Well, I flew back to London on Monday. Let's start there, because it's worth it.
Ryanair prides itself on its punctuality - although their website still trumpets this, I guess they figured they didn't have to try so hard to maintain their position at the top. They're probably right, actually - airlines are appalling. Today, I heard from someone at work whose daughter visited him last week from Edinburgh, flying Ryanair - she was delayed by two hours on the outbound flight, and one hour on the return leg. On Monday, I figured I'd have plenty of time to charge my phone while I was waiting for my flight, which would probably be delayed. I was right. The 9.20pm flight's estimated departure time increased by half an hour every half hour - an ever-receding horizon:
It finally took off at 10 past midnight - as a fellow passenger predicted in the airport, "just under the three-hour delay": this being when passenger rights kick in. So, the flight to Stansted takes 1 hour and 10, and we landed at 1:20am.
We didn't get off straight away though - oh no. First, we had to find somewhere appropriate to park. Then there wasn't anyone, at that hour, to wheel out a set of steps, so we all had to disembark at the front - which was a drag, as I was at the back of the plane. (The cabin crew, rather than bidding us farewell as we exited, all hid in the cockpit, which was wise of them. Doubtless they're getting used to this.) The worst of all though was when we finally arrived in the baggage hall, where there's normally a 10-minute delay for our bags. On Monday, that turned into a 45-minute delay. Beware, this seems to be a problem at Stansted at the moment - the pilot was complaining about a lack of baggage handlers on Friday, too.
Now, as we didn't get to the baggage hall until 1:45am, that meant we were stuck there until 2:30am. I had visions of sleeping there, I really did. I've since complained, but have got no response. When my bag finally arrived, I made my way downstairs to queue for the 2:55am bus - different to the timetable, I might add. Now, they're really missing a trick here - they could easily have filled up a second bus. No, the 2:55am service filled up - and there wasn't another until 4:10am.
I'd already bought my ticket, or I wouldn't have bothered waiting - I wouldn't again. The bus didn't arrive much before departure time, and it was so cold.. at least the bus was comfy, when it finally came, and I did manage to snatch some sleep. By the time we were disgorged at Liverpool Street it was after 5, and full daylight, and mercifully a bus happened right along to take me within walking distance of my (current) home. Mind you, I was so zonked that I barely registered that that was my bus - I was just lucky that someone else at the stop wanted the same one, and got it to stop. I didn't get to bed until gone 6.
Point is, I was rather tired at work yesterday. I had been thinking about a film for yesterday evening - the film list was the main reason for the delay in blogging, as usual. But what came up didn't appeal much - not Bollywood for once, but The Trout, a documentary about the preparation for a classical concert. It was free, and being in the Southbank Centre, was of course followed by a performance of Schubert's Trout Quintet. Nothing on Meetup either, typically. However, another check of the website of my £3.60 club revealed a whole new range of offers, since I last checked.. so now, instead, I bought a ticket for the TriOperas at the Peacock. More expensive than normal for them, at £5.40 it still represented a terrific saving on the cheapest official ticket price of £15. Very cloak-and-dagger collection process though - I had to get my ticket, between 6 and 7pm, from the Pret across the road, from someone with a pink clipboard! Oh, and as usual, say the club name in a whisper..
That all went fine, actually - I spied him on the way in, and checked he was the right person when I approached. As he said, it'd be unusual if anyone else there had a pink clipboard! and in a flash I had a ticket in the rear stalls. I made my way straight over to the theatre, and down to the bar, where I beat the crush to get a glass of wine, taking one of the few remaining seats beside a group of middle-aged Americans who were avidly discussing their ancestry, loud enough for me to eavesdrop. Avidly. Sadly, they left after a bit, and those who took their seats were much more softly spoken.
So, when the house opened, in I went - I had a seat in pretty much the last row, but very central:
Legroom was a bit snug when getting up or down, my knees catching on the seat in front, but was otherwise ok. Now, this is one of the Peacock's mish-mash performances of different art forms, and this show features three separate operas - hence the name. They each get their own, separate segment, with intervals between.
The first is Turandot - and to be honest, I nearly left after it, I was so disappointed. I stayed out of curiosity about how they'd handle the other two. They have surtitles - but from the entire rear stalls, these are illegible, as they're not in the centre, but on screens to the sides, almost completely obscured, from the rear stalls, by lighting fixtures suspended from the balcony. They sing in English anyway.. and the singing is technically good, although not up to proper operatic standard. But oh, the awful arrangement, which sees Nessun Dorma butchered by the addition of a lazy, jazz-style backing track, never mind the words being replaced by English lyrics that bear no resemblance to the original. Terrible. Why, oh why.. predictably, tired as I was, I kept nodding off during this one.
I'm happy to say that the others are much more successful. Next up is Madame Butterfly - although most of the staging of this is more reminiscent of a production of Miss Saigon. It works, I think, and the arial performers are most impressive.
The evening ends with a rousing rendition of Carmen, featuring a bullfight with a most acrobatic bull, bearing a strong resemblance to a Chinese dragon! The songs work best in this segment, and I defy anyone to leave without whistling, singing, or humming the tunes. But that's Carmen for you. The little girl in the row in front of me certainly thought so - she was going mental, bouncing up and down on her seat at the end. I hope she stays a fan of Carmen for life.
So, overall a very successful evening. Runs until the 1st of July, and is a great night out!
En route to the bus stop, passed a Co-Op - very handy for buying supper. And I had a much earlier night - a meeting this morning prevented me from staying up late enough to do the blog. Thankfully!
