The English Concert

Tonight, back with London Classical Music and Theatre Group, for an English Concert of Bach, at Wigmore Hall. Lovely, it's been ages since I heard Bach..

Of course, this is very close to St. Christopher's Place, which is packed with eateries - not all exceptionally cheap. But there is a Cote there.. and I do love Cote.. and it's been a while.. I figured there was no need to book, and I was right. Despite all the people bravely eating outdoors in the cold, there was plenty of space inside. Although I didn't recognise him, the guy who showed me to my table remembered me from the Barbican branch! which was nice. And as I was happy with the selection on the Prix Fixe, I ordered from that - steak frites, and a chocolate mousse for dessert. The steak frites is quick - and the frites were gorgeous, as ever - and while I'd have preferred truffles for dessert, the mousse is quite acceptable. All of this - and a lovely glass of chardonnay - left me just enough time to get to the venue; had I had a starter, I'd have been late.

I went to the bar first, for another glass of chardonnay - I know not to get the sauvignon blanc at Wigmore Hall, it's a ridiculous price. Where we were to meet, the organiser and one other had secured a table - I grabbed another chair, and we chatted convivially until we were the last in the room. As I remarked, they sure do jump at the announcements, here! As our organiser remarked, it's just as well to wait a few minutes after the main bulk of people start to move - less of a queue, that way.

I was in Row AA, at the side of the stage - excellent seats, just with a side view. The music, of course, sounds perfect - and did so for this, a concert that mostly consisted of Brandenburg Concertos. As the helpful text on the back of our free programmes explained, these were composed for a Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt - not all of whose family were so interested in music as he was! Well, we must be thankful that Bach composed for him - this is some of the loveliest classical music composed, I think. And as those sitting beside me remarked, very impressive playing on the harpsichord from the director of the group - Francesco Corti, a substitute, not originally slated to play. Simply stunning.

Sadly, I didn't meet the others again - hope to meet them at another event before too long! Good to have an early night, though..

Tomorrow, it's film again - this one is a BFI presentation of Joyland, an Indian film about a young man who joins a burlesque show, and becomes infatuated with the trans lady who runs it. I'm normally suspicious about Indian film, having had some bad experiences - but this trailer looks excellent, so I'll risk it. Showing in the Vue Islington - which I've booked, for once, as they now have theatre-style seat pricing, different seats in different locations at different prices!

On Thursday, back with TAC for Feel More X Lately, showing at the Lion and Unicorn.

Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend. Where the choice of films is very limited. Mostly kids' films, in fact. Best for me seems to be What's Love Got to Do with It?, a romcom in which Emma Thompson plays the mother of a young lady whose good friend (of Pakistani heritage) decides enough is enough, and he's going to let his parents arrange his marriage. She's a budding filmmaker, and decides this would provide excellent footage for a new documentary. No prizes for guessing how it turns out, I suspect - but it seems harmless enough.

There follows a mostly Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) week. On Monday, back with them for Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, at the Harold Pinter Theatre. This is a rom-com about a couple living in a dystopian state, which limits the number of characters they can speak. Lots of body language then, I guess! Frankly, I was delighted to see that, by the time I booked, the Balcony was sold out - the legroom there is woeful, and good luck to those who've booked up there. The cheapest price bracket left when I booked included some in the Dress Circle - and thanks to Seatplan, I seem to have identified a decent seat among them. Watch this space.. cheapest tickets from the official site, but I booked with From the Box Office, which had tickets at the same price, but without the booking fee.

Next Tuesday, my one non-UITCS day next week - back with Over 40 Living the Life, for a dinner at Greenwich Yacht Club. Ooh la la..

On the 1st, back with UITCS at the Arcola for Afghanistan is Not Funny, the true story of a British comedian and photographer in war-torn Afghanistan.

On the 2nd, with them again at the Peacock (think I can walk to that!) for Bat Out of Hell, a musical based on the music of Meat Loaf. Awesome - just a pity it isn't one of the singalong nights..

