Last night started out with yet more free comedy in Hammersmith (!) with Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith, Wimbledon and Greenwich, Random London, London Live Comedy, Hammersmith & Fulham Friends, and Discover LDN.UK. But then Funzing (London Speaks Sessions and LDN Talks @ Night) rocked up and saved me, with a talk on Blitzed - Drugs in Nazi Germany. However, over the weekend, Kensington Classical Music advertised, at late notice, a piano concert in the Lansdowne Club; smart dress again! Generally means no denim. It was close enough to walk. So I booked - I was in time to get a refund from Funzing, and I don't get to enough of these.
And then it rained. Oh, how it rained! The proverbial 40 days and 40 nights hardly covers it. It started at lunchtime, and absolutely poured all afternoon. By the time I came to leave, it was still lashing down. Sod it, I said, I'll take the driest option of the Tube - handily, I had my Oyster card on me. Besides, I was a bit tight on time - not that a short Tube journey really saves time, what with all the time taken to get down to platform level at the entry station, and back up at the exit station. I'm sure I didn't get there any faster than if I'd walked.
But I was still glad I hadn't. What with being stuck behind people fiddling with brollies, then having them poke me in the eye, and uneven pavements that filled with puddles, with loose paving stones that flipped up and splashed me several times on the short walk from Green Park - I was pretty grumpy by the time I reached the Lansdowne Club. No sign of our organiser - I figured she'd gone in already. Actually, it turned out that they'd only just started to let people in, and she and the others who'd arrived early had only just arrived - my timing was rather good. As instructed, I asked for the piano recital, was directed up some stairs, and gratefully left my sodden coat in the cloakroom. They checked my name off the list, just as the cloakroom attendant dashed up to me with the ticket I'd forgotten. There was the organiser, there were the group - most already comfortably ensconced in a lovely ballroom, in what is a stunning building, apparently newly refurbished.
What followed was arguably the loveliest recital I've ever been to. The programme opened with Haydn, followed by Beethoven's Pathétique. Now, Beethoven is my favourite composer overall, and the beginning of the piece was instantly identifiable as Beethoven, dramatic chords to grab our attention. And I might well have expected to like this piece the best. But I hadn't been prepared for what was to come - two sublime pieces by Bach, arrangements by Busoni ("Ich Ruf zu Dir, Herr Jesu Christ" and Chaconne) were followed by an almost equally enthralling piece by Liszt. And all so sensitively played - although I don't have the technical knowledge exhibited by one of our group, who teaches piano and performs himself.
After a wonderful concert (and a partial standing ovation), we repaired to the bar, unwilling to venture out into the deluge again. It was so comfy, and so lovely..
You can only buy drinks with a member's card, but our fearless organiser schlepped over to a couple of guys in the corner and asked to borrow theirs. So we managed one round - and after, the pianist, Bobby Chen, finally joined us! We passed a most convivial evening in the company of this softly spoken musician, and I was delighted I'd come. Sadly, I can't come to their next visit here.. but more of that later.
Coming out, it was still pouring. I followed Google Maps' directions to Berkeley Square, where they said to catch the C2. No nightingales singing last night, sadly - just a constant drip-drip. Well, wouldn't you know it - my third bus mishap in just over a week (I've complained again). The only bus mentioned on the stop was the 22! As I checked its route on TFL, only to discover it passes nowhere near there, a C2 sailed past. Sod it, I said, and made my way back to Green Park, taking the first bus that happened along that would get me to within walking distance of home. And my poor feet got soaked a few more times on the last walk - I stopped into Tesco en route, feeling hungry, and had to dump the paper I'd been carrying, which was sodden.
For tonight, I was looking at free comedy in Greenwich, with London Live Comedy, Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith, Wimbledon and Greenwich, and Random London - I see he's now taken to advertising them with Funzing UK as well. (I do wonder what's happening with London Literary Walks, who used to have a walk almost every Wednesday over the summer..) Anyway, on Friday, what should happen (over lunch) but that I got an offer of £5 tickets to go see Queen Anne (offer now available only on Thursday). Well now, that had already caught my attention - so now I'm going to that. (The company involved do say not to spread their name around, but since they advertise on the Tube - and have done in the paper - I do think that's highly hypocritical.) And it's an even shorter walk. And the rain dried up! All good.
Tomorrow was more comedy - in Hammersmith - with the Famous Five (aforementioned) groups - Discover LDN.UK twice, as before. But you know, Eleanor did a good job last week of selling upcoming events to us - so instead, I'm going to see The Good Soldier Schwejk - mainly because it's on upstairs at Sands Films, where I've never been. Then it's back to Ireland for the weekend.
On Monday, more comedy - for £3.60, this time. Tez Ilyas is performing at the Pleasaunce, and I know he's good - saw him in Top Secret once, for free..