Tonight, more opera - the London European Club (LEC) advertised the Pop-Up Opera's performance of a Mozart Double Bill, in St. Mary's Islington. Just like last year, it was part of the Soul in the City festival - and it was free! Tickets necessary, and available from Eventbrite - which sold out, predictably, although they did email to note that non-ticketed admissions would be possible. Sadly, London Literary Walks moved this week's walk to today.. well, too bad, I just couldn't bring myself to miss Pop-Up Opera. It's another of the signs of summer! And it's hilarious, and it'd give my leg some more time to heal.
I spent much of the day doing the film list again - and finished it just before I was due to leave (shorter one, this time!). So I was somewhat distracted, and did leave a bit later than intended - my co-worker needing to ask me about something didn't help. So I fairly galloped out of there, and up the road - my chest, I must say, behaved impeccably, although my leg had a tendency to want to cramp. I didn't have much choice - I'd blithely left my Oyster card at home!
Well, I made it, damnit - although I spent most of the journey puffing like a steam train, with the unaccustomed exercise, to the concern of passers-by; don't forget I've been sick for months, and couldn't push it! I was rounding the back of the building just as the church bell struck 7:30 - coming up St. Mary's Path, it occurred to me that I was in the full throes of breathlessness the last time I came up there. Much better now. Sure enough, they hadn't started yet, and sure enough, there were plenty of empty seats. They just waved me in without needing to see my ticket.
I had no idea where the group were sitting, and couldn't see anyone I recognised, so I just grabbed the best seat I could. Before the performance - while I was getting my breath back - someone from the opera company came on to make a short speech. She explained how their van was broken into last night, and most of their props and equipment stolen! What a dreadful shame.. the only visible signs tonight, though, were that there was only one screen for surtitles, and she warned us that some props had been replaced by cardboard (that'd be the giant syringe, then).
Otherwise, the performances were impeccable as ever, accompanied by hilarious surtitles - which I could see tonight! Two one-act comedies by Mozart, the first, Der Schauspieldirektor, concerning a battle between two prima donnas, the second, Bastien und Bastienne - written when he was just 12! - a lovers' tiff. The simple plot of the second perhaps betrays it as being the work of a child, but the music is incredible. This show tours the South of England until the 29th of July - highly recommended, as ever.
This was the first of this year's Soul in the City festival, which runs through the weekend - and generously, they provided (small) glasses of wine for free at the interval. Just as well mine was small, mind, given that I was drinking it on an empty stomach. I never did find the group - I schlepped up front at the interval, but they were all off slugging wine, and it looked fairly packed, with all the bags that had been left, so I couldn't have moved there. Afterwards, I wended my way home - downhill this time! My poor leg appreciated that - and the slower pace. And this time, the supermarket on the way home was a Sainsbury's - gee, it's been ages.
Tomorrow, London Speaks Sessions and LDN Talks @ Night (therefore Funzing) have an interesting-sounding talk about Black Tudors: Three Untold Stories. Seeing as how I missed a Funzing talk a while back, because I couldn't find the venue, and they offered to book me on another for free.. albeit it was weeks ago.. I emailed to see whether the offer still stands. And they got back to me - after the weekend - to say that of course it does! Nice one. A hop, skip and jump from the office, too.
On Friday, back with the LEC for yet more music! The London Jazz Meetup also has an event on that night, but the LEC's sounds better on YouTube - part of the Songlines Encounters Festival at King's Place, and they're doing the double bill for the evening, which scores a 20% discount. (30% off if you book for three events in the festival, but I'm unlikely to do that.)
And on Saturday, that film list kicks in - would you believe it, with none of the films at the very top of the list showing over the weekend, A Quiet Place - which has held a high rating for ages now - finally came to the top! Awesome - I've been dying to see it. Stars Emily Blunt and her real-life husband, John Krasinski, who also directs - they're trying to keep their family safe in a dystopian future where something is stalking them that hunts by sound. Supposed to be terrifically suspenseful - the best kind. And it's showing near me, in the Vue Islington! which means it'll be the fourth day in a row that I can walk. Need the exercise. The only showing that day is very late - but what the hey, it's Saturday! I booked it, as it's cheaper on the website - and it certainly is the least I've paid in years for a cinema ticket.
I was just looking up what to do tonight - and wouldn't you know it, at that moment the Pop-Up Opera sent me a mail with upcoming events. Une Éducation Manquée is a short, French comic opera, whose run finished today. All right then!
It was in the Arcola - a long time since I'd been there, and a long way to it. Google Maps promised a journey time of about 40 minutes by bus - dreadful traffic meant that, even allowing for 10 minutes' wait time at the stop, it took me over an hour. I dozed for most of the journey - really need a rest! While I was awake, I was entertained by the lass beside me, who was regaling someone on the other end of the phone with tales of the injuries sustained when she was recently run over by a car - and a little, white Westie, whose human had sat near the side doors, and who was absolutely fascinated by the view through them! doubtless anticipating getting off soon. It did happen eventually.
Happened for me, too - with a short walk to the theatre. Actually, I think it'd have been expedient to stay on for one stop more, and not have to cross that busy road. Never mind, I just made the crossing light in time - despite inconvenient shoes - and I had left in plenty of time anyway. Honestly, I was glad I hadn't arrived sooner, there was such a crowd in the lobby - it was maybe 10 minutes after I arrived that the doors opened. I was lucky to get a seat while I was waiting. And, of course, as with every time I've been here, I forgot to look right on the top of the theatre seats for the seat numbers. Now, I'm sure there were plenty there tonight for the first time - wouldn't you think it'd behove them to tell people that as they're checking their tickets?