On the 3rd, ending a run of UITCS with Lucrezia Borgia, by the English Touring Opera Company, at the Hackney Empire.

On the 4th, back cat-herding - Ivan suggested that whole day for, well, a lot of drinking. And food - he wanted to go back to O' Neill's. Well, he must have been reading the blog - because the other day, he got in touch. To say that, unfortunately, he can't now make it. My other coworker from that company still can, though - as they've both said, it's been so long since they actually met each other! They can never seem to coordinate..

On the 5th, back with Discover London at last - she does excellent walks, but sometimes they clash, and sometimes they sell out before I get to them! This one is Discover Historic Chelsea: From Quaint to Quant - 1660s to 1960s.

On the 6th, back with - you guessed it - UITCS, for Romeo and Julie, at the Dorfman.

On the 7th - not so much appeals on Meetup. Free Stuff and Free Events does have Free Community Singing with Ros Hone and the Global Fusion Sound Singers, which you can attend on Zoom, or in person at Fossdene School Community Hall. Which sounds just fine - except that this is the sort of thing I keep cancelling! So I'm not confirming until nearer the time.

On the 8th - back with the Crick Crack Club, woohoo! for Goddesses in the Garden, at the Chelsea Physic Garden. Features my favourite, Clare Murphy, along with Sarah Liisa Wilkinson, Laura Sampson, and Xanthe Gresham.

On the 9th, my final booking - for now - with UITCS, for Brilliant Jerks at Southwark Playhouse. And wouldn't you know it, I still had credit on my Pay as you Go subscription, so got it for free! And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.

Concert: Hagen Quartet

Tonight, my first meeting of the year with London Classical Music and Theatre Group! We were off to Wigmore Hall, to listen to the Hagen Quartet play Mozart. They're Austrian, so that's appropriate.. I just needed to remember not to drink the ultra-expensive sauvignon blanc! Was to meet my sometime dinner companion beforehand, down the road at Olivelli.

The next bus supposed to come was the #205. Yeah, right - the bus that never comes. Except.. this time it did! And en route, I got an early classical fix - the little girl in the buggy, in that area reserved for buggies and wheelchairs, had a book. And every page that you turned over in this book revealed a button, which, when pressed, played a classical tune! Excellent idea - and I got treated (several times) to the Ode to Joy. Lovely.

Arrived early at the restaurant, ordered a bottle of sauvignon blanc, and waited. Internet access was only sporadic - and when my companion still hadn't arrived, 15 minutes past when she was due, I ordered. And messaged her to find out where she was. Which was when she messaged me, saying she was "there". (?) Not in my room, she wasn't. My food wasn't long in arriving - veal, in a mushroom and white wine sauce. The waitress offered the suggestion that she might be next door - in Cote. I went to have a look - sure enough, there she was. She'd ordered, too - her food was sitting in front of her, having obviously just arrived. So, she ate hers, I went back and ate mine - the veal was tough at the edge, but otherwise fine - and she nipped over to mine to finish the wine with me.. Caveat, apparently this isn't the first time this has happened at this restaurant!

And so to the hall, and met the organiser - and a lady at the next table, who turned out to be one of ours! And we chatted a bit before taking our seats.

So, this was a selection of string quartets - of which, I think we all agreed, the best was the last. It was a lovely concert though, a pleasure for me to hear classical music again, first time in a while. They have a busy weekend, actually - three days in a row of these. The free programme we were given on the way in gives a most detailed description of all the pieces played over the weekend - most foresighted of them!

Afterwards, we thought about returning to Cote - only to find it was already closing, at just 9.40pm on a Friday! So we repaired to the Lamb and Flag, where the two of us had more wine, and the others beer. And some very enjoyable conversation! Good to be back with this group again, and with people who are prepared to socialise a bit after.

