Play: A Playlist for the Revolution

Last night, I was back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) for A Playlist for the Revolution, at the Bush Theatre. First though, back to the lettings agent to get yet another set of keys, in the hope these will work - haven't yet had a chance to schlep down there to check. The lettings agent's office is, in itself, a schlep - not an insignificant trip across town!

By the time I got done there, there was about enough time to eat, then head to the theatre. I couldn't see anywhere I fancied eating out in the direction of the lettings office, in Stepney Green, nor much around the theatre - so I decided to break my journey at The Lucas Arms. Not much longer that'll be an option.. after that, the only reasonable choice was Tube, to get to the theatre in time. Sadly, no papers available to read on my journey - they weren't quite out yet. I'll say this, it's dead handy to get to the theatre from the station - a sign at the exit tells you which direction to turn in, and it's right across the road! I got a drink and searched for the others, finding them in the "library" at the back. It was nice to be able to unload to them - and when it was time, we went in, me having to switch my drink to a plastic container. Funnily enough, even though we'd all got "Count Me In" tickets - cheaper, but you don't find out your actual seat until the day - we turned out to be all sat together!

An interesting set design sees a whole pile of blocks around the central stage area. They kind of resemble buildings, so could be taken for the skyline of Hong Kong, where this is set - however, they also act as storage boxes for props, and can be removed, to act as props themselves! The story starts with a meeting between a native Hong Kong-er, a conservative young man, into playing the piano - and a kooky young woman, of Hong Kong extraction, but living in the UK, who has taken some time out to visit Hong Kong and explore her roots. Both are students - he, of economics, she, of law. They meet at a nightclub, and there's an instant attraction - but she's on the point of going back. Still, they exchange numbers - and bond over their shared love of music (albeit different kinds).

Back in the UK, she's fascinated by the Hong Kong revolution - he hasn't the heart to tell her he's not involved. And they start to collaborate on a "playlist for the revolution" - he with the help of a cleaner at the university he attends, who's big into protesting. This actor, by the way, pretty much stole the show, in the opinion of someone sitting near us - and I agree. Meantime - I was fascinated that the play went in this direction; I guess I hadn't thought long enough about the title: but certainly, the latter part of the play is all about the revolution.

This revolution is something I've had a longtime interest in - the last time I came across anything about it though was over a year ago, with the memorable film, Revolution of our Times. It's such a titanic struggle - and ultimately, a pretty hopeless one. Very well depicted here, with only two actors and limited props - but some clever lighting - as our Hong Kong student finds himself inspired to join the cause at last. An excellent production, which flashes up the Hong Kong skyline on the back wall, after the interval:

A message displayed at the end offers anyone who needs it the chance to stay in the theatre for up to 15 minutes afterwards. Very sensitively done - recommended. Runs till the 5th of next month.

Couldn't blog last night, I had to be up early for the cleaner's last visit. Tonight, thinking film again - and it's looking like Hello, Bookstore, a documentary in the Curzon Bloomsbury again.

Then two more days with UITCS - well, they book so much stuff! Tomorrow, it's Robin Hood: The Legend - Rewritten, at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. Hope today's promised rain clears for that..

On Thursday, it's School Girls: Or, the African Mean Girls Play, at the Lyric Hammersmith.

On Friday, London Baroque Music Lovers lately advertised a concert, by La Nuova Musica, at St. Martin-in-the-Fields, of Handel's Coronation Music. Oh, lovely - I found this music so moving at the recent coronation! My sometime companion from UITCS suggests we eat there beforehand - which is fine, as long as we can find each other!

Saturday could be a landmark moment - could I get my four ex-colleagues together in a room at the same time?! So far, so good - nobody's yet said they can't make it - although one is worried about the planned train strikes. And although I'm already supposed to have moved, well, I'm between places - particularly with the constant mix-ups with my keys! so I just booked The Lucas Arms again.

On Sunday, heading with Cultureseekers, for a Historic Hampstead Treasure Hunt. We'll be split into groups, apparently, and the clues relate to historical plaques and the likes in the area. Official guides not allowed to participate. Hmm - how much can I remember from Laurence's walk there..?

On Monday, booked with TAC for an interesting-sounding show - Blood, Gold and Oil is about Lawrence of Arabia, and showing at Riverside Studios. Part of their "Bitesize Theatre" series.

Next Tuesday, back with UITCS - really excited to see The Pillowman, by Martin McDonagh, at the Duke of York's Theatre.

On the 12th, back with the World Music Meetup (and Tuned In London) for a concert by the Scottish/Zambian singer Namvula, at City Hope Church. Tickets through Billetto. And yes, closer to my new place, so it'd be really nice to be able to stay there that night..

On the 13th, back with UITCS for Cuckoo, at The Royal Court. Then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On the 17th, back with UITCS for Song from Far Away, at Hampstead Theatre. I suspect this is one that Meetup just declined to notify me about.. I don't remember seeing it advertised before, although it's been up for a while.

On the 18th, I've signed up for the Epic Film Location London Tour Part 1, with London Socials, a new group to me.

