Tonight, I was back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group, back to Westferry Circus.. this time it was for A Woman of No Importance. However, then I got roped into a late evening meeting, so given that this was free - and I wasn't that pushed - I booked for Love Lab, at the Tristan Bates Theatre. Which starts a lot later. The meeting then got cancelled, of course..
Well, that did afford me lots of time in the office, to work on the never-ending list of tasks assigned to me. I stayed quite late, then left my boss hard at it to take the bus to very near our old office, as I told him. I could take either bus that came - the one that required a change happened to come first, but made great time, and gee, my second bus came hard on its heels. For once, I was late enough that there wasn't much traffic down Shaftesbury Avenue - so I made great time overall, and the theatre is right around the corner.
So, this is part of the Camden Fringe, and this was the opening night. In this theatre, they have your name on a list, and give you a laminated ticket. We were kept waiting for ages, I'm afraid.. and the bar was too crowded for me to bother getting anything. Crowds downstairs, crowds outside the door - it was a relief when they finally let us in, five minutes late. Unassigned seating, of course - I was one of the first in, and took a seat in the front row. Natch. Small theatre, pretty much full tonight.
Love Lab takes its theme from the zeitgeist of reality tv shows, with a young man and woman enclosed in a windowless, doorless room for a week - to get to know each other. In the company of a disembodied electronic voice, which spends most of its time asking them questions - the show also takes its inspiration from the "36 questions" used in a 1967 experiment to get two strangers to fall in love. They're given food, toilet facilities, and bedding. And a first aid kit. Off we go. Oh, and of course, there are cameras everywhere - and they're not allowed to come out until their week is finished.
I hate reality tv shows. I think they're stupid and boring, a complete waste of time - and exploitative. And yes, this show brings up all of these themes. The electronic voice becomes grating, the contestants get stir-crazy and paranoid. But by 'eck they've made a compelling play out of it - lasting an hour, it runs through a gamut of emotions as they get to know each other, one decides they don't like the scenario, the other is willing to play along. Emotions are bared, and an issue is made of how deeply the programme delves into their pasts, and private lives. And I'm sorry to admit, when it came to the crunch, I was as anxious as anyone to know whether they'd choose to love, or to leave. A really nice, concise, on-the-nail analysis of reality tv. Realistic enough that the audience was joining in with the conversations, and gasped at the conclusion! Recommended - runs until Saturday.
Tomorrow, 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. Meetup is pretty quiet this week, given that many of Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) are up at the Edinburgh Fringe.
On Wednesday - 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 Thursday, I'm headed to Soho Theatre for The One. Then back to Ireland for the weekend, again.
Next Monday, 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.
Showing posts with label The Tristan Bates Theatre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Tristan Bates Theatre. Show all posts
Monday, 13 August 2018
Tuesday, 13 March 2018
Play: Glass Roots
Tonight, Funzing (via Meetup) threw up a couple of things I've already done, and several I wasn't interested in. The CLOG had an interesting-sounding walk - but frankly, I find them a bit clingy - not inclined to go again, I don't fancy the constant pressure to join for good! I was thinking of a film, but what came up was Makala, a documentary about a young Congolese charcoal farmer - not that interested. Instead, I booked - with my £3.60 club - for a play called Glass Roots, in the Tristan Bates Theatre. Early bird discount price is £12..
Either of two buses would do me, and as I approached the stop, both pulled up to it! No way was I in the mood to run, however - I was early anyway. So I missed both, and a five-minute wait ensued. En route, was entertained by a young lady jiggling to music only she could hear, on her headphones. Or maybe she had mild Tourette's. Anyway, it was very rhythmic. I duly disembarked at Tottenham Court Road, where I was hit with a wave of nostalgia - I miss living around here. My walk to the theatre took me within sight of our old office building - I see they haven't demolished it yet! And then I couldn't remember exactly where this extremely discreet theatre was - go down Earlham Street, it's just on the corner with Tower Street.
Just had to give my name, and I got one of their laminated, reusable tickets. Downstairs to the bar, which is a bit weird - the serving area is at such a low level, the bar staff are only at the height of the customers' waists! A glass of wine, a packet of Maltesers - plenty of space, this early, and I had no problem getting a seat to read my paper. As I waited, it turned out that most of those who'd got there before me were there for an improv session - I hadn't realised there's another studio here. Anyway, I was just on the point of finishing my drink when we were called into the "play-play", as the woman behind the bar had called it.
I took a front-row seat - it's a small theatre, and was fairly full. All I knew was that it was a play about racism. Well, it immediately became obvious that it's set in an Indian restaurant in England - Indian music plays over the speakers, tables are set up, an Indian-looking man sits writing at a table. It also soon becomes apparent that it's set in the 70s (why?!) - if the decor doesn't give it away, the Blue Nun (!) that's produced for the diners should, as should the old-fashioned phone on the counter, and more so, the absence of mobile phones of any kind.
