Films: The Black Phone & Battle of the Sexes & Restaurant: Casa Tua

Was back in Ireland for the weekend again. There are a few films on that I'd like to see.. now, when I first looked, Elvis was as yet unrated on IMDB. Directed and co-written by Baz Luhrmann and with Tom Hanks as Col. Tom Parker and Austin Butler in the title role, it subsequently debuted with a high rating of 8.1. But in the meantime, I'd become enthused at the next highest rated film - The Black Phone, currently at 7.4, a very high rating for a horror film, is the story of a 13-year-old boy who is kidnapped by a serial kidnapper and killer of children (Ethan Hawke). Trapped in a soundproof basement, when the disconnected phone on the wall begins to ring, he answers it - and finds himself talking to the killer's previous victims. So, you know, I thought I might go see that - Elvis has fallen a bit in ratings in the meantime anyway. Both showing in Ennis, and at roughly the same time.

And so I did, in lashing rain. Ran to the toilet first - someone was washing their hands as I entered a cubicle, and while I was in there, their phone rang. I could hear the person on the other end - and gee, whatever it was about the acoustics, it sounded really weird! Appropriate for the film I was about to see, I guess. And wouldn't you know it, when I eventually made it in, I was the only one at the screening! Years since that last happened to me. I have a friend who would walk out if that happened to her - nuts, as far as I'm concerned, it just makes me feel as though I'm watching it at home. As it happened, I was late enough that I missed most of the advertising - I didn't even have my phone turned off when the lights dimmed and the opening credits started.

Good start - this is a Blumhouse production, and I've heard them described as being at the forefront of horror film-making. Given the list of films they've been involved with, I'm inclined to agree. Anyway, right from the start, with unusual opening credits, this is different - very understated, little build-up. No horrific soundtrack, no constant sense of dread - not from the "grabber", anyway; much more so, the dread in our protagonist's life comes from the bullies at school, who constantly pick on this nerdy guy, and from his and his sister's alcoholic father, constantly looking for solace for his wife's death at the bottom of a bottle, and venting his frustrations on his terrified kids.

Similarly, our villain is very softly spoken, (mostly) gentle - you begin to wonder whether he'll do anything. Until he does. And when horrific things do happen - or horrific images present themselves - they're all the more effective for having had no build-up. For a story that could be very cliched, this doesn't present itself that way at all - non-typical direction, editing, soundtrack, acting.. our protagonist isn't a snivelling, terrified kid. Yes, he's scared - but he's also determined. And in the end, the story isn't about the "grabber" at all - but about this kid learning to stand up for himself in a violent world. How you feel about the message is another story - but it works really well as a horror film.

And as for being on my own in the cinema - as I left, there was a huge queue of adults and children - for Lightyear, I think. With the voices of Chris Evans (in the title role) and James Brolin (as a bad guy), this is the spin-off story of the astronaut doll in the Toy Story films, in which a bunch of toys, led by Tom Hanks, have various adventures. Now, I like the Toy Story films, but this one isn't supposed to be great - and with that queue, I am so glad. Can you imagine the chaos..?

And so to Jade Cottage again, where I found myself in a queue of people collecting takeaways! Not only that, but several tables were occupied in the restaurant - it's great to see them doing so well. I took my turn, and asked for a table when I got the chance - no problem. I decided to revert to the General Tso's chicken - and was sorry I did. It really is stodgy, and I felt so bloated all night as a result.. I dunno whether I'll come back here, to be honest. Athough the chocolate chocolate chip ice cream was delish..

The film on TV that night was Battle of the Sexes, which I had been interested in but never got to see. This is the true story of an exhibition tennis match, organised in 1972 by men's champion Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell) against women's champion Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) - he was the one who gave it its title, and marketed himself as a "male chauvinist pig" to garner interest. Honestly though, he fully expected to win - it's amazing to see on screen how sexist society was in those days, in comparison with now. And for some years after - I remember! The story is a good one, and it's lovely to see him get his comeuppance (although he's quite sympathetic, as played by Steve Carell). Mind you, I had to run the gamut of my mother, who (a) isn't interested in films in general, and (b) remembered Billie Jean King in real life, and disapproved of her "mannishness" - indeed, she did have a female lover (depicted in the film, although in real life she was her secretary, not her hairdresser), and she ultimately married a woman.

