Helen was in town last night for a concert by The Mavericks, at the Indigo O2. Not really my thing - but I said I'd head out and have dinner with her there. Handily, our visiter from the Stockholm office didn't get in the way, as she had a late meeting that I wasn't part of. So after my own late meeting - which led into the even later one - off I schlepped. It'd just take too long by bus, so I was on the Tube.
You know, with walking so many places these days, I forget how horrible the Tube can be - the trek out to the O2 is a case in point. Oh, it was awful - the Northern Line was crammed, and I realised with a heavy heart that the Jubilee Line I'd have to change to wouldn't be any better. Hardly any air, and it didn't help that I didn't feel at all well - I was glad I wouldn't be staying for the concert. Of course, I didn't have a seat for the entire journey - just glad to be near the doors, so I got a blast of air when they opened - and an attack of diarrhoea hit somewhere along the way. I was in a pretty dire way by the time I staggered off at North Greenwich.
Now, she'd said she'd be there by 7, and it wasn't that yet, so off I limped in search of the loo. Along the way, passed an enormous queue to get into the Indigo.. now, I've been here a few times before, and I remembered the public toilets being somewhere else. Sadly, they're terribly signposted now (seems they're now around where the cinema is), and I completely missed them. Instead, I made my way to Water Margin - where we'd agreed to meet - and availed of their facilities. And despite the lack of toilet paper in the first cubicle, the too-hot water, and the cold hand dryer - I was so glad I did.
Feeling more human, I took a table (for two) - no problem, the place is huge and never full. It's a terrific choice in general - decently priced, decent food too. I was nearly finished my first plate from the all-you-can-eat buffet by the time Helen arrived - there'd been a mix-up with the train ticket, it seemed. Well, she ate fast - and I got a second plate of their yummy chicken szechuan and noodles. And a second glass of good white wine. For dessert, I wasn't enthused by the chocolate cake (you'll notice my tummy had settled!), but the chocolate fudge squares were delish. A mint from the glass by the till, and I left her to it, the queue gone now - I do believe she enjoyed herself, as testified to by the Facebook photos today!
It was so much easier on the return journey, the crowds having eased. I stopped off at the office, but ended up spending the evening on the film list rather than blogging. Tonight, I'd booked my first event with a new Meetup group. Spooky London Pubs has a talk on Rosalie the Ghost Girl, at the College of Psychic Studies. The case was investigated by Harry Price, and I've just finished reading a book about him. However, our visitor has expenses for a team dinner for us, and we've chosen tonight for it. Ah well..
Tomorrow, I'd booked for a Crick Crack Club event - the Grand Annual Lying Contest is at Rich Mix. And wouldn't you know it, I persuaded them all to come with me! Yippee.. we might grab a bite in Brick Lane beforehand.
On Friday, London Dramatic Arts (LDAM) is off to see The Goat - or Who Is Sylvia? with Damian Lewis, at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. I managed to get a cheaper ticket - however, instead we'll be taking out our team member for drinks. And dinner, I suppose!
Never mind - April starts with the Man with the Hat (long time no see!). Both London for Less Than a Tenner and Let's Do London - for less! are off to see the ballet Jewels at the Royal Opera House on Saturday. Really looking forward to the show, and seeing old friends.
On Sunday, I booked a guided walk through Islington - Between the Wars - with London for a Tenner or Less. Funzing, so I could cancel, provided I did it in time - and then I decided I'd rather go to a film (hence spending last night on the film list!). Top of the list are a couple of documentaries, and the one I'm more interested in is Tickling Giants, about a comedian and chat show host in Cairo who's always sticking two fingers up to the authorities, and getting in trouble for it. (I've been particularly interested in Egypt since I visited, back in 2000.) It's showing, that day only, in the Curzon Bloomsbury - walking distance from me, nice! And today, seeing that it was starting to fill up, I booked, and cancelled Funzing. Again - I have a litany of cancelled Funzing events, these days!
On Monday, I'm back with the Crick Crack Club - at Soho Theatre this time, for an evening of Greek mythology entitled Atalanta, brought to us by the able Ben Haggerty. You know, now that I'm a Westminster resident, I have a Westminster card, which - among other things -entitles me to £1 off at this theatre! Pity I didn't yet have it when I booked this..
On Tuesday, Let's Do London - for less! is back at the Opera House, for Madama Butterfly. I'm in the slips, as usual.
Next Wednesday - why, it must be summer! Welcome back, London Literary Walks - good to see you. We're on The Composers' Walk - apparently a repeat. And yay, we're meeting in Caffe Nero - I can have a chocolate Milano.
On the 6th, I'm with the World Music Meetup, for a free concert of Iranian music at the Brunei Gallery. It's been a while for me, with both group and venue.. Then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again, and a meeting with my birth and adoptive mothers at Greene's on the 8th.
On the 10th, I'm back at the Wanamaker Playhouse - always a favourite - for The White Devil, a Jacobean tale.
On the 11th, I got a cheap ticket to the Caine and Kane comedy show, in Brixton.
On the 12th, I'm with LDAM to see Don Juan in Soho, with David Tennant, in Wyndham's. Just down Charing Cross Road - nice!
Then I'm back to Ireland for Easter - on Good Friday, my (adoptive) mother and I are off to La Bohème, at the University Concert Hall.
On the 18th, back in London, and back with Funzing - London Speaks Sessions, LDN Talks @ Night, and London for a Tenner or Less, for a talk on the Science of Paranormal Activity. Unless I get a better offer, in time - it'd have to be a good one, I'm interested in this!
On the 19th, London Literary Walks is off down Brick Lane - and so am I.
On the 20th, I have my usual placeholder of free comedy in Hammersmith - courtesy of Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith Wimbledon and Greenwich, and London Live Comedy. Of course - much like Funzing - I usually end up cancelling these, when something better comes up.
Ditto the 21st - or I may go to the cinema that day. As usual, watch this space..!
On the 22nd, I'm off to see the Naked House Cleaner! Venue to be revealed just the day before.. ooh!
On the 23rd, I'm on a walk of Hampstead Village Highlights, with Walks, Talks and Treasure Hunts. Be good exercise, leading up to my own sponsored walk in September, in aid of Cats Protection.. Helen and I are going as Dick Whittington and his cat. She's the cat.
The 24th, another summery treat! The Man with the Hat is taking both groups to the Globe (ah, it's been too long..). For one night only, the Comedy Store Players will regale us with Shakespeare-inspired improv. As usual, London for Less than a Tenner standing in the yard, Let's Do London - for less! in lower gallery seats. Which is where I go - couldn't take standing for that long.
The 25th, London European Club again - it'll have been a while! They're off to an informal evening of classical music, in Peckham.
The 26th, London Literary Walks is doing the Sloane Ranger.
The 27th, Helen and I are on an Underground treasure hunt, courtesy of Walk, Talks and Treasure Hunts. TFL goodies to be won, it seems.. Then back to Ireland for the bank holiday weekend - which I'd forgotten was a bank holiday, or I'd have stayed over an extra day!
Instead, for 1 May, I've booked The Ferryman, with LDAM, at the Royal Court.
And 2 May, those same three Funzing groups have advertised a talk called Origin of Vampires: Fact or Fiction?
Showing posts with label Water Margin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Water Margin. Show all posts
Wednesday, 29 March 2017
Wednesday, 4 November 2015
Concert: U2, O2 London (#6)
Ah, the very last U2 show in London this year! As Bono said, they rather like being the house band. But first, I had to go flat-viewing. I was worried about getting there for 6:30, given that I had to get a bus at least part of the way, and traffic is horrendous at that time - Google Maps suggested I take a bus all the way to Wandsworth, from where I could walk, but I've tried that before at this hour and been delayed for over an hour. Instead, I elected to take the Tube to East Putney - so at least I'd be south of the river - and a bus from there.
