Play: Noises Off

Back to London last night, and more fun with planes. Ryanair has a habit of using other airlines' planes to fly from Shannon - last night it was Air Malta. Absolutely fine, nice to have a change of colour scheme - and they often have more comfortable seats. Only thing is.. the seat configuration changes. I've more than once found myself in an exit row seat, unexpectedly - I don't like it, I don't book them, because I find it annoying to have to put all my stuff in an overhead locker. But, with the different configuration, it can happen. Didn't happen to me last night - instead, it happened to an old lady, who'd arrived at the plane in a wheelchair, and used a cane to get to her seat. In the emergency exit row. Yeah.. don't think so. Get your act together, Ryanair..

And so to tonight, when I headed with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) to Noises Off, starring Felicity Kendal, at the Phoenix. Again, cheapest tickets from Official London Theatre (OLT). I discovered it was close enough to walk, and decided to eat at GBK, which I'd be passing on the way. It's a funny thing - last time I was here, they acted like I was an old friend, anticipated my order, were chatty. But the last time.. was 11 days ago. And tonight, they acted like they didn't know me. Ah, what a fickle thing memory is.. Well, the food was as good as ever, so I was happy!

More fun at the theatre, where I was the only one of the group in the Dress Circle, the others all being a level up, in the Grand Circle. See, I booked quite recently, and the cheapest priced tickets at that stage were such that there were also some in the Dress Circle.. so I naturally got one there. The ushers were quite perplexed when I explained to them that I'd need access to the Grand Circle Bar, to meet the group! They assured me I could get from one to the other, yes. However, when I went up, I couldn't see a way - I asked the barman, who pointed me at the fire escape and to the stairs up from there (on the other side, the door is just marked "Private"). And so I met them, and all was well..

They were saying, at the interval, that the Grand Circle was quite empty - well, the Dress Circle was packed! I was quite happy to have an aisle seat, where I had legroom if I needed it - not that I really did. Now, we were drawing comparisons with The Play That Goes Wrong - which I found absolutely hilarious - looking it up, we discovered that this one is 40 years old! And I think, at the interval, we all agreed that we couldn't see what all the fuss was. It's a play within a play, a play about amateurs putting on a play, and things going wrong - but it's rather reserved.

And then we went back after the interval - and all hell broke loose. See, all they are doing in the first half is setting the scene - showing us how the play is roughly supposed to go. When the curtain goes up after the interval, we see backstage - and the chaos begins, while the regular "play within a play" attempts to continue on the other side of the set. There's another pause - and we're back stage-side again. By this time, however, half the cast is demented (or sozzled), and the play we now get is nothing like the one we started with. We were literally rolling in our seats, tears of laughter streaming down our faces. And by "we", I mean the whole audience. Comedy is tricky - but when it's good, it can be wonderful. I thought this was wonderful. Runs till the 11th of March - highly recommended.

Afterwards, strangely, Google Maps thought it'd take me one minute longer to walk home than it'd taken me to get there! I'm glad I braved that one minute extra walk - I passed a building that interested me much more on the return journey than outbound! The Now Building is located across from Tottenham Court Road Station - and seems to display constant films on the walls and ceiling of its atrium. With seating, if you want to stay a while!

Tomorrow, with a group I haven't joined in a Very Long Time - I'm back with London Dramatic Art, from whom I've got a front-row ticket for Sylvia, at The Old Vic; this is the story (in song) of Sylvia Pankhurst, and stars the excellent Beverley Knight. Completely sold out - this was my only way to get a ticket! Must remember not to post the link to my blog, to their page - they banned me from doing that, after discovering I was advertising cheap ticket resellers!

On Wednesday, back with the Horror Book Club. This time, it's The Ballad of Black Tom, based on the Lovecraft story, The Horror at Red Hook, but told from the perspective of a black man. I managed to get through the club's book, and read the entirety of the story it's based on, which is much shorter - and less coherent. Again, the meeting is in the Prince of Wales, Covent Garden. Question is, will the kitchen be open..?

On Thursday, I'm on my own for My Son's a Queer (but what can you do?), a musical at the Ambassadors Theatre.

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

On Saturday, well, Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners are back to Greenwich again. Now, I have been there with him before.. not sure how "new" this one will be, but hey, it was a great day last time! Meeting Ivan that evening.. somewhere..

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

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

On the 7th, excited to be headed to see Derren Brown in Showman, at the Apollo Shaftesbury Avenue. Cheapest tickets with OLT again.

On the 8th, off to The Lehman Trilogy, at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Based on the true story of the bank that collapsed. Got the last £39.50 ticket!