Back in London now, following an entertaining flight where one of the attendants was trying to persuade us to buy cigarettes ("if you don't smoke, this is your chance to start!") and alcohol ("any alcoholics on the plane will be interested in this"). Was hungry when I arrived, and looking around for Italian restaurants, was surprised to see one at the end of my road! Casa Tua is a nondescript little place - I wasn't aware that it was a proper restaurant, which it is! So I moseyed over to have a look. I was put off by the queue at the door, as it was also packed inside - was going to head elsewhere until I overheard the owner tell someone in the queue that it was all right, they have a downstairs room as well! So I decided to wait - and it wasn't too long before we were all seated. They really hate to turn anyone away.

So - it's crowded, the tables are close together: but that's a function of its popularity. Having said that, my meal wasn't terrific - the service took a while, naturally, as it was so busy, but I never really felt forgotten about. But the (toasted) garlic bread I had, while very garlicky, was a bit weird - would have been helped by cutting off the crusts, which were very tough. And the carbonara was fine - but honestly, there was too much parmesan on it, which just looked like sick in the bowl after. Still, it was edible. The wine was lovely - but wow, pricey! Still, I was glad to see carafes on offer. The owner is amazingly friendly - but if I go back, I'll have something different.. 

It ran too late to blog, the last two nights, what with redoing the film list, last-minute. Tonight, I've booked with TAC to hear an interview with Chris Patten, the last UK governor of Hong Kong before it was handed back to China. Happening at Conway Hall.

Tomorrow, I booked again with Free Stuff and Free Events, for their Free Tuesday Sing-a-Long for Health and Pleasure. Online, and one where you're muted, so you don't even have anyone hear you sing! Great for the shy. But of course, I wasn't too pushed - hence the redoing of the film list. Now top is Emuthi Puthi, an Indian (of course!) comedy about a teenage girl who decides to run away from home, and is accompanied by her grandmother, who has this obsession with finding the fish of life (or something). Anyway, looks ok - showing at the Ciné Lumiere. Years since I was last there, of course..

On Wednesday, I'm finally succumbing 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.

On Thursday, 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..

On Friday, back with Civilised London (CL) for dinner at Caravel. Terrific reviews..

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..

Next 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 the 5th - 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 the 6th, back with CT for a concert by the Royal College of Music Brass Ensemble, at the college on Shelton Street.

On the 7th, 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! Wow, was only there once before, 3.5 years ago..

On the 12th, I'm going to The Southbury Child, at the Bridge Theatre. And now CT is selling cheap tickets for that too, bah. I also 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 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.

And on the 27th of next month, 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!

Film: Top Gun - Maverick

The film for the weekend - was Top Gun: Maverick! in which Tom Cruise reprises his fighter-pilot role of so many years ago. Also stars Jennifer Connelly as his love interest, who owns the local bar (how else could they meet? as the US Navy disapproves of work relationships), Val Kilmer back as Iceman, now an admiral - a significant decision, given that throat cancer has left him unable to speak, and his lines are read by an AI program. Ed Harris is the rear admiral. Love song by Lady Gaga. Now, I couldn't really miss this. And indeed, a flattering review in yesterday's paper was written by someone who hadn't expected much from it at all.. as she says, "The bastards. They got me."

With plenty of time to spare, of course I ended up tight for time. Got myself an ice cream on the way in, it being so warm and sunny outside. The trailers were on when I got to the screen - Screen 1, the largest, although at this matinée there were only maybe half a dozen of us. And I discovered that it's a little complicated to eat ice cream in the dark, when you can't see whether it's fallen off the spoon..

And so to the main attraction - and oh YES, they start with Danger Zone. Perfect - and combine that with lots of shots of fighter jets taking off, and it's a real nostalgia-fest. Which is exactly what fans of the original want. So, the basic story is that Maverick (Tom Cruise's callsign) pissed off the wrong people, and got kicked out of Top Gun, the elite fighter pilot school. He's now a test pilot, still pushing the envelope - until he gets recalled to Top Gun, courtesy of his now-VIP friend Iceman, to teach a group of students to fly a desperately difficult mission.

The Top Gun films work with the Navy, you know - they need to, to get access to these incredibly expensive pieces of equipment. And despite the side stories to get us interested in the characters, it's really the flying that we're there for. Which is spectacular - no lesser word will do. I spent much of the film with my hands to my mouth - this is exciting, thrilling to watch: and when they get to do the mission for real at the end of the film, you get spectacular scenery to match. Speaking of the side stories, they have someone playing the son of Goose, who was killed in the first film - and did a good job of finding someone who quite resembles him! Anyway, look, you know what this film is about - you'll be interested or not. Let me just reassure you, if this is your thing - this is exactly what you'd hoped for, and more. And if this is your thing - get out there and see it!