And on the 19th, another new group - London Circus Cabaret and Burlesque Meetup is headed to Fool's Moon, a drag circus act at Soho Theatre. Meeting beforehand at the Nellie Dean - aw man, it's ages since I was at these places! I'm the only person to join, at time of writing..

Musical: We Will Rock You

Last night, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) - for We Will Rock You! at the Coliseum. Excellent - this didn't have tickets for the night I looked for before. Written by Queen with Ben Elton, promised to be a great night out.

What a day, though! Got the keys to my new flat, quit my job.. fingers crossed for the one I've applied for, which sounds ideal, and is walking distance from my new place. Anyway, I was "tired and emotional" when the time came for me to head out. Food would help - I thought I'd eat at The Chandos, just down from the theatre - and lo, they had plenty of space! Interestingly, they seem to have removed the "table numbers" from the various nooks and crannies around the room that you can sit in - I guess they no longer intend for people to eat there, but at busy times, it's all that's available.. Anyway, I ate well, and sure enough, felt much better.

Enough for the mammoth climb to the Balcony of the Coliseum, where we were all seated - we met in the Balcony bar (there is a lift, but it's teeeny). Speaking of nooks and crannies, this is quite a cosy bar, with lots of those. And it was great to chat to people, after my day - alcohol-wise, I was determined to make a night of it, but not on the sauvignon blanc, although it's not (quite) the most expensive I've seen - rather, I went for the (slightly cheaper) pinot grigio. The cocktails are all named for Queen songs, and there's a picture of Freddy Mercury, arm raised, everywhere you look - on the bar menus, on all the stuff on the merchandising stall..

In the auditorium, I was supposed to be in the very back row, at the edge. But I got a slight upgrade when the guy in the seat in front wanted to sit in my seat, beside his wife!

FYI You can not only bring in drinks here - I think they're automatically served in plastic, for that purpose - but also hot food; a guy in my row came in with a hot dog! Unusually lax.. ditto the lack of policing of the woman beside me, who arrived late, and proceeded to film much of the first half on her phone.

Well, the songs are set around a dystopian future, where all music is synthetic, and fed to the populace by a global corporation. The actual making of music is outlawed - but we follow the adventures of a dreamer, who has unbidden snatches of Bohemian Rhapsody, of all things, coming into his head. And of course, there's a group of rebels - "bohemians" - who dream of finding a dreamer, who will head to the "place of champions" and actually use the instrument there..

The songs are beautifully performed. In fact, I was seriously unimpressed with the crowd around me, who singularly failed to get animated during the first half. They improved in the second half - doubtless after a visit to the bar. And while the hit parade continues, we keep getting teaser snippets of Bohemian Rhapsody. When they came to the finale, I was surprised they hadn't played it! But - spoiler - as people are leaving, they do play a terrific version. So, don't be too quick to leave! My only quibble - I was miffed at the gaps between songs, while they developed the story. Really - who comes to these things for the story?! Anyway, I was well positioned to get out early - it took a while for everyone to get out, and meet outside for a chat. And yes, it was a great night! After the day I'd had, I was way too tired to blog, though..

Tonight - heading out to Elstree, of all places, for Giffords Circus. Well, it was the best of what I saw advertised.. it's a helluva journey, and I'm planning to eat out there - they apparently have "food wagons". Well, not working now, so I can leave at whatever time I need to!

Tomorrow, my sometime-companion from UITCS suggested a murder mystery! The Murder Express: Jewel of the Empire.. set on a train, and includes dinner. Oh, lovely.. she got a Groupon deal, apparently..

On Saturday, delighted to be back with Expat Bucket List London! Well, back with the founder of both this and Bucket List London - I haven't actually been with the Expat group yet. Yippee, back to the Globe - for The Comedy of Errors. Unfortunately, while I'm in the Lower Gallery, as usual, the others are upstairs.. the organiser did offer to switch with me, so I'd have some company, but I wouldn't subject him to such a lower-priced seat! Anyway, I do like to be close. And if I can organise myself to move some stuff in by then.. I might be walking to this!

On Sunday, back with Discover London - History Walks and Events to Discover the Secrets of the 19th Century London Docks. Always love this part of town - again, this is walking distance from my new place.

On Monday, got a cheap ticket with CT for From Swing to Soul, a concert series at Wonderville. I do wonder whether they fixed their tech issues from last time..

On Tuesday, back with UITCS again - this time, for A Strange Loop, at the Barbican. Multi-award-winning, it seems - cheaper tickets available from WhatsOnStage (WOS), fulfilled by London Theatre Direct. Interestingly though, to get the cheaper offer, buy through WOS..

On Wednesday, thinking film - and delighted to see that Asteroid City has risen in ratings, and is now joint top of my list! Ah well, that's a no-brainer - a Wes Anderson comedy, with an all-star cast, including Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Jeffrey Wright, Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Maya Hawke, Rupert Friend, Steve Park, Liev Schreiber, Matt Dillon, Steve Carell, Tilda Swinton, Jeff Goldblum (playing an alien, appropriately I guess..), Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Margot Robbie.. and probably some other people I recognise. Anyway, I love Wes Anderson's stuff - and it's on in my local cinema (for flat #1). My new flat isn't so close to a cinema, so I'll stay in the old one for this, while I still have access to it. And there are showings all day, so, given that I probably shan't have any other demands on my time that day, until I get another job, I can go to whatever suits!