Point: the glasses of mineral water that are poured are very small. Anyway. In short, this is dreadful. Oh, the acting's all right - they do their best with terrible material. Thank goodness it's only 70 minutes long - I was looking at my watch almost constantly from halfway through (in common with most bad pieces, there's no interval). Indeed, I couldn't resist the urge to read some more of my paper. See, there are six people in this - the Indian couple who run the restaurant, the two awful National-Front-type thugs who invade on a night of rioting, and a higher-class English couple, cringeworthy in their attempts (well, hers) to interact with the Indian couple - he looks down on them as servants (honestly, are there people who are still that ignorant?), she is patronising, and embarassingly flirty, in her attempts to befriend the Indian man.
Neither is it entertaining to watch, nor does it tell us anything new. Most of the time is spent suffering the display of ignorance on the part of the thugs, as they terrorise the restaurateurs - furniture and threats are thrown around, and one gives a particularly unpleasant rendition of a nationalist song (in a fine voice, I must concede). On and on it goes, and you do wonder what the point is - we all know this happens. The other couple are obviously there for light relief, but they're just annoying. I groaned when they came back on, once the danger was past. The only noteworthy moment is when the Indian woman gets to have her say - otherwise, its only merit is that it's short. Of course it is - the playwright obviously couldn't think of anything else to say! I left with relief. Runs till the 24th - AVOID! Also, I didn't pay as much, but the regular ticket prices for this are far too steep.
Tomorrow and on Thursday, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats; Wednesday is The Great Wave, in the Dorfman. On Thursday, the opening night of Ballet Black, at the Barbican. Sold out now.
On Friday, Funzing - via Walking in London - has The Hidden Horrors Haunted History London Ghost Walk. Hell, the alliteration alone got me interested! Got it for free, what with a combination of my loyalty discount, and the crazy_fun 10% discount code.
On Saturday, London European Club organised a trip to a ceilidh for St. Patrick's Day - however, it was subsequently cancelled, for essential ongoing maintenance work on the building. Which, mind you, worked out perfectly for me, as after booking it, I discovered I'm travelling to the company's Silicon Valley office that day, where I'll be for most of the following week. It'll be my first time in California. And when I get back, I'll be turning straight around and flying to Ireland for the weekend.
Either of two buses would do me, and as I approached the stop, both pulled up to it! No way was I in the mood to run, however - I was early anyway. So I missed both, and a five-minute wait ensued. En route, was entertained by a young lady jiggling to music only she could hear, on her headphones. Or maybe she had mild Tourette's. Anyway, it was very rhythmic. I duly disembarked at Tottenham Court Road, where I was hit with a wave of nostalgia - I miss living around here. My walk to the theatre took me within sight of our old office building - I see they haven't demolished it yet! And then I couldn't remember exactly where this extremely discreet theatre was - go down Earlham Street, it's just on the corner with Tower Street.
Just had to give my name, and I got one of their laminated, reusable tickets. Downstairs to the bar, which is a bit weird - the serving area is at such a low level, the bar staff are only at the height of the customers' waists! A glass of wine, a packet of Maltesers - plenty of space, this early, and I had no problem getting a seat to read my paper. As I waited, it turned out that most of those who'd got there before me were there for an improv session - I hadn't realised there's another studio here. Anyway, I was just on the point of finishing my drink when we were called into the "play-play", as the woman behind the bar had called it.
I took a front-row seat - it's a small theatre, and was fairly full. All I knew was that it was a play about racism. Well, it immediately became obvious that it's set in an Indian restaurant in England - Indian music plays over the speakers, tables are set up, an Indian-looking man sits writing at a table. It also soon becomes apparent that it's set in the 70s (why?!) - if the decor doesn't give it away, the Blue Nun (!) that's produced for the diners should, as should the old-fashioned phone on the counter, and more so, the absence of mobile phones of any kind.
Point: the glasses of mineral water that are poured are very small. Anyway. In short, this is dreadful. Oh, the acting's all right - they do their best with terrible material. Thank goodness it's only 70 minutes long - I was looking at my watch almost constantly from halfway through (in common with most bad pieces, there's no interval). Indeed, I couldn't resist the urge to read some more of my paper. See, there are six people in this - the Indian couple who run the restaurant, the two awful National-Front-type thugs who invade on a night of rioting, and a higher-class English couple, cringeworthy in their attempts (well, hers) to interact with the Indian couple - he looks down on them as servants (honestly, are there people who are still that ignorant?), she is patronising, and embarassingly flirty, in her attempts to befriend the Indian man.
