Musical: A Strange Loop

This evening, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (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..

I had a yen to eat at Cote Barbican - but checked this evening, only to find they were completely booked up. Durnit! I didn't fancy eating at The Lucas Arms again so soon - and frankly, didn't leave myself much time to eat at all. So, Pret it was - and then Tube. The Northern Line promised the least walking - and my shoe was chafing - so that was how I went. Ran into one of the group as I was coming off the Tube, and together, we navigated the building works all around there, joining the rest eventually, downstairs at the Barbican. Not, perhaps, the wisest location for those of us sat in the higher levels.. Anyway, most of the bar was roped off for a conference: and wouldn't you know it, they'd literally drunk the bar dry! of white wine, at least. They had rose or prosecco, both of which give me a headache. So I passed. We were subsequently passed by a guy trundling a crate full of bottles of white wine, headed for somewhere else in the building.. I seriously considered an ambush..

And so we slogged upstairs, in due course. I then had to clamber down some more stairs, to reach my precarious seat at the edge:

There were a couple of people sitting inside me in the row - he congratulated me for making it all the way up there!

Ah, where to start. Multi-award-winning, eh? Well, someone beforehand did caution that that was in America.. Good point, and one that came back to haunt me through what I found a gruelling production. Now, I will happily concede that it's well-written - lyrically clever. The performances are top-notch. And I'm guessing the awards were mostly awarded on the basis of it being "woke". The protagonist - and author - is, by his own admission, fat, he's homosexual - of which his staunchly religious parents disapprove. He's in a dead-end job, which he hates, and his mother accuses him - with some justification - of wasting his expensive education. So he, em, decides to go off and write a musical about it.

Now, I love musical theatre as much as anyone - and as I say, this is award-winning in America - but could he not possibly have, I dunno, written a book instead? What in the name of all that's holy convinced him to write songs about this? And it's basically an autobiography - the "strange loop" of the title is an examination of the ego, as he explains to someone on the subway (actually a figment of his imagination, as are many of the characters on stage).

Someone was of the opinion that it went downhill in the second half - that there was something to applaud in the beginning, but after that, it became a feast of self-loathing. I agree about the self-loathing; I just failed to be much enthused about the first half either. As someone else pointed out, a lot of the American references were lost to a British audience - as a prime example, I was left wondering who on earth Tyler Perry was, who features so prominently! A couple of warnings, also - there's quite a graphic and disturbing sex scene, as well as a section where the lights are directed straight at the centre of the audience! A couple of our group were sat there, and one described being blinded - sure enough, that had occurred to me, sat safely over the side as I was.

This has been described in reviews as "hilarious".. well, I did laugh once. Mainly though, it came across to me as self-indulgent. And there he was on stage, with his "inner voices" telling him he had to let the audience know when to go home - and I was so tempted to yell "yes please!".. Now, some from our group absolutely loved it, and I'm happy for them. Me, I was first out of there.. Currently booking until the 9th of September, if you're curious.

Tomorrow, thinking film - and delighted to see that Asteroid City has risen in ratings, and is now 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). 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!

On 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. Still waiting to hear what rating the new Indiana Jones film will have - Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny sees Harrison Ford, back again as the coolest archaeologist in the Western world. And yes, your eyes don't deceive you - that is Phoebe Waller-Bridge, tagging along as the female interest (his god-daughter). So, expect some good lines. And Antonio Banderas shows up as - someone scruffy-lookin'. And I'd be happy to see it - if only for the CGI that makes Harrison Ford look young and gorgeous again.. (there's some time travel, I believe).

Failing a high rating, or any rating (although it shouldn't be long) for that, the highest rated is, ahem, Jesus Revolution, based on a real-life spiritual movement across America in the 70s. Stars Kelsey Grammer as the straight-laced pastor whose daughter convinces him to give these long-haired hippies a go.. Showing, as is Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, in Limerick Omniplex.

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

Musical: Cinderella

Tonight, finally went to see Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella! I heard good things.. it's playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, which was new to me - Seatplan was invaluable in choosing the best seating option. What's On Stage provided the cheapest price for that seat, though!

Looking for somewhere to eat beforehand, I didn't even know where it was.. Drury Lane, it turned out. I fancied Cote - and the nearest was the Covent Garden branch. So, there I headed - a bus kindly obliged me by arriving just as I did, and I arrived at the restaurant on the dot of the time I'd arranged for. I was just a little dubious after my experience at the St. Martin's Lane branch - but I needn't have worried. Service was quick - and friendly as could be - and the food was excellent. And this time, I got to have chocolate ice cream - which is so rich, I swear it's the chocolatiest thing on the menu! I know it was a Tuesday, but they just seem better managed here. Kudos.

And so, up the road to the theatre. Ahah! It's the one where School of Rock has been playing every time I've passed it! I just never went to see that, and had never been inside. Well, tonight I got to see the interior. Stairs or escalator up to the lobby, where, as the usher said, "everything is". Oh, and on the escalator, oddly, you stand on the left. Upstairs, you can have the Winter Garden bar on one side, or the Sean Kenny bar on the other - naturally, I went to the latter, and after a trip to the loo, got myself a drink and consulted the nearest usher about the fact that only door numbers, not seat numbers, are displayed on the signs, while a seat number, but no door number, was displayed on my ticket. For seat #4 in the Circle, she directed me to Door 5.. and wow, what a lot of stairs! Ah well, it turned out that the seats either side of me were empty, which gave me plenty of space - indeed, while the Stalls were pretty full, the Circle was half empty. Good legroom, and as promised by Seatplan, the view is just fine - the corner of the stage is cut off, but nothing happens there.