I thought the Tube would never leave Earl's Court, but I did arrive at last at East Putney. The bus stop was just across the road.. cue another interminable wait. The other bus to stop there is the 337, three of which came before mine finally appeared! (This would probably actually have done me just as well, but Google Maps didn't suggest it, and when you don't know a place..) Hey, at least it wasn't raining, and I arrived just after the appointed time.
..at the same time as another potential viewer. Well, the price was good, and apparently there's a lot of interest. Unfortunately, the flat - not so much. The stairs leading up to it were a mess. The hall light (when switched on from upstairs) goes off when you're halfway down. The room itself was fine, but with four other flatmates, the bathroom was pokey - and somewhat depressing - and the kitchen had an odd smell. As well as not having, potentially, enough fridge space. A pity, because the location and price are great, but well, as they say, don't go for the first place. I do have time, I'll hopefully find something decent - I am prepared to pay a lot more than this was going for.
A decently short walk got me to Clapham Junction, where I had a choice of several trains to Waterloo, to catch the Jubilee line to the O2 for the concert. Mercifully, it was after 7 by now, and the crowds had thinned out - I had no trouble getting a seat, and found myself among a bunch of Irish lads, also heading to the show. From my part of the country too, by the sound of it! At North Greenwich, a busker - different from the regular night-time one - was absolutely rocking the riff from New Year's Day..! He was so good, someone took a photo.
I was starving, and figured I'd have enough time for a quick bite at Water Margin, so hurried around there. I gave my drink order as I was sitting down, hurried off and got my usual at the buffet - just one main course, this time - and a dessert; they didn't have the chocolate fudge cake, sadly, so I just had chocolate and hazelnut puffs. By the time I paid and left, the restaurant was almost deserted - it was now about 8:10.
There was a bit of a queue at the entrance, but I was soon in and clambering down to my seat. In Row D, I was just one row away from the floor.. and an aisle seat again, lovely! And o my, so close to the floor, you really start to feel the energy - it felt as though I was on the floor. Just with a better view. And a seat. Mind you, it was a bit vexing, as People Have the Power blared out and I was all ready to rock, having a great clump of middle-aged people stood in the aisle beside me trying to figure out where their seats were. Thankfully, by the end of the song they'd fecked off to the next block. I mean, it's not rocket science - there's a row letter, there's a seat number.. Incidentally, the chap sat in front of me also jumped up for this song, and had the manners to turn and ask whether I minded! I remarked that I'd be surprised if he didn't stand..
Setlist:
I thought the Tube would never leave Earl's Court, but I did arrive at last at East Putney. The bus stop was just across the road.. cue another interminable wait. The other bus to stop there is the 337, three of which came before mine finally appeared! (This would probably actually have done me just as well, but Google Maps didn't suggest it, and when you don't know a place..) Hey, at least it wasn't raining, and I arrived just after the appointed time.
..at the same time as another potential viewer. Well, the price was good, and apparently there's a lot of interest. Unfortunately, the flat - not so much. The stairs leading up to it were a mess. The hall light (when switched on from upstairs) goes off when you're halfway down. The room itself was fine, but with four other flatmates, the bathroom was pokey - and somewhat depressing - and the kitchen had an odd smell. As well as not having, potentially, enough fridge space. A pity, because the location and price are great, but well, as they say, don't go for the first place. I do have time, I'll hopefully find something decent - I am prepared to pay a lot more than this was going for.
A decently short walk got me to Clapham Junction, where I had a choice of several trains to Waterloo, to catch the Jubilee line to the O2 for the concert. Mercifully, it was after 7 by now, and the crowds had thinned out - I had no trouble getting a seat, and found myself among a bunch of Irish lads, also heading to the show. From my part of the country too, by the sound of it! At North Greenwich, a busker - different from the regular night-time one - was absolutely rocking the riff from New Year's Day..! He was so good, someone took a photo.
I was starving, and figured I'd have enough time for a quick bite at Water Margin, so hurried around there. I gave my drink order as I was sitting down, hurried off and got my usual at the buffet - just one main course, this time - and a dessert; they didn't have the chocolate fudge cake, sadly, so I just had chocolate and hazelnut puffs. By the time I paid and left, the restaurant was almost deserted - it was now about 8:10.
There was a bit of a queue at the entrance, but I was soon in and clambering down to my seat. In Row D, I was just one row away from the floor.. and an aisle seat again, lovely! And o my, so close to the floor, you really start to feel the energy - it felt as though I was on the floor. Just with a better view. And a seat. Mind you, it was a bit vexing, as People Have the Power blared out and I was all ready to rock, having a great clump of middle-aged people stood in the aisle beside me trying to figure out where their seats were. Thankfully, by the end of the song they'd fecked off to the next block. I mean, it's not rocket science - there's a row letter, there's a seat number.. Incidentally, the chap sat in front of me also jumped up for this song, and had the manners to turn and ask whether I minded! I remarked that I'd be surprised if he didn't stand..
Setlist:
SET 1
The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)
Gloria
Vertigo
I Will Follow
Iris (Hold Me Close)
Cedarwood Road
Song for Someone
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Raised By Wolves
Until The End Of The World
Gloria
Vertigo
I Will Follow
Iris (Hold Me Close)
Cedarwood Road
Song for Someone
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Raised By Wolves
Until The End Of The World
SET 2
Invisible
Even Better Than The Real Thing
Mysterious Ways
Desire
Party Girl
Every Breaking Wave
October
Bullet The Blue Sky
Zooropa
Where The Streets Have No Name
Pride (In The Name Of Love)
With Or Without You
Even Better Than The Real Thing
Mysterious Ways
Desire
Party Girl
Every Breaking Wave
October
Bullet The Blue Sky
Zooropa
Where The Streets Have No Name
Pride (In The Name Of Love)
With Or Without You
ENCORE
The energy from the floor was a tangible force during the first four numbers - greatest energy I've felt yet, this tour. Strangely, the three seats beside me remained empty for the show, whatever happened to their planned occupants. There were also empty seats in the row in front - but then two girls hopped down to the front of the steps, and when instructed, by an usher, to move in, they shoved sideways in there. One of them had a camera with an excellent zoom, and it was interesting to see the shots she got of Bono. Speaking of ushers, it's nice to see the hands-off approach they've had in the O2, with the only other time they came down being to check whether the barrier at the front was holding, with people leaning on it!
Bono's wife was back for this show, as he informed us. During the paper drop, I was damn near close enough to grab one - but just not quite. I live in hope. I had to laugh during Mysterious Ways though, when, as is his wont, he pulled a girl from the audience to dance with. He chose a girl with tattoos all along her bare arms and shoulderblades, and bluey-green hair. Well, if he thought she'd be an outgoing type - he was wrong. She completely froze on stage! Whether it was stage fright, or the shock of being so close to Bono, I don't know. Her name was Danielle, but I didn't get where she was from. I have to say, her camerawork on Desire was excellent - she was so careful with it. Anyway, the next song was the little-played Party Girl. Bono is in the habit of spraying water on the audience - for this number, he got out a bottle of Champers. Shook it, sprayed it over them. Had a swig, then sought out Danielle in the audience and handed her the remainder of the bottle. Which I thought was nice.
Just before Where the Streets Have No Name started, I was graced with the presence of your typical Drunken Idiot, brandishing a beer. He installed himself in the free seats beside me, and tried to engage me - and others - in conversation. Couldn't understand a word he was slurring. I was more worried at the way he was waving his arms around. Not only was he blocking my view with his arms, but he was still holding the fairly full beer, and I was worried about getting splashed. Luckily, it was only the ground beside me that got soaked, before he clambered over the seats into the last free seat in the row in front - I think he then had visions of working his way around to the other side of the arena. To his credit, before he left, he did offer me a sip of what was left.
As usual for the final show in a city, they ended with Bad and 40, Bono shining a spotlight on the others as they left the stage. When it came time for him to follow them, he tried, as usual, to stand the spotlight on end, shining up to the rafters - took him a while though, whatever the matter was. Maybe they gave him one without a flat base! And thus ended their London run of 2015. No famous people on stage, but apparently Steve Lillywhite, Neil McCormick and his brother were in the audience. Roll on the next show..
