Walk: The Lady-Killer

Today, which no word from any prospective employers, I signed up to another walk with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners: The Lady-Killer is an inventive renaming of London's most notorious serial killer.. (Ooh, and I'd have to get cash out again.) Failing that, if I had to work (sadly, a necessary evil eventually), I could always head back to the Soho Comedy Factory this evening.. (Be aware, Design My Night sells tickets to this for £5, but you can show up for free..!)

So, with last night's play finishing early, I got to bed early, and slept soundly. Excellent! Set off in reasonable time today - I had a choice of buses, with the #205 going from King's Cross. Not only did that give me a direct option, where otherwise I'd have to change, but I figured I'd easily find a cash machine nearby. So that's the route I chose. And wouldn't you know it, I did find a cash machine, with two people waiting for it. Turned out that one was begging, and the guy at the machine had promised her cash, which he gave her - when I went to the machine, she immediately started to implore me for help as well. Now, sorry, but that was feeling too much like an industry to me - plus, the minimum I could have taken out was £10, which was more than I was inclined to give. So I apologised and said I couldn't, and she took herself off.

Well, the travel gods were with me, for once - not only did that not delay me, but even though I'd seen my bus across the road while I waited at the machine, the next was due in a few minutes, according to the display. And for once, the display told the truth! In fact, I actually arrived early for the walk - it was just me and Laurence for a while, with people dribbling along as the minutes passed. Ah, the perils of advertising a staggered start time..

The weather was being annoying, alternating between hot sunshine and cool shade - so my coat was being put on and taken off for the whole walk. This walk, interestingly, focused on the victims, rather than on the killer - an aspect I really like. I remember a lot of discussion about this in Ireland in recent times, about how naming killers gave them a sort of notoriety - thought something had been done about that, but perhaps not.

So, we strolled the streets around East London, some of which I'd seen before, some not. It's hard to get a sense of place really, so much has been rebuilt. Mitre Square is a case in point - I went on a Jack the Ripper walk when I first came to London, and remember it looking so different! So, even in that space of time, things have changed so much.. And it's hard to be definitive, when we not only don't know who the killer was, but are even unsure which victims to ascribe to him!

But hey. Names, descriptions of them and their backgrounds, details of what happened to them - handled as sensitively as possible by our guide. Theories abound, of course - why was one woman's ring removed? Do the dates have significance? Would the killer have had to have medical experience? Of the two that happened in one night, would it really have been possible for the same man to have committed both? Short of developing time travel, we're unlikely ever to know the truth. But we do love to continue speculating.

There wasn't a lot to photograph, honestly - the areas we walked through were either not terribly photogenic, or were places I'd photographed too many times before. But it's an area of town I don't know very well (although we did come close to my last accommodation), so it was good to explore. Mind you, it was sheer torture, when we passed a food market near one of the sites where a body was found, and the smells were so enticing.. I could have murdered a katsu, as we passed the stall. Ah well.

Lunch, as usual in this part of town, was in the Lord Aberconway - and, like yesterday, I had the steak and ale pie. And whoopee, this was much nicer than the last time I was here! The crust was edible, this time. I guess midweek is probably a better time to visit than Fridays. I also notice they've dropped the practice of taking people's names when they order, and asking for those people when they bring the order.. still didn't stop me initially missing my order this time! Never mind, it wasn't long in coming.

And as usual, it was great to see everyone - roll on the next!

Well now - tomorrow has proved a bit of a problem: hence the delay in advertising it. So, a couple of Meetup groups are headed to Beyond Bollywood, a dance show at the Peacock. And I decided that was what I'd like to do. Their event quotas were full - so I decided to book my own ticket, go on my own. But I have this theatre token from Seatplan, you see, and wanted to use that! Now, this is one of the venues that don't accept them online - so I had to ring the box office to book. Unfortunately, the box office has opening hours - and every time I thought to book, it was outside those hours. So I finally gave up, and booked one of the last two cheap tickets, without use of a token.

