Comedy: Dara O' Briain

'Twas a long time ago that Helen suggested we go to see Dara O' Briain, who was appearing in the Hammersmith Apollo in September. So we booked three tickets.. but then one of us couldn't go - it clashed with something. And no matter what she did, she couldn't find a taker for her ticket. This past week, I had immense fun trying to flog it - first on StubHub, who didn't explain adequately that, it being close to the date, I needed to send them the ticket before they'd list it. So I tried Viagogo - who had the same tale (explained better), but with seller fees of only 20% those of StubHub. So if I need to sell a ticket in future, I'll go to them in preference. However, for this occasion, I gave up, unwilling to pay postage for a ticket that I had no guarantee would sell.

And on Thursday, there we were discussing it in the office, and someone pops his head up and goes, "You're going to see Dara O' Briain?!" So the upshot was that he took the third ticket, and we arranged to eat beforehand in Latymer's - walking distance from the Apollo, and familiar to them from when the office used to be down that direction. A pub with a Thai restaurant that we all know to be good.

Helen was in town all day, part of which was spent on her fundraising sheep walk. She came to mine when she was finished, and we made our way from there, texting our companion to meet us there, which he did. Closest Tube station to this pub is really Baron's Court, and Google Maps showed the fastest walking route from there to be to head along the main road for a while before turning right. It's at the end of that road. Again, thanks, Streetview! We beat him to it and took a table just inside the door.

It was stiflingly hot inside. We decided on a bottle of wine - I chose, and the moment I saw they had Marlborough, that was sorted. Ah, the memories I have of driving through that region.. and the wine ain't bad either! So by the time our third party arrived, we had a bottle of wine on the table, in an ice bucket. Yep, we know how to organise.. we ordered food (well, got him to, at the bar), which was brought to our table post haste, and were well fed. Which left us plenty of time to saunter to the venue.

We took our seats - nice and close to the stage, but not too close. And observed the several cameras, to be used for recording a dvd. And the slightly harassed-looking woman with the headset, ushering people forward so the front seats wouldn't look empty. Neat way to get an upgrade! I noted several people seated nearby, brandishing Print-at-Home tickets from Tickets Direct. Pays to book early.. I'm not blaming people for buying from resellers, I often do it myself, but they're part of what makes it hard to buy last-minute tickets for shows - buying up tickets to re-sell at a profit - and it's a shame.

So, with all the reshuffling of seats, we were quite late in starting. He doesn't have support on this tour, so when the show did start - with a blaze of lights and a deep-voiced announcement - he was the one who came out onstage. And was soon into his routine of introducing himself to the front row. As usual, caveat emptor - sit in the front row at a comedy show, particularly in the centre, and expect to be picked on. In a hilarious manner, as usual for Dara. You know, I actually saw this show back in October (I think it was), and recognised many of the jokes - but as they say, it's all in the delivery, and really, I laughed so hard it hurt.

I remember him from college, and he was always a terrific debater. Started off in science, and chucked it to go into television, then into stand-up. Which we're all very happy about. His insights are spot-on, his take on things is quite unique, and he has a glint of mischief in his eye. I'm not going to give away his punchlines.. but you know, you can pre-order tonight's dvd on Amazon. :-)

And so home, after a lovely evening - and many thanks to our companion for doing the drinks runs in the venue! Tomorrow, I'm off on a walk entitled Transportation in London: Meat, Mortality and Mail. With the London's Secrets, Tales and Legends Meetup group. Who originally just had one scheduled for the morning, but then arranged another for the afternoon, to which I immediately changed. And given how late it is now, I am so grateful for that..!

Film: The Bad and the Beautiful

Despite some rain this morning, it cleared up nicely in the evening and I did, indeed, walk to Riverside Studios for their double-bill. I was only interested in the first, The Bad and the Beautiful - the other was Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, which I've seen and wasn't interested in seeing again. However, I didn't lose out - they only charge the same for a double-bill as for a single film. I even got a 10% discount voucher to use at the bar! So I did. I could've taken my drink upstairs with me, but had time to finish it in the bar.

The Bad and the Beautiful, directed by Vincente Minelli, stars Kirk Douglas as the film producer nobody likes. He's pissed off three old friends - including Lana Turner, who was once his leading lady, in love and in films - and wants them to come back to work with him once more, on his comeback film. It's a good story, and showcases plenty of old Hollywood glamour. Ah, the fashions.. and it's supposed to have been a real expose in its day, giving a behind-the-scenes look at how Hollywood really works.

And now I've seen it, and can ignore it when some cinema shows it again, as they regularly do. And that's about all I have to say about it. It was pleasant to watch, but didn't engage me as much as, say, Kirk Douglas in Paths of Glory, which was made a few years later.

Coming home, and fancying a meal out, I remembered that Latymer's is on the way, and that I once had an excellent Thai meal there, so decided to stop off there again. It's a pub, with a restaurant at the back - you can also get your meal served to you in the bar. On this occasion, I decided to sit in the restaurant. Service is excellent - prompt and friendly - and the food as delicious as I remembered. Good job I came when I did - I wasn't finished my main course yet when someone came to tell me that the kitchen was closing, and ask whether I wanted anything else. I had been planning to have a dessert, but decided not to, when I heard this. So - take note - the kitchen closes at 9. On a Sunday, anyway. Prices very reasonable. Recommended!

Looking ahead, I saw that the film I was planning to see on Tuesday - Brighton Rock at the BFI - was half booked out already, so I've booked that. Annoyingly, all the cheap Tuesday seats were already gone. And, looking further ahead, I fancied taking a jaunt by Eurostar for the bank holiday weekend. I've been to Paris a couple of times, seen the sights - so instead, I'm off to Lille for a few days. In the nearer-term, I'm thinking of hitting Riverside Studios again tomorrow for another of their double-bills.. this time, a double of Akira Kurosawa films: Yojimbo and Rashomon. Or, indeed, Rashomon is on YouTube, if I get tired of sitting there all night..