Musical: Ain't Too Proud

Tonight, thought of heading back to Watkin's Bookshop, for the first time in an age - they had an author talk called Holy Waters - Searching for the Sacred in a Glass. There's a new book about this, which considers the use of alcohol in religion - sounded interesting!

But then I saw someone on the list of attendees that I really didn't want to meet, in what is a very small venue.. so I implemented Plan B. The London International Meetup was heading to Ain't Too Proud, the story of The Temptations, tonight - they had their own, limited, tickets, and were sold out, but I figured I could just head on my own. Several outlets have tickets for just under £30 - I picked the first of them I came across, which was London Theatre Direct.

Searching for eateries nearby, I realised it's quite near Chinatown - so I decided to head to New Loon Fung, for a change. Had to take two buses - and in each case, just missed the one I wanted, only to have another come along in a couple of minutes. Got fed to bursting at the restaurant - except it could be quite hard to catch the waiter's eye, in what was quite an empty restaurant. Anyway, it was then a short walk to the Prince Edward Theatre - which I realised I'd never been to before! Now, that is rare.. 

Well, it turned out to be a gorgeous, art deco building: and my seat, one of the cheapest in the theatre, was in the rear stalls - and despite its description as having a restricted view, had one of the least restricted views I've ever seen! Strangely though, as I went in, the usher didn't ask me my seat number, but actually my row - I think there's a separate entrance for the rows towards the front:

I'd love to try the boxes on the next level - they protrude past the rest of the seats up there, and look like they have a terrific view.

Well! Now, I'm no expert on The Temptations - but, like everyone else, I know some of their stuff: not all. But enough to sing along to some, as we were encouraged to do. And I mean, this puts me in mind of Motown: The Musical, which remains one of the best musicals I've ever seen! This is beautifully sung, beautifully choreographed: I sometimes wonder whom I'm applauding at the end, the performers or the playwright - not here, the standard of performance is so high.

Not just a jukebox musical either - this doesn't hold back in telling us all about the personal and professional problems that dogged the band. And it tells a really moving story, from the early days in Detroit, through the fame, the drink and drugs, the many changes in lineup - right through to when people start passing away. So, engaging as well as entertaining - well deserving of that standing ovation! and a pretty packed house. Delighted to have seen this at last. Currently booking until the 7th of January - run and see it!

On the way home, didn't have quite as much luck in the timing of buses - but on the other hand, it wasn't as cold as predicted.

Tomorrow, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again. Was waiting to hear what rating the new Indiana Jones film would have - Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny sees Harrison Ford, back again as the coolest archaeologist in the Western world. And yes, your eyes don't deceive you - that is Phoebe Waller-Bridge, tagging along as the female interest (his god-daughter). So, expect some good lines. And Antonio Banderas shows up as - someone scruffy-lookin'. And I'd be happy to see it - if only for the CGI that makes Harrison Ford look young and gorgeous again.. (there's some time travel, I believe).

However, now that its rating is out, the highest rated is Jesus Revolution, based on a real-life spiritual movement across America in the 70s. Stars Kelsey Grammer as the straight-laced pastor whose daughter convinces him to give these long-haired hippies a go.. Showing, as is Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, in Limerick Omniplex. (Actually, it was also showing yesterday evening in London, but I really wanted to see Asteroid City, so although it wasn't as highly rated, I executed an executive override..)

On Monday, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) for A Playlist for the Revolution, at the Bush Theatre.

On Tuesday, thinking film again - and it's looking like Hello, Bookstore, a documentary in the Curzon Bloomsbury again.

Then two more days with UITCS - well, they book so much stuff! On Wednesday, it's Robin Hood: The Legend - Rewritten, at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.

And next Thursday, it's School Girls: Or, the African Mean Girls Play, at the Lyric Hammersmith.

Film: Farha

Tonight, another film - this, however, was a private screening, organised by The London Palestinian Rights Meetup Group, in association with the Bethlehem Cultural Festival! Showing at the Prince Charles was Farha, the dramatisation of the life of a young Palestinian girl in 1948 - just at the start of the Nakba.. Tickets from Eventbrite again.

Had a very squeaky bus out there.. and when I got there, found there was a queue to join. Which, for once, I was near the front of!

Turned out we were in the downstairs cinema - MCing was Sarah Agha, Irish-Palestinian herself, apparently! who told us that 200 had booked for this showing. We started watching without much preamble - we were a bit tight on time.

This is, apparently, based on the story of a teenage Palestinian refugee that the director's mother met in Syria, when she was but a teenager herself. So - a rather unusual coming of age story, where Farha wants an education, in a society where she is expected to be married off - and soon. She's just on the point of getting what she wants, too.. until the Israelis arrive, and the nakba begins. She has the chance to leave, but refuses to leave her father, who locks her in the pantry for her own safety. Not a bad idea - it's spacious, and there's food. What she sees through the cracks in the door, however, is truly shocking..

It's a powerful film, the entire, highly politicised incident distilled into the experiences of a young, scared girl in a room. It's a great idea - when a story is too big to be told easily, focus on a kernel that contains the essence of the whole. The whole dispossession, sense of loss, and confusion of the state of Palestine can be expressed in the person of this young girl.

