Restaurant: Le Sacré Coeur

Last night, back with Civilised London for dinner at Le Sacré Coeur. Always good. It had lashed rain earlier - and was still raining a bit when I was getting ready to go out. So I decided that, if it was raining when I left, I'd get a bus - it's far enough, and something of a trek, that I didn't fancy doing it in the rain. As it happened though, it had stopped completely by that time - so I walked. Remembered most of the route, I've trodden it so often!

As usual, we were meeting beforehand at The Crown - also a good place to eat in itself, friendly staff, good food, good wine. I was the first of us there - had a trip to the loo first, but actually had to ask where it is! The doors were in darness, you see, and I'd never been to the loo here before. They're in a corner to the left of the kitchen, FYI. Then I got a drink - mind you, I think I had the house wine before; this time, I ordered sauvignon blanc specifically, and I'm not quite sure I liked it as much. But it was fine. The place was unexpectedly busy - most of the tables are reserved for dining, but a helpful staff member said we could use the end of one. After all, we'd be gone in an hour!

So, the others weren't far behind, and we sat and talked and drank before heading to the restaurant. Where we got the table at the back again - I'm almost always there! I had forgotten they had carafes of wine - lovely, perfect size for me for dinner. Chose the Chilean sauvignon blanc, and turned to the food. I remembered the mushroom starter being good, so decided on that - and I fancied steak. They have a choice of rib eye or lamb.. now, after my last time with rib eye, I'm never having that again! Lamb it was.

The mushrooms were fine - although I thought the sauce was more liquid, before. The steak was good.. but the sauce it was in was pure heaven! Oh lordy. I was exceedingly well fed. As someone else was having a drink after dinner, and I saw Muscat de Beaumes de Venise - always a favourite of mine - on the menu, I had a small glass of that, having finished my carafe. And yes, it was as good as I remembered.

Back to the pub for a nightcap - where a live singer was performing American Pie. Yes, all in all, a very good night! Roll on the next - I was too tired to blog last night, though.

Tonight, back to Ireland again. Film for tomorrow is looking like The Banshees of Inisherin! Another written and directed by Martin McDonagh, starring Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell as lifelong friends who live together on a remote island off the West coast of Ireland: except Brendan is finally sick of Colin. Also starring both Jon Kenny and Pat Shortt (past constituent members of d' Unbelievables), as well as Barry Keoghan, this is looking like comedy gold!

Monday is my mother's birthday, so I'm staying in Ireland for that - looking at films for Sunday, I think I can get away with seeing Emily - a film that imagines Emily Brontë as a rebellious lass. I'll be interested in this - Wuthering Heights has always been one of my favourites, and the trailer looks good. It's on a bit late, but I should be ok. Stars Adrian Dunbar as her father. Both films showing in Ennis.

I don't think I'll manage a film on Monday - if I can, all that's on in the afternoon is Halloween Ends. Looks like a real reprise of the original, with the "final" confrontation between Jamie Lee Curtis and her maniacal brother. Anway, flying back on Tuesday. I've already cleared it with work.

On Wednesday, I've booked with Up in the Cheap Seats again - for Mary, at Hampstead Theatre again. Political machinations in the court of Mary, Queen of Scots. Funny thing - there were two seats in the main seating section at the cheapest price, but the site objected to me just booking one of them. No problem booking an equivalent seat in a higher price bracket, though! So I booked one of the high seats, at the back, instead. At the lower price.

I hadn't anything booked for Thursday - was thinking film - and then Ticket Text (one of hundreds of ticket organisations I seem to have signed up for) sent me an advertising email. So, it seems that night the comedy venue, 21Soho, is holding an event of Comedians Telling Spooky Stories. Which sounds the business, for the week that's in it. So I booked. Hallowe'en fancy dress, apparently - well, I'll have a think. I do have some duds that might do.. 😜

Next Friday, I've kept free for an all-night drinking session with Ivan. Man, I've missed these! In vino veritas, as they say, and these are wonderful chances to get stuff off your chest. He fancied doing it earlier, but I didn't want to have to take time off work - this was the first overnighter I could fit in. And with him taking ill, it seems it was just as well! I hope he can make this one.

Which should make the 29th interesting - I'm on another walk with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners! Might not actually get to bed in between.. this one is the Edgy London Walking Tour, and is one of his new ones.

And yes, I have something to do that evening! (This month is far too busy.) I'm back with the Crick Crack Club, for the Game of Candles - their Hallowe'en offering, where they extinguish a candle for every spooky story told. Tim Ralphs and Sarah-Liisa Wilkinson - in King's Place, lovely! I can walk (or stagger) home..

Pub: The Crown, Islington

Tonight, back with Civilised London for dinner - this time at The Crown itself, where we usually meet for drinks before heading somewhere else for dinner. Excellent choice - it was slightly cooler, and I could tell them how my screening interview went - I had one today, with another company. This marks the beginning of a whole spate of Meetups in a row! When's the last time that happened..?

