Wow, it's ages since I've been to the free comedy in Hammersmith. Well, I finally made it last night. Another place not in walking distance- less trouble travelling this evening though, I took the bus!
Made the stop at a perfect time- the handy indicator board said a bus was due in 2 minutes. And there it was. Great to be taking the bus again too - I do enjoy it. Handily- with me having gone over the data allowance on my phone, so it now charges me exorbitantly - flight mode still allows GPS to find me on the maps app, so I could happily turn off internet access until I got back in the domain of free WiFi.
Which they have in Hammersmith Grove. Gosh, every time I've been here before - well, since the start - I've driven! Felt weird not to be. Anyway, in I went - the place hasn't changed much, although I don't remember them having a fence before. Ordered a drink and made my way upstairs - the different Meetup groups I'd signed up with, Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith Wimbledon and Farringdon, and London Live Comedy, had advertised the event as starting at 7, but I knew perfectly well it doesn't start till 8 or so, although they like to get people seated by 7:30.
I walked in, and there was the group organiser - Marvin - in a very fetching hat. Suits him, he should wear it more often. And he remembered me! And so did the MC, Sonia. Now, that's lovely, considering it's been a while since I was here. So, you know, I told them all about my new job and new accommodation.. I ended up sitting behind a group from Bristol: friendly folks who had three of their number performing. And so it was a genial atmosphere.
We started at about 7:50, with a middle-aged funny man called Paul.. unfortunately, I've forgotten his surname. Marvin did a turn, performing a "magic trick", and Jon Long performed a fast-paced set with a guitar. Star of the night for me though was Luke Oliver, the quick-talking Londoner with a cheeky grin. After the interval we had the Bristolians - as that was what we were told they were termed as - and a charmingly funny doctor called Benjie, whom I've seen before. And so we decamped into the cold, cold night, Marvin holding out that hat for donations at the door. And I could hardly refuse, after trumpeting my pay rise - could I?!
Well, what with being charged for data now, and no free WiFi at home, I'm holding off on going online from home until my allowance resets. So, no blogging last night - I actually got some more sleep than usual. Tonight, I'm finally headed to The Comedy About a Bank Robbery, at the Criterion Theatre. Same team that did The Play That Goes Wrong - which is excellent - so I'm looking forward to this. Best value tickets from the venue. And now that I have access to the guest WiFi at work, I'm perfectly happy to stay late at the office, which is closer..
Tomorrow, I'm out with the Man with the Hat again, after an unusually long break - this time, it's Woolf Works, a Wayne McGregor triptych, inspired by the works of Virginia Woolf and showing at the Royal Opera House. Both his groups are going: London for Less Than a Tenner, and Let's Do London - for less! As usual, I have a cheap seat.
On Sunday, the ever-busy Man with the Hat is headed (with Let's Do London - for less!) to a dance production - at Sadler's Wells, unusually for him. The Red Shoes, choreographed by Matthew Bourne, is completely sold out for its whole run. Our Man with the Hat has tickets, though.. but he held them back (under his hat, as you might say), with sales starting at 11am on New Year's Day. They sold out in 15 minutes - I checked. That's the speed of U2's ticket sales.. of course, being a seasoned purchaser of U2 tickets, I managed to get one. All he needs now are a stetson and some glasses.. (Mind you, I think U2 broke records this year for speed of selling out. U2 are touring, you see, and I have tickets. Purchasing still in progress. Watch this space..)
On Monday, I've provisionally agreed to go to Cineworld with Mary. She won a couple of Cineworld vouchers in a raffle, you see, and has very kindly offered me one! The nearest to me are the cinemas in Leicester Square and Haymarket, and the best showing in them is La La Land, so that's the rough plan, as it stands.
Tuesday sees me at the Royal Society, for a talk on "Can our immune systems fight cancer?", a Meetup organised by the London European Club.
Wednesday, London for Less Than a Tenner is back at Top Secret.
On Thursday, I'm back with the Crick Crack Club at last, at the Art House Crouch End. First meeting of the year, and not actually advertised on Meetup! I saw it on their flier for Crouch End, and booked. Anyway, the title is Rebranding Beelzebub, which is certainly enough to get me there! And I now live closer to it than I did the last time I was there.
Back to Ireland that weekend, and on Monday 30, I'm back with Funzing UK for Eat Zagi - an immersive dining & theatre experience. I had some fun booking it, when the bank thought it was a fraud and kindly stopped my card, so I had to ring them at 2am.. in the meantime, I did find a discount code, so it wasn't all bad. Try "EnjoyFunzing5". Actually, why not try "EnjoyFunzing10"? That's a code too. Anyway, again, I'm closer to this venue in Finsbury Park than I was before..
Tuesday 31, I'm headed for Sex with Strangers at Hampstead Theatre. First Meetup of the year with London Dramatic Arts. Dunno, I think it was that she had seats at both levels of the theatre, so it would've been too hard to avoid them..
Wednesday 1, the Man with the Hat is starting the month again. Let's Do London - for less! is off to the Opera House for La Traviata.
Thursday 2, he's taking both groups to Cadogan Hall for a concert involving the works of Brahms and Elgar, among others.
Friday 3 promises to be unusual.. the Crick Crack Club is hosting a late-night storytelling event at the Wellcome Collection. Mustn't forget to book tickets for the actual storytelling - they go on sale on the 27th.
And finally, Saturday 4, I'm finally going to the much-advertised British Museum Tour - Ideas That Made our World. A Funzing event, as advertised by two of their Meetup groups - London Speaks Sessions and LDN Talks @ Night. So I booked with both..
Showing posts with label London Live Comedy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label London Live Comedy. Show all posts
Friday, 20 January 2017
Wednesday, 24 August 2016
Comedy: Crown the Knave
Comedy, comedy - I'm drowning in comedy. Seems to be 90% of what Meetup is throwing up these days - well, if you don't count fitness bootcamps (yeuch). I'd said I'd go to the regular, multi-advertised one in Hammersmith.. but then Crown the Knave (courtesy of London Live Comedy) advertised a show in The Bedford, which is half the distance. Both were free, of course. So I cancelled the first and signed myself in for the second. Cue a helpful message from the organiser to clarify that, this being in the side bar, the entrance was on Fernlea Road.