Well, in the Q+A, we heard how the director has received death threats, how the Israeli government - which has always denied the atrocities committed at this time - tried to have the film banned. Now really, they should know better - what does that ever do but encourage interest in the thing that they're trying to ban? Netflix bravely went ahead and distributed it, FYI. Glad I came to this - it's been a while since I saw anything really political!

With having to rush there for the start, I needed to eat afterwards - had to be Chinatown, now that I'd walked through it to get to the cinema! So I headed around the corner to New Loon Fung - where service was impeccable, and the honey and lemon chicken - and chicken rolls - as delicious as ever! Good value, too..

Tomorrow, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.. Sadly, of all the films showing locally, however, there's only a couple I'm interested in seeing, and neither is at a time I can manage, what with keeping my mother company in the evenings! Ah well..

On Monday is An Evening Stroll in Fitzrovia, courtesy of a new group, Paul and Tim's Greater London Talks and Walks! So yes, I'll give it a go..

On Tuesday, The Horror Book Club lately advertised an author event, with two female horror writers, at Waterstone's in Trafalgar Square. Tickets bookable in advance - I checked out one of the books as a free Kindle sample, and liked it, so I said I'd go. Pay extra and you can get a book with your ticket - but only one, and it costs more than both together cost on Kindle! So I passed on that option - if I feel like it, I'll order them on Kindle afterwards.

On Wednesday, thinking film again - and despite the new films I've seen advertised, it's still looking like The Blue Caftan, which was always near the top of the list. It's Moroccan, and showing at my local cinema - not that either of those film listings websites seems to think so, so I had to confirm on the cinema's own website! Grr..

And next Thursday, I'm back with TAC for a play called The Last of the Pelican Daughters, at The Courtyard..

Comedy: Rosie Holt - Women's Hour

Back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) for the next two days - tonight, it was for comedian Rosie Holt at the Leicester Square Theatre.

I'd come very close to O' Neill's on my way - thought I'd eat there. And wow, they had tables free! But when I checked the app, to order - no chicken! None at all. Dunno what happened there - but all they had was mac n cheese or steak & Guinness pie. I love a steak & ale pie - but steak & Guinness, I find too heavy. I up and left, said I'd find something where I was headed.

I had some trouble getting the bus(es) there, too - I had to change, fine. But the second bus I got on decided not only to terminate early, but to head in the wrong direction as it was doing so. So I ended up on quite a different route! Thus adding some time to my journey. When I realised I'd be walking through Chinatown, I thought that might be a quick-ish alternative for food. And so, for the first time in over five years (!), I headed to New Loon Fung.

Plenty of seating, and service seems to have quickened up a bit. I always used to have the chicken in honey and lemon sauce here, and did this evening as well. Plus chicken spring rolls to start. And it was all yum! Wine - meh. Not having much luck with wine, this week. I finished just after the time I was supposed to meet the others, and legged it over to the theatre, where I met them just outside the auditorium. Mind you, as was pointed out, the bars are better inside the auditorium - so, in we went. And - joy! A decent wine at last.. as we chatted about the car crash that is Boris Johnson..

First up was Matt Hudson, who warmed us up with a mostly musical act - I particularly liked the bits where he "answered" several popular songs: so, for instance, starting with Delilah's response to the song "Hey there, Delilah".. Brilliant idea, excellently executed.

Rosie Holt felt much the same as we did about the day's events, by the look of it - the show tonight was topped and tailed by her impression of a Tory MP, and she had plenty of jibes about them: making sure, of course, to balance her satire with some jabs at the left! To be fair, I don't watch British TV much - or any TV, in fact, generally, unless I'm in Ireland. So I only had a vague impression of some of the things she was satirising. But what I recognised seemed well-aimed. Only thing I really didn't like was when she dragged a hapless individual onstage. He played along gamely, but I found her lampooning of him quite over-the-top. I don't think I'd have been as obliging, in his shoes..

Afterwards, for once, someone suggested a drink. Whee! So we headed for a nightcap to the Moon Under Water - a Wetherspoon's, so nice n cheap. As one remarked, it's a bit pricey for a Wetherspoon's - but for this part of town, rock bottom prices! And it was lovely to chill for a bit..

Tomorrow, I'm with the same group (mostly different people, though) at Further Than the Furthest Thing, at the Young Vic.

Then back to Ireland for the weekend again. And hallelujah praise the Lord, Scream VI is still showing in Limerick! Earlier in the Omniplex, so I booked before they get the chance to &^%^$ change it again.. It moves the action to New York, where survivors have moved to start a new life - still has Courteney Cox, of course, and the classic Scream masks.. Contains strobe lighting, by the look of one of the trailers.