Well, I had a mishap with my sandals on the way - had to go back and, frankly, dump them. Still got there in decent time. Where we had drinks in the garden - v nice. Couldn't eat there, though - they weren't taking bookings after 5pm, so we had to go inside. Two of us had steak and ale pie.. yum. As were my onion rings. Have to say, we weren't mad about the chocolate ice cream - I believe the salted caramel was worth it, though.

We had drinks after as well, outside for a while, moving inside when they asked us to, around 10.. All in all, a very good night, friendly and accommodating service, good food and drink, excellent company. Took me away from my troubles for a few hours.

Tomorrow, I had booked with The Garden Talks - this online talk is How Do Languages Evolve? But as I say, have now backed out of that, and am headed instead to see The Southbury Child, at the Bridge Theatre, with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS).

On Friday, back with the London Classical Music and Theatre Group for the opera Otello, at the Royal Opera House.

On Saturday, I had booked with Discover London (DL) for a trip to see a cart making ceremony. Just last week, I saw a new ad from UITCS - sounded good, 9 Circles - a psychological thriller that examines the ethics of war - at the Park Theatre, with lunch beforehand in Palmyra's Kitchen, next door.  And of course Eleanor, organiser of TunedIn London, advertised a concert through the World Music Meetup, for that evening, at City Hope Church. So now I'm going to all three! Should be able to squeeze them in, although I won't be able to join DL for drinks after if I'm heading for lunch..

On Sunday, back with Bucket List London (BLL) - this time, it's a trip to Sandown Antiques Market. Well, I've never been to Sandown, so this could be interesting. Crikey though, with the temperatures forecast for this weekend, I'll have to be careful in the great outdoors..

On Monday, back with North London Friends! for the first time since before lockdown. This is for an Edinburgh Comedy Festival preview, at the King's Head in Crouch End, featuring Lucy Porter and Rachel Fairburn.

On Tuesday.. I'm taking a punt that I won't actually be employed that day, and have signed up again - at last - for a walk with Laurence and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners. This is The Magic of Midtown - and as I said to him, it finishes very near my new home! I also promised to let him know if I can't actually make it - although, even if I have started work by then (which would be surprising), perhaps I could take a day off. Another day predicted to be scorching.. shade recommended!

Next Wednesday, I finish my Meetup run with a trip with UITCS to Leicester Square Theatre to see Frankie Boyle, who has a work in progress show.

On the 21st, I'm thinking of heading - at last - to Summer by the River at More London. This is for a free evening of music, curated by Soho Radio. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend. Unlikely to get to a film that weekend, as I need to get my car serviced for its NCT - sooner the better, and I couldn't last weekend.

On the 25th, I'm headed to see The Throne, a comedy about to open at Charing Cross Theatre, in which the Queen gets locked in a portaloo with a staunch republican. Time Out has an offer of £10 tickets for the cheapest seats for this - a saving of more than 50%!

On the 26th - tan-ta-ra! I finally managed to get a decently priced ticket to Jerusalem, at the Apollo. I have heard so much about this, and it's always at the top of the Time Out listings - nearly as hard as Hamilton to get a reasonably priced ticket for, so I'm delighted to get one, if only not to have to look any more.

On the 27th, back to Summer by the River again.. for Bumper Blyton: Improvised Adventures for Grown-Ups! Improvised comedy in the style of Enid Blyton books.. sounds jolly good!

On the 28th - another UITCS event that Meetup finally decided to flag to me. So I've booked to go with them to see Briefs Factory's show, Bite Club! at Queen Elizabeth Hall. Drag, burlesque.. should be fun!

On the 29th, thinking about the National Theatre's River Stage 2022. This will be the first night of the Hackney Empire's Young Producers Weekend, and there'll be some dance and some music.

On the 30th, back in Greenwich with BLL - we're starting with the Old Royal Naval College and National Maritime Museum. Was originally supposed to be the Queen's House to finish, but turns out they're booked out all day for a wedding, despite not having clarified that on the website! Then in the afternoon, we're headed to Eltham Palace and Gardens. Quite the packed day - the organiser's English Heritage card expires, it seems, so he's cramming everything in while he can..

On the 31st, back with TAC for the opening night of I'm Not Myself Today: A Villainous Cabaret at the Bread and Roses in Clapham. An hour in which someone discusses with us why we all love the villain!

And on the 1st, I'm going to the Kiln Theatre for The Darkest Part of the Night. Another troublesome website - I tried for days to get it to work..!

Restaurant: Terra Rossa

Last night, back with Civilised London for an Italian meal - this was in Terra Rossa, meeting beforehand in The Crown, as usual. Picked up the keys to my new place beforehand. :-) Oh, it is incredible to have found one at last.. and it'll be lovely to have more space, not to mention a balcony - with the sun streaming in the window, the room was roasting, so I spent my time with the balcony door open (I spent a couple of hours there, getting set up to WiFi and reading the paper).

And I can walk from there to the pub! So I did, and with the glorious sunshine, predictably, when I got there, the others who were meeting there were sat outside in the sun, drinking beer. So I informed them of my good news, then trotted inside for my own cold drink - their excellent house Sauvignon Blanc. Anyway, the chat outside was good, and one of the group, who hadn't been to that pub before, raved about it as we left. True, it's excellent - good food, good wine, friendly staff, and a lovely outdoor seating area, fenced off from the pavement.