It's a short journey, so it didn't matter that I was kept late in the office again. Still, good job I gave myself about half an hour - it took most of that, especially since parking was tricky, for once, around the pub, and I ended up having to park past it and walk back. Also just as well she'd let me know about the entrance - there is a completely separate entrance for the side bar, and when I've been here before I've been in the theatre, upstairs.
The side bar turned out to be quite small, chairs packed into the space - I took one. The bar, predictably, wasn't serving, but I didn't feel the need for a drink. After some considerable trouble fixing the large spotlight at the back,so it didn't shine straight into the performer's eyes, they deafened us with the mics. Seems this was only their second performance at this venue - they were thrown out of their previous venue, which was located near an eatery, because they were disturbing the diners. Also seems they're having some set-up problems here.
The first act was good - a blues guitarist, accompanied by a couple of singers in succession, one of whom turned out to be one of the comedians, Siobhan Dodd. Who, as well as being a good comedian, turned out to be a fantastic blues singer! After a brief concert, but which provided a nice interlude before the comedy, the organiser passed around the room with a box of free raffle tickets, and we were into the comedy.
More than other comedy nights, I think this particular gathering tends to attract the same performers over and over. Andy Gleeks, who I thought spent far too much time bantering with the audience, was followed by Rakhesh Martyn, and another comedian whose name was more conventional (so I'm afraid I've forgotten it). Both very good. And followed by Siobhan to finish out the first set, with an enthusiastic - if rather scattered - show, possibly a bit distracted by the fact that her mother was sitting in the front row.
Now, these chairs were loose on the floor, and I had the misfortune to be sat behind one of those guys that always seem to need more space - so his chair gradually crept back towards mine. I eventually had to move, or be squashed - and when, during the interval (while the organiser and another of the comedians desperately tried to get the sound system working for his multimedia show, later), the guy I was now behind started moving his chair back as well - I gave the whole thing up as a bad job and left. The comedy was ok, but it was just kind of hard work in this venue, and it was small and nearly full, so there really wasn't anywhere else to sit.
At least I was out nice and early. Sadly, the street I was parked on was one-way, so I had to go around, which involved getting slightly lost, and my phone would pick this moment to decide that my fingerprint wasn't a match for its database, which meant trouble getting my phone to turn on. But I did make it out eventually, coming back via Asda, which meant I could do a very much-needed shop.. I even had time to cook myself some dinner!
Tonight, I'm back with London Dramatic Arts, who unusually had the cheapest tickets for something, would you believe! Showing at the National, this time it's Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour, a riotous schoolgirl comedy set during a choral competition. In the Dorfman, which is that one around the side.. always pays to check, with the National. Third time lucky, for something decent to go to this week?
Tomorrow, the Man with the Hat makes an appearance - his second outing to Macbeth, at the Globe, in fact; I loved it so much the first time that I'm going again. The music is by the same composer who wrote the soundtrack for Eyes Wide Shut, and I adored it - I'm a sucker for a good soundtrack.
And on Friday, I'm back to Ireland again, for a long weekend - it's a bank holiday here on Monday.
It's a short journey, so it didn't matter that I was kept late in the office again. Still, good job I gave myself about half an hour - it took most of that, especially since parking was tricky, for once, around the pub, and I ended up having to park past it and walk back. Also just as well she'd let me know about the entrance - there is a completely separate entrance for the side bar, and when I've been here before I've been in the theatre, upstairs.
The side bar turned out to be quite small, chairs packed into the space - I took one. The bar, predictably, wasn't serving, but I didn't feel the need for a drink. After some considerable trouble fixing the large spotlight at the back,so it didn't shine straight into the performer's eyes, they deafened us with the mics. Seems this was only their second performance at this venue - they were thrown out of their previous venue, which was located near an eatery, because they were disturbing the diners. Also seems they're having some set-up problems here.
The first act was good - a blues guitarist, accompanied by a couple of singers in succession, one of whom turned out to be one of the comedians, Siobhan Dodd. Who, as well as being a good comedian, turned out to be a fantastic blues singer! After a brief concert, but which provided a nice interlude before the comedy, the organiser passed around the room with a box of free raffle tickets, and we were into the comedy.
More than other comedy nights, I think this particular gathering tends to attract the same performers over and over. Andy Gleeks, who I thought spent far too much time bantering with the audience, was followed by Rakhesh Martyn, and another comedian whose name was more conventional (so I'm afraid I've forgotten it). Both very good. And followed by Siobhan to finish out the first set, with an enthusiastic - if rather scattered - show, possibly a bit distracted by the fact that her mother was sitting in the front row.
Now, these chairs were loose on the floor, and I had the misfortune to be sat behind one of those guys that always seem to need more space - so his chair gradually crept back towards mine. I eventually had to move, or be squashed - and when, during the interval (while the organiser and another of the comedians desperately tried to get the sound system working for his multimedia show, later), the guy I was now behind started moving his chair back as well - I gave the whole thing up as a bad job and left. The comedy was ok, but it was just kind of hard work in this venue, and it was small and nearly full, so there really wasn't anywhere else to sit.
At least I was out nice and early. Sadly, the street I was parked on was one-way, so I had to go around, which involved getting slightly lost, and my phone would pick this moment to decide that my fingerprint wasn't a match for its database, which meant trouble getting my phone to turn on. But I did make it out eventually, coming back via Asda, which meant I could do a very much-needed shop.. I even had time to cook myself some dinner!
Tonight, I'm back with London Dramatic Arts, who unusually had the cheapest tickets for something, would you believe! Showing at the National, this time it's Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour, a riotous schoolgirl comedy set during a choral competition. In the Dorfman, which is that one around the side.. always pays to check, with the National. Third time lucky, for something decent to go to this week?
Tomorrow, the Man with the Hat makes an appearance - his second outing to Macbeth, at the Globe, in fact; I loved it so much the first time that I'm going again. The music is by the same composer who wrote the soundtrack for Eyes Wide Shut, and I adored it - I'm a sucker for a good soundtrack.