Now, this starts off simperingly sweet. Never fear, it doesn't continue that way.. this is Cinderella with a few twists! I mean, when the rhyme for "Cinderella" is "salmonella".. For a start, Prince Charming has been killed in battle - he'd been engaged to Cinderella, and when his shiny new statue is defaced, the people turn to her (this is a hint that the engagement was not exactly a fairytale). So, his shy and retiring younger brother - generally considered a poor substitute - is now heir to the throne. And needs a bride. And has to choose one at a ball. And.. you know the rest.

Cue the interval - and I needed the loo again. Unfortunately, the nearest toilets from upstairs only have three cubicles, and the queue lasted forever! Happily, the interval lasted long enough for me to grab a rather nice choc choc chip ice cream. The vendor asked me whether it was my first time seeing this (!). I mean, I have been known to go to repeat showings of things, but generally restrict that to U2 concerts..

And so to the second half. And if you thought you knew the story, think again.. this has been rethunk. Oh, and if you're in the front stalls - in front of that barrier - try not to leave your seat in the second half. Because - possibly just to centre the stage for the ball - the stage rotates, and for a while that bit of the audience ends up on the other side. Must be interesting if you are sitting there, mind.

The music, as you'd expect, is cracking. And I love what they've done with the story! Yes, this is good fun.. Booking until the 19th of February, recommended. Very clever take on the tale.

Damn cold again - I'm back in my winter coat. And it drizzled on me on the way back, unexpectedly. Tomorrow, back with Civilised London (CL) - for a play this time. This is The Fever Syndrome, at Hampstead Theatre.

On Thursday, back with TAC for One Night With Robbie Williams. This is at The Courtyard.

On Friday, my job still being up in the air, I've provisionally - again - booked with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners for a daytime walk. This is Tinker, Tailor, Soldier & a Hatful of Spies - and comes highly recommended from previous attendees! In fact, I got the last spot (at the time, anyway). Do hope I can make it.

That evening, back with the Crick Crack Club (CCC) for - The Grand Annual Lying Contest! at Rich Mix.

On Saturday, I had booked with Walks, Talks & Treasure Hunts for a Regent's Canal Walk. But yay, Laurence and the 45+s then advertised another walk for that day, which is pretty much guaranteed to be superior. So I've booked it. This is Scandals, Scriptwriters & Sumptuous Architecture - and of course, it being a London weekend, I can go!

That evening, an ex-colleague of mine is having a leaving do - he's emigrating. Happening at The Woodman, in Highgate. I said I'd put in an appearance.

On Sunday, the CCC again! Emily Hennessey and Sheema Mukherjee are at the British Museum, with Holy Cow! Tales from the River of Life. Unfortunately, the London Landmarks Half Marathon is also that day, so I'll probably be on the Tube, at least getting to the museum. 

On Monday, I'm back at the Park Theatre for the first time in nearly three years! This is for Clybourne Park, a comedy about a white family moving into a predominantly black neighbourhood.

Next Tuesday, I'm headed to But I'm a Cheerleader, a musical comedy at the Turbine Theatre.

On the 6th, back with Up in the Cheap Seats at Southwark Playhouse, and another free ticket for me! This time, it's for Anyone Can Whistle, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

On the 7th, Tommy Tiernan is playing at the Hammersmith Apollo! Now, I failed to get a ticket for this the first time around. Then it was rescheduled because of Covid.. and I got a ticket for the rescheduled event! Then that was rescheduled.. third time lucky?! Love Tommy Tiernan. The show is called Tomfoolery. And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On the 11th, I've booked for The 47th, at The Old Vic. Written by Mike Bartlett, this imagines the American presidential elections of 2024. I am really looking forward to this play..

On the 12th, I'm finally going to Six, the Musical! Based around the story of the six wives of Henry VIII (very loosely, I'd say), it's playing at the Vaudeville and I hear good things. Cheapest tickets from Leicester Square Box Office.

On the 13th, back with CL, who are off to the opera at the Southbank Centre. The show in question is The Paradis Files. Next day, I'm back to Ireland for Easter - but left it so late to book, I could only get an afternoon flight, and will have to start my new job (whenever) by asking for that day off work!

Well, my friend got back to me - they're away in the middle of Easter week, back on the 21st, so the most sensible thing to do seemed to be to visit on the 22nd, which I've now arranged with her. Whether I take that week as holiday, or take the laptop there and work from Ireland, remains to be seen. Anyway, I'll fly back to London on the 24th. And on the 25th, I'm off to The Corn is Green, at the National.

Play: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe & Concert: Flamenco Fusion

On Wednesday, I was back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) - this time, for the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe! at the Bridge Theatre. I absolutely loved the Chronicles of Narnia when I was a kid - I was keen to see how this matched up!

I had some trouble finding the ticket, though - of course, it'd be tricky with all the things I book, but I do usually get an email confirmation. A search of my mailbox revealed no notification from the theatre - I had to check the event page on Meetup to discover that I'd commented with a seat number (phew, I hadn't forgotten to book!), and had also mentioned that I'd booked it with What's On Stage, which worked out slightly cheaper. Right, I finally found the email confirmation. To be fair, I booked this before Christmas. No e-ticket attached.. I checked the t&cs, and it turns out that they only email tickets for certain theatres, and this ain't one. So I figured I'd chosen my second favourite option, of collecting at the box office - annoyingly, they almost never tell you which method you did choose! Well, although the Opera House has been sending tickets in the post, I didn't remember any from anyone else..