Next Thursday, thinking of heading back to Watkin's Bookshop, for the first time in an age - they have an author talk called Holy Waters - Searching for the Sacred in a Glass. There's a new book about this, which considers the use of alcohol in religion - sounds interesting! Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.

And on the 3rd, I'm back with UITCS for A Playlist for the Revolution, at the Bush Theatre.

Plays: Northleigh 1940, In Stereo, and All of It

Yesterday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS), for All of It, at the Royal Court. Which actually comprises three plays - the others being Northleigh, 1940 and In Stereo. Well, stuff got busy, so I didn't have much time to eat - I thought about eating in Cote, in Sloane Square - but I checked online, and they were pretty busy. So, it ended up being Pret.

It had to be Tube, again, this far west.. Google Maps said Victoria, followed by the District or Circle Line, would be faster, but I remember the Victoria Line being very stuffy, whereas the others have glorious aircon. And so it proved.. Once more, I ended up being the first to arrive in the theatre bar, where I nabbed a table by the toilets, and the others shortly joined me, and good conversation was had.

Now, I had to go up three levels for my seat in the Balcony - but I must have been getting more exercise lately, because I didn't feel as though I was going to expire! I ended up going in by the door on the other side, because my side was all full up - and it turned out that I was sitting behind some of the others:

Legroom was ok, despite the protests of the lady sitting beside me. And there's a railing to lean on, for each row in the Balcony.

So. This is a really interesting trilogy - the word "surreal" was bandied about a lot by our group afterwards (there is no interval). I wasn't the only one to think of Beckett as I watched - what with the rapid-fire dialogue, the unfinished dialogue snippets of All of It (think, for instance, Not I), the long pieces of In Stereo where we just hear a recorded voice, the actor doesn't speak (Krapp's Last Tape, anyone?). Someone remarked afterwards that what he was thinking of was Happy Days! Ah, I love a bit of Beckett.

But this isn't Beckett - just reminiscent of him. All the pieces are about women with interior lives. The first piece, Northleigh, 1940, is set in the author's childhood home, during the Blitz, and focuses on a young female typist, who loves to read (Lovecraft, I think, from the imagery). Most, I think, preferred the others, however - In Stereo, narrated in a Northern English accent, got uproarious laughter for its description of how a woman wakes in the middle of the night and goes downstairs - to find another version of herself watching television. And that's just the start of it.. All of It, finally, is a rapid-fire set of snippets, none quite finished but all recognisable, detailing a woman's life from - literally - birth to death. Fascinating.

Afterwards, just a few of us stayed for the Q+A, moving down to the Stalls - which were quite chilly! The Q+A was fascinating, featuring the writer - Alistair McDowall - and the two directors. And as one of our group remarked afterwards - no, we didn't get a huge insight into the plays: but we did get an insight into how his mind works, and how the plays might have come to be in this format - how he loves the way the words work together, for instance. I found the Q+A almost as fascinating as the plays, frankly - and those of us who stayed had a lovely chat afterwards. All in all, one of the best nights out I've had recently!

Catching the bus, my apps were agreed that I should go to a particular stop - which had none of them listed on it! The buses did stop there, mind, as I discovered while I was trying to find an alternative. It ran too late for me to blog afterwards, though - I was tired.

Tonight, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend. Where, again, there's absolutely nothing for me to watch. On Monday and Tuesday, thinking film - and the top-rated films on my list are all showing at my local cinema. As usual, I had to check that website specifically. Monday, it was looking like Pretty Red Dress, a comic drama about a red dress, and its effects on a family. However.. it's slipped in ratings! and now what's coming up is War Pony, the coming-of-age story of two young Native American boys.

On Tuesday, what's coming up is something not even advertised on my film list, tsk - dunno why I didn't notice it on the cinema website before, either. Seven Winters in Tehran tells the true story of a 19-year old girl in Tehran, who killed her would-be rapist, and was in turn sentenced to death herself, and imprisoned for seven years.

On Wednesday, back with UITCS - for We Will Rock You! at the Coliseum. Excellent - this didn't have tickets for the night I looked for before. Written by Queen with Ben Elton, should be a great night out.

On Thursday - heading out to Elstree, of all places, for Giffords Circus. Well, it was the best of what I saw advertised..

Next Friday, my sometime-companion from UITCS suggested a murder mystery! The Murder Express: Jewel of the Empire.. set on a train, and includes dinner. Oh, lovely.. she got a Groupon deal, apparently..

On the 24th, delighted to be back with Expat Bucket List London! Well, back with the founder of both this and Bucket List London - I haven't actually been with the Expat group yet. Yippee, back to the Globe - for The Comedy of Errors. Unfortunately, while I'm in the Lower Gallery, as usual, the others are upstairs.. the organiser did offer to switch with me, so I'd have some company, but I wouldn't subject him to such a lower-priced seat! Anyway, I do like to be close. And as I've now booked a flat on that side of town, and can hopefully move in on Wednesday.. I might be walking to this!