Afterwards, to Jade Cottage again, and consulted my blog to find out what was good to eat. She remembered me, and correctly predicted what I'd have to drink! For main, I had the kung po chicken. Now, it has the advantage of not filling me up - but it's a pity, because I really didn't feel like it, and would have preferred General Tso's chicken. Which does fill me up. So I can't win.. Might be rethinking where I eat, next time.

Was too tired to blog last night. So, back to London today - and I feel like film again tomorrow. What's coming up is The Quiet Girl, ironically - an Irish film, partly in the Irish language, in which a little girl from a dysfunctional family is fostered out to another (Carrie Crowley, famous to us in Ireland from years of TV work, plays the foster mother). Supposed to be really good - the little girl is played by Catherine Clinch, whose first film it is, and who won an IFTA for her performance. Closest showing to me is in the Curzon Bloomsbury.

On Tuesday, attending an online talk by Guided Walking Tours in Brighton and Sussex. They're starting a Short Story Tuesdays series, where the host reads a short story by a selected author (fee £3) - and this week's author is Graham Greene. No link yet, I notice.

On Wednesday, back with Civilised London for an Italian meal - this is in Terra Rossa, meeting beforehand in The Crown, as usual. Should be able to pick up the keys to my new place beforehand. :-)

On Thursday, I finally get my postponed meeting with my ex-coworkers - and after my glowing reports of Bill's on Clink Street, we're heading there! Optional drinks beforehand, I've suggested The Old Thameside Inn.

On Friday - taking advantage of the bank holiday, I booked something that's been heavily advertised. At £60, it's not cheap, but I really fancied it, so I'm headed to The Gunpowder Plot, an immersive, combined VR and real-life experience at the Tower. You can get a themed lunch with that, but I passed. Earliest date now available is the 8th, at a minimum price of £50 (last few available) - the price increases as you get closer to the date. And ironic how these two events are closer to my old place..

And on Saturday, booked with Walks, Talks and Treasure Hunts again for A Nosey Around Soho. In association with London Guided Walks as usual, a £3 discount for using the code MEETUP3, which at least covers the booking fee. Looks like Hazel herself is running this one - if so, it'll be the first time I'll have seen her in years. Assuming I'm not a couple of minutes late, and miss her. Well, if I do get to go, I hope she doesn't spam me, like she did after the last one, with constant ads for her podcast and requests for reviews! Of course, if you go on her site, there seems to be no way to leave a review..

Film: Downton Abbey - A New Era

For this afternoon, it was the much-advertised Downton Abbey: A New Era. Like the tv series, the films focus on an aristocratic English family: Dame Maggie Smith as the dowager Countess, Hugh Bonneville as the Earl, Brendan Coyle as his valet, Laura Carmichael as one of his daughters, Jim Carter as the butler, Penelope Wilton as a cousin, and friend of the dowager Countess, whose son is heir to the earldom, as the Earl and Countess have no sons. I was never a fan of the tv series, and didn't see the first film, but hey, it promised to be watchable. In this one, a film crew arrives at the stately home - the real-life Highclere Castle - while about half the family decamp to a villa in the south of France, which was bequeathed to the Dowager Countess, and which they never knew about!

I could park freely a bit closer today - free parking on Sundays - which was nice! And came to the cinema a different way, as I had an errand to run first.

Made the cinema good and early. I'd seen some seats booked online, but not nearly as many as that actually showed up! Last-minute change of mind?

Grand sweeping shots of architecture (the castle / abbey and the villa), grand sweeping shots of landscapes (the shot of the Med was particularly appealing), lovely costumes. We get some lovely weather, courtesy of this new villa location, and some terrific costumes from the film-within-a-film as well, given that it's set during the Belle Époque. And do you know, this is much better than it has a right to be. The Dowager Countess, as usual, nicks the best lines, but provides a much-loved centrepiece to the family, and some touching scenes. Yes, the plot is fairly predictable - but it's not taxing, the intended audience doesn't care, and there's still room for fun. Yep, I liked it, regular fans will love it. Glad I went - although I'm pretty sure I'll never be a major fan.

Afterwards, I fancied The Grove, next door to Jade Cottage, for dinner - but wouldn't you know it, it was completely full! And so, back to Jade Cottage - and I wasn't the only overflow from The Grove, I daresay, given how busy they were! So, for once they were unable to seat me out of anyone's view.

I got the smiley waitress again - we kind of joked over whether I wanted to taste the wine, as she recognised me and I've had it twice before. She didn't bother with an ice bucket this time, mind. Anyway, same starter - which was lovely - and this time, last choice on the menu that suited, I decided to try kung po chicken. Which I have to say, came out best on the menu for me. Tasty, not too spicy, and not too filling. Lots of peanuts, which I don't remember seeing in kung po before - but it worked! And I had room for dessert. Yep, I have found my preferred dish here at last.

