I got another Time Out voucher for Breeders - a 46% discount, £20 instead of £37.50. So I took myself along to the St. James Theatre tonight to see it.
The Tube arrived at the platform just as I did, but it was as well that I was a bit early, because the District Line was on its usual go-slow. Nonetheless, when we eventually chugged into Victoria, I was in plenty of time.
There was a short queue before I got my ticket - interestingly, when I noticed the face value printed on it, it said £16! Interesting, given that their own website is charging £37.50 for the exact same seat. Gee, you'd think they could get their story straight..? I didn't know in advance what exact seat I'd be getting, and suspected - correctly - that I wouldn't get the aisle. A pity, given the slightly cramped legroom here - but I figured I'd manage.
I was, in fact, dead centre of the row - which was nice. When I say the legroom is cramped, it isn't terrible - it's just that I feel very stiff after an hour of sitting like that, in a seat with a very straight back. (I'm 5'6'', for reference.) I pitied the guy sitting beside me, who looked much more uncomfortable.
And so to the show. Should I start with a blow-by-blow, I wonder, or with an overall assessment?
Let's do a blow-by-blow. Things that annoyed me about this production:
1. The very first thing you're subjected to is Tamzin Outhwaite singing, which is a sound that no living being should have to endure. Goodness knows, her speaking voice is grating enough!
2. Although the music is familiar, the words aren't, and I spent some mental energy trying to figure out why. It later transpires that they were singing, for some incomprehensible reason, in Swedish. If this is supposed to have a comic reason, I fail to see it.
3. Although there are only four characters in this play, Angela Griffin is barely more than a piece of furniture. When she does utter a phrase, she has no projection and you can barely hear her.
4. The comic timing is all off. Acting-wise, Tamzin is probably the best of them. As long as she doesn't sing.
5. It's. Just. Dull. The Time Out review described it as being like a sitcom - if I came across this on telly, I'd have changed the channel after the first scene. Despite some good one-liners, most of it is either puerile or - mainly - just plain boring. Yawn. Stop with the fillers and get on with the story!
On the plus side, I did like Tamzin's wardrobe.
And absolutely the biggest laugh I heard was the unscripted moment when the cardboard box that one of the actors was sitting on - she who was wearing the fairy costume - collapsed, and she was left in a comic pose, brandishing a wine glass with her legs stuck out in front of her.
Doesn't say much for the script though. Needless to say, I left at the interval. In a hurry. Doubtless to the relief of my next-seat neighbour, who was disturbed at one point by my loud sigh of despair.
Only runs until Saturday, which seems a popular closing date - I know of three things offhand that are closing that day. So lucky you - you only have a couple more days to avoid it!
Let's hope I have better luck with my trek out to the Hackney Empire tomorrow, to see Rudy's Rare Records. And on Saturday, I have better expectations of Sequence 8, at Sadler's Wells.
Showing posts with label St James Theatre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label St James Theatre. Show all posts
Thursday, 2 October 2014
Monday, 21 July 2014
Play: Invincible
I wasn't really in the mood for going out tonight, but had already booked Invincible at the St. James Theatre. Well, at least that's not too far away - so off I trotted. I didn't need to look up directions, nor how long it would take - I know the way well. The trip wasn't without incident, however - the platform indicator at West Brompton is out of order again, and I ended up just taking the next train and changing, as usual, at Earl's Court. The District Line being what it is, we stopped a couple of times before getting there, and the train I changed to had time to arrive, let passengers leave and more board, and move off, while the one I'd left was still standing at the platform. I still arrived at exactly the time I thought I would, and had time to use the rather snazzy toilet facilities at the theatre, for the first time.
I was in the front row, right around to the side, and was rather dubious about the legroom, especially as the seats either side of me were occupied. Well, the chatty, elderly gent to my left promised to move down if the seats were still unoccupied when the show started, but in the end the fellow on my other side, on the outside of the row, decided to move back to a row with a better view - we were at the level of the actors' lower legs, in the front row. Those seats were more expensive, but many were unoccupied. So, the upshot was that I had space to leave my stuff, and to sit sideways, so legroom wasn't too much of a problem. After the interval, the fellow on my other side did the same. So I spread out with great glee, on both sides!
The view was ok - yes, at most points, some actor or other's face was obscured, but it wasn't so much of a problem. And it's nice to be so close to the action. Indeed, when someone on stage dropped a glass at one point and it shattered (one of those that's meant to, I believe), bits ended up in my lap. Talk about feeling included..
Now, this is described on the poster as a "black comedy". I checked, on my way out, because I wasn't entirely sure what I'd just seen. It transferred from Richmond, which means it was a big hit. I can see why. It is very funny, no doubt about that. The characters are readily recognisable types, and there are a couple of topical themes - England's performance in the World Cup, and British soldiers serving in the Middle East. Thing is.. as I say, it's very funny. I laughed out loud at several points. The elderly chap beside me - more of a theatre buff, I think - seemed less impressed, but I do like to be entertained, and I was glad I came.
And then there's the last scene. It's undeniably dramatic, changing the whole mood of the play. And.. then the play ends! Er, did I miss something? Whatever logical explanation I can come up with for the abrupt change of direction, I have to conclude that it just didn't work. I think I get what the writer was getting at - challenging our preconceptions - but it's too extreme a shift in direction, and it doesn't gel. Still, a enjoyable evening - despite the disapproval of theatre buffs (this theatre seems to attract them!) and despite the exorbitant, £3 ice creams. Well, I was hungry - that's the problem with these early starts, no time to eat beforehand. On the way home, I treated myself to a meal at the Buckingham Balti. It's a while since I've been here, and I'm afraid their butter chicken has gone downhill - very bland. I won't be having it again. Still, the peshawari naan was delicious, and a good smell came from whatever the guy at the next table was having, so I won't be boycotting them completely!