It was a snug fit, up in the gallery - but a decent view. We noted some seats "reserved" at the back, and figured that might be because they were right under one of the caption screens, so you weren't supposed to sit on them and spoil the view. Lots of people there tonight seemed just a smidgeon overdressed, which hangs with my theory that they hadn't been before. This was the last night, it seemed, not only for this opera, but of the "Grimeborn" opera festival! Well, glad I caught it.
Started late, of course, waiting for latecomers. And the Pop-Up Opera, as usual, didn't disappoint. A short, comic opera, some nice librettos, beautiful singing, and hilarious captions accompanied the tale of an unfortunate young aristocrat, with nobody to advise him what to do on his wedding night, save his otherwise knowledgeable tutor, who knows nothing about this, it seems! Gosh golly gee, what's a young ingénue to do? Just up their alley - and I really did think the people behind me would bust a gut laughing. Pop-Up Opera are always worth a look. And I believe tomorrow is the last day to get a 30% discount on Eugéne Onegin, playing in November at the Arcola.. you have been told. Dunno how you manage it..
Ironically, the show was shorter than the journey to get there. Or the journey back - even though the bus stop I was supposed to use had a sign saying it was not in use! I think it is, mind.. anyway, I walked the route till I came to the next one. And again, it's great to be home early enough to shop, cook, eat, and blog! Tomorrow is my first Meetup with Up in the Cheap Seats, one of several new groups I've joined to fill the great void left by the sad departure of the Man with the Hat. We're off to see The Tempest, with Simon Russell Beale, at the Barbican - who, unusually, posted my ticket to me. Must remember to bring it. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On Monday, back with Let's Do This for a vintage swing jazz evening at Wilton's.
On Tuesday - well, a member of Up in the Cheap Seats has obviously got a thing for the Camden Fringe Festival, because he's just advertised a whole host of stuff on there! And I've booked most of it.. Tuesday sees two short plays: Beautiful Little Fools, in The Cockpit, and Borders in a Bedroom, in the Tristan Bates Theatre.
Next Wednesday, I had booked free comedy in Greenwich, with Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith, Wimbledon and Greenwich, and Random London. Then I booked with London Live Comedy and Funzing UK for "Gangster Magic" at The Water Rats. Magic and comedy - sounded interesting. Finally, however, I was saved by London Literary Walks, whose organiser is running a walk that evening on 101 Dalmatians! Honestly, I don't really know what the walk is about - but it has to be better. Mary messaged me about it - for some reason, I didn't get a notification.
On the 10th, the London European Club is off to a contemporary dance performance called Morphed, at the Royal Festival Hall. It's part of the Nordic Matters festival, apparently.
On the 11th, handily enough, Spooky London Pubs (another new group for me - I think!) are hosting a talk on Conan Doyle and the Mysterious World of Light. Handiest of all, it's in the King and Queen - my local! Why, I pass it every day..
And on the 12th, I'm finally back with London Dramatic Arts, for the opening night of Against, with Ben Whishaw, at the Almeida. I'm in the rear stalls - they also have tickets in the front stalls, for a higher price, of course. They're actually also going to see Apologia, with Stockard Channing and Laura Carmichael, earlier in the day, but for a ridiculous price, so I passed on that.
For last night, I was supposed to be going to - ahem - free comedy in Hammersmith. With Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith Wimbledon and Greenwich, Random London, London Live Comedy, Hammersmith & Fulham Friends, and DiscoverLDN.UK. However - well, you know how un-keen I am on these. And they couldn't even seem to agree who was headlining. So I was only delighted when the London European Club (LEC) advertised pop-up opera for last night! Ah now, that was one of the Man with the Hat's summer staples. And this one, in St. Mary's Islington, was free (and included a free glass of wine!) .. Part of the Soul in the City Festival. The organiser, Patty, advertised it as two separate events, accidentally.
I may have been headed north three nights in a row, but it's been getting progressively easier. Last night, I did't even have to rush - just up the road, I could catch either the 19 or the 38, which go right past the church. And wouldn't you know it, the 38 followed me up the road. A relaxed journey got me to Islington - and at Angel, a diversion was announced. A quick look at my map revealed that I was only seven minutes' walk away, and I had time - so I decided that was the wiser option. There were, indeed, roadworks ahead - mind you, the diversion announcement was a bit premature, considering that the bus continued for at least one stop more.
I'd wondered whether I'd ever actually been inside St. Mary's before - and as it happens, no, I hadn't! I've just passed it so many times, used it as a landmark - on a recent guided walk, we stood in the porch to escape the rain while our guide told us about the area. And oh, it was lovely:
The place was filling up, but our group had the front four pews on the left. Mind you, that was as far as the social element went.. it turned out that Patty was also one of the organisers of the Soul in the City festival, which was obviously her priority, and why she'd invited us along. I don't know whether she wasn't interested in getting to know her attendees, or whether it just hadn't occurred to her that she should, but she showed no earthly interest in us for the whole evening, just chatting to the people in the front. The whole group, in fact, were engrossed in their own, private conversations - very unlike the LEC meeting on Tuesday, with Henning. And an unusual experience for me at Pop-Up Opera, where I'm so used to being looked after by the Man with the Hat, who always tried to make sure everyone felt included. He's a sad loss, indeed..
But the opera itself was, as ever, an absolute delight. It was obvious that few around me knew what to expect, and the irreverent staging and hilarious captions entertained them royally! as did the topical political references. Indeed, the woman in front of me, who'd never been to the opera at all before, had a whale of a time. It is a great introduction to opera - I just hope she doesn't expect all productions to be like this.. It is a unique experience, to have someone burst into an aria right beside your ear.