On Tuesday, the U2 tour continues - I fly to Barcelona that day, to see them that night! One of their crazy, one-night-only appearances, on what is a very limited tour. Turns out I'm seeing them at half of all their European concerts for the year! Looking forward to immersing myself in the madness again.
I fly back next Wednesday, and that night was - provisionally - booked for more free comedy (quelle surprise). Greenwich, the above three groups. There are some interesting Funzing talks that night, but I've already seen them. And then - why, Eleanor has another event! I listened to a clip of Hanitra, decided I liked her enough, so now I'm booked to see her in Sands Films that night.
The 20th, I booked another Funzing talk (the above two groups). This is a talk about serial killers, as given by a forensic psychologist (Jennifer Rees) that works with the police, and who also gives terrific talks about psychopaths. Highly recommended! She's a terrifically engaging speaker, and looks far too young to be working in such a murky area. Unfortunately, now I've had to cancel - turns out that the much-anticipated first Meetup of the Man with the Hat's other ex-members' group, Love London for Less, is happening that night, so of course I'm headed to that - we're going to the Icebar, where I've never been. Should be interesting. Never mind about the talk - although, despite being on the watchlist for the talk, I received no notice, Helen spotted, over the weekend, that another instance of that talk has been scheduled for next month, and I'm booked for that.
Then I'm back to Ireland for a long weekend - first to Dublin (from London City airport, a first for me), for U2's (one-and-only!) concert there.. then down to see my mother for a couple of days, flying back on Tuesday.
On the 26th, I had booked free comedy in Greenwich - same groups as before. Then Funzing rode to the rescue, and instead I'm now headed to a Funzing talk entitled "Politics - WTF!" Appropriate, no? Anyway, I booked them on a once-only code "iwantfunzingagain". Or you could try "Funzing30" - both give 30% off, but are time-limited.
On the 27th, free comedy in Hammersmith again. So far.
So, that brings us to Friday 28th July, and it's off to Amsterdam, for my final two U2 concerts of the year (sniff). On Saturday and Sunday. Really, you have no idea of the organisation that went into all of this, back in January..!
I fly back on the 31st, and saw an interesting Funzing talk advertised for that night - "Are We Living in the Matrix?" Well, I'm well overdue a free talk, with all of them that I've booked (every fourth free), so I contacted them to get a code to get this for free. Still waiting..! Despairing of them, I finally booked it on one of their limited 50% deals over the weekend.
And on the 1st, I finally get to see Jennifer Rees again, when she's giving a talk on The Psychology of Criminals. With dim sum, great! (Had to stick with a 10% discount for this one - Fun_Day10 or Fun_Week10 are the ones you want for that.) And it's walking distance from me for once, in Covent Garden. Excellent.. and Helen has sensibly decided to come too. On which occasion she'll deliver all the stuff I couldn't fit in my bag, coming back from Twickenham!
Kensington Classical Music again this evening, and a concert at the 1901 Club. And there I was, thinking I hadn't been before.. and it first in my list of blog labels! Anyway, it's near Waterloo, and for speed I said I'd get the train - mind you, I had doubts about it ever coming, what with each train being delayed, then shown as "DUE" on the departure boards for some minutes..
So, having reached Waterloo, I located Exton Street (off Waterloo Road) and it was as I was heading down it that it started to look familiar. So, I knew which door to look for; inside, I met the men with the clipboard, who didn't have my name, but did know the organiser's.. so they ticked me off, took my coat and suggested I go to the bar, upstairs. Which I did, being a bit early - and the organiser was already there, and we chatted until it was suggested that we go down, it being nearly start time. She also said she'd keep an eye out for any jobs that might suit me. Which was nice.
I had to sit near the back, on one of the high seats - people might have gone to the bar, but most had had the foresight to leave coats as placeholders on their chairs. I took a free programme from one of the ushers, and in due course - just a little late - the lights were dimmed, and the violinist, Emre Engin, ushered in.
In each half, the first piece was a violin solo, and for the second he was accompanied by Jennifer Hughes on piano. The first of the violin solos was Bach, whose second movement he substituted with one by Alfred Schnittke - which I thought jarred. However, the rest was beautiful. An unusual second piece followed: one of his own composition, accompanied by Jennifer Hughes, and which was written - as he told us - for his sister, who had miscarried. Its first public performance - and I was, as ever, apprehensive about modern classical music: but this was tender and haunting, and well deserved the cries of "bravo!" at the end.
Most headed up to the bar at the interval, but I'd developed a headache and the last thing I wanted was a drink - I said I'd stay where I was, and join them at the end. The second half saw performances of Paganini and Prokofiev - a lovely programme, all in all. Sadly, by the end I was practically falling asleep - it's emotionally wearing, you know, all this interviewing, and I slept badly last night - was glad I got it together for today's phone interview. Anyway, I made my excuses and left, glad to get home.
Tomorrow, it's back to Ireland for the weekend - flights booked up to February at this stage, but I'm not booking any more for now until I know what I'm doing long-term - and on Saturday, we're off to the UL Orchestra's Christmas concert.