The play runs until the 9th - not heavily subscribed, should be no problem getting a ticket.
Tomorrow, I've booked yet another play - Intimate Apparel, at the Park Theatre. It's one of those longer journeys, but what the hey. It was booked out on the official website, so I ended up getting a ticket on bestoftheatre.co.uk. Interestingly, I was looking for tickets to Richard III, with Martin Freeman, for Wednesday - it's getting good reviews - and thought I was in when I saw availability on uktheatretickets.co.uk. Booked it, and over lunch they contacted me to apologise, and explain that there was an error on their website, and they could offer availability from the 5th, if I wanted. I decided to cancel.. that's too far ahead to plan!
I was in the front row, right around to the side, and was rather dubious about the legroom, especially as the seats either side of me were occupied. Well, the chatty, elderly gent to my left promised to move down if the seats were still unoccupied when the show started, but in the end the fellow on my other side, on the outside of the row, decided to move back to a row with a better view - we were at the level of the actors' lower legs, in the front row. Those seats were more expensive, but many were unoccupied. So, the upshot was that I had space to leave my stuff, and to sit sideways, so legroom wasn't too much of a problem. After the interval, the fellow on my other side did the same. So I spread out with great glee, on both sides!
The view was ok - yes, at most points, some actor or other's face was obscured, but it wasn't so much of a problem. And it's nice to be so close to the action. Indeed, when someone on stage dropped a glass at one point and it shattered (one of those that's meant to, I believe), bits ended up in my lap. Talk about feeling included..
Now, this is described on the poster as a "black comedy". I checked, on my way out, because I wasn't entirely sure what I'd just seen. It transferred from Richmond, which means it was a big hit. I can see why. It is very funny, no doubt about that. The characters are readily recognisable types, and there are a couple of topical themes - England's performance in the World Cup, and British soldiers serving in the Middle East. Thing is.. as I say, it's very funny. I laughed out loud at several points. The elderly chap beside me - more of a theatre buff, I think - seemed less impressed, but I do like to be entertained, and I was glad I came.
And then there's the last scene. It's undeniably dramatic, changing the whole mood of the play. And.. then the play ends! Er, did I miss something? Whatever logical explanation I can come up with for the abrupt change of direction, I have to conclude that it just didn't work. I think I get what the writer was getting at - challenging our preconceptions - but it's too extreme a shift in direction, and it doesn't gel. Still, a enjoyable evening - despite the disapproval of theatre buffs (this theatre seems to attract them!) and despite the exorbitant, £3 ice creams. Well, I was hungry - that's the problem with these early starts, no time to eat beforehand. On the way home, I treated myself to a meal at the Buckingham Balti. It's a while since I've been here, and I'm afraid their butter chicken has gone downhill - very bland. I won't be having it again. Still, the peshawari naan was delicious, and a good smell came from whatever the guy at the next table was having, so I won't be boycotting them completely!
The play runs until the 9th - not heavily subscribed, should be no problem getting a ticket.
Tomorrow, I've booked yet another play - Intimate Apparel, at the Park Theatre. It's one of those longer journeys, but what the hey. It was booked out on the official website, so I ended up getting a ticket on bestoftheatre.co.uk. Interestingly, I was looking for tickets to Richard III, with Martin Freeman, for Wednesday - it's getting good reviews - and thought I was in when I saw availability on uktheatretickets.co.uk. Booked it, and over lunch they contacted me to apologise, and explain that there was an error on their website, and they could offer availability from the 5th, if I wanted. I decided to cancel.. that's too far ahead to plan!
Wednesday, 28 May 2014
Play: This May Hurt a Bit
No typhoons stopped me going to This May Hurt a Bit, tonight at the St. James Theatre. Despite a rainy morning, it was quite fine for the rest of the day - ironic, considering that yesterday was when I was supposed to go to the Open Air theatre, and it poured rain. Ah well. Interesting how, on their website, they try to present the unpredictability of the weather as an attraction. Hmm.
Well, I sauntered off in plenty of time this evening (unusually). Despite the unpredictability of my Debenhams trousers, which, equally unpredictably, popped their last button just as I was due to leave - it was sew it back on, or make a quick change. A change was made. Interestingly, my top - also from Debenhams - has also lost a button. But not all of them, so not such an issue!
I arrived just as a train into town was pulling in. Of course, the platform indicator got it wrong again, but both where it thought, and where the train thought, that the train was going, would've got me where I wanted to go. So that was fine. In fact, I was so early that when we arrived at Earl's Court, and the driver told us the other train would be leaving first, I didn't even bother going over to it. The train stopped and started so many times, mind you, that I actually got nauseous. Typical District Line.. I was glad to arrive at Victoria, across from which I see they still have the giant photo of a pussycat:
And then it's a short trot, straight ahead, until you get to the Buckingham Palace gift shop, hang a right, and it's just past the hoarding. Awful lot of construction going on around Victoria just now.
I was one of the first into the theatre. Aisle seat as usual here, although for this production the front row is good, as the stage is at floor level, so as much legroom as you could want, as long as the actors don't trip over you. And all the seats are at the same price. I still cannot believe, though, how - snug - the legroom is in general.