On Friday, assuming I STILL don't have a job (well, even if I get an offer tomorrow, they have to send me a contract, and there's no way I'd be up and running by Friday), I'm back with Laurence and the 45+s for a tour of Wild and Wondrous Wapping. Postponed due to one of the endless train strikes, so I'm delighted to be able to make it now. And that evening, I'm back to Ireland again.

On Saturday, I'm getting my second booster - in Ireland; they aren't rolling them out to my age group in the UK until at least Monday, so I said I might as well. No availability in Ennis, which is my closest centre, so I said I'd try Limerick, and had no trouble getting a slot there. And if I get jabbed in a timely fashion (you never know!), I might make it to a film - the appointment is for 2pm, and if I make it, the film in question - a few minutes' drive down the road, in the Omniplex - is Three Thousand Years of Longing, showing at 2.50. It's a fantasy in which Tilda Swinton is an academic, all of whose family have died, and who heads to Istanbul on holiday. Where she buys a curious lamp as a souvenir. Which, of course, has a djinn (Idris Elba) in it, who grants her three wishes.. pretty classic story, I'd be interested to see what they do with it.

And as usual, I'm back to London on Sunday. Leaving my taxi driver, who minds my car while I'm not near it, to take it for its NCT (equivalent of MOT) the following Friday.. Jeez, such a busy life!

Strange Tales of Old (and New) London Tour

Today, I booked for the Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street Tour with Poppy's Events for 40s 50s and 60s, another new group to me. But Laurence and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners had a walk today as well - the Strange Tales of Old (and New) London Tour. And with the company I'm waiting on saying they wouldn't let me know before today (and haven't, at time of writing) - I was free. So I went on this instead - didn't fancy doing both, although I could have.

Good for me, I got out in time to get the bus. I'd have to change, but that should have been fine - except for the slowest driver known to humanity, who moseyed along the route, stopping at every stop regardless of whether anyone was there, waiting at stops for no apparent reason - and of course I missed my connection. So, I ended up on the Tube after all - which I could have taken in the first place! At least the District Line was nice and cool - outside was a different story, as the heat was becoming oppressive. It was but a short trot to The Liberty Bounds, where we were to meet, but I was glad to have Google Maps to direct me - and there was our guide, who just stepped out as I arrived, fielding calls on his phone, and was able to direct me to the back, where the others were. As we were waiting, I had time to grab a much-needed lemonade..

Some interesting historical stuff down the back:

Throughout today's walk, Laurence took care of us, stopping in the shade where possible - and it was most helpful. We spent some time around the Tower, where some gruesome tales were told.. and members of his audience were oh so ready to contribute. In due course, we continued to the City - imagine, only a couple of months since I lived there! Still feels like home, in a way.

There's a wealth of information to be told about all these buildings, and their layers of history.. Sadly, when we came to the church of St. Helen Bishopsgate, it was closed to us - unusually, it seems. But it certainly sounds worth further investigation.

And so to the knight that symbolises the knights to whom the land was given, once upon a time..

Afterwards, back to the Lord Aberconway, where after having a sandwich the last time, I decided to get a steak and ale pie. Which was very tasty - I had to leave most of the crust, mind, which was too tough! Interestingly, they had developed a policy of asking for people's names when taking their orders, so they could ask for the person when they arrived with them, rather than for who ordered what - a very good idea, except for the name they completely mispronounced so the fellow had no idea they were talking about him! Otherwise, it was a good lunch, where - as one of our table said - we "set the world to rights".

Thence, on to the Red Lion again, where we took up most of the upstairs - as Laurence remarked, it was great to see that most people from the walk did stay for lunch, and then for drinks! and a good conversation, as ever. As we left, someone fancied ice cream - so we ended up doing a tour of Eataly, and finishing with some goodies. Another excellent afternoon with Laurence, and with this group - there are advantages to being (temporarily) unemployed.

Tomorrow, I'm off to see The Ehrlich Brothers, a magic show at the Wembley Arena. (Oh goodee, a lie-in!) This is with Friendly Frolickers 50+ Meetup Group - so I've joined them as well. I was - as often happens - rather frazzled when I booked though, and completely forgot that they have their own, discounted tickets! Blast - they do this specifically so that they can sit together. Well, I've booked my own - more expensively - and explained. Can't be helped. Oh, and again, CT now has tickets for that very day..