The interval saw them provide us with small glasses of wine - there was also beer, and soft drinks. The white wine was rather sweet, but quite nice - and I don't know how they managed to have some left over, but when someone came around and offered me a top-up, I gratefully accepted. Not even at the interval was there a chance to meet the group - they all vanished into the crowd at the drinks table, I couldn't see Patty, and I didn't know anyone else. When the show ended, I legged it. I had trouble finding my way to the other side of the church, with Google Maps directing me down all sorts of laneways that were either blocked off completely, or just scary. And as I finally found a road I could take, it started to pour rain - the bus arrived as I did, and she didn't see me, closing the door after the other guy got on; I was lucky I caught her attention before she drove off.
And on the way home, a passenger who'd just got on expressed to the driver the hope that Labour would win. Seeing the result today - well, they didn't, but they scored a kind of victory. This evening, I'm out of the madness and back to Ireland for the weekend. On Monday, I'm at comedy again - not free this time, it's on a £3.60 ticket - I'm going to see So You Think You're Funny, at the Slug and Lettuce on Chicheley Street. And this is an actual competition, which might up the quality a bit.
On Tuesday, I'd booked for free comedy ("Hecklers' Edition") with Random London. Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith Wimbledon and Greenwich, London Live Comedy, Hammersmith & Fulham Friends, and DiscoverLDN.UK have also advertised it. But you know, there are a few interesting Funzing talks on that night. Courtesy of London Speaks Sessions and LDN Talks@ Night. Or I might have gone to a film. But I wasn't enthused about next week's offerings either, and now the organiser of Kensington Classical Music has invited me to a concert, in Mayfair - drinks before and a drinks and canapés reception after. It's all very secret - invitation only, and I pay her on the night. Dress code - smart casual. Ooh-err.. what have I gotten myself into now?!
On Wednesday, it was originally supposed to be free comedy again - Random London, Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith Wimbledon and Greenwich, and London Live Comedy were advertising a "Cooking Edition", for which I'd booked. But then I booked a Funzing talk, with those two above-mentioned Funzing groups - ExMI5 Agent Talks Russian Hacking. I got a discount of 30%. (That code's now expired, mind.. but you can usually get 10% off with "Fun_Week10".) And Helen's coming too. We can eat at the venue.
On Thursday, some more traditional storytelling with the Crick Crack Club. Nick Hennessy is telling the story of The Ruined House of Skin - an Irish one, which I've heard before, but he's one of the best on the circuit, and always worth going to. Now, this is on at the Arthouse in Crouch End again, and after the debacle the last time, with no confirmation email from them, I checked - and don't have one for this either! So, when I was up there the last time, I asked them to print out my receipt, which I've been holding onto carefully ever since.
Next Friday, London Dramatic Arts is seeing Gloria in Hampstead Theatre - and since they're getting us to buy our own tickets for once, so am I! Pulitzer-Prize-winning, apparently.
And on the 17th, I had my eye on Day Trips from London, who are headed on a Lulworth Cove Heritage Site, Corfe Castle Village + Warhead Quay Day Trip. But I was busy when the email came through to advertise it, and wouldn't you know it, by the time I got around to it, it had booked out! Always popular, it seems. Never mind - while I was at Soho Theatre the other night, I was facing the screen advertising future events, and what should I see but that Andrew Maxwell is performing a run there, ending that day. Now, I saw him live once before, and he was fall-off-your-seat hilarious! So I've booked. So much for my Westminster Residents' Card though, which is supposed to give £1 off at this venue - there was no mention of it when I came to book! Bah humbug..
Ah me. Life ain't busy at all, is it now? See, first the London European Club (LEC) was going to an organ recital yesterday afternoon, at the Methodist Central Hall. And I booked. And then up pops the Man with the Hat, with a pop-up opera - The Barber of Seville - for Let's Do London - for less! at Charing Cross Theatre the same day. And there was I at home that evening - must have been the evening I was taken ill - with only my phone to work with, having left my laptop in the office (for purpose of Skyping my mother). So I had to work with the iffy mobile site. Hey-ho.. I figured I could probably make them both - the organ recital was on at 3, after all, and the opera at 6 - and I handled the mobile site. Was I ever glad, later, to find that the organ recital was only supposed to run for an hour..
Late night on Saturday, of course, and even later, what with blogging. So I only just dragged myself out of it in time to nip down to Westminster - a little early, to scavenge for breakfast, having no food in the house. Well, the 88 dropped me just across the road from the Methodist Central Hall - you really can't miss it, it's the enormous stone pile, just across from the Abbey, that says "Methodist Central Hall" across the top, in gold.
More photos here. Unfortunately, I didn't find anything that suited in the cafe downstairs in the Hall - apart from hot food I wouldn't have had time to eat - and pickings are slim around those parts for quick bites. So brunch ended up being a bag of clotted cream fudge from the Abbey gift shop. Plenty of sweets just in front of the cash registers, if you're looking.
I ran into the first of the others as I was making my way up the impressive, marble staircase, and we entered the main hall (third floor, phew!). Now, our organiser had thought it was free, but it turned out to be £5, which we duly paid - it did come with a programme. Inside, an mc introduced the two French performers, one of whom would play the organ, the other sing. The programme was also entirely French.
..Now, to be honest, the organ is not my favourite instrument. But it was very.. peaceful. The organiser, sat beside me, suggested I give him a nudge if he dropped off - he'd been playing beach volleyball that morning. And there were two of us in it - I was drowsy after the night before. And the music was so soothing that there was a fair chance of that happening. Anyway, we managed to stay awake, and highlights included Passepied by Debussy. A well-timed blast by Bizet got us nicely awake in time for the end of the concert.