On the 9th, back with UITCS for Winner's Curse, at the Park Theatre - an interactive show about a peace negotiation. Turns out North London Friends are headed to it the same night - what, are they now copying this group, as another group did some time ago? (since closed down). And then I'm back to Ireland again.

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

Musical: Come From Away, Concert: The Islanders, Walk: Elephant & Castle, and Play: Devil's Choice

So, over Easter, I got a phone call from one of the interviewers I'd spoken to before, to invite me to an interview on Tuesday - which was perfect, as I was to fly back to London on Monday. And this was a face-to-face - without even a phone screen! And when Helen then asked whether I'd be free for lunch on Tuesday - well, of course I said yes, as long as I was done in time! Happily, my flight wasn't delayed by much at all - go figure, I guess no-one was travelling on Easter Monday. So I was to bed in decent time - well, allowing for washing my hair and swotting up for the interview..

On Tuesday, I was up in good time, and had agreed to meet Helen at Byron Burgers, there being a branch close to the interview site. Of course, I got slightly held up.. that night, I was headed with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) again for Come From Away, finally, at the Phoenix. And, having some time to spare before I left for lunch, I said I'd just check what the arrangements were about my ticket. Well, wouldn't you know it - this is one of the rare places that absolutely requires you to print out the ticket, if you'd selected an e-ticket! Tarnation - I booked this before there was any whisper of redundancies, then subsequently, of course completely forgot that, by the time the event rolled around, I wouldn't have access to the office printer any more! I emailed the box office to ask them to duplicate the ticket, so that I could pick it up - but it took them a while to respond, and in the meantime I dragged my own printer out from the dark cupboard where it'd resided for nearly a year, and went to all the trouble of finding paper, hooking it up and printing out the ticket myself. Pretty disastrous - the ink needs replacing and it came out all funny. Happily, the box office did eventually get back to me and confirm that I could pick up my duplicate, as requested.

(Sigh.) As a point of interest, Byron is on the first floor of One New Change. Made it to the eatery about 10 minutes late - she'd worried that we might have to book, but as we discovered, at 12.10 - 40 minutes after opening - it was almost empty. We even snagged a booth, all to ourselves. (Mind you, she remarked that the town was pretty empty in general.) Careful here - everything is delicious, but also filling, and you will probably overextend yourself. I certainly did - she had some of the onion rings I'd ordered, but I was completely unable; of course, these days they do include a portion of fries as standard, which wasn't always the case. They really have a way with burgers though - she had BBQ beef, I had BBQ chicken, and they both got finished, along with cheesy fries that she cheekily requested instead of the regular ones that come for free. All washed down with a very tasty bottle of pinot grigio. Somehow, we did manage a brownie each for dessert.. and service comes with a smile. Highly recommended, at all branches. My appetite wasn't perfectly on form though, as I was a bit nervous - I was happy to be sat facing an enormous clock, so I could check the time..

Afterwards, we schlepped up to the viewing deck for a while - again, no crowds! Simply delightful:

Well, I was grateful for something to take my mind off the interview for a few hours: but actually, within minutes of the interview starting, I was amazed at how relaxed I felt! I immediately had a really good feeling about it, and by the time I came out - it took a reassuringly long time - I was quite ready for evening. I've heard so much about this award-winning show, it's about time I saw it, eh? It's the true story, apparently, of the aftermath of 9-11, when all planes were temporarily grounded. And a small Newfoundland town played host to people stranded there, from all over!

I was early, so popped into the Caffe Nero across the road - just for a drink of water, as I was still quite full! Headed over near the time that we were due to meet (leaving most of the water - they unfortunately only had the large bottles. And I couldn't have taken it into the theatre).

Queued for the box office, then back outside - I was in the Grand Circle, whose door wasn't yet open. Not long till it was though, and I climbed an inordinate number of steps - in very short flights, so it didn't feel as bad - up to the Grand Circle bar, where our organiser was waiting, as most of us were sat up there.. and he had a spare seat! the last in the bar. I grabbed that pretty quickly, got myself an overpriced drink, and as the group arrived, I proceeded to regale them with tales of how well my interview had gone. On the way in, there was a board where you could attach a little tag to show where you were from - I'd thought it was too crowded, not noticing the separate board for the British Isles, where I might have found a space!