And on Friday, I'm back to Ireland again, for a long weekend - it's a bank holiday here on Monday.
Thursday, 11 August 2016
Free Comedy Night
I like these free comedy nights in The Grove - the atmosphere is good, and it's my side of town (although, as I noticed today from researching my route on Google Maps, it's actually five miles away! You don't think about it, but the area of Greater London is over 600 square miles..
Third time lucky - my third time at this venue, and I finally drove. First time, I didn't think I'd get parking, this close to Hammersmith. (Not true.) Second time, I didn't think the route that Google Maps gave me was easy to follow - and I was tired that day. This time, however, I was determined - and working from home gave me all the time I needed to research the three routes that Google gave me - this time, I liked the fastest and shortest one, which took me over Battersea Bridge, up Warwick Road and left on West Cromwell Road to Hammersmith - areas I knew very well when I used to work in the area.
I had my directions printed out, with notes, and the phone on hand for emergencies, as I set out. Right on Battersea Park Road - and my goodness, but it was busy! The worst traffic I encountered, in fact - it was a relief to take the left lane for Battersea Bridge. Nice view as I crossed: then immediately left on the other side, follow the road through to Warwick Road, which I used to walk along to the office. (Did I ever imagine I'd drive the same road?!) Left on West Cromwell Road, passing the old office - by now, it was handy to be able to recognise landmarks. Hug the left lane for the Hammersmith turnoff..
Hammersmith is always fun, especially as trying to Streetview it is a pain - it keeps switching to the flyover view. Essentially, right lane coming off the main road, then take the third lane - for the A315 - rounding the Hammersmith Gyratory (because the first two veer left too soon). As soon as they do, switch to the second lane to take the next left onto King Street, where your task is to avoid shoppers. Now, the one-way system forces you to do a little circle - take the first right possible, then right again, and left onto Hammersmith Grove at the end of the road. Wouldn't you know it, every time I had to make a turn (except the very last one), the car in front of me was going the same way, which was reassuring - and I didn't make a single wrong turn! 25 minutes, it took.
Parking was easy (and free in the evenings), and I was way too early for the gig. So I strolled up to the top of the road, to check out where I'd have had to turn if I'd come via Shepherds Bush - the route I rejected last time. If it's suggested again as the quickest option, I think I'll try it.
Returning to the bar, I ordered a wine (which I intended to last all evening, as I was driving). Someone was offering free shots of something Mexican - I passed. Spilt my drink twice going upstairs, of course, and took a seat - thus filling out the second row nicely; the front row never did have takers. The mc remembered my name! which was nice. And that I worked in IT. And there were others there from Meetup - not that I got chatting to anyone on this occasion; the person beside me wasn't in the mood, it seemed.
The lineup was a varied one, of newbies who, if not polished, were endearing as they tried to last their allotted time. Nobody from the first half really did it for me, and I was beginning to get sick of keeping a rictus grin on my face. Also, the room was getting very warm - it was a relief when they put on some air-conditioning at the beginning of the second half. At the interval, I checked my phone, during which time (surprise, surprise) London for a Tenner or Less cancelled both events relating to this gig. Interesting ploy, probably to disguise just how much stuff they advertise - I see the only events they don't seem to delete after the fact are the talks. You see, although they don't charge for these comedy nights, this is one of the Meetup groups for Funzing, which is a commercial organisation - not what Meetup is supposed to be about, and I daresay they want to fly under the radar if they can.
The second half saw one rather cringeworthy guy, whose name I forget, but who managed to annoy just about everyone there in one way or another. Carmen Ali seemed to be a last-minute addition, discussing her participation with the mc beforehand. Richard Nixon (I think), a New Zealander, looked familiar - and when he told the joke about the similarity between the way ducks swim and the way Irish dancers dance, I knew I'd heard him tell that one before, at We Are Funny. And he is funny, if a bit cerebral - a lot of his jokes, while witty, require thinking about. Funny man of the night, for me, was the headliner, Adam Greene, who was practicing, apparently, for a big show on Saturday.
The journey home actually sounded more complicated, but seemed easier in practice. Travelling in that direction through the gyratory is a lot simpler, and despite a complicated lane arrangement headed eastwards on West Cromwell Road, I still made no wrong turns. Yippee, another route sorted! The view on the bridge by night was even lovelier than by day - but for obvious reasons, I couldn't take a picture!
Back to Ireland tomorrow for the weekend. On Monday, I got a cheap ticket - to a play called The League of Youth, by Ibsen, in Theatre N16. Which means I can drive again, yippee! (Let's hope this one isn't cancelled, as the last one was!) Then Tuesday and Wednesday are Man with the Hat days - on Tuesday, he's taking Let's Do London - for Less! to a production of Thérese Raquin at Southwark Playhouse: and sent out a message today to the effect that this contains strong language, scenes of a sexual nature, full frontal nudity and depictions of graphic violence, and could we let him know if that was going to be a problem. Hmm - nope. And on Wednesday he's taking London for Less than a Tenner (not to be confused with the aforementioned group, which is easily done) to Top Secret. Shh..
Third time lucky - my third time at this venue, and I finally drove. First time, I didn't think I'd get parking, this close to Hammersmith. (Not true.) Second time, I didn't think the route that Google Maps gave me was easy to follow - and I was tired that day. This time, however, I was determined - and working from home gave me all the time I needed to research the three routes that Google gave me - this time, I liked the fastest and shortest one, which took me over Battersea Bridge, up Warwick Road and left on West Cromwell Road to Hammersmith - areas I knew very well when I used to work in the area.
I had my directions printed out, with notes, and the phone on hand for emergencies, as I set out. Right on Battersea Park Road - and my goodness, but it was busy! The worst traffic I encountered, in fact - it was a relief to take the left lane for Battersea Bridge. Nice view as I crossed: then immediately left on the other side, follow the road through to Warwick Road, which I used to walk along to the office. (Did I ever imagine I'd drive the same road?!) Left on West Cromwell Road, passing the old office - by now, it was handy to be able to recognise landmarks. Hug the left lane for the Hammersmith turnoff..