Speaking of which, tomorrow, well, Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners are back to Greenwich again. Now, I have been there with him before.. not sure how "new" this one will be, but hey, it was a great day last time! And that evening, meeting Ivan - and another ex-boss with whom I'm still friendly, Martin, for dinner: and wouldn't you know it, I actually managed to book O' Neill's. Wonders shall never cease.. of course, Christmas is over now, so things might calm down. Also, although the Six Nations is on that day, the matches are in the afternoon..

On Sunday, nothing on Meetup appealed massively - I thought I might go for a walk along the Ken's Events route, if I feel like it! (on my own). Or Over 40 Living the Life has advertised a walk along the New River.. I'd have to see, as I have to pay to sign up (refunds given to those who then come). And I might well change my mind.. which I finally did, when Free Stuff and Free Events advertised a blues concert at the Earl of Chatham, Woolwich. It's a way out, is all - but then, it's free, if I wanted to cancel. And.. now I have, because London Herstory Guided Walks! has finally advertised a walk I can go on. I was recommended this group by someone a while ago - they run guided walks with a female theme. Sunday's is Deeds Not Words! Suffragettes, Spies, & Warrior Queens. Delighted to be able to go on one of theirs, at last - they're usually on during working hours. Only thing is, they don't specify how to pay - cash on the day, I'm guessing, as they don't take payment on booking. Mercifully, it's in the afternoon - I might need the rest, after Saturday!

On Monday, my first actual event with the Over 40s. We're off to How Not to Drown at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East - the first event of theirs for which I couldn't get a cheaper ticket! So I decided, if I couldn't beat them, I might as well join them. True story of an unaccompanied, 11-year-old asylum seeker.

On Tuesday, excited to be headed to see Derren Brown in Showman, at the Apollo Shaftesbury Avenue. Cheapest tickets with Official London Theatre again.

On Wednesday, off to The Lehman Trilogy, at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Based on the true story of the bank that collapsed. Got the last £39.50 ticket!

On Thursday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats for Winner's Curse, at the Park Theatre - an interactive show about a peace negotiation. Turns out North London Friends are headed to it the same night - what, are they now copying this group, as another group did some time ago? (since closed down). And then I'm back to Ireland again.

And on the 13th, I'm headed to Allegiance, starring George Takei in a musical based on the true story of his time in an American internment camp during the Second World War. Showing at the Charing Cross Theatre.

Concert: The Tallis Scholars

Tonight, back with London Classical Music and Theatre Group - we went to St. John's, Smith Square to hear the Tallis Scholars. Which promised to be lovely! I had to get a ticket for the Gallery - the ground floor was already sold out! I checked again yesterday evening, and there was one ticket left for the Stalls - at £40 - the Gallery now being sold out.

Grabbed a bite in Pret after work - handy for shops! And then a succession of buses. Interestingly, where Google Maps told me I had to change, the bus stop was closed for roadworks - happily, the one before did me just as well.(Why that stop isn't flagged online as closed beats me - I've complained to TFL). 

I arrived first, waited in the ticket office, as the organiser had specified, and in due course, he happened along. We never did meet the third person who'd signed up - well, not at that stage anyway - perhaps he did, later. Now, someone nearby remarked that it was sold out - not a surprise. Certainly, the cafe was full, and we didn't get a seat - never mind, we had a good ole chat anyway, catching up on the news and our Christmas plans. And when it was time, we headed up - me, all the way up. And boy, does a person get tired of the spiral staircases! Not to mention I hadn't been in the Gallery before, and had to ask three people for directions - out a particular side door, turn to the side for the Gallery stairs. Well, I had no trouble getting a seat (upstairs was unreserved).

I couldn't see all the singers without getting up and peering over the edge - but that wasn't the important thing. The important thing was the heavenly music they produced, the polyphony washing over me and covering me - rather like a sound bath, I mused. I couldn't pick a favourite piece - I was just delighted to be there. Should be required listening for everyone, at least once in their life. From an announcement made at the end, I understand next year is their 50th anniversary.. hmm..