So, off I headed in decent time, and took the bus. Now, it'd have been nice if he'd let me (and someone else who wanted to get off there) off at the stop we wanted. But no, despite the bell having been pressed, the sign illuminating, and us standing conspicuously at the centre doors - he sailed on through. And I doubt he'd have stopped at the next one, if not for someone that wanted to get on there! I've complained, as usual. Anyway, it wasn't much further to walk from there - and I was only a little late to meet the group. And of course, it is handy to be meeting them a little early, which apart from providing an opportunity to chat, also provides a buffer of time to make the show itself. And yes, they did have a ticket waiting for me at the box office! :-)

I was in the very front row, round the side - the stage is high enough to cut off a little of the view - specifically, the actors' feet. And there was one occasion when someone popped up from a trapdoor and I couldn't see who it was. But by and by, it was no problem. (I was lucky to snap off this photo, BTW - there's a strict no-photography policy in the auditorium, and the usher was standing very near me! but for that moment, he looked the other way. And saw me just too late..

So, in this shot you can see the famous lantern - the one in Lantern Waste, which remains on stage throughout, but is only lit before the start, and whenever they're actually supposed to be seeing it. And under it, at this point, you can see a group of what are supposed to be wartime musicians, who play away merrily before the show. Indeed, the story is that, like our protagonists, we're wartime evacuee children from London, being sent somewhere safer. In fact, you're issued green evacuation cards before the start of the show!

(If you don't get one at the start, they're left around the lobby at the interval.) These are used later. In fact, there is rather sweet, mild audience interaction - don't worry, nothing extreme!

Aw, this is fabulous. I was delighted to find myself remembering bits from the book that I'd forgotten - it's a long time since I read it. It's sweet, and it's moving - and the scary bits are decently scary, with excellent masks; Maugrim is a particularly scary delight. Throughout, it's a marvel to see how they recreate effects from the simplest of props - the only complicated things on stage are that lantern, and the white witch's sledge / platform, which she appears on a few times and is otherwise parked, snugly, to the side.

The story is quite faithfully told - and there are fabulous effects, from the white sheets that act as snow, to the lion's growl that we hear long before we see him. The costumes are gorgeously imaginative.. and it's quite an immersive experience, with actors dashing through the audience, and a singalong finale. (Note - in the front row, do try to keep your feet in; they use that front passage quite a lot.)

Absolutely enchanting. Finishes on Sunday - low availability for tomorrow, and Sunday is sold out. Highly recommended - contains strobe lighting.

Now - apologies for the delay in posting, I have been that busy! Again, I was to be happy I hadn't anything booked for yesterday, when Eleanor from the London European Club (LEC) (and World Music Meetup) advertised a flamenco concert - I'm a sucker for flamenco. So I  booked for that - this time, it was in City Hope Church. Tickets, as usual, from Tuned In London - and as the lady said, on the eve of Brexit, we needed something European..

Well, I got caught up finishing something at work - to the extent that the only option to get there was the quickest. So, bus to Moorgate, then two Tubes. And do you know, initially it worked like clockwork. Yes, right up to London Bridge, where I had to change to the Jubilee Line - which was as packed as ever. So I couldn't squeeze onto the one I was supposed to get, and had to wait for the next.. which took three minutes and was then delayed.. and then took ages to leave, with people apparently obstructing the doors. Finally, on the walk from Bermondsey Station, I was lucky to have Google Maps to tell me when I got there - I was so busy hurrying and trying not to trip over tree roots on the uneven pavement that I completely missed the unobtrusive church!

Helpful signs directed me to the side door - I gave my name and took a seat, in the back; it was quite crowded. It was a cash bar, and I'd forgotten to get cash at lunchtime and hadn't had time in the evening, so that was out. Anyway, it wasn't long till Eleanor appeared to give her introductory speech, and the musicians took the stage:

And oh, what a tonic! A real blast of sunny, wild Spanish music, with the singer, Leo, beating percussion on the speaker she was also using as a seat - evidently much appreciated by the many Spaniards in the audience. Gorgeous, and much appreciated on what was, for me, quite a stressful week. Also mixed with some popular tunes, picked out on the guitar - and later in the show, they were joined by another..

So, a simply terrific evening - and the singer even gave us a few dance steps, at the end. A shame I didn't get to talk to Eleanor (or any others from the group) - but I know she's extremely busy, and actually organises these concerts herself. What the hey, I really enjoyed myself - as ever, at these! Oh, and I managed to get a bus straight home. Which let me off at home, rather than a bit further on..

Flew back to Ireland for the weekend tonight. In Shannon, an English passenger from the flight posed for a photo in front of the "EU Passengers" customs channel.. sad, as she remarked, that that would be the last time she could validly use it! Not that it matters in Shannon, of course, given that you can happily waltz through whichever channel you wish - there's no-one to stop you.

Ironically, the other day I was messaged by a Bulgarian fellow, who said he'll be in London for a few days from today, and could I recommend some social events to him?! Took a while to give him a shortlist.. and another while to split up all the links, because Meetup thought my messages were spam. Well, I hope he enjoys his stay.

On Monday, I'm back with the LEC (how appropriate that they should bookmark Brexit for me! completely coincidental on my part) for an organ concert at the Royal Festival Hall.

On Tuesday, I'm finally doing something with the folks from work - every now and then they have pop-up social events, and this time it's a pub quiz. So I can see whether all those tv quiz shows have helped! Taking place at The Castle pub, not far from the office.

On Wednesday, I've had it in mind for the longest time to accompany UITCS to see The Welkin at the National. But you see, I had a Seatplan theatre token that I wanted to use - and the bind is that they still haven't introduced web bookings for those, and so I had to ring. During office hours. And whenever I thought of doing it was outside of office hours. Until this week.. and in the meantime, of the £47 tickets that had sold out, three more became available - in the back row of the stalls. So I booked one of those. And despite the dire warning from the automated voice, that I'd be charged an extra £3 for booking this way.. well, she obviously completely forgot about that, because I wasn't.