Back to London tomorrow, and on Tuesday, a revamped version of Oklahoma at the Young Vic! They sent the ticket today, by email.

On Wednesday (Star Wars Day - May the fourth be with you), I'm at last back with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners! Ah, it's been too long.. someone suggested that I skip off work for a couple of hours during the day to go on the walks, but seriously, every time I checked when his walks were, I had a meeting that clashed! So, not an option. Anyway, this is the Cool Camden Pub Walk! It was actually rescheduled - was originally supposed to happen last Wednesday. Unfortunately, this Wednesday, it clashes with a couple of other things - a Civilised London (CL) meal I was actually booked on (happily, he gave me a refund of my deposit), and leaving drinks for my favourite ex-boss from my last company. Tarnation. Well, can't be helped - this is a pub tour I really want to go on. I was originally booked for an online talk that night - Fight Them on the Beaches is a talk about the greatest speeches in parliament. Courtesy of Guided Walking Tours in Brighton and Sussex. But they record the talks, so I can catch it afterwards. True, isn't it - everything happens on Wednesdays!

On Thursday, I'm off to Scandaltown, at the Lyric. Yet another play by the prolific Mike Bartlett, this is a revamped Restoration comedy, set in modern-day, debauched London. As always, love his stuff and am really looking forward to this. But wouldn't you know it, now CT has tickets.. ah well..

Just as well I had Friday free when another ex-boss, Ivan, asked when we could do drinks again! He also suggested we try to find somewhere quieter than the last place - not an easy ask, for a central venue on a Friday night. Ah, but I have contacts.. the organiser of CL once recommended to me a pub just off Charing Cross Road, which he knows as quieter than the usual - I couldn't remember the name, but he reminded me it's the Round Table. I'd have booked, but they seem not to take bookings on Friday evenings. Our ex-colleague is coming, and for the first time, my aforementioned ex-boss from my last company! Should be cool.

On Saturday, back with Laurence and the 45+s - this time, it's a walk called Red Lights, Rabble Rousers & RocknRollers, around Soho. And Helen is coming up for it! So, a highly sociable week!

And next Sunday, back with the Crick Crack Club. This is The Origins of Life and Death, with Jan Blake, at the British Museum, which I missed in January. Limited availability at time of writing, as they have socially distanced seating.

Film: The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

Now back to Ireland for the weekend. Yes, almost every weekend last month - it just worked out that way. I'd normally have been in London last weekend you see, except for staying in Ireland to see my friend. And this trip was already booked when that was organised. Now, it's a long weekend, so I have an extra day here - can see two films! The Arc Cinema now being the cheapest around, I'm concentrating on that - there isn't anything special showing in Limerick anyway. Higher rated is The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, a comedy where the versatile Nicholas Cage plays a version of himself, sending up his iconic characters. I wasn't sure how many I'd recognise - I'm not the most dedicated follower of his work! Also stars Neil Patrick Harris as his agent, and Demi Moore. So, I saw that yesterday.

Someone I was speaking to wasn't keen on this, having already seen it - but frankly, I don't trust her judgement. Anyway, off I toddled, arriving as trailers were showing. A couple of other people were in the screen. In this, Nicholas Cage plays a version of himself, having something of a midlife crisis. He's in financial trouble too, so when his agent suggests a gig where he gets paid $1m just to show up at a birthday party, he reluctantly agrees. It's in Mallorca. However, it turns out to be a ruse - his host (Pedro Pascal) has written a screenplay and would love Nick Cage to act in it. And then there's a side story - there's a gangster connection, and a kidnapping that they all get caught up in..

So. I have to say, I had a marvellous time! I might not be a dedicated follower of Nicholas Cage, but I do enjoy watching him. And in this, you get two versions - a younger version of himself (digitally de-aged) keeps showing up, kind of as his conscience / ego, and they keep having arguments. His bonding with Pedro Pascal is the highlight of the film - Pedro is quite adorable to watch, with one of those baby faces, acting as the lovable fool. The story develops into a film-within-a-film idea, as they plan to do a screenplay together, discuss how it should be an adult, character-driven drama, and then agree to add a kidnapping for box office appeal. The kidnapping does feel tacked on - as Pedro remarks when it's first mooted. So hey, perhaps we have in this an explanation to why they did it. Anyway, it isn't ideal, but as I say, I did love the character-driven part of the film. Watch out for a totally unexpected cameo at the end by Demi Moore. Recommended.