I didn't meet the organiser again - we hadn't made arrangements to do so. But it was good to see him. On the way home, more buses - and another unexpectedly closed bus stop! What is it with these.. I've also complained about this one. Well, at least I was home in time to shop - believe me, it ain't easy, these days!

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

On Friday, it's back to Ireland for Christmas. And would you believe, nothing decent for me in the cinemas - until I Wanna Dance with Somebody, the Whitney Houston biopic, which opens on Monday! Well, see you on the other side.. Have a very merry one.

Concert: London Philharmonic - Bruckner and Vaughan Williams & Bethlehem Cultural Festival

Yesterday.. same problem as Wednesday last week, with little on Meetup. Until just recently, when the London Classical Music and Theatre Group advertised a London Philharmonic Orchestra concert at the Royal Festival Hall for that day! I managed a Black Friday discount too! ;-) So I went to that.

I have an awful lot on my to-do list these days. So my trip to the Royal Festival Hall had a few stop-offs - first, recycling, which is on the way. Second, food - Gourmet Burger Kitchen, which is friendly, and has excellent food - but almost never onion rings! I suggested there's a shortage of onions - the man wasn't offering any opinions. But the burger was yummy, as ever.

Third, a new passport photo - with the Photo Me booth not having given me an acceptable photo, I headed to have a human do it for me, and someone had recommended Snappy Snaps. Wouldn't you know it, there's one on the way! No appointment necessary - so I stopped in and did that. The poor man was rushed off his feet, so many customers wanting so many different things. Anyway, I got the photo and have resubmitted it - fingers crossed. Stupidly, mind, I restarted the application, rather than just submitting an alternative photo to the original application, which might have slowed it down somewhat - well, but they can't have got very far with it, the photo being the first thing they look at.

With all of the stop-offs, it was feasible to walk the whole way! Happily, the weather wasn't bad for it.

I was first to arrive, occupied myself with a highly overpriced glass of sauvignon blanc (£12.75) and the paper. The only other person to show up at the meeting point was the organiser, just as we needed to head in - we agreed to meet at the Level 5 bar at the interval, which was convenient to us both, and knowing that we were unlikely to meet the others.

First up were Five Mystical Songs by Vaughan Williams. Now, I've had a very hectic week, and as I remarked to the organiser at the interval, it was just so good to sit back, relax, and not have to think about this. Lovely. Quite short, mind - I looked at my watch in some surprise; I hadn't expected it to be that short. Ah well, out I went and joined my companion - who was kind enough to buy me a drink. I didn't require a sauvignon blanc of him - I got the chenin blanc instead, which was very nice, and we had a good catch-up.

And so, after the break, to Bruckner's Ninth Symphony. Ah now, if the first "half" had relaxed me - this energised me! The music soared.. a spectacular sound, highly expressive. Quite modern in style.. it quite transported me. What a lovely evening, in fact. Delighted I came, and it was good to catch up with the organiser again. And I got the bus home, having no more stops to make!

Today - well, my contract has been extended, I quit tomorrow (officially, although my computer account has already been disabled, I discover), and I start with the new company next week. I had booked an online talk, The Life and Times of Magnus Folk, from the Surrey History Meetup. One of the earliest electrical engineers in England, it seems. Anyway, it's free, and I've since cancelled - I found something more interesting while I was waiting for the play last Thursday night. The Arabic Music, Dance and Party Meetup Group advertised an evening at the Bethlehem Cultural Festival - tickets from Eventbrite - in which there was a talk about 19th century travellers, as well as discussion of a forthcoming book, and a talk from a female artist in Gaza. Not that the group advertised it, but there's also an Arab dance after, and another talk - you could go to some, or all. Happening in The Tabernacle. So, I booked a ticket - stopped short of joining the group though - we shall see.