On Thursday, I had film in mind at first. But top of the film list - when I had time to look at it - was Outside the City, a documentary about trappist monks, whose numbers are dwindling, and whose members are ageing, so they can no longer run the farm, and have taken to brewing beer instead. Yeah.. I'm sure it's very good, very interesting - but I'm not that enthused. I'm not even a beer drinker.

Instead, I noted that UITCS are off to see Leopoldstadt, which I found much more interesting. 'Tis the season for Holocaust memorials, indeed.. well, it's the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the majority of the camps. Anyway, it seems to be popular - when I checked the official website for Wyndham's, only three premium tickets remained in the whole theatre! However, checking the event page, I noted that someone was trying to sell a ticket, as he could no longer go, and didn't seem to be having any luck. Well, I got in touch - and it worked out well for both of us, as I'm now going in his place! for a much lower price. He says it's in the post - I'm sure it'll arrive on time.

Next Friday, Helen is coming to town and we're having lunch - in Byron Burger again. And that evening, I'm off to see Faustus: That Damned Woman, at the Lyric Hammersmith.

And on the 8th - why, I finally get to a UITCS social! They have them every now and again, but they're generally sometime I can't make. I go to so much with them, I'm delighted finally to be able to go to a social as well. This is on in the Phoenix Arts Club - ah, memories of happier days, when I worked in the next building over..

Musical: On Your Feet!

Tonight - yes of course, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS).. this week has been mostly with them, but it'll be the last one with them for a little while now. This was On Your Feet at the Coliseum: the musical about Emilio and Gloria Estefan. I got my ticket with What's On Stage - afterwards, even cheaper tickets were advertised with From the Box Office. Ah well.

Again, despite heavy traffic, the bus made good time. At the theatre, I had trouble figuring out where the box office was - it's not that often I've needed it, of late, but with printing proving problematic for me these days, that's how it'll be in future. Honestly, I didn't realise that the corner of the box office I went to was for sales - handy, as there was no queue there! I had to get their attention, then told them my name and one got my ticket for me. We were to meet in the bar on the Upper Circle level - the Sky Bar - but a couple of us couldn't see any trace of them.. it was only when the bell rang and we headed to our seats that we met them, in an alcove by the lift that I hadn't known was there!

I was upstairs, in the Balcony, and took the lift up. My seat was near the front - normally I don't do that, as I can't manage the steps well, but I could just manage to get to this side seat by using the handrail on the wall, then clinging to a pillar. And I think it was a good view, albeit a little restricted:

The Balcony was only half full, actually - I could have sat more centrally, but it didn't seem worth the hassle: and if I'd sat in the front two rows, the rail would've been more of an issue! as the Americans near me found, when they decided to sit in the front - one of them sat in the row behind for the second act, saying she found the view better. Oh, and there were programmes on all the seats - weighty ones, but I didn't bring mine home, as they mostly contain ads. I didn't think it was worth trying to find somewhere to put it, for the sake of some production photos, a cast list, and a message from the real Emilio and Gloria.

The production started quite late - we could have stayed an extra 10 minutes in the bar. But it finally started with a bang - plenty of flashing lights in this. Much of it reproduces her hits - and boy, when they're laid out for you like this, you realise how many there actually were! It wasn't too long before I found myself singing along. As for the cough - no coughing fits tonight, first time since this started! Individual coughs, I timed for the frequent loud bits.

It's touchingly played, giving her early background. (We wondered what happened to her father, which wasn't clear - it's not much of a spoiler to say that his MS was thought to have been caused by the Agent Orange he was exposed to during the Vietnam War, for which he fought in the American military.) She meets a dishy guy called Emilio, who's in the music business.. the rest is history. But I wasn't aware of the trouble they had breaking into the US market, record executives constantly telling them their stuff was too Latino, wouldn't cross over. Nothing like persistence.. and yes, Dr. Beat is one I remember with great fondness. Everyone has their favourites - and most are catered for in this. But it'd be hard to include everything.. They do their best, to the extent of leading a conga through the stalls, coming up to the interval! and this is the first time that the audience are encouraged to their feet.

At the interval, I managed to find my way back to the Sky bar via the stairs. And in the second act, we get a moving depiction of her terrible bus crash and recovery - more ballads in this half, as you'd expect. But it finishes with a fantastic round of dance numbers - and in all of the theatre that I could see, I only spotted one person remain sitting. We were to be kept later than anticipated - the real-life Estefan family were in the house, and came on stage while the cast were taking a bow, Emilio's and Gloria's seven-year-old grandson salsa-ing with the younger cast members to the side. A spectacular end to the night, as gold confetti was spewed into the stalls, and glittered around the auditorium as we made our way out. Excellent timing, choosing this day for this show! Highly recommended - runs for the rest of the summer, with its suitably summery theme.

On the way home, I would have to need to change buses - and my first was crammed, meaning I had to squeeze my way out between a large woman, and a guy with his leg in a cast. :-/ They took it quite well. Tomorrow, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.. apparently, they're getting a touch of the heatwave that we're strangely missing.. and then we're into next month! On Monday, nothing much I fancy on Meetup - instead, I got a cheap ticket to some quite local comedy - Catch 22 Years is a WIP by Katie O' Brien, at The Glory. 

On Tuesday, I'm headed to a Summer Science Exhibition Late at the Royal Society - adults only. London European Club (LEC) organised an outing - then London Science Events did, too. I decided I'd rather go with the LEC, so haven't RSVPed to London Science Events - they'd only be looking for me if I did. Free, no registration required.

On Wednesday, London Literary Walks is taking us all the way out west - for Strand on the Green.