It was ages ago that the organiser of Kensington Classical Music offered me a free ticket to Talent Unlimited's Christmas concert, last Thursday night. I'd missed some that I'd booked previously, you see - blame Guildford. I do. Anyway, she's also on the organising committee of Talent Unlimited, which sponsors promising young classical musicians, so she does have access to tickets. And this was a generous gesture - especially appropriate, as it was my birthday! Thanks Jessie..
I had quite a busy day on Thursday - but at least working from home meant I had a decent chance of making it. Still, it was after 6 when I left home for the concert at 7: so the fastest route was needed - train, then Victoria Line to Green Park. I didn't get a seat on the Victoria Line, and couldn't stand on my sore leg (blame Guildford again, I do) - but it was only a few stops anyway. Exited for Piccadilly South Side and hung a right - along the way, there were fireworks, just behind the buildings - turns out they were turning on the Christmas lights on Regent Street that night.
Made it in time - there was Jessie behind the ticket desk, and of course she had my ticket. I bought a programme - we hadn't been told what they'd be performing for the Christmas concert section - and made my way in.
The concert was in two halves - the first half was the world premiere of the "Snowman Rhapsody". Remember the song "Walking in the Air"? The full-length, instrumental version of that, performed as a piano solo by the talented young Julian Trevelyan. And the composer, Howard Blake, was there to introduce him, and the piece, and explain the origin of this new version. With 29 different movements, I was glad I had a programme to keep track - although it was impossible to follow precisely where we were. Until, of course, Walking in the Air was played.
And my goodness, it brought a tear to the eye. This was the first Christmassy thing I'd done this year, and the first time I'd felt that Christmassy feeling. I love Christmas, but things have been so horrible this year - as usual, blame Guildford. I do. Anyway, this was overall such a beautiful piece that I very nearly burst into applause - which wouldn't have been appropriate between movements. Ah well.
The second half saw four singers appear - Alison Langer, Lawrence Thackeray, Nicola Said, Jacob Bettinelli. Ozlem Celik was on the clarinet, and the multi-talented Julian gave up the piano for the violin - he started the set in the gallery, and had to make a mad dash downstairs later, where he frantically scrabbled to set up his music stand. Bless.
Anyway, we were treated to many of the Christmas standards - and wow, when both sopranos sang in harmony, it was spectacular. Aptly, they finished with Walking in the Air - with lyrics. Afterwards, we hung around for a bit to collect as many as possible, then Jessie led us down the road to Le Meridien, where we plonked ourselves in the corner of the downstairs bar. Lovely space, sophisticated and understated. I was just going to the bar to order a drink when I realised that Jessie was buying wine for us all - and nibbles! Again, a most generous host. We spent a late night there, the crowd growing to include Ozlem and Jacob, as well as Keith Beresford, who played the piano for the second half - the others passed. And good conversation was had - a perfect end to what was an unusually good day, for my birthday. Thanks, all!
Yesterday was too hectic to blog, and now I'm back to Ireland for the weekend; my God, there were such crowds in the airports, it'd positively put you off Christmas. Unusually, at the moment - we don't have anything scheduled for this weekend, which gives me a nice break. On Monday, I'm off with London Dramatic Arts to Trafalgar Studios, to see the Pulitzer-prize-winning Buried Child, with Ed Harris. Pity it clashes with the Crick Crack Club that night - I'd already booked this, but would rather have gone with them..
On Tuesday, London Dramatic Arts are off to Hampstead Theatre to see The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures, with Tamsin Grieg, which was rescheduled. And so am I - independently, just as I was supposed to for the original date. Better avoid them, as they're trying to flog the last couple of tickets.. This is the theatre I had to sneak out the back of, last time - which makes it interesting. Assuming I get there in time - it's on at 7, and I bloody well have to be in Guildford again. I suspect I'll be staying in.
On Wednesday, I'm signed up with the London European Club for a talk at the Frontline Club about London's Dirty Money. Again, if I can make it on time from Guildford.
And on Thursday, I'm back with Crick Crack, in the Arthouse Crouch End (what a good job it's a Work from Home day) for one I missed before - Little Red Riding Hood & Other Lost Girls, as told by Nell Phoenix. And yes, I do have the confirmation email for this one, unlike the one I thought I'd booked for last Sunday!
Hello, did you think I'd died? I thought I would, on occasion - it's been a helluva week.
Anyway, as previously mentioned, Talent Unlimited are running their Music Futures Festival all this week in Asia House, as advertised by Kensington Classical Music. Actually, it seems that the organiser of Kensington Classical Music has something to do with the organisation of this as well. So I booked - and was there on Tuesday evening, the Crick Crack Club having won over on Monday (sorry, Jessie, but I do love their evenings!).