Hammersmith is always fun, especially as trying to Streetview it is a pain - it keeps switching to the flyover view. Essentially, right lane coming off the main road, then take the third lane - for the A315 - rounding the Hammersmith Gyratory (because the first two veer left too soon). As soon as they do, switch to the second lane to take the next left onto King Street, where your task is to avoid shoppers. Now, the one-way system forces you to do a little circle - take the first right possible, then right again, and left onto Hammersmith Grove at the end of the road. Wouldn't you know it, every time I had to make a turn (except the very last one), the car in front of me was going the same way, which was reassuring - and I didn't make a single wrong turn! 25 minutes, it took.
Parking was easy (and free in the evenings), and I was way too early for the gig. So I strolled up to the top of the road, to check out where I'd have had to turn if I'd come via Shepherds Bush - the route I rejected last time. If it's suggested again as the quickest option, I think I'll try it.
Returning to the bar, I ordered a wine (which I intended to last all evening, as I was driving). Someone was offering free shots of something Mexican - I passed. Spilt my drink twice going upstairs, of course, and took a seat - thus filling out the second row nicely; the front row never did have takers. The mc remembered my name! which was nice. And that I worked in IT. And there were others there from Meetup - not that I got chatting to anyone on this occasion; the person beside me wasn't in the mood, it seemed.
The lineup was a varied one, of newbies who, if not polished, were endearing as they tried to last their allotted time. Nobody from the first half really did it for me, and I was beginning to get sick of keeping a rictus grin on my face. Also, the room was getting very warm - it was a relief when they put on some air-conditioning at the beginning of the second half. At the interval, I checked my phone, during which time (surprise, surprise) London for a Tenner or Less cancelled both events relating to this gig. Interesting ploy, probably to disguise just how much stuff they advertise - I see the only events they don't seem to delete after the fact are the talks. You see, although they don't charge for these comedy nights, this is one of the Meetup groups for Funzing, which is a commercial organisation - not what Meetup is supposed to be about, and I daresay they want to fly under the radar if they can.
The second half saw one rather cringeworthy guy, whose name I forget, but who managed to annoy just about everyone there in one way or another. Carmen Ali seemed to be a last-minute addition, discussing her participation with the mc beforehand. Richard Nixon (I think), a New Zealander, looked familiar - and when he told the joke about the similarity between the way ducks swim and the way Irish dancers dance, I knew I'd heard him tell that one before, at We Are Funny. And he is funny, if a bit cerebral - a lot of his jokes, while witty, require thinking about. Funny man of the night, for me, was the headliner, Adam Greene, who was practicing, apparently, for a big show on Saturday.
The journey home actually sounded more complicated, but seemed easier in practice. Travelling in that direction through the gyratory is a lot simpler, and despite a complicated lane arrangement headed eastwards on West Cromwell Road, I still made no wrong turns. Yippee, another route sorted! The view on the bridge by night was even lovelier than by day - but for obvious reasons, I couldn't take a picture!
Back to Ireland tomorrow for the weekend. On Monday, I got a cheap ticket - to a play called The League of Youth, by Ibsen, in Theatre N16. Which means I can drive again, yippee! (Let's hope this one isn't cancelled, as the last one was!) Then Tuesday and Wednesday are Man with the Hat days - on Tuesday, he's taking Let's Do London - for Less! to a production of Thérese Raquin at Southwark Playhouse: and sent out a message today to the effect that this contains strong language, scenes of a sexual nature, full frontal nudity and depictions of graphic violence, and could we let him know if that was going to be a problem. Hmm - nope. And on Wednesday he's taking London for Less than a Tenner (not to be confused with the aforementioned group, which is easily done) to Top Secret. Shh..
Wednesday, 13 July 2016
Free Comedy in Hammersmith - Joys of Music
As I looked for something to do last night, a free comedy night in Hammersmith featured prominently - mainly because it was another of these events that was advertised several times on Meetup. I booked with London Live Comedy - but it was also advertised with Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith, Wimbledon and Farringdon; I'm not a member, don't live there, and didn't bother joining them. Meetup can be funny with its notifications - I also see today that, apparently, Random London had advertised it! As did London Art, Comedy & Culture Lovers. And then there's London for a Tenner or Less, one of Funzing's three Meetup groups (that I know of). Just like the gig last week at the same venue, they actually advertised it twice.. Funny thing about them, every Funzing event I've gone to via Meetup has been removed from their Meetup groups' calendars after the event. Last night, I said I'd try not signing up with them, see what happened.
I looked into driving, and was delighted to see that the route from where I live is actually quite easy! Onto the A3205, left onto Battersea Bridge, left on the other side, and straight through to Shepherds Bush. Left there, second left onto Hammersmith Grove.. ah, now there was a problem. The turn just isn't conspicuous enough - I'm unfamiliar with the area, and could easily see myself getting lost: and my phone battery is unreliable, so I wouldn't have that to help me. Ah well..
I was back early enough to take the bus. Our driver seemed in a hurry, and got us to Hammersmith nice and fast - and I arrived at The Grove about 10 minutes before start time. Ordered a drink, and ran into someone from Let's Do London - for less!, who'd said she might come - and duly did. Cool - we took our drinks upstairs.
It was a bit more crowded this time, and this time I actually met some other Meetup folks. There was a different host this time.. first up was Zahra Barri, whom I'd seen a video of on the Meetup page. She's half Muslim, and as it happened, there was a vocal, Muslim, Iraqi woman in the audience, who was also a lecturer in feminism (or some such). Talk about audience interaction - they must have spent half her set debating the role of women in Islam! (which was a lot funnier than it sounds..).
The "Music" in the title was provided by a hilarious duo called Hurt & Anderson, who came on in jeans and black t-shirts (one read "Hurt", the other "Anderson") and gave us a reworked musical medly. One on the guitar, both singing, they take popular songs and redo the lyrics. Fantastic stuff, and we gave them a rousing round of applause.