The concert finished at about 10:55, and I was home - shock horror - before 12! First time that's happened since the first concert, which was on a Sunday, with an earlier finish time. Still too late to blog though, and I'm still a bit groggy today. Tonight, I'm headed to join the London European Club, who are meeting at the Fountains Abbey pub, before heading across the road to the Frontline Club for a discussion on the Dayton Agreement, 20 years on. Good job I booked, as suggested - it's sold out, now! As usual though, it'll be available on the Frontline channel on YouTube in due course.
Tuesday, 3 November 2015
Concert: U2, O2 London (#5)
Whee! Back with U2 again! It was a long weekend without them. What's more, when I printed off my ticket, I saw I had the best seat..! Row E sounded pretty good to me.
The boss & his wife were to come too, but he did warn me that there might be a last-minute hitch. All went well though, and while on the Tube at Victoria, I got a text from him saying they were on their way - I eventually met them at the O2. Speaking of Tube journeys - now, this was my fifth trip in recent times to the O2, travelling at roughly the same time every day, but last night's was by far the worst overcrowding I've seen. The District Line was crammed, although I had got a seat after just one stop, conveniently. But changing at Westminster was a nightmare, and it wasn't until the fourth train that I managed to squeeze on..
The fog had lingered, lending the O2 something of a surreal appearance..
I made my way in past the merchandising stalls - considered buying another t-shirt, but you know, I already have three from this tour, and am planning to buy a Dublin-specific one too! So I passed, and headed straight to Water Margin, wanting to have as much time as possible to eat. I asked for a table for three, ordered a drink, and started on the buffet - tried the beef in black pepper sauce, but found it a bit bland. The noodles and prawn crackers I had with it went down well, though. I fancied a bit more flavour for my second dish, and loaded up on the chicken satay (the noodles were gone by now) - I was on my way back to the table when my companions arrived. As it happened, they weren't terribly hungry, and skipped dinner, just having drinks. This turns out to be perfectly ok as long as you mention it to a server, who will make a note on the drinks bill that some people weren't eating. The bill is only for drinks, you see - the food is fixed-price, and unless you tell them otherwise, they'll assume you had dinner.
When I'd ploughed through that lot, I hit the dessert section - the chocolate and hazelnut puffs are good, the chocolate fudge notably delicious! I was stuffed by the time we left - just before 7:30, with probably an hour to go before showtime. We all used the same entrance, and after a cursory bag check we were in. I alighted from the escalator at Level 1 - they were up in the gods, at Level 4, and had another escalator to climb. I am assured that they had an excellent view though, just a bit far away. As for me..?
I was pretty goddamn close to the stage! It turns out that Row C is the front row, so I was only two rows away from the floor - Red Zone, in fact. And had a better view than they did. Not only that, but I had an aisle seat, so could move a bit to the side and had the space to jiggle around as much as I wanted! As more people moved onto the stairs, later in the show, no stewards came to move them in, either. Which was nice.
The crowd was extremely lively - the first Mexican wave I've seen in London went around 2.5 times, before stopping at our section (boo, hiss!). And you know, it's just nice to be close to the energy of the floor.. and again, they were in fine voice.
Setlist:
The boss & his wife were to come too, but he did warn me that there might be a last-minute hitch. All went well though, and while on the Tube at Victoria, I got a text from him saying they were on their way - I eventually met them at the O2. Speaking of Tube journeys - now, this was my fifth trip in recent times to the O2, travelling at roughly the same time every day, but last night's was by far the worst overcrowding I've seen. The District Line was crammed, although I had got a seat after just one stop, conveniently. But changing at Westminster was a nightmare, and it wasn't until the fourth train that I managed to squeeze on..
The fog had lingered, lending the O2 something of a surreal appearance..
I made my way in past the merchandising stalls - considered buying another t-shirt, but you know, I already have three from this tour, and am planning to buy a Dublin-specific one too! So I passed, and headed straight to Water Margin, wanting to have as much time as possible to eat. I asked for a table for three, ordered a drink, and started on the buffet - tried the beef in black pepper sauce, but found it a bit bland. The noodles and prawn crackers I had with it went down well, though. I fancied a bit more flavour for my second dish, and loaded up on the chicken satay (the noodles were gone by now) - I was on my way back to the table when my companions arrived. As it happened, they weren't terribly hungry, and skipped dinner, just having drinks. This turns out to be perfectly ok as long as you mention it to a server, who will make a note on the drinks bill that some people weren't eating. The bill is only for drinks, you see - the food is fixed-price, and unless you tell them otherwise, they'll assume you had dinner.
When I'd ploughed through that lot, I hit the dessert section - the chocolate and hazelnut puffs are good, the chocolate fudge notably delicious! I was stuffed by the time we left - just before 7:30, with probably an hour to go before showtime. We all used the same entrance, and after a cursory bag check we were in. I alighted from the escalator at Level 1 - they were up in the gods, at Level 4, and had another escalator to climb. I am assured that they had an excellent view though, just a bit far away. As for me..?
I was pretty goddamn close to the stage! It turns out that Row C is the front row, so I was only two rows away from the floor - Red Zone, in fact. And had a better view than they did. Not only that, but I had an aisle seat, so could move a bit to the side and had the space to jiggle around as much as I wanted! As more people moved onto the stairs, later in the show, no stewards came to move them in, either. Which was nice.
The crowd was extremely lively - the first Mexican wave I've seen in London went around 2.5 times, before stopping at our section (boo, hiss!). And you know, it's just nice to be close to the energy of the floor.. and again, they were in fine voice.
Setlist:
SET 1
The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)
Out Of Control
Vertigo
I Will Follow
Iris (Hold Me Close)
Cedarwood Road
Song for Someone
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Raised By Wolves
Until The End Of The World
Out Of Control
Vertigo
I Will Follow
Iris (Hold Me Close)
Cedarwood Road
Song for Someone
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Raised By Wolves
Until The End Of The World
SET 2
Invisible
Even Better Than The Real Thing
Mysterious Ways
Elevation
Volcano
Every Breaking Wave
October
Bullet The Blue Sky
Zooropa
Where The Streets Have No Name
Pride (In The Name Of Love)
With Or Without You
Even Better Than The Real Thing
Mysterious Ways
Elevation
Volcano
Every Breaking Wave
October
Bullet The Blue Sky
Zooropa
Where The Streets Have No Name
Pride (In The Name Of Love)
With Or Without You
ENCORE
After a blistering start, Bono had a little chat with us, telling us how they came there last night by boat, and how amazing the light looked, refracted in the fog: like a Turner painting. The couple beside me - Portugese, I think, having sneaked a look at her text messages - can't have been to any of these shows before - they were suitably surprised at some of the video tricks. For once, Bono's wife was NOT in the house! At the start of Song for Someone, he remarked that he missed her.
Bono flings sheets of poetry into the audience towards the end of the first set - gee, I was nearly close enough to get one! but not quite. However, I was close enough to the i stage that I'm sure he looked right at me at one point - he could hardly have missed me, frankly! Hard to tell with the sunglasses, though. Mind you, this was one of those nights when Bono wanted to connect with the audience - there was that kind of mood in the room, and when his voice broke I think it was with emotion. So there were two songs where he removed his glasses, and during Volcano he reached into the audience, just to hold hands..
Cassie was the girl pulled up for Mysterious Ways, and threw some nifty moves before doing some nifty filming. Nobody else came onstage last night, but the mood was fantastic, and we don't need gimmics. This is what really makes a U2 show great. As for famous people - well, Jimmy Page and Brian Eno were mentioned as being in the audience, as well as Peter Rowen, the boy on the cover of the Boy and War albums, who's now a photographer. And someone in the row just behind me - whom I only noticed on the way out - was the spit of Dave Fanning, who was the first Irish DJ to play U2 on the radio..