Well, it ran too late to do the blog last night. I had meant to do it at some point during the day - but Lordy, the busyness continues. I had booked a haircut for lunchtime today while waiting for my food yesterday - so I didn't have time beforehand. Went to Rush, the closest one to me, BTW - and well, I am very pleased with the result! Convenient, good job, and very friendly - I'm sure I'll be back. Anyway, when I got back, it was to the news that UPS had tried to deliver my computer for the new company - but got no answer. (Yeah, that'll probably be the time today that the buzzer went, stopped by the time I got to it and there was no answer when I asked who was there.) So now, they've delivered to the depot - to be fair, only a few minutes' walk away. But how I'm going to carry all that equipment back is beyond me!

Meantime, my new boss contacted me with the heads-up that he wants to meet me, Face-to-Face, in Reading on Tuesday. Only for half the day, happily. Cue me booking a train ticket - with GWR, as he was kind enough to tell me. Just as well he mentioned that the journey was only half an hour - the website didn't tell me that! I had to go digging to find a fast train. I am not joking - it took me a solid hour to book that ticket. The website was faulty, the app doesn't work - and on top of it all, you can't get a mobile ticket except on the app. So I had to choose to collect it at Paddington! Uhh.. and I have to get a train at 8.50am. Bah humbug - I expect to expense this. I also foresee lots of Reading in my future, as it's halfway between me and the other writer..

So, all of that ate up all my time today and I couldn't blog. Indeed, I had to rush out to eat. Tried O' Neill's, which is convenient to where I'd have to leave from - the ground floor was packed, so I headed upstairs, as usual. Which was closed! On a busy Thursday! I can only conclude that they hadn't the staff to open it. Well, I was damned if I was going without - hang the event I'd booked, I schlepped off down to The Lucas Arms, where I hadn't been in a while. And despite the crowd - there seemed to be some group, all of whom just arrived before me - I scored a table down the back, in the unlit section by the gents. And was very well fed.

Was actually in two minds about whether to head out all that way at all - but decided to give it a try. It was going to have to be Tube. Of course, to top off a stressful day - I took the wrong entrance, for the wrong lines, not paying attention, and had to retrace my steps. So, naturally I missed the train I was supposed to get. Had to wait nearly 10 minutes for another - at least I got a seat after a little while. And when I got out at Royal Oak, spent a full five minutes just trying to figure out which road to take.. for future reference, just turn left. So I was a bit late.

This turns out to be a converted church - downstairs is where they sell books, crafts, and whatever else is associated with the people appearing.

The lecture theatre upstairs is where the action happens. I felt a tad embarrassed about arriving late - but actually, people were in and out all evening. And as it happens, the first talk was the least interesting to me. You see, there was this 19th Century Swiss explorer called Tobler who wrote a book about his travels in Palestine (in German) - and the new book that's come out is a translation.

The MC identified himself as the publisher - and remarked that it isn't often that a publisher seeks to publish a boring book by a boring man. They identified several problems with the writing - he was no storyteller, neglected to give basic details about his trip (such as how he got there), and ignored the locals, giving just sparse details about them, while describing in detail every European he met! On top of that, he wrote in the complicated, Gothic old German script, which several translators refused to touch, wrote in a longwinded style to which they stayed faithful as much as possible, and wrote so many footnotes that they had to employ a second translator just for those! Yeah - none of this made me want to buy a copy of the translation, and I didn't. Very niche market for this, I think.

I was stunned that the MC had to have pointed out to him that the original author was related to someone who worked in chocolate..! Duh..

Well, this was followed by a talk with two artists - one from Gaza, one English, who had worked with Yazidi women in northern Iraq who'd been kidnapped by Isis, and also with women kidnapped by Boko Haram, who had escaped: and used art as a medium to get both groups to express their feelings and deal with their trauma.

The English girl, extremely softly spoken, was particularly compelling, telling us how many of these women had never drawn anything before - and this was a very interesting talk.