On the 25th, back with Discover London - History Walks and Events to Discover the Secrets of the 19th Century London Docks. Always love this part of town - again, this will be walking distance from my new place.

On the 26th, got a cheap ticket with CT for From Swing to Soul, a concert series at Wonderville. I do wonder whether they fixed their tech issues from last time..

And on the 27th, back with UITCS again - this time, for A Strange Loop, at the Barbican. Multi-award-winning, it seems - cheaper tickets available from WhatsOnStage (WOS), fulfilled by London Theatre Direct. Interestingly though, to get the cheaper offer, buy through WOS..

Plays: Bleak Expectations & The Shape of Things, & Album Launch: The Devil's on the Mast

On Wednesday, I was back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) for Bleak Expectations, a Dickens-based comedy, with a different star every week, showing at the Criterion. We got Julian Clary.. I ended up going up a price band here, the cheap tickets all seemed so restricted!

Oh, what a horrendous couple of weeks it's been at work - hence the delay in the blog, I literally have been that busy. On that note, I did not have time to eat on Wednesday evening - dinner was a box of Maltesers and a glass of reasonably-priced sauvignon blanc at the theatre. We all met in the attractive Dress Circle Bar:

and chatted away until it was time to take our seats. I was fourth row from the front - someone else from the group was in my eyeline, but obligingly ducked to the side for me to take a shot of the stage!

It's a quirky stage, for a quirky play - as the blurb says, much as Dickens would have written, had he been at the gin. Julian Clary played - well, himself, except, as he pointed out, heterosexual, and a Victorian gentleman, whose own story he was supposedly narrating. It is, as you might suppose, a mishmash of various Dickens stories, with sundry Dickens quotes; a trio of siblings find themselves in trouble when their father dies, their mother goes insane, and a wicked guardian takes over, packing young Pip (the narrator's younger self) off to a suitably Dickensian boarding school, while conspiring to marry his elder sister and claim the family fortune for himself. Now, where have we heard that one before..?

It's utterly bonkers. It was exactly what I needed, but wasn't everyone's cup of tea, and one left at the interval. Be warned, it is a farce, it is exceedingly silly - but if you're cool with that, do go along, because it's a lot of fun. I, at least, had a great time! and the acting is excellent. Runs till the 3rd of September - recommended, for those who like their comedy OTT.

No time to blog afterwards - no time for a full night's sleep all week! When I came home, I was working - slept a few hours, and was back at it again..

Yesterday, back with North London Friends, for the first time in, oh, ages.. we were off to The Park, to see The Shape of Things. Different people from last time, these were some I knew before. But it's been years! Anyway, happily, this time I took time out to eat.. The Lucas Arms beckoned, and it was nice to feel human again! Caught a bus from just around the corner, and met the others, sat outside the theatre on what was an unusually nice evening, not as cold as recently. In fact, it was so nice, just sitting there, a gentle breeze blowing, that I couldn't even be bothered getting a drink beforehand..

There was a slight delay getting into the auditorium - when the usher got to scanning my ticket, her scanner - which had been playing up for ages - broke completely, and she finally gave up and let me in. I was right around the side - no photography, thank you: probably because two of the cast were already onstage.

The story is one of college students falling in love. They're interesting characters, but so far, so samey - I was wondering what made this so special.

I was to find out in the second half. Don't be fooled - this is seriously one of the best twists I've come across in a play, one of those classics that has you all talking afterwards and re-examining everything you thought you knew. I really can't say any more - except that, when they start to show things on the screen, don't worry if you're to the side, as I was - it's also shown on a small TV screen, directly opposite the main one. To reiterate - one of the best-written plots I've come across. Very highly recommended - runs till the 1st.

Afterwards - speaking of post-show discussions - we repaired to Oak, around the corner - which I haven't been to since I was last here with this group! I generally prefer New World wines, but last night found myself reverting to the sauvignon, even though it was Old World. What can I say, it is my favourite.. and an excellent chat was had, until it came time to go home. Where, of course, I was working again - not blogging, frankly, I couldn't face that on top. Anyway, lovely to see these people again! May the next time not be as long in coming.

Last night was as soon as I was able to consider what to do this evening - and I'd completely forgotten that Eleanor - of TunedIn.London and the World Music Meetup - had advertised an album launch - The Devil's on the Mast, by Cider with Kirsty (Ciderhouse Rebellion with Kirsty Merryn). At the Finnish Church. Folksy kind of music - I liked what I heard, and booked. Again, didn't really have time to eat, on what was the last working day for me, before the work deadline - I made for Pret, in the station. Sadly, not only was their main seating area closed off, but they didn't have the salmon sandwiches I love! so I went to the takeaway one, outside the door, instead, and ate my sandwich at a convenient bollard. Ah, food.. great start to the weekend.

A bit tight for time, I took the Underground, followed by the Overground, changing at Whitechapel - where, paradoxically, I had to climb down to get from the Underground to the Overground! Anyway, the sun streamed in the windows on the whole section above ground - it was a gorgeous evening to be travelling. I arrived quite early - said hi to Eleanor, took a seat near the front. Where, again, the sun streamed in the door to the garden - which was left open, allowing a lovely, cool breeze to waft over us. 