Neither is it entertaining to watch, nor does it tell us anything new. Most of the time is spent suffering the display of ignorance on the part of the thugs, as they terrorise the restaurateurs - furniture and threats are thrown around, and one gives a particularly unpleasant rendition of a nationalist song (in a fine voice, I must concede). On and on it goes, and you do wonder what the point is - we all know this happens. The other couple are obviously there for light relief, but they're just annoying. I groaned when they came back on, once the danger was past. The only noteworthy moment is when the Indian woman gets to have her say - otherwise, its only merit is that it's short. Of course it is - the playwright obviously couldn't think of anything else to say! I left with relief. Runs till the 24th - AVOID! Also, I didn't pay as much, but the regular ticket prices for this are far too steep.
Tomorrow and on Thursday, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats; Wednesday is The Great Wave, in the Dorfman. On Thursday, the opening night of Ballet Black, at the Barbican. Sold out now.
On Friday, Funzing - via Walking in London - has The Hidden Horrors Haunted History London Ghost Walk. Hell, the alliteration alone got me interested! Got it for free, what with a combination of my loyalty discount, and the crazy_fun 10% discount code.
On Saturday, London European Club organised a trip to a ceilidh for St. Patrick's Day - however, it was subsequently cancelled, for essential ongoing maintenance work on the building. Which, mind you, worked out perfectly for me, as after booking it, I discovered I'm travelling to the company's Silicon Valley office that day, where I'll be for most of the following week. It'll be my first time in California. And when I get back, I'll be turning straight around and flying to Ireland for the weekend.
Tuesday, 8 August 2017
Plays: Beautiful Little Fools & Borders in the Bedroom
Tonight, a member of the frightfully busy Up in the Cheap Seats advertised a couple of plays in the Camden Fringe Festival - obviously a thing of his, considering everything he's been advertising! And I've booked most of it.. Tonight was two short plays: Beautiful Little Fools, in The Cockpit, and Borders in a Bedroom, in the Tristan Bates Theatre.
I had a late meeting, but left in decent time - according to Google Maps, who told me to take the 38 to Oxford Street and another bus from there. Well, I was happily gliding down Piccadilly, when I realised we'd been going straight for too long - according to the directions, we should have turned by now. Checking where we actually were, I was appalled to discover that I was way off track. (I did wonder why a Victoria-bound bus coming from that direction would be headed via Oxford Street.) I got off at the next stop, Green Park, and asked directions of it again - now, it said to take the 6, which was imminent. When there was no sign of that either, I gave up on Google Maps, and took the Tube to Marylebone instead.
I like Marylebone station, with its elegant, lace-effect steelwork. And it wasn't a long walk to the Cockpit - Google Maps knew where it was going, this time. The box office is right inside the door, so I picked up my ticket, then entered a crammed bar. With no idea where the few members of the group who were going this evening might be in the crowd, I got myself a glass of wine - not exactly in a wine glass, but it was cheap, and good. And after looking around for a bit, I did spy the Meetup sign on a table - the organiser had said he'd pop it on a table if he could get one. The sofa was very soft.. and very, very low! And so we sat there for a bit before the doors finally opened and we made our way in.
Unallocated seating - we took positions on one of the benches in the front row. Those near the door were reserved - obviously for latecomers, and wisely; there were quite a few, later. Again, the front-row benches were really low - they must have a thing for that, here! A few piles of - junk - delineated the limits of the stage area, so we were quite safe in stretching out our legs.
Beautiful Little Fools had some young women, in identical white, shift dresses, trapped in some doorless, windowless room. Ankle bracelets delivered electric shocks when they misbehaved - and periodically, a high-pitched whine presaged the broadcast of a series of reactionary political statements, from recognisable politicians: despite Maggie's voice being heavily distorted! Disturbing, flashing lights caused me trouble, as well as them. They were obviously being brainwashed - for some unspecified purpose. During the hour or so that it lasted, we got to see their progress from confusion and fear to a certain social order, and with competing personalities, we got to guess which would prevail.
Turns out one of the performers actually wrote the piece - well done her! It's a very interesting idea, and was enthusiastically done, although not the most polished thing I've seen, and a couple of the performers didn't ring true to me. However, a good effort, beautifully staged on a minimalist set. Only ran for two nights in the festival, ending tonight.
Afterwards, we all took the Tube south, me and the organiser getting off at Piccadilly Circus for our next outing. Wouldn't you know, the Tristan Bates Theatre is down a side street right across from my office! I was also surprised to realise I've been here before - a couple of times, I think, but years ago - pre-blog, as I don't have a label for it. Anyway, once we'd got our tickets, we repaired to the downstairs bar - which was absolutely hopping! Well, this performance - and I believe, the whole run now - was sold out. We got drinks and snacks - double-bills are hungry affairs - and found ourselves a morsel of space, moving upstairs after a while to reception, where there was more air to breathe.
A technical issue meant a late start, and we were relieved when they finally opened the doors, just with the crush of people, inside and out! Unallocated seating again, on rather more comfortable folding seats. The whole of Borders in the Bedroom takes place in the bedroom of the title, where we see the argument between a man and woman, Muslim and Hindu, American and British, of Pakistani and Indian descent, an architect and an artist, one who wants kids and one who doesn't.. with constant news briefings broadcast on her mobile, mostly describing terrorist, religious-based atrocities: really, could they have more to fight about?
It's brilliant. No disrespect to Beautiful Little Fools, but the writing in this is so superior. The playwright (also taking the woman's role in this) delivers a snappy script, her characters batting accusations at each other in a seemingly never-ending game of verbal tennis. But hey, it's not all doom and gloom - it's frequently hilarious, with her, when she thinks she's losing a point, constantly falling back on her refrain "But it's my birthday!" with a perfectly executed pout. Which he can never resist.
The whole room was enthralled, and the hour flew by, as we wondered whether peace would reign, and what it would take: the take-away message is that what's required is compromise, love, and perhaps looking at things in a totally new way.. Runs till Saturday, and if you're around the theatre, well worth checking for returns. You'll be glad if you get one. The lady beside me must have been so proud - she certainly sounded so, as she informed me that the lady in the play was her best friend's daughter!
Tomorrow, I had booked free comedy in Greenwich, with Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith, Wimbledon and Greenwich, and Random London. Then I booked with London Live Comedy and Funzing UK for "Gangster Magic" at The Water Rats. Magic and comedy - sounded interesting. Finally, however, I was saved by London Literary Walks, whose organiser is running a walk that evening on 101 Dalmatians! Honestly, I don't really know what the walk is about - but it has to be better. Mary messaged me about it - for some reason, I didn't get a notification. It is supposed to rain, and he scheduled a provisional date the day after - but of course, I'm busy that day, and would rather tomorrow. And it seems there's no great enthusiasm for Thursday, so that should be ok! Funnily enough, I passed the pub we're to meet in on my walk from the station this evening - well, I'll know to treat Google Maps with a bit more scepticism when I map out my route tomorrow!
On Thursday, the London European Club is off to a contemporary dance performance called Morphed, at the Royal Festival Hall. It's part of the Nordic Matters festival, apparently.
On Friday, handily enough, Spooky London Pubs (another new group for me - I think!) are hosting a talk on Conan Doyle and the Mysterious World of Light. Handiest of all, it's in the King and Queen - my local! Why, I pass it every day.. Couldn't miss the opportunity to pop in.
On Saturday, I'm finally back with London Dramatic Arts, for the opening night of Against, with Ben Whishaw, at the Almeida. I'm in the rear stalls - they also have tickets in the front stalls, for a higher price, of course. They're actually also going to see Apologia, with Stockard Channing and Laura Carmichael, earlier in the day, but for a ridiculous price, so I passed on that. (Never mind, I'm going myself - cheaper - in October: cheapest tickets I found were with Amazon Tickets.)
On Sunday, I've now booked with Carpe Diem, who are doing a Cockney Walk.
On Monday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats: just a single play this time, Dark Room, at the Etcetera Theatre.
Next Tuesday, back with Funzing: LDN Talks @Night and London Speaks Sessions have a talk called Z List - Dead List! So, a comedian is to regale us with tales of nefarious dead people, and we are to decide who deserves to become a celebrity forever! I got a 30% discount with the code WELLBEING30. Shoreditch, as usual - this one is in the Loves Company Cocktail Bar.
On the 16th, another Camden Fringe double bill with Up in the Cheap Seats: Ego, in The Lion and Unicorn, and The Trial of Le Singe, in The Water Rats.
On the 17th, I'm headed to a rather interesting talk on Bodysnatching in Southwark! Mary, too.. and it's a funny thing, all the tickets were gone when I first saw it, but then I checked again on spec, and more were available! Lucky. As advertised by Walks, Talks and Treasure Hunts - but they're not running it, tickets are available on Eventbrite, and are free. I see London Social Detours are going too. Then I'm back to Ireland again for the weekend.
On the 21st, I'm off to see Jesus Christ Superstar, finally! At the open-air theatre in Regent's Park - hope it doesn't rain.
On the 22nd, my first talk with Scarlet Ladies UK (!). Their stated aim is to abolish the stigma of talking about sex.. so they have a load of talks. This one is about the history of slut-shaming.
On the 23rd, back with Jennifer Rees (and the same two Meetup Funzing groups again), for a talk about the Psychology of Serial Killers. This is at least the third instance of this talk - I was booked for one last month, but had to cancel - it clashed with the trip to the Icebar. The next was sold out - and then I saw this one and booked, at last! It's on the Battersea Barge, of all places! Just a 10% discount this time - I see the latest code for that is crazy_fun.
On the 24th, back with Up in the Cheap Seats for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, a musical about the life of Billie Holiday. Nice and close to me, at Wyndham's.
On the 25th, back with the same group (!) for yet another Camden Fringe double bill: Boris - the Musical! at the Cockpit again, and Make Advena Great Again, at Camden People's Theatre. Goodness, that's only a short walk from home..
On the 26th, I'm back to the Proms for the first time in years! Funnily enough, it was inspired by a Meetup group - Gothic Requiem London (!). This is the "Gothic Prom", you see - all the composers are Czech (Bohemian). Now, I'm no Goth - but the Proms sound like a great idea.
On the 27th, I'm off on a day trip to Bath, with Carpe Diem: booked while I was in Barcelona, recently.
On the 28th, the organiser of Walks, Talks & Treasure Hunts promised Helen and me free tickets to a treasure hunt she was organising that day - in recompense for that treasure hunt, not run by her but advertised by her, where the organisers never showed, and instead marked us as no-shows. However, the event on the 28th still hasn't been advertised, and what with severe engineering works at Waterloo for the whole month, Helen's not sure she can make it at all. We shall see.
On the 29th, I'm off to see Five Guys Named Moe, at the Marble Arch Theatre - a pop-up, it seems! From the Box Office provided the best deal on this occasion.
On the 30th, back with Up in the Cheap Seats, for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, at the Apollo (although booking is with the Young Vic), with Sienna Miller, Colm Meaney, and nudity. Cheapest tickets this time were with LoveTheatre.
On the 31st, back with those two Funzing groups. This time, the talk is entitled "Can You Trust the Media?", and is given by Annie Machon, who gave an interesting talk last month on Russian Hacking. Another 30% discount. I just wish she'd use some visual aids.. At the Lighthouse again, terrific. :-/ Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On the 4th September, I'm finally going to see Dreamgirls, at the Savoy. Amazon Tickets, again.
On the 5th September, back with the Scarlet Ladies for a talk on Generation Sex.
On the 6th September, I'm with another new group - North London Friends - for an interview with Michael Palin, at the Knowledge Centre Theatre at the British Library. I was really torn, though - London European Club is off to an early music concert the same night, and I do love that - but had already booked this, and it is Michael Palin. Hey-ho..
On the 7th September, back with North London Friends, and another talk on Fake News - different speaker, mind! This is the Fulbright Commission annual lecture, at the British Library.
On the 8th September, until today I was still technically booked for free comedy in Hammersmith with DiscoverLDN.UK. But, as I say - good atmosphere, but the comedy is usually pretty bad. I was saved - again - by Up in the Cheap Seats, who are off to see Doubt, a Parable, in Southwark Playhouse. Aww.. it's so long since I was there, and I have so many good memories of it from my time with the Man with the Hat!
On the 9th September, Helen and I have our 25km sponsored walk, in aid of Haslemere's Cat Protection Society. We're going as Dick Whittington and his cat, respectively, and the route is the Thames Bridges Trek. You can donate here..
Which will tire me out nicely, just in time for my flight to Prague the next morning! I'm at a conference there, Sunday to Tuesday. (What a nice company I work for!) Gee, but I love Prague - most beautiful city I've ever seen, and I've seen a few. They're putting me up at a nice hotel too, just down the road.
So, I fly back on the 12th September, and on the 13th I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats, at Sadler's Wells, for the Hofesh Schechter Company grand finale.
On the 14th September, I'm at another talk with Walks, Talks and Treasure Hunts - this one, at Southwark Cathedral, is about the River Effra, South London's Secret Spine. Another free Eventbrite event, this is to publicise a book about the subject, and the talk is given by the author. Another thing that had no tickets, then it did! Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On the 18th September, I'm off to Showstopper! at the Lyric. Ticket courtesy of From the Box Office again. I have actually seen this before - but, being an improvised musical, it literally is different every time!
On the 19th September, back with the Scarlet Ladies, for a talk entitled 100 Women - Their Breasts, Their Stories.
On the 20th September, Funzing (same two groups) and Jennifer Rees again - this time, a fun talk about the Psychology of Batman Villains! The first of hers for which I managed to get a 30% discount.. and it's on nice and close to me again. Seems to be a feature of her talks!
On the 21st September, technically, free comedy in Hammersmith - with Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith, Wimbledon and Greenwich, Random London, and DiscoverLDN.UK. And on the 22nd and 23rd September, the same - with DiscoverLDN.UK. I rather doubt it though - don't you?
I had booked the same on the 24th September, but was again saved - this time, by the World Music Meetup! They're off to see Kefaya, in Nell's Jazz and Blues bar, back in my old stomping ground of North End Road! Happy days, when I was working there..
On the 25th September, a group called Theatre and Stuff is off to see Prism, at Hampstead Theatre. They're charging extra to go with them, though - so I happily bought my own ticket. What the hey, odds are I won't know any of them anyway.
On the 26th September, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats - to see Wings, at The Young Vic. Accidentally booked standing, I think.. :-/
On the 27th September, with Up in the Cheap Seats again - for Jekyll & Hyde, presented by the National Youth Theatre, at the Ambassadors Theatre.
On the 28th September, with another new group: London, Surrey and Beyond.. for an event called "A Unique Experience. Olde Pub, Gerry's Private Club, 2 'i's Famous Fish 'n' Chips". Which says it all, really! Then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On the 2nd October, back at Hampstead Theatre, for No One Will Tell Me How to Start a Revolution. North London Friends are attending - and charging extra, so I'm going it alone!
On the 3rd October, free comedy in Hammersmith - nominally. With Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith, Wimbledon and Greenwich. Or not!
On the 4th October, Up in the Cheap Seats and Labour of Love, with Martin Freeman, at the Noel Coward Theatre. Cheapest tickets from the venue, for once!
On the 5th October, same group - headed to see the Company Wayne McGregor, at Sadler's Wells.
And finally! on the 6th October, headed to see Chekhov's The Seagull, at the Lyric. Third night in a row for that group - almost as busy a group as I am a person!
I had a late meeting, but left in decent time - according to Google Maps, who told me to take the 38 to Oxford Street and another bus from there. Well, I was happily gliding down Piccadilly, when I realised we'd been going straight for too long - according to the directions, we should have turned by now. Checking where we actually were, I was appalled to discover that I was way off track. (I did wonder why a Victoria-bound bus coming from that direction would be headed via Oxford Street.) I got off at the next stop, Green Park, and asked directions of it again - now, it said to take the 6, which was imminent. When there was no sign of that either, I gave up on Google Maps, and took the Tube to Marylebone instead.
I like Marylebone station, with its elegant, lace-effect steelwork. And it wasn't a long walk to the Cockpit - Google Maps knew where it was going, this time. The box office is right inside the door, so I picked up my ticket, then entered a crammed bar. With no idea where the few members of the group who were going this evening might be in the crowd, I got myself a glass of wine - not exactly in a wine glass, but it was cheap, and good. And after looking around for a bit, I did spy the Meetup sign on a table - the organiser had said he'd pop it on a table if he could get one. The sofa was very soft.. and very, very low! And so we sat there for a bit before the doors finally opened and we made our way in.
Unallocated seating - we took positions on one of the benches in the front row. Those near the door were reserved - obviously for latecomers, and wisely; there were quite a few, later. Again, the front-row benches were really low - they must have a thing for that, here! A few piles of - junk - delineated the limits of the stage area, so we were quite safe in stretching out our legs.
Beautiful Little Fools had some young women, in identical white, shift dresses, trapped in some doorless, windowless room. Ankle bracelets delivered electric shocks when they misbehaved - and periodically, a high-pitched whine presaged the broadcast of a series of reactionary political statements, from recognisable politicians: despite Maggie's voice being heavily distorted! Disturbing, flashing lights caused me trouble, as well as them. They were obviously being brainwashed - for some unspecified purpose. During the hour or so that it lasted, we got to see their progress from confusion and fear to a certain social order, and with competing personalities, we got to guess which would prevail.
Turns out one of the performers actually wrote the piece - well done her! It's a very interesting idea, and was enthusiastically done, although not the most polished thing I've seen, and a couple of the performers didn't ring true to me. However, a good effort, beautifully staged on a minimalist set. Only ran for two nights in the festival, ending tonight.
Afterwards, we all took the Tube south, me and the organiser getting off at Piccadilly Circus for our next outing. Wouldn't you know, the Tristan Bates Theatre is down a side street right across from my office! I was also surprised to realise I've been here before - a couple of times, I think, but years ago - pre-blog, as I don't have a label for it. Anyway, once we'd got our tickets, we repaired to the downstairs bar - which was absolutely hopping! Well, this performance - and I believe, the whole run now - was sold out. We got drinks and snacks - double-bills are hungry affairs - and found ourselves a morsel of space, moving upstairs after a while to reception, where there was more air to breathe.
A technical issue meant a late start, and we were relieved when they finally opened the doors, just with the crush of people, inside and out! Unallocated seating again, on rather more comfortable folding seats. The whole of Borders in the Bedroom takes place in the bedroom of the title, where we see the argument between a man and woman, Muslim and Hindu, American and British, of Pakistani and Indian descent, an architect and an artist, one who wants kids and one who doesn't.. with constant news briefings broadcast on her mobile, mostly describing terrorist, religious-based atrocities: really, could they have more to fight about?
It's brilliant. No disrespect to Beautiful Little Fools, but the writing in this is so superior. The playwright (also taking the woman's role in this) delivers a snappy script, her characters batting accusations at each other in a seemingly never-ending game of verbal tennis. But hey, it's not all doom and gloom - it's frequently hilarious, with her, when she thinks she's losing a point, constantly falling back on her refrain "But it's my birthday!" with a perfectly executed pout. Which he can never resist.
The whole room was enthralled, and the hour flew by, as we wondered whether peace would reign, and what it would take: the take-away message is that what's required is compromise, love, and perhaps looking at things in a totally new way.. Runs till Saturday, and if you're around the theatre, well worth checking for returns. You'll be glad if you get one. The lady beside me must have been so proud - she certainly sounded so, as she informed me that the lady in the play was her best friend's daughter!
Tomorrow, I had booked free comedy in Greenwich, with Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith, Wimbledon and Greenwich, and Random London. Then I booked with London Live Comedy and Funzing UK for "Gangster Magic" at The Water Rats. Magic and comedy - sounded interesting. Finally, however, I was saved by London Literary Walks, whose organiser is running a walk that evening on 101 Dalmatians! Honestly, I don't really know what the walk is about - but it has to be better. Mary messaged me about it - for some reason, I didn't get a notification. It is supposed to rain, and he scheduled a provisional date the day after - but of course, I'm busy that day, and would rather tomorrow. And it seems there's no great enthusiasm for Thursday, so that should be ok! Funnily enough, I passed the pub we're to meet in on my walk from the station this evening - well, I'll know to treat Google Maps with a bit more scepticism when I map out my route tomorrow!
On Thursday, the London European Club is off to a contemporary dance performance called Morphed, at the Royal Festival Hall. It's part of the Nordic Matters festival, apparently.
On Friday, handily enough, Spooky London Pubs (another new group for me - I think!) are hosting a talk on Conan Doyle and the Mysterious World of Light. Handiest of all, it's in the King and Queen - my local! Why, I pass it every day.. Couldn't miss the opportunity to pop in.
On Saturday, I'm finally back with London Dramatic Arts, for the opening night of Against, with Ben Whishaw, at the Almeida. I'm in the rear stalls - they also have tickets in the front stalls, for a higher price, of course. They're actually also going to see Apologia, with Stockard Channing and Laura Carmichael, earlier in the day, but for a ridiculous price, so I passed on that. (Never mind, I'm going myself - cheaper - in October: cheapest tickets I found were with Amazon Tickets.)
On Sunday, I've now booked with Carpe Diem, who are doing a Cockney Walk.
On Monday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats: just a single play this time, Dark Room, at the Etcetera Theatre.
Next Tuesday, back with Funzing: LDN Talks @Night and London Speaks Sessions have a talk called Z List - Dead List! So, a comedian is to regale us with tales of nefarious dead people, and we are to decide who deserves to become a celebrity forever! I got a 30% discount with the code WELLBEING30. Shoreditch, as usual - this one is in the Loves Company Cocktail Bar.
On the 16th, another Camden Fringe double bill with Up in the Cheap Seats: Ego, in The Lion and Unicorn, and The Trial of Le Singe, in The Water Rats.
On the 17th, I'm headed to a rather interesting talk on Bodysnatching in Southwark! Mary, too.. and it's a funny thing, all the tickets were gone when I first saw it, but then I checked again on spec, and more were available! Lucky. As advertised by Walks, Talks and Treasure Hunts - but they're not running it, tickets are available on Eventbrite, and are free. I see London Social Detours are going too. Then I'm back to Ireland again for the weekend.
On the 21st, I'm off to see Jesus Christ Superstar, finally! At the open-air theatre in Regent's Park - hope it doesn't rain.
On the 22nd, my first talk with Scarlet Ladies UK (!). Their stated aim is to abolish the stigma of talking about sex.. so they have a load of talks. This one is about the history of slut-shaming.
On the 23rd, back with Jennifer Rees (and the same two Meetup Funzing groups again), for a talk about the Psychology of Serial Killers. This is at least the third instance of this talk - I was booked for one last month, but had to cancel - it clashed with the trip to the Icebar. The next was sold out - and then I saw this one and booked, at last! It's on the Battersea Barge, of all places! Just a 10% discount this time - I see the latest code for that is crazy_fun.
On the 24th, back with Up in the Cheap Seats for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, a musical about the life of Billie Holiday. Nice and close to me, at Wyndham's.
On the 25th, back with the same group (!) for yet another Camden Fringe double bill: Boris - the Musical! at the Cockpit again, and Make Advena Great Again, at Camden People's Theatre. Goodness, that's only a short walk from home..
On the 26th, I'm back to the Proms for the first time in years! Funnily enough, it was inspired by a Meetup group - Gothic Requiem London (!). This is the "Gothic Prom", you see - all the composers are Czech (Bohemian). Now, I'm no Goth - but the Proms sound like a great idea.
On the 27th, I'm off on a day trip to Bath, with Carpe Diem: booked while I was in Barcelona, recently.
On the 28th, the organiser of Walks, Talks & Treasure Hunts promised Helen and me free tickets to a treasure hunt she was organising that day - in recompense for that treasure hunt, not run by her but advertised by her, where the organisers never showed, and instead marked us as no-shows. However, the event on the 28th still hasn't been advertised, and what with severe engineering works at Waterloo for the whole month, Helen's not sure she can make it at all. We shall see.
On the 29th, I'm off to see Five Guys Named Moe, at the Marble Arch Theatre - a pop-up, it seems! From the Box Office provided the best deal on this occasion.
On the 30th, back with Up in the Cheap Seats, for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, at the Apollo (although booking is with the Young Vic), with Sienna Miller, Colm Meaney, and nudity. Cheapest tickets this time were with LoveTheatre.
On the 31st, back with those two Funzing groups. This time, the talk is entitled "Can You Trust the Media?", and is given by Annie Machon, who gave an interesting talk last month on Russian Hacking. Another 30% discount. I just wish she'd use some visual aids.. At the Lighthouse again, terrific. :-/ Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On the 4th September, I'm finally going to see Dreamgirls, at the Savoy. Amazon Tickets, again.
On the 5th September, back with the Scarlet Ladies for a talk on Generation Sex.
On the 6th September, I'm with another new group - North London Friends - for an interview with Michael Palin, at the Knowledge Centre Theatre at the British Library. I was really torn, though - London European Club is off to an early music concert the same night, and I do love that - but had already booked this, and it is Michael Palin. Hey-ho..
On the 7th September, back with North London Friends, and another talk on Fake News - different speaker, mind! This is the Fulbright Commission annual lecture, at the British Library.
On the 8th September, until today I was still technically booked for free comedy in Hammersmith with DiscoverLDN.UK. But, as I say - good atmosphere, but the comedy is usually pretty bad. I was saved - again - by Up in the Cheap Seats, who are off to see Doubt, a Parable, in Southwark Playhouse. Aww.. it's so long since I was there, and I have so many good memories of it from my time with the Man with the Hat!
On the 9th September, Helen and I have our 25km sponsored walk, in aid of Haslemere's Cat Protection Society. We're going as Dick Whittington and his cat, respectively, and the route is the Thames Bridges Trek. You can donate here..
Which will tire me out nicely, just in time for my flight to Prague the next morning! I'm at a conference there, Sunday to Tuesday. (What a nice company I work for!) Gee, but I love Prague - most beautiful city I've ever seen, and I've seen a few. They're putting me up at a nice hotel too, just down the road.
So, I fly back on the 12th September, and on the 13th I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats, at Sadler's Wells, for the Hofesh Schechter Company grand finale.
On the 14th September, I'm at another talk with Walks, Talks and Treasure Hunts - this one, at Southwark Cathedral, is about the River Effra, South London's Secret Spine. Another free Eventbrite event, this is to publicise a book about the subject, and the talk is given by the author. Another thing that had no tickets, then it did! Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On the 18th September, I'm off to Showstopper! at the Lyric. Ticket courtesy of From the Box Office again. I have actually seen this before - but, being an improvised musical, it literally is different every time!
On the 19th September, back with the Scarlet Ladies, for a talk entitled 100 Women - Their Breasts, Their Stories.
On the 20th September, Funzing (same two groups) and Jennifer Rees again - this time, a fun talk about the Psychology of Batman Villains! The first of hers for which I managed to get a 30% discount.. and it's on nice and close to me again. Seems to be a feature of her talks!
On the 21st September, technically, free comedy in Hammersmith - with Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith, Wimbledon and Greenwich, Random London, and DiscoverLDN.UK. And on the 22nd and 23rd September, the same - with DiscoverLDN.UK. I rather doubt it though - don't you?
I had booked the same on the 24th September, but was again saved - this time, by the World Music Meetup! They're off to see Kefaya, in Nell's Jazz and Blues bar, back in my old stomping ground of North End Road! Happy days, when I was working there..
On the 25th September, a group called Theatre and Stuff is off to see Prism, at Hampstead Theatre. They're charging extra to go with them, though - so I happily bought my own ticket. What the hey, odds are I won't know any of them anyway.
On the 26th September, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats - to see Wings, at The Young Vic. Accidentally booked standing, I think.. :-/
On the 27th September, with Up in the Cheap Seats again - for Jekyll & Hyde, presented by the National Youth Theatre, at the Ambassadors Theatre.
On the 28th September, with another new group: London, Surrey and Beyond.. for an event called "A Unique Experience. Olde Pub, Gerry's Private Club, 2 'i's Famous Fish 'n' Chips". Which says it all, really! Then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On the 2nd October, back at Hampstead Theatre, for No One Will Tell Me How to Start a Revolution. North London Friends are attending - and charging extra, so I'm going it alone!
On the 3rd October, free comedy in Hammersmith - nominally. With Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith, Wimbledon and Greenwich. Or not!
On the 4th October, Up in the Cheap Seats and Labour of Love, with Martin Freeman, at the Noel Coward Theatre. Cheapest tickets from the venue, for once!
On the 5th October, same group - headed to see the Company Wayne McGregor, at Sadler's Wells.
And finally! on the 6th October, headed to see Chekhov's The Seagull, at the Lyric. Third night in a row for that group - almost as busy a group as I am a person!
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