Concert: Piano Passions

Well, I made it back! eventually. It occurred to me afterwards that the reason my flights have been earlier in recent weeks might simply be that I didn't book in time to get the later ones! They wouldn't necessarily advertise the flights that are full.. Anyway, I was now back to the later time - with a vengeance. Ryanair had its standard 1-hour delay - so, instead of taking off at 10.15pm, we were now scheduled to leave at 11.15. So it's a shame that the airports no longer seem to have free WiFi:

As someone said, this sign should read "WiFi-Free Zone"!

Now, at 11.05, we were still waiting to get onto the tarmac and walk to the plane. Could see it out the window, could see the passengers disembark. They were long gone and still no sign of letting us out - I was wondering whether the plane had a fault, and whether we'd get out at all! Half an hour, we were stood there.. finally, someone opened the door. The guy at the head of our queue asked him what the delay was - wouldn't you know it, he said, they were late already, and then two kids were sick. So they were just cleaning it up. Lordy.. I guess even Ryanair wouldn't leave that for us to find!

So, it was 11.45pm by the time we took off, 12.50am by the time we landed. Too late for the Stansted Express, of course, which finishes at 12.30 (I must remember I have an unused return portion of a ticket with them, now) - fair play to the National Express though, I've always said they had enough demand to put on a more frequent service, and it looks as though they've finally noticed. Not much of a queue, and I easily got on a bus at 1.25. Which means it was after 3 when I got home, fielding regular calls from my mother, who stayed up till she knew I was in..

Ah, the advantages of WFH - I rolled out of bed at 9.30, logged into the computer, set it to stay on as if I was working, and went back to bed for a few hours. Lovely! and no-one was looking for me till after I was properly up. Tonight, with nothing on Meetup, I thought about heading to see the Carnaby Street Christmas lights, which will be up by now. But I had another look at what was on, and booked for Piano Passions at Cadogan Hall - Beethoven and Chopin, gorgeous! Hadn't had a chance to shop, of course, and was properly hungry by the evening - I decided to go for Cote in Sloane Square, just down from the concert hall. Decided also to book, just in case.

I had to take a couple of buses - had some fun. I had a choice for my first bus - one was the #46, so I was sad to see it come as I made my way to the stop. Happily, just as I got to the stop, along came another! and I was off. Just down the road, we came across the first #46 - I dunno what happened, but it was now empty and executing a complicated turnaround - our driver got out to assist. Shortly afterwards, I had to change buses - and of course, my stop was closed for roadworks, and I needs must head to the next. (This closure is not flagged online.) Never mind, things went smoothly after that - and I could view the Christmas lights progress! Plenty of signs on Piccadilly, warning of road closures this week so they can be put up.. A lot of places haven't gotten around to them yet - this will be a spectacular route in a few weeks. Harvey Nichols is a notable exception, looking as though Christmas has exploded all over it! (Sorry, I couldn't get a good shot of it.)

Arrived slightly early at Cote - she gave me a choice of a cramped table between two occupied ones, or heading down the back - which is what I did, taking a seat with a good view of the bar. (Which proved handy when I wanted a second glass of wine, later on, and the barman noticed me and brought it himself.) The Prix Fixe menu had butternut squash and roasted garlic soup, which I thought sounded nice - as well as steak frites, my old reliable, and chocolate mousse. So all of that is what I had, along with their excellent chardonnay.

Service, I have to say, was unparalleled in my recent experience - it makes such a difference. In fact, my waiter was being trained in, and boy was he keen to please! Poor lad only made one mistake, getting flustered when he brought my steak knife, and forgetting to remove my regular knife. As to the food - oh man, that soup was divine, lovely and sweet. I wasn't mad about the burnt offering of sourdough served with it - but it was warm, I was hungry, and I ate every bite. The rest was excellent, as ever - when Cote is good, it's very, very good, and this is a lovely branch of it. No wonder I had another glass there, instead of in the concert hall bar - and I had a great view of the barman, impressing customers with his cocktail-shaking tricks. Interestingly, towards the end of my meal, I got an email to say my reservation had been cancelled - I suspect the restaurant forgot to confirm I'd arrived, then cancelled it later. As it happened, there were plenty of tables - I needn't have booked at all.

A short walk to the hall then, and the guy wasn't half as interested in checking my bag as my ticket. Well, it's a small bag. I had to run to the loo, which just left me enough time to pant my way upstairs to the hall. Just as well I wasn't late - I was front row centre!

I just had time to snap that photo as the pianist walked onstage. And it was an impassioned performance indeed - unable to see his face properly, or his hands, from where I was sitting, I focussed on his feet - constant use of the right pedal, I noticed. Rather like driving! Similar function here, in a way, to the accelerator pedal in a car - driving the sound forward by blending the notes.