Afterwards, I fancied Jade Cottage again. Now, as mentioned before, the partitions here mean that tables are pretty much hidden from each other - interestingly, both the seats I'd sat in before were occupied, so I was led to a third, again quite discreet. Apart from the blasted conveyor belt of waiters traipsing past, making me feel constantly under surveillance as they checked whether I was done yet. Of course, the last time I was here I developed a plan for what to choose next - unfortunately, I needed to check the blog to see what I'd said, and while I was on my phone, one of these attentive waiters pounced, thinking that meant I was finished with the menu, and took my order. Happily, I had just about had time to decide. I chose the same starter as before (leading to a bit of an argument with the waiter about which menu I was choosing it from, which he cared about more than I did), and this time, honey chicken. With a half bottle of white wine.

Well, the waiter who brought the wine wasn't as solicitous as the previous one in bringing an ice bucket - but to be fair, I didn't need one, and he was great at refilling my glass. The starter was lovely. The honey chicken.. well, it achieved the aim of not being spicy, which was why I chose it, but the honey taste was very slight. The main problem though was the sheer quantity of what they gave me! I hadn't a hope of finishing it, or even of having a dessert. And so, my quest for the perfect dish continues!

Couldn't use the computer last night, it was playing up. For this afternoon, it's looking like the much-advertised Downton Abbey: A New Era. Like the tv series, the films focus on an aristocratic English family: Dame Maggie Smith as the dowager Countess, Hugh Bonneville as the Earl, Brendan Coyle as his valet, Laura Carmichael as one of his daughters, Jim Carter as the butler, Penelope Wilton as a cousin, and friend of the dowager Countess, whose son is heir to the earldom, as the Earl and Countess have no sons. I was never a fan of the tv series, and didn't see the first film, but hey, it should be watchable. Apparently, in this one, a film crew arrives at the stately home - the real-life Highclere Castle - while about half the family decamp to a villa in the south of France, which was bequeathed to the Dowager Countess, and which they never knew about!

Back to London then tomorrow, and on Tuesday, a revamped version of Oklahoma at the Young Vic!

On Wednesday (Star Wars Day - May the fourth be with you), I'm at last back with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners! Ah, it's been too long.. someone suggested that I skip off work for a couple of hours during the day to go on the walks, but seriously, every time I checked when his walks were, I had a meeting that clashed! So, not an option. Anyway, this is the Cool Camden Pub Walk! It was actually rescheduled - was originally supposed to happen last Wednesday. Unfortunately, this Wednesday, it clashes with a couple of other things - a Civilised London (CL) meal I was actually booked on (happily, he gave me a refund of my deposit), and leaving drinks for my favourite ex-boss from my last company. Tarnation. Well, can't be helped - this is a pub tour I really want to go on. I was originally booked for an online talk that night - Fight Them on the Beaches is a talk about the greatest speeches in parliament. Courtesy of Guided Walking Tours in Brighton and Sussex. But they record the talks, so I can catch it afterwards. True, isn't it - everything happens on Wednesdays!

On Thursday, I'm off to Scandaltown, at the Lyric. Yet another play by the prolific Mike Bartlett, this is a revamped Restoration comedy, set in modern-day, debauched London. As always, love his stuff and am really looking forward to this. But wouldn't you know it, now CT has tickets.. ah well..

Just as well I had Friday free when another ex-boss, Ivan, asked when we could do drinks again! He also suggested we try to find somewhere quieter than the last place - not an easy ask, for a central venue on a Friday night. Ah, but I have contacts.. the organiser of CL once recommended to me a pub just off Charing Cross Road, which he knows as quieter than the usual - I couldn't remember the name, but he reminded me it's the Round Table. I'd have booked, but they seem not to take bookings on Friday evenings. Our ex-colleague is coming, and for the first time, my aforementioned ex-boss from my last company! Should be cool.

On Saturday, back with Laurence and the 45+s - this time, it's a walk called Red Lights, Rabble Rousers & RocknRollers, around Soho. And Helen is coming up for it! So, a highly sociable week!

And next Sunday, back with the Crick Crack Club. This is The Origins of Life and Death, with Jan Blake, at the British Museum, which I missed in January. Limited availability at time of writing, as they have socially distanced seating.

Restaurants: Jade Cottage & China-Ki

Had to run an errand for my mother in Ennis on Thursday - and while I was there, I got a yen to eat at Jade Cottage again. So I did! As usual, they weren't busy - the table next to the one I had last time was occupied, so he showed me to the back of the room instead, where I was seated on a very fetching, gold-effect bench. It is interesting how most of the tables are hidden from view from most of the other tables, with careful positioning of screens and such.