We eschewed the refreshments on offer.. tea and coffee, served at long folding tables at the end of the landing.. and instead the decision was made to hunt for a decent cafe. Someone wanted to head towards Victoria, so that's what we did - me slightly dubiously, given that I would soon have to head in the other direction. Unfortunately, with no definite idea of where to go, and it being Sunday afternoon, it took us quite a while, before we happened upon a Caffe Nero near Westminster Cathedral. Fine by me, and I swooped on my standard meal there - a chocolate Milano (King of Hot Chocolates), accompanied by some of the best chocolate fudge cake you'll find anywhere, and a piece of gianduja - 35p each, temptingly nuzzled just by the till. So I guess that was my afternoon tea. Caffe Nero does good chocolate..
Hated to rush out on them, but I had things to see and people to do, as they say. Much jealousy ensued when they heard what I was off to - "Oh, that's my favourite opera!" as one exclaimed. I did finally make it to the bus stop, where I had a choice of a couple of buses to take me to Trafalgar Square.
Heavy traffic around both Parliament Square and Trafalgar Square, but I did make it in due course, and down to Charing Cross Theatre. Easy really - just head along Villiers Street, turn down the passageway marked The Arches, and you'll see the sign on your left. The Man with the Hat was typically easy to find, the bar crowded, and we spread out through it. I grabbed a glass of wine - in plastic, by that stage, and when it was time, we headed downstairs to the theatre.
These are some of the comfier theatre seats you'll find - the only quibble I had was that, that far back, it was a teeny squint to read the subtitles. Just a teeny bit. But we were soon into the fun - and fun it was! Really, I love pop-up opera - those who don't know it don't know what they're missing. As someone astutely remarked afterwards, this was how it was supposed to be - in a comedy written so long ago, sometimes the humour can be lost on modern audiences: but pop-up opera has found a way to inject the fun back in. So you get the real opera, beautifully sung - but they're in modern clothes (and I do think a tracksuit suits Figaro so much better). And you get the most marvellous subtitles - slightly irreverent, very descriptive, very up-to-date. Written by the guy in the boater, to be seen beforehand distributing programmes. Keep an eye out for the constantly grumbling maid, who constantly steals the show. And expect them, literally, to pop up all over the place..
This is how comic opera should be. Sadly, that was the last performance of this, this year - unless you want to go see them in Corfu in September (and why not?!). Last night's performance was sponsored by the Corfu Arts Foundation.. but they have a couple of other productions in store - check out the website.
Afterwards, round the corner and back onto Villiers Street, to All Bar One, where they put tables together for us upstairs. Never been to All Bar One before, imagine! Anyhoo, this was the scene for my one proper meal of the day - I fancied chicken and chips, and that's what I had, and lovely it was - although the "piri-piri" chicken doesn't actually taste of much. It went down well, and we stayed for a lively chat.. I did get home earlier than Saturday, but not really early enough to blog. Rather sad I shan't see them again for a week.
Today is the only day I have free to use my Wowcher before it expires - it's for the Magic Lantern festival.
Tomorrow, unusually, LEC is taking us to some storytelling - up in Cambridge Heath! Now, on Friday my boss rescheduled our weekly Tuesday evening meeting for this week to 6-6:45pm (most of the team is based in California, you see). She has some hope - I have to be in Cambridge Heath by 7! I've told her I'll come, but have to duck out before 6:30..
Wednesday, I'm headed, with London Dramatic Arts (LDAM), to The Cherry Orchard, at the Arcola. And I caught an interesting conversation in relation to that evening - seems someone who's booked can't go, and posted in case anyone wanted his ticket. Whereupon the organiser was right on to him to explain that that's against the rules. Yes, ok, he doesn't get a refund if the ticket isn't sold on, and he can't sell on the ticket directly - I get that. But me oh my, it seems her anti-blogging page isn't the only page of rules she - or someone she knows - has come up with - take a read of the rules against reselling. I mean seriously - the ticket can't be passed on until the day of the event? And forget about a refund - at best, you can get credit. You have been warned..
Thursday, the Crick Crack Club is back at Crouch End, with The Fate We Bring Ourselves - finally advertised on their Meetup page! Ben Haggerty standing in for Claire Muireann Murphy, who's having a knee operation, it seems. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.
Next Monday, the Man with the Hat and London for Less Than a Tenner are off to Two Man Show at Soho Theatre. I've seen it before, but it's worth seeing again. And so is the group!
Tuesday 28th, Let's Do London - for less! is off to Sleeping Beauty, at the Opera House.
Wednesday 1st March - well lookee that, the same group is off to Roundelay, at Southwark Playhouse. Three in a row for the Man with the Hat - we'll have to carry him off on a stretcher. About time we got back to Southwark though - we've missed it!
Thursday 2nd, I was thinking of free comedy in Hammersmith - this time with London Live Comedy, Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith Wimbledon and Farringdon, and Random London. But then Walk, Talks and Treasure Hunts (and Walking Victorian London) announced a walk called True Spy Stories! So I thought that sounded more interesting, and booked.
Friday 3rd, again, Crick Crack is telling stories - Daniel Morden and Hugh Lupton are performing Metamorphoses at Rich Mix. However, the Rich Mix website doesn't seem to have heard of this.. The independent Crick Crack Club website now has a link to buy tickets from Rich Mix though, and at the moment they're being sold at a discounted preview price. And now that the link is available, their Meetup group is advertising it too.
Saturday 4th, Let's Do London - for less! is back to see Sleeping Beauty - and so am I. Honestly, this was a mistake on my part - I was booking a lot at the time and forgot I was already going - but hell, I'd rather be doing this anyway than not. Amphitheatre, this time - it's been a while since I was there.