They make a lovely sound, complete with historical context - it's just a pity that the music was quite soothing, and I was fit to drop - I spent the entire concert fighting to stay awake! Absolutely no reflection on them - it's just that I could happily sleep for a week. Honestly, I was delighted that it finished a bit early - apart from giving me a bit of leeway with my evening, it meant that I could shop! which I was in dire need of. But anyway, lovely to get to another of these concerts. Even if it's a bit of a slog to get there.

And now I need to get to bed.. I have to be up in the morning.. uhh.. Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners are headed on a new walk, Rockin' in the West End! Must dig out some U2 gear.. it certainly seems as though it's gonna be t-shirt weather! Tomorrow evening, I was supposed to be having my monthly get-together with my ex-work colleagues, too - at The Lucas Arms - but two can't make it, and the other two of us have decided to wait for next month, and do it properly.

On Sunday, back with the Crick Crack Club, for Dauntless - Grace O' Malley, Pirate Queen, at the British Museum. AKA Granuaile, she was a real person.. the pirate queen of the West of Ireland, who did one better than Mary, Queen of Scots, and actually did get to meet Elizabeth I! This one isn't told by Clare Murphy, though - it's Debs Newbold. 

On Monday, taking myself off to see The Accidental Death of an Anarchist, at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. I've heard only good things..

On Tuesday, giving up on Meetup, I'm with TAC, for Mixed Omens - an improvised horror show, at the Drayton Arms.

On Wednesday, thinking film - and what's coming up is a documentary called The Pearl Button, set in Chile. Scenery looks spectacular.. this is showing in the ICA only. Wow, it's years since I was last there, too!

On Thursday, back with UITCS, for All of It, at the Royal Court. And then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.

Musical: How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying

Tonight, my local cinema's excellent doc house was showing Tina, a documentary about the phenomenon that was the late Tina Turner! but then, Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) advertised How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying, at Southwark Playhouse. Happily, the organiser informed us that tickets are available from CT - so I got one of those! and as I had a little credit with them, got them at a small discount..

I'd be walking past The Lucas Arms to catch my bus - but I didn't feel like eating there two nights in a row, and thought I'd try Mercato Metropolitano instead - it's been a while! I had to change buses - and the second bus was packed like sardines - I was lucky I'd got on early. I squeezed off at the Mercato, had my bag checked, and went for.. exactly what I usually have, the handmade pasta and a glass of wine. Well, if it ain't broke.. and it was nice to get back here.

And so to the theatre, where I queued for a glass of wine, and - ooh! they had Tayto! so I had to have some of those. And so we chatted until it was time to go in - and we were all sat together, except for the organiser, who discovered his seat had been double-booked! and chivalrously surrendered it to the lady already in it, coming to sit with us at the side. Both sides were quite empty, anyway.

Ah, this was exactly what I needed, in another horrendous week! Cheesy, catchy, great fun - the lead character starts as a window-washer and works his way through to the top of the corporate world. In about a fortnight, and without much effort, as the title suggests! The singing was great, the story is barmy, but who cares.. my only quibble was that the first half is 90 minutes long and the seats, while comfortable enough, are not up to being sat on for that long. Happily, the second half is shorter. Never mind, all in all, I loved it! And sitting in the rear of the bar at the interval left me so nostalgic for happier times.. Runs until the 17th - recommended for a fun night out. Sadly, even though the bus dropped me right outside my local shop - and I did need shopping - it had, as usual, decided to close 10 minutes early, so my shopping list remains unfulfilled. (sniff*)

Tomorrow, back with the same group for Bleak Expectations, a Dickens-based comedy, with a different star every week, showing at the Criterion. I think we're getting Julian Clary.. I ended up going up a price band here, the cheap tickets all seemed so restricted!

And on Thursday, back with North London Friends, for the first time in, oh, ages.. we're off to The Park, to see The Shape of Things. Different people from last time, these are some I knew before.

Musical: Aspects of Love

Tonight, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) at last! Well, I couldn't resist a performance of Aspects of Love, by Andrew Lloyd Webber, with Michael Ball - I'd never seen it. Showing at the Lyric - there have been cheap offers, but the best I could find were with the official website. Aisle seat, for the legroom - thanks for the advice, Seatplan!

Handiest place to eat - as I'd be passing it - was The Lucas Arms, so I quit my work meeting early, there being nothing useful in it anyway, and headed down there. It was mostly empty - no problem getting a table. When I went to order at the bar, I saw one of the familiar faces - who greeted me with what sounded like surprise and delight! He made straight for the wine, asking, "Usual, is it?" and within five minutes, my meal was delivered to my table. And it was delicious, as ever. It's not for lack of enthusiasm that I don't come here that often, just that I do like to try and eat at my destination. But I'm only delighted to come back here! When I checked, it was a full 20 days since I was last here..

Had to get two buses, and in each case, I was just in time to miss one! Also in each case, another was right along after, though. I ended up being a bit early - they hadn't opened yet, and for the first time in months, I found myself queueing outside a theatre..