Beethoven first, and I was in heaven. After the interval, passion of a different sort, with Chopin - I've never been as keen, I'm afraid: in contrast with the chap to my left, who was enraptured. But they were both beautifully played, and it was an interesting combination of repertoire. Also great to be back here - it's been a while.

On the way home, I caught the bus much more easily - and got a glimpse of the tree on Regent Street, as we turned the corner:

Got off near the Brunswick Centre to do a bit of shopping on the way home - of course, again my bus stop was closed because of roadworks! (This, at least, is flagged online.) Anyway, again, it looks as though Christmas has exploded over Brunswick Square:

Tomorrow, headed to see John Gabriel Borkman, by Ibsen, at the Bridge Theatre.

On Wednesday - originally, nothing better coming up than Soho Comedy Factory, upstairs at The Blue Posts. Now, last Thursday, I was to be back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) - for Noor, at Southwark Playhouse. The true story of a WWII spy - and bought, as usual, on my PAYG subscription - which gives you cheap tickets to five shows, and never expires. But wouldn't you know it, that performance was cancelled. Instead, I've changed my booking for Noor to this night. Sadly, not with the group, who rearranged for a night I can't go.

On Thursday, back - at last! - with London Classical Music and Theatre Group (LCMTG), for Alcina at the Royal Opera House. More Handel..

On Friday, I was heading to The Horror Show at Somerset House - a horror-based art exhibition - with The Horror Book Club. But then Civilised London popped up with another meal - so I booked that, and we were headed to Champor Champor, a Thai / Malay restaurant. Meeting beforehand at The Rose, nearby. Until he decided, just last Thursday, to cancel it! I supposed he hadn't wanted to do it with only two of us, since I was - unusually - the only one to sign up. But to my further surprise - he kicked me out of the group later that night! No warning, no explanation - not very "civilised". Jeez, I suppose he's had enough of me. And you think you know someone.. Can't believe I used to consider him a friend.

Killer is, he was such a good reference for good eateries - and the group is private, so without being a member, I won't be able to see where he's going. Ah well, TBH, I was beginning to feel out of place with the people who were attending the meals.. which was pretty much all I was doing with the group, lately. Meantime, I'm back at The Horror Show - at least the ticket won't go to waste!

On Saturday, planned another meal with the people that are harder to herd than cats! But lo, of the four people I invited, three have now bowed out. Jeez.. so I'm down to just the same person that was the only one to make it last time, so I decided to head somewhere different. For variety. We're going to The Garrick Arms, which is in a nice, central area, and is - crucially - a Greene King pub: so I can have my pie!

On Sunday, back with the Crick Crack Club at the British Museum, where Daniel Morden and Hugh Lupton are performing The Iliad.

Next Monday, not having been with LCMTG for ages, I'm with them for the second time in a week! Heading to Wigmore Hall this time, for the Takács Quartet, who are playing Beethoven. Now sold out - and I'm not surprised, given that when I booked, I got one of the last three (top price) seats! Ah well, it wasn't astronomical - and I do love Beethoven.

On the 15th, back at the QT Bar - for the RB and Soul Revue. Now, they put on a great show - but, given my experience last time, I'll know to buy my drink at the upstairs bar and take it down with me - better choice! And at least this time, I'll know where I'm going.. Pity I didn't think to check CT first, who have cheap tickets!!

On the 16th, I'm back at Conway Hall, for a concert called Sing Like a Vagabond - Shouts and Cries of Victorian London. Tickets are free, but you do have to book.

On the 17th, I'm back with UITCS at the Coliseum, for a performance of Yeomen of the Guard, by Gilbert & Sullivan. And knowing the steepness of the steps in the Balcony - and the irregularity - and what with my stairs phobia - I've done my best to get a seat at the side, so I can use the handrail to get down. Oh, and an aisle seat, what with the restricted legroom..

Then I'm back to Ireland again. On the 19th, UL is hosting a PhD reunion, with a tour of the campus and, crucially, free lunch. And I'll be using the occasion to catch up with an old friend and, hopefully, find out what finally prompted him to quit lecturing at last, more than 10 years after I did, considering he was bullied even worse than I was! With a late flight the next day, I might get to a film as well..

Concert: The 23 String Orchestra

Tonight, back with the same group for a concert by the 23 String Orchestra at Cadogan Hall. This had cheap ticket offers too, but I booked too late - hey, it's been hectic!