So, this is a comedy about the NHS. Don't go expecting some mindless slapstick though - this is clever, and surprisingly political. The first character to appear is Clement Attlee, who founded the NHS in 1949. The second is Winston Churchill, for goodness' sake! Throughout the first half, we're exposed to facts, figures, stereotypes. What you learn is actually frightening - and I don't know that much about the NHS. Oh, and Maggie, who did so much to destroy the NHS, appears at stages throughout, like a bad smell. She appears as a budgie in the second act. :-) The second act itself is much more humorous, following a family's journey through the NHS, and featuring a star turn from the Grim Reaper!
Oh yes, this comes highly recommended. Some people in it that I vaguely recognised, too. Runs until the 21st. If you have any interest in the NHS, this is a show you should see. It was pretty packed tonight, but not completely, so tickets shouldn't be a problem.
Tomorrow, quite unexpectedly, Bakersfield Mist came up, and I just booked it. Playing at the Duchess Theatre, it stars Kathleen Turner as someone trying to get a good price for what she believes to be a valuable antique painting that she owns. I hear mixed reviews of the play, good reviews of her. Hard Façade is playing on Friday, at the Vibe on Brick Lane. And I'm very excited about Saturday - managed to score a ticket for the matinee of Wolf Hall, by the Royal Shakespeare Company, with Jeremy Irons, at the Aldwych Theatre. This is based on a Booker Prize-winning book by Hilary Mantel, about Thomas Cromwell. I tried the book, but honestly found it rather impenetrable - too many Thomases. I fancy the stage version will be easier to follow! and I do love my history. Tickets are pretty hard to get - I paid not that much over the odds for a premium ticket, with key2theatre.co.uk. That was the only site with availability this week - generally, they don't have anything before August.
Well, I sauntered off in plenty of time this evening (unusually). Despite the unpredictability of my Debenhams trousers, which, equally unpredictably, popped their last button just as I was due to leave - it was sew it back on, or make a quick change. A change was made. Interestingly, my top - also from Debenhams - has also lost a button. But not all of them, so not such an issue!
I arrived just as a train into town was pulling in. Of course, the platform indicator got it wrong again, but both where it thought, and where the train thought, that the train was going, would've got me where I wanted to go. So that was fine. In fact, I was so early that when we arrived at Earl's Court, and the driver told us the other train would be leaving first, I didn't even bother going over to it. The train stopped and started so many times, mind you, that I actually got nauseous. Typical District Line.. I was glad to arrive at Victoria, across from which I see they still have the giant photo of a pussycat:
And then it's a short trot, straight ahead, until you get to the Buckingham Palace gift shop, hang a right, and it's just past the hoarding. Awful lot of construction going on around Victoria just now.
I was one of the first into the theatre. Aisle seat as usual here, although for this production the front row is good, as the stage is at floor level, so as much legroom as you could want, as long as the actors don't trip over you. And all the seats are at the same price. I still cannot believe, though, how - snug - the legroom is in general.
So, this is a comedy about the NHS. Don't go expecting some mindless slapstick though - this is clever, and surprisingly political. The first character to appear is Clement Attlee, who founded the NHS in 1949. The second is Winston Churchill, for goodness' sake! Throughout the first half, we're exposed to facts, figures, stereotypes. What you learn is actually frightening - and I don't know that much about the NHS. Oh, and Maggie, who did so much to destroy the NHS, appears at stages throughout, like a bad smell. She appears as a budgie in the second act. :-) The second act itself is much more humorous, following a family's journey through the NHS, and featuring a star turn from the Grim Reaper!
Oh yes, this comes highly recommended. Some people in it that I vaguely recognised, too. Runs until the 21st. If you have any interest in the NHS, this is a show you should see. It was pretty packed tonight, but not completely, so tickets shouldn't be a problem.
Tomorrow, quite unexpectedly, Bakersfield Mist came up, and I just booked it. Playing at the Duchess Theatre, it stars Kathleen Turner as someone trying to get a good price for what she believes to be a valuable antique painting that she owns. I hear mixed reviews of the play, good reviews of her. Hard Façade is playing on Friday, at the Vibe on Brick Lane. And I'm very excited about Saturday - managed to score a ticket for the matinee of Wolf Hall, by the Royal Shakespeare Company, with Jeremy Irons, at the Aldwych Theatre. This is based on a Booker Prize-winning book by Hilary Mantel, about Thomas Cromwell. I tried the book, but honestly found it rather impenetrable - too many Thomases. I fancy the stage version will be easier to follow! and I do love my history. Tickets are pretty hard to get - I paid not that much over the odds for a premium ticket, with key2theatre.co.uk. That was the only site with availability this week - generally, they don't have anything before August.
Thursday, 20 March 2014
Musical: Urinetown
I've seen the posters for Urinetown for some time now, so was well aware of its existence. Despite not being enamoured of the name, I was willing to consider it when Time Out recommended it, and was glad to hear that they were impressed. So I decided to tick it off my list. There had been plenty of ticket offers, but no cheap offers were still available for tonight, so I went with the venue website. Now, it's at the St James Theatre, whose legroom I find snug (I'm 5'6). So I always insist on an aisle seat there, and I managed to get one, although not in the cheap back row.
When I picked up my ticket this evening, I decided to give the girl at the box office a break and drop my R. You see, there's an R in my postcode, and they always ask for your postcode here, instead of ID. And when I pronounce my rs, they never know what I'm saying. So I dropped the R this evening, and no bother was had. (Won't be making a habit of it, though!) Just after I collected my ticket, they opened the theatre - handy, as I was beginning to wonder where to put myself! So I was one of the first in. And took care going down the long flight of steps - I've seen plenty of people stumble on these before. Took my seat, swung slightly to the side, and was comfortable. Apart from having to get up several times to let people in - the disadvantage of an aisle seat.