And so to the restaurant - and would you believe, I had been there before, and with this group too! despite having absolutely no memory of it. Mind you, on that occasion it seems we were sat down the back, and last night we were at the front of the room.

Red-bound menus, appropriately. As there was an odd number of us - one pulled out, feeling ill - our organiser thoughtfully rearranged the seating so one person wouldn't be stuck on the end. Anyway, I was hungrier than on that last occasion, and managed a starter - some interesting croquettes, with potato and just a hint of mint. For main, the spaghetti with truffle again - which was excellent, as before. They thoughtfully dropped us down dessert menus without us having to ask. And a few of us fancied dessert, so I asked for the lemon sorbet. Interestingly, the waiter (pictured) came to explain to me that the sorbet wasn't quite frozen, and would I mind getting it in liquid form! Eh - ok, and it turned up, fetchingly presented in a champagne flute! and was delicious. So, if you ever get the option, I recommend it.. For once, someone else was on white, so I got to share a bottle - and it was v nice.

So yes, recommended - although they were rushed off their feet, service was pretty quick and unfailingly friendly and helpful. And the food is good. As always, I was in great company - although we didn't head to the pub afterwards. And so, back to my old place for the night - just as well, as it happens, because the cleaner was due at the new place early this morning! When I got home, I checked, and saw that the new film list was out - so started trawling that, got too tired in the middle, and went to bed. Had to get that done before I blogged, hence the delay.

Today, I finally get my postponed meeting with two of my ex-coworkers (one suddenly can't make it, he's dog-sitting) - and after my glowing reports of Bill's on Clink Street, we're heading there! Optional drinks beforehand, I've suggested The Old Thameside Inn. No word from Ivan yet as to when he wants to meet, I'll have to chase him.

Tomorrow - taking advantage of the bank holiday, I booked something that's been heavily advertised. At £60, it's not cheap, but I really fancied it, so I'm headed to The Gunpowder Plot, an immersive, combined VR and real-life experience at the Tower. You can get a themed lunch with that, but I passed. Earliest date now available is the 8th, at a minimum price of £50 (last few available) - the price increases as you get closer to the date. And ironic how these two events are closer to my old place.. So I'm staying there until after this.

And on Saturday, booked with Walks, Talks and Treasure Hunts again for A Nosey Around Soho. In association with London Guided Walks as usual, a £3 discount for using the code MEETUP3, which at least covers the booking fee. Looks like Hazel herself is running this one - if so, it'll be the first time I'll have seen her in years. Assuming I'm not a couple of minutes late, and miss her. Well, if I do get to go, I hope she doesn't spam me, like she still is after the last one, with constant ads for her podcast and requests for reviews! Of course, if you go on her site, there seems to be no way to leave a review.. AND I see she advertises these on TAC now, with a £3 cash charge on the day to the guide - still, this would be the cheaper option. (and ACLUB also gets you a £3 discount on the full price..)

Restaurant: Le Sacré Coeur

Tonight, back with Civilised London (CL) - back at Le Sacré Coeur, meeting beforehand at The Crown, as usual. I took the bus - unfortunately, one passed just as I was getting there, and I had to watch a whole stream of buses pass before another came for me! For all the remote working that's happening, that bus sure was packed..

I had a bit of walking to do.. haven't seen this before, but obviously the car parking spaces are moved out a bit to accommodate a cycle lane!

Also some support for the Ukraine, en route..

Just as I got to the pub, I intersected with the organiser - and another of the group, whom I hadn't met before, but who had had the rather good idea to occupy the garden. With the local dogs, one of which was rather barky, and eventually banished to their house across the road. Aww.. Anyway, it was a lovely, mild evening, and so good to be sat outside for a change! And we had a really good chat before it was time to leave. And mein host generously provided drinks!

And so to the restaurant, where we met those who didn't come to the pub..

Not, I think, possible to have a bad meal here. Several of us went for the moreish stuffed mushrooms, there were a couple of calamari starters, one soup. I chose the beef bourgignon for my main - it's been so long. Whatever people had, there were no complaints.. but I think the high point seems to have been the garlic potatoes, which our host had ordered as a side, and ended up seeing distributed among several of us who decided they would go wonderfully with whatever we were having.. Dessert for me was ice cream (three scoops!) - the only note of dissent came from the fellow who ordered crepes with chocolate sauce, which they came swimming in. But you know, another excellent meal here - with excellent company. V glad I came along this evening.

Afterwards, most of us repaired for a nightcap to The York, where more chat was had before the night drew to a close. Looking forward to meeting this group again!

Tomorrow, back with TAC for Avocado Presents - Improv, at Etcetera Theatre. Eh, I think it's a jazz concert? 

Failing any information from my new job, have provisionally booked for Friday - Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners are off to see Elegant London!

Anyway, then back to Ireland for the weekend again, and on Saturday, now that the listings are finally up, I've booked to go see The Batman at the Omniplex. It's free to book, and handier when you get there. And gee, I've heard great things about this! A very dark take on the story, it seems - has Andy Serkis as Alfred, and Peter Sarsgaard as the DA.