On Monday, I booked with the Happy Positive Group! For their weekly Monday trivia night! They seem to be completely online. But wow, looking at it lately, they seemed to have switched that week to the next day! Although, having cancelled my attendance, I then noticed that all Meetups were displaying in the wrong time zone, so were shown as starting five hours later than they actually were.. I complained, and they did fix it. Well, I probably wouldn't have gone anyway. The best Meetup left for that day is with the Shanty Singers Colliers Wood. This is another of those things I once booked and ended up cancelling, so I'll hold off on booking that till nearer the time. As is becoming usual.

On Tuesday, I've booked for Phaedra, at the National.

Next Wednesday, I'm going with UITCS to Sadler's Wells - first time in an age - for Creature, by Akram Khan! I absolutely love his work. Handily enough, I used my latest Theatre Token for this - would have used it for Phaedra, but while neither theatre takes them online (you have to phone if you want to use a token), the National charges extra for phone bookings. So I used it for this instead.

On the 30th, back with the London European Club, at somewhere called the Ugly Duck, for Synchrony, a female 12-piece string ensemble. Tickets from Eventbrite. As hosted by Eleanor Salter Thorn again! So glad to see her hosting events in more central locations..

I was keeping the 31st free because Ivan is feeling thirsty again. :-) And for once, he seems to be sticking to the date, having booked us a table at The Lucas Arms (which, as he pointed out, has a smoker's area). We're hoping to have Martin - my other friendly ex-boss - join us, but he has more family commitments, which he's trying to juggle - we've told him to join us whenever. And this looks like turning into the first zapoi in a while - Ivan is talking about booking a studio, where we can drink overnight. Oy ve, watch this space.. So, not pushed about doing anything extra on the 1st.

And on the 2nd, I'm back with the Crick Crack Club, for Orpheus Dismembered, at the British Museum, courtesy of Ben Haggarty. The event there that I'd already heard of..

Birmingham Royal Ballet Triple Bill

With only seeded bread in the office kitchen today - I don't like seeded bread - I headed out for lunch. My intention was just to get a takeaway from Cafe Milano, downstairs: but when I tried the door, it was locked! Despite an "Open" sign, clearly displayed. As I turned away, a fellow having a smoke at the pavement edge said "five minutes". Huh? "They'll be back in five minutes." Oh right, great. Now, my first problem with that was that they had to close the business completely for this "five-minute" jaunt - not a good look! My second problem was that "five minutes" is rarely five minutes - and who was this guy anyway? Does he know them, or did whoever was locking up (probably that guy who doesn't speak much English) ask him to say that? Anyway, I felt like teaching them a lesson, so I left.

Plan B: Chinatown. So I headed for New Loon Fung, where I was quickly seated - they weren't busy, not long after opening. Every time I've been here before, I've had the chicken in lemon sauce - today, I decided to plump for the beef Szechuan. The waiter dubiously warned me that it was spicy - even if he hadn't, the three chillies depicted on the menu would probably have given it away.

I also had the chicken spring rolls, which were as tasty as ever. The house white is very nice, and I had two glasses - I figured I might need something to cool my throat. The Szechuan? Murderous! I really thought the first mouthful would kill me. I managed to fish all the beef out of the dish, where it was swimming in chilli sauce, but carefully avoided everything else - I just couldn't take the risk of accidentally eating bits of chilli. I also managed to eat all the beef I'd fished out. I wouldn't order it again, but it was tasty enough (when my taste buds recovered). You have been warned!

Tonight was a mixed programme from the Birmingham Royal Ballet at Sadler's Wells, again with Up in the Cheap Seats. I was hoping that'd be a bit more traditional. Or at least, nicer to watch than last night's. Well, having travelled the same route last night, I didn't have to look up directions now! Went to the bus stop in time to catch a bus that should get me there for when we'd agreed to meet - and wouldn't you know it, despite the roadworks, we sailed along without problems, and the journey - which isn't a long one - took five minutes less than last night.

A long climb upstairs to the Second Circle - I was the first to arrive, the others happening along in due course. My, it was packed - word must've got out that this was good! From where I was seated, I couldn't see a free seat - although, apparently, there were some behind us. Each of the three pieces had an interval between, so we had a chance to meet and confer after each one - standing, with limited seating available. We managed to secure part of a standing table at the bar, though. Where we cultured folk discussed the many things on in London, some of which we've seen and some of which we haven't. Or not yet. I'd had plenty to drink at the office Friday drinks session, so didn't bother with alcohol - and would've had some of the tap water provided at the second interval, but they'd run out.

The first piece, Arcadia, I absolutely loved. A story of Pan coming to earth and, predictably, wreaking havoc, the imagery was fantastic, the dancers in the background depicted in silhouette - and with Pan's horns silhouetted against the backdrop, the whole thing had a fantastical air that really appealed to me, as a lover of storytelling. Associated with sexuality as he is, he danced topless, contrasting with the nymphs in their gorgeously coloured costumes.

The second piece, Le Baiser de la Fée, is apparently based on a classic fairytale - which I'd never heard of. For once, this provided a good reason to buy the programme, which explained the plot! As we entered for this piece, the woman in front of me was reading about it, and I was doing my best to read over her shoulder. Got through the prologue, and then she passed the programme to someone further down, and I couldn't see it any more!

