Dance: Lord of the Dance, Walk: Magnificent Mayfair, Show: 24 Italian Songs and Arias, & Walk: Highgate - a Very English Village

Thursday was, of course, St. Patrick's Day. In Ireland, it was a bank holiday, as was yesterday - in London, Kíla was playing the London Irish Centre again. A standing gig, this time. Promised to be mad. But you know, when SFF advertised tickets for Lord of the Dance, at the Hammersmith Apollo the same night.. I booked. Well, such is life. Anyway, I should have paused a moment-  because I checked afterwards, and TAC had tickets as well. Bah humbug, would've been even cheaper. Never mind.

I planned to eat out there - Google Maps suggested an Indian called Rangrez, just around the corner. So I decided to try there, and headed out in good time. Had to be Tube, this far out - and it's right at the end of a couple of lines, so I had plenty of time to read the paper. I could see the Apollo when I left the station - on the way there, I'd be passing The Swan, so decided to try there first.

It looked promising. I found a small table to myself (with a fine view of the racing at Cheltenham), and discovered that you could order online. The printed menu had some things that sounded lovely, so I checked online - and discovered that they all read "Out of Stock"! Even the ones that didn't say there were out of stock were all greyed out. Well, bah humbug. I also tried the William Morris next door, where I've eaten before, but there wasn't a free table. So I continued on to Rangrez - which wasn't hard to find, although Google Maps had it on the wrong side of the road.

I was seated without issue - actually, they'd only opened 40 minutes before, and I was their first eat-in customer of the evening; there were plenty of takeaway orders. They'd had butter chicken on the menu in the window - but as it says on the website, on evenings when an event is taking place in the Apollo, they might have a restricted menu. And butter chicken was one thing that got chopped - so instead, I had chicken tikka masala (feeling rather naff, considering that they have stickers up about having won curry awards). And lamb samosa, pulau rice, and peshwari naan. They also have a decent drinks menu - I had a glass of the sauvignon blanc.

Wow, it took forever to get my food. I guess that means it's fresh? Meantime, a table came in and sat down the back - again, one had a carrying voice, so I got to listen to all their foibles about the menu. "Do you have _?" and they were so particular about the drinks - wanted to know what brands of rum and whisky the place stocked, and the waiter had to run and check the shelves behind the bar.

Aw, I love the little handled pots they serve the curry and rice in! And it was all lovely, although I could have done with a little more flavour in the tikka masala. But the naan was to die for.. portions not huge, which is no bad thing in an Indian - and for once, I finished it all. And a second glass of wine. And then waited for over half an hour for anyone to come to me again. The place was really filling up once we got closer to 7, most people having booked, and frankly they were run off their feet. I didn't really mind, although sadly, by the time the guy cleared my table, it was too late for me to order dessert. He looked disappointed, I thought. Anyway, would be delighted to come back here - but it looks like a real hotspot on event nights - beware!

And so, around the corner to join the first queue I saw. Which is what everyone was doing. Happily, it all seemed to be the same queue, zigzagging its way to the entrance along a slalom course of barriers - when we got there, everyone started queueing at the same door. An usher was desperately trying to get us to spread out at the different doors. "Trust me!" he said, "they all go to the same place!" And finally we were in. I was in the Stalls, so no stairs needed to be climbed, and I stopped at the bar on the way - where she explained that they were charging £1 extra for the plastic cup (which, of course, you can take in), but that you wouldn't have to pay that extra if you brought it back for the second drink. Sadly, I didn't feel like this money-saving offer. Didn't get a second drink.

Not a bad view, eh? Well, I needn't have worried - the show, typically for these large events, started 10 minutes late. No free seats around me - I wonder whether there were some in the Circle. One of the organisers from Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) posted on Facebook at the interval - she was there with her mum, celebrating her Irish roots! Gosh, I never knew she had them. Anyway, I said hi - on Facebook.