Never been to Asia House before - it turns out to be north of Oxford Circus - up Regent Street. Wonderful - I have a tendency to get lost there. Anyway, I was working from home, but with a documentation release this week, things have been ridiculously hectic, and I was flat out at it all day. So the quick route to Asia House was required - train to Vauxhall, Victoria Line to Oxford Circus.
I was frazzled from work, and more frazzled by the time I got there. Pushed through crowds at Clapham Junction, pushed through crowds at Vauxhall, pushed through crowds at Oxford Circus. Sometimes you get very sick of the crowds in London. And this wasn't my regular route from Oxford Circus - one day, I may figure out the exits, but what the hey, above ground I knew where Regent Street was. I just had to cross Oxford Circus to get to it.
To the right of H&M then, up the road, past the church:
Carry on up Portland Place, second left onto New Cavendish Street - Asia House is on the right, with a red door. The organiser had said she'd be there from half past - sure enough, she was behind the ticket desk, welcomed me heartily, gave me a raffle ticket (which turned out to be for the free first drink at the reception afterwards), and got me ticked off the list.
Just as I joined the crowd milling around the foyer, the doors were declared open, and we entered the drawing room:
I got a chair near the front, to the side, beside a handy side table that I could leave things on. And so began an evening that comprised quite the loveliest classical program I think I've heard - all as a showcase for talented young classical musicians. We began with Julian Clef, who gave a beautiful rendition of Chopin's Piano Sonata No. 2 - and it was as much a pleasure to watch the bliss on one audience member's face as she closed her eyes to listen, as it was to listen to the music itself.
No break until the end - after him, we were straight into the next performance. Which was to come as something of a surprise - the flier we'd been handed as we came in promised a violinist and pianist, playing no fewer than five different pieces. Well, sure enough, Yume Fujise came on with her violin, set up her stand and all, while we wondered where her accompanist was. She finally explained that they weren't going to play all of the pieces listed, which would take 2.5 hours - no, just the last one. But first, she was going to play something completely different. Ok so. I don't remember the composer, but I think the piece was called Meditations on Childhood.. which she played with a most determined expression. Finally, Maria Tarasewicz emerged, took a seat at the piano, and they played Faust Fantasy, by Wienaswski.
The evening ended with the most gorgeous set of pieces, played by Amiran Zenaishvili - Au Lac de Wallenstadt by Liszt, Two Rhapsodies by Brahms, and Scherzo a la Russe by Tchaikovsky. Only thing was, he didn't take applause between pieces, so I think we all got a little lost as to which he was playing! Well, until the Scherzo a la Russe, which couldn't have been anything else but Russian.. An absolutely delightful evening, and mostly pieces I hadn't heard before. I was so glad I came! And then a pleasant drinks reception afterwards (first drink free with the raffle ticket), where you could meet the musicians, if you so chose. And my outift was complimented, which was nice. And I got dragged into the group photo at the end - ah well. Glad it didn't last too late - I was exhausted, and still had stuff to do for work.
I was booked to go last night too, but well, the Man with the Hat intervened again. Sorry again Jessie, but this is something I try not to miss. So, London for Less Than a Tenner was off to Top Secret again. And I got delayed at work - so the quick option it was again, train to Waterloo, bus to Holborn. Got there at abt 7:50, for an 8:15 start. Got my hand stamped with some ink that still hasn't come off:
Queued for a very much-needed drink, turned around, met the Man with the Hat - who does seem to be everywhere at once. And who led me to a seat - front row, on the side. Quite a good one actually, good view of the stage and the performers heading to and from it, and I don't know whether it was the seating or the general conditions, but this was the first time I've been that the place wasn't stifling hot! A great improvement.
Mercifully, the MC didn't do the one about having been dumped by his girlfriend, which has become a staple of his routine. We were to discover that he now has a new one.. I suppose we can expect jokes about her for the next while. Anyway, I'm having a good run of events this week - this was the best night that I've had at Top Secret!
Starting proceedings was Brendon Burns - a foul-mouthed and hilarious Aussie, who spent his time insulting the audience, and picking on Donald Trump. Both of which went down a storm with what was quite a boisterous audience. To be followed by Steve Bugeja, with a much more sedate set. The first break saw me needing another drink, and the Man with the Hat moving me to a better seat - fair enough. And it was still cool there.
After the break - at the end of which the MC singularly failed in getting someone to take her feet off the stage - were two Canadians, Bobby Mair and Dylan Gott, then another break and the night was finished by the only comedian I'd seen before - Josh Robertson sent us laughing into the night, also showing us he was well able for hecklers. A pitiful turnout for the pub after - hey people, I know it's a Wednesday, but come on! Well, we three had a grand old time, and yes, I was to bed too late (given that, counter to plans, I had to come to Guildford again today). What the hey, I'll get some sleep eventually..
Perhaps tonight, in fact! Not only has the back of my work been broken at last (touch wood), but it's another night at Asia House tonight, and hopefully not a late one. Advertised in both Kensington Classical Music and the London European Club, and another sell-out, I believe. For a change, I signed up with the London European Club with this one, and bought my ticket on Eventbrite.
