see whether she's back on form - Walks, Talks & Treasure Hunts (WTTH) is off on a walk called Secrets of Belgravia. (Courtesy of her company, London Guided Walks.) The code MEETUP3 gets you a £3 discount on all her walks - which does cover the booking fee of £1, not advertised before you come to the point of purchasing the ticket. Well, it'll be a start if she shows up! Funnily enough, she messaged me today - because I signed up on the Meetup group - to remind me to book a ticket through her company. I see she doesn't cross-reference, since I already did!

Next Monday, I'm at another Zoom talk - Quakers at War is the story of the Quakers and their pacifism. Courtesy of Surrey History Meetup.

On the 22nd.. I'm booked for Dear Evan Hansen, at the Noel Coward Theatre! Finally - I'd booked for this before lockdown, and of course it got cancelled. Cheapest tickets from the official site.

On the 23rd, back with Civilised London (CL) - back at Le Sacré Coeur, meeting beforehand at The Crown, as usual.

On the 24th, back with TAC for Avocado Presents - Improv, at Etcetera Theatre. Eh, I think it's a jazz concert? Anyway, then back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On the 28th, going to see Daddy at the Almeida. Having never seen a bad production here, I have high hopes.

On the 29th, finally going to see Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella! I hear good things.. it's playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, which is new to me - Seatplan was invaluable in choosing the best seating option. What's On Stage provided the cheapest price for that seat, though!

On the 30th, back with CL - for a play this time. This is The Fever Syndrome, at Hampstead Theatre.

On the 31st, back with TAC for One Night With Robbie Williams. This is at The Courtyard.

On the 1st, back with the Crick Crack Club (CCC) for - The Grand Annual Lying Contest! at Rich Mix.

On the 2nd, back with WTTH for a Regent's Canal Walk. Different guide.

On the 3rd, the CCC again! Emily Hennessey and Sheema Mukherjee are at the British Museum, with Holy Cow! Tales from the River of Life.

On the 4th, I'm back at the Park Theatre for the first time in nearly three years! This is for Clybourne Park, a comedy about a white family moving into a predominantly black neighbourhood.

On the 5th, I'm headed to But I'm a Cheerleader, a musical comedy at the Turbine Theatre.

On the 6th, back with UITCS at Southwark Playhouse, and another free ticket for me! This time, it's for Anyone Can Whistle, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

On the 7th, Tommy Tiernan is playing at the Eventim Apollo! Now, I failed to get a ticket for this the first time around. Then it was rescheduled because of Covid.. and I got a ticket for the rescheduled event! Then that was rescheduled.. third time lucky?! Love Tommy Tiernan. The show is called Tomfoolery. And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On the 11th, I've booked for The 47th, at The Old Vic. Written by Mike Bartlett, this imagines the American presidential elections of 2024. I am really looking forward to this play..

On the 12th, I'm finally going to Six, the Musical! Based around the story of the six wives of Henry VIII (very loosely, I'd say), it's playing at the Vaudeville and I hear good things. Cheapest tickets from Leicester Square Box Office.

And on the 13th, back with CL, who are off to the opera at the Southbank Centre. The show in question is The Paradis Files. Next day, I'm back to Ireland for Easter - but left it so late to book, I could only get an afternoon flight, and will have to start my new job by asking for that day off work! Still waiting to hear whether my friend will be around after Easter, for me to pay a flying visit..