The show - a 25th anniversary celebration - began with an extensive introduction by its creator, Michael Flatley. He no longer actually dances in it - leaves that to more nimble legs. But otherwise, it's the same as ever - all the razamataz, dramatic production numbers, and a story that has the bad guys (in Transformer-like helmets) bothering a sprite-like creature, who must be rescued by the Michael Flatley stand-in and his cohort (generally shirtless). Plenty of skin on display, short skirts for the girls, some ripping off of outfits to great whoops and cheers. I did find one girl on stage who didn't have the long, bouncy hair, so I'm happy to see that it's not a requirement. But yes, lots of sparkle and show, and everyone went home happy. Following the standing ovation, which we kind of felt obligated to provide, given how many times it was mentioned in the video montage that they always got one.. Last show tonight.

And on the Tube, someone was watching Cheltenham on their phone. Good to see it's back up and running. It ran late on me that night, and I didn't manage to get the blog finished.

Yesterday - gee, of course I hadn't started work yet! Although I can't have much free time left really, as I have now (hopefully) submitted everything to them that I think they'll need. For once, they didn't ask me for anything, and I figure no news is good news. So guess what? Yep, booked with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners for his Magnificent Mayfair walk. With lunch, naturally.

Equally naturally, I left it too late for the bus, so was on the Tube again - so often this week! Arrived at Pret on Piccadilly in good time, had me a hot chocolate, and joined the others who had congregated over the side. It was a stunning day for a walk - my winter coat was too warm, for the first time this year! Warm and sunny, with beautiful blue skies.. even Laurence emerged from the bathroom wearing fewer layers than usual. I just wish I could find my sunglasses..

We learned some interesting facts about Mayfair. How, for instance, it used to be a red light district, with Kitty Fisher one of its more famous prostitutes!

Plenty of famous inhabitants, plenty of blue plaques:

..and a stunning Jesuit church:

Plenty of activity there, what with Lent in full swing.. a group was performing the Stations of the Cross, and a face-to-face confession was being held in a soundproofed side chapel. Beautiful location for it.

A stop-off in Grosvenor Square, and most of us headed for lunch at the Marlborough Head:

Service was friendly, if a bit frazzled.. one of the more experienced bar staff had to remind the guy I'd ordered from to give me my drink! Food arrived in stages - and was very good, portions maybe a bit large. But we had a lovely chat, and a lovely lunch.

And so on to Mercato Mayfair - a former church, now housing food stalls:

We all stayed for a drink - some of us for another. :-) And after a most successful event, which had lasted most of the day, we parted - excellent company. I departed straight for my next event - no point in going home, really! That evening, I was 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! And at least I could get buses, this time.

Wouldn't you know it, I arrived just after the organiser! So, we took a seat in the bar, where the others joined us when they got there. Had a good chat, and headed upstairs when it was time.

Oh dear, I made a huge mistake with this one. I had read it was a show about failure - didn't really take in what that meant, and didn't realise that the entire thing was a dirge about how each cast member had failed at something. Neither were there 24 songs or arias - there was some good music, but primarily it felt to me like a pity party. Sorry, but I hate these expository things, and couldn't wait for the end. In future, I'll read these descriptions more carefully. Last show tonight, inexplicably sold out. Ah well, it was good to see people. Buses home - worked a bit more on the blog, but obviously wasn't going to get it finished.

Because today, I was back with Laurence and the 45+s - this time, it was Highgate: A Very English Village. More hills.. and another lovely sunny day! Breezy, though - but I took the plunge, and ditched the winter coat for the first time this year! That was the last sensible thing I did before the walk - now, last night, I looked up my route for today, to discover that yes, buses would get me there in under an hour. But the buses I needed were diverted because of roadworks! Right, Tube again.

And then I had a brain freeze. Because first, I realised I'd left too late, even for the Tube, and then I forgot I was headed for Moorgate, and retraced my steps - and then headed in the wrong direction entirely for Moorgate! Jeez, talk about a senior moment.. anyway, realising I was going to be a little late - which I never normally am - I left a message to that effect, and did my best. The Tube, to be fair, could have been a little more obliging, instead of constantly loitering at stations on the way.