Meeting Mary tomorrow for the Emirates Cable Car. She's been before, loved it, invited me. Must make sure my phone is charged. Gosh, d'you know, if it's not on the Meetup calendar, I can forget so easily.. This was the first date I was free!
Finally, on Saturday I'm with LDAM again, who - for once - are off to see some Beckett! Hallelujah, he's my favourite playwright - and not theirs, which makes it fun. No's Knife, it is, at the Old Vic.. Hmm, I seem to remember looking forward to when the Meetup groups got busy again. Be careful what you wish for..
I actually had different plans for tonight - but nothing I couldn't get out of. So when the organiser of Kensington Classical Music very kindly contacted me to say she'd like to offer me a ticket as her guest to this concert, I was delighted to accept!
We went for a drink after work - but only the one, and I was able to head to the venue in good time: important for anything near the Albert Hall, which always takes longer than you'd think to get to. This, mind you, was across the road - in the Royal College of Music. Now, that's evocative for me, as I used to do RCM exams when I was a kid! Never been there before in person, though.
For once on the approach, I was relaxed. I strolled onto Prince Consort Road - knew my way that far, at least. However, I've always before turned off to go to the Albert Hall; this time, for the first time ever, I continued straight along the road. I knew from the ever-useful Google Maps that the first, grey stone building was a constituent college of Imperial College - the next, red-and-white striped building, was the College of Music. Just opposite the entrance was what must be the most spectacular approach to the Albert Hall, up a broad flight of steps - for the sake of this, and the elegant lobby of the College of Music, with its portrait trio of royalty overlooking the entrances to the auditorium, I was devastated that my phone battery was dead, so I couldn't take pictures..
I was quite early for the concert - although a bit late for the preceding talk - and easily found our organiser in the lobby, a couple of people having got there before me. In due course, the lobby filled up, and our group also swelled in number. This was actually a joint Meetup; the organiser of Kensington Classical Music is also a member of the London European Club, where she had advertised this as well. At about 7, they kicked the attendees out of the talk, so the only place for them to go was back into the lobby - they could, and should, really have opened the doors to us at that point; I was practically crushed, and our group were taking up space in trying to chat to each other. I'm guessing the college wanted to sell more drink, from the rather rough and ready bar down the back of the lobby.
They finally deigned to open the doors and let us in. I had a privileged position in the front row, so marvellous legroom - as someone remarked afterwards, however, we could only see the people at the front of the orchestra, from there. Other members were scattered throughout - but it isn't a large hall, and I doubt any seat was really bad. It was sold out, by the way - they often are, I believe.. and a hopeful-looking returns queue lined up along the wall, in the lobby.
The programme started with some Webern - which was unfortunately exactly the type of music I don't like, all discordant notes. I could quite easily visualise it as the soundtrack for a horror film. Better was to follow, with La Lugubre Gondola - as described in the free programme we were handed on the way in, it features in Marguerite et Armand, a ballet based on La Dame aux Camélias - reason enough for its melodramatic, sweeping score, a harbinger of tragedy..
The promised Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations took us to the interval, featuring the evening's soloist, a young Azeri/Turkish man - Jamal Aliyev - on cello. Apparently, his mother was in the audience, having flown over especially from Turkey for the evening! Well, he didn't disappoint - it was a beautiful performance. (And yes, I was watching for the gestures that so marked Lang Lang's performance, the last time I was with this group! No such shenanigans this evening - although I'd imagine there's less range of motion with a cello.. For the most part, he restricted himself to conspiratorial glances at the first violinist.)
At the interval, our organiser scurried off to get a photo with him - I passed, and stayed where I was. The second half was probably the highlight of the evening for most, consisting of the Nutcracker Suite. Which put everyone in a Christmassy mood.. as promised. And as someone remarked, he was half expecting ballet dancers to sweep on - yes indeed, it's exactly that kind of music! Afterwards, we congregated in the lobby again, until our organiser led us outside. Unfortunately, through a fire exit, setting off the alarm! O well..
A longish - and increasingly cold - walk down Exhibition Road (past an ice rink) brought us to the Pelham Hotel. As she'd explained, there just isn't much choice in the area - and the Hoop & Toy pub, across the road, was obviously jammed. Now, the Pelham Hotel is a beautiful building. It's cosy, the panelling is lovely, glimpses into rooms enticed us with promises of comfy chairs, arranged around fireplaces.
Our organiser had told us to head for the bar - which was downstairs - so off we went. Uh-oh, I thought, as we piled in - there were about 20 of us, and the place was tiny! Not to mention that half the room was taken over by tables with people having dinner. Now, apparently the manager (or whatever) had spoken to our organiser the day before, and assured her that they could accommmodate us. Unfortunately, his idea of accommodating us rather differed from ours - he wanted to put some of us at a large table, some at the bar, others at tables for two..!