FYI, the story is as follows: a woman is struggling with her baby through a storm, and encounters a troupe of fairies. They snatch the baby from her, and she drops dead in the snow. As the nearby villagers spot her and realise that something is wrong, the fairy queen kisses the child on the forehead before leaving him for the villagers to find. Fast-forward to when he's grown up - he meets the fairy queen, who tells him that he'll have just enough time to find love before she comes to claim him. Sure enough, on his wedding night, enter the fairy queen to claim his life. A gorgeous piece this, the fairies all sparkly, very classical.

The final piece though was, for everyone I think, the hit of the night! The best reason yet to buy the programme, which had full-page pictures of the main characters, which could be scanned, causing the characters to dance on your phone. You could then take a picture, which would show the character dancing on whatever was in the background - so, the top of someone's head, say! Or on their shoulder. Two kids in front of me were having great fun with this.

The piece itself is Still Life at the Penguin Cafe, and stars a number of different creatures, the dancers wearing the appropriate heads - can't be easy to dance in those. Each section shows a different endangered species - and one section has rainforest people, whose culture is also endangered. The final section shows them all sheltering from a storm - brilliantly portrayed - and ultimately gathering on an ark. Accompanied by catchy music, the ballet is actually hilarious, while communicating a very serious message of conservation. A great hit with young and old!

When I eventually got out - the ladies to my left being as reluctant to get up and leave as they had been to get up to let me into my seat after the intervals - we met at the bar again and took our leave, after what had been a most excellent evening. It was - as predicted - raining, but lightly. Just as well I wasn't in a rush home - it took us ages to get down Euston Road, the traffic was so bad.

Tomorrow, Helen is coming to town, and has had the excellent notion of going to an Exhibition of Witchcraft at Viktor Wynd's Museum of Curiosities! Love that place. In the evening, I was to be off with Walking in London (hence Funzing) on a Hampstead to Highgate Haunted Pub Tour! She can't depend on the trains, so couldn't really commit to an evening event - I don't blame her, they're worse than Irish ones! (which is saying something). The tour takes a while, but includes a pub crawl, so that's forgivable. "crazy_fun" is the current 10% discount code, BTW. I also see they've now switched their loyalty scheme to cover anything booked online - much more efficient, as it automatically credits you! ..But then, at virtually the 11th hour, Walking in London advertised a more attractive-sounding ghost walk! Based in the centre, it promises to be less hilly, and includes a cruise. Starts later too, so I don't have to rush. And as well as my 10% discount, I took advantage of my £10 voucher, for having booked so many events. So I got nearly a 50% reduction! And was just within the deadline for cancelling the other, if I were to get my money back.

On Sunday, the Crick Crack Club is back, with Hugh Lupton telling the tale of Beowulf at the British Museum - sold out by now, I believe, and no wonder.

On Monday, I'm at the RSC's MMXVII season at the Barbican, seeing Coriolanus with Up in the Cheap Seats.

On Tuesday, I'm with the London European Club (LEC), at the Royal Festival Hall for a "Night Under the Stars" - Russian Soul.

On Wednesday and Thursday, I'm with Up in the Cheap Seats again - Wednesday for Saint George and the Dragon, at the National. Which sounds like fun. Unfortunately, the consensus tonight between those who had seen it was that the second half is drawn out. On Thursday, we're off to Everybody's Talking About Jamie, at the Apollo. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.

On the 13th, the Crick Crack Club returns to Soho Theatre for an evening called Under the Eyes of Baron Samedi, courtesy of Jan Blake. Delighted to say I persuaded a couple of friends to come along! Hope they enjoy it. Also delighted that the crazy woman isn't coming - despite being a fan of Jan Blake, she couldn't make this.

On the 14th, Up in the Cheap Seats again, and we're off to The Secondary Victim, at the Park Theatre.

On the 15th, I'm finally back with The London Jazz Meetup, to see Ben l' Oncle Soul at Cadogan Hall. Really, I'd go with them much more often, but there's so much else on..!

On the 16th, I'm back at Sadler's Wells with Up in the Cheap Seats, for Hunted Maud Le Pladec / Okwui Okpokwasili.

On the 17th, I'm off to see Young Frankenstein, at the Garrick!

The weekend is Funzing, with Walking in London. On the 18th, A Secret London Tour - I've had my eye on this for a while, it sounds interesting. And on the 19th, I'm finally doing Murder Mile Walk.

On the 20th, I'm off to This Beautiful Future, at the Yard Theatre.

On the 21st, my annual pilgrimage to Cirque Berserk at Winter Wonderland! Whee..

On the 22nd, back with Funzing and Walking in London, this time with Katie of Look Up London, and her Alternative Christmas Lights Tour. Delighted to give her the business, and it should be fun!

On the 23rd, back with Up in the Cheap Seats - this time at the newly opened Bridge Theatre, for their first show, Young Marx. Delighted to make this - I had booked it for the 20th October, then the Crick Crack Club got in the way, as they often do! The theatre charged me a nominal fee to change it to this date. And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On the 27th, I'm headed to see Follies at the National - one that London Dramatic Arts (LDAM) went to a while ago, expensively. What with their ticket prices, and other things getting in the way, I really don't know when I'll be with them again..