At Highgate Station, we were to head for the Shepherds Hill exit. Didn't see a sign for that, but did see one for the car park, and recalled that also having been mentioned. O Lordy, such a flight of stairs to it.. but yay, I could hear Laurence's voice as I climbed, and climbed.. and I exited to the exclamation "Just in time! You only missed 25 words.." Happily, he had some more talking to do, so I could get my breath back. Before the next climb. Past Jackson's Lane Theatre - jeez, it's an age since I went to something there! As I remarked to someone, I have so many memories of charging around the hills of Highgate, racing to something I was late for, and practically giving myself a coronary..

To be fair, he warned us that the first bit was hilly, and it'd be fairly flat after that. And he took it easy on the hilly bit. So I was in no real danger of that today. And I was to be so glad I'd worn a lighter coat.. it felt quite springlike, in the sunshine. En route, we met a fat and fluffy cat, busily heading in the other direction, and not looking at all put out by either the hilly terrain, or the presence of several nearby dogs. We came across a plaque that doesn't seem to be a real plaque, with no marking denoting who put it up..

The windiest part of the walk was also the part with the best view. And as I remarked, I thought I could tell where my house was.. just across from that big skyscraper.. well, one of them..

We saw where some famous people used to live..

and where someone still does! Witanhurst, second-largest private residence in London, owned by a Russian oligarch. Not welcoming to random passers-by..

And so to lunch - in The Gatehouse, another place I haven't been to in years. Have eaten and drunk here, been to the theatre.. I remembered the food being a little posh, and the best way to get to it being by bus, letting the bus wheeze up the hill, rather than doing so myself, all the way from the station.

Well, we had a table reserved at the back, which just about fitted us - although those sat with their backs to the open door kept their coats on, frozen by the breeze that blew in through it! My cough decided this would be a great time to resurge - happily, its timing wasn't bad, as I first had a chance to pick what I wanted, and order my drink, but nothing had arrived yet. I moved a bit away for the purposes of coughing, and as it happened, I got through with it just in time to collect my drink - and they hadn't yet even taken the food order. So that was fine.

Most of us had fish n chips - to be fair, many would have liked a sandwich, but they don't really do them. One had rabbit, one had skate - and a couple of the ladies, who really weren't that hungry, had tapas. And I think everyone was happy with the food - the few bones I found in the fish failed to cause me much trouble, the batter was tasty and crispy, the peas non-mushy. And the wine was from New Zealand - happy days!

So it's a shame that a dampener was put on the meal by the very snippy attitude of the guy who seemed to be in charge, who was put out by his waitress spending so much time adding up our several totals, as we were all paying separately. Now, Laurence had asked for separate bills from the beginning, but this guy had said that would be more trouble - well, what did he expect? A table of nine is rarely all going to pay as one! So, either have separate bills, or add up separate totals.. Frankly, this attitude is incomprehensible from someone who takes group bookings, and I'd have to say that this does not give the impression of a place that welcomes groups. I do wonder whether he makes smaller groups - say a family of four adults - do the same? So, beware coming here if you want to split the bill. Management is in the dark ages.

And so back, by Tube again. The cat passed us again, again in the opposite direction, back from whatever business it had.. and lo, with nothing else on tonight, I got this finished! Oh, the relief..

Tomorrow.. 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! Funnily enough, she messaged me the other day - because I signed up on the Meetup group - to remind me to book a ticket through her company. I see she still doesn't cross-reference, since I already did! Supposed to be cooler tomorrow, so I guess the winter coat is coming out again.

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

On Tuesday.. 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 Wednesday, back with Civilised London (CL) - back at Le Sacré Coeur, meeting beforehand at The Crown, as usual.

On Thursday, 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 and the 45+s are off to see Elegant London! 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 Crick Crack Club (CCC) for - The Grand Annual Lying Contest! at Rich Mix.

On the 2nd, I had booked with WTTH for a Regent's Canal Walk. Different guide. But yay, Laurence and the 45+s just 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!

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 of next month, so the most sensible thing to do seemed to be to visit on the 22nd of next month, which I've now arranged with her. Whether I take that week as holiday, or take the laptop home 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.

Musical: When Midnight Strikes

Plays for the next two weeks, and the rest of this week, as it happens, is with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS). Tonight was my first foray of the year to the Camden Fringe - and they were off to When Midnight Strikes, Upstairs at the Gatehouse. Now, last time I was here, I had to take the Tube - but it was with North London Friends, who met earlier; this evening, we met later, and I had the luxury of having the time to take the bus. Not only is it cheaper, and less polluted - it drops you a lot closer! Helluva walk from the Tube station.