Now, we were a group, and wanted to be seated together - more or less, anyway. I'm thinking that we weren't the type of group he's probably used to - large corporate groups, not terribly interested in mingling. However, I struggle to imagine a group that would be happy with some people being paired off at tables on their own..! Well, this wasn't at all acceptable. So after something of a row, our organiser led some of the group upstairs to one of the sitting rooms. The rest of us remained in the bar, taking seats around the large table.
After a considerable period of time, our helpful manager came around with menus: nibbles and drinks. After another considerable interval, we got glasses, followed by water - mind you, it was flavoured with cucumber, which we didn't realise until we'd tasted it. Hmm, it would have been nice to have been asked whether we wanted that - or the mint-flavoured one that came after.. or perhaps no flavour at all? Frankly, I was amazed tonight, when I consulted the website and found that the place has a 5-star rating.. with service as thoughtless as this?
He said he'd be back shortly to take our orders. He wasn't. And someone finally pointed out to the rest of the group that we'd now been waiting for fully half an hour, with no sign of being served, and we might as well try our luck in the overcrowded pub across the road. So we headed back upstairs. Where we passed the cosy sitting room in which the rest of the group was ensconced, and where they had just got their wine. So we ended up joining them in there - not enough chairs for us (not that there was room to add many more), but we were cosy, we now had drinks, and the chat flowed freely. Nibbles duly arrived - I can recommend the croquettes. We heartily toasted our organiser's impending birthday.. And when trays of chocolates arrived, he came to the corner where I was, first. I can believe what she later said about having sent him straight over, to keep me - the group blogger - happy.
Well yes, they were good chocolates. But while all's well that ends well, frankly, the place is sorely lacking in management. And common sense. NOT recommended - save your money, stay somewhere with less extortionate rates and better service. There are plenty. But we did leave in a good mood, and it wasn't far to walk to the Tube.
I'm very glad I'm not headed out early tomorrow, considering how late it's gotten! Tomorrow evening, I'm headed with the London European Club (again!) to a carol service with a difference, at a Romanian church in town. And on Sunday, I have an overdose of The Man With the Hat; Let's Do London - for Less! is off to a matinee of "Your Last Breath" at Southwark Playhouse - based on the true story of a Norwegian woman found trapped in the ice - and in the evening, London for Less Than a Tenner is off to a concert in Cadogan Hall.
Actually, so is Let's Do London - for Less! but there's no conflict..
guess who's in charge of both?! So I can blithely pick the cheaper
group. ;-)
For last night, Meetup threw up something again - this time, the Kensington Classical Music group were off to see an apparently famous pianist called Lang Lang. Now, the name meant nothing to me, but I probably had seen him before. More important to me was the programme of Beethoven and Mozart.
And so I was headed to the Royal Festival Hall. Now, it occurred to me that my new flat is more convenient for there.. so wouldn't it be handy just to stay there last night? since I have the keys n all. So I checked with the landlord, and the internet was working - and so after work, I raced home and packed a bag, with the necessaries, plus what I wanted to wear today. Mind you, I wouldn't have time to go there before the concert - but I checked, and the Royal Festival Hall has a free cloakroom. Ideal! So I dragged quite a lot of luggage with me into town.
I decided I had reason enough to use the lift on the Hungerford bridge. It is handy, how you can get there without using steps - there's a ramp leading upwards to the Festival Hall from beside the lift. Then I had to thread through crowds to get to the shop where we were supposed to meet the organiser - made it, got my ticket, and headed downstairs for the cloakroom, where a lovely man took my bags.
Heading upstairs from there, I couldn't find where the lift was, but I knew my way from the next floor up. And I waited for the glass lift, for quite a long time, because I do think it's worth it, to get that singing.. All the announcements about the concert start being imminent had come while we were still waiting for the lift, so when I got up there I made a mad dash - just around the corner, to Door D. And mine was the very back row, and the second seat in, so I didn't have to search too hard or inconvenience too many people. And I had just about enough time to get my breath back before the concert started.
The Philharmonic started us off, a grand piano pushed over to the side. After a relatively short Beethoven piece, half the orchestra left the stage to enable the movement of this behemoth of an instrument. (They came back after the piano was moved to a position where it neatly obscured many of them.) And in due course, the Great Man appeared, hair fashionably tousled in the manner of celebrity classical artists.
And he played some Mozart. He did play very well, but I have to say this was a new take on Mozart for me - while technically it sounded like Mozart's style, it was rather different. Which I put down to the uniquely flamboyant style of the pianist. I read a review of one of his previous concerts that mentioned how the orchestra always seemed half a bar behind him, and indeed he did seem to be on a mission to show us how easy he found it. Not only did he play fast, but whenever he had a free appendage, he played to the crowd with it. A free hand wasn't just left dangling - o no, it was waved in the air with a flourish! His feet, when not occcupied with pressing pedals, were slid back and forth. His head just wouldn't stay still. All in all, the impression was that he found all this really easy, and wanted to make that point.