On Thursday, back with Spooky London - this time, we're off to the Rising Sun. A fascinating part of town, with a ton of history - I've been there a lot, but never been in the actual pub. And with these two events being free as well (not counting drinks!), it'll be a cheap week.

On the 5th, Helen's in town for a training course. The LEC is taking a group to a flamenco (music only, no dance) concert at Rich Mix, and we're going.

On the 6th, the Globe was just in touch the other day - for that day only, there's a musical performance, evoking the story of King Lear, in the Wanamaker Playhouse. Had a look at the trailer, liked what I saw - and booked it: the matinee, for better availability.

On the 7th, heading with North London Friends to Ballet Flamenco Sara Baras - part of Sadler's Wells' Flamenco Festival. So I'll get that dancing that I'll miss on the 5th! The lady hosting is going with some people from her Spanish class, and heading for tapas after - hell, why not? Even if I don't join them, I'll love the show.

And on the 8th, back with UITCS at last, for Peter Gynt at the National. Modern version.

Musical: Man of La Mancha

Last night, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) for Man of La Mancha, starring Kelsey Grammer and Nicholas Lyndhurst, at the Coliseum. Being in the Balcony as usual, I had to go in the very back row - can't handle those vertiginous stairs! Tickets a bit cheaper with WhatsOnStage. Now, I don't think my new office actually has a printer! and wasn't sure whether I could show my e-ticket on my phone - but I emailed them, and they said that was fine. Just as long as it was legible.

Set out in good time.. and as I approached the theatre, I started to get messages: about upgrades! They were saying that the top two circles - where I think everyone had booked - were closed, and we were all being moved to the bottom two! Ooh.. that's further down than I'd ever been here, before. So when I arrived - and after the nice doorman had checked the bag with my laptop in it - he directed me towards the table where two ladies had a pile of upgrade tickets. En route, I ran into our group organiser - and we approached the table together. Now, I think their policy was to send people who'd booked the Balcony to the Dress Circle, and people who'd booked the Upper Circle to the Stalls. Happily, she'd booked the Upper Circle, so she just asked whether we could sit together in the stalls - and they obliged. Nice one! We got seats fairly forward, too - at a face value of £75. (I paid £16.50.) Feeling very, very smug..

We congregated for a chat in the Stalls Bar - not so often we'll be here. And what a treat, not to have stairs to climb at all - I associate this building with panting up hundreds of them. Four of us did actually get sat together - one was behind me, and there was another in our row - a kind couple beside me moved so that she could sit with us. And we were terribly happy with our seats, as we tried not to gloat, beside those who had paid full price:

I'd never actually seen this musical before, although I knew the story - I saw two versions of it last year, for goodness' sake. In this version, Cervantes (Kelsey Grammer) is imprisoned by the Inquisition, awaiting trial. (Never actually happened.) Nicholas Lyndhurst plays the "guvnor" of the prison, who says that his possessions are forfeit, and is about to burn his manuscript - so he offers to entertain them. With the story of Don Quixote.

Now, as I mentioned before, this has mixed reviews. And I have to conclude, it basically isn't a very good musical. The beginning takes a very long, slow time to get going - it's some minutes before the music starts. And the whole production seems a bit sluggish - I had to wonder whether that's down to Kelsey Grammer, whom I can't imagine bounding about the stage, as Don Quixote has done in other shows. I am perplexed at a review I came across, that said he "saves" what is a patchy production..?

The score is marvellous - someone said that, not having seen it before, she was told that she would definitely recognise some of the numbers. She was dead right - The Impossible Dream, anyone? Having said that, I wasn't terribly impressed with the singing in this production. Overall, I did enjoy it though - it's good fun, and the songs themselves are terrific. Plus, there's the upgrade - might be worth going to this show, purely to see a different angle of the Coliseum. As for the standing ovation at the end? Dunno - Cheers / Frasier fans? Runs till the 8th - why not check how availability is in the higher levels? If they're not selling well, you could get that desirable upgrade..

Afterwards, walked back to Aldwych, for a better selection of buses - unfortunately, I ran into the West End crowds, all seemingly headed the other way; it was just the time that all the theatres let out! What a sea of people.. Tonight, back at another Spooky London Paranormal Pub Meetup. This time, it's The Morpeth Arms. Mercifully, they don't tend to stay late - I need more stuff from my old flat, and need some time to get it! Tomorrow, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.

On Monday and Tuesday, it's UITCS again. On Monday, we're going to Rosmersholm, by Ibsen, at the Duke of York's Theatre. Just across from the Coliseum - we were remarking on it last night!

On Tuesday, it's Our Town at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. Hope the weather holds!

On Wednesday, back at last with London Literary Walks - whom I'm shamefully neglecting - for "The Second Westminster Walk".

Next Thursday and the 24th, I booked with UITCS. Next Thursday, it was for The Starry Messenger, at Wyndham's, starring Matthew Broderick. I waited the longest time to book this, because I have theatre tokens, earned from posting photos to Seatplan, and every time I thought of booking it, I was either away from where my tokens were, or it was out of office hours - and they have to be booked by phone, generally. Well, I was to be glad I waited - they finally released really cheap front row seats in the stalls! (Restricted view, it's a tall stage.) And I was within arms' reach of my tokens, mid-afternoon. After being kept forever on hold, I was put through to someone who had to have everything spelled out for her, and emitted a big sigh when I told her I had a theatre token. So she had to log into that site. But it was all worth it, to get a ticket for £2.25.. Of course, I knew something would go wrong: and now the office social is scheduled for that very day. Ah well - curry night it is then, venue TBD.

On the 24th, I'm off, with UITCS, to Jude, at Hampstead Theatre.