I was really too late to bed last night - nearly fell asleep on the long bus journey this evening! Fortunately, mine was the last stop - and once I'd got my ticket at the box office, I discovered I was the first to arrive! Just.. I made my way to the green room, where we were to meet, made myself comfy on the sofa, and hadn't long put a message up to say I was there when the next arrival introduced herself. The others soon met us there, and as soon as the house was open, we made our way in.

Not that we needed to be so quick - the place was only about half full, in the end. The show is set on New Year's Eve, at a swanky party in an apartment in SoHo (New York's version). (So it's a bit odd for the website to describe it as a contemporary, British musical.. well, it might have been written by a Brit, but as our organiser later remarked, the music is quite old-fashioned.) Anyway, tense undercurrents accompany the party guests, and the evening takes an unexpected twist.

Have to say, the musical numbers are fantastic. Not all the singers have a voice that will project, but all can carry a tune - the harmonies are terrific, the lyrics snappy and clever, and the choreography top-notch. The acting in between.. is uneven, I think you could say. In producing this, the attention was obviously paid to the musical numbers, to the detriment of the dramatic element - which is a shame, as it's an interesting plot; the lady of the house has just discovered that her husband had an affair, and the rest of the play turns into a whodunnit. Very Agatha Christie, what with the elegant setting and evening dress. Despite its flaws, it's a very enjoyable production - runs till Saturday.

Excellent ice cream, and a convivial chat, at the interval, but with this group, predictably, no drinks after. So, home nice and early - and downhill all the way, although the driver had a habit of braking sharply, so it paid to keep attention if you wanted to stay on your seat!

Tomorrow, London Literary Walks was supposed to be back with "Brook Green" - another area near where I used to live! Actually, the first medical practice that I registered with, in London. Nice nurse - one very narky doctor. Sadly, he then cancelled - I don't know why, as his comment on the page disappeared with the page when he cancelled the event! Instead,  I'm off to Allelujah at the Bridge Theatre. Well, at least it's closer. Funnily enough, I accidentally nearly booked for the matinee of this - and there was better availability for the evening performance! Odd..

On Thursday, we're back to the Camden Fringe, with How to Be a Londoner in an Hour, at the Hen & Chickens Theatre. Meeting one of the group for dinner beforehand, which should be nice. Then I'm down to Helen's for the weekend, for a party..

On Monday, back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group, back to Westferry Circus.. this time it's for A Woman of No Importance.

Next Tuesday, with nothing on Meetup that I was interested in (and hadn't done), I'm headed with my £3.60 club to a play called Faith & Heresy, at The Bread & Roses in Clapham.

On the 15th - sorry, London Literary Walks, you didn't advertise early enough! Instead, I'm off with North London Friends for Things of Dry Hours, at the Young Vic.

On the 16th, I'm headed to Soho Theatre for The One. Then back to Ireland for the weekend, again.

On the 20th, I'm going with UITCS to the Arcola, for Elephant Steps.

On the 21st, the £3.60 club is providing me with a ticket to see Aprile Millo perform at Cadogan Hall. Gotta say, terrific value for something whose official prices start at £35!

And on the 22nd, again, off with UITCS to the Camden Fringe. We're seeing Secondhand Stories and Whimsy, two short plays at The Lion and Unicorn. I would have been missing an evening with London Literary Walks that day, but he's now moved it anyway.

Musical: Give My Regards to Broadway

Tonight, I was finally back with North London Friends, for Give My Regards to Broadway, Upstairs at the Gatehouse. Completely sold out for a while now. Of course, I had my usual evening meeting.. fortunately, it finished early, but I was still too late for the bus - if I wanted to arrive in time to socialise - and ended up on a stifling Tube. Well now, that goes straight to Highgate (assuming you take the right branch).. but it turns out to be so much more hassle than taking the bus. If you're going to the Gatehouse. All those steps to get out of the station.. and such a hill to climb! Highgate, if I hadn't mentioned, is notorious for its hills. I was glad of two things: firstly, that it wasn't icy (or hot!), and secondly, that I don't still have the breathing problems I had earlier in the year. May they never come back.