After another frustrating day at work - when just one thing that happened was that the contractor who was supposed to help me, because the company is too cheap to hire another writer, announced she was quitting (too much work, and I don't blame her) - I quit early for the day and headed off. Google Maps assured me that I could make it by bus in under an hour, so I said I'd try.

My though, but it's cold out - I had trouble even standing still while I waited, with the vicious breeze. And when I got to Waterloo, and had to change buses, I had fun - the roads around there are tricky. I needed to get to Station Approach - but you can't from Waterloo Road, there's a big brick wall in the way; you actually have to go into the station and out another side entrance! And then it turned out to be the terminus, which meant I had to stand and stare at a dark, empty bus until the driver finished his break. By which stage I'd pretty much turned into an icicle. I'd just missed the one I should have got, and thought I'd be a little late - but actually, we made excellent time, accompanied for most of the journey by a bloke blasting reggae from the back.

So I wasn't that late arriving. As I arrived, one doorman was strictly admonishing the other not to let anyone in without a ticket! At which point I arrived, and was - gee - asked whether I had a ticket. YES! And once that was scanned, I was in. Spied one of the others at a table in the bar, where the third finally joined us - sadly, our number didn't include the organiser, who wasn't feeling well and didn't come. But we had a great old chat, and I rather fancied alcohol. It's been that sort of week. Happily, you can take it into the auditorium, so I spent most of the evening imbibing.

Row DD (along with AA, BB, and CC) is towards the front, as it happens, so I had a nice, close seat. We had printed programs, kindly distributed by a couple of ladies in the bar - and from these, learned that the first piece was Sibelius: Romance in C. Short and sweet, and I loved it. This was followed by Strauss' Metamorphosen for 23 Solo Strings, after which the orchestra itself was apparently named - another lovely piece to take us to the interval.

The second half started with a flute concerto, followed by Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings. Gorgeous music.. just a pity we didn't meet afterwards, but I needed the loo, and by the time I got to the bar, the others had gone. Never mind, it was great to see them! and I was earlier home - on a single bus. Faster at night, you see.

Tomorrow, Ivan can't make it, but I'm meeting another ex-coworker for a meal at Cote.

On Saturday, back with Cultureseekers - for the first time in person! They're off to the Cinema Museum - apparently only group visits are allowed, these days, and it only reopens the day before. They also have a talk organised. With a choice of two times, I have - of course - chosen the later one! Cash on the day - I'll have to get some.

On Sunday, ooh - London European Club is at a storytelling event in King's Place! Not Crick Crack this time - this appears to be an independent event, a telling of The Little Prince, with piano accompaniment. Sounds lovely!

On Monday, Surrey History Meetup has another Zoom meeting - this one is on Canal History and Heritage.

On Tuesday, my first in-person Meetup with 45+ not Grumpy Old Londoners - a guided walk with Laurence Summers! This is the Feisty Fitzrovia pub tour - and since I used to live there, I can hardly refuse! Another pay-on-the-day, damnit.

On Wednesday - would you believe, my first Meetup of the year with Up in the Cheap Seats! Well, they're going to see Magic Goes Wrong, which I've been dying to see - again, I could hardly refuse! Yet again, I missed out on cheap tickets - ended up in the Gods, but at the end of a row, and the view should be OK. The Apollo Theatre, tickets now cheapest on the official website. And with all the seats that are still free, you never know, I might get an upgrade.. The ticket was a nightmare to book, mind - when I tried to add my payment details, it gave me an error! Failing to get a response from the box office, I tried the workaround of adding the payment details to my account and checking out again, which worked.

Next Thursday, I wasn't really seeing anything - but CT just advertised two shows at 2Northdown that night. So I'm going to both! As you do. And then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend - and finally get to pick up my new phone! But the Stansted Express isn't running again that Sunday, damnit..

Concert: Prague Symphony Orchestra & Restaurant: Kin + Deum

On Tuesday, I was thinking of film - but honestly, wasn't so enthused by the offerings at the top of the list. I did have an offer of cheap tickets to a classical concert at Cadogan Hall, which sounded better - but the cheap tickets had sold out. Never mind, I bought a full-price ticket - it was the Prague Symphony Orchestra. The cheap ticket agency later advertised an extra ticket allocation (typical!), but when I checked, out of curiosity, the link was still saying sold-out. Still was up to the day, so I dunno.

I should've taken the bus, but was running late, of course - so instead got there really fast by Tube. The District and Circle lines are a pleasure, anyway - spacious, rarely crowded: I got a seat straight away, and there was plenty of breathing room. I got to Cadogan Hall 20 minutes early - by which stage the house was already open, so I headed straight up, after I collected my ticket. And with all those stairs, I was glad I was only in the stalls!