I had the same starter as before - but, mindful of how heavy I found their version of General Tso's chicken, I changed my main, and had "sweet chilli chicken". Which was good, if a little fiery - I am getting closer to my perfect dish here though, and I'll try their honey chicken next time. Had a half bottle of wine, which she offered to present in an ice bucket, and some chocolate ice cream to finish. With the same smiling service, this restaurant is always an excellent choice!

Well, my friend got back to me - they were away in the middle of the week, back that day, so the most sensible thing to do seemed to be to visit yesterday, which I arranged with her. Happily, my boss was also fine with me taking the week as holiday. Long, long drive down there though - with the usual heavy traffic in Charleville. Still, traffic jams are great for having a look around - I hadn't seen this before!

And it was terrific to see her, and see how her boys have grown! It's over two years, what with everything, since we've seen each other. I tried out location sharing on my phone, so she could tell when I was near - she has a Huawei though, I think she said, and it was hard for her to get Google working. She did in the end, mind, and it's a cool feature!

I broke the long drive back with a stop in Limerick, and was just about hungry enough to eat there. And again, the nearest was China-Ki. First thing, I needed the loo - which turns out to be just inside the door. In fact, the door to the toilets leads into a little corridor, with the various different categories marked on doors along it. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, the lights were off in the toilets - and I hadn't brought my phone, whose light I could have used. Well, I could see from the light coming through the pane of glass in the corridor door that the first toilet door was the Gents, the next the accessible toilet. The Ladies was around the corner - probably - but it was in complete darkness, and I had no hope of telling which was which. So I just went back to the accessible toilet.

Dark inside as well - but there was an emergency light, and I felt around until I found the door lock: locked the door. Located the toilet, the handbasin, and the hand dryer - could just about see them in the dim light. Did my business satisfactorily. And then could not find the flush! Feeling around, I felt something dangling - so I pulled it. Pity it was the alarm - which sounded all through the restaurant! I managed to get the door unlocked, and made my escape.. the ultra-calm waitress tended to me most solicitously, bringing a jug of water before she went to investigate, and eventually turned it off. I have to wonder though - was there, in fact, a light switch somewhere that I missed (in the darkness)?

I had the chicken fillet rolls - dunno what it was, but I didn't enjoy them today, and don't think I'll have them again. Looking back over previous posts, I discovered I had liked the beef szechuan here - but I didn't feel like anything spicy, so went for General Tso's chicken again. Couldn't finish it though - left a large portion of it uneaten. Again, will change my order the next time! At least this time, when she brought me wine, she had the good sense to pour it all out at once! and when she brought a top-up, to pour it straight into the same glass. Again, service was extremely attentive - with no-one else in the restaurant, I was plagued with people not too subtly popping around the partition to see whether I was done yet..

Anyway, I'll fly back to London tomorrow. And on Monday, I'm off to The Corn is Green, at the National. I see this was also a film, which I remember seeing on tv, years ago.. Bette Davis played a teacher in a deprived area in the 1930s, who had one promising student whose lot in life she sought to improve, despite his humble circumstances..

Film: The Northman

I identified four films showing locally this week that I might be interested in, and only one showing in the Omniplex in the afternoon. So I've booked that one for Sunday - it's The Lost City, and stars Sandra Bullock as an author, Channing Tatum as the model for the hero on her book covers, Brad Pitt, and Daniel Radcliffe as an eccentric millionaire in another of those lost-city-in-the-jungle capers.

The other three films only have afternoon showings in Ennis - so, it's there I'm bound for them. They charge for booking, and are not booking out, so I haven't. Highest rated, and therefore the choice for today, was The Northman, a Viking caper about a young prince (Amleth) whose father, the King (Ethan Hawke), is murdered, so it falls to the lad to avenge him. Nicole Kidman is the Queen, Alexander Skarsgård the adult Amleth, Willem Dafoe and Björk are oracles.

So, Amleth's father, the King, is murdered by his brother, who seizes the kingdom and takes his widow, Gudrun. It falls to Amleth to avenge his father's death. Hmm.. this story is sounding familiar! Turns out that this film is actually based on the hero, Amleth, from the Norse sagas, on whom Shakespeare's Hamlet was based. And the saga was actually set in Denmark, too. Having said that, it does take liberties, and as the director, Robert Eggers said, he threw in whatever was cool from the sagas. Interestingly on that point, there's a YouTube video discussing the historical accuracy of the trailer - this hasn't had a worldwide release yet, so possibly the maker of this video hasn't seen the entire film, at time of writing. I'd love to know his thoughts on it!