On Monday, going to see Daddy at the Almeida. Having never seen a bad production here, I have high hopes.

On Tuesday, finally going to see Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella! I hear good things.. it's playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, which is new to me - Seatplan was invaluable in choosing the best seating option. What's On Stage provided the cheapest price for that seat, though!

Next Wednesday, back with CL - for a play this time. This is The Fever Syndrome, at Hampstead Theatre.

On the 31st, back with TAC for One Night With Robbie Williams. This is at The Courtyard.

On the 1st, back with the Crick Crack Club (CCC) for - The Grand Annual Lying Contest! at Rich Mix.

On the 2nd, I had booked with Walks, Talks & Treasure Hunts for a Regent's Canal Walk. But yay, Laurence and the 45+s then advertised another walk for that day, which is pretty much guaranteed to be superior. So I've booked it. This is Scandals, Scriptwriters & Sumptuous Architecture - and of course, it being a London weekend, I can go!

That evening, an ex-colleague of mine is having a leaving do - he's emigrating. Happening at The Woodman, in Highgate. I said I'd put in an appearance.

On the 3rd, the CCC again! Emily Hennessey and Sheema Mukherjee are at the British Museum, with Holy Cow! Tales from the River of Life. Unfortunately, the London Landmarks Half Marathon is also that day, so I'll probably be on the Tube, at least getting to the museum. 

On the 4th, I'm back at the Park Theatre for the first time in nearly three years! This is for Clybourne Park, a comedy about a white family moving into a predominantly black neighbourhood.

On the 5th, I'm headed to But I'm a Cheerleader, a musical comedy at the Turbine Theatre.

On the 6th, back with Up in the Cheap Seats at Southwark Playhouse, and another free ticket for me! This time, it's for Anyone Can Whistle, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

On the 7th, Tommy Tiernan is playing at the Hammersmith Apollo! Now, I failed to get a ticket for this the first time around. Then it was rescheduled because of Covid.. and I got a ticket for the rescheduled event! Then that was rescheduled.. third time lucky?! Love Tommy Tiernan. The show is called Tomfoolery. And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On the 11th, I've booked for The 47th, at The Old Vic. Written by Mike Bartlett, this imagines the American presidential elections of 2024. I am really looking forward to this play..

On the 12th, I'm finally going to Six, the Musical! Based around the story of the six wives of Henry VIII (very loosely, I'd say), it's playing at the Vaudeville and I hear good things. Cheapest tickets from Leicester Square Box Office.

On the 13th, back with CL, who are off to the opera at the Southbank Centre. The show in question is The Paradis Files. Next day, I'm back to Ireland for Easter - but left it so late to book, I could only get an afternoon flight, and will have to start my new job (whenever) by asking for that day off work!

Well, my friend got back to me - they're away in the middle of Easter week, back on the 21st, so the most sensible thing to do seemed to be to visit on the 22nd, which I've now arranged with her. Whether I take that week as holiday, or take the laptop there and work from Ireland, remains to be seen. Anyway, I'll fly back to London on the 24th of next month. And on the 25th of next month, I'm off to The Corn is Green, at the National.

Restaurant: Liman

Today, wouldn't you know it, Helen was unexpectedly in town for a conference. But this evening, I was back with Civilised London (CL) for a Turkish meal, at Liman - meeting beforehand at The Crown, as usual. Nuts. So I agreed to head over to Fortnum & Mason (she fancied some shopping) to meet her briefly before tearing across town for my other event. Whoever said my life wasn't complicated.. 

In the event, she was finished quite early, and in I went - by Tube, for quickness. She zipped around with a shopping list - never say she doesn't make the most of her trips to London! and then she fancied food, so we went for drinks, a bagel for her, and a catch-up, at the café in Waterstone's. Be not fooled - yes, you do have to go down the stairs from ground level, then up the spiral staircase. No, the lift doesn't go there. But you get served at the table, and I can testify to the chocolatey quality of the hot chocolate, which is excellent! The view out the window isn't spectacular, but the scaffolding can't be helped. And it was great to catch up, and compare notes on nasty company doings.

After we'd parted, I headed for the (mercifully working) Tube again and headed for The Crown. In fact, all but one of us made it there. It was unusually busy, we agreed.. but seeing that we had too many for where we were sat, the staff kindly sourced us a bigger table. Much of the talk was about the war - naturally, given that it's on everyone's mind, and on the front of every paper.

In due course, we headed to the restaurant - and although I've eaten Turkish food with this group before, it wasn't here. Service had a kind of military efficiency, and the toilets are probably unisex - it's hard to tell from the rather odd symbols on the doors. We had the whole shebang of food - starters, mains, desserts - and all was proclaimed excellent. I and another had calamari to start, we both had lamb shanks for main - and they were delicious, although the shanks completely defeated us. Someone else had lamb shish kebab, which smelled delicious and might have been more manageable. But everything that was put on the table was scoffed, and we were sated. Well.. except for dessert. I had a gorgeous chocolate truffle cake, served with a scoop of ice cream (had to ask for a spoon) - others had baklava. And not a dissenting note did I hear from anyone.