Funny - the site says the rear stalls seats are restricted view, because they're not tiered - but excuse me, they are tiered! There was nobody to one side of me, so I had space to leave my stuff.. in retrospect, I should probably have moved to that seat, to save the man beside me (there was no seat to the other side of that empty one), as my cough reared its ugly head. It's been troublesome for a while - nothing major, except when you're not supposed to make noise! It actually flared up during the show on Monday, but it hardly matters for a comedy show. On Tuesday, I think the climb up the stairs set it off - it was quite violent for a few minutes, and I had to step outside to let it take its course. (Just as well I was early.) Mercifully, I'd brought some juicy sweets with me, which saved me for the rest of the evening - I take them everywhere now. Even if my next-seat neighbour did give me an irritated look for rustling a wrapper during the show, the alternative would've been worse..

This was a straight-through performance - nearly two hours without interval - of the entirety of Mahler's Third Symphony. And by gosh, what an extravaganza - a riot of melodrama, passionate and expressive, dare I say cinematic. The early part reminded me of the score of LotR - later, the score of Excalibur was brought to mind. Definitely one for those who like dramatic music, then. Two choirs took up space in the gallery - a boys' choir, and a ladies' one: and a soloist with a look of Brunhilde about her completed the show. They deserved their standing ovation..

I got the bus home, and discovered a few interesting facts. Firstly, the Google Maps version of the bus route is slightly wrong - it does a little detour just before Westminster. Secondly - it doesn't currently go through Westminster! Roadworks this time, rather than protestors, divert it south of the river: so it's probably a good thing that I didn't risk it on the outbound journey, or I'd probably have been late. Finally, I've solved the mystery of the No. 11 terminus. For ages, although it advertises Liverpool Street as its destination, it's stopped one stop early - handy for my flat. Well gee, now that stop is closed (roadworks again!), and it carries on to the back of the station! Which I walked through on my way home - I had to go to Tesco anyway, so it worked out well for me, as it's out that way. We do get through an amount of loo roll.

Yesterday, back - for the first time in five weeks! - with Civilized London. It was another meal - we headed for Thai food at Kin & Deum, meeting beforehand at The Woolpack. It's actually years since I've eaten Thai! Handily, for once this didn't sell out immediately - and we had another taker, a Frenchman who's in town for a couple of weeks, saw this, and signed up. Isn't that a great idea?! He's not the first I've seen to take advantage of Meetup when in town temporarily.

Well, of course I got caught up doing the film list again - hence the delay in the blog. Anyway, it also meant that I was late in leaving, yesterday evening - I could've walked, but decided on the bus, to save a few minutes and a lot of stress. Anyway, it was cold, and threatening rain. As I waited, I got talking to a lady who'd just come from the Tube, which wasn't running - so it seems to have been a difficult travel evening, in general! The bus wasn't long in coming - pity it had to be this one, though, which comes without many seats, so I stood to London Bridge, where a handy escalator took me down to St. Thomas Street. A brisk walk to the pub then, which was handily identified by its sign. Just like in the days when it served for those who couldn't read!

The group was there before me, of course - they'd been supposed to get a table, but good luck, in this pre-Christmas season! Handily, they were stood just inside the door, so easy to find. And it seemed I'd missed the first round - but our French visitor bought the second, and I gratefully accepted. We had a nice chat, before heading to the restaurant, which wasn't far away.

I don't have photos of the restaurant - because its decor is quite plain. But I can say straight away, it's highly recommended! Packed on a Wednesday, but they'd saved us a long table by the wall. And despite some dithering over the choices, we were all absolutely delighted with our choices! The only problem, if I went back, is that it was so good that I'd likely to have exactly the same again. I had Thai dumplings for starter - a mixture of pork, prawn, and chestnuts, with a delicious sauce. Suffice to say, I'm not often the first to finish! Very moreish. Others were delighted with the aubergine, or squid.. I'm not sure what everyone had. The only dissenting voice was from the guy who'd ordered tea - which turned out to be extremely sweet - positively caramely!

Mains were just as good. I was about the only person who didn't have rice - I just didn't feel like it. But wow, I had the most delicious main - the Himmaparn is similar to what I used to have when I ate Thai regularly, but this was more, well, moreish than any Thai food I've had! As for the others, I think it was the gra pow that turned out to be extremely spicy - I had a mouthful, but wouldn't have fancied the whole thing. They're not joking when they mark it as such on the menu. I'm not sure what the others had - I'm afraid I was far too interested in my own. Very, very highly recommended. Oh, and BTW - gents' and ladies' toilets are on opposite sides of the bar, if you're looking for them.