On the 28th, back with Let's Do This! (LDT) at a place called The Fiddler's Elbow, for a Blues Club & Jam. Be good to see them again!

On the 29th, the Crick Crack Club has their long-awaited 30th birthday party at Rich Mix. Finally advertised by their Meetup group, I see, months after tickets went on sale. Helen's going to this one, and another friend. Oh, and the crazy lady - hope they protect me from her!

On the 30th, LDT is off to.. Saint George and the Dragon! Now, when this was advertised, I remembered having booked it already. Checked, and discovered that was during my week in Stockholm - so I was happy to book it again. Completely forgot, of course, that I was already booked for next week, with Up in the Cheap Seats. No refunds either. Ah well, just hope it's good, considering I've now booked it three times! Then I'm back to Ireland again.

On the 4th of December, I'm finally seeing Heisenberg: the Uncertainty Principle, at Wyndham's Theatre. Another that LDAM saw before I have, and another I rescheduled - this from the 16th October, when I was with Up in the Cheap Seats. Another nominal fee to change.

On the 5th of December, my annual trip to La Soirée! "Posh new venue", as they say - they're now in the Aldwych Theatre. Cheapest tickets at Amazon tickets.

The 6th of December sees our office Christmas party! Mercifully, I've just found out it's not black tie this year - don't have to buy a new outfit, then! It's at Bounce - a pub with ping pong tables, wouldya believe?! We have a private room, with three such tables and a karaoke machine. I foresee a noisy night..!

I can't stay long though - have to be at Stansted at 6 in the morning of the 7th of December, for a trip to Nuremberg Christmas market with LEC! We'll also be doing some travelling in the area. Helen liked the sound of it, and my other friend who's coming to the storytelling is coming too. We'll have a ball! I just bought Lonely Planet's chapter on Bavaria, downloaded it, and have shared it with them - isn't it handy how you can buy individual chapters? Mercifully, although the crazy woman was supposed to go on this, she's pulled out.

Back late on the 10th of December, and on the 11th of December - having taken the day off work (I'll be exhausted) - I'm off to the Barbershop Chronicles. At the National.

On the 12th of December, I've just booked a Funzing talk - Interviews With a Serial Killer, courtesy of London Speaks Sessions and LDN Talks @ Night. For which, with their new loyalty scheme, I earned that £10 credit! Not so shabby..

On the 13th of December, my last visit of the year to Sands Films - not yet advertised on Meetup, although it probably will be, TunedIn London has a concert by Plastikes Karekles, a Greek group.

On the 14th of December, my friends who are off to Soho on the 13th of November are headed to Wilton's Music Hall, for something called The Box of Delights. And for once, I'm letting them decide for me, and am going myself too.

And on the 15th of December, my final trip of the year to the Crick Crack Club - Jan Blake is performing Masters of Hex at the British Library. Along with Ben Haggerty and TUUP. Same people going with me as on the 29th of November - and the same lunatic. Well, after the nasty things she had to say about me, I'll be surprised if she dares to approach me at all.

Next day, I'm back to Ireland for Christmas. Farewell 2017 - it's been good! Roll on 2018, and the next U2 tour..

"Pre-Hallowe'en" Psychic Fair & Play: Oslo

Today, Spooky London Pubs had a "Pre-Hallowe'en" Psychic Fair at the King and Queen pub, just down the road from me. Free entry - well, I couldn't say no to that! Could always leave if it wasn't interesting. That was in the afternoon - in the evening, I was off to Oslo. The play, not the city! (Despite all my Scandic jaunts of late!) Taking place in the Harold Pinter Theatre, it tells the story of the Oslo peace accords. Has rave reviews. Cheapest tickets were with Amazon Tickets.

Had a late night, and a lovely, long sleep.. why not, indeed? That emergency door release, down the hall, that someone activated, and which has been beeping for the last three days, is still at it, but a bit softer:

Anyway, I moseyed out of the house and down the road at about 3pm. The King and Queen looked worryingly empty - I said I might as well have a peek all the same, and carried on to the upstairs room. Where six people were gathered, chatting, around tables - a couple of which had posters on them. One had little glittery things on it. All the people in the room looked expectantly at me as I came in - oh hell, I was the only non-medium there! Ah now.. Well, one asked whether I'd come for a reading, and I said I was just having a look around, and he gave me a couple of brochures, which I said I'd go off and read. And I duly legged it. Jeez, I've never seen such a badly attended event - you know, they have these in Ireland too, but they sell jewellery at them, and incense, and stuff.. and they get good attendance.. Honestly, what do you expect if you just put a bunch of psychics in a room? (The cynic in me can't help but remark that, being psychic, they should have known.. oh well..)

Right, that was the first event of the day over. Shortest ever. And I made my way to the office, in a stiff breeze - I was passing a newsagent on Charlotte Street when the carousel of greeting cards, just outside the door, got blown over, and the cards were strewn all over the pavement! Luckily, the owner was at the door at the time, to start the clear-up..