With more wine ordered, we didn't head to the pub afterwards - and for the first time today, I got the bus home. But it was lovely to see everyone, and I'm looking forward to the next.

Tomorrow, I was supposed to be back with Guided Walking Tours in Brighton and Sussex, for what promises to be a very interesting talk: Dark Days Virtual Show - The Dark Days of Edgar Allen Poe. Love Edgar Allen Poe, myself. But it was then rescheduled, and I can't make the new date. Have requested a refund. So, looking for something else to do, I came across Over 40 Living the Life. Who are off to the Vauxhall Comedy Club. Two interesting things about this. Firstly, the group is charging twice what the venue is advertising - so fine, I won't go with the group. Secondly, the venue is adding a 50p booking fee to what they're advertising. So, you know, seems a bit rich to advertise an "early bird" charge, then add a booking fee. But whatever. I'm going. On my own. (Oh, it does include a free drink.) Tickets from Design My Night. Could be interesting getting there, on a strike day.. it'd be over an hour's walk, if it came to that! Probably in the rain.

On Friday, Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners have another walk - A Vibrant Village! Walking Tour of Marylebone. And as it's pretty unlikely that I'll have started my new job by then, I've said I'll go (provisionally). Lunch after as well, of course! and this time, I don't have a flight to catch. And with any luck, I'll be able to get the Tube.

On Saturday, back with them all again for the Heavenly Heights of Hampstead Walking Tour. Heavens, I shall be fit after the Hampstead hills..

On Sunday, it's back with the Crick Crack Club (CCC) for Atalanta, as recounted by Ben Haggarty, at the British Museum. Assuming their pipes are fixed. Well, he is the man for Greek mythology..

On Monday, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) for a new version of Wuthering Heights, at the National. Well, this was my favourite book for a long time - let's see what they've done to it!

On Tuesday, I'm at Anarchy at the Opera, at Hoxton Hall. Courtesy of TAC. Where we're going to hear some lesser known works..

Next Wednesday and on the 10th, back with London Classical Music and Theatre Group (LCMTG). Next Wednesday, it's a concert at the Southbank Centre, where Sheku Kanneh-Mason plays Shostakovich. Apart from numerous other accolades, he achieved worldwide renown after playing at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

On the 10th, we're back to the Barbican for a concert of Haydn music by the Academy of Ancient Music. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On the 14th, more classical music at the Barbican - this time it's with London Baroque Music Lovers, and this is Handel with Les Arts Florissants.

On the 15th, headed with UITCS to The Woods, at Southwark Playhouse. Aw man, it's over a year since I last saw a performance from there, and over two years since I was last there in person! And would you believe it, I bought a PAYG subscription from them years ago, and it still entitles me to free tickets. So I used it for this! With the group having snapped up most of the front row, I'm in the row behind..

On the 16th, I'm back with LCMTG - for a play this time! We're seeing Straight Line Crazy, with Ralph Fiennes, at the Bridge. Just as well we booked early - availability is low for that night.

The 17th is, of course, St. Patrick's Day. In Ireland, it's a bank holiday - here, Kíla is playing the London Irish Centre again. A standing gig, this time. Should be mad.

On the 18th, I'm back with London European Club, for 24 Italian Songs & Arias, at Battersea Arts Centre. They're operating a "Pay What You Can" scheme, where you pay what you want, between £5 and £35 - recommended price, £16. They even sent me a survey afterwards to see what I thought!

On the 19th, back with Laurence and the 45+s - this time, it's Highgate: A Very English Village.

On the 20th.. someone I swore I'd never do a walk with again. Well, we'll see whether she's back on form - Walks, Talks & Treasure Hunts (WTTH) is off on a walk called Secrets of Belgravia. (Courtesy of her company, London Guided Walks.) The code MEETUP3 gets you a £3 discount on all her walks - which does cover the booking fee of £1, not advertised before you come to the point of purchasing the ticket. Well, it'll be a start if she shows up!

On the 21st, I'm at another Zoom talk - Quakers at War is the story of the Quakers and their pacifism. Courtesy of Surrey History Meetup.

On the 22nd.. I'm booked for Dear Evan Hansen, at the Noel Coward Theatre! Finally - I'd booked for this before lockdown, and of course it got cancelled. Cheapest tickets from the official site.

On the 23rd, back with CL - back at Le Sacré Coeur, meeting beforehand at The Crown, as usual.

On the 24th, back with TAC for Avocado Presents - Improv, at Etcetera Theatre. Eh, I think it's a jazz concert? Anyway, then back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On the 28th, going to see Daddy at the Almeida. Having never seen a bad production here, I have high hopes.

On the 29th, finally going to see Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella! I hear good things.. it's playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, which is new to me - Seatplan was invaluable in choosing the best seating option. What's On Stage provided the cheapest price for that seat, though!

On the 30th, back with CL - for a play this time. This is The Fever Syndrome, at Hampstead Theatre.

On the 31st, back with TAC for One Night With Robbie Williams. This is at The Courtyard.