With no chocolate on the menu, those of us who might have had desserts didn't feel like them - so we just headed for another pub. Our host took us to The Horseshoe Inn, at the end of a side road, where we stood for a while, then grabbed seats as they became available. An interesting place, and we had a great chat before parting.

Good company then, on my last Meetup of the week - and probably the last time I'll meet this group before Christmas. I walked home - it was dry, not too cold - and you do get a great view!

For tonight, I got a cheap ticket to another classical concert, with a different seat-filler group - this is a concert of Vivaldi arias, at the Trinity United Reform Church. Part of the Wimbledon Music Festival. This far out, it'll have to be Tube.

Tomorrow.. well, 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners are off around the Southbank Christmas market. So I said, well, I can do that on my own - thus avoiding the Meetup fee, and I'm not pushed about the meal. Good chance to start on my Christmas shopping. But then I thought I might go to a film - the listings change that day - and gee, what's coming on top of the list but The Irishman. Never mind the plot, or that it's three and a half hours long - for goodness' sake, it's directed by Scorsese, and just look at the cast list. Robert De Niro plays the eponymous Irish-American, Frank Sheeran, who works for the mob. Anna Paquin is his disapproving daughter, Peggy. Joe Pesci is his mob boss, Russell Bufalino, and Ray Romano plays his cousin, and Jimmy Hoffa's lawyer, Bill. De Niro ends up as a driver for Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino). Harvey Keitel is the leader of another crime family, Angelo Bruno. I am so there. Showing in my local cinema too - and the Barbican has comfy seats. Not selling out at this point - watch this space.

On Saturday, I'm with cheap ticket source #1 - you have to book something with them every three months, or be expelled (!). Honestly, I've never heard such draconian regulations. So I'm going to Stop Kiss, above the Stag.

On Sunday, back with the Crick Crack Club (CCC) for 1001 Nights, at the British Museum. Mea culpa, I recently told people that this was The Embers Collective - nope! Turns out it's not. Ah well.

On Monday, back, after a week, with Up in the Cheap Seats for Falsettos, at The Other Palace. An aisle seat, as usual - legroom is poor, here.

On Tuesday, back with them again for Acosta Danza - Evolution, at Sadler's Wells.

On Wednesday, Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group is off to a performance entitled Virginia Woolf - Killing the Angel, at the LSE. So I'm going on my own, and saving the Meetup fee - I haven't had that much luck with socialising with them, anyway. And now that Meetup is full.

Next Thursday, back with Spooky London - the John Snow Pub. Then another weekend in Ireland.

On the 25th, the CCC is back with Rebel Children, at the British Library. Ben Haggarty & Jan Blake - ooh yeah!

On the 26th, my annual trip to Winter Wonderland - heading to Cirque Berserk and the Ice Kingdom, as usual. Someone said he might come along.

On the 27th, the first night in ages with North London Friends! We're at A Day in the Death of Joe Egg, at Trafalgar Studios.

And on the 28th, our ex-company's social group's Christmas meeting. We had a tiff about the venue - the organiser decided on Thai Square, which I think is overpriced and underwhelming. So he started to grumble about the difficulty of getting somewhere before Christmas - which will take a group, and doesn't cost the earth. Still though, he came up with an alternative - we've decided on the Warwick Castle pub in Little Venice. Lovely area, the pub sounds nice - with a Christmassy open fire, and a room we can book - and hey, it's a pub, which won't throw us out as quickly! Must get on to booking their wine deal.. 10% off if you order at least £150 worth. Which I'm sure, among the dozen or so that are coming, we'll manage to drink. And gee, he's had us choosing what we want off the menu..

Concert: Aprile Millo

Tonight, the £3.60 club provided me with a ticket to see Aprile Millo perform at Cadogan Hall. Gotta say, terrific value for something whose official prices started at £35! Had a dicky tummy all afternoon, but mercifully it sorted itself - I cried off the last meeting today, and headed off soon after that meeting started.

Still left it a bit late to take buses, for this venue all the other side of town - so I was on the Tube: stuffy Northern Line, where I at least got a seat, followed by the cooler, airier District Line. Tip: get on at the front, if taking this combo heading westwards - the front of the Northern Line is where you want to be for the District Line, and the exit at Sloane Square is near the front, too. Only a short walk from there to the venue, where I got a good stalls ticket and made my way straight upstairs, as the doors were already open.

I hadn't heard of this singer before, but she obviously had a lot of fans there tonight - the cheering was so prolonged when she came out, in a shimmery lamé cape, that her first words were - "..and now for my NEXT number..". She obviously has a sense of humour, and bantered with the audience all night.