Sunday 5th, London for Less Than a Tenner is advertising "Soho: the Roots of the Swinging Sixties - guided walk"! Now, this confused me, before I read deeper.. I do recall the Man With the Hat saying that, while he was interested in guided walks, he wasn't interested in actually guiding them. Turns out someone else is doing the actual guiding.. Anyway, count me in.
Monday 6th, I'm off to see Russell Howard at the Albert Hall.
Tuesday 7th, jeez, the Man with the Hat is back again! Hard to keep up these days - so I'm going with Let's Do London - for less! to The Diary of a Teenage Girl at Southwark Playhouse.
Wednesday 8th, I finally get to go to something with the Post-Apocalyptic Book Club - not a book discussion this time, instead they're off to a play called The Machine Stops, at Jacksons Lane Theatre. Suitably post-apocalyptic. Then I'm back to Ireland for a long weekend.
Monday 13th, I'm with LDAM at the Royal Court, for The Kid Stays in the Picture.
And to complete the tally, that rescheduled talk on Brexit Vs. Trump from last Tuesday is on Tuesday 14th. Unless I decide to go to a film instead - being Funzing, I can get my money back if I cancel at least 48 hours in advance.
As someone in the group mentioned tonight, there are some events you just don't have to think about. Man with the Hat + Pop-Up Opera is one of those combinations. An irresistible one, in fact. So I booked, as soon as I heard. Lordy, it seems like an age since I saw the Pop-Up Opera - and indeed, it's been months.
Worked from Guildford today, and was delayed on the trip home by an accident - there seemed to be a lot of those today. Then my passenger, seeing he was going to be late for his appointment, asked me to do him the favour of dropping him off up the road. Well, I'm an obliging person - however, this did mean that, if I wanted some decent drinking time before the event, I'd have to take the train. At least this time I didn't forget my Oyster card..
I arrived at Clapham Junction just in time to catch a nonstop train to Waterloo - whoopee. Well, except that the nonstop trains always seem to be the very slowest. Not only do they slow down as they approach their destination, but they seem to have to let every other single train approaching Waterloo take a platform before they can. In fact, we were stuck, just outside Waterloo, for over 5 minutes - which mightn't seem like long, until you consider that the actual train trip only took 10.
At least I'm familiar with Waterloo and its environs these days, which makes walking through it much easier. Headed for Waterloo Road, turned right at the Old Vic, and took the road just to the right of the mural:
This is Lower Marsh, and I was headed for Lounge 34, a short distance down, on the left. Went in, located the group, ordered a drink (which took a while). It was cheap though, which was handy for the poor barman, as I had enough change to cover it - and he hadn't had any. And I finally joined the group - displacing the poor Man with the Hat, who was headed over to the Vaults, where the event was to take place. Before he left, he did distribute some fetching, and self-explanatory, tickets:
This evening, we were with Let's Do London - for Less! and I did wonder where everyone had got to - there were only six of us in the pub. Well, we eventually headed over to the Vaults - and behold, they were propping up the bar there. To be fair, they hadn't much choice - the house didn't open until quite close to showtime. In the meantime, I was prevailed upon to purchase some more cheap alcohol. So I did.
When we were let in, we ended up taking up the very front. I, for my part, was squished - with a couple of others - into a sofa directly in front of the stage area. Had to make sure not to let my leg too close to the spotlight to the side, which was quite hot: otherwise, we had the best seats in the house! The chap selling programmes did swing by, but he's not as persistent as the chap they had before, and we felt under no obligation to buy one.
Tonight was The Barber of Seville - one night only here, although they're touring the country with it until early next year. But, you see, they tend to pop up for just one night in a venue, and then pop off again. Well worth a look, and it was interesting to speculate what newbies might have thought of the production. You see, for all the modern, unfussy garb, the lack of props, and the hilariously irreverent captions, the performances are top-notch. Unsurprising, in a way, if you've seen them before, but still, I'd forgotten just how good they are - amazing voices, belting out beautiful arias, accompanied by a terrific pianist (well, keyboard player), and traipsing up and down the centre aisle, in character. Nothing quite compares with the thrill of having an opera singer in full voice let loose right beside your ear - and, as usual, if you're in the front, prepare to be interacted with. Gently. Although it was a pity, when the aforementioned someone's phone was borrowed by a cast member right at the end, that she hadn't unlocked it, and they couldn't actually take a photo..
Fantastic, frankly. The absolute best way to introduce anyone to opera - informal and fun - and I know there were first-timers tonight. The group was full of praise afterwards. How and ever, as usual, we were a select group, back in the pub after. Where we spent a pleasant hour or so, chatting. Perfect combination, you see - a great show, and great company. And after, I got the bus home - no rush, as I'm working from home tomorrow.
Tomorrow evening, London for a Tenner or Less advertised a guided walk in Islington. Sounded good, I booked. Now, London Social Detours were advertising the same thing, and I figured I'd sign up with them as well, as long as they didn't charge me twice - I figured they had a Funzing arrangement, since London for a Tenner or Less are a Funzing group. Imagine my chagrin to discover that, on that event page, the organiser was offering a discount, it being the last walk of the season, apparently. Well, I went back to the Funzing page and checked the refund conditions; yes, I could have a refund if I cancelled at least 48 hours beforehand. Terrific, I did! It comes in the form of Funzing credit, but you can contact them if you want it refunded to your payment method. Fair enough, I've actually already used it to book other walks! And the organiser of this walk says I can pay in person - I have cash, so that should be fine.