The pub is easy to spot, visible to the right as you come onto the High Street. And the group - such as had arrived by then - were at the same table as last time I was here with them, so I spotted them easily too, and joined them when I'd got a drink. Which was when the barman finished explaining to the people he served before me that they had Spanish beer in for the World Cup (seems they're Spanish-themed), and then people took a shine to it, so they still had some, if they wanted. When I got to the table, the organiser explained that they already had their tickets, in case I wanted to get mine - so I did, and we chatted until it was time to go up.

Open seating, and we managed to get quite good seats - as I say, it sold out, so those who arrived late found it hard to sit with their companions. It's not a huge venue, and during the performance I was amused to see how close the performers came to the front row! And my, it was a great show - as we discussed at the interval, what terrific quality you can find in the rooms above London pubs! Sharp, stylish outfits.. great singing.. dancing.. tap. Manhattan in London Town.

In the entire show, I think I only spotted two songs I wasn't familiar with. The first part had the ladies in 20s-style sparkles - after the interval (and some of the house's excellent ice cream), they'd changed to long evening dresses, with the gents in tuxedos. I defy anyone not to sing along to the opening number of the second part - There's No Business Like Show Business. Immediately followed by Lullaby of Broadway. Ah yeah.. we all need a little injection of showbiz every now and again. And as ever when I watch this kind of thing, I'm reminded of the Man with the Hat.. and as ever, I wonder how he's doing. Never did see him in a top hat, but I can just imagine it.. there's a Broadway baby if ever I met one. (Well, West End.)

Managed the bus home all right - it's the terminus of that route, and so when one arrives it takes a break. He let us on early, bringing to mind that time when I was waiting at that same stop, in inches of snow, for the driver to open the door.. anyway, at that time of night we shot back.

Tomorrow - London Literary Walks is taking a break! That was the day I was originally looking at films for - but what was coming top was Teefa in Trouble. A Bollywood film - fine: except when I watched the trailer, the jokes weren't quite as funny to me as I think they were to the makers, and there was a bit too much exaggerated action - think slo-mo, and people balancing motorbikes on their fingertips. And 2.5 hours of all that was, I thought, a bit much - so no thanks. Which left Sanju again. Not so much.. so I then thought about heading, with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS), to Julie, again at the National. Huh! Only tickets left were £50, when I checked! I then checked again.. they had two tickets for £26! Then they were gone, but they had £44 tickets.. think they might be sold out now. Anyway, I've booked for a Heroism & Villainy Walking Tour (with Real Magic!), via Walking in London.

On Thursday, I was also booked with them - for The Summer Ghost Walk. I've been with this guide before - found him very good. And then.. Ryanair announced another bloody strike!! Yes, for the next day. Yes, when I was to go to Ireland for the weekend. So now I'm flying on Thursday, instead - happily, it was Funzing, so I'll get a refund. And they've even refunded me the credits that I used to book it! And I retain the record of bookings that'll earn me more credits. And at least I found out earlier this time, so booked an alternative flight earlier, so it was a bit cheaper.

On Monday, Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group is off to Westferry Circus again, for The Importance of Being Earnest. I RSVPed for that.. but then London Dramatic Arts announced that they were off to see One for Sorrow, at the Royal Court. They cleverly left the announcement until the theatre had sold out for that day - I guess there's an offer. So they were the only place I could get a ticket, and I did - probably at a slightly higher price than the theatre charged. Anyway, better than sitting on the grass, in the heat.

Next Tuesday, UITCS is off to When Midnight Strikes, Upstairs at the Gatehouse. I guess I'll be on the Tube again.

On the 8th, London Literary Walks is back with Brook Green - another area near where I used to live! Actually, the first medical practice that I registered with, in London. Nice nurse - one very narky doctor.

On the 9th, UITCS is back to the Camden Fringe, with How to Be a Londoner in an Hour, at the Hen & Chickens Theatre. Then I'm down to Helen's for the weekend, for a party..

And on the 13th, back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group, back to Westferry Circus.. this time it's for A Woman of No Importance.