Unfortunately, I didn't recognise any of the classical pieces she performed, which constituted  most of the program. But it was all very pleasant - although to be honest, nothing special to me, and several people around me left at the interval. Naturally enough, what I did recognise formed a highlight for me - and lo, they were four Irish melodies! First up were The Kerry Dances and The Rose of Tralee - appropriately, given that that competition and festival came to its annual conclusion tonight! (That's why I didn't get to blog last night, catching up on the repeat.) These were followed by Bendemeer's Stream, (whose name wasn't familiar to me but whose melody is the same as for The Mountains of Mourne), and Danny Boy. For this section, she brought on a harpist - whose Irish harp is visible to the right of the piano onstage in this picture. She finished with a duet with some singer she hadn't introduced - which was greeted with a standing ovation. When the house lights came up, I was already on my way out, hearing the strains of an encore while I was on the stairs. I wasn't pushed about returning.

I had a choice of two buses on the way back, both of which required a change - I took the 211, which came first and took me to Waterloo. Boy, was I to be glad that was the one that had come.. as I waited for the 243, I had a sudden, desperate need to go to the toilet! Nearest one turned out to be courtesy of the Hole in the Wall pub, well signposted and just around the corner from Tenison Way. I didn't stay for a drink, but can vouch for the convenience of their facilities! (and the strength of their hand dryers.)

Tomorrow, again, off with Up in the Cheap Seats (and the same organiser as yesterday) 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!

Concert: Ben l' Oncle Soul

Tonight, I was finally back with The London Jazz Meetup, to see Ben l' Oncle Soul at Cadogan Hall. Really, I'd go with them much more often, but there's so much else on..! Much more relaxed today, the flat-hunting being sorted. We were to meet beforehand at The Antelope - and, of course, now I don't have to view any more flats! Unfortunately, wouldn't you know it, there was another late meeting at work, so my time in the pub would be cut short. Bah humbug.

I was also doing my film list - and so it was a little after 6 when I left, taking the Tube to be as quick as possible. All the same, it was after 6.30 when I arrived at The Antelope. With no hope of getting a seat, I gave up on the pub idea, and headed straight to the venue, where I had a drink, taking a seat on a bench to the side of the main bar. As I remarked to the lady sitting beside me - didn't there used to be a bench through the middle, with high stools at it? "Yes, indeed!" she replied, and we agreed what a very bad idea it was to take it out, thus removing much-needed seating. Not nearly enough seating, here. They were selling Jazz Festival t-shirts behind the bar - no way was I sacrificing my seat to have a look, though!

Upstairs, I was led down the sloping gallery - carefully - by an usher, and was sat near my group, and somewhat over the stage - which suits me just fine. Some would complain about the safety rail, which cut through my view - nonsense! I could easily lean forward, or peer under it to see whatever I was missing. The bench seats are supplied with thick cushions, and are quite comfortable.

We did wonder about the amount of smoke on stage as we came in - as the guy to my right remarked to his companion, "maybe it's just on fire!" There was so much that we could barely see the mc come on to introduce the support act. You could hardly miss her name - she (or someone very loyal to her) had taken the time to put a flier on every single seat, advertising Julia Biel. What a shame, then, that her act bored everyone in my row to distraction. Well, except the folks to my right, who kept clapping quite enthusiastically. Maybe they scattered the fliers. Anyway, I was glad I'd brought the paper, which I read while the lights were bright enough. At the (long-awaited) interval, the lady beside me informed her that I'd made her husband laugh - apparently, he'd also been rather unimpressed and suggested to her that he could spend his time doing the crossword in my paper!

I needed the loo, so my time with the group at the interval was necessarily short as well. We met in the bar just down from the main one - the Oakley Room, a nice little bar that provides a less crowded alternative. Now, the concert had started late, and the support act had finished late - but that didn't stop them starting the second act bang on time, so I'd barely arrived down there when the call came to retake our seats! By the time we got all the way back up those stairs, the mc was already introducing him. I was glad to see the smoke had gone.. and sorry to see that the couple to my left hadn't returned. They did miss a great show.

Well now, Ben wasn't exactly lonely on stage. He had a trumpeter, a saxophonist, a guy playing (five!) keyboards, a guy at the back with a mixing desk, a drummer, and two guitarists. Sorry, I don't remember any of their names, although he did introduce them. You couldn't mistake him, though - with the hat, the sunglasses, the swagger.. Of course, as a practically lifelong U2 fan, that was what I was comparing him to. And it was an interesting comparison - he seemed, certainly for this crowd, to be the jazz/blues equivalent, and I have to say, he's a good showman. He's no Bono, but does share his love of interacting with the crowd.