There was a wide variety on the lineup, some better than others, and culminating in the excellent Ria Lina. Effortlessly funny, she tried out some new material on us, and sent us out on a high. Some stayed for drinks after, but we two didn't really feel like it, and made our way home - Google Maps hadn't been very informative about which bus stop I needed, so I'd had to look it up. Turned out we both needed Bus Stop C. And so home - already past my bedtime, seeing as I'm in Guildford today: so too late to blog. Oh, and interestingly, today I see that London for a Tenner or Less has removed that event (both instances) from their Meetup calendar, even though I didn't book with them. Wonder whether they read my blog, and knew I was coming?!
Just back from lunch - a free one, with a team I just joined, and specifically to welcome an intern. And we were in the Bench Bar - a new venue for me, up the hill from work. A bit of a hike, but I could do with it - and we were just in time to miss the torrential rain that fell during lunch. We ordered at the bar, putting it all on the team tab, and while a couple had beer, I figured wine might be pushing it, so had a soft drink instead. And chicken and bacon linguini - since I don't have time for dinner tonight, pasta seemed a good idea.
We sat under the main bank of televisions, one of which was showing David Cameron's last PM Questions. And we could hear every word, after a couple of old gents, sat at the next table down, asked the staff to turn it up. Well, they were engrossed, I'm happy to say. And the staff did turn the volume back down when it was over. And it was something to listen to, during our interminable wait.. honestly, they take even longer than Heart and Soul! Whatever is it about eateries around here?! Well, when it finally came, it was absolutely delicious, as was the large piece of garlic bread that accompanied it. Mind you, I should have ordered the smaller portion - I couldn't finish what I had. Back to the office was downhill, thankfully, and again, we just missed some torrential rain.
Now, tonight I was supposed to go to a travel talk on Japan, hosted by The Roads Less Travelled: Ekzotic Adventures Travel Club. But wouldn't you know it, it proved so popular that they had to book a bigger venue, which wasn't available tonight. So they rescheduled, and I can't make the second date. Never mind, it was free anyway. Looking at what else was on, I checked out a World Music Meetup called The Girl with the Almond Eyes, happening in Sands Film Studios - a venue I love. Wouldn't you know it - not just a concert, this is an evening of music and poetry from the Mediterranean and Middle East. Sounds fabulous! I hadn't realised this before, or I'd have booked it straight away - well, I have now. Looking forward to that.
Tomorrow, 'tis back with the Man with the Hat - London for Less than a Tenner this time (the similarity in names to the aforementioned group has caused me some confusion). He's headed to an reputedly charming pub (well, it has booths), for yet more comedy.. A new venue for me, and (shockingly) he's wearing a.. GREEN hat! Oh I know, it must be a nod to the strong Irish community in Islington..
Back to Ireland for the weekend, and back to the Man with the Hat again on Monday, when we're off to an award-winning play called Fury, in Soho Theatre.
I looked into driving, and was delighted to see that the route from where I live is actually quite easy! Onto the A3205, left onto Battersea Bridge, left on the other side, and straight through to Shepherds Bush. Left there, second left onto Hammersmith Grove.. ah, now there was a problem. The turn just isn't conspicuous enough - I'm unfamiliar with the area, and could easily see myself getting lost: and my phone battery is unreliable, so I wouldn't have that to help me. Ah well..
I was back early enough to take the bus. Our driver seemed in a hurry, and got us to Hammersmith nice and fast - and I arrived at The Grove about 10 minutes before start time. Ordered a drink, and ran into someone from Let's Do London - for less!, who'd said she might come - and duly did. Cool - we took our drinks upstairs.
It was a bit more crowded this time, and this time I actually met some other Meetup folks. There was a different host this time.. first up was Zahra Barri, whom I'd seen a video of on the Meetup page. She's half Muslim, and as it happened, there was a vocal, Muslim, Iraqi woman in the audience, who was also a lecturer in feminism (or some such). Talk about audience interaction - they must have spent half her set debating the role of women in Islam! (which was a lot funnier than it sounds..).
The "Music" in the title was provided by a hilarious duo called Hurt & Anderson, who came on in jeans and black t-shirts (one read "Hurt", the other "Anderson") and gave us a reworked musical medly. One on the guitar, both singing, they take popular songs and redo the lyrics. Fantastic stuff, and we gave them a rousing round of applause.
There was a wide variety on the lineup, some better than others, and culminating in the excellent Ria Lina. Effortlessly funny, she tried out some new material on us, and sent us out on a high. Some stayed for drinks after, but we two didn't really feel like it, and made our way home - Google Maps hadn't been very informative about which bus stop I needed, so I'd had to look it up. Turned out we both needed Bus Stop C. And so home - already past my bedtime, seeing as I'm in Guildford today: so too late to blog. Oh, and interestingly, today I see that London for a Tenner or Less has removed that event (both instances) from their Meetup calendar, even though I didn't book with them. Wonder whether they read my blog, and knew I was coming?!
Just back from lunch - a free one, with a team I just joined, and specifically to welcome an intern. And we were in the Bench Bar - a new venue for me, up the hill from work. A bit of a hike, but I could do with it - and we were just in time to miss the torrential rain that fell during lunch. We ordered at the bar, putting it all on the team tab, and while a couple had beer, I figured wine might be pushing it, so had a soft drink instead. And chicken and bacon linguini - since I don't have time for dinner tonight, pasta seemed a good idea.
We sat under the main bank of televisions, one of which was showing David Cameron's last PM Questions. And we could hear every word, after a couple of old gents, sat at the next table down, asked the staff to turn it up. Well, they were engrossed, I'm happy to say. And the staff did turn the volume back down when it was over. And it was something to listen to, during our interminable wait.. honestly, they take even longer than Heart and Soul! Whatever is it about eateries around here?! Well, when it finally came, it was absolutely delicious, as was the large piece of garlic bread that accompanied it. Mind you, I should have ordered the smaller portion - I couldn't finish what I had. Back to the office was downhill, thankfully, and again, we just missed some torrential rain.
Now, tonight I was supposed to go to a travel talk on Japan, hosted by The Roads Less Travelled: Ekzotic Adventures Travel Club. But wouldn't you know it, it proved so popular that they had to book a bigger venue, which wasn't available tonight. So they rescheduled, and I can't make the second date. Never mind, it was free anyway. Looking at what else was on, I checked out a World Music Meetup called The Girl with the Almond Eyes, happening in Sands Film Studios - a venue I love. Wouldn't you know it - not just a concert, this is an evening of music and poetry from the Mediterranean and Middle East. Sounds fabulous! I hadn't realised this before, or I'd have booked it straight away - well, I have now. Looking forward to that.