On the 1st, back with the CCC for - The Grand Annual Lying Contest! at Rich Mix.

On the 2nd of next month, back with WTTH for a Regent's Canal Walk. Different guide.

On the 3rd of next month, the CCC again! Emily Hennessey and Sheema Mukherjee are at the British Museum, with Holy Cow! Tales from the River of Life.

On the 4th of next month, I'm back at the Park Theatre for the first time in nearly three years! This is for Clybourne Park, a comedy about a white family moving into a predominantly black neighbourhood.

On the 5th of next month, I'm headed to But I'm a Cheerleader, a musical comedy at the Turbine Theatre.

On the 6th of next month, back with UITCS at Southwark Playhouse, and another free ticket for me! This time, it's for Anyone Can Whistle, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

On the 7th of next month, Tommy Tiernan is playing at the Eventim Apollo! Now, I failed to get a ticket for this the first time around. Then it was rescheduled because of Covid.. and I got a ticket for the rescheduled event! Then that was rescheduled.. third time lucky?! Love Tommy Tiernan. The show is called Tomfoolery. And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On the 11th of next month, I've booked for The 47th, at The Old Vic. Written by Mike Bartlett, this imagines the American presidential elections of 2024. I am really looking forward to this play..

On the 12th of next month, I'm finally going to Six, the Musical! Based around the story of the six wives of Henry VIII (very loosely, I'd say), it's playing at the Vaudeville and I hear good things. Cheapest tickets from Leicester Square Box Office.

And on the 13th of next month, back with CL, who are off to the opera at the Southbank Centre. The show in question is The Paradis Files.

Restaurant: Little Georgia & Concert: London Symphony Orchestra

Last night, my first Meetup of the year with Civilised London! And as usual, it was dinner! (My third day in a row to eat out!) We were off again to Little Georgia, meeting beforehand at The Crown.

Great to see them.. only three of us went to The Crown, where we had a fine chat before dinner. We could have eaten there, actually - and the organiser said that one day, he probably would organise a Meetup there. For now, though, we just squeezed in a second drink - which he was kind enough to buy for me! Really, one of these days I'll have to start repaying the favour. Anyway, it's a good sign when the bar staff remember what your last drink was.. and they were unfailingly cheerful and friendly here. Lovely place to come, for food as well as for drinks, I'm sure.

And so, to the restaurant - which, like The Crown, was hidden in scaffolding. I was happy I was following someone else's lead - wouldn't have recognised it myself. One of the others had already arrived, and picked us a table at the back - there were five of us in the end.

We shared starters - cheesebread and (I think) aubergine salad.. for mains, a couple of us wanted lamb stew but they were out of it. (Tends to happen, here - well, if they need supplies from Georgia, they have a long way to come!) So we settled on beef. Sadly, I didn't make much of a hand of mine - it was spicier than I was in the mood for, and though it was tasty, I couldn't finish it. Wine was interesting; they're Georgian as well, and my companion in beef, when she heard I preferred white, steered me towards the amber wine - made using red wine techniques, which leave the juice to ferment on the skins, and result in a wine that is darker in colour than white, and has additional tannins. It's an unusual taste, quite unlike what I'm used to from white. Which made for an interesting dinner! ;-)

More excellent conversation, and we headed for the last venue of the night - The Angelic. Where, wouldn't you know it, I had another glass of wine bought for me. Jeez - I swear, one of these days I will return the favour.. honest.. Conversation, again, was good - and great to see people again! Roll on the next. Handily enough, my bus left from right around the corner. By the time I got home, I was far too tired too blog, of course.

Tonight, headed with London Classical Music and Theatre Group - and I was lucky to see it, what with Meetup not even suggesting the event when I was looking for something that day! If it hadn't been for some mention over the last couple of events with them, of some event happening this week.. Anyway, we were off to see the LSO at the Barbican - wildcard tickets sadly sold out by the time I booked.

Damnit, work got in the way as usual, and I set out later than intended. So I was too late to meet them beforehand - especially as I was at the top level - the lift proved handy, and up I went. No bad seats here, of course:

The first half was Shostakovich's 14th Symphony - excellent, but a bit of a downer, which I wasn't honestly in the mood for. Not with this seemingly interminable job hunt still in progress. Well, I connected with the group at the interval, which was lovely - and when we went back up, it was to something much more enjoyable. I'm a huge Beethoven fan - and it was a real treat to hear his 7th Symphony, whose second movement is one of my all-time favourite pieces of classical music. Pieces like this make life worth living.

Afterwards, it wasn't late - but the Barbican bars close after the show interval, so we headed down the road to the The Jugged Hare. It being crowded and noisy, we didn't stay long.. instead, our organiser had the inspired idea to pop into the nearby Cote - which wasn't busy - and ask whether we could just stay for drinks. No problem at all! and more excellent chat was had. And wow, you'll never guess.. as she was leaving, one of our group - whose very first Meetup ever it was - reassured us that we didn't need to pay, she'd taken care of it! Lordy me. This is turning into a cheaper week for me than I deserve..! Looking forward to meeting this group again as well - unfortunately, I already have something scheduled for the night of their next advertised outing. Ah well, some other time..