This was kind of a Sinatra tribute. Well, he was doing Sinatra songs - just unrecognisable as such, apart from the lyrics. Definitely put his own spin on them. And although he had us on our feet at the start, I soon sat down - as a U2 fan, I'm used to standing, but also used to a more intense impact from stage, and this was a bit relaxed for that kind of thing, I thought. Having said that, he has a rocky sound that appeals to me, and gave a beautiful, solo rendition of Moonlight Serenade. But it was his performance of My Way, which led into a short break, that confirmed why all these people are so crazy for him. Crazy strobe lighting combined with him leaping into the audience - no crowdsurfing here, he was after hugs!

A real fans' performer, he spent the whole show bonding with the front row, and I remember one guy who'd brought an LP, and, pushing to the middle, proffered it to him along with a pen, while he was actually performing. And fair play, he had no qualms about signing it! Man, the look of delight on that guy's face - he'll be smiling for months, I think.. So, with a delightful mish-mash of jazz, rock, rhythm n blues, he really rocked the house. He did run over time - and I think he'd have liked to go on much longer, except that a determined usher over the side kept making a variety of urgent (and distracting) arm movements, very obviously designed to convey to him that he needed to FINISH! Hey-ho, a great night. Recommended..

Afterwards, I was hungry, so skipped heading to the pub, and just headed to shop, then home to eat. Bless us, Julia Biel was flogging cds near the exit - uhh! Tomorrow, I'm back at Sadler's Wells with Up in the Cheap Seats, for Hunted Maud Le Pladec / Okwui Okpokwasili. Shame, from that respect, that I won't have access to my new flat yet - it's just down the road from there!

On Friday, I'm off to see Young Frankenstein, at the Garrick!

The weekend is Funzing, with Walking in London. On Saturday, A Secret London Tour - I've had my eye on this for a while, it sounds interesting. And on Sunday, I'm finally doing Murder Mile Walk.

On Monday, I was off to This Beautiful Future, at the Yard Theatre. And then it turned out that a couple of guys from the North American training team in our company are visiting the office for a couple of days! Team dinner that night. Well hey, I wasn't that pushed about the play anyway. Not everything I book for is a must-see.

Next Tuesday, my annual pilgrimage to Cirque Berserk at Winter Wonderland! Whee..

On the 22nd, back with Walking in London, this time with Katie of Look Up London, and her Alternative Christmas Lights Tour. Delighted to give her the business, and it should be fun!

On the 23rd, back with Up in the Cheap Seats - this time at the newly opened Bridge Theatre, for their first show, Young Marx. Delighted to make this - I had booked it for the 20th October, then the Crick Crack Club got in the way, as they often do! The theatre charged me a nominal fee to change it to this date. So this'll now be the first play I'll have gone to in a while! And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On the 27th, I'm headed to see Follies at the National - one that London Dramatic Arts (LDAM) went to a while ago, expensively. What with their ticket prices, and other things getting in the way, I really don't know when I'll be with them again..

On the 28th, back with Let's Do This! (LDT) at a place called The Fiddler's Elbow, for a Blues Club & Jam. Be good to see them again!

On the 29th, the Crick Crack Club has their long-awaited 30th birthday party at Rich Mix. Finally advertised by their Meetup group, I see, months after tickets went on sale. A friend is going to this, and Helen is thinking about it. Oh, and the crazy lady is supposed to be going - may she not dare to cross my path! I'm perfectly capable of throwing a drink over her. If the need arises.

On the 30th, LDT is off to.. Saint George and the Dragon, at the National! Now, when this was advertised, I remembered having booked it already. Checked, and discovered that was during my week in Stockholm - so I was happy to book it again. Completely forgot, of course, that I was already booked for last week, with Up in the Cheap Seats. But then, of course, I couldn't go to that either.. third time lucky, I hope! Mind you, consensus seems to be that it drags - never mind. Then I'm back to Ireland again.

On the 4th of December, I'm finally seeing Heisenberg: the Uncertainty Principle, at Wyndham's Theatre. Another that LDAM saw before I have, and another I rescheduled - this from the 16th October, when I was with Up in the Cheap Seats. Another nominal fee to change. And they posted me physical tickets - how retro!

On the 5th of December, my annual trip to La Soirée! "Posh new venue", as they say - they're now in the Aldwych Theatre. Cheapest tickets at Amazon tickets.

The 6th of December sees our office Christmas party! Mercifully, I've just found out it's not black tie this year - don't have to buy a new outfit, then! It's at Bounce - a pub with ping pong tables, wouldya believe?! We have a private room, with three such tables and a karaoke machine. I foresee a noisy night..!