A few hours in the office, which is quite devoid of food today, so I decided to eat out. Fancied a Chinese, which I hadn't had in a while - and Chinatown is conveniently positioned right between the office and the theatre, so I popped off to New Loon Fung, where they were busy enough that I got the last table on the main level - they had to open the upstairs section. Nonetheless, service was brisk, and I was soon served. Had my usual - chicken spring rolls, which were delicious, and chicken in a delicious honey and lemon sauce. The fried rice was a bit bland, but pouring some of the sauce on it helped. The pinot grigio was nice, too - and all the while, I was entertained by watching the Chinese lanterns decorating the street outside sway back and forth in the wind, which has continued all day.

Finished in under an hour, and another quick walk to the theatre - and yes, that queue outside was for the box office. I was in the Royal Circle - I just won't get the Gallery here, it's far too cramped. Seemed to be full tonight, though. I was in the front row, at the end - which was described as an aisle seat, although it's patently not! Anyway, the "restricted view" just consisted of a safety rail cutting across my field of vision, which was perfectly fine - good legroom too. I'd definitely recommend this seat.

This play is based on the true story of the Oslo peace accords in 1993, where basically, a Norwegian academic thought that he had a better theory for how negotiations should take place, and why they were currently failing. He and his wife were in Gaza in 1992 when violence broke out, which inspired them to try to host an informal talk between the two sides, back in Oslo. Don't underestimate the audacity of that aim - at the time, it was illegal under Israeli law for government officials to talk to members of the PLO, and what this Norwegian pair were trying to do - without knowledge of their superiors - was to get two tigers in a room together and stand back.

Oh my, how noble and dry. Oh no it isn't.. this play is absolutely hilarious, clever rather than silly. The two sides like nothing better than scoring verbal points off each other, and the thing is packed with rapid-fire one-liners and impersonations of political leaders. Really, if the talks were like this, they must have been great fun. And it's a masterclass in negotiation - with the Americans sidelined, wondering what's going on and being outright lied to, so they don't take over. It was a fabulous piece of diplomacy at the time, even if the peace didn't last.. a poignant final scene has all the actors, standing still, reciting the litany of atrocities that happened since - and including the deaths of some of the participants. And throughout, projections on the rear of the stage explain to us where we are, and what's happening.

A wonderful, sparky, intelligent piece of writing, this is entertaining, while never making light of the serious issues involved. A fantastic play, which I'm delighted to recommend - go see, go see, go see. Runs until 30 December - nearly three hours including interval, but it flew by, truly. There was a collection as we were leaving, but we hadn't been warned, so I wasn't ready to go digging for change.

Tomorrow, I'm with Walking in London (a Funzing group) for Southwark's Saucy Secrets.. Hope I can make this one in time!

On Monday, back with the Crick Crack Club - at Soho Theatre this time, with Nell Phoenix telling us all about Tricksterland: a favourite theme of hers!

On Tuesday, the London European Club (first time in ages!) - we're off to the Barbican for a dance production by the Michael Clark Company.

On Wednesday, Walking Victorian London is doing a walk called Alexander Pope's The Dunciad.

On Thursday, Up in the Cheap Seats is off to Albion, at the Almeida. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again - hopefully, by that stage they'll have cleared the roads following Storm Ophelia. And Storm Brian, which is due to hit this weekend..

On the 30th, I finally get to see Apologia, at Trafalgar Studios - London Dramatic Arts was going to this a while ago, but it was far too expensive on that occasion. Well, that's what you get for having Stockard Channing and Laura Carmichael in it! Amazon Tickets again.

And finally, I'm hoping for a nicely scary Hallowe'en.. when I heard that they were doing the first-ever stage production of The Exorcist - and what's more, it's on in the Phoenix Theatre, right behind the office.. well, that was fate, wasn't it?! I jumped to get a ticket for that, as soon as they went on sale - after all, Hallowe'en has to be its most popular night! Jenny Seagrove plays the mother of the demonically possessed teen..

A Festive Post - Play: Dead Funny & Christmas in Clerkenwell: Guided Walk for Shelter!

Yes, I'm now back in Ireland for Christmas - after what's been a helluva year. No, I haven't been avoiding you.. I really have been that busy! Read on.

So, last Man with the Hat Meetup of the year was on Tuesday, when he took Let's Do London - for less! to the West End. Dead Funny, the show was. Well, West End comedies and I don't always agree, but I said I'd give it a shot - so did lots of other people, it seems; I believe he sold all his tickets in half an hour. I did mention to him that he might sit me in the second row, just in case I made some involuntary and unfortunate facial expressions, and put the cast off..

Well, Tuesday turned out to be quite a busy day for me, what with my contract finally coming through to be signed. Excuse me - printed out, signed, scanned, and emailed back. Lucky my flatmate was in, because it turned out I also needed a witness. Also because, when I was trying to scan the thing back in and getting a separate file for each page, she was the one to tell me about the free pdf merge software.. but it took time to download and install that, and then combine all these files, and upload the thing. And, by the way, wrap a couple of presents. So I was a bit frazzled when the time came to head out.