Tomorrow, 'tis back with the Man with the Hat - London for Less than a Tenner this time (the similarity in names to the aforementioned group has caused me some confusion). He's headed to an reputedly charming pub (well, it has booths), for yet more comedy.. A new venue for me, and (shockingly) he's wearing a.. GREEN hat! Oh I know, it must be a nod to the strong Irish community in Islington..
Back to Ireland for the weekend, and back to the Man with the Hat again on Monday, when we're off to an award-winning play called Fury, in Soho Theatre.
Thursday, 30 June 2016
Comedy: John Hastings & Friends
Looking through what was available on Meetup for tonight, I came across no fewer than four events scheduled for the same occasion! Random London and London Live Comedy each had one, and London for a Tenner or Less had no fewer than two.. and all for exactly the same gig: John Hastings (& friends) at The Grove in Hammersmith. No problem in deciding to go - I've never before seen him live, but loved his stuff on YouTube. Well, with it being free, I duly signed up to all four events - why not?
Now, the first two events seem to have been organised by the same guy - I've seen that before, when people want to advertise something more widely. I know London for a Tenner or Less is a group designed to publicise Funzing; they have far too many events every day (many simultaneous) to be a regular Meetup group, and I see the same things advertised on Funzing: and, on occasion, on Funzing's other Meetup group (that I know of), London Speaks Sessions.
Here's a fun fact; of the two Funzing events that I attended in the last two days, both of which I booked as a result of seeing them on Meetup, and which I confirmed on Meetup.. as soon as they were over, they completely vanished from their respective Meetup groups' pages. Fair enough, you might think - they were over, no need to keep them there. Except.. all groups keep a record of their past events, and these are no exception. Plus, London for a Tenner or Less also advertised Wednesday's event, which I went to, and confirmed, with London Speaks Sessions. But it's no longer displayed in London Speaks Sessions.. still there in London for a Tenner or Less, though! http://www.meetup.com/London-for-a-Tenner-or-Less/events/231221773/
So, as soon as I go to a Funzing event (advertised in Meetup), it gets deleted from the Meetup group's page. Am I paranoid? Would you blame me..? And would someone tell me what on earth they think they're doing..? I'm not dreaming, BTW, they both are Funzing; I got the following Facebook notification tonight:
Back to Ireland tomorrow for the weekend, and next week is all mapped out - first time in a while that's happened. On Monday, I'm finally gong to Kinky Boots, in the Adelphi. Got my ticket on an Amazon offer - always, always shop around for the big shows. On Tuesday, similarly, I'm headed (finally) to Motown, the Musical, at the Shaftesbury Theatre. Best value in that case was from the venue itself. And I've already had a couple of emails from them, reminding me to print my tickets.
Speaking of value, on Wednesday I'm headed to the National, to see a reading of Stuff Happens, with Bill Nighy. Also in the room will be London Dramatic Arts, who are charging £2.50 more than the standard £10 for this production. It's been a while since I went with them - and at this rate, it'll be a while longer! Anyway, I've booked a seat upstairs, where hopefully I'll avoid them. (Pure badness of me to book at all, I know, but it sounds good.)
In complete contrast, I'm with the Man with the Hat on Thursday and Friday. Thursday is back to the Globe (whoopee!) for a performance of Macbeth that didn't get a great review in the Metro. What the hey, I don't pay much attention to those - and it'll be a great night anyway - great venue, great group. And on Friday, he's taking us back to the Royal Opera House, for Il Trovatore.
Now, the first two events seem to have been organised by the same guy - I've seen that before, when people want to advertise something more widely. I know London for a Tenner or Less is a group designed to publicise Funzing; they have far too many events every day (many simultaneous) to be a regular Meetup group, and I see the same things advertised on Funzing: and, on occasion, on Funzing's other Meetup group (that I know of), London Speaks Sessions.
Here's a fun fact; of the two Funzing events that I attended in the last two days, both of which I booked as a result of seeing them on Meetup, and which I confirmed on Meetup.. as soon as they were over, they completely vanished from their respective Meetup groups' pages. Fair enough, you might think - they were over, no need to keep them there. Except.. all groups keep a record of their past events, and these are no exception. Plus, London for a Tenner or Less also advertised Wednesday's event, which I went to, and confirmed, with London Speaks Sessions. But it's no longer displayed in London Speaks Sessions.. still there in London for a Tenner or Less, though! http://www.meetup.com/London-for-a-Tenner-or-Less/events/231221773/
So, as soon as I go to a Funzing event (advertised in Meetup), it gets deleted from the Meetup group's page. Am I paranoid? Would you blame me..? And would someone tell me what on earth they think they're doing..? I'm not dreaming, BTW, they both are Funzing; I got the following Facebook notification tonight:
In future, I'll be taking screenshots of any events I book with them. Assuming they don't boot me out of the groups before I can book any more.. I can only assume they don't want the Meetup groups to be openly associated with Funzing, Meetup being (nominally) a not-for-profit organisation, and Funzing a paid events site (mostly). Ah well..
It was nice to be going to something fairly close to home - it was only afterwards, though, that I realised I could have driven; I've driven through Hammersmith Broadway before, I could manage again (even though it nearly gave me a heart attack). What the hey, less hassle to take public transport - and I was back early enough to take the 295 bus straight there. Got off at the bus station, followed my nose, and accidentally came out the right exit for Beadon Road (the one after King Street). First right onto Hammersmith Grove and keep walking - The Grove bar and restaurant is on the left.