He finished to a tumultuous round of applause - indeed, there was hardly a free seat in the house. I don't remember a previous occasion when all the boxes were occupied - including the royal box, although probably not with royalty. As one of my companions remarked, they looked Chinese, and might have been the pianist's family. And on the fourth iteration of this applause, he agreed to play a little bit more. Goodee - frankly, I was sick of him already.
It was a relief to leave at the interval - not least because I hadn't eaten before going there, and was in need of food. Which came in the form of Divine chocolate bars, which are indeed delicious. After the interval, we returned - and no piano! No Lang Lang! Something of a relief for me - although his appearance was a bit brief, I thought, for a concert that was primarily sold on the basis of his performance! (Should have been called "The Philharmonic Orchestra with Lang Lang".) Instead, we got some more Beethoven, courtesy of the Philharmonic.
Afterwards, I took the singing lift all the way down to the cloakroom, discovering that the lift on that level was indeed hidden around a corner. By the time I got upstairs again, everyone had dispersed - which was a shame - although it was wiser for me to get going, because I had to get all this stuff to the new place! Which I did - and then needed something to eat. It was really too late to eat out, so I hunted for a takeaway, and came across Dallas Chicken and Ribs, near Clapham Junction station. I ordered the grilled chicken burger meal, was told there'd be a wait, and took a seat. After the allotted time, he served my meal in a bag, so I took it to my new home.. and it was very welcome: although I found the sauce far too spicy and I don't think I'll bother with there again - there are plenty of eateries locally.
Tonight, I'm off to Sands Film Studios in Rotherhithe - which works out handier again if I stay in the new place. Not there for a film though - nope, I'm headed, with the World Music Meetup, to see a Nepalese band called Namlo. Well, they sounded good on YouTube!
I nearly went to a film tonight; then I checked out Kamilya Jubran on YouTube - since the Kensington Classical Music group was headed to see her - and thought her very good. So I booked for that instead, delighted to see that it was walking distance from me! Not so delighted with the venue website, which pops up a dialog on every page, asking whether you want to join the mailing list - even if you already have! Very poor.
It was a drizzly evening, but not too bad, and I was curious to see the Mosaic Rooms, which I'd never been to before. Turns out it's a white building, just on the corner of Cromwell Road and Earl's Court Road, across from the Metro bank. A brisk walk got me there in about 15 minutes, and I was delighted to discover a new venue, just as I'm planning to move from the area. People thronged the steps, barely moving enough to let me inside - where someone checked my name off a list and told me the house was open and I could go straight in. Which I did, passing, along the way, lines of people chatting as though it wasn't about time for the concert to start!
It's a tiny room, apparently generally used as an art gallery. About five large paintings graced the walls - I'm afraid to say I brushed off one as I took my seat. The room was filled with chairs, most of which seemed to be reserved by people's coats - I took a seat at the end of the back row. I saw no-one I recognised.
It didn't stay the back row very long. People scoured the building for chairs, forming two rows behind that - and when they ran out of chairs, people sat on the floor, and stood in a crowd at the back of the room. Honestly, did they not limit the number of tickets they sold? There was no air-conditioning either, and it soon became uncomfortably stuffy. Not to mention the hard seats..
The artist took her place onstage eventually - at least 20 minutes late. I think they were waiting for people to stop chatting and come in. She was very softly spoken, and had no mic, and when she wasn't playing music I could barely hear her - which was a shame. Because her music was beautiful. She's Palestinian, the music is Arab-influenced, and it was sensual and otherworldly. I'm biased, but this sort of music always reminds me of Andalucía, and the Alhambra in particular. Or maybe that reminded me of the music. Whatever, it's a hypnotic combination (and I guess, in that context the heat of the room was appropriate). She only played for an hour or so, in the end - and I was so glad to get out of that room (once I squeezed past the people who'd started chatting again) - but had it been a more attractive venue, I'd have stayed all night. I absolutely loved it.
And was home delightfully early - the great advantage of going to something local. Gee, that's two early nights now! I could get used to this.. except, of course, I shan't. I fly to Glasgow tomorrow for the first of two U2 concerts. I did a power of organising today - checked in for tomorrow's flight, and the hotel, booked a return shuttle bus from the airport to town, researched my walking route to the hotel. On Sunday I fly to Dublin (there being no direct flights between Scotland and Shannon any more!), and today I booked my train ticket from there. I fly back to London on Tuesday. And today I also printed tomorrow's boarding pass, bus ticket, map of the city centre, and hotel confirmation, the concert tickets, the details of my other flights and the train ticket. I ask you, my life ain't complicated at all, now is it?!