Ah, dontcha love Theatreland?! In one shot, our show, Les Misérables, and - just peeking out, in between, The Crucible.. Anyway, it wasn't long before the queue started to move, they checked our bags and tickets. I explained to the usher that I was meeting people in the foyer bar - we arranged to meet there, as half the group were sitting down there - and she said I'd have to go in the main entrance, and at showtime, come back out and have my ticket scanned again. Which was what I did. I skipped the photo op, in the foyer:

Ordered a (quite reasonably priced) drink, and bagged the only table in the foyer! Well, it's handy to have something to lean on, or at least put your stuff on. The others arrived in due course, and we chatted away - I needed to drink my whole drink in advance though: I didn't think they'd much like me taking it outside!

Nearly expired on the climb to the balcony - this has been a tough week so far for me, to be fair, and the lack of sleep - and stress - didn't help. Made it alive, surprisingly, and was greeted by two of our group, whom I didn't know, but I had mentioned my seat number on the event page, and so they located me! They were sat just in front of me, anyway. I have to say, from experience, the legroom was fine, even without swinging my leg into the aisle! View not bad either, although I had to lean a lot to see the near edge of the stage - happily, the balcony was half empty, and there was no-one behind me. Also found myself bobbing my head up and down a lot, to see around the railings:

Well, there's one song that everyone knows from this show - and by 'eck, they do it to death, frankly. I didn't recognise a single other song in the show. Mind you, it's a cracker - Love Changes Everything has stood the test of time. And so has Michael Ball's rendition of it. Mind you, the group's general consensus was that the same cannot be said for the plot! So.. in brief, a young French actress in wartime Paris, Rose, finds an 18-year-old American lad - Alex - has a crush on her. And says - OK then! accompanying him to his uncle's villa in the south. They have a brief fling - until his uncle arrives, and she falls head over heels for him (or his money?). So, Alex goes off in a huff, to be a soldier.

Fast-forward a few years - she's the uncle's mistress, then wife, then mother to his daughter, Jenny. Still has the acting career, and seems to be carrying on with one of her Paris hangers-on, Hugo. Whom she drops like a stone when Alex comes back on the scene..

Fast-forward some more years, and Jenny is growing up, Alex is still hanging around, and they start a relationship. Apparently, they've increased her age a bit in this production, to make it a tad less weird. Her dad - Alex's uncle - keels over with a heart attack at the news, and one of the best scenes is his wake, which turns into a Bacchanalian orgy, courtesy of a friend of Rose's. Whom Alex then decides is far better for him than Jenny - who might just be a bit young.. Oh, and Rose makes a fool of herself, throwing herself at him and begging him not to leave her. Michael Ball originally played Alex - in this production, he's the uncle..

Not all our group stayed to the end. Me, I thought the plot was, at best, bonkers, but I adore showtunes, and that one, as mentioned, is terrific, and keeps popping up throughout. Mind you, as I remarked to the group, outside, afterwards - it took Alex rather a long time to find a woman who wasn't related to him! Basically, don't go for the story - go for the music. Runs till the 11th of November - seems to be taking a holiday, the last week in August.

Meantime, we admired the new Coyote Ugly across the road:

A couple of dancers were just visible inside. And just at that moment, the rickshaws arrived, blaring music.. yes, you could say the town was hopping.

Film tomorrow - and I thought I might finally get to see The Blue Caftan! It's Moroccan, and again showing at what is still, for now, my local cinema. Although, checking the listings again, I found a new one - A Crack in the Mountain is a documentary about Hang So'n Doong, the largest cave in the world, which is in Vietnam. Looks gorgeous - but it's only on in the Curzon Wimbledon, at 5.40, which I'd never make in time if I stay at work as long as I should! However, it is on their Home Cinema.. which would also save the fare.. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.

Monday and Tuesday, I'm also thinking of film. The film listings weren't helping my decision much, though - so I consulted my local cinema, which was happy to tell me that it's showing Return to Seoul on Monday, which seemed the best of the fare that day; The Blue Caftan doesn't seem to be showing next week. It's the story of a young French girl, returning to seek her roots in Korea. Looks engaging. But the new listings are finally out! and now, it's Beau Is Afraid. Funnily enough, it comes under the headings of comedy, drama, and horror! The title role is taken by the ever-watchable Joaquin Phoenix, who plays an anxiety-ridden man who, following his mother's death, decides to travel back home. Now, the Hideout (Horror, SciFi, & Fantasy) group that I'm a member of went to see this recently, and raved about it - when pushed, someone said what he liked was the surreal settings, and very black comedy.. nearest showing to me is the Picturehouse Central. Definitely worth a look.

On Tuesday, my local cinema's excellent doc house is showing Tina, a documentary about the phenomenon that was the late Tina Turner!

Next Wednesday, back with UITCS for Bleak Expectations, a Dickens-based comedy, with a different star every week, showing at the Criterion. I think we're getting Julian Clary.. I ended up going up a price band here, the cheap tickets all seemed so restricted!

And on the 8th, back with North London Friends, for the first time in, oh, ages.. we're off to The Park, to see The Shape of Things. Different people from last time, these are some I knew before.