I noticed pretty quickly that there were two levels on stage, and that, in the second row from the front, and at the side, as I was, I could hardly see the upper level. Which was annoying, given that, in general, seats in this theatre never have a restricted view, and the only seats listed as having a restricted view for this performance were in the very back row. Hmph. Anyway, although I did miss some of the action, it didn't impair my enjoyment too much. The middle of the theatre would have been better for this show, it did occur to me.
We entered the theatre 20 minutes before the start, and about 10 minutes later, the (unseen) band started up. And the man who turned out to be the narrator wandered out on stage, looking for all the world like my last boss (only chunkier), and reading a tome on manipulation of the masses. Or something. And wandered vaguely about until start time, when he put on the rest of his costume and launched into his role.
So, what's it all about? Well, at some unspecified time in the future, there has been a terrible drought, and the people have little water left. So water is privatised, and people no longer have the right to their own toilets - they must pay, and handsomely, to use public ones. Public urination (or defecation) on the side of the road etc. is illegal, and punishable - as is use of the facilities without paying - by deportation to "Urinetown". In the midst of all this misery, we have a love story between the assistant curator (or whatever his job title is) of "Public Amenity No. 9" and a lovely young woman, who looks a bit like Princess Kate (but not nearly as tall - so it's not she, despite Buckingham Palace being right across the road), and turns out to be the only daughter of the tyrant who runs the company that controls the water.
Is any of this starting to sound a bit ludicrous yet? Don't worry, it's supposed to be! This musical is firmly tongue in cheek. I didn't know quite what to make of it at first, but right from the start, the excellent production values are apparent. The singing is great, the choreography is well thought out and as funny as the rest (what I could see of it, from the side). And it is FUNNY! I had no idea I'd enjoy it as much as I did! It's absolutely hilarious! It sends itself up so much you can hardly keep track. There's a little girl character, to whom the narrator keeps explaining plot points, and the structure of the musical. Some of the musical numbers are real show-stoppers, and for one of these in particular, as rapturous applause tears through the theatre, the performers stand on stage, transfixed for several minutes, holding rictus grins, as if to acknowledge that yes, this is a Show Stopper. Accept the applause. Milk it.
Only problem with all this talk of peeing is that, by the interval, we were all desperate to use the (free) facilities. At least I was close to them. Or, at least, to the sign for them! I haven't been to the toilet here before, and it's a bit of a warren. But once you've passed through the door that's marked PRIVATE on the other side, and clambered over the ushers, sat on the floor, there they are. Complete with ads for - em - London Loo Tours. You get a discount for quoting "Urinetown", it seems. Pity the hand dryers didn't work. My intermission adventure ended with one of those insanely expensive ice creams they sell at these things - well, I was hungry! And I was sat at the side they always sell at - he was right in front of me! Wotcha gonna do?!
The evening ended with a well deserved, universal, standing ovation. For once, I don't think a single person stayed sitting as they took their bows. And this in what was for this theatre, for the various times I've been in it, the first completely full house I've ever seen! Show HIGHLY recommended. Booking also recommended - a day in advance should be fine, longer if you care about where you sit. Runs until 3 May.
Tomorrow is Shadowland, a Sadlers Wells production that incorporates shadow into dance performances. Well, tonight will take some following! We shall see. Interestingly, Google Maps advises me to take the Tube and walk. That's new for them - for this theatre, they generally recommend buses. Well, whatever..
When I picked up my ticket this evening, I decided to give the girl at the box office a break and drop my R. You see, there's an R in my postcode, and they always ask for your postcode here, instead of ID. And when I pronounce my rs, they never know what I'm saying. So I dropped the R this evening, and no bother was had. (Won't be making a habit of it, though!) Just after I collected my ticket, they opened the theatre - handy, as I was beginning to wonder where to put myself! So I was one of the first in. And took care going down the long flight of steps - I've seen plenty of people stumble on these before. Took my seat, swung slightly to the side, and was comfortable. Apart from having to get up several times to let people in - the disadvantage of an aisle seat.
I noticed pretty quickly that there were two levels on stage, and that, in the second row from the front, and at the side, as I was, I could hardly see the upper level. Which was annoying, given that, in general, seats in this theatre never have a restricted view, and the only seats listed as having a restricted view for this performance were in the very back row. Hmph. Anyway, although I did miss some of the action, it didn't impair my enjoyment too much. The middle of the theatre would have been better for this show, it did occur to me.
We entered the theatre 20 minutes before the start, and about 10 minutes later, the (unseen) band started up. And the man who turned out to be the narrator wandered out on stage, looking for all the world like my last boss (only chunkier), and reading a tome on manipulation of the masses. Or something. And wandered vaguely about until start time, when he put on the rest of his costume and launched into his role.
So, what's it all about? Well, at some unspecified time in the future, there has been a terrible drought, and the people have little water left. So water is privatised, and people no longer have the right to their own toilets - they must pay, and handsomely, to use public ones. Public urination (or defecation) on the side of the road etc. is illegal, and punishable - as is use of the facilities without paying - by deportation to "Urinetown". In the midst of all this misery, we have a love story between the assistant curator (or whatever his job title is) of "Public Amenity No. 9" and a lovely young woman, who looks a bit like Princess Kate (but not nearly as tall - so it's not she, despite Buckingham Palace being right across the road), and turns out to be the only daughter of the tyrant who runs the company that controls the water.