Most of us were sat in the very back row of the theatre - but as we tried to enter, there was this little old lady sat in one of our seats! She explained that she had booked a seat in the centre of the row, but was looking for one with a better view, as she hadn't brought her glasses. Like a magpie, she did try other seats, but it was sold out, I think - would you believe it, she managed to perch at the bottom of the stairs, right at the front of the Grand Circle, for the whole show without being evicted! Good for her.. it helped, of course, that there was no interval, so the ushers weren't around so much. Mind you, as we remarked, the view was perfectly good, even from the very back row of the theatre:

I was under some pressure here, in the company of so many who'd been before and were back for a repeat performance. Ok.. first impressions and I could immediately see the attraction. The soundtrack is damn catchy, a foot-thumping medley of songs driven by the band sitting to the rear of the stage. As emphasised by the foot-stamping cast, who play up a storm, representing different roles, shifting the minimal props around to represent different settings - from the bar to a plane to one of the public spaces used to accommodate 7,000 unexpected visitors..!

It's absolute machine-gun delivery, never letting up. Funny, poignant and true, as it tells some true stories of people that interacted in this small town. We're far removed from it now, and it's not so raw - but one scene that just melted me was when they set a room aside for religious services. And as the stranded, worried passengers filter in, they start with Make Me a Channel of Your Peace.. but just wait until the other religions enter, and start to merge their own hymns. I defy anyone not to be moved. You know, I did say afterwards that - with no reflection on the quality of the show - I still felt no major need to see it again. But hey, all the same, I wouldn't mind if I found myself in that position.. and that soundtrack is going on my favourites list. Runs until the 14th of September, booking highly recommended. Seeing it is also highly recommended - definitely one of the best shows in town. Most deserving of the standing ovation that extended all the way to the back row.

Listed as a separate Meetup for that night - afterwards, the band from the show plays at the Arts Club, downstairs, on Tuesdays: entry free if you have a ticket for the musical. If you're going separately, the entry ticket includes a free cocktail, which makes this excellent value! Se we scooted down there - no ticket check, I noted. And our efficient organiser had had a word in advance with the manager, who'd reserved some tables for us by the wall. We had a good night, a good chat, and the band treated us to hours of excellent trad music. Oh, and the wine is quite a bit cheaper than upstairs.

Proud to have been one of the last three of our group in the bar. ;-) I was too tired to bother blogging afterwards - went straight to bed. And yesterday, I got all caught up doing the film list..

Last night, back with London Literary Walks for his Elephant and Castle Walk. Another popular one - he even restricted the numbers, for the first time! We were to meet in The Three Stags - and I travelled there in buoyant mood, having received the news, just before I headed out, that I got that job. Yes, the one I interviewed for the day before! Unheard of, really - but the recruiter, when I mentioned as much to her, remarked that they weren't in the habit of hanging around. So I fairly skipped in. This is an interesting pub - very politically correct, shall we say:

They also support an animal charity, and something I haven't seen in many pubs - a contactless payment point on the bar to donate to the homeless. £3 a pass. Terrific idea!

There were so many of us that a helpful barman shoved over another table. Not only that, but there was cross-pollination - a couple of people who'd been with UITCS the night before had come along for the first time, and the organiser (Anthony) of Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group had come along! This group's fame is spreading..! Well, our guide for the evening spent so much time socialising that he fair forgot to drink his pint. So we were a little late in leaving - and as usual, we left without the full contingent. These things will happen when you run a free event - most people did show up, but not everyone bothers to cancel.

Someone had remarked that the theme of this "literary" walk wasn't the most literary. Indeed - but it was interesting, and it was varied. Our highlights included a lot of Charlie Chaplin's early life - we even got a dance performance from our guide as he demonstrated how the young Chaplin would entertain passers-by by tap dancing on the door to the cellar. As we remarked on leaving that spot, we hoped no-one had been under him in the cellar just then!

We got an explanation of how, not only is Easter a moveable feast, but so is St. George's Day, which can't be held in Easter Week - so it's next week instead. There was also a scientific bent to the walk, with an explanation of the periodic table of elements - and, walking through a park in bitter cold, we were told that Faraday was born there. Gee, I hope it was a bit warmer on that occasion.. And who could forget the Museum of Anarchy?

Kudos also to the participant in the walk who, with his comprehensive knowledge of both Chaplin and Kubrick, contributed much. (There's a Kubrick exhibition on, you see.) And to finish, we repaired to The Tankard - mock Tudor exterior, somewhat spoiled, as was pointed out, by the big banner outside advertising Sky Sports. Sure enough, there was football on inside, accompanied by two screens showing other programs, muted. The entire pub is dotted with them. When the football ended, they switched to music.. didn't stop those of us who stayed for a couple. And isn't it funny, at the end of the night there were three of us left again!

Had to take a couple of buses home, in absolutely freezing conditions. On the second, several people were asleep - including one sitting at the edge of the buggy / wheelchair area. When the bus braked suddenly, he went flying - his fall was broken by the folding bike that someone had left there.