A couple of buses got me to just past the Vaudeville Theatre - well, I could just have got the 87, but Google Maps suggested I could speed things up a bit by taking the 344 to Vauxhall and catching  up with the 87 there. Which all went fine, but I was still a bit distracted by the time I got to the theatre, and plain forgot where the Man with the Hat had said he'd be. To be fair, I'm generally so familiar with the venues that I don't need to check! So as I wandered into the lobby, I thought I heard this voice calling my name.. oops, there he was, outside (where he'd said he'd be). Mea culpa, completely forgot!

Wandered back in again, ticket in hand - it was nearly time - and got a drink from the teeny cloakroom/bar in the corner of the lobby. At £9 for a large wine, it wasn't exactly cheap, but hey, I was in the mood. We had the front two rows of the stalls - well now! And whee, I was in the second row..

Now, it helps - for this show - if you like old-fashioned English comedy. This is quickly impressed upon the audience by the clips from old tv shows, displayed on the stage curtain:

(Spot the stars..) Specifically, as we soon see, a liking for Benny Hill is a real help. Handy, then, that I always liked him.. Anyway, the title refers to a local comedy appreciation club, of whom we meet five members: a doctor (hence the skeletons and other anatomical doo-dahs scattered about), played by Rufus Jones: his neglected and broody wife - who doesn't really feel the comedy as the others do (the excellent Katherine Parkinson): their married friends (Ralf Little and Emily Berrington): and the comedy nerd of the group (Steve Pemberton), who bursts in near the start to announce (sadly) the death of Benny Hill.

So I hunkered in to try and find it funny. You know what, I needn't have worried. I have often found West End comedy.. perplexing, i.e. what are they all laughing at? But this has a good, clever script, quite a dark story, and the cast is fantastic. It follows the lead of many good plays before it in completely changing our view of the characters as the plot progresses. The first half sees sparks fly during the rows between the doctor and his wife, as he plans an evening of remembrance for Benny, and they babysit for their friends (and wow, is she annoying). But just you wait for the second half, when the story flips, the characters are turned on their heads, and things go so bonkers that the best thing they can do is recreate old comedy sketches. Oh, and we get some (pretty much full-frontal) male nudity. Eh, yeah, whoopee. I'm not going to score him - but I did feel for his wife when she had to, em, touch him..

I'm not one for slapstick, so didn't really appreciate the food fight near the end as much as some others. And do beware if you're in the front two rows - that food really goes flying. I ended up with a sausage roll under my feet, Mary got sprayed with soda water, I believe. Ach, all in an evening's entertainment. Recommended - booking until 4 February. Afterwards, our Hero with the Hat had booked us tables in The Port House, just down the road - and for all of us that stayed, there was room. And as it says on the website, it is cellar-like, and candlit:

Very atmospheric. They do tapas, and so did most of us. Not the Man with the Hat though, who escaped rather early. Have to start tying him to a chair. Well, anyway, I had croquetas and brochetas (both of chicken) - wouldn't really recommend the brochetas, but the croquetas were ok. Pity they were out of the ham ones, though. And you know, it's becoming a habit for Mary and me to share a bottle of wine - so we did. And that was rather tasty, so we had another. What the hey, I was celebrating the signing of my contract! And so it came to pass that we were the last two to leave - and I rather gave the game away to my mother, whom I called on the bus home. Gee, she thought I was already at home until I said I'd have to have a chocolate when I got there.. And the bus trip ended with an entertaining and inquisitive puppy, whose long-suffering human let him play with a small boy, who was absolutely thrilled!

When I did eventually get home, it was straight to bed - Helen was coming up next day, and had suggested a couple of trains she could get at different times; I bravely suggested she surprise me. Happily, when I woke next morning, it was to a text that she was getting the later one. Good - I could get ready very slowly, which I needed to, feeling a bit fragile. I always meet her at Waterloo, and was going to get the bus - but when it was taking forever to arrive, I caught a train instead, reasoning that if I got there early I could get a drink to rehydrate. Which turned out to be a Very Good Idea, especially as I hadn't had breakfast - I woke so late, and we were going to have lunch first.

I fancied Chinese, so we were back to New Loon Fung - as I explained, they're consistently good. Another shared bottle of wine, I had my usual, and she had duck - and special fried rice, which, as she later remarked, could have been a meal on its own. The standard practice of waiters automatically refilling our glasses when they were empty ensured that we were well supplied with wine, and we toddled downstairs afterwards and outside, ready to shop till we dropped. Only a pity we had to carry it afterwards..

An afternoon's trailing around markets left us in need of a sit-down, and heading randomly through town, we spotted a Caffe Nero that didn't look too busy. And my, what a good choice.. the hot chocolate was good enough that I didn't have to add sugar (!) and they had a little basket of gianduja by the till. :-) 35p each. Ooh yeah. And we both had the rather excellent chocolate fudge cake, with the chocolatey bits through the middle, and the golden crispy pieces on top. Now, that could be construed a most satisfying chocolate fix..