I've been to a good few events in pubs now, and they tend to take place either upstairs or downstairs, rather than in the main seating area. I remembered something in one of the non-Funzing groups about meeting upstairs, so when I found the stairs, up I went, and found the room with no difficulty. Tiny function room they have!! They barely fitted two rows of chairs in front of the mic, with a couple of sofas and tables to the side. A Meetup sign slumped on one of the tables - I didn't really fancy joining the group there, two of whom were having a discussion about comedy, another of whom was having a nap on the sofa. (Actually, they all turned out to be comedians - I don't think there was much actual Meetup activity.) Instead, I picked a chair (second row, natch) and, finding out they'd be starting late, and with the upstairs bar stocked but unstaffed (as usual), went back down for a drink - reasonably priced, and served by a chap who assured me they'd be starting "any second".
Yeah, right. To be fair, they were waiting for more of an audience - I think I was only the third audience member to arrive. The place did pretty much fill, eventually. And the guy I recognised from both non-Funzing groups filled the role of mc, regaling us with jokes that left us begging for the scheduled comedians! The first half comprised five acts, none of whom I'd ever heard of. Decent enough, some definitely better than others - notable for me during this section was a Welsh-Iranian guy called Darius, whose surname I didn't get - the mc could have done with saying their names more clearly.
An interval before John Hastings came on - he'd hung around with the others for a while before the start. I got myself another glass of wine, and settled in. And he entertained us royally for another 45 minutes or so, all on his own - practicing new material for the Edinburgh Festival, you see. He explained to us at the beginning that he was going to tell us a long story. And while it might not be funny, he could at least guarantee that it would be long..
It was very, very funny. He's as good live as online. And it occurred to me that it didn't matter at all whether you paid attention - or whether you came in to the story late; you'd still find it funny. No context required. He's a brilliant storyteller - highly recommended, check him out if you get a chance.
On the way home, I noted all the parking spaces - not a bad road for parking, this one. And arriving back at the bus station, I searched in vain for Stop M, which Google Maps had told me to get the bus back from, but whose location I hadn't checked. Well, I followed the route back, and found it on Fulham Palace Road. Which was funny, as I'd have expected a stop in the station, which would have been closer. Sure enough, what I should have been looking for was Stop C..
Speaking of value, on Wednesday I'm headed to the National, to see a reading of Stuff Happens, with Bill Nighy. Also in the room will be London Dramatic Arts, who are charging £2.50 more than the standard £10 for this production. It's been a while since I went with them - and at this rate, it'll be a while longer! Anyway, I've booked a seat upstairs, where hopefully I'll avoid them. (Pure badness of me to book at all, I know, but it sounds good.)
In complete contrast, I'm with the Man with the Hat on Thursday and Friday. Thursday is back to the Globe (whoopee!) for a performance of Macbeth that didn't get a great review in the Metro. What the hey, I don't pay much attention to those - and it'll be a great night anyway - great venue, great group. And on Friday, he's taking us back to the Royal Opera House, for Il Trovatore.
Thursday, 5 May 2016
Comedy: Nikolaugh Teslaugh
Well gee, comedy again last night! I couldn't get many details about the performers in Nikolaugh Teslaugh, but when I checked out the headliner (Amir Khoshsokhan) on YouTube, I was so impressed by the style of his delivery that there was just no question. So I told London Live Comedy that I'd go. First time for me, but not for want of trying on the part of this group - they always have a ton of stuff on, it's just that it usually clashes with something else I'd rather do..
It was up in the Rose and Crown in Kentish Town - excuse enough not to go, especially as I was in Guildford, but I did make it back in time and said What the Hey. I elected to take the Overground (cheaper), and printed out a street map for walking directions from Kentish Town West. On the way, I'd be passing Kentish Town station - which was handy, because I'd have to get the Tube back from there - the Overground wasn't an option by the time I figured I'd be leaving, about 10:30pm. Not for that distance.
The organiser had said he'd have a table ready from 7, but the show didn't start till 8, and I figured I was ok arriving by then, as I didn't know anyone going. After sleeping badly the night before, I was slightly exhausted, and kept dozing off on the long Overground ride - but I came to in time to get off, and set off from the station. It was a beautiful, sunny evening, should have been a lovely walk (about 20 mins) - sadly, Kentish Town is the most polluted place I've been in for a long time, and I could actually feel my throat burning from traffic exhaust fumes as I walked. Gosh, I'm lucky I don't live there! I was glad when I finally came across the pub.
I knew the show was in the cellar bar - I couldn't see an exterior entrance to the cellar from the street, so I went in. After a brief look around what's a very poky pub, I passed a narrow stairway, leading down from an open door. Well, it looked like it led to the cellar - I followed a group of other folks, who looked as though they might be on the same mission. Thankfully, the edge of the steps was painted yellow - there isn't nearly enough light, and as I got to the bottom, I was really reminded of The Vaults! Yes, this was it, and the organiser was prominent downstairs - he couldn't help but be, he's quite tall and came quite close to the ceiling. And, as promised, he wore a blue shirt.
Strobe lighting illuminated a pretty small space, lots of chairs set out. As usual, there was a bar down here, and as usual, it wasn't serving - so I had to schlep upstairs again for a drink, which I carried gingerly back down with me. Worth it though - a decent house white, large, for £5.90 - West End, please take note! The organiser did a decent job of introducing us Meetup people to each other, and I recognised one - although, not seeing her on the Meetup page, I wonder whether she was there with a different group! She started up a geeky conversation with a couple of others down the back, and I left her to it.
Geeky, mind you, was the theme of the night - plenty of Star Wars references, what with yesterday being May the 4th ("May the fourth be with you!"). First time I've heard of Star Wars Day (which someone on the radio on my way home had got wrong and called Star Trek Day!).. anyway, fine by me, I have that background. Three acts before the interval, three after, and generally they were excellent. Plenty of jokes about science, some about Star Wars. Some ill-advised charts. Joke of the night, for us science nerds, has to go to the one about Schrodinger's Cat.. not gonna give it away, but if you know about the cat, you'd really appreciate this!
One of the performers in the second half spent the first half sitting near me, and we got chatting. I mentioned I'd been at a comedy gig the night before as well, and earned his eternal disapproval by admitting that I couldn't remember any of the names! Well sorry, but there were several, none of whom I'd ever heard of before, or am likely to again, and I didn't take notes! Maybe if I were into comedy in a serious way - but it's not the main thing I do. If I can link to the event website, I'll look up those I remember and give them a mention. Otherwise, sorry, but they'll have to vanish into the mist..