Spent the rest of the night finishing the film list, in anticipation of going to a film today. Considering I'm still on garden leave, and my days are nice and free, I booked to meet 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners for a walk about A History of Chelsea - from quaint to Quant. Starting in the morning, they were meeting in the bar of the Royal Court, and were to have lunch after the walk. But you know, it was late enough when I got in, and I'd have had to go to bed pretty much straight away - I hadn't paid anything, so I just cancelled. Have to wait a bit longer to meet them.

Then, this morning, I got an email from my cheap ticket club - and lo, they had a couple of interesting offerings! So I said I'd pick one of those. A play called Devil's Choice sounded up my street - love devilish things, me. It's at The Playground Theatre - a fairly new one, I believe; I certainly hadn't been there before. This was the opening night. And my ticket represented a substantial saving on the official price, courtesy of Eventbrite.

Having spent most of the day doing this (extremely long) blog post, I was tight for time - finally dragged myself away and scooted down to the kitchen to grab what I had in the fridge from yesterday. Wouldn't you know it, one of my bloody flatmates had eaten it! I didn't really have time to buy more, bring it back and cook it - so I was quite hungry, heading all the way out West! Tube it was, this far out - and uncomfortable on the Northern Line, with me positioned so the only handrail I could reach was the ceiling one, which was uncomfortably high. Things, as usual, were much better on the Circle Line.

It's funny how far Latimer Road Station actually is from Latimer Road, where the theatre is! Seems a portion of the road was demolished for construction of the flyover, before which the road did run much closer to the station. Anyway, I need the exercise. And I love walking through the suburbs of West London, which are so much more pleasant.

Google Maps directed me until I practically fell across the theatre, which doesn't heavily advertise itself. I did arrive half an hour early - and boy, was I glad to see a cafe to the side! Better yet, they had some sandwiches - I chose one, and the nice man asked whether I wanted it toasted. Now, they were all made with brown bread, which doesn't often toast well - but I loved the sound of a toastie, and said yes please. I also had a wine, which he served to me in a plastic container - although I did manage to finish it before I went in. Grabbed the very last table - and he was obliging enough to bring the sandwich over for me, attractively presented on a plate, complete with knife and fork.

Oh Lord, it was lovely. Whatever bread they use toasts beautifully, and it was exactly what I needed. My mood had massively improved by the time I finished - the only thing that upset me was that I didn't have time to try what was a most attractive-looking chocolate cake. My table had several free chairs, and I'd happily have shared with any of the folks round about, looking for a place - but I'm afraid they were all too English to ask. Never mind..

When I was finished, the theatre was open - it had opened quite unobtrusively. So I showed the nice man my confirmation, and he scrabbled on his phone to find the list, before letting me in. Seating is unassigned in this small venue - I must also, sadly, report that it's a bit uncomfortable. The set takes the form of a well-appointed living room:

The central character - at least at first - is an ageing actress, to whom the Devil pays a visit. And a suave fellow he is too - sings, dances, wears a suit.. the only concession to his profession is a pair of red socks: and later, a red hat. Quite charming. She decides she wants eternal youth - he decides her soul isn't really enough for that, and persuades her to invite her three kids (sat in the audience) around, on the pretence that she's dying. But what deal does he have in mind? and what choices will everyone make?

There's a lot to like here. The set is pleasant, the soundtrack elegantly classical, and as I say, the Devil is a delight to watch. By and large, the acting is fine. However, for me, the son didn't convince, the first half (well, 2/3, given how short the section after the interval is) dragged, and - what the hell is with the ending? Took me quite a while to decide what I thought had happened. Most confusing. Anyway, if you decide to give it a try, it's on till Sunday - but honestly, I don't think it's worth the official price. Never mind the VIP ticket, whatever it is!

The Tube home was much emptier. Tomorrow, I'm also thinking of film - and what's coming up is Eighth Grade, opening tomorrow, about the final week of an unfortunate teen in middle school. (Higher-rated offerings didn't appeal.) The trailer looks quite appealing - seems quite funny. Showing in Rich Mix - I might surface in time for the earlier showing. Never actually been to the cinema there before!

Play: The Exorcist

Honestly, I haven't had much luck with scary Hallowe'ens in London lately - they have tended to turn out to be a bit of a damp squib. However, this year, I was 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..