On the Tube home, there was a vague smell of shit. Someone remarked that it smelled of horse - I thought more cow, myself. But it was fine, as long as we weren't sitting in anything. And as the American sat opposite remarked, it was better than standing. He was one of a group in our carriage, who'd come over for the concerts, and would be again in the spring. I spent a pleasant journey listening to them muse over whether the band would play Moscow.. (no way, they never have). Arriving at 12:10am, it was too late to blog, of course.
And tonight I get to do it all again! (after barreling all the way out to Clapham Junction to look at a flat). And tonight's ticket..? Directly opposite last night's, Row D! Wheee.. no photos tonight though, my battery's dead and I have no way to charge it.
Tomorrow night, as U2 leave London, I'll be at a London European Club gathering, to head to the Frontline Club to discuss the Dayton Agreement..
Saturday, 31 October 2015
Concert: U2, O2 London (#4)
So, I ended the week with another U2 concert! I swung by home first - I wanted to shop on the way home, for the weekend, and certainly couldn't take it to the concert with me. But from experience, I knew I had plenty of time.
So I headed out at about 6.40. Got the District Line to Earl's Court, where I had to change.. but when I alighted on the platform, I noticed something odd. All the Eastbound trains on the indicator board were predicted to arrive at the same platform, whereas there are two platforms. And none but the next to go had a definite destination. Uh-oh, I thought, there's a problem. Unable to get internet access on my phone to check - Earl's Court is bad for it - I said sod this, and bolted for the Piccadilly Line, to reprise the journey of the night before.
I managed to get a seat for the journey to Green Park. Again, that long hike to the Jubilee Line - in stifling heat, just like the day before. I passed a couple of people who were complaining about the same thing. Hottest station in London? Anyway, I got there eventually, and crammed into the sardine can of a Jubilee Line train. I was so glad when we finally got there - I was feeling quite travel sick, with the cramped conditions and stuffiness; there is air conditioning, but try breathing it when every way you turn, there's another body pressed up against you.
On the previous occasions I've taken this line, I've taken it from Westminster, which is handy for getting on at the front of the train. Which means you disembark right by the up escalator to the exit. Unfortunately, I hadn't managed that on this occasion, which means I was taking the stairs. Ah well.. made my way through the crowds, heading for Water Margin again - the Chinese buffet. I was determined to get something to eat this time! and I left the Tube station at about 7:15, which meant I should have time.
Arriving there, I gave my drink order and went to get some food. My drink hadn't arrived by the time I got back, which is unusual for here, where the service is generally pretty quick. But the place was pretty busy, and they didn't take too long. I had a second helping, as usual, and plenty of their delicious prawn crackers. The lights went out at about 8 for a minute or so.. anyway, by the time I finished my second course I was becoming conscious of the time, and wasn't really that interested in dessert, so I paid and left.
For this concert, I'd booked my ticket with the official O2 ticketing website, AXS, which meant they gave me the option of Print at Home - generally the handiest, with less worry about losing the ticket. Careful though, you do have to remember to print them out - they don't take phone copies. A cursory bag check (my mints were well hidden under my wallet), my ticket was scanned and I was in - no queues, this late (it was about 8.15). The now underworked ushers were keen for something to do, so I got more directions than I needed to my seat.
I was in Row L this time.. lots of steps to climb down. But OMG it was worth it! AXS had a much better selection of tickets, and I was so much closer to the stage than I had been at any previous show, this tour! Lovely.. I'd have taken a shot to make you jealous, but my phone battery had died again. Anyway, they decided to start just a teensy bit earlier, this time - I'd only got properly settled in my seat when People Have the Power blared out: helluva dramatic start, I must say! I think it was about 8:25..
It was funny to see the confusion on the faces of the people sat beside me, as I both jumped to my feet for this song, and pointed my gaze fixedly on the REAR of the room. Take the hint guys.. anyway, it didn't take too long for Bono to appear and the whole audience to jump up. And I have to hand it to them - this was far and away the most active audience yet this tour. Not only good singers, but extremely.. bouncy! The people on the floor positively looked like they were on a trampoline..
Setlist:
So I headed out at about 6.40. Got the District Line to Earl's Court, where I had to change.. but when I alighted on the platform, I noticed something odd. All the Eastbound trains on the indicator board were predicted to arrive at the same platform, whereas there are two platforms. And none but the next to go had a definite destination. Uh-oh, I thought, there's a problem. Unable to get internet access on my phone to check - Earl's Court is bad for it - I said sod this, and bolted for the Piccadilly Line, to reprise the journey of the night before.
I managed to get a seat for the journey to Green Park. Again, that long hike to the Jubilee Line - in stifling heat, just like the day before. I passed a couple of people who were complaining about the same thing. Hottest station in London? Anyway, I got there eventually, and crammed into the sardine can of a Jubilee Line train. I was so glad when we finally got there - I was feeling quite travel sick, with the cramped conditions and stuffiness; there is air conditioning, but try breathing it when every way you turn, there's another body pressed up against you.
On the previous occasions I've taken this line, I've taken it from Westminster, which is handy for getting on at the front of the train. Which means you disembark right by the up escalator to the exit. Unfortunately, I hadn't managed that on this occasion, which means I was taking the stairs. Ah well.. made my way through the crowds, heading for Water Margin again - the Chinese buffet. I was determined to get something to eat this time! and I left the Tube station at about 7:15, which meant I should have time.
Arriving there, I gave my drink order and went to get some food. My drink hadn't arrived by the time I got back, which is unusual for here, where the service is generally pretty quick. But the place was pretty busy, and they didn't take too long. I had a second helping, as usual, and plenty of their delicious prawn crackers. The lights went out at about 8 for a minute or so.. anyway, by the time I finished my second course I was becoming conscious of the time, and wasn't really that interested in dessert, so I paid and left.
For this concert, I'd booked my ticket with the official O2 ticketing website, AXS, which meant they gave me the option of Print at Home - generally the handiest, with less worry about losing the ticket. Careful though, you do have to remember to print them out - they don't take phone copies. A cursory bag check (my mints were well hidden under my wallet), my ticket was scanned and I was in - no queues, this late (it was about 8.15). The now underworked ushers were keen for something to do, so I got more directions than I needed to my seat.
I was in Row L this time.. lots of steps to climb down. But OMG it was worth it! AXS had a much better selection of tickets, and I was so much closer to the stage than I had been at any previous show, this tour! Lovely.. I'd have taken a shot to make you jealous, but my phone battery had died again. Anyway, they decided to start just a teensy bit earlier, this time - I'd only got properly settled in my seat when People Have the Power blared out: helluva dramatic start, I must say! I think it was about 8:25..
It was funny to see the confusion on the faces of the people sat beside me, as I both jumped to my feet for this song, and pointed my gaze fixedly on the REAR of the room. Take the hint guys.. anyway, it didn't take too long for Bono to appear and the whole audience to jump up. And I have to hand it to them - this was far and away the most active audience yet this tour. Not only good singers, but extremely.. bouncy! The people on the floor positively looked like they were on a trampoline..
Setlist:
SET 1
The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)
The Electric Co.
Vertigo
I Will Follow
Iris (Hold Me Close)
Cedarwood Road
Song for Someone
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Raised By Wolves
Until The End Of The World
The Electric Co.
Vertigo
I Will Follow
Iris (Hold Me Close)
Cedarwood Road
Song for Someone
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Raised By Wolves
Until The End Of The World
SET 2
Invisible
Even Better Than The Real Thing
Mysterious Ways
Desire
All I Want Is You
Every Breaking Wave
October
Bullet The Blue Sky
Zooropa
Where The Streets Have No Name
Pride (In The Name Of Love)
With Or Without You
Even Better Than The Real Thing
Mysterious Ways
Desire
All I Want Is You
Every Breaking Wave
October
Bullet The Blue Sky
Zooropa
Where The Streets Have No Name
Pride (In The Name Of Love)
With Or Without You
ENCORE
The girl pulled onstage for Mysterious Ways was Claire. Bono made a thing about asking her whether she was from Co. Clare, and saying she must come there with them sometime. Funnily enough, that's where I'm from. And funnier still, the guy behind me gave a big whoop at this point - I didn't pick up an Irish accent though, and I don't think he was from there. Anyway, Claire - from Gloucester - did the filming of the next song (a bit shakily, she couldn't stop hopping up and down), but I'm not entirely sure it went on Meerkat, as for once, no comments were displayed onscreen. Actually, checking the website today, I see it seems to have technical problems - maybe that was it.