As one of the reviews says, "Wow!". It is a long one, but it's dazzling from the start - I watched much of it open-mouthed. It's almost relentlessly violent, but that is the kind of story we're dealing with, and you have to expect some. Besides, it shies away from the worst, leaving much to the imagination. It's not gratuitous. The scenery is suitably stunning - some was shot in Iceland, and it's a great advert for it. Having said that, they were trying to shoot during the pandemic, and ended up shooting most of it in Ireland, a place called Sallagh Braes standing in for the Icelandic village. Early in the film, a fight scene in the mud made me think immediately that it had to be Ireland - it comes with the territory!

The soundtrack is suitably menacing - I would love to be able to get the full version, which I guess won't be available until it's had a full release. Someone remarked to me that he hates seeing Nicole Kidman these days - her face is frozen. I watched her closely during the film - it mostly isn't an issue, there isn't a lot of smiling to be done in the film anyway! and a lot of her shots are taken from the side. There is just one scene where I'd have to say, it looks as though he's right, she does seem expressionless. Sadly.

As for the rest - crikey, I knew I recognised Alexander Skarsgård from somewhere; I didn't realise, not having seen it for some time, but of course, he played Eric Northman in True Blood! Willem Dafoe and Björk play suitable spooky oracles - and I love all the supernatural elements, woven as deftly into the story as they were into the sagas. FYI, in the trailer, the woman seen screaming on a horse is a Valkyrie, and those teeth don't have braces on them, they're carved! which was a common Viking practice.

I absolutely loved this, but it's tough if you have a problem with violence. Otherwise, in the name of the gods, go see! As someone in one of the online reviews said, it's so good to see a film treat Norse mythology properly! My only problem with it was the kid (who looked too young to be there, but no-one was checking) in the row behind, who got bored in a quiet bit where nobody was being killed, and started kicking the seat in front of him. Which wasn't mine, but it made the whole row vibrate, and I had to move to the one in front. Happily, the cinema was mostly empty - a good side-effect of matinees!

Walking back to the car (this being a cinema without a car park), the sun was pelting down for the first time today. Put everyone in a good mood, which must have been why, every time I had to cross a road, the drivers stopped to let me across..

Anyway, afterwards I thought to go to Jade Cottage, where I haven't been in a while. I actually got the same table I was at the last time! Decided to choose chicken spring rolls to start this time - which were delicious, especially with the sweet chili sauce that came with them. For my main course, I had General Tso's chicken, simply because the one I had yesterday was disappointing. And it was beautiful - but again, like last time, I was stuffed after them. Might choose something a little lighter next time. Gorgeous wine, too - this is an excellent place, and staff passed so frequently, and were so efficient, that it was easy to catch them. Will be back.

I have five days in which to see the remaining films - watch this space as to when that'll be. In descending order of rating, they are:

Operation Mincemeat stars the ever-dependable Colin Firth, Matthew Macfadyen, and Penelope Wilton in a comedy based on the true story of how, during WWII, they put the Nazis off the scent by handcuffing a case of fake "secret" papers to a corpse, and letting it be found. They've made a play about this too, you know! Planning on this for tomorrow.

Finally, Morbius is another of those superhero things - an antihero, rather. Jared Leto is the hapless biochemist who accidentally turns himself into a vampire - with all the powers that entails. Also stars Michael Keaton.

Well, my friend got back to me - they're away in the middle of next week, back on Thursday, so the most sensible thing to do seemed to be to visit next Friday, which I've now arranged with her. Happily, my boss was also fine with me taking that week as holiday. Anyway, I'll fly back to London on the 24th. And on the 25th, I'm off to The Corn is Green, at the National.

Restaurant: Jade Cottage

I've exhausted the repertoire of decent films in the area that I haven't seen. Which left me with nothing to do today - so, isn't it a good job that my friend who wanted to catch up with me over dinner got in touch yesterday, and suggested doing it this evening! He works in Galway, suggested Ennis as convenient to me, and on his way - but he doesn't know the place at all. So it occurred to me that the area of Roslevan is close to the motorway, has decent restaurants, and avoids him having to go into the town centre! And they have a Chinese restaurant, Jade Cottage, that was excellent the last time I went there - which was years ago.. so I booked. I had to book by phone, but I have to say, it was one of my easier experiences - the phone was answered on the second ring, and the woman on the other end was comprehensible.