A large group of people left after this - was that the Meetup group? If so, I'm glad I wasn't with them - I'd have missed the most interesting events of the night! Next up was a Palestinian dance troupe, who entertained us royally with evocative, Middle Eastern music:

Last of the night was a fascinating talk with the author of a book about growing up in Bethlehem. He turned out to be a Syriac Christian - a group I'd never heard of, but they're so called because, in religion at least, they speak Syriac - apparently the language of Jesus! He showed us a fascinating map of his family's odyssey after fleeing their native home in Turkey - as the result of a massacre I've barely heard of. And Lordy if there wasn't another Syriac there - a musician, performing in the same venue tomorrow night, who agreed to perform a traditional Syriac chant for us. Yes, quite a special evening - again, delighted I came! More events here tomorrow night, and various events around the UK until the 10th. Tickets from Eventbrite- free, donate what you can. £20 contribution suggested. 

Buses home, on what is a very cold night.

Tomorrow, back to Ireland for the weekend again - flying Aer Lingus for a change! My passport is up for renewal, as I say - I don't technically need one to travel between Ireland and the UK, but Ryanair demands it. Aer Lingus doesn't.. Anyway, film for the weekend is looking like - Spirited, in which Will Ferrell plays the Ghost of Christmas Present to Ryan Reynolds' Scrooge, in a musical update to A Christmas Carol. Octavia Spencer plays Ryan's hapless assistant. Well, it looks like fun - Ryan Reynolds is always very watchable - and frankly, it's the best thing on in the afternoon that I haven't seen. Ennis will do - let us pray there isn't a match!

On Monday - yep, the London Chess Community again looked like the best option. Hmm. But just lately - hallelujah! I was saved by London Social & Cultural Meetups, who have scheduled a talk on The 70th Anniversary of the Great London Smog. (Although oddly, we're meeting outside - perhaps the venue is hard to find?) Anyway, I'm delighted - this is that friendly group I joined a while ago for Evensong at St. Bartholomew the Great, and I'm glad to be seeing them again.

On Tuesday, well, Free Stuff and Free Events are holding another online singalong. Again, I cancelled my attendance at the last of these I booked for, so was reluctant to rush off and book again.. Or the Garden Talks have one on How Did Language Begin? Unfortunately, my free trial has long since expired, and they won't let me take out another. Well, I might have paid - but I'd be paying for a month's worth, so I figured I might as well wait until closer to the date, and get the value.. And yay, then Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) jumped to the rescue again, with a comedy called Dinner with Groucho, at the Arcola. The setting is a dinner, somewhere in heaven, with Groucho Marks and T. S. Eliot the guests.. best available seats for £15 with the code FRANK15, until tomorrow.

On Wednesday, I'm back with UITCS for Baghdaddy at the Royal Court. About a little girl, realising she's half Iraqi, just as the Gulf War is raging. I see CT now has tickets for this.. unusually for this venue!

Next Thursday, I've signed up for another Watkin's Bookshop talk! This is Colin Stanley on Colin Wilson's Introducing the Occult. Well, the last talk I was at here was interesting, so..

On the 9th, I'm heading to Lightopia, at Crystal Palace Park. As suggested by Over 40 Living the Life, who are not actually hosting a trip themselves, but just wanted to advertise it. 15% discount if you subscribe to Lightopia's mailing list, 20% discount for purchases of 10 or more tickets. And durnit if Groupon hasn't just advertised cheap tickets..

On the 10th - well hallelujah, Bucket List London has finally scheduled something I want to go to, at a time I can make! He's off to see the Wallace Collection that morning - and so am I. 

That evening - I've bravely scheduled another meeting of Those who Do Not Come. It's my last weekend in London before Christmas, you see. Well, so far Ivan and my first boss in London are actually coming! while the one person who came the last two times probably not, for once. We shall see - I've booked The Lucas Arms - O' Neill's isn't taking bookings for that day. Deposit payable, refundable with cancellation up to 72 hours beforehand.