A European first followed - All I Want Is You, dedicated to Bono's wife in an emotional prologue, where he described her as an incredible wife, sister, mother.. He even took off his glasses for this one, in an evident show of intimacy. I think the emotion carried into the next song, because he fluffed the lines for Every Breaking Wave. Ah, Bono.. irritated, he restarted. Lucky he now has the weekend to recover - he must be getting as tired as I have been!
Nobody famous came onstage last night, but a few were namechecked as being in the audience (mentioned by virtue of being Red campaigners, as we were told). Damien Hirst, Javier Bardem, Matt Damon. Well, Javier did a cracking turn onstage in Barcelona, so his duty is done - I guess the others weren't so inclined. ;-)
Nobody famous came onstage last night, but a few were namechecked as being in the audience (mentioned by virtue of being Red campaigners, as we were told). Damien Hirst, Javier Bardem, Matt Damon. Well, Javier did a cracking turn onstage in Barcelona, so his duty is done - I guess the others weren't so inclined. ;-)
After another incredible show, with another incredible audience, we actually finished a bit earlier: still after the scheduled time, but before 11, at about 5 to. Which was nice, given that I was coming out of Exit H, at the far side. Again, it took me about half an hour to get to the Tube from here.. where we ran into merry Hallowe'en revellers.. and again, I practiced my usual trick of, when I come down the stairs to the platform, turning back on myself - the section of platform in that direction is deserted in comparison. More people seem to be cottoning on to this now, and there were quite a few in that direction last night, but I still had no trouble getting a seat, near the front of the train. I did muse how unusual it is, finding the journey home from a concert easier than the journey there!
There was a Wimbledon train waiting when I arrived on the platform at Westminster, and I dashed on. And made for an end seat, until I saw someone had been sick all over it, and it had splashed onto the seat beside. Luckily, I could safely sit on the seat beside that, and I did - it didn't really smell, and my paper blocked the view. Still, I was glad to get off. Too tired to blog though.. it was 12:05am by the time I got in.
This morning, I was supposed to have a flat viewing, but the guy never got back to me with the address, and when I asked him again for it yesterday, he texted back "Myp". WTF?! Answers on a postcard please if you can figure that out. Anyway, no tragedy - I did get a lie-in as a result.
This being Hallowe'en, I wanted something scary.. ooh, it's nice to have a weekend in London for a change! So I'm headed on a ghost walk this evening. First time I'll have been with Ken's Events since I joined. It's the second of the night - the first was already full when I looked. Oddly, although the event page says there's a maximum of 25 per group, there are 33 places on each - maybe they're running simultaneous ones.
This morning, I was supposed to have a flat viewing, but the guy never got back to me with the address, and when I asked him again for it yesterday, he texted back "Myp". WTF?! Answers on a postcard please if you can figure that out. Anyway, no tragedy - I did get a lie-in as a result.
This being Hallowe'en, I wanted something scary.. ooh, it's nice to have a weekend in London for a change! So I'm headed on a ghost walk this evening. First time I'll have been with Ken's Events since I joined. It's the second of the night - the first was already full when I looked. Oddly, although the event page says there's a maximum of 25 per group, there are 33 places on each - maybe they're running simultaneous ones.
Tuesday, 27 October 2015
Concert: U2, O2 London (#2)
The U2 show rolls on.. Second night in London last night, and Helen and I (and her husband) were there. Along with a few others..
We left in good time - the restaurants and bars at the O2 open before the main arena. Changed from a fairly crowded District Line to an even more crowded Jubilee Line - no major departure of passengers at London Bridge this time, which meant we had to stand all the way. It was a relief to get off. A busker was performing - not the same one, and again, not U2..
The queues for merchandising weren't bad, this early, and she got her purchasing done quickly. We met her husband inside, and made our way straight to Water Margin - the Chinese buffet. I really think this is a great option before a show - as the guy standing at the door advertised, "No waiting! No queue!" Unlike all the others. Also, there's a good selection, a fixed price - so you can have as many helpings as you want - and the quality is good. Drinks orders are taken at the table - drinks are priced separately.
We had a good selection, among the three of us - chicken szechuan, which was quite spicy: chicken satay (less so): crispy chicken: two different types of noodles: hash browns: seaweed. I had a whole heap of prawn crackers, which were excellent.. and we went to town on dessert, with lots of tiny helpings of different things. I got the last slice of chocolate cake. :-) I can also recommend the chocolate fudge slices and the lemon cheesecake..
We finished at about 7:20. Now, the scheduled start time for the weekday shows is 7:30.. yeah, right. As mentioned previously, when they were supposed to start at 7, they didn't come on till 7:50. So, we sauntered off in the direction of our entrance, and took our seats. They weren't seated with me, but a few sections away (in the same row, as it happened). They had bought "restricted view" tickets - which meant they were behind the i stage. As I reassured them, for people who are side-on to the vidiwall and can't see it properly, there are smaller screens that give a good close-up of the action - I had a view of one myself, seated at the corner in Barcelona. It's interesting to note, though, that this is the first venue I've been in this year that has been played completely in the round.
Spending £70 more, I had quite an excellent seat.. still, from the moment I came in, I couldn't put my finger on it, but I could tell there was something different about the crowd last night. Which had nothing to do with my seat. There was a new electricity. Maybe more than me had been to the show the night before - I don't know. But the anticipation as we waited.. and waited.. for the show to start was practically unbearable. It was fun actually when the three guys beside me finally got there, and were on tenterhooks trying to figure out where the band would come on. I didn't give the game away - but, at about 8:20, when People Have the Power blared out, and I shot to my feet, directing my gaze pointedly at the e stage - where Bono appears - gee, you'd think that would've given them a hint. Nope, they were still staring at the i stage as he made his grand entrance, between lines of baying fans, phones held aloft for shots.
Some photos here. Setlist as follows:
The girl pulled on for Mysterious Ways was Tammy, from Belgium, with the funky hair. And not one, but two, guys were brought on to play guitar for Angel of Harlem - brothers, who'd had a sign up pleading for the band to take them both! Final audience-on-stage moment of the night went to the guy that Bono pulled on for City of Blinding Lights. Again, he gave him his glasses and jacket and waved him into the dark. This time, he took the young lad's jacket - but it didn't fit. And eventually, he got his own things back, explaining that he couldn't keep giving things away - the wardrobe lady had complained she couldn't replace them. Not the cost - she simply couldn't get them!
Famous people in the house included Bono's wife, for the second night in a row, and Bob Geldof. Oh, and Noel Gallagher, who joined them onstage for the last two songs. Best concert yet. Best crowd yet. Go London! I'm expecting great things, later in the week..
They adhered neither to start nor finish time.. when I looked at my watch at the end, it was about 11. Mind you, exiting at Gate B is a terrific advantage - where it had taken me 30 mins the night before, coming from the other side, to get back to the Tube, last night I made it in under 5 minutes. I do believe the busker, by this time, was the same as last night - he'd rehearsed his U2 this time! Again, the crowds clumped near the bottom of the stairs, mainly, leaving the front end of the platform deserted. And when the train arrived, the couple I was waiting with graciously let me on first - the more graciously because I could see they had wristbands; they'd had floor tickets. Well, we all did get seats on the train - and with a direct train home arriving almost immediately at Westminster, I was home in no time! Still too late to blog, mind.