Tomorrow, headed with the London European Club to the Puppet Theatre Barge, for a performance of The Red Balloon!

On Saturday, back with the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners, and Laurence Summers - got the last spot on his Passage through Pimlico walk! which, as he was telling me Tuesday last week, is through a not very well-known part of town! Well, this one should at least be warmer, being in daytime.. and we're getting lunch after.

On Sunday - Crick Crack is back! Now, this is an interesting one - Japanese ghost stories, the event is called The Game of Candles, with each story represented by a lit candle, which is blown out when the story is completed. Taking place at the British Museum, Tim Ralphs and Sarah-Liisa Wilkinson performing. Sold out now - they're only doing half capacity.

And on Monday - another interesting talk by The Garden Talks! This one is What Conditions Create Witch Hunts? Have to say, Meetup seems to have awoken from the doldrums..!

Terra Rossa Restaurant

Tonight - Civilised London was off for an Italian meal: Terra Rossa was the venue, and we met beforehand in The Crown. And I was really lucky to get a place - he limits attendees to five, for an intimate gathering, and I only got a place on Monday, after someone dropped out! Well, I hoped I'd be up to it - I got my booster jab earlier in the day.. but it was the same as my first two, and I only got a sore arm on those occasions. And I had the day off, so could rest in the afternoon!

I walked to the vaccination centre, at Guy's Hospital. Three vaccination centres, they have, and it was hard to find my way - although the signposting was decent. When I did get there, I found myself at the end of what turned out to be a 45-minute queue. Just as well the weather was decent. When we got near the top, a fellow appeared with a tablet, and registered us - when we got into the marquee, we spent 20 minutes more sitting in a chair, watching leaves blow around the roof, and waiting to be called. When I was, I ended up with the army.. who were rather surprised when I said I was already double-jabbed! So my details have been updated, and I got my booster. And apart from momentary soreness, that was just fine.

And so, after a short nap, to The Crown, who do a lovely house white. And we chatted merrily - before heading on a tour of the restaurants of Islington (there are quite a few) until we came to ours. Sat near the back, we were well served - and people declared themselves delighted with the starters. Me, I just had bread - I wasn't terribly hungry, and was conscious of filling myself up too much. Main course, we all had something different - me, I had the spaghetti with truffle.. and it was gorgeous, the pasta served with that delicious eggy sauce that I've only really had once before, in a little Italian place beside a previous office of ours. Both now closed, sadly. We were too full for dessert. But it has to be said, this is excellent food.

We had a horrendous delay before the main course - the staff were awfully apologetic, and of course, as we could see, this was due to the large group (of Italians) who'd just come in. The staff just weren't sufficiently resourced for the job (I know the feeling). Hey though, I loved the ice-cold limoncello they gave us to finish.. really nice place, would definitely come here again.

I didn't have time to finish the wine, and although our organiser got me a stopper, I had to dump it - I had nothing to carry it in, wouldn't have been allowed to take it on the bus. What the hey, the night ended with one in The King's Head. And it was good to see people - despite the moratorium on discussing it, we never know when lockdown will happen again..

Tomorrow is the birthday of someone I used to know from Kensington Classical Music Society. Well, she also works for Talent Unlimited, who promote young classical musicians, and there's a concert that day, at St. James' Church Sussex Gardens (tickets through Eventbrite). She got in touch to see whether I'd be interested, so I said I'd go - we're meeting afterwards in the Royal Lancaster Hotel. Then on Friday (assuming my test is negative, they're making us test again), I'm back to Ireland for the weekend. Probably a quiet one - theatres are still closed there, and the only things worth making the trip to the cinema for are on in the evening! when I have to watch telly with my mother.

On Monday, my last Meetup of the year.. same group as my last before the major lockdown, which I hope isn't an omen! Mind you, they were called "This and That", then. And practically my first group when I eventually came back! Anyway, Invigorate are off to Dennis Severs' House Museum, which should be lovely, all bedecked for Christmas. I got the last ticket for that time slot! Complete with post-event social, of course.

Now, we had a great old time on Friday - so we're doing it again on Tuesday! Well, some of it.. Ivan and I are meeting up with our old colleague at The Spice of Life, which used to be an office haunt when we were with that company. Except Ivan has been identified as a close contact of an infected person - watch this space.

And next Wednesday, my last social event before Christmas - meeting my ex-boss from my first company in London for our annual hot chocolate and booze. Starting in Caffe Nero, we might well end up in The Hippodrome, as we did before. And why not - we're both on holiday next day, and (again, test permitting) I'm back to Ireland for Christmas that afternoon.. (highly expensive) Aer Lingus again, for the sake of the later flight. Flying back to London on the 3rd. Unless.. I'm not. So I'm taking my laptop to Ireland for Christmas. Just in case.

Restaurant: Little Georgia

Tonight, back with Meetup at last. Civilised London (CL) was back to dinner at Little Georgia, and naturally, so was I. Meeting at The Crown beforehand. The weather was supposed to improve as the day went on..