And on the 11th, I was vaguely thinking of heading to see Carnaby Street's Christmas lights.. and then CT advertised tickets for Love Factually - a kind of rewriting of one of the relationships in that classic Christmas romcom, Love Actually. Sadly, all their tickets were gone - but I got a full-price ticket from the venue. It sounds good. Showing at 2Northdown.

Concert: Takács Quartet

Tonight, not having been with London Classical Music and Theatre Group for ages, I was with them for the second time in a week! Heading to Wigmore Hall this time, for the Takács Quartet, who were playing Beethoven. Sold out - and I'm not surprised, given that when I booked, I got one of the last three (top price) seats! Ah well, it wasn't astronomical - and I do love Beethoven.

As all the buses I was recommended to get left from the same stop - which is a hop, skip and jump from O' Neill's - that's where I ate. Plenty of room downstairs, for once - but as I was about to order on my phone, I suddenly remembered how I'd decided to switch from rice to chips with my curry. Unfortunately, that turned out to be something I couldn't do online - just as well it wasn't busy, because I ordered from the bar for the first time. AND he remembered me (this is becoming a habit - I now have three local eateries that know what I want the minute I come in!). I did cause him a bit of a headache, changing to chips - and had to remind him of the onion rings - but he did well! especially considering the last time I was in here was the week before last. Oh, and I'll be having chips in future - they were very moreish. It's so long since I had curry chips! Yum to the curry in general, it's been too long.

And so down to the hall, in plenty of time - just as well, because the bar seating area filled up completely. I secured a table, and went in search of a glass of wine. Just as well I got a peep at the menu before ordering - I have NEVER before seen anyone charge (wait for it) £15.50 for a large glass of sauvignon blanc! And I thought the £12.70 I've seen in other places was bad. I baulked - went for the chardonnay instead, at £5 less..

And so back to the table I'd grabbed. I had it to myself for a long time, then an elderly lady, seeing every other table was taken, asked whether she could occupy one of my chairs - and I said yes, I can let you have one! And when the organiser of our group arrived - and we started talking about the opera, and Tube strike - she chipped in to say that she'd been there that night too! So we had a bit of a natter about that production, and how much we'd enjoyed it! and as she spotted an old friend, and got up to leave us, she remarked how glad she was to meet us. So, that was nice.

I've never seen the hall so full. My seat was dead centre of the row - an excellent seat, indeed. And when the musicians arrived, they played with great vim and vigour - it was an enthusiastic rendition, and a lovely concert. Good to meet up with the organiser again, too. And a nice, early finish.. and on the way home, I discovered that Byron was born in John Lewis..

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

On Wednesday, I booked at Conway Hall, for a concert called Sing Like a Vagabond - Shouts and Cries of Victorian London. Tickets are free, but you do have to book.

Of course, when something is free and I'm going on my own, you know my plans can change.. Well now, I did think it funny that the one free, solo, and therefore changeable, event that I was going to this week.. coincided with Bono's stopover in London (at the Palladium) on his book tour; he's promoting his autobiography, Surrender. Which, of course, I have already - plus the audiobook. Couldn't resist, given that Bono himself narrates it. Anyway, tickets for his live appearances went on sale a month ago. Could I get one?! Not a hope - Dublin sold out in five seconds, London in seven, I hear. (They are smaller venues than usual for U2 concerts - not that U2 is actually playing on this tour, he has a few stand-in musicians.)

But lately, there have been ticket drops.. so I checked when I woke yesterday. And would you credit it, London was advertising about eight tickets.. literally shaking, I booked the closest I could get to the stage - Stalls, Row M. Had the wrong password for my Ticketmaster account, of course.. but managed it, in the end. (At this stage, only the London one is convenient.) And then - I wept tears of joy and relief. Goes to show - never give up. (Now sold out again.) Oh, and the ticket comes with a free copy of the book.. Lordy, at this stage I'll be gifting everyone a copy for Christmas!