Tonight, all Meetup had to offer was comedy I wasn't interested in. But I did manage a cheap ticket to a Tennessee Williams play, Something Unspoken - a one-act play showing in Pentameters Theatre, Hampstead.
We left in good time - the restaurants and bars at the O2 open before the main arena. Changed from a fairly crowded District Line to an even more crowded Jubilee Line - no major departure of passengers at London Bridge this time, which meant we had to stand all the way. It was a relief to get off. A busker was performing - not the same one, and again, not U2..
The queues for merchandising weren't bad, this early, and she got her purchasing done quickly. We met her husband inside, and made our way straight to Water Margin - the Chinese buffet. I really think this is a great option before a show - as the guy standing at the door advertised, "No waiting! No queue!" Unlike all the others. Also, there's a good selection, a fixed price - so you can have as many helpings as you want - and the quality is good. Drinks orders are taken at the table - drinks are priced separately.
We had a good selection, among the three of us - chicken szechuan, which was quite spicy: chicken satay (less so): crispy chicken: two different types of noodles: hash browns: seaweed. I had a whole heap of prawn crackers, which were excellent.. and we went to town on dessert, with lots of tiny helpings of different things. I got the last slice of chocolate cake. :-) I can also recommend the chocolate fudge slices and the lemon cheesecake..
We finished at about 7:20. Now, the scheduled start time for the weekday shows is 7:30.. yeah, right. As mentioned previously, when they were supposed to start at 7, they didn't come on till 7:50. So, we sauntered off in the direction of our entrance, and took our seats. They weren't seated with me, but a few sections away (in the same row, as it happened). They had bought "restricted view" tickets - which meant they were behind the i stage. As I reassured them, for people who are side-on to the vidiwall and can't see it properly, there are smaller screens that give a good close-up of the action - I had a view of one myself, seated at the corner in Barcelona. It's interesting to note, though, that this is the first venue I've been in this year that has been played completely in the round.
Spending £70 more, I had quite an excellent seat.. still, from the moment I came in, I couldn't put my finger on it, but I could tell there was something different about the crowd last night. Which had nothing to do with my seat. There was a new electricity. Maybe more than me had been to the show the night before - I don't know. But the anticipation as we waited.. and waited.. for the show to start was practically unbearable. It was fun actually when the three guys beside me finally got there, and were on tenterhooks trying to figure out where the band would come on. I didn't give the game away - but, at about 8:20, when People Have the Power blared out, and I shot to my feet, directing my gaze pointedly at the e stage - where Bono appears - gee, you'd think that would've given them a hint. Nope, they were still staring at the i stage as he made his grand entrance, between lines of baying fans, phones held aloft for shots.
Some photos here. Setlist as follows:
- The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
- Out Of Control
- Vertigo
- I Will Follow
- Iris (Hold Me Close)
- Cedarwood Road
- Song For Someone
- Sunday Bloody Sunday
- Raised By Wolves / Psalm 23 (snippet)
- Until The End Of The World / Love And Peace Or Else (snippet) / Words (snippet)
- (Intermission - The Fly)
- Invisible
- Even Better Than The Real Thing
- Mysterious Ways / Burning Down The House (snippet)
- Desire / Love Me Do (snippet)
- Angel Of Harlem / Into The Mystic (snippet)
- Every Breaking Wave
- October
- Bullet The Blue Sky / Ode To Joy (snippet) / 19 (snippet)
- Zooropa
- Where The Streets Have No Name / California (There Is No End To Love) (snippet)
- Pride (In The Name Of Love)
- With Or Without You
encore(s): - City Of Blinding Lights
- Beautiful Day
- Mother And Child Reunion (snippet) / I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For / All You Need Is Love (snippet)
The girl pulled on for Mysterious Ways was Tammy, from Belgium, with the funky hair. And not one, but two, guys were brought on to play guitar for Angel of Harlem - brothers, who'd had a sign up pleading for the band to take them both! Final audience-on-stage moment of the night went to the guy that Bono pulled on for City of Blinding Lights. Again, he gave him his glasses and jacket and waved him into the dark. This time, he took the young lad's jacket - but it didn't fit. And eventually, he got his own things back, explaining that he couldn't keep giving things away - the wardrobe lady had complained she couldn't replace them. Not the cost - she simply couldn't get them!
Famous people in the house included Bono's wife, for the second night in a row, and Bob Geldof. Oh, and Noel Gallagher, who joined them onstage for the last two songs. Best concert yet. Best crowd yet. Go London! I'm expecting great things, later in the week..
They adhered neither to start nor finish time.. when I looked at my watch at the end, it was about 11. Mind you, exiting at Gate B is a terrific advantage - where it had taken me 30 mins the night before, coming from the other side, to get back to the Tube, last night I made it in under 5 minutes. I do believe the busker, by this time, was the same as last night - he'd rehearsed his U2 this time! Again, the crowds clumped near the bottom of the stairs, mainly, leaving the front end of the platform deserted. And when the train arrived, the couple I was waiting with graciously let me on first - the more graciously because I could see they had wristbands; they'd had floor tickets. Well, we all did get seats on the train - and with a direct train home arriving almost immediately at Westminster, I was home in no time! Still too late to blog, mind.
Tonight, all Meetup had to offer was comedy I wasn't interested in. But I did manage a cheap ticket to a Tennessee Williams play, Something Unspoken - a one-act play showing in Pentameters Theatre, Hampstead.
Friday, 6 February 2015
Concert: Ennio Morricone
I was looking at going to see Ennio Morricone last December, but the concert was cancelled when he was taken ill. He is getting on, after all. When I saw he'd rescheduled for this week, I had no hesitation in booking for last night. Until it came to choosing the ticket. See, every time you log onto Ticketmaster for an event in the O2, there's a warning that the upper of the two levels available to the general public is unsuitable for those with vertigo or fear of heights. Freaked me out, so I ended up paying £30 more for a ticket on the lower level.
Not having been to the O2 before, I looked up my transport options yesterday. Decided that the Tube was the quickest and handiest. Not a difficult journey - District Line to Westminster and Jubilee Line from there to North Greenwich. I left straight from the office, planning to eat at the O2 beforehand - the concert didn't start until 8. I managed to cram onto a packed rush hour District Line carriage, and had breathing space for a few stops, until a crowd got on at South Kensington. It was then rather uncomfortable until I got a seat a couple of stops after that, at Victoria. Which was a couple of stops before I had to change. But the seat was appreciated.
The Jubilee Line was a relief - the trains are one per minute at that time, so less crowded. And they had the air conditioning on ice-cold, which was a relief after the stuffiness of the District Line. About the same distance on each line, and I disembarked at North Greenwich. I had wondered how the directions would be handled, and was impressed - you'd have to be blind not to find the O2, coming from here. Although after you come through the ticket barriers, and come up the escalator, there is a sign in front that's slightly confusing - it mentions the O2, but in the context that you should use the exit behind you for that. But if you're in a rush and flustered, it might cause a moment's confusion.
Once outside, just follow the signs (and the crowds). As I was entering the dome, I finally saw the Up at the O2 - the lift to it is just outside the entrance. This is the attraction where you can climb on top of the O2 - with harness and a guide. Not for me, but interesting to see the climbing ramp. The O2 is structured in such a way that there's an outer and inner dome. Pass through the main entrance, and you come to a large covered area - with restaurants, entrance B to the O2 itself, and the all-important cash machines. Well, I wanted to eat before going in, and I was headed for Entrance H, which meant passing down a whole street full of restaurants. So I passed the first ones I saw, all of which had long queues.
I walked around the O2 for what seemed like ages, passing restaurant after restaurant and their queues. Near the end, I came across two that didn't seem to have queues - Brooklyn Bowl and Water Margin, a Chinese buffet. Then I was at the end of the restaurant stretch. I walked on a bit to make sure there were no more - came across the Cineworld (so that's where it is!) and the toilets. Then decided - it's been a while since I'd had Chinese, and a buffet would guarantee swift service - I'd been warned about that here. So I returned to Water Margin.