Is any of this starting to sound a bit ludicrous yet? Don't worry, it's supposed to be! This musical is firmly tongue in cheek. I didn't know quite what to make of it at first, but right from the start, the excellent production values are apparent. The singing is great, the choreography is well thought out and as funny as the rest (what I could see of it, from the side). And it is FUNNY! I had no idea I'd enjoy it as much as I did! It's absolutely hilarious! It sends itself up so much you can hardly keep track. There's a little girl character, to whom the narrator keeps explaining plot points, and the structure of the musical. Some of the musical numbers are real show-stoppers, and for one of these in particular, as rapturous applause tears through the theatre, the performers stand on stage, transfixed for several minutes, holding rictus grins, as if to acknowledge that yes, this is a Show Stopper. Accept the applause. Milk it.
Only problem with all this talk of peeing is that, by the interval, we were all desperate to use the (free) facilities. At least I was close to them. Or, at least, to the sign for them! I haven't been to the toilet here before, and it's a bit of a warren. But once you've passed through the door that's marked PRIVATE on the other side, and clambered over the ushers, sat on the floor, there they are. Complete with ads for - em - London Loo Tours. You get a discount for quoting "Urinetown", it seems. Pity the hand dryers didn't work. My intermission adventure ended with one of those insanely expensive ice creams they sell at these things - well, I was hungry! And I was sat at the side they always sell at - he was right in front of me! Wotcha gonna do?!
The evening ended with a well deserved, universal, standing ovation. For once, I don't think a single person stayed sitting as they took their bows. And this in what was for this theatre, for the various times I've been in it, the first completely full house I've ever seen! Show HIGHLY recommended. Booking also recommended - a day in advance should be fine, longer if you care about where you sit. Runs until 3 May.
Tomorrow is Shadowland, a Sadlers Wells production that incorporates shadow into dance performances. Well, tonight will take some following! We shall see. Interestingly, Google Maps advises me to take the Tube and walk. That's new for them - for this theatre, they generally recommend buses. Well, whatever..
Thursday, 23 January 2014
Musical: Putting It Together
Tonight took me to the St James Theatre, just down from Victoria. So, a direct Tube. I see the platform indicator at West Brompton is broken again - with time tight, I just hopped the first train that came and changed at Earls Court, which has more connections.
There were delays, and some unscheduled stops, but that was nothing to the Victoria Line, as we heard on the announcements. Apparently, a large chunk of it was closed in both directions, due to a "flood" in the signal room at Victoria. Imagine my surprise, just now, to discover that the flood was of fast-setting cement..! You couldn't make it up. That section of the line has been closed for six hours now..
As I exited Victoria station, I was greeted by a giant cat photo:
I swear, as you climb the stairs, it's staring right at you.. and it doesn't look best pleased..
Anyway, in no time I was at the theatre, joined the throng at the box office and collected my ticket. As I mentioned before, I got an aisle seat, but not in the back row, as I normally do, where it's cheaper. Sure enough, tonight was a sell-out. I am always glad to get an aisle seat, with my bad knees - as the girl beside me remarked to her companion, it's not so much the legroom, it's the fact that you have nowhere to put your feet - unlike some places, where they fit under the seat in front - so they, of necessity, take up some of the space, leaving less for your legs.
The show was the West End debut of Putting It Together, a revue of Stephen Sondheim songs. So, we have a stage, with a chaise longue and a chandelier, and a chamber orchestra at the back. And we have five performers - two women, three men - of fine voice. And the show throws together a whole heap of Stephen Sondheim show-stoppers. In short, if you like show tunes, you are guaranteed to like this. The standing ovation was well deserved. If you don't like show tunes, stay away. The only quibble I have is that there are so many terrific numbers, one after the other, that they blend into each other somewhat. But I loved it, and left the theatre with.. something.. running through my head. I just don't know which song it was! Runs until the 1st - booking essential, I would say, and probably cheapest through the venue website.
As I walked back to the station, I was asked for directions by, of all people, a cab driver. He was working for Kabbee. Really, he should get a satnav like most of them - or at least an A-Z! Next thing I have booked is on Saturday - a guided tour of St. Pancras Hotel. Bookable only through Time Out, there are three a day - I chose the 12.30. Must remember to take my camera..
There were delays, and some unscheduled stops, but that was nothing to the Victoria Line, as we heard on the announcements. Apparently, a large chunk of it was closed in both directions, due to a "flood" in the signal room at Victoria. Imagine my surprise, just now, to discover that the flood was of fast-setting cement..! You couldn't make it up. That section of the line has been closed for six hours now..
As I exited Victoria station, I was greeted by a giant cat photo:
I swear, as you climb the stairs, it's staring right at you.. and it doesn't look best pleased..
Anyway, in no time I was at the theatre, joined the throng at the box office and collected my ticket. As I mentioned before, I got an aisle seat, but not in the back row, as I normally do, where it's cheaper. Sure enough, tonight was a sell-out. I am always glad to get an aisle seat, with my bad knees - as the girl beside me remarked to her companion, it's not so much the legroom, it's the fact that you have nowhere to put your feet - unlike some places, where they fit under the seat in front - so they, of necessity, take up some of the space, leaving less for your legs.