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

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

Opera: Alcina & Exhibition: The Horror Show

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

I was gonna be passing The Lucas Arms, so ate there. And well. And arrived, in due course, at the Opera House -to discover I was the first (apart from the organiser) to arrive! Well, that's what the Tube strike will do for you.. Well anyway, we decided we probably wouldn't see anyone else, so headed to our seats.

Before the first (of two) intervals, I had a lot of empty seats around me, which was nice! Well now, I love Baroque opera - for the music. Never, never try to follow the story - as I'm sure someone once told me. Of course, I'd made the mistake of looking up the synopsis the night before - it's a mishmash of confusing characters, a woman pretending to be a man, and a pair of sorceresses (Alcina and her sister) busily falling in and out of love, and turning people into animals on a whim. Neh, just go with it.. the members of the group that night agreed! (We met another at the first interval.)

The music is gorgeous, of course. And wow, what a fun production! In a stroke of genius, they've decided to present the ordinary, non-magical folk as kind of Puritan characters, as hinted at by the security curtain. Dressed in plain clothing, and busily reading their bibles, they're completely flummoxed by the sexy, glamorous sorceresses - Alcina's magic powers are contained in, of all things, a perfume bottle. The show is full of humour, the "transformed" characters wearing very cute animal heads, and there are plenty of visual gags to keep us entertained over what is, admittedly, a very, very long runtime. The singing was top-notch, though, and they played to an appreciative audience, who applauded after most arias.

I went down to meet the others at the first interval, but honestly couldn't be bothered at the second, and we didn't meet after, as the organiser had to run for a train. But it was good to see her again - I don't think I knew the other guy there - and it was lovely to get back to the opera. And to the Opera House. This production runs on selected dates till the 26th. I was back so late though, and was so tired, there was no point in blogging.

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

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

We met at a Pret on Strand - just as well she gave us the address, and that was what I searched for, as there are several in the area! It's a lovely building, actually - very high ceilings. Unfortunately, they didn't have any of the salmon sandwiches I like - they had little left, by this hour. I grabbed an apple juice and joined the group - the only group in the place, and easy to spot. And we had a lovely chat - seems none of them had yet seen Barbarian, which I recommended highly, and not all had even heard of Darkfield. Man, they need me for recommendations..

Well, when everyone had arrived, we headed off. As you come from Strand, large signs advertise the show, but there's nothing on the door itself - however, if you head through the main entrance on that side, and left past the reception desk, you'll come to a lift, which you can take down to it - it's downstairs, in the Embankment Galleries. We entered by another door (opened by a button to the side), taking stairs down - there are some signs on the floor to direct you. Actually, it's much easier just to come in from Embankment, where they have a very obvious entrance. With an interesting soundtrack to entertain you - something like a demon eating. And having indigestion..

Now, I read a terrible review of this - which I'm happy to say I didn't agree with. Mostly. As we agreed in the group, though, they have a point in saying it's poorly curated. Seems a bit - scattered. However, helpful information boards throughout explain that it's divided into three sections - Monster is first, dealing with horrific art (including punk) through the 70s and 80s. And I have to say, this was my favourite:

The later sections were less successful for me - but there some pieces I liked. Including a strange little film of a woman inching her way around the edge of a room without touching the floor..

Well, I mightn't have liked everything - but as I said to people in the group, I think anyone with an interest in horror would find something in there for them. Runs till the 19th of February - recommended, if, as I say, you have an interest in such things! Meantime, we schlepped off to a pub - and I have to say, found an ideal one in Temple Brew House, which has a downstairs bar serving craft beer. And, crucially, had a long table free! Lovely - and I had a cracker of an evening, chatting to various people. So glad I made this in the end - both for the exhibition, and for the group. I had such a better time than I'd have had with that snob who runs CL.. Anyway, again, I was far too tired to blog last night.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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