And on the 25th, back - for the first time in a ridiculously long time - with London Dramatic Arts! We're at King Hedley II, with Lenny Henry, at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East. As usual, she closed RSVPs too early, but I asked, and she reopened them. Be good to see them again!

Plays: The Room, Victoria Station, & Family Voices

This evening, back with Up in the Cheap Seats for Pinter at the Pinter again! This was Programme 5 - The Room / Victoria Station / Family Voices. And this evening included a free Q+A with the cast. I had fun trying to find my ticket confirmation, forgetting I'd booked it with WhatsOnStage - I've had this seat before, as I realised when I checked the Seatplan review and found out it was my own review! So I knew from experience that the pillar I'd be sat right behind wouldn't impede my view too much. (Talking about that this evening reminded me that Seatplan owe me a couple of theatre tokens that are overdue - I've contacted them to see what the story is.) No late meetings to delay me - but after a chaotic day at work, I was just a bit exhausted. Still, I rallied somewhat as I left - gladly!

I was lucky with my buses outbound, which made very good time - when I had to change buses, I had a choice of going through Cambridge Circus via Shaftesbury Avenue or Charing Cross Road, and very sensibly chose the latter; Shaftesbury Avenue is dreadful for traffic. My ticket was available for collection at a desk at the entrance, just like everyone else's, and I was in at the same time as someone I know quite well from the group. We've worked out by now that it's much more sensible to meet in the Royal Circle Bar - the lobby of the Harold Pinter Theatre is much too cramped and busy. Mind you, with a large group of us this evening, we took up most of the bar! And it was great to see everyone - my first time this year with this group. Unfortunately, with a dicky tummy for the last couple of days, I wasn't drinking..

Dress Circle, D6, if you're interested. Now. I know that pillar looks intrusive, but it's really not - the action is so sparse in Pinter plays anyway, with few props and fewer actors, that you're never in danger of missing much. The American-sounding lady beside me remarked to me that my seat had a terrible view - but as I pointed out to her, it's an aisle seat, so you can happily lean! Which worked very well tonight, with most of the action happening to the right of the pillar.

A short programme of three plays. The first, The Room, occupied the whole first act, and suitably baffled the whole audience. I believe that's the intention. A couple occupy a dingy room - she (Jane Horrocks) fusses around him (Rupert Graves), he's taciturn (at least in the beginning) - to the point of rudeness. They're disturbed by a variety of odd encounters with people who come in from outside. We discussed our confusion at the interval.

We had better luck with the second two. Victoria Station is a hilarious dialogue between a taxi dispatcher, desperate to find a driver to take a fare at Victoria Station, and the clueless cabbie who's the only one on the line, but - doesn't seem to have heard of it! And the last of the night is Family Voices, where a disconnected family try to communicate with each other, apparently by letter. I guess the common theme with these two was the failure to communicate.

Afterwards, we scuttled down to the stalls for the Q+A, and to feel what it's like to sit in the posh seats. Doesn't happen much.

Three cast members - Jane Horrocks, Luke Thallon, and Colin McFarlane - joined us, as well as the director. And we were party to a fun chat about what it was like to rehearse and act Pinter, and indeed Colin had worked with him personally. The director spoke briefly about the choice of plays, which were chosen to be staged together, and which directors wanted to do which ones. Over the whole Q+A though, they refused to speculate on the interpretation of The Room. Frustratingly, the Wikipedia article doesn't have an interpretation either! but if you're curious, I did find an academic paper that suggests it's a result of Pinter growing up Jewish during the Second World War, and the paranoia that that engrained in him, the suspicion of outsiders - this was his first play.

Regardless, we had fun. Programme 5 runs till the 26th. Looking forward to the next outing! Unfortunately, I wasn't quite so lucky with my buses back, having quite a long wait for both - lucky it's not as cold tonight as it has been recently.

Right then. Tomorrow is looking like film, and top of the list is Free Solo, a documentary about a chap that likes to go mountaineering. On his own (but on this occasion, with a film crew). With no safety equipment. Yeah. By the look of the trailer, the cinematography is incredible. Happily, it's on closer than the last film I saw - this one is in Picturehouse Central. Which, ironically, I was staring at as I waited for a bus this evening. They have three showings daily, but with a late meeting I'll have to go to the last one - and funnily enough, it's the latest of the week, with the last showing getting progressively earlier as the week goes on. Figures. At least being the last of the day means I get to see it in the big screen, so it should be visually amazing!

And on Wednesday, back with Let's Do This for the first time this year, as we head to a Georgian restaurant for dinner. Georgia, the country..

Play: The Height of the Storm

Went to bed last night to the sound of a newly humming air vent. I actually put on a coat and went out to investigate - it turned out to be a couple of vents near the lifts. It was still humming this morning, when I was rudely awakened by housekeeping tapping on my door. I told her I was still getting up, and rolled over to go back to sleep. That was successful - and I needed the extra with the lack of sleep caused by that humming! Anyway, I re-awoke with half an hour to go to check-out.. cue a hurried departure. I told the guy on reception about the air vent - he made a note.

It was a beautiful day in Amsterdam, as I walked back to Centraal Station.

I remember having more trouble once before, with the train to the airport - no such this time, I had change for the machine, I found the platform, and took a seat way before it departed. A 17-minute journey, and I was making my way through security - where I had a couple of issues. Firstly, I needed to get a new bag for my liquids - my old one had torn. Well gee, they're about 20% smaller here - I checked against the old one! Well, I had to do it - the roll-on deodorant had to be sacrificed; of the bulky items, it is the easiest to replace.