On Sunday, I booked with the 45+s again - but not with Laurence this time! They do have walks guided by other people, and this one is of Brick Lane. Except.. today I noticed it's also on TAC. So I've now cancelled my original booking, and booked through them instead (cheaper). Oh, how mercenary of me.. but the guide was the one who decided to advertise it there as well!

For Monday, I finally gave up on Meetup - the best things coming up were walks, and it's supposed to rain. Instead, I'm headed with TAC to a show called Mediocre White Male, at the King's Head (another place I haven't been to in years!).

On Tuesday, back with Civilised London - for a Syrian meal this time, at Imad's Syrian Kitchen. Meeting beforehand at The Clachan.

On Wednesday - well, I've signed up with Soho Comedy Factory Shows and Socials, which organises free events on Wednesdays at the aforementioned Soho Comedy Factory. Again. And again, this is subject to change. Watch this space..

On Thursday, I've decided on film. Having garnered all the available films this week, I had an interesting choice to make: ended up eliminating lots of films from the top of the list for sheer lack of interest! Basically, the decision process ran like - if this came on TV, would I watch it or turn it off? And so I came down to the one I really wanted to see. Nope is the latest from the excellent Jordan Peele, and stars Daniel Kaluuya (again) as the hapless victim of horrific events - extra-terrestrials this time. With Jordan Peele's typical injection of humour, this promises to be fun! And it's on at my local, so I get to see it for free.

And then, of course, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.

Old Jewish Neighbourhood Walking Tour & Films: Red Joan & Dog

Last Friday, Laurence Summers persuaded me to come on his Old Jewish Neighbourhood Walking Tour - with the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners, as it happens. Now, it started in the morning - and ended with lunch - so I thought that should be ok for my flight! Hell, it was all around my area. And my new job hasn't started yet, so.. Got cash out on the way home the evening before, as he requires it. I just hoped it'd warm up a bit..

And so it did, dawning bright and sunny, and nice and warm in the sunshine. Oh, if only I could find my sunglasses..! Anyway, I grabbed a bite to eat in Liverpool Street and walked from there to Aldgate Station, where we were to meet. The most direct route took me down through Devonshire Square - the first place of many that day, where I'd never been before!

And so to Aldgate, where it wasn't long before a group of us congregated. Quite a large cohort, into which Laurence slipped without fuss and started checking off names. I was glad when we finally left - as I remarked to someone, I can walk, but I cannot stand.. my back starts to kill me after not too long.

Now, there's plenty to say about the neighbourhood - but of course, this walk had a Jewish theme, and we focussed on places associated with the Jewish community. Sadly, synagogues aren't always so easy to photograph. Churches tend to be more prominent:

And as we wended our way through narrow alleyways, some of the views were spectacular, looking upwards. A lot of this area was bombed in wartime, of course, and rebuilt. And with land at a premium, they tend to build vertically:

Also interesting things to see, closer to the ground:

Back to business, and a former soup kitchen:

..in an area of atmospheric old buildings:

And finally, a synagogue I could get a decent photo of.. in a lovely, narrow street:

But of course, there was more to the walk than architecture, and we learned a lot about the history of Jews in Europe, in England, and specifically in this area. Many people on the walk had a particular interest in the topic - me, I'm just a history buff in general, and I was delighted to come across a whole subject I knew little about, but now can say I know considerably more! If Laurence ever chose to write a book on the subject, I'd be interested, for one..

And so, back to Liverpool Street, where we ended the walk and some of us headed for lunch:

The Lord Aberconway was the destination, where we had booked the complete upper level - which, seating about 20 or so, was the perfect size! Why, as I remarked, if conversation palled, we were even overlooking the tv! (Not that there was a lack of conversation, of course.) Or, in the other direction, they had a live departures board for the station. Very handy - although I didn't need to catch a train for hours yet.