At the interval, I needed the toilet - there's only one, and hardly any room to queue for it. Oh, and the floor was all wet. The interval was longer than stated - luckily, considering I spent most of it queueing for the loo, and it took ages to get served afterwards.
The acts did get better as the night continued - sorry to any other comedians out there, but I don't remember the name of the Scottish guy. But I do remember Khoshsokhan (pronounced "Course you can"), famous for his slow and quiet delivery. He was an absolute delight, and I wouldn't have missed him for the world. Tube and train home afterwards (just after 10:30) and home just after bedtime, given that I'm all the way down in Guildford again today.
Looking forward to tonight - back with the Man with the Hat, for the first outing of the year to The Globe! A Midsummer Night's Dream, to be precise. As usual, being too decrepit to stand for the duration, I'm being a wuss and going for a seat - so, Let's Do London - for less! it is. Atmosphere's still great. Somewhat anxious about making it on time, especially as there was a fire in Vauxhall last night, which has severely disrupted train services to Waterloo, which I was planning to use! - bless, the Man with the Hat says he'll wait outside for latecomers. Now, there's a service.. Hopefully, I shan't need it. And then he's mixing it up by heading to the Anchor afterwards.. New one for me. What the hey, variety is the spice of life, as they say.
Then it's back to Ireland for the weekend, and my mother and I are off on Saturday to a violin concert called One Night in Vienna, in Glór. And back in London, on Monday I'm back with the Crick Crack Club, for Kali - in Soho Theatre again.
It was up in the Rose and Crown in Kentish Town - excuse enough not to go, especially as I was in Guildford, but I did make it back in time and said What the Hey. I elected to take the Overground (cheaper), and printed out a street map for walking directions from Kentish Town West. On the way, I'd be passing Kentish Town station - which was handy, because I'd have to get the Tube back from there - the Overground wasn't an option by the time I figured I'd be leaving, about 10:30pm. Not for that distance.
The organiser had said he'd have a table ready from 7, but the show didn't start till 8, and I figured I was ok arriving by then, as I didn't know anyone going. After sleeping badly the night before, I was slightly exhausted, and kept dozing off on the long Overground ride - but I came to in time to get off, and set off from the station. It was a beautiful, sunny evening, should have been a lovely walk (about 20 mins) - sadly, Kentish Town is the most polluted place I've been in for a long time, and I could actually feel my throat burning from traffic exhaust fumes as I walked. Gosh, I'm lucky I don't live there! I was glad when I finally came across the pub.
I knew the show was in the cellar bar - I couldn't see an exterior entrance to the cellar from the street, so I went in. After a brief look around what's a very poky pub, I passed a narrow stairway, leading down from an open door. Well, it looked like it led to the cellar - I followed a group of other folks, who looked as though they might be on the same mission. Thankfully, the edge of the steps was painted yellow - there isn't nearly enough light, and as I got to the bottom, I was really reminded of The Vaults! Yes, this was it, and the organiser was prominent downstairs - he couldn't help but be, he's quite tall and came quite close to the ceiling. And, as promised, he wore a blue shirt.
Strobe lighting illuminated a pretty small space, lots of chairs set out. As usual, there was a bar down here, and as usual, it wasn't serving - so I had to schlep upstairs again for a drink, which I carried gingerly back down with me. Worth it though - a decent house white, large, for £5.90 - West End, please take note! The organiser did a decent job of introducing us Meetup people to each other, and I recognised one - although, not seeing her on the Meetup page, I wonder whether she was there with a different group! She started up a geeky conversation with a couple of others down the back, and I left her to it.
Geeky, mind you, was the theme of the night - plenty of Star Wars references, what with yesterday being May the 4th ("May the fourth be with you!"). First time I've heard of Star Wars Day (which someone on the radio on my way home had got wrong and called Star Trek Day!).. anyway, fine by me, I have that background. Three acts before the interval, three after, and generally they were excellent. Plenty of jokes about science, some about Star Wars. Some ill-advised charts. Joke of the night, for us science nerds, has to go to the one about Schrodinger's Cat.. not gonna give it away, but if you know about the cat, you'd really appreciate this!
One of the performers in the second half spent the first half sitting near me, and we got chatting. I mentioned I'd been at a comedy gig the night before as well, and earned his eternal disapproval by admitting that I couldn't remember any of the names! Well sorry, but there were several, none of whom I'd ever heard of before, or am likely to again, and I didn't take notes! Maybe if I were into comedy in a serious way - but it's not the main thing I do. If I can link to the event website, I'll look up those I remember and give them a mention. Otherwise, sorry, but they'll have to vanish into the mist..
At the interval, I needed the toilet - there's only one, and hardly any room to queue for it. Oh, and the floor was all wet. The interval was longer than stated - luckily, considering I spent most of it queueing for the loo, and it took ages to get served afterwards.
The acts did get better as the night continued - sorry to any other comedians out there, but I don't remember the name of the Scottish guy. But I do remember Khoshsokhan (pronounced "Course you can"), famous for his slow and quiet delivery. He was an absolute delight, and I wouldn't have missed him for the world. Tube and train home afterwards (just after 10:30) and home just after bedtime, given that I'm all the way down in Guildford again today.
Looking forward to tonight - back with the Man with the Hat, for the first outing of the year to The Globe! A Midsummer Night's Dream, to be precise. As usual, being too decrepit to stand for the duration, I'm being a wuss and going for a seat - so, Let's Do London - for less! it is. Atmosphere's still great. Somewhat anxious about making it on time, especially as there was a fire in Vauxhall last night, which has severely disrupted train services to Waterloo, which I was planning to use! - bless, the Man with the Hat says he'll wait outside for latecomers. Now, there's a service.. Hopefully, I shan't need it. And then he's mixing it up by heading to the Anchor afterwards.. New one for me. What the hey, variety is the spice of life, as they say.
Then it's back to Ireland for the weekend, and my mother and I are off on Saturday to a violin concert called One Night in Vienna, in Glór. And back in London, on Monday I'm back with the Crick Crack Club, for Kali - in Soho Theatre again.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)