I can't stay long though - have to be at Stansted at 6 in the morning of the 7th of December, for a trip to Nuremberg Christmas market with LEC! We'll also be doing some travelling in the area. Helen liked the sound of it, and my other friend who's coming to the storytelling is coming too. We'll have a ball! I just bought Lonely Planet's chapter on Bavaria, downloaded it, and have shared it with them - isn't it handy how you can buy individual chapters? Mercifully, although the crazy woman was supposed to go on this, she's pulled out. So, the plan is to stay in the new place, the night before..

Back late on the 10th of December, and on the 11th of December - having taken the day off work (I'll be exhausted) - I'm off to the Barbershop Chronicles. At the National.

On the 12th of December, I've just booked a Funzing talk - Interviews With a Serial Killer, courtesy of London Speaks Sessions and LDN Talks @ Night. For which, with their new loyalty scheme, I earned £10 credit! Not so shabby..

On the 13th of December, my last visit of the year to Sands Films - finally advertised on Meetup, through the World Music Meetup, TunedIn London has a concert by Plastikes Karekles, a Greek group.

On the 14th of December, my friends who came to Soho on Monday are headed to Wilton's Music Hall, for something called The Box of Delights. And for once, I'm letting them decide for me, and am going myself too.

And on the 15th of December, my final trip of the year to the Crick Crack Club - Jan Blake is performing Masters of Hex at the British Library. Along with Ben Haggerty and TUUP. Same friend going with me as on the 29th of November, and Helen too - and the same lunatic. Well, after the nasty things she had to say about me, I'll be surprised if she dares to approach me at all.

Next day, I'm back to Ireland for Christmas. Farewell 2017 - it's been good! Roll on 2018, and the next U2 tour..

Concert: St. Martin's Orchestra

Last night of the week with the Man With the Hat, who was taking both Let's Do London - for less! and London for Less Than a Tenner to Cadogan Hall for a classical concert. So, naturally, I was there.. once I figured out how to get there from the centre. Turns out that the 19 bus goes from practically right outside my office door to just down the road from the venue. Perfect.. and there was a newsagent's just beside the stop, where I could get a bottle of water for this nagging cough. I did leave slightly later than intended - got peckish before I left the office, and made myself a couple of slices of toast - but still got there in plenty of time.

We were in good company at the concert - Sir Ian McKellen evidently has the same discerning taste that we do:

Anyway, I needn't have bothered with the water; they were dispensing it for free in the bar. The bar, by the way, was jam-packed - in contrast with the night before, there were so many people there last night that I knew! (The Man Wth the Hat alone had brought 86 of us with him - not a record, I think, but must have been up there.) And in due course, we headed on up.

We were sat throughout the stalls (and some of us rather smug that we had better seats than the aforementioned Sir Ian). The concert comprised Britten, Copland, Elgar, Brahms, Bartok, and Klezmer dances. And for all of it except the Britten, we were fabulously entertained by the clarinetist, Martin Frost. Rarely have I been so entertained at a classical concert - as well as a varied and appealing programme, we got to hear Martin Frost play with both warmth and sensitivity, dancing around the stage with his clarinet for a partner. And indeed, it was toe-tapping dance music..

Afterwards, the plan was to head to the Royal Court - but there were quite a few of us, more than the night before, and there wasn't really room. So we proceeded with Plan B, the Duke of Wellington, down some side streets. Some people preferred the style of pub, others passed on it because they'd have preferred to stay close to the station, so they went straight home. Those of us who stayed in the Duke of Wellington had a fine chat, and it was great to catch up with people I hadn't seen in a while. Oh, and the nice lady behind the bar told me where to find a napkin for my nose - I'd used up such tissues as I'd brought.

Caught the 137 home - and profound joy, my phone data allowance reset at midnight, so I can now use it for internet at home again! Tonight promises to be unusual.. it's that late-night storytelling event at the Wellcome Collection. Tickets were all free, and are now all gone. I was too late to get a ticket for Ben Haggerty's storytelling performance, but I've booked the second, as well as the first and third talks. That bottle of water might still come in handy. Anyway, there's tons of non-ticketed stuff on. Got an email today telling me that they've overbooked the ticketed events, so even people with a ticket mightn't get in! Hey-ho.. Handy my home internet is functioning again, as it's closer to home for once. So I can take my laptop home again..

Tomorrow, I'm finally going to the much-advertised British Museum Tour - Ideas That Made our World. A Funzing event, as advertised by two of their Meetup groups - London Speaks Sessions and LDN Talks @ Night. So I booked with both.. Also probably closer to home than the office, so unlike last weekend, I might not be hanging around the office for the next few days.