Ordering could be done by phone, or at the bar. Most people had toasties - mine was ham and cheese. I was jealous of those who had the fish finger sandwiches though! I wasn't crazy about my ham and cheese - the ham was a bit too thick for purpose, as was the bread, and I didn't finish it. When I ordered, I'd been given a choice of "chips or fries".. turned out, when I checked the menu afterwards, the chips are triple-cooked, and the fries are skin-on. Anyway, my chips were very good.

As was the conversation! When we finished up there, many of us repaired to another pub - at Laurence's suggestion, we headed to The Red Lion, just north of Finsbury Circus. Where again, we sat upstairs, providing company for the two people actually eating up there. And we spent a lovely hour. As the song says, "Of all the money that e're I had, I spent it in good company.." Truly, a lovely bunch of people, a great tour guide, and an excellent way to spend a day. Very glad I did that. I can't make all the upcoming walks, but will be keeping an eye out for more..

That evening, back to Ireland for the weekend, and the evening was spent watching telly with my mother. The late film turned out to be Red Joan - which I hadn't seen! Loosely based on the story of Melita Norwood, who passed British atomic secrets to the Soviets in the 1940s and 1950s, and was outed as a spy when elderly - in this film, she's played as an old woman by Dame Judi Dench. Tom Hughes plays her Communist lover, back in the day, who inspired her towards the actions she took. Hmm yes, I don't blame her.. Anyway, not terribly highly rated, which is why I never saw it in the cinema, but this is actually really watchable! despite the rather depressing interior decor of the time. By the time it was over, it was too late to blog, since I had to be up early-ish.

On Saturday, I had another legal meeting. I actually didn't have much to do, perhaps five minutes' worth - but the man was chatty, and honestly I thought I'd never get out of there! When I eventually did, I already had a film planned - which was (ahem) Dog, where Channing Tatum - a soldier - bonds with a dog he's taking to another soldier's funeral. (He also co-directs.) The Omniplex is cheaper, so I was delighted to be able to book for the earlier showing there.

And to be honest, it's better than I'd expected a film of his to be. The military jingoism is kept to a minimum - while the film acknowledges his military background, and actually has something to say about the way war veterans are treated in the States, it does show his softer side, and has something to say also about the problems with the army's gung-ho attitude. And then, there's that gorgeous dog.. a big dog, one of those complicated, exotic-sounding breeds that none of us have heard of, she looks quite like an Alsatian. And they have great fun along the way, as she goes from unmanageable to cute.. well gee, all she needed was someone to listen to her! One for dog lovers, this. Or Channing Tatum lovers. Works either way. Anyway, I enjoyed it. And that night, I was too tired to blog.

Spent most of today planning ahead - hang onto your hats, my schedule is getting back to its normal, crammed self. Now back in London, and tomorrow, back with London Classical Music and Theatre Group (LCMTG) for a concert at Wigmore Hall. Happily, there are a few people coming that I know and it'll be great to see them, as always.

On Tuesday, Interesting Talks London is discussing - via Zoom - IEMT and Psoriasis - How Moving Your Eyes Helps a Skin Condition! Hmm..

On Wednesday, wouldn't you know it, Helen is unexpectedly in town for a conference. But that evening, I'm back with Civilised London (CL) for a Turkish meal, at Liman - meeting beforehand at The Crown, as usual. And this group doesn't take +1s! Nuts. So I've agreed to head over to Earl's Court to meet her briefly before tearing across town for my other event. Whoever said my life wasn't complicated..

On Thursday, 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.

On Friday, Laurence and the 45+s 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.

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

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

On the ninth and 10th, back with LCMTG, The ninth, 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 of next month, going to see Daddy at the Almeida. Having never seen a bad production here, I have high hopes.

On the 29th of next month, 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 of next month, back with CL - for a play this time. This is The Fever Syndrome, at Hampstead Theatre.

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

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

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

On the 3rd of April, 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 April, 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 April, I'm headed to But I'm a Cheerleader, a musical comedy at the Turbine Theatre.

On the 6th of April, 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 April, 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.

And on the 11th of April, 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..