It lashed rain all evening. I arrived a bit early, leaving me time to go to the nearby shop for a paper, and headed in shortly before the scheduled appointment time. Sure enough, she asked for the Covid cert - and made very sure to absorb the necessary details. And I was finally shown to our table. I kept trying to take a photo, but gee, every time I did, a server appeared wanting to help in some way! And then my companion arrived - so I never did get that photo taken.

I had chili chicken, followed by General Tso's chicken with egg fried rice. I was delighted to see they have half-bottles of wine - so I had the white. He had chicken spring rolls, and chicken szechuan with both noodles and steamed rice. And he polished off the lot, remarking that this place was a good suggestion! Me, I loved all of mine, but was too pogged to finish the rice. We didn't bother with dessert, but it was great to see the place is as good as ever!

I fly back tomorrow evening - and on Friday, it's back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS), to an opera by Handel, called Amadigi. Playing at the Hackney Empire.

With so little choice on Meetup at the moment, the next four nights for me are with one of my cheap ticket groups (TAC), at £3.60 a pop. Well, it's good to get back with them before they decide I no longer want to be a member! Saturday sounds interesting - it's Ophelia Thinks Harder (a reworking of Hamlet) at the Bridewell Theatre.

Now, I'm thrilled that Hallowe'en is coming up - so I spent a lot of time today trying to find something decent to do that day. And would you credit it, I haven't yet found anything! So I had a look at what Darkfield is offering - that was the best thing I did, last Hallowe'en. They have in-person shows too, but Darkfield doesn't provide a venue, and I don't have one to give them! So, I was delighted to see that they've got a new personalised audio show called Knot. It's a three-parter - the first is designed to take place on a park bench, the second in the front passenger seat of a car, the third at home. If necessary, all parts can be experienced at home, but they ask you to recreate the environments as closely as possible. Currently booking - but only up to the 11th! I'm sure it'll still be running on Hallowe'en, but just to be sure, I've booked for Saturday night. I should be back in time. Headphones and app download required - I still have the app from last year. Blindfold highly recommended, as you're not supposed to peek..!

Sunday is Love Goddess: The Rita Hayworth Cabaret, at the Canal Cafe Theatre. I believe we have to buy membership on the door, for another £1.50.

Monday is the World Doctors Orchestra, at the Barbican. Yes, apparently with actual doctors. They're to send me a promo code to use to get my own ticket - I asked what the story was, and they said the venue recommends not sending the code out until the day before the event.

Tuesday is Fritz & Matlock, at the Pleasance - they caught my eye by advertising it as a reworking of Waiting for Godot..

Next Wednesday, I've signed up for a Free 3 Mile City of London on Screen - Guided Walk & Post Event Social, with Invigorate. It's a tour of film locations, most of which I might know already, but hey. This is a newly minted group, made from one that I used to be a member of, before. And it'll be my first guided walk, post-lockdown! The organiser of this group also organised one of the last events I went to, pre-lockdown..

Thursday of next week, I've promised to keep free so I can go for drinks with my boss and her team again. Happens weekly.

Friday of next week, back with TAC for Lately, at the Lion & Unicorn. Then I'm back to Ireland again - on Saturday again, as I was unable to get a Friday flight! Working from home the following Monday, and flying back to London that evening.

On the 12th, I found a curious thing on Meetup - it seems that Watkins Bookshop has its own Meetup group, where it advertises events, and that day there's a talk by Stephen Skinner, about Aleister Crowley's Four Books of Magick. Ok, sounds interesting to me - I signed up.

On the 13th, back at last with Civilised London! We're off for what promises to be another excellent meal, this time at the Korean restaurant, The Petite Corée. Meeting beforehand in The Railway pub.

On the 14th, back at last with London European Club! Happily, they're going to what I'd be going to anyway.. the Crick Crack Club is performing The Women Who Gave No F*cks, at Rich Mix. Fantastic when the London European Club decide to come..

On the 15th, woo! A couple of weeks ago, UITCS was off to 2:22 - A Ghost Story, but I was meeting an ex-colleague for drinks that night and couldn't go. Well, I got a ticket for the 15th - second-last night of the run! Unfortunately, cheapest available were £65, and no availability with cheap ticket sellers - ah well, I decided I really wanted to see it (great reviews helped), so I booked. Had great fun trying to decide which of the few remaining seats at that price was the best.. Showing at the Noel Coward Theatre.

And on the 16th, my first outing with another new group - Bucket List London is off to Kenwood House, and I said I'd join them. You don't have to book, but it guarantees availability- tickets for free from English Heritage, via See Tickets.