The show was the West End debut of Putting It Together, a revue of Stephen Sondheim songs. So, we have a stage, with a chaise longue and a chandelier, and a chamber orchestra at the back. And we have five performers - two women, three men - of fine voice. And the show throws together a whole heap of Stephen Sondheim show-stoppers. In short, if you like show tunes, you are guaranteed to like this. The standing ovation was well deserved. If you don't like show tunes, stay away. The only quibble I have is that there are so many terrific numbers, one after the other, that they blend into each other somewhat. But I loved it, and left the theatre with.. something.. running through my head. I just don't know which song it was! Runs until the 1st - booking essential, I would say, and probably cheapest through the venue website.
As I walked back to the station, I was asked for directions by, of all people, a cab driver. He was working for Kabbee. Really, he should get a satnav like most of them - or at least an A-Z! Next thing I have booked is on Saturday - a guided tour of St. Pancras Hotel. Bookable only through Time Out, there are three a day - I chose the 12.30. Must remember to take my camera..
Saturday, 5 October 2013
Scenes from a Marriage
Made it this time! Despite pushing through the weekend crowds. It's a while since I've been here on the weekend. And, as usual for the St James Theatre, I was upgraded. Really, you'd be mad to book anything but the last row for this theatre - it's never more than half full, you'll always be upgraded. And, you see, the last row is cheaper.. As I've said before, go for an aisle seat. I overheard a man remark, at the interval, how odd it is, for a new theatre, that the seats are so cramped. Alternatively, there are some seats near the front that have unrestricted legroom - but generally, be aware.
Scenes from a Marriage, by Ingmar Bergman, is exactly that. There's a screen behind the stage, on which numbers are displayed to tell us which scene we're on. This occurs while the stage in general is in darkness, which is when scene changes are effected. All the furniture is piled up on either side, and brought on as required.
Most of the action centres around the same couple, taking us through several years of their lives. We meet them when he's 40, she's 37, they have two little girls and are contented with their lot. Well, of course, that doesn't last..
The first act was a bit ho-hum, and, as an elderly lady remarked as she was passing on her way out at the interval, there were several occasions when she knew what was coming next. The second act is worth sticking around for though - it's a hum-dinger. All in all, a good piece, although, for my money, not as good as Fifty Words, which dealt very passionately with the same subject, and which I saw back in June. Mind you, that could be just my preference - this is more cerebral. Lack of passion is one of this couple's problems.
Tomorrow will likely be a film again. Now, having eliminated such gems as a documentary about a year in the life of a family of Transylvanian shepherds (really, my patience has a limit!), the highest rated on my list are two films showing in the middle of the day - one in Hampstead, the other in Piccadilly. Thing is, I have a flat viewing at 3 - and while I'm sure I'd be back for it, still, I wouldn't be able to relax. So that leaves The Machine, which turns out to be the closing gala of the Raindance Festival (hah! Should've known better than to predict I wouldn't be going to anything else in it..) That's on in the evening, and should be fine. Except it costs all of £25.. o well, that's less than today's play..!
Scenes from a Marriage, by Ingmar Bergman, is exactly that. There's a screen behind the stage, on which numbers are displayed to tell us which scene we're on. This occurs while the stage in general is in darkness, which is when scene changes are effected. All the furniture is piled up on either side, and brought on as required.
Most of the action centres around the same couple, taking us through several years of their lives. We meet them when he's 40, she's 37, they have two little girls and are contented with their lot. Well, of course, that doesn't last..
The first act was a bit ho-hum, and, as an elderly lady remarked as she was passing on her way out at the interval, there were several occasions when she knew what was coming next. The second act is worth sticking around for though - it's a hum-dinger. All in all, a good piece, although, for my money, not as good as Fifty Words, which dealt very passionately with the same subject, and which I saw back in June. Mind you, that could be just my preference - this is more cerebral. Lack of passion is one of this couple's problems.
Tomorrow will likely be a film again. Now, having eliminated such gems as a documentary about a year in the life of a family of Transylvanian shepherds (really, my patience has a limit!), the highest rated on my list are two films showing in the middle of the day - one in Hampstead, the other in Piccadilly. Thing is, I have a flat viewing at 3 - and while I'm sure I'd be back for it, still, I wouldn't be able to relax. So that leaves The Machine, which turns out to be the closing gala of the Raindance Festival (hah! Should've known better than to predict I wouldn't be going to anything else in it..) That's on in the evening, and should be fine. Except it costs all of £25.. o well, that's less than today's play..!
Monday, 22 July 2013
The American Plan
Finally, a couple of new plays have come high in the Time Out listings. One is sold out until at least Saturday, but I booked the other - The American Plan, showing in the St. James Theatre, for tonight. Finally, my first play of the month!
And with other events occurring today, it suddenly occurred to me that the theatre is very near Buckingham Palace.. where the announcement of the birth of the baby of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge would be announced, at some point during the day.. so I left a bit early, to see whether I could catch some of the atmosphere. Just as well, there were such delays on the Tube..
Disembarking - always a relief in this heat - I headed down the road to the palace, which is only a few minutes away from the theatre. No news yet - although we were later to learn that the baby was born by this time, but the news not yet released - but the crowds were on hand:
And with other events occurring today, it suddenly occurred to me that the theatre is very near Buckingham Palace.. where the announcement of the birth of the baby of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge would be announced, at some point during the day.. so I left a bit early, to see whether I could catch some of the atmosphere. Just as well, there were such delays on the Tube..
Disembarking - always a relief in this heat - I headed down the road to the palace, which is only a few minutes away from the theatre. No news yet - although we were later to learn that the baby was born by this time, but the news not yet released - but the crowds were on hand:
(Note the bridal couple who decided to get photos taken at the scene.. and the rows of broadcasters' booths in the last photo..)