On decently late, because it doesn't have an interval - so I hung on in the office until after 7:30, then nipped around the corner. Some people did dress up, bless 'em! Now, they'd been quite strict about my e-ticket - it had to be printed out, not on a phone, and that I'd done. It certainly saved me a long queue at the box office! I'd never been in here before - gosh it's ornate, lots of gilt and mirrored glass. Terrible shame I didn't get to take a picture, but honestly, I had left it a bit tight, and the place was horrendously crowded anyway - it was also press night, and I had trouble actually getting to the stalls, where I was sitting. Second row from the back.. I could have got cheaper, but I'd have been in the gods, and I at least wanted to be in the stalls for this. I had an aisle seat, which was something.

It's actually a decent view - the main problems were (a) that bloke in front of me, with the big head, who kept shifting it from side to side so I must needs do the same, and (b) the rear stalls tend to be quite noisy, with people going in and out. But the overhang hardly blocked anything, and I didn't feel disconnected from the stage. I see they have that "ordertorium" here as well, where you can order things to be delivered to your seat - what with the lack of interval, some did that - but it was too late by the time I arrived, as ushers scurried around to deliver orders before the show started.

They are determined to scare us, that was obvious right from the start - ominous ambient music is playing as you enter. When the lights eventually go down, they do so with a bang! just to set your nerves on edge. A stern voice explains that there is no interval - that once this begins, it will continue until it is over. The guidelines say 18+ - oh, and there are plenty of flashing lights throughout. Interesting thing I noticed - the exit lights kept coming on, from which I deduce that they actually turned them off for the scary bits. Cool - I do love a theatre that preserves the atmosphere! It's to the credit of the director that I didn't pay attention to the lights going off while scary stuff was happening on stage..

Peter Bowles actually plays the exorcist himself - I thought I recognised the voice! and Sir Ian McKellan voices the demon. Rather more suave than the one in the film, then. Overall, I have to give credit to the amazing special effects crew - the effects are flawless, and more than I expected. Projections of the demon, and of the younger priest's dead mother's face, lend a fantastic atmosphere. Moving shadows are used to great effect. Funnily enough, I was reading an interview last night with the director, who said - not wanting to give anything away - that the audience would get the scares they were expecting! Those who've seen the film will know exactly what that means - those who've heard something about it will guess. Let me just say this - we were all waiting for that effect, and it got its own individual round of applause!

The girl's bedroom is in darkness while other scenes are taking place - the makeup artist takes these opportunities to add to the scary makeup, live on stage, where no-one can see her - and so the possession progresses. Truly impressive to see this brought to life on stage, and worth seeing if only from a technical perspective. Only thing is.. they try too faithfully to recreate the film, I think, and it does feel rushed as they try to pack in all the storylines. Which is a bit silly, considering that the film is longer than this play. We could maybe have skipped the bits about the priest's mother, or the scenes with the exorcist on his own. Never mind, it's a fantastic effort - and the overall impression, as with the film, is of a colossal, dirty battle between absolute evil and the power of the Church. And for all that they play Tubular Bells as the audience is leaving, it was the hymns that stuck with me.. reminding me of my childhood, when I really thought that the Church was the front line against evil. Runs until March 10th, and is a must for all horror fans.

Well, they've pretty much cleaned out the fridge at work, so I came straight home - and with an iffy internet connection, was doubtful of getting anything done on the blog tonight. Seems better in my room than in the kitchen though, so on we go! Not so much on Meetup appealed for tomorrow - so I decided to go to a film. And leading the charge on my film list is Brexitannia, advertised as the first documentary on Brexit! Includes Noam Chomsky on the list of participants, looks interesting. Just a pity that the only place it's showing is in East Dulwich! Never mind, I can get a bus straight there.. in about an hour.. Includes a Q+A with the director, and I'm delighted to see that they just tell you straight out how many seats are left! I do like not having to book, and commit myself - and pay a booking fee..

On Thursday, back with Meetup for the first time in a week: and on both Thursday and Friday, I'm headed to Sadler's Wells with Up in the Cheap Seats. Thursday, it's Ellipsis Land, and Friday, it's a mixed programme from the Birmingham Royal Ballet.

On Saturday, Helen is coming to town, so doubtless we'll get up to some shenanigans! That evening, I'm off with Walking in London (hence Funzing) on a Hampstead to Highgate Haunted Pub Tour! She can't depend on the trains, so can't really commit to that - I don't blame her, they're worse than Irish ones! (which is saying something). The tour will take 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!

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.

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

On the 8th and 9th, I'm with Up in the Cheap Seats again - the 8th for Saint George and the Dragon, at the National. Which sounds like fun. On the 9th, 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 - another 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 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 December sees our office Christmas party! Have seen a smashing dress online, at a great price - must get on to that.

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.