Somerset House, next door (open late on Wednesdays through Saturdays), provided some distraction while we waited for it to be late enough to head to Farringdon Station for our guided walk. Skirting the ice rink..

(more photos here) ..we headed indoors to the Fortnum & Mason's Christmas Arcade:

Highly decadent, very pretty - and some things were even affordable. We purchased.

One of the fun things about bus travel - in London, anyway - is that as you move around town, the best route to your destination can change, with Google Maps suggesting different stops, or even different buses. So, another quick check of the app, and off we went to Aldwych for a bus to Holborn.

Farringdon Station was soon located.. much too early, so we wandered up the road to find somewhere to sit. Most places were really busy, and we ended up having mango & passion fruit drinks in Starbucks. And a welcome sit-down. And in due course, we moseyed over to the station, and there they were, brandishing signs - not many, which is a shame, especially as this was in aid of Shelter, but as our organiser said, so many people were away for Christmas already. Hey, I would've been away too, except that I booked my flights in September, when I didn't yet plan to quit my job! But I was glad to have the extra time in London.

This was my first time with London Social Detours - meant to come with them before, but - as I recall - set out without my Oyster card, and by the time I discovered it, it was too late to go back for it and still make the walk. We chatted for a bit, then set off - two guides, taking turns at the stops. The theme was Christmas in Clerkenwell, and our organiser carried a little bag, with Christmassy factoids on strips of paper, reaching in like a Lucky Dip to read one every time we stopped.

Well I have to say, it was fascinating! Definitely one of the better walks I've been on. We went around all sorts of dark alleys and side roads that I'm not familiar with, and the factoids were varied and informative. Did you know that, back when turkeys fist became popular, they were raised out of town and walked in for slaughter? And because of the distances involved, they wore little booties!

Another stop had us outside where Marx used to live - where we heard that Lenin spoke English with an Irish accent, because he learned it from an Irishman in London. And may have drunk in the pub on the corner - sadly, I didn't get around to getting a photo of it, although it was singularly the most glittery, sparkly pub I've ever seen.

One of the roads we were supposed to go down had police tape across it - an intrepid member of our group nipped across to ask them what was going down, and it turned out they were filming an episode of Fearless. And on we went, hearing about the Knights Hospitaller, whose priory today only exists in the form of the atmospheric St. John's Gate:

And so on through Clerkenwell, for stories of Christmases past, and the obligatory nod to Dickens. An hour and a half, roughly, and time well spent - sadly, we couldn't stay for a drink with the others, as Helen had hurt her foot and was still recovering - I was impressed she made it through the walk at all! Anyway, I'll definitely keep an eye out for these walks in future.

Now, I had all intentions of starting this blog that night - but got tired. And then got an unexpected email from Ebay, thanking me for my purchase. (?) Logged in, discovered a (hidden) record of a purchase for £250. Checked my bank account - unfortunately, yes, my balance had gone down by about that much. So what with cancelling my bank card.. and the Ebay purchase.. and trying to contact PayPal, through whom the payment had been made, from a fake account with my bank details.. the blog got put on the long finger. As it stands, as I say, the purchase has been cancelled and the money refunded - unfortunately, to a Paypal account to which I have no access. PayPal aren't being very helpful, and the bank say there's nothing they can do until the transaction is explicitly shown. I can't even check my account online now that my card is cancelled, and the new one is being delivered to my London address - whereas I'm back in Ireland for Christmas. They did estimate that, what with the holidays n all, it won't be shown online now until maybe Wednesday. Watch this space.. I swear, after this, I'm dealing with neither Ebay nor PayPal, ever again!

Well, met my erstwhile boss yesterday just before I flew back, in the local Caffe Nero - whose hot chocolate and gianduja, I'm delighted to report, are every bit as good as the branch beside Somerset House. And after one of those hectic journeys, back I find myself. Watching telly, which will be my occupation for a while now.


I fly back to London on Monday 2 January. On Tuesday 3rd, I had my trusty placeholder of Free Comedy in Hammersmith - gee, it's been a while now since I actually went to one of those! Anyway, I booked with Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith Wimbledon and Farringdon, London Art Comedy & Culture Lovers, London Live Comedy, Random London, and London for a Tenner or Less and Funzing UK (both Funzing groups, and both advertising the thing twice). And then what happened? Pretty much all the Free Comedy in Hammersmith Meetups were cancelled for the first two weeks of the New Year, whyever that was. Friday's as well. So, forced to find something else for the 3rd, I've signed up - for the first time - with TNT Comedy, with Dave's Stand-Up Comedy. Same deal, only further away, in Kentish Town.

And on Wednesday 4 January, yay, I'm back with the Man with the Hat (no, not Santa Claus) - Let's Do London - for less! is off on their annual festive trip to The Nutcracker (ahh!) at the Opera House. Sold out performance, I see. It'll be great to see the folks again - I'll miss them over Christmas.

And Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all! Not sure whether I'll be blogging again before the 3rd.. but you never know. Keep reading!