Yes, I know, I know.. I've been very quiet of late. Well, I ended up not going to the cinema on Monday - I wasn't in the mood unless it was something really attractive, and it wasn't. So I stayed in. Then I was in Guildford on Tuesday, and I haven't been in the habit of going out on such days - although that'll have to change in the New Year, when the London office closes (shock, horror!). Yes, that's what's been causing all the consternation at work that I've hinted at. So they want us all to move to the Guildford office. Now, I had a serious think, and I wanted to give up neither the job (which I love) nor, of course, London. But after some consultation, it seems I may be able to work from home part of the week. Which would make things much better. Watch this space..
Yesterday, I'd booked for Agamemnon, in the Bunker Trilogy, with the London European Club. So I dragged myself all the way to Stratford again, leaving straight from the office because it just takes so long. At least there wasn't a rugby match there that night. I made Earl's Court in time for one of those trains that sit at the platform for ages, then changed at Westminster for the Jubilee Line, as usual. O Lordy.. it wasn't nearly as crowded as the last time, but it was still uncomfortably so. One of the busier lines, it was crowded enough the whole way that I felt slightly travel-sick in the stuffy environment, all the way till two stops before the end, when I finally got a seat.
I was so glad to get off. Made my way to the Arts Centre, said hi - and "be back in a minute" - to my fellow group members, who were sitting at a table in the café, and ordered myself a glass of wine. Large. I was still worried about affairs at work, and needed this more than I needed the dinner I hadn't had time to get. They served it to me in a plastic container so I could take it in, and indeed, it wasn't long before we were called to take our seats. Blasé after the last time, and knowing our way, we sauntered in after some minutes.
Same bunker - we sat at the other side this time, which allowed us to see the staging that had previously been behind us. They use smoke to create an atmosphere.. it was thicker this time, but never fear, it doesn't cause breathing difficulties. Well, as I explained to my fellow group member, seated beside me, this play is based on the Greek legend. And I recounted as much of it as I could remember, from that production of The Oresteia that I saw at Trafalgar Studios.
This production has the same cast as Morgana. Unlike that play, however, no original character names are used in this - in fact, no names at all. But it is the story of a man who heads off to war, leaving his wife behind, who doesn't understand.. and ends up falling for his cousin. And simmering passions come to a head..
I found this more accessible than Morgana. That was also an excellent production, but Agamemnon forms a more familiar story. Again, the sheer proximity of the performers gives a more intense experience, and the acting is excellent. As a recent reviewer remarked, it's notable how universal these stories are.. in this case, transmuted to the First World War. Highly recommended.. runs until Saturday, on which day tickets are limited.
Afterwards, we stopped by Pizza Express again, and had nibbles and drinks. I was intrigued by their honeycomb dessert.. so naturally had it.. and yes, it is as good as it sounds! Some convivial chat accompanied the nibbles. Home too late to blog, naturally.
Tonight, I had won a free ticket to the Talent Unlimited Showcase, courtesy of a new Meetup group I joined - Kensington Classical Music. The organiser asked several questions, and it seems I was the only one to answer the one that won me the ticket! Well, I was glad to have it. Mind you, for some reason I was sure it was in Cadogan Hall - but no, St. James', Piccadilly. A little further from home, but never mind - I went straight from the office again, and made it just in time. The correct exit from Piccadilly Station was easy to find - Exit 3 (South Piccadilly) is the one you want, and it's directly opposite as you come off the Piccadilly Line.
There was a little confusion at the box office - the group organiser was otherwise engaged, and the box office person knew nothing about me. My name was on the list of people who were supposed to get a ticket, but she asked me whether I'd paid already. Well, no, but.. she gave me the ticket, in a slightly confused manner. And I agreed to pay £1 for the programme.
Took a seat over the side - I subsequently saw the organiser at the other side, but I don't know anyone from this group very well, so just stayed where I was. This was a concert of music students - very talented ones. You know, the baffling ones.. one was just 17, and you do wonder simply that they are so good. We were treated to a fabulous - and quite long - concert, featuring many famous composers, and some not so much. And at the end, a treat not mentioned on the programme - a soprano came on to sing several popular numbers, classical and from musicals. Fabulous stuff - and I got it for free! By the end though, I was hungry and didn't fancy going to the pub with the others, so just slunk home.
Back to Ireland tomorrow for the weekend, and on Monday I'm off to Barcelona! for a U2 concert the next day - they are playing on the 5th too, but I couldn't get a ticket. :-( Mind you, I'm damn lucky to get there - I completely forgot to book the time off work, only realised yesterday, and but for having the Best Boss in the World Ever, I wouldn't be going at all. I fly back on the 7th, and on the 8th I'm off to see People, Places and Things at the National. Good job I booked early - apparently they're completely sold out now. The London Dramatic Arts group is off there on Saturday, so we can compare notes! On the 9th, I'm back to Barcelona for another couple of U2 concerts..
On Monday 12th, I'm back with the Crick Crack Storytelling Club, in the Soho Theatre again, for an interesting-sounding evening called The Heart of a Hero, apparently with an Egyptian storyteller. And the following day, I'm back with the World Music Meetup, for Varlden's Band, in Rich Mix. Long time no see this group!