Pretty much straight through to the gate - airports never do give you much time to mess around. And gee, Easyjet were much less petty on the return journey about that "one-bag" policy - which I was very glad of, as I'd have hated to try to squish both handbag and duty free into my already bulging case. Had my passport checked heading to the gate. Had it checked at the gate. 40 minutes or so later, I was having it checked at Stansted - I ask you, is this not all a bit excessive? As for the signs saying "100% of passengers' passports checked" - eh, no, they still don't check them on flights from Ireland! And with me typically getting in after midnight, am I glad of that..

Speaking of which, I was able to use the unused portion of an old Stansted Express ticket on my trip into town. And as I checked my plans, I realised that I'd have to make a pit-stop at the office and leave my things there.This evening I was back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) for The Height of the Storm, at Wyndham's. Booked through What's on Stage. Thing is, it was press night, with an early start..!

Oh Lordy. Well, I dumped my stuff and raced out to the Co-Op to grab something to microwave, raced back and ate it. And by that stage, if I were to get to the theatre in time to socialise, Tube it'd have to be - I went Northern Line all the way, changing branch at Euston to get me down to Leicester Square, which is right next door to the theatre. Goodness, I passed a photo shoot on the way in - but yes, I was entitled to shuffle past it, feeling even scruffier than usual! Grabbed my ticket in the hubbub of the lobby, passing folks in evening dress, and panted my way up all those stairs to the balcony bar, where sure enough, my group were at the back and we passed some convivial minutes in chat. Ordering a white wine, I saw a bottle of chablis on the bar and said that'd do - and it did, very nicely!

Nothing at all wrong with my seat, apart from the lady in front with the big head. "Restricted view" - no, not really! Just high up.

That lady leaned to the left for much of the play, which was handy for me - it was when she moved more to the centre that I had problems.

The play is 80 minutes, straight through - started unusually late, probably because of all the photo-taking! A translation from the French, as you might guess from several French-sounding names, and references to having to travel to Paris for work. We meet an elderly man, Andre (played by Jonathan Pryce), who used to be a great writer. We meet his wife (played by Eileen Atkins) - who may or may not actually be dead. We meet their daughters, and the younger daughter (Elise)'s partner Paul, an estate agent who may, or may not, be about to sell the house from under Andre.

Beautifully acted, beautiful set. The first scene sees an apparently senile old man, being cared for by his wife and daughters, the latter having come for the weekend. Honestly, I found this scene quite slow. Typical stuff, busy daughter with her own life wants to suggest "remedies" for her father's wellbeing that he's not at all happy with. And I was losing patience entirely when whatever we were being set up for at the end was completely contradicted in the next scene! Until.. after some more twists and turns, it seemed to become apparent that what we were watching were actually the twists and turns of the mind of this intelligent man who's losing his faculties. The confusion endemic to someone who's developing dementia, and hardly knows what's real and what isn't, mixing things up in his mind.

Well, that's my take on it, and a few different ones were revealed in the post-show discussion. Anyway, once I latched onto that idea, I decided it was a very clever play - and one that probably merits a second viewing. Not that I'll probably manage that, mind. But - recommended. Most thought-provoking. Runs till 1 December.

Afterwards, many of us repaired to The Hippodrome, where sadly they'd closed our side lounge for renovations, but we made do with the main bar. And as we debriefed, we shared a lovely bottle of fruit pastilles that someone had bought in the theatre - well done, that man! Great to see everyone, and a nice re-introduction to London life, after a few days away.

Tomorrow, I'm with Let's Do This for another Turkish meal - this time at Sofra. It'll also be the first time since June I'll have met Mary! 


On Thursday, film again - already booked though, because they were already selling out. It's part of the London Film Festival at the BFI - Be Natural is the story of Alice Guy - Blaché, the first female filmmaker, and is narrated by Jodie Foster. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, again.

On Monday, back with North London Friends for The Wild Duck, by Ibsen, at the Almeida. I wasn't in time to get one of their tickets, so booked my own - what the hey.

Next Tuesday, comedy with Ahir Shah at Soho Theatre.

On the 17th, a real dose of nostalgia - Mayerling ballet, at the Opera House. My favourite ballet, this was also the last event we attended here with the Man with the Hat. And the second last event ever. At least it'll be less evocative since, for once, I'm sitting facing full-on! He always had us in the slips, so I haven't faced the Opera House stage since I started with his groups! I'd watch it blindfolded just to have him back again, though. We miss you, MwtH.

On the 18th - why, I'm off to Manchester. For U2, unsurprisingly. Yes, I get busier around now as they come around these parts. Taking the train that evening - it was the cheapest, and so much handier than having to make my way to and from airports and watch what I pack! I should arrive walking distance from my hotel, Roomzzz Corn Exchange, which itself is walking distance from the venue, the Manchester Arena. And right beside the shopping centre, apparently! That could be handy.. if only to buy provisions, as this is an aparthotel, so I can cater for myself.

The concerts themselves are on the 19th and 20th, and I'm expecting a more enthusiastic audience than my section last night! Ironically, the English concerts are the only ones whose tickets are being posted to me - and would you believe it, what with booking them in January and moving in June, I completely forgot to make the connection. So I forgot to update my address with Ticketmaster (TM). Just remembered recently, by which time it seems they'd already been posted. I've contacted my old flatmates, but the only response I got was from one who's also moved out - happily, TM says, if I contact them next week, they'll void the old tickets and issue new ones that I can pick up at the box office. There's always some palaver on a U2 tour, and this isn't the first time I've had to pick up my tickets in Manchester!! Outside of England, they're all e-tickets..

I take the train back on the 21st. Better not leave it too late, as I've actually booked for the Smithfield & Clerkenwell Walk: Guts & Glory, with Walking in London - but more specifically, with Katie of Look Up London! Excellent - I was booked for this in July, but she had to cancel. She's one of the best around. Should be close enough to me, too, and it doesn't start too early. And it being a Funzing event (like all of Walking in London's) I scoured my old Funzing discount codes, and discovered that Funzing_Fb20 seems to be working again - for all of them I've recently booked! So, a 20% discount - better than any recently offered on their Facebook page.

On the 22nd, I'm back with the Crick Crack Club for Buddha Babies, again at Soho Theatre. Naturally, not advertised on their Meetup group.

On the 23rd & 24th, I don't have to travel so far to see U2 - they're playing the O2 in London. These tickets, I got my address changed in time for, it seems - they're also being posted. Helen is going on the 23rd.. sat in the corporate box, poshly! Nah, I'd rather be closer and sweatier, thanks! I wonder how many of them stand during the show..

The 25th is my colleague's last day before he quits for a new life in Stockholm - we're headed out that night. Amazing that I still had that day free when we arranged it!

On the 26th, I fly to Belfast. Yep, U2 again. Told ya. Staying in the Crescent Townhouse, walking distance from the SSE Arena, where the concerts take place on the 27th and 28th. On the 29th, I'm taking the train down to my mother for a week - makes more sense than jetting back and forth to her!

On the 5th, I'm back up to Dublin. U2 again, dont'cha know? Staying in the Clayton again, which is a hop, skip and jump from the 3Arena, where there are concerts on the 5th and 6th. Would you believe, not even I could swing a ticket for the 5th - well, I'll just rock up on the day, and hopefully I can get something at the box office. I have heard of such things happening. I've had stranger things happen!

On the 7th, I fly back to London (BA) - purely so I can work on the 8th, before flying back to Dublin that night! Was supposed to be Cityjet, but they've now ended their flight schedule after this month - so now I'm going Ryanair. Same hotel, same venue, same band - on the 9th and 10th of next month. I fly back on the 11th, exhausted, and finished with U2 concerts for the year!

On the 12th, I've decided to treat myself to a performance of Macbeth, at the Wanamaker Playhouse.

On the 13th, we have our monthly team outing - our colleague from Mexico might be joining us!

On the 14th, back with UITCS at last for Love Lies Bleeding, at the Print Room at the Coronet. Got my ticket from London Theatre Direct.

On the 15th, I'm going to try the Seven Deadly Sins Pub Naughty History Tour. Walking in London again, so discounted again! Then I'm back to Ireland again for the weekend.

On the 19th, News of the Strange, from the Crick Crack Club, at Soho Theatre. Not advertised on their Meetup group, of course.

On the 20th, back with UITCS for Pinter at the Pinter - Pinter plays at the Pinter Theatre. Two long ones on this occasion - this is Programme Four: Moonlight & Night School.

On the 21st, back at last with The London Jazz Meetup, who are off to the London Jazz Festival for a concert by the Faraj Suleiman Quartet at King's Place. UK premiere, apparently!

On the 22nd, with UITCS at the Garrick for Don Quixote. The only cheap tickets left for this were terrible, so I went a bit upmarket. A bit - I'm still behind a pillar!

On the 23rd, I'm on a Paranormal Activity Tour - ooh! Now, for this one, we get ghost-hunting equipment, which could make it interesting - I don't fancy the dowsing rods, myself, but we'll see. Walking in London, again. Discounted, again. And this was after my loyalty discount - so I got it at better than half price! which is good, considering the price.

On the 24th, I'm off on my own to see A Small Place, at the Gate.

On the 25th, back at last to Winter Wonderland! That evening, I'm off to Cirque Berserk - an annual tradition for me. The latest show is the cheapest, so that's the one I booked.

On the 26th, I'm back with UITCS for Programme Three of Pinter at the Pinter - Landscape / A Kind of Alaska / Monologue.

On the 27th, I'm going to see Company, by Sondheim, at the Gielgud. No tickets available for the upper levels on the official site - they must all have been bought up by resellers! Cheapest I found was with OfficialLondonTheatre, run by See Tickets.

On the 28th, I'm with Walking in London again (and the same discount) for the Haunted London Pub Tour.

On the 29th, I'm back with UITCS at the National for Hadestown. Then back to Ireland again for the weekend.

On the 3rd of December, I'm back to the National for I'm Not Running.

On the 4th, I'm off to the Bush, for Drip.

On the 5th, LDN Talks @ Night and London Speaks Sessions (both Funzing). This is a "Winterville" talk on The Science of Santa, where we get the scientific explanation of how he does it. Taking place at The Windmill.

The 6th could be interesting - Hazel of Walks, Talks and Treasure Hunts, London Guided Walks (and, indeed, Walking in London) has a Christmas Carol Tour. Now, the last two events I booked with her turned out to be no-shows.. the first might not have been her fault, as she was advertising someone else's event, but the second, she just missed the ball on and left three of us standing on a street corner. We shall see whether this happens, I guess! Now, it's technically more expensive if you book on Funzing - but if you have my discount ;-) it comes down to the same price she charges on her own site, without the booking fee! So I did it that way.

On the 7th, back with UITCS at the Royal Court, for The Cane. Got the very last ticket, phew!

On the 8th, with them again at the Orange Tree Theatre for The Double Dealer.

On the 9th, the Crick Crack Club is back at the British Museum for I Know Not, an afternoon of Sufi legend. Not that their Meetup group seems to know anything about it.

On the 10th, I'm off to the Bridge Theatre for A Very, Very, Very Dark Matter, by Martin McDonagh. Starring Jim Broadbent, this is a dark take on Hans Christian Anderson!

And on the 11th of December, I'm going with North London Friends to The Convert, at the Young Vic. Discounted top-price seats, it seems!