Play: Leaves of Glass, Eurovision Party, & Walk: Caledonian Road - and its Hidden Secret..

On Saturday, I should have been on a walk with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners - cancelled because of the rail strike, bah humbug. Still, I really needed a lie-in.. later, I was even busier than usual.. First, I booked with Up in the Cheap Seats for the matinée of Leaves of Glass, at the Park Theatre.

Regardless of what time I need to get out for, I always find something to occupy me right up to that time. So I was rushing, as usual. Really appreciated them texting me my ticket! Managed a banana at home, then off to the theatre - I should have been able to get a bus, they don't take too long, but of course, I was rushing enough to have to take the Tube. At the theatre, I started as I meant to go on, with a glass of wine. I headed upstairs, where we normally meet - couldn't see anyone I knew, so I took a seat. And was found by a newcomer to the group, who was quite observant! The others duly gathered, and after all the announcements finished for the other play on there, we filed in for ours, taking seats roughly together.

This is 90 minutes, straight through - I like that, it both saves time and, of course, preserves atmosphere. Which this has in plenty. It's a simple tale, on the surface, of two brothers - the elder, Steve, is a businessman, a success, married to Debbie, who used to be his secretary; the younger, Barry, is a more troubled soul - an artist, he produces very dark, brooding material, and is possibly mentally disturbed; he seems to have trouble distinguishing between fact and fantasy. 

Mind you, it's hard for the audience to do that. You know, they say you never know what's going on behind closed doors.. I spent most of the play wondering what the title meant, but happily, it's explained right near the end. The brothers' mother is describing to Debbie how, when Steve was younger, he bought her a glass tree, and then, one by one, glass leaves to hang on it. Oh, she sighed, it was lovely - must have cost him so much, and they looked so beautiful..

Glass leaves are beautiful - they're also fragile. And fake. As so much in this story turns out to be. Open to several interpretations - which the group was agonising over afterwards. So much is left unspoken - and whenever something is said, you have to wonder whether it's even true. By the time you suspect you know what the real story is, it's devastating. One of those stories where the ending makes you re-evaluate everything that went before. Beautifully acted, this is also very watchable - and they do so much with minimal staging, and using changes in lighting. Highly recommended - runs till the 27th.

Afterwards, the group went for a drink - good for them! Ironically, of course, I had to dash off - although I stayed for a (very) quick one. But then I was back on the Tube.. you see, Mandy, who runs London Herstory Guided Walks, has now started a new Meetup group, Buddies on a Budget in London (BOABIL). And lo, if she wasn't taking a group to an outdoor Eurovision party! First, she suggested Battersea - but (free) tickets for that went really fast, with only three of us having managed to book. So we then switched venue, and went to Between the Bridges, complete with drag acts! You didn't have to pay, but if you bought a ticket, it came with a free drink.. and this, apart from, as she said, being likely to be more fun, also had the advantage of starting an hour later. Which was handy for me, rushing across town.. Both advertised by Eventbrite, and Between the Bridges also sold out.. Had street food, so I didn't have to eat en route, phew!

The Tube would let me out on the wrong side of the river - ok, except there are a lot of steps onto the bridges, and it's a bit of a trial if you're in a hurry! I messaged to say I'd be a little late - wasn't too bad in the end. We were wondering where our promised heat and sunshine had disappeared to, though!

Mandy had taken our advice from before, and used What 3 Words for her location - dead handy! We waited a bit for somebody who'd got delayed, then made our way in. Bag check, and we were into a section with bench seating and a large screen - without a ticket check for this bit, I'm guessing it was first come, first served, so whoever wanted could have come to the outer part, at least. We then figured out that we needed to go up a ramp, and through a ticket check - where there was a bit of confusion while they found at least my name: seems there were different ways to book. Anyway, we got wristbands there, and were in. Benches near the front were reserved - we got one further down, to the side. Got our free drinks, and in a bit, I headed out to the loo and for food - someone later helpfully told me that there were also toilets accessible from our section; I didn't need to go outside. I have to say, for portaloos, they were of a very high standard..

Foraging, I fancied the chicken stall. Now, the sum total of my day's food to this point was a banana - so I went the whole hog, with a burger and fries. They gave me a plate for the burger. Sadly, no napkin, no cutlery, and far too much filling.. it was actually delicious, but by the end, I'd made such a mess that I had to give up on it. Hate that. The chips were much more successful - just as tasty, but much tidier. Happily, with people going around collecting the mess, I didn't have to stare at the remains all night!

We had a flamboyant MC for the evening's entertainment:

Various people were open about their affiliations:

The only flags decorating the venue, however, were for the UK - hosting - and Ukraine, last year's winners:

It was a fun night, and generally excellent - apart from two things. Firstly, the freezing cold breeze blowing through the place, which was unheated. And secondly, the feed to the screen cut out a couple of times - for goodness' sake, the last time was right when they were coming to the winners! Of all the mishaps.. everyone was checking it on their phones. Pity Ireland, as usual, failed to qualify for the final - but for once, the song I liked best did actually win. Which is good. Even if her nails were weird. I didn't like it as much as her previous winning song - but hey. Looks as though both her hair and nails have just been left to grow from that time.. ;-) There seems to be some confusion, BTW, about her being the first to win the Eurovision twice - eh, hello? What about Johnny Logan (1980 & 1987)?