On Saturday, the ever-entertaining Man with the Hat is taking London for a Less than a Tenner (not to be confused with the Funzing group!) to an outdoor screening of Star Wars. We who showed up to the last outdoor screening he hosted are getting a discount that he niftily negotiated for us, since that one was delayed when the folks showing the film (ahem) forgot the film, and someone who lived nearby had to scurry off and get their own copy. So it was delayed, and some folks had to leave without seeing it. Hey-ho, better luck this time; I have seen this Star Wars before, and honestly wasn't completely bowled over - but it is good, and I rarely pass up an opportunity to tag along with the Man with the Hat. This is in Fulham Park, which isn't too far from me - I might drive, which I won't be doing for the other things happening in the meantime. Now, all of a sudden it's forecast to rain - apparently, they do offer ponchos. 'Twon't stop me..
Let's Do London - for less! Pop-up Opera. The Vaults. No-brainer - I booked as soon as I saw it.
I was in Guildford yesterday, but since this was around Waterloo, it wouldn't take long from home. Mind you, since it was around Waterloo - and the Leake Street entrance, the one I was previously familiar with, was closed - I made sure I knew where I was going. Hey, I even got lost while tracing the route to Lounge 34 - where we were to meet - on Streetview..
So, the traffic was light and I got to Waterloo in plenty of time. Around by Waterloo Road (exits to the right of the concourse as you come off the trains) and at the Old Vic, hang a right. This is where I got lost on Streetview - there are a few roads here. I wanted Lower Marsh.. head down the street to the right of Cubana, with the giant mural of the Latina dancer. Lounge 34 is just a bit down on the left.
The group was in the far corner when I arrived - and comprised most of the clientele, from what I could see. Well, it was a Monday! I could've got a drink, but it would've been a slight rush, and I didn't feel like rushing. Very chilled out, I was, on this last evening out before I fly back to Ireland for Easter. We chatted there while more drifted in - and at about 7, our Shepherd in the Hat trotted off to see whether the theatre was open yet. He reappeared shortly after to say that it was - and kudos to the lady who'd just got a glass of wine, and had it finished by the time I made it to the door! Couldn't have done it better myself.
This entrance is on Launcelot Street - left from Lounge 34 and the next right. Straight away, and typically for the Vaults, it got a bit mysterious - you don't enter by the large gate straight ahead, but by a door to the left. And we queued, while our names were ticked off a list. Then down a typically dark and mysterious tunnel (you'd have to come back out here for the toilet, BTW). Past a bar, up some steps, to a rather cool space where you could have your drink, on one of several slightly scruffy sofas. Where we queued again, listening to the odd snatch of operatic singing - we took it they were rehearsing.
We were finally admitted to the theatre proper. I hadn't been in this bit of the Vaults before - seating, on cinema-style seats that looked a bit worse for wear (but were quite comfortable), was tiered, and as we entered, we were asked please not to leave any spaces, as the performance was sold out. Nice wide steps meant I didn't have a problem with the stairs, for once. Good legroom, I noted as I sat.. funny how the seating in an underground tunnel is more comfortable than many an ornate theatre overhead.
Conscious of the fact that there'd be surtitles to read, we sat fairly close to the front. The words were projected onto a flat bit straight ahead, to the left side of the stage, and also on a blank bit of wall to the right - which came in very handy when singers got in the way of the other projection. And the programme seller was out in force again, merrily flogging as many programmes as he could before the show. I noted he had an assistant this time. Kind of. I gathered he, too, was selling programmes by the fact that he was carrying a big pile of them, and looking around him. Otherwise, you wouldn't have guessed.
We started a bit late. So, I Capuleti e i Montecchi (The Capulets and the Montagues) is based on Romeo & Juliet, with just a few tweaks. To start with, Romeo is traditionally sung by a woman. Juliet is now Giulietta, and her father makes more of an appearance - in this production, sung by a chap with a prodigious beard. Lorenzo is aligned to the Capulets, and has been helping Romeo for ages to have an affair with Giulietta. The whole thing starts with Romeo making a futile attempt to broker a peace deal - then Tebaldo, who's always wanted to marry Giulietta, persuades her father to hasten the wedding, and we're off in a frenzy of wedding preparations, with an understandably reluctant bride.
Pop-up Opera.. must be summer again! I love them, always have - the standard of performance is very high, and it's so fantastic to hear arias booming out so close to you. The Vaults make for good acoustics, and we were wowed throughout as they threw themselves into their parts. Fabulous, in such a unique venue..
The interval found us discovering the free WiFi, and one of us getting lost on her way to the loo. And there were some interesting touches in the second act. For one thing, I like this Giulietta! Fiestier than the original Juliet, this one stands up for herself.. argues with her dad, argues with Romeo - why must I be the one to give up everything? What are you giving up?! Stands in front of a gun to protect Romeo at one point (probably swords in the original, but anyway). And ooh - for her tomb scene, they have her in her wedding dress and veil - and standing! Kind of an elevated corpse idea. And.. poseable! Romeo is trying to bring her back to life, and pulling her arms out and turning her face to the side - crikey, in this setting, it was like watching the Bride of Frankenstein.
Yes, I do like this update. They're touring with this around the south of England until 7 May - one night only in each venue. Check them out - terrific performances, as up close to opera as you're ever likely to get, and terrific value.
Afterwards, with doors open at both ends of the theatre, we weren't quite sure which way to go for the Man with the Hat. We plumped for the rear, where we'd come in - and indeed, there he was, packing me off again to lead the thirsty back to Lounge 34. Not that many accompanied us, mind - well, we select few again comprised the bar's clientele until, after a succession of progressively less subtle hints, the barman finally gave up and just asked us, ever so nicely, if we'd leave..? So, reluctantly, we did - all heading back towards Waterloo, except for the Man with the Hat, who wended his solitary way in t' other direction. Another excellent night.. and Happy Easter to all!
Back to Ireland tonight, and nothing of note on the horizon before I fly back to London, on the 30th. On the 31st, I'm back in action, going to see Bad Jews at Pentland Theatre - it's funny, I had loads of offer emails for this, but all for the run at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, which is just over. Damn long trip up there, and I'll probably be in Guildford that day - well, we'll see.
Which brings us into April - on the 1st, I'm back with the London Dramatic Arts Meetup - we're off to see The Caretaker, starring Timothy Spall, at the Old Vic. And on the 2nd, I'm back with Let's Do London - for less! (yay..) for The Fifth Column, at Southwark Playhouse. Love the venue, love Hemingway - and when Helen heard, she was tempted enough to come too. So that'll be a fun day out, being a Saturday..
Now, as I say, I've been having trouble accessing London For Less! on the Meetup site. So the handiest way, for now, of finding out what they're doing is for the organiser to send around emails - which he did, last week, and I saw that yesterday they were headed to an opera I hadn't seen before. And there were tickets left! Cool.. so I planned my week up to that point (unusual for me to plan that far ahead) and booked it.
At least the start time was late enough that I didn't have to rush - while early enough that I was back at a reasonable hour. The venue was a new one for me - the interestingly named Asylum Chapel, in Peckham. Google Maps suggested I take the Overground, and handily enough, although much of it was closed yesterday for engineering works, this bit wasn't, so that's what I did.
The journey was enlivened by a Greek passenger sitting opposite me, discussing the Greek referendum with his companions. I got off at Queen's Road Peckham, and found Asylum Road, just to the right of the station - thanks Streetview, as usual! The chapel itself is located in Caroline Gardens, a 15-minute walk away on the left. I was early, the day was sunny and warm, and the walk was easy. One of us looked up the history during the interval, and discovered that this asylum wasn't a madhouse, but instead used the meaning of "asylum" as a place of sanctuary, being a retirement home for publicans:
Sadly, my phone battery died right after this, so I don't have any more photos from yesterday. But it was very atmospheric inside, and there are more photos on the event website.
I moseyed on in, but there was no-one on the door, and when I entered the performance space, it was obvious that they were still rehearsing. So I came back out and took a seat on the vacant bench. After a while, others from the group arrived, and when we saw people coming out with drinks, we decided to head on in and see whether the bar was open. There was a lady at the door now, who checked off our names, and in we went.
The church is dilapidated, and they haven't bothered to renovate the interior. Lost of peeling plaster, missing windows, rickety doors. Actually very atmospheric, as I say, and photogenic as it happens. They'd set up rows of wooden chairs for us, and the pop-up bar was at the back. Drinks were served in plastic containers, and I got myself a glass of wine. And we were all entertained by the open-plan changing room, where the performers were preparing beside the bar! ;-)
We took seats near the front, and admired the interior. Several plaques remain on the wall, and the stained-glass windows to the sides are still intact. I was so jealous of the people around me taking photos.. the area where the altar would have been was studded with large white candles, and I believe the place is used for weddings as well as a performance space. We figured out that the door to the right was where the toilets were.
Now, this is the pop-up opera, and normal rules don't quite apply. The dapper guy in the panama hat, selling programmes beforehand (and doing deals on them!) is apparently married to the owner of the company, and entertained the audience merrily. He took time out before the show to explain the concept of opera to some little 'uns in the front row.. how, you know, they sing everything they're thinking. The company don't bother much with sets or scenery - two clothes rails, a trunk containing clothes, a table and some folding chairs is about as far as it got.
The opera yesterday was L' Italiana in Algeri, and sung in Italian. A screen to the side had translations projected on it, but true to form for pop-up opera, they weren't exactly.. verbatim. As the performance progressed, I was reminded more and more of when I saw them before; it was ages ago though, and I hadn't remembered many of the details. Yep, this is opera as you haven't seen it before - rough and ready, witty, accessible.
In no way, however, do they skimp on quality. The singing is top-notch, and with a lot of the action taking place as they dart up and down the centre aisle, you can end up with an aria sung right in your ear! (People with aisle seats, take note.) Now that's quite an experience, and I recommend it if you get the chance. The original story is updated to the present day, and the location shifted to the "Algiers Casino" in Las Vegas. The hapless Lindoro is now in thrall to Mustafa because of a gambling debt, and Isabella comes to audition for Mustafa as a dancing girl, with Taddeo as her agent!
It's riotous, it's hilarious, and the projected "translations" made us roar with laughter. As we roared and cheered at the end. Really, really highly recommended if you ever get a chance to see this company - they're quite a treat!
At the interval, they were already sold out of wine.. instead, I visited the toilets, which were rather snug. When I flushed, one of the little vases with a flower in it came crashing to the floor.. a rather delicate operation, then.
We hung around outside for a while afterwards, but there wasn't much of a yen to go to a pub, and we made our separate ways home. I was starving by this point, so just popped in home to grab a coat (evenings are cool) and made my way to my local Chinese. Where I had my new usual dish there, sizzling beef in a sweet and tangy sauce. And as I told the lady at the next table who enquired what I was having: from past experience, I know it's delicious! As it was.. although they must have cooked the rice in a hurry, because some grains were chewy.
Too late to blog last night. Tonight, I'm heading to the pictures - and top of the list is the documentary Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief. Which is showing at a new cinema - the Picturehouse Central, apparently either in, or adjacent to, the Trocadero. Well, that'll be interesting. Oh, and for the rest of the year, they have a special offer of £8 tickets for documentaries.