Musical: Return to the Forbidden Planet

Yesterday was set to be interesting - I was going to Return to the Forbidden Planet, at the Gatehouse. Sold out show, probably because of the half-price Tuesday tickets. What was most interesting is that I signed up with both North London Friends and Up in the Cheap Seats, who were both there that night! Maybe I could introduce them to each other..

On a beautiful, sunny evening, it was lovely to have an excuse to leave early - Highgate is quite a trip from the centre. I was early enough that the bus wasn't too crowded - and having got on one stop from its beginning, I rode it right to the end of the line, just down the road from the pub. And considering how the bus was wheezing on the last stretch, I was glad was taking the strain. I'd managed to get there before both my groups, so I just took a seat - seeing a food menu, I decided I didn't fancy anything heavy, but nibbles would be nice; as it happens, they have a tapas menu, so I ordered some mushroom croquettes from that. Served with a garlic sauce, they were delicious! During the show, I was wishing I had another portion..

I was eating them when organiser no. 1 arrived, identifying me from the details I'd added to the North London Friends page. At that point, we moved to a bigger table - the expected group was large. And in due course, more members arrived. Gorgeous pub, BTW - lots of wood, spacious, large windows to let in the sunshine.. they also have a dining room and garden, dogs welcome in pub and garden (as they explained to the couple with the little Yorkie).

When the box office opened, we trooped upstairs to get our tickets, so as not to be bothered with that as we were queueing for the theatre - and boy, was there a queue for the theatre! 20 minutes before the start of the show, the queue stretched all the way down the stairs. Handily for the organiser from Up in the Cheap Seats, once he'd got his ticket, he just slipped into the queue with me. Seating is unassigned, two sections facing each other, and I managed to get sat between both groups.

Unlike the Up in the Cheap Seats folks, I'd never seen this before - just thought it sounded like fun. And yup, it's absolutely mad. Described as "Shakespeare's forgotten rock 'n' roll masterpiece", the thing is a deliciously cheesy sci-fi spoof, liberally sprinkled with Shakespearian quotes (the story is loosely modelled on The Tempest, but I counted quotes from at least seven more Shakespearian plays throughout). But hey, the most striking thing has to be the constant flow of popular pop and rock tunes, effortlessly segued into the storyline..

The cast absolutely threw themselves into it, and had as much of a blast as we did! Special mention must go to the roller-skating robot, Ariel, who effortlessly glides across the stage, acting, singing, chewing paper.. And I defy anyone to keep from tapping toes, jiggling, singing along as hit after popular hit is blasted out. Enough to lift the darkest mood. Kudos also to the theatre manager (or whatever his title) who, when there was a technical issue with the guitars and they had to pause the show, gamely entertained us, first by having everyone sing Happy Birthday to the girl with a birthday sash over her shoulder, then telling us the story of how they were playing in the Theatre Royal, Windsor, and Prince Philip insisted on coming backstage..

Runs until the 17th of next month, except Mondays, booking advisable. Earlier showings on Sundays. At the interval, I eschewed the bar for the green room, beside the theatre, where they were selling reasonably priced ice creams. And after, I unsociably scuttled straight home, it being a long journey and me having to be in early this morning. Hence the delay in the blog, too. The bus journey was speedy, mind you, and seemed to be entirely downhill..

Tonight, back with Let's Do This for another Turkish meal at TAS. The last was excellent, so they're doing it again! which I think is a very good idea. And the second host is attending, for the first time in ages.. I have a late meeting, so will probably end up on the Tube, for speediness.

Tomorrow, London Literary Walks is taking us for A Night in Knightsbridge - sure to be as good as ever.

And on Friday, North London Friends is going to Quiz, at the Noel Coward Theatre. This is based on the true story of an audience member who coughed at the right answers from the multiple-choice selections, in Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, thus enabling his co-conspirator to take away the top prize. Well, the group have onstage seats, which they sold themselves - they didn't show any availability when I looked, though, so I booked my own in the rear stalls, with the benefit of a Theatre Token I'd earned with Seatplan reviews. I then let them know I was coming.. it'd be nice to meet them on the night, if they're willing.