And so it did. I was a little later leaving than I really should have been - but when am I not? The handy bus stop around the corner was the stopping point for the bus that took me as close as possible - unfortunately, half of London seemed to consider it their best option too, and vast streams of people got on and off at every subsequent stop. So by the time I arrived at the pub, everyone else was in situ - the organiser was kind enough to get me a drink, and by the time I'd drunk it, and some conversation had been had, it was time to head off.

Two of our group hadn't been here before - I made some menu suggestions, and we began. And yes, as before, the only problem was the portion size.. I had dumplings for main course this time, and couldn't finish - although 3.5 out of 5 ain't bad! They were tasty, of course, as was the starter I have always had. We couldn't even finish the chips, what with everything else.. but it was a good meal, and good to see people again, first time in the New Year. And good luck to the restaurant staff, with the huge group that arrived towards the end of our meal! Caveat: one of the ladies' cubicles wasn't in operation, and the other has a catch lock that could easily pop open if the door is pushed hard enough. You have been warned..!

Tomorrow is going to be film as well - which is where Knives Out comes in. No question I was going to see it - it was just a question of which to see first! This is a classic, drawing-room murder mystery. Daniel Craig is the detective, hired to investigate the murder of Christopher Plummer. Jamie Lee Curtis is the deceased's daughter, married to Don Johnson. Toni Collette is the deceased's daughter-in-law. Each as horrid as the last.. and I booked it, because the closest showing is in the Vue Islington, and Vue are apparently cheaper online. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.

On Monday, back with CL for another jazz night at Wilton's. This time, it's Uri Sade.

On Tuesday, back for another comedy show at Soho Theatre - this time, it's Hench, by Jessica Fostekew.

And next Wednesday, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats for a preview of Aisha and Abhaya, at the Linbury Theatre - apparently a new venue for the Opera House. My first time there.

Play: The Crown Dual

For last night, Let's Do This advertised discount tickets for The Crown Dual, in the King's Head! Well yes please, sign me up! And so I went to that. Left a little later than intended -  I could have walked, but decided to take the bus instead, to have as much time as possible there. It does go right past.

In the pub, which is always busy, the group had efficiently managed to snare a table! I was the last to arrive - our organiser kindly surrendered his seat for me. I got a drink, which I didn't have to rush - you can take them in to the show. Indeed, we didn't have long before we went in and took our seats - second row. Of which we were glad, having heard rumours of audience participation. In fact, the front benches were covered in Union Jacks..

It's a two-person, multi-character show. Story goes, this lady was trying out for the role of the Queen in The Crown, but lost out, and has now taken her alternative version to the stage. She is assisted in this valiant endeavour by her trusty agent, who actually spends considerably more time than she does dashing offstage to change costume.

As we were to remark afterwards, so much happens in this that it's quite impossible to capture it all. Now, I haven't watched the series, but was informed by someone who has that they managed to cover the first two seasons. In something over an hour. Golly. At last count, we met the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, the Queen Mother, Princess Margaret, Peter Townsend, Antony Armstrong-Jones, Winston Churchill and Anthony Eden! Oh, and a couple of corgis. And that's not counting the audience participation - mainly for the coronation that forms the climax of the show!

Manic, performed with gusto, this production is absolutely brilliant! The comic timing - both of the actors and of the accompanying musical score - is perfect. The writing sparkles. It's so fast-paced that you miss how good it is - but there's no missing the fact that it's utterly hilarious. Hell, I just put on the National Anthem and started to chuckle.. it's had that effect. Does help if you know some royal history - or have watched the tv series. Caveat: I really do have to warn you - if you're in the front row, you might be subject to some audience participation of a nature that some might find embarrassing. Which is not to say that you're completely safe in the rows further back. You have been warned.

But by all means, rush to this royal audience! Runs till the 6th. Kind of unmissable.

Afterwards, with the pub still busy, we repaired - appropriately - to The Crown, where we had a drink and a convivial chat - even if it did involve collectively shaking our heads at the lunacy that is Brexit! And then I walked back.

Tonight, back with the Crick Crack Club! This is a performance by Jan Blake, at King's Place - and da boss having liked a clip of hers that he saw previously, he's taking the spare ticket I accidentally booked. Should be a good night. And a much-needed break from reality.

Tomorrow, our team has our monthly social. This time, we're off to Tas.

On Friday, The London Art Song and Opera group advertised the opera, Andrea Chénier, at St. John's Waterloo. Hell, they don't make it easy though - if you want the special offer (quoting "MEETUP"), you have to ring. And, as I discovered, when you ring, you will not get an answer. No, you have to leave your name and number and they'll get back to you. When I discovered that there was no way to do this "live", I rang them very late on Saturday night - would you believe, they got back to me on Sunday morning! which was when I discovered that the offer includes a free drink and programme, and that they - ahem - post the tickets to you (!). I'm still waiting for mine to arrive. If it does, that's what I'm doing on Friday.

And on Saturday, back at last with Chronicles, for the last of his walks - this one sounds interesting, being about Rebellious London. And that'll be the last new walk on my list.. so many good walks advertised around London, but I've pretty much done them all by now!