And then I hurried off to my play. Where, surprise, surprise, I was upgraded (having booked a seat in the back row, which is cheaper). What actually was a surprise was that I was moved to another aisle seat. I wonder whether they recognised the name, and my preferences.. if so, kudos to them for observation! I was moved four rows forward, to Row H, and actually, just before the show started, an usher told me I could move further forward again if I liked. I had noticed that the row in front of me had great legroom at the aisle, because of the curvature of the auditorium, so I duly moved there. Pay attention people - Row G has probably the best legroom in the place. At the ends, that is.
BTW, I noticed a woman in the row behind me with a notebook and pen. That's funny, it's not the first time.. can't remember whether it was the same woman, though. Does someone take notes on the play every night, I wonder..?
And so to the play, which is a delight. It's set in the Catskills in the 50s - a love story between a lonely girl with psychological problems, desperate to escape her overbearing mother, and a handsome visitor to the area. Written by Richard Greenberg, it's sparklingly witty, perfectly cast, and has a plot with more twists than your average Agatha Christie. (Not that anyone dies. Not during the play, at least.) Really, in this play, nothing is as it seems. Very highly recommended. Runs until the 10th.
Upon leaving, I decided to have a run along to the palace again. Sure enough, there was news. You could tell by the anthill of people piled up against the railings. They move the easel along the railings to let everyone get a view. Of course, not being willing to climb on top of anyone else, or able to fly, I hadn't a hope of actually seeing the announcement, and gave up trying after a while. I would have loved to have seen it for myself. I had doubted the sanity of announcing the news like this, but the atmosphere was terrific, and tv crews were much in abundance, looking for people to interview. And I got the news online before I left. And noticed that the London Eye, just visible over the trees, was lit up in red, white, and blue. Ahhh..
Had a quick Indian before I came home, in the Buckingham Balti. Which is appropriate, given that I've booked to go to an Indian film tomorrow night - Maryan. Sounds interesting, and is highly rated. It is showing in three different Cineworlds this week, but only two tomorrow, and in one of those it's showing too late to make it back at a reasonable hour, with work in the morning. So, that leaves Ilford. Well, it'll be my first time there..
(The meal was excellent, by the way, but they could really do with some air conditioning!)
Tuesday, 11 June 2013
Rutherford and Son
Last night, I went to Rutherford and Son at the St James Theatre. This has been quite heavily promoted, and I had a couple of vouchers for it - sadly, both had expired by the time I got around to it. Never mind - they only offered tickets at the same price I normally book at anyway. Also, annoyingly, I had already booked when I got an email - last thing yesterday evening - from ShowFilmFirst, offering free tickets to another show in town. Yesterday only. Bah humbug.
Now, I booked the aisle seat on the near side in the back row. I always do - the aisle seat compensates for the slightly cramped legroom, the back row is cheaper, and anyway, the view is fine. And they always upgrade you. Always, in my experience - the theatre has never even been half full when I've been there. The first time I was there, I accepted the upgrade, got a nice, close seat, and was cramped all night. The second time, I rejected the upgrade. This time, I thought, if I'm offered an upgrade, I'll accept, as long as I can get an aisle seat - that would be just as good. Behold and lo, I was offered an upgrade, asked for an aisle seat, and ended up four rows closer to the stage. So that was a good plan, and I'd recommend it to anyone booking here.
This play was written in 1912, is set in 1912, and is stunning. Will appeal to anyone who loves those costume dramas on the BBC. Brilliant writing, brilliant characterisation, terrific acting. The family patriarch rules the clan with an iron fist, everything is done for the sake of the business he founded. His children resent him and the house - somewhere in the Yorkshire Dales - is unrelentingly gloomy and loveless, as remarked on by the hapless Mary, who comes from London and had the misfortune to marry the son and heir. In particular, the tirade that the daughter, Janet, unleashes on her father just before the interval is gripping. The father, however, is not completely unsympathetic - a complex and believable character. Highly, highly recommended. Runs until 29th. Booking recommended, as I say, in the back row, to be upgraded further down.
Coming out, I was hungry, and they have a restaurant and brasserie, but I remembered seeing plenty of restaurants on the road to the station, so off I went. Nearly at the station, I came across an unassuming Indian restaurant - the Buckingham Balti. The name is not prominent, but it's the only Indian on this stretch. Having had a tantalising whiff of curry at lunch, I decided this was what I fancied, and indeed had a quick, delicious, and very reasonably priced meal here. One of the better Indian meals I've had. Also highly recommended. The place was nearly empty, so service was attentive, and I happened to be sat right beside the talkative table of three, so plenty of eavesdropping opportunities.
So far, it's looking like the film The Killing of a Chinese Bookie tonight, at the Institute of Contemporary Arts. And I'm thinking about the arial show, Flown, at the Udderbelly festival, for tomorrow. But the next thing that's definite is Colm Wilkinson on Friday, in Limerick..
Now, I booked the aisle seat on the near side in the back row. I always do - the aisle seat compensates for the slightly cramped legroom, the back row is cheaper, and anyway, the view is fine. And they always upgrade you. Always, in my experience - the theatre has never even been half full when I've been there. The first time I was there, I accepted the upgrade, got a nice, close seat, and was cramped all night. The second time, I rejected the upgrade. This time, I thought, if I'm offered an upgrade, I'll accept, as long as I can get an aisle seat - that would be just as good. Behold and lo, I was offered an upgrade, asked for an aisle seat, and ended up four rows closer to the stage. So that was a good plan, and I'd recommend it to anyone booking here.
This play was written in 1912, is set in 1912, and is stunning. Will appeal to anyone who loves those costume dramas on the BBC. Brilliant writing, brilliant characterisation, terrific acting. The family patriarch rules the clan with an iron fist, everything is done for the sake of the business he founded. His children resent him and the house - somewhere in the Yorkshire Dales - is unrelentingly gloomy and loveless, as remarked on by the hapless Mary, who comes from London and had the misfortune to marry the son and heir. In particular, the tirade that the daughter, Janet, unleashes on her father just before the interval is gripping. The father, however, is not completely unsympathetic - a complex and believable character. Highly, highly recommended. Runs until 29th. Booking recommended, as I say, in the back row, to be upgraded further down.
Coming out, I was hungry, and they have a restaurant and brasserie, but I remembered seeing plenty of restaurants on the road to the station, so off I went. Nearly at the station, I came across an unassuming Indian restaurant - the Buckingham Balti. The name is not prominent, but it's the only Indian on this stretch. Having had a tantalising whiff of curry at lunch, I decided this was what I fancied, and indeed had a quick, delicious, and very reasonably priced meal here. One of the better Indian meals I've had. Also highly recommended. The place was nearly empty, so service was attentive, and I happened to be sat right beside the talkative table of three, so plenty of eavesdropping opportunities.
So far, it's looking like the film The Killing of a Chinese Bookie tonight, at the Institute of Contemporary Arts. And I'm thinking about the arial show, Flown, at the Udderbelly festival, for tomorrow. But the next thing that's definite is Colm Wilkinson on Friday, in Limerick..
Wednesday, 8 May 2013
London Wall
Right! went to see London Wall at St. James Theatre last night.
You know, this play is 80 years old. And it could practically have been written yesterday. The writing is so clever and so fresh, the themes pretty much universal, it's an absolute delight to watch. That, I guess, is the thing with older works - they have to be good to survive.
Set in a London law office, it deals with the female typists working there, and their various romantic situations. That description actually doesn't do it justice. It's not a fluffy romance, it's a keenly observed observation of the different situations in which women of the time could find themselves, and the implications for their lives. And it could mostly apply just as well today. Definite recommendation. I was riveted. Runs to 1 June.
On the legroom issue.. When I booked, all the centre section was shown as sold out, so I booked an aisle seat on the back row. When I collected my ticket, surprise surprise, I was offered an upgrade. No thanks, I said. When I showed my ticket to the usher, he remarked that they were upgrading that row. No thanks, I said. After I had taken my seat, somebody who appeared to be a theatre reviewer sat just in front of me. Even she suggested I could sit further down. To her, I explained that I didn't want to, because of the legroom. I was left alone after that, and had a most pleasant evening, with no cramped-ness.
Funny thing, the place was only a third full. Now, it sold out when it was playing the Finborough, but that's a tiny venue. What's curious is that all those seats showed up as full when I booked. I just checked, it doesn't seem to be happening for tonight. Weird..
On another note, someone took a nasty spill on the stairs as people were taking their seats. It's worth noting - most people are fine, but accidents can happen, and these are not the easiest steps to negotiate that I've ever seen. She hurt her knee, and she and her friends seemed to decide to leave after that. Apart from the knee, she seemed in ok spirits as they passed me..
Thinking about Gutted in Stratford tonight. Nuisance, trailing all the way out there, but it sounds good. We'll see. Going to Sleeping Arrangements in the Landor Theatre tomorrow night. It keeps coming up in the listings, seems to have been getting more popular. So that'll be another ticked off..
You know, this play is 80 years old. And it could practically have been written yesterday. The writing is so clever and so fresh, the themes pretty much universal, it's an absolute delight to watch. That, I guess, is the thing with older works - they have to be good to survive.
Set in a London law office, it deals with the female typists working there, and their various romantic situations. That description actually doesn't do it justice. It's not a fluffy romance, it's a keenly observed observation of the different situations in which women of the time could find themselves, and the implications for their lives. And it could mostly apply just as well today. Definite recommendation. I was riveted. Runs to 1 June.
On the legroom issue.. When I booked, all the centre section was shown as sold out, so I booked an aisle seat on the back row. When I collected my ticket, surprise surprise, I was offered an upgrade. No thanks, I said. When I showed my ticket to the usher, he remarked that they were upgrading that row. No thanks, I said. After I had taken my seat, somebody who appeared to be a theatre reviewer sat just in front of me. Even she suggested I could sit further down. To her, I explained that I didn't want to, because of the legroom. I was left alone after that, and had a most pleasant evening, with no cramped-ness.
Funny thing, the place was only a third full. Now, it sold out when it was playing the Finborough, but that's a tiny venue. What's curious is that all those seats showed up as full when I booked. I just checked, it doesn't seem to be happening for tonight. Weird..
On another note, someone took a nasty spill on the stairs as people were taking their seats. It's worth noting - most people are fine, but accidents can happen, and these are not the easiest steps to negotiate that I've ever seen. She hurt her knee, and she and her friends seemed to decide to leave after that. Apart from the knee, she seemed in ok spirits as they passed me..
Thinking about Gutted in Stratford tonight. Nuisance, trailing all the way out there, but it sounds good. We'll see. Going to Sleeping Arrangements in the Landor Theatre tomorrow night. It keeps coming up in the listings, seems to have been getting more popular. So that'll be another ticked off..
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