The menu and price were ok. There's a bar downstairs - you climb the stairs to the restaurant. When I went in, the room was quite large, and quite empty. I was quickly seated. You give the server your drinks order - they bring that, and you go to the buffet for food. Or there's a section at the side where you can choose your own ingredients and have them cooked in front of you. Some people were doing that, but I decided just to go with the buffet. I chose chicken szechuan and fried rice, with a couple of prawn crackers.
By the time I sat down, my drink had arrived, and the chicken szechuan turned out to be delicious. Rice was a bit chewy. Still peckish, when I'd finished that, I went and got some chicken satay (there's satay sauce to the side, so you can choose the quantity) and some more rather good prawn crackers - again, the chicken was excellent. I know people worry about buffet food- particularly Chinese - but this was really excellent quality. I also believe they were replenishing the food quickly rather than leaving it to settle - the quantities they put out weren't large, and were quickly finished. By the time I got back to my table with my second dish, my plate had been cleared but, in true Chinese fashion, they left my knife and fork for me to re-use.
After that, I fancied dessert - and they have a really good range. Chocolate cake, ice cream you can scoop out yourself, a chocolate fountain so you can have as much chocolate sauce as you please! Also plates of various small delicacies. Really, we were spoiled for choice. Me, I finally decided to snatch the last of the profiteroles - with a good dollop of extra chocolate sauce from the fountain (they were already coated in chocolate sauce). And after that, I was finished. Pay at the cashier on the way out - the meal is a standard £14.80 for an adult dinner, and you give in the drinks card that your server has filled out. Drinks are extra, and you shouldn't lose this - they have a fixed penalty for that. They have a glass of sweets at the till - lift them out with the spoon provided. Yes, I'd be happy to eat there again! Might try the noodles next time, instead of the rice..
I decided to visit the toilet in the exterior section of the O2 before I went in. Well, that was a big mistake.. portaloos with neither light nor toilet paper! Avoid. I decided I didn't need to go that badly, and went through the ticket and bag check. Inside the O2 proper, you head in one direction for standard seating in levels 1 & 4, and in the other direction for levels 2 & 3. I headed up the escalator for Level 1. A further escalator takes you up to level 4. As I walked around the curve of the O2, I was impressed by the facilities - food stalls that would have compensated well enough with fast food if I hadn't got any outside. Plenty of water and other snacks. And toilets, goodee. With a profusion of both light and loo roll. The hand dryers are a bit insipid, but functional.
Inside the venue itself, my row turned out to be the very one below the entrance. So I didn't have to climb any stairs, handily. You know, they have part railings on level 4 - they don't have any on level 1, and I can foresee problems for myself when I come back here for U2, with my fear of steps. Ah well, par for the course for U2 concerts, really.. I see I could probably have managed level 4 last night though. I made my way along to my seat, which had a good view of the stage, despite being at the far end of the arena. Peculiar seat coverings - comfy enough, but kind of waxy - slightly slippy, like vinyl. Spill-proof, I guess! Haven't come across this as a seat covering before.
That section of the row was practically empty - a couple with seats beside me moved further down, since there was space. As I gazed around, I concluded that this is going to be an absolutely awesome venue for U2! Smaller than their normal size of venue, if you're on the lower level this is going to feel really intimate! Well, with their size of show anyway, and especially with the stage running down the centre. Really looking forward to those now!
Last night's concert started soon after - Morricone conducting an orchestra, with choir behind. Large screens on either side of the stage proclaimed the title of each piece - it was harder to read the text underneath, which told the name of the film. And they were all from films, most of which I'd never actually heard of! Of the first numbers, I was familiar with Deborah's Theme, and there were others from Once Upon a Time in America. But it wasn't until the set from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly that I really got into it. As did everyone - The Ecstasy of Gold, from that film, seemed the most popular piece of the night.
After a 20-minute interval, a scrolling advertisement around the led bar at the top of the corporate boxes, and an entertaining usher wandering the aisles yelling "ICE CREAM", the second half featured more music I didn't know, and towards the end, they finally went into The Mission, starting with Gabriel's Oboe. Now, people started leaving at this point. I completely understand the desire to beat the crowds - but at Gabriel's Oboe?! Gee, why bother coming then? Just stay home and listen to the whole thing online, or on cd. That was only the start of songs from The Mission, too.
After rapturous applause and a standing ovation - as befits such a musical legend - he came back for an encore. And after more rapturous applause, and another standing ovation, he came back for another. Now, he had obviously run out of stuff to do by then, and started The Ecstasy of Gold again. Not that I'm complaining - it was just as good the second time around . And when he came back for a third encore, he reprised On Earth as It Is in Heaven, from The Mission. It was 10:30 now, and when he'd finished that, I decided I'd probably heard all there was to hear, and it was time to call it a night. If you're interested, it's on again tomorrow night.
It was funny making my way back to the Tube, along with crowds of scurrying people, all trying to beat the scrum that was to follow. "Crowd Control" signs were lit, people with loudspeakers were directing us. I managed to get on the Tube that pulled up to the platform as I arrived, so no problems - but for U2, I'll be staying until the last minute, and all those shows will have sold out. So, greater crowds. I'll take the express boat into town instead - it takes a little longer, and costs a little more, but it'll be such a heave for the Tube, on the basis of U2 shows I've been to before in London. And the boat is well signposted, in the opposite direction to the Tube - first boats leave 15 minutes after the shows finish.
The Tube was suitably packed, and a poor, small, woman getting on at the next stop looked quite alarmed. Luckily for her, she was getting off not long after. But I was standing till Westminster, and felt it really stuffy. I was delighted to see a Wimbledon-bound train arrive as I came to the District Line platform, and even more delighted to get out into the cold night air at the end of my journey. Yes, the boat would have been preferable..
Too late to blog, of course. My internet connection at home crashed anyway. Coincidentally, today I discovered that one of my colleagues was also at last night's show - had a cheap seat on the upper level, and was upgraded! Grr. Today, I have my pillow with me - I'm off to the Pillow Cinema! Housed in the former Shoreditch Underground Station, the idea is you watch a film, cosied up in a beanbag, with an optional pillow. Drinks are served to your beanbag, and beanbags - which seat one or two - are on a first-come, first-served basis. Blankets, pjs, slippers - all optional. Booking essential - they always sell out. Tonight's film is What We do in the Shadows, and I'm looking forward to it! Must study the directions provided with the ticket.
Tomorrow night, I'm finally heading to something I had considered for last Wednesday - it's the last performance by comedian Carl Donnelly, in the Soho Theatre (Downstairs). And since it's the weekend, I might actually make it there on time, for once!
And on Sunday, I'm off to Singing in the Dark Times, an evening of song about the work of peacekeepers around the world. In aid of Peace Direct. Takes place in Bush Hall, just off Shepherds Bush.. not too far away, and not too late, thankfully, with work the next day.
Not having been to the O2 before, I looked up my transport options yesterday. Decided that the Tube was the quickest and handiest. Not a difficult journey - District Line to Westminster and Jubilee Line from there to North Greenwich. I left straight from the office, planning to eat at the O2 beforehand - the concert didn't start until 8. I managed to cram onto a packed rush hour District Line carriage, and had breathing space for a few stops, until a crowd got on at South Kensington. It was then rather uncomfortable until I got a seat a couple of stops after that, at Victoria. Which was a couple of stops before I had to change. But the seat was appreciated.
The Jubilee Line was a relief - the trains are one per minute at that time, so less crowded. And they had the air conditioning on ice-cold, which was a relief after the stuffiness of the District Line. About the same distance on each line, and I disembarked at North Greenwich. I had wondered how the directions would be handled, and was impressed - you'd have to be blind not to find the O2, coming from here. Although after you come through the ticket barriers, and come up the escalator, there is a sign in front that's slightly confusing - it mentions the O2, but in the context that you should use the exit behind you for that. But if you're in a rush and flustered, it might cause a moment's confusion.
Once outside, just follow the signs (and the crowds). As I was entering the dome, I finally saw the Up at the O2 - the lift to it is just outside the entrance. This is the attraction where you can climb on top of the O2 - with harness and a guide. Not for me, but interesting to see the climbing ramp. The O2 is structured in such a way that there's an outer and inner dome. Pass through the main entrance, and you come to a large covered area - with restaurants, entrance B to the O2 itself, and the all-important cash machines. Well, I wanted to eat before going in, and I was headed for Entrance H, which meant passing down a whole street full of restaurants. So I passed the first ones I saw, all of which had long queues.
I walked around the O2 for what seemed like ages, passing restaurant after restaurant and their queues. Near the end, I came across two that didn't seem to have queues - Brooklyn Bowl and Water Margin, a Chinese buffet. Then I was at the end of the restaurant stretch. I walked on a bit to make sure there were no more - came across the Cineworld (so that's where it is!) and the toilets. Then decided - it's been a while since I'd had Chinese, and a buffet would guarantee swift service - I'd been warned about that here. So I returned to Water Margin.
The menu and price were ok. There's a bar downstairs - you climb the stairs to the restaurant. When I went in, the room was quite large, and quite empty. I was quickly seated. You give the server your drinks order - they bring that, and you go to the buffet for food. Or there's a section at the side where you can choose your own ingredients and have them cooked in front of you. Some people were doing that, but I decided just to go with the buffet. I chose chicken szechuan and fried rice, with a couple of prawn crackers.
By the time I sat down, my drink had arrived, and the chicken szechuan turned out to be delicious. Rice was a bit chewy. Still peckish, when I'd finished that, I went and got some chicken satay (there's satay sauce to the side, so you can choose the quantity) and some more rather good prawn crackers - again, the chicken was excellent. I know people worry about buffet food- particularly Chinese - but this was really excellent quality. I also believe they were replenishing the food quickly rather than leaving it to settle - the quantities they put out weren't large, and were quickly finished. By the time I got back to my table with my second dish, my plate had been cleared but, in true Chinese fashion, they left my knife and fork for me to re-use.
After that, I fancied dessert - and they have a really good range. Chocolate cake, ice cream you can scoop out yourself, a chocolate fountain so you can have as much chocolate sauce as you please! Also plates of various small delicacies. Really, we were spoiled for choice. Me, I finally decided to snatch the last of the profiteroles - with a good dollop of extra chocolate sauce from the fountain (they were already coated in chocolate sauce). And after that, I was finished. Pay at the cashier on the way out - the meal is a standard £14.80 for an adult dinner, and you give in the drinks card that your server has filled out. Drinks are extra, and you shouldn't lose this - they have a fixed penalty for that. They have a glass of sweets at the till - lift them out with the spoon provided. Yes, I'd be happy to eat there again! Might try the noodles next time, instead of the rice..
I decided to visit the toilet in the exterior section of the O2 before I went in. Well, that was a big mistake.. portaloos with neither light nor toilet paper! Avoid. I decided I didn't need to go that badly, and went through the ticket and bag check. Inside the O2 proper, you head in one direction for standard seating in levels 1 & 4, and in the other direction for levels 2 & 3. I headed up the escalator for Level 1. A further escalator takes you up to level 4. As I walked around the curve of the O2, I was impressed by the facilities - food stalls that would have compensated well enough with fast food if I hadn't got any outside. Plenty of water and other snacks. And toilets, goodee. With a profusion of both light and loo roll. The hand dryers are a bit insipid, but functional.
Inside the venue itself, my row turned out to be the very one below the entrance. So I didn't have to climb any stairs, handily. You know, they have part railings on level 4 - they don't have any on level 1, and I can foresee problems for myself when I come back here for U2, with my fear of steps. Ah well, par for the course for U2 concerts, really.. I see I could probably have managed level 4 last night though. I made my way along to my seat, which had a good view of the stage, despite being at the far end of the arena. Peculiar seat coverings - comfy enough, but kind of waxy - slightly slippy, like vinyl. Spill-proof, I guess! Haven't come across this as a seat covering before.
That section of the row was practically empty - a couple with seats beside me moved further down, since there was space. As I gazed around, I concluded that this is going to be an absolutely awesome venue for U2! Smaller than their normal size of venue, if you're on the lower level this is going to feel really intimate! Well, with their size of show anyway, and especially with the stage running down the centre. Really looking forward to those now!
Last night's concert started soon after - Morricone conducting an orchestra, with choir behind. Large screens on either side of the stage proclaimed the title of each piece - it was harder to read the text underneath, which told the name of the film. And they were all from films, most of which I'd never actually heard of! Of the first numbers, I was familiar with Deborah's Theme, and there were others from Once Upon a Time in America. But it wasn't until the set from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly that I really got into it. As did everyone - The Ecstasy of Gold, from that film, seemed the most popular piece of the night.
After a 20-minute interval, a scrolling advertisement around the led bar at the top of the corporate boxes, and an entertaining usher wandering the aisles yelling "ICE CREAM", the second half featured more music I didn't know, and towards the end, they finally went into The Mission, starting with Gabriel's Oboe. Now, people started leaving at this point. I completely understand the desire to beat the crowds - but at Gabriel's Oboe?! Gee, why bother coming then? Just stay home and listen to the whole thing online, or on cd. That was only the start of songs from The Mission, too.
After rapturous applause and a standing ovation - as befits such a musical legend - he came back for an encore. And after more rapturous applause, and another standing ovation, he came back for another. Now, he had obviously run out of stuff to do by then, and started The Ecstasy of Gold again. Not that I'm complaining - it was just as good the second time around . And when he came back for a third encore, he reprised On Earth as It Is in Heaven, from The Mission. It was 10:30 now, and when he'd finished that, I decided I'd probably heard all there was to hear, and it was time to call it a night. If you're interested, it's on again tomorrow night.
It was funny making my way back to the Tube, along with crowds of scurrying people, all trying to beat the scrum that was to follow. "Crowd Control" signs were lit, people with loudspeakers were directing us. I managed to get on the Tube that pulled up to the platform as I arrived, so no problems - but for U2, I'll be staying until the last minute, and all those shows will have sold out. So, greater crowds. I'll take the express boat into town instead - it takes a little longer, and costs a little more, but it'll be such a heave for the Tube, on the basis of U2 shows I've been to before in London. And the boat is well signposted, in the opposite direction to the Tube - first boats leave 15 minutes after the shows finish.
The Tube was suitably packed, and a poor, small, woman getting on at the next stop looked quite alarmed. Luckily for her, she was getting off not long after. But I was standing till Westminster, and felt it really stuffy. I was delighted to see a Wimbledon-bound train arrive as I came to the District Line platform, and even more delighted to get out into the cold night air at the end of my journey. Yes, the boat would have been preferable..
Too late to blog, of course. My internet connection at home crashed anyway. Coincidentally, today I discovered that one of my colleagues was also at last night's show - had a cheap seat on the upper level, and was upgraded! Grr. Today, I have my pillow with me - I'm off to the Pillow Cinema! Housed in the former Shoreditch Underground Station, the idea is you watch a film, cosied up in a beanbag, with an optional pillow. Drinks are served to your beanbag, and beanbags - which seat one or two - are on a first-come, first-served basis. Blankets, pjs, slippers - all optional. Booking essential - they always sell out. Tonight's film is What We do in the Shadows, and I'm looking forward to it! Must study the directions provided with the ticket.
Tomorrow night, I'm finally heading to something I had considered for last Wednesday - it's the last performance by comedian Carl Donnelly, in the Soho Theatre (Downstairs). And since it's the weekend, I might actually make it there on time, for once!
And on Sunday, I'm off to Singing in the Dark Times, an evening of song about the work of peacekeepers around the world. In aid of Peace Direct. Takes place in Bush Hall, just off Shepherds Bush.. not too far away, and not too late, thankfully, with work the next day.
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