Anyway, of course, that ran really late - in fact, I was the last one of the group there. After my hectic day, I literally fell asleep in my chair. So, no blog.

Yesterday - I missed it somehow, but Barrie, with the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners, had a walk along Caledonian Road! Also advertised on TAC, as usual, so I booked there - it being (slightly) cheaper. He requires a top-up in cash, but I had change for him, after Friday! Again, left it too late to eat properly - but he was meeting close enough to my home to walk there, and I bought a Mars Bar en route.

Wow - that weather forecast was a day late. Instead of sunshine and warmth for the Eurovision, we got it yesterday! and me somewhat overdressed. Never mind.. taking off the coat helped. Mostly. Now, as mentioned, he takes payment in cash - and a couple of people headed to the nearest cash machine. There was something of a kerfuffle when the first of them, despite the money registering as having been taken from her account, didn't receive her cash! Poor lady was on the phone to the bank for part of the walk..

He wasn't lying - there is so much around here that's unexpected! Like a Buddhist temple - he always brings a sheaf of photos with him, and showed us the interior, which actually does have a huge statue of the Buddha!

We came to Thornhill Square Gardens, where it was so lovely, sunny and peaceful that we paused for a minute - watching a very happy dog bounding up and down, playing fetch:

We saw the plaque to Edith Garrud (played by Helena Bonham Carter in the film), who learned jujitsu from her keep-fit mad husband, then taught it to the suffragettes, to use against police trying to arrest them! And passing by Pentonville Prison - which I've passed a few times on the bus - we stopped outside the aptly named Breakout Cafe:

Stopped outside the beautiful Caledonian Road Station:

Saw aptly named businesses:

An old factory for (horse-drawn!) buses - now a workspace to rent:

which also turns out to be the home of the Pleasance Theatre! Goodness, I didn't recognise it till we were right on top of it - but then, it's been a while. Obviously nothing on there yesterday afternoon:

Highlight of the walk was arguably the old meat market.. which then became a world-famous antiques market.. which then got quite run-down, and was finally renovated. And the old clock tower still stands serene in the middle of what is now a really pleasant park. Goodness, so much history in one place! As commemorated in local signs:

We spent a pleasant few minutes there - and as we left, our guide pointed out the old market railings - the originals, nearly 200 years old! and by the look of it, not looked after:

That was the highlight for me - for others, it was doubtless the Amy Winehouse memorial, opposite the house where she died. They've apparently removed the plaque commemorating that - not only, I guess, was it attracting attention unwanted by the owners, but was constantly being stolen!

Our final stop was in Camden, in front of two houses with a design atypical of the area. Some friendly locals who happened to be outside their door at that point chatted to us about the area a bit!

A really excellent walk - well done Barrie! And so the others headed off towards the centre of Camden, wending their way home - and so did I. I didn't fancy anywhere around the area to eat, so made my way down to King's Cross, by some very pleasant backstreets - how much of this area I haven't explored! and ended up in Nando's. Where, for once, I was seated immediately - and decided to have the chicken thighs for once, instead of the breast. Same price, and plenty of food - and thighs tend to be tastier. All lovely, except the garlic bread was a bit burnt. And as well as the wine, I had a bottomless drink - i.e. you order any soft drink, and what they do is bring you an empty glass, which you then take to the drinks machine - as many times as you like - and fill with whatever you want, ice also available. Man, I needed it, I was very dehydrated - and for once, I had time to have their delicious choc-a-lot cake! with a scoop of ice cream, of course. Man, was it good.. 

It's a while since I did so much walking, especially with walking to and from home - I was pretty wrecked last night! Plus I was investigating my new film listings site - bless The Hideout, and the fact that they have a WhatsApp group, which I joined - they gave me a link to a much better page! which also includes discount coupons. So I spent hours on that, redoing the list with so many films I'd never heard of - and with a meeting this morning, it ran too late to blog. Tonight - tan-ta-ra, film again! The new list didn't change what came top, mind. Looking like Le Otto Montagne (The Eight Mountains), at my local cinema - as are most things, frankly! Set in the Italian Alps, this is the story of childhood friends who grow apart as they grow up. Continuing the Italian theme.. Certainly, the scenery promises to be lovely!

Tomorrow, back with Over 40 Living the Life - I got the last ticket to this rescheduled dinner at Greenwich Yacht Club!

On Wednesday, back with BOABIL - she's introducing us to the Floating Pocket Park, in Paddington! where they have free things in summer - on Wednesday, it's a free concert.

On Thursday, another film - this, however, is a private screening, organised by The London Palestinian Rights Meetup Group, in association with the Bethlehem Cultural Festival! Showing at the Prince Charles is Farha, the dramatisation of the life of a young Palestinian girl in 1948 - just at the start of the Nakba.. includes a Q+A afterwards with the director. Tickets from Eventbrite again. And then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend..