Play: As You Like It

Last night, my only Meetup of the week - I was back with Up in the Cheap Seats, to see a performance of As You Like It at Wilton's. And, energetically, I could walk again! Went for a slightly more expensive seat than usual, this time - I'm sick of straining my neck.

I needed to eat somewhere - decided to try the other Indian restaurant on Leman Street: Red Chilli. An imposing entrance - and I seemed to be the first customer of the day. Service was unfailingly friendly, but boy, did the starter take a long time to come! What, did they not have the ovens turned on?

It was worth it, though. The samosas I found a bit too spicy for my taste - might try the onion bhaji if I'm here again. But wow, the main was a winner! I had my usuals, but they're not usually as good as this - butter chicken with beautifully rich sauce, pilau rice, peshwari naan that was hardly burnt at all, and utterly delicious. My, I wolfed it down - was only sorry that I had to rush off afterwards to meet the others. Again, a small delay with getting my bill - but I highly recommend this restaurant!

Only a short walk from there to Wilton's, where the others were chatting outside in the sunshine. Great to see them both, and especially the one I hadn't seen for years! So I had great fun giving them the lowdown on my flat hunting, before it was time to go in - as usual, a massive crowd at the bar, but the bar staff dealt with it efficiently and it didn't take too long.

We were all sat upstairs - appropriately for the name of the group! - but as the doors closed, the ever-friendly usher came over and whispered to me that they weren't full, so I could move more centrally if I wanted. And there were the others, beckoning me over. So, over I went! and had a lovely, straight-on view.

Well, and wouldn't that set design be an innovative approach to the problem of my lack of wardrobe space! From the start, this is an anarchic production - the costume changes being the most visible sign. Rosalind, the girl who dresses as a boy when she takes refuge in the forest, is perfectly played by a transgender, non-binary actor. Touchstone has possibly the wildest outfits, veering between genders - there is a lot of cross-dressing in general. The trees are represented by coat racks, the bushes by clothes rails.

I never appreciated this play when I was younger - I certainly did last night though! Being outlaws in the forest not only allows the characters to dress as they please, and assume different identities, but to play with their roles in life, and follow their true desires. So, imagine how revolutionary that would have been, back in the day! This is a vibrant and imaginative production, breathing a life into these old words that I'd never thought of before. The RSC it ain't! I loved it - as crazy as anything I've ever seen in the Globe. My personal favourite bit was watching the actors having great fun portraying goats.. Runs until tomorrow, highly recommended! Go see.

It ran too late to blog last night, because I had an open house viewing this morning - I hate those, you put your name down if you're interested, and they play eenie-meenie-minie-mo. Last time I was accommodation-hunting, a couple got around the queue of folks wanting one of the two rooms in a flat by simply paying for both themselves! Anyway, this morning I could have taken the bus, but ended up being late enough to take a Tube instead. Google Maps was somewhat confused about where I was going, but happily had been correct the last time, and I found my way.

Just as well I took the Tube, I ended up being the first there. There were three of us in the end, all acting awkward around each other until the agent arrived. It was easy to spot the rental, with the broken blind. First problem - the agent didn't know to turn the key the wrong way in the lock. She's obviously not used to rental properties, with the locks installed upside-down - if you have to put the key in upside-down, you turn it the wrong way! Second problem - massive step down into the hall. A step up to it from the landing as well, making this a real trip hazard. Third problem - as someone hinted, this was a very small kitchen for.. what, five people? The agent apologised for the state of it, the cleaner hadn't been yet. From the state of the floor, not for months..

But we're accommodating folks, all we were interested in really was the room itself. It is on the ground floor. The minute I walked in, I knew it was too small. We had a quick look - it didn't take long, there wasn't much to look at - and trooped out again. Whereupon someone pointed out to the agent that this wasn't the room advertised. She brought up the ad - wrong photos, wrong description. I've since reported it.

And so back, to another missed work meeting. Was supposed to view the possibly fake flat in the afternoon - I've already paid a security deposit, she then demanded three months' rent in advance. When she finally refused to show me the room until the money was received, I demanded my deposit back, which she had said she'd refund if I wanted, and I reported her to the fraud squad. Well, again, at least I'm saved the trip.

Later, back to Ireland for the weekend - would you believe it, I've exhausted the films showing locally that I'm interested in! So it'll be a quiet one. I could do with that - although last night was the best night's sleep I've had all week, finally being free of that (probably) fake landlady!

On Monday, headed to Middle, at the National.

On Tuesday, back with Civilised London for a meal at last - this one is at Mestizo (Mexican). Not usually my favourite, but I'll give it a shot. Meeting beforehand at the Crown & Anchor.

On Wednesday - well, I saw on Meetup that a group called Get a Tech Developer Job has a free webinar, Learn Web Scraping with Python! Now, we're expected to use Python in my new job, and I never have - so this could be very handy indeed.

On Thursday, I'm headed to the Crick Crack Club again, for Astray, at Rich Mix. A storytelling double bill, both Irish ladies telling Irish myths!

Next Friday, headed to Marys Seacole, at Donmar Warehouse. Based on a true story. I've heard mixed reviews - we shall see.

And on the 21st - well Lordy, I've booked for the Roman London Walk, with Walk About London (also advertised on Walks, Talks & Treasure Hunts - both linked to London Guided Walks). Now, I missed the last two I was booked on with this company - third time lucky?

Play: The Ballad of Maria Marten

Ooh wow. Last day at that hell I called work, today. Following an interview with one other company - which didn't work out - I went with the offer I got last night. So. That. Is. That. Hallelujah. I'd have gone for a celebratory meal, but didn't have time - it'll keep.

Tonight, I was back with Civilised London for a play called The Ballad of Maria Marten, based on a real-life murder mystery, at Wilton's. Now, I'm rather tired of craning my neck here, so I went for a slightly more expensive seat, with a more direct view - albeit still in the balcony. Brought my stuff home from the hell-hole that was my office, so went from home - and I could have walked, but with the howling wind, I didn't fancy it - give the trouble I'd had walking in it all day - and opted for the bus. Mercifully, didn't have to wait long in the freezing cold. Sadly, a couple of people in the group couldn't make it - there were a lot of transport cancellations.

Man, was I glad I went for the slightly more expensive seat - that railing isn't really an obstacle, you can look under it if you need to. Mind you, plenty of people shifted seat at the interval. Anyway, set in Suffolk in the early 19th century, this is performed in authentic costume, and in a rather thick rural accent. I didn't catch every word.

But my God, this is good! So atmospheric, so strongly played. We get a real sense of the characters, the environment.. it's not a musical, but music is played: modern, but fits the story well. Clever use of minimal props. And - of course - it turns into a feminist chorus at the end, as the abusive boyfriend is (spoiler) finally found guilty of murder. Best thing I've seen in a while - really engaging, in a way a lot of plays aren't. Highly recommended, it finishes tomorrow. Really, run to see it! I am so glad I did.

Afterwards, we repaired to our favourite local hostelry, The White Swan. Which was blissfully under-patronised, still with the excellent house white, and whose jukebox obliged me by playing Blinded by the Light - not once, but twice! Oh, bliss.. and so start a few days of sheer hedonism, as I wait for my new job to start..

Tomorrow, I was headed off with 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners again, for Laurence Summers' Elementary Sherlock Walking Tour. But wouldn't you know it, he recently cancelled it! Personal reasons. Well, it's been rescheduled, but I think the new date is one of my weekends in Ireland. Never mind, it's giving me the chance to meet up with an ex-colleague again - we're meeting for an early dinner (his suggestion) in Frankie & Benny's (my suggestion - I haven't been there in years). I invited Ivan, but that job of his is wrecking him - he says he needs to sleep for a month. Anyway, I can catch my other ex-colleague up on all the news!

Play: The Child in the Snow

Tonight, what's looking like my only outing of the year with Civilised London! It'd be great to get back with them, though. This was The Child in the Snow, a Christmas ghost story playing at Wilton's - also the first time I'd have been there, post-lockdown!

An easy bus from right outside the office - mind you, I nearly froze to death waiting for it! See, the terminus is just down the road - and as luck would have it, my Buses Due app was unavailable, due to a "problem connecting to the server". So I stood there and froze - but to be fair, it didn't take too long to arrive.

I alighted near the venue, and made my way in to meet the group. And immediately noticed changes.. new lanterns, for instance!

I also see they seem to have moved the piano upstairs, and have much more seating there. For my part, I was in a cheap seat again..

Although the friendly usher, obviously delighted to have crowds back, was happy to tell me I could move forwards at the interval, if I wanted. Which I did.

Woo, I could now see all the stage!

This is a classic, talky, ghost story - which I love. What I particularly noticed were the scene changes - quite professional, being rather more subtle, than - for instance - 2:22: A Ghost Story. In that, scene changes are marked by an horrific shriek, amounting to a jump scare - in this, however, although something of the same device is used, it's that much subtler, and sounds more professional.

A young girl is orphaned and sent to live in a ruined old Hall in the middle of nowhere - which houses terrible secrets. What is particularly commendable about the play is that there are only two performers - one for the girl, while the other plays no fewer than three parts: the cousin who owns the Hall to which she's sent, the housekeeper, and the medium that she contacts in later years, to try to relive what she experienced then. And they're excellent. I found it very atmospheric, the sound and lighting used to great effect. I wish I'd paid better attention to the scene where the doll moved! That's gonna bug me. All in all, an excellent production - runs until the end of the year. Go see. And I look forward to returning here - I see they've moved the piano upstairs, and have much more seating there.. 

Afterwards, we repaired to The White Swan, which started me off in fine form with two favourites of mine - American Pie, which I sang while waiting (and waiting) to be served, followed by Paradise City. Ooh yeah.. nice cozy pub, festive atmosphere, great chat.

Nice antidote to the horror that is work. And an easy walk home.

Tomorrow afternoon, we have our office Christmas Party. Literally in the office, which they're apparently transforming into a casino. Hmm. Assuming we pass the lateral flow test they're now telling us all we have to take.

Anyway, that evening, the Crick Crack Club has what is apparently their first Christmas show ever! In Rich Mix. Wow, should be epic. But.. wouldn't you know it, a spot has been reserved in a pub near the office, and some drinks pre-ordered. So we'll see how it goes - tarnation, why does everything have to happen on the same night?!

On Friday, I'm meeting Ivan and another ex-colleague for drinks (I don't expect the other ex-colleague to last the night, but anyway.) He suggested Soho, I suddenly remembered where the Man with the Hat used to take us! The Nellie Dean will do very well indeed - I have so many good memories. I also remember the Man with the Hat once asking us whether we'd miss him..

Yes, we do. Very much.

On Saturday, I'll drag myself into wakefulness to meet Helen! London Transport Museum it is, and brunch will be welcome, I daresay.

And on Sunday, I'm booked with Guided Walking Tours in Brighton & Sussex again, for Victorian Ghost Stories at Christmas (via Zoom)..

Concert: One Voice, One Cello & a Mad Belgian

Last night, back with Civilised London for another of those free jazz nights at Wilton's. This time, it was One Voice, One Cello & a Mad Belgian! And yet again, I got caught up in stuff.. when I eventually escaped the office, I did note how much milder it was than the last time I was waiting for this bus! Mind you, it took forever to come.. during which time I revised my opinion somewhat about the temperature.

So, again I was the last of the group to arrive. The venue - wasn't exactly crowded, and we had what has pretty much become our regular table, right in front of the performers. I got myself some of their excellent house white - and we chatted about, you know, viruses, storms, and driving licences. Interesting times we live in - in particular, I now have a credit-card-sized driving licence! Ooh..

In Wilton's, the soundcheck was in full swing.

They seemed quite keen to start.. and duly did, with a Belgian lady on clarinet, and a bloke called Rupert on cello. Both in bowler hats. With clever, intricate lyrics and a melodic sound, they reminded me much of the Beautiful South. And it was quite lovely! Particular mention should go to the French songs that the "mad Belgian" produced on an accordion.. and the last song stayed with me for some time afterwards. Truly quirky, with a great rapport between them and an ease of talking to the audience, they were delightful to watch in performance - and I'd love to see them again.

Oh, and they give out postcards at the interval! In case you don't remember who they are. Cute.. I might have taken this home with me, if I hadn't just cleared my room of junk for a spot flat inspection!

We stayed on for one at the end - it wasn't late. The pub had felt cosy at the start - was starting to feel chilly later, with the temperatures dropping. Ah well, at least it wasn't too bad on the walk home. Mind you, after all that flat clearing yesterday, I was too tired to blog.
Tonight, back at Soho Theatre to see Dane Baptiste's comedy show, The Chocolate Chip.

Tomorrow, back with Up in the Cheap Seats at Sadler's Wells for a collaboration between Crystal Pite and her company, Kidd Pivot, and Jonathon Young, on an adaptation of a Russian comic play, Revisor (The Inspector General).

On Thursday, going to see Shoe Lady at the Royal Court. One that's generating quite a bit of interest among people of my acquaintance.

On Friday, I was holding off on deciding what to do until I heard for definite from my friends, who were supposed to be coming over. But one of them realised she needed her passport renewing, so they had to wait to do that before booking - and lo, the flight prices increased too much in the meantime. So now they're not coming this weekend - which leaves me free to go to a talk about the Camino, at Southwark Cathedral, courtesy of This and That! I know the organiser - it's about time I got to one of his events, and it'll be good to see him again. And I've always been fascinated by the Camino - perfect. (Interestingly, London Social Detours is going too.. and charging £3.50.)

And on Saturday, I'm headed back to the Lyric Hammersmith, for something called Love, Love, Love, written by the excellent Mike Bartlett.

Play: The Haystack, Film: Parasite, Restaurant: Kalamaras, & Comedy: Devil May Care

I was back in Ireland for the weekend - where I had to deal with my mother's Eir contract. She just changed to a new package, I just got her first bill for it (we've gone paperless, so it gets emailed to me as she doesn't use her email account), and they'd overcharged her on the monthly package price. They messed up the email address when I was ordering over the phone, so I never got the confirmation email - hadn't seen the paper version she got, so couldn't ensure that what she got was what I agreed on in the first place. No point in asking her to check - she wouldn't know what to look for, and she'd only get hysterical.

Well gee, that all turned out to be fun. I had a trip to town first, to replace my driving licence - lost it ages ago, waited as long as possible so they'd just have to give me a new one. Because otherwise, they just give you one for the period of validity of your old licence - meaning you have to pay for an extra. It expires before I'll be back again, so this was my last chance - had to schlep up to the Garda station first, in driving rain, to get my form stamped - at least they'd sent me the form, which saved me the trouble of getting it myself. All worked out fine - I got my stamp, made the driving licence office before it closed, put in my application. If they stick to the rules about it only being valid for the original period of validity, they'll be issuing me with a one-week licence.. watch this space! Hey, interestingly, it'll be the new, credit card size! (And fancy, I just got a text to say it had been dispatched, and will take at least three days to arrive. So.. that'll be after the old licence's expiry date, when it does..)

Well, I got home, and thought I'd try Eir webchat first - they're also open on Sundays, but pretty useless, and if I had to call their helpline as a Plan B, they're closed on Sundays - so, Saturday it had to be! (The number doesn't work from the UK, so this would be my only chance.) 15 minutes I spent on webchat, arguing with someone who insisted that that was the package price, and that was that. When I insisted that that wasn't the price agreed, she went silent for a couple of minutes, then asked whether I was still there, as she hadn't heard from me. When I said, "What am I supposed to say?", she suggested I call the phone line, and ended the chat.

Plan B it was. I spent 15 minutes on hold.. listened to fully five repetitions of the ad for their sports channel, and finally, unexpectedly, got through to an apologetic human. Explained the situation. She checked the bill. She disappeared for a while to dig out the order - kept reassuring me she was still there. Finally got back to me, rather sheepishly - yep, they were overcharging me (well, my mother) by €25.01 on the monthly price! She said they'd credit the overcharge to my (her) account, and apply the discount from now on. Nice lady, actually - but what a palaver! As someone said, you really need to keep on to these people. On a side note - would you believe, I just got my mother's electricity bill, and that's also absurdly high.. have to go check the meter. Next time I'm back. Here we go again..

On Monday, I was back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) for The Haystack at Hampstead Theatre. Another group of them went a while ago, and I'd heard excellent reports.. I could actually have taken the bus, if I'd been out quickly enough, which I wasn't! Tube it was. Google Maps recommended the Central Line - ugh. But they gave an alternative - you could take the Metropolitan Line to Finchley Road, and walk for 10 minutes. So off I schlepped to get that - it wasn't that crowded, and I even got a seat after one stop. Getting off at Finchley Road, I could see that it also serves the Jubilee Line.. gee, and Hampstead Theatre is right beside Swiss Cottage, which is on that line.. and when I checked, that's one stop back from Finchley Road, on that line.. and that's quicker than walking.. and I wouldn't have to pay extra for it. So, guess what I did..

As I turned away from the box office, having collected my ticket, I was hailed by someone who recognised me, and used me as a guide to find everyone else. How handy am I?! A very crowded lobby made it difficult to find people anyway. And we had a nice chat before we went in - it was particularly nice to see some folk I hadn't seen in a while!

On entering, when I finally got the usher's attention, it turned out I'd come too far - I needed to back up and go up the flight of stairs that leads to the back few rows (L and back).

That's actually a better view than it looks - the heads weren't so obtrusive all the time. But I was glad to have the seat beside me free, to rest my arm on - the armrests are very short!

The stage is filled with screens - this is a very techie play. The various phone messages and browser windows that are relevant to the plot are displayed on the screens - very effectively. Although my one quibble lay in the very start of the play, when they read what we can see on the screens - a messaging conversation is taking place, one screen for each person, and they came across as quite self-conscious, I thought. But that was literally my last quibble for the entire play.

It's marvellous. For one thing, despite a very long running time, the pace is quick enough that none of us felt it was too long. Pay attention for best enjoyment - this is a fast-moving story, centred on two techies working for GCHQ. Those two chairs you can see in the middle of the stage are for them. To their surprise, they're put on counter-terrorism - someone has been leaking information about British arms deals to the Saudis, and they're to track down the leaks. Which they do, in no time. It gets more complicated when they realise the consequences of what is happening..

I can't give away much of the plot, for fear of spoilers, but it does deal with very believable, topical issues. The story is told on screens - which, as I say, are projected onto all the screens on stage, so we can see what they're supposed to be looking at. Various plot points mention topics referred to in news stories we can all remember, over the years - the whole thing feels very true-to-life. Indeed, one of our group, who works in tech, was very impressed with how realistic that side of it was. And if you didn't feel paranoid going in - about surveillance, about what the government is up to in secret, and the lengths they're prepared to go to - by 'eck, you will, coming out! No wonder ORG London is recommending it. Runs till the 7th - limited availability on some dates. Highly recommended!

Got buses home - in the freezing cold. But it ran too late to blog - it's been a helluva week, that way!

Predictably, I headed to the cinema on Tuesday- typically the reason for a delay in blogging, as I try to figure out what to go to, and then it remains unbooked. Top of the list - irresistibly - was Parasite, which is showing, conveniently, in the Barbican. I didn't book until that afternoon - by which stage, it was mostly sold out, so I booked upon seeing that. It's a short walk from the office - I arrived in time for trailers for two films that I keep seeing in the upper end of the film list: The Lighthouse and Portrait of a Lady on Fire. Hadn't seen the trailers before - they both look intriguing! Meantime, the house ended up nearly full, but not completely - it's a large screen. And the chatter was deafening - but the dull roar quietened down completely as soon as the main feature started. We were all on tenterhooks to see this - I haven't heard a bad word about it.

This is a classy film, make no mistake. The story - basically - runs thus; we meet a poor family who live in a "semi-basement", just under street level but with a view to the street above. Luxurious it ain't - they have a problem with men using the area just outside the window as a toilet, late at night. Father, mother, son and daughter of roughly late teenage years live here - they take freebies where they can get them, and early on in the film we see them distressed because whoever lives upstairs has just password-protected their WiFi!

Events take a different turn when a friend of the son (a college student) recommends his pal to take his place as an English tutor to the daughter of a rich family - the Parks. So he fakes college qualifications (with the help of his artistic sister), and he's in. And my, what a different world! Mr. Park is an architect, and designed the house himself: open plan and gorgeous. He and his wife also have a son and daughter, but the whole set-up couldn't be more different.. the wife is a bit clueless, the daughter batty about boys, and the son, who's just a little chap, tears about the place playing at being a red Indian, and drawing disturbing portraits of a man's face.

This initial section of the film is quietly hilarious, as one by one the poor family ingratiate themselves, by one trick or another, into the Parks' house. And they're allowed a brief moment of triumph - before an astonishing twist in the tale throws the whole thing into disarray. From then on, anything is possible as we gape in disbelief.. expect anything and everything from what is a masterpiece of suspense, with a heightened sense of the ridiculous. Just be prepared for an absolutely apocalyptic ending.

But the film works on more than just an entertainment level - it's a scathing commentary on the social divide of money. Just watch how the rich family - who seem terribly nice people, on the whole - express their distaste for people who live, quite literally, beneath them. As someone else who saw this remarked, there are so many visual references to what's going on that he's going to need repeat viewings to catch them all. Truly, I can see why it won the Best Picture Oscar - well deserved, in my opinion!

Seeing it was even worth the deluge I had to endure, walking home..

Now, I had to be to bed early. For, you know, my 1-1 with my manager, which never actually happens, and didn't on this occasion. But then, work got terribly busy all of a sudden - so no blogging yesterday, either! Last night and tonight, I was with Civilised London - and last night, it was a meal in Kalamaras Greek Taverna, just off Queensway.

All the way out there, it had to be Tube - and unfortunately, the Central Line is the most practical, running pretty much straight between the office and the destination. As usual, I managed to squeeze onto the third train - third time's the charm, as they say - and gee, for once I was within breathing distance of an air vent, so it wasn't as bad as normal! So we played sardines all the way there, and I had to stand for the whole journey. Predictably. Anyway, we were meeting in the Prince Alfred..

(In case you don't get the perspective, that's a shot of the ceiling.) Anyway, as we all gathered there and caught up, we had a nice chat before the short walk to the restaurant. Which might be down an alleyway, but does advertise itself decently!

It's taverna-style indeed, with wooden tables and chairs, benches along the walls - they shoved together a couple of table for our group. The place wasn't busy, and service was both quick and friendly.

..and I have to say, all the Greek artifacts reminded me of nothing so much as that exhibition on Troy that I visited, last month!

I fancied soup as a starter - the choice of main course was difficult (for everyone), as the menu is literally mouth-watering. I eventually plumped for the beef and onion stew. The soup, when it came, looked like a lot - but the portion was just right, and it was nice. But the stew was gorgeous! (and, funnily enough, tasted just like a good Irish stew). I was delighted with my choice - even though I was jealous of those who'd ordered the chicken, it looked so good! Well, everyone cleared their plates. We even had room for dessert - well, most of us. And do you know, I have to recommend their chocolate ice cream - it comes drizzled with very moreish chocolate sauce. As a bonus, we were each offered a shot of ouzo to end our meal - which I enjoyed.. although, funnily enough, I wasn't the only one complaining of a headache today, and I do wonder whether that wasn't the cause..!

Afterwards, some of us went to the Prince Edward in Bayswater for a nightcap.. but honestly, I was looking forward to my bed.

And the ouzo also sent me straight to sleep when I got home. So, no blogging last night either! but I do recommend the restaurant - just go easy on the ouzo. Tonight, we headed to Wilton's, for a comedy show by Marcus Brigstocke - Devil May Care. This was to be recorded for television, and the place was packed - we were under strict instructions to turn off our phones, and that readmittance was not permitted. We had a drink in the bar beforehand - you could have it in plastic, to take in with you, the containers subject to a £1 deposit, to be returned when the container was. When we did go in, note the new, plush, red curtains..!

And we had a very good time indeed. There was a 10-minute support act - he spent much of his time schooling us on how to behave (all enthusiastic and such) when the main show came on: but he didn't really need to, we were keen as punch to play along. And when Marcus came out - well, he didn't, it was actually the Prince of Darkness. Who entertained us devilishly for just over an hour. Kudos to him, stick-on horns and red face paint can't be easy to wear for that long, under stage lights! And for sure, it's a great conceit - come on as the Devil, and you can get away with saying anything about anyone. He's apparently been doing this show for a while, and I bet it provides a great outlet for him to rant. I'm a wee bit jealous! Plenty of jibes in this at sex, religion, politics.. leave your prejudices outside the door. Recommended, if you get a chance to see it.

Mercifully, the torrential rain today let up in time for me to walk home. Whee, I finally got up to date! The next two days are in the Opera House - tomorrow, I'm at the ballet Onegin.. happily, I bought my ticket before the cheap ones all sold out!

And on Saturday, I'm back there with UITCS - for a backstage tour! There's a group rate, but the group booked ages before I got interested. Still, when I suggested that I buy my own ticket and come along, they suggested I contact the box office to see whether I could be included on the group rate! So I did - and they said yes, and gave me a booking reference number, saying to ring with that number to pay by phone. So I did - and was speaking with a terribly nice chap, with a terribly posh voice, who was delighted to hear all this! And so I'm going, on the group rate. And we might hang around afterwards, and do something.

Concert: The Jim Hammond Duo

Yet again, I was to be glad I hadn't anything booked for tonight - Civilised London left it late enough, but I ended up going with them to another of those Monday jazz nights at Wilton's! This time, it was the Jim Hammond Duo.

First thing I knew about the storm today was that both glass revolving doors of my office building were shattered by the wind at the weekend - we now have to enter and exit by the fire escape. And there's a constant, strong and bitter wind.. the lashing rain, however, waited until I was waiting for my bus this evening, wrapped up in my parka as much as possible, wondering why the hell it wasn't there yet. Of course, once it came, it filled up with people all in wet, padded clothes - buses are not pleasant in such conditions. Better than walking, though. I never did get properly warm on the bus.. wish I'd brought gloves. At least a load of people got off with me - I'd been wondering how I'd push past them all!

And it was a cold, wet, miserable walk to Wilton's. Short, but not short enough - I felt like a block of ice by the time I got there. Quickly located our organiser - who, as usual, had secured a front-row table! Alcohol helped to warm me a little. When I discovered that the kitchen was in operation, I also ordered some garlic and oregano fries: warmed me up, and have the advantage of tasting delicious. The bar, however, is as draughty as I'd feared - even the toilet was warmer. Perhaps keep your coat on, in weather like this - our group mostly did.

The band, when they started, were excellent - rock, r&b.. what's not to like?  (You can just about catch sight of the pile of spilled nuts on the floor between them - oops. The perils of rock n roll decadence.) Covers of Chuck Berry and Johnny Cash numbers, plenty of ad-libbing.. it's easy to tell they've been on the road a while. Marvellous performers, with a nice line in irresistible, toe-tapping music. Close your eyes, you can imagine you're drifting away to somewhere that's warm, headed out on the open road. Highly recommended, if you come across them. (There were some talkers in the audience again, but it was louder tonight than last time, so it didn't matter.)

Great to chat to everyone - a lovely way to spend a Monday. Looking forward to seeing them again. On the way home, it wasn't that bad - until I got nearer to my place, and the wind unleashed its full, howling awfulness. A lot of wind tunnels, with the skyscrapers around there, and the wind blasting any hapless pedestrians. Very glad to be in, dry, and warm! 

Tomorrow, I tried to get the first meeting of the year going with that group from my last company. Had the idea while I was eating at the Amarcord Museum - I love to advertise good places to people, and this is one! But apart from a couple of people who made their excuses because they're on holiday abroad - and despite the invite having gone out before Christmas - the only taker is Ivan, with no-one else even bothering to respond. Dead in the water, that group, it seems. Well, their loss. We'll have a lovely meal, and then he's booked that recording studio again for later that night. And as they do a special deal for 10 hours.. it'll be an all-nighter! So I'm taking the next day off work.

On Wednesday evening, I signed up for my first ever event with The Roads Less Travelled: Ekzotic Adventures Travel Club. Not actually travelling, mind - this is a talk about Myanmar. Specifically about the rubies you can get there, but with plenty of other information about the country as well. Takes place in a room above The Iron Duke pub. Ah, but then.. (and I should have remembered this event, because I knew about it) London European Club (and the World Music Meetup) advertised a concert by a Kurdish artist (from the Turkish side) at the Finnish Church. So I'm going to that instead. Tickets from Tuned In London, as usual.

On Thursday, I'm back at Soho Theatre for Jen Brister's show, Under Privilege. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend - where I have to sneak a look at my mother's Eir contract. She just changed to a new package, I just got her first bill for it (we've gone paperless, so it gets emailed to me as she doesn't use her email account), and I swear they've overcharged her on the monthly package price. They messed up the email address when I was ordering over the phone, so I never got the confirmation email - will have to check the paper version she got to ensure that what she got was what I agreed on in the first place. No point in asking her to check - she won't know what to look for, and she'll only get hysterical.

And assuming I survive all of that (they are AWFUL to deal with, and I thought her previous internet provider, 3, was bad!), next Monday I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats for The Haystack at Hampstead Theatre. Another group of them went on Friday night, and I'm hearing excellent reports..

Concert: Uri Sade

Tonight, back with Civilised London for another jazz night at Wilton's. This time, it was Uri Sade. Boy, was I looking forward to it, after yet another day of being (mostly) ignored at the office.. nice to be appreciated every now and again, don'tcha think?

So - turns out it's even handier to get there from the new office, which is a plus. There's a bus that goes from right outside the office to within a long hop of Wilton's - passing my flat in the process! Well, I could hardly resist. Now, although the stop apparently has a name, it's not in evidence - how lucky that someone thought to remedy that!

When the bus arrived, the dozy driver wouldn't let anyone else on until the wheelchair had boarded (never seen that before..?) and then forgot to turn on the ticket machine. Well, he did get us there, at least.. and it was a short walk (from the opposite direction to before) to the venue. Where our resourceful organiser had already secured us a table. Eh - right beside the stage. One of the speakers was turned directly towards one of our group - as it happened though, it was fine - he was just one man with a guitar, after all.

He arrived on a blast of cold air (the weather has gone that way), and one of the people working there had to get the door closed properly after him. He was really friendly as he set up, making sure we wouldn't be disadvantaged by our seating arrangement. And in due course, having fiddled with the sound settings, he started - just him on a stool, with guitar.

He was really good. I have to admit being inordinately moved, particularly at the start - he hit a nerve. Me, I detected strains of melody very reminiscent of Radiohead in there. (He's better looking than Thom Yorke, mind you!) But whether or not you pick up on that, he's a terrific singer, with a rich voice, and some beautiful melodies. Songs are from the heart - long may he continue. He played straight through without a break.

Which was challenging. Because - not all the audience was attentive. Yes, I know it's a free gig. But if people can't be bothered - or aren't familiar with the concept of live music, being so inured to prerecorded stuff - let them get the hell out to somewhere where they won't be bothering people who are trying to listen - not to mention the performer himself. It reminds me of kids who can't behave in a restaurant because they don't understand that they can't behave as they do at home.

Specifically, a guy in the corner was determined that, just because there was a live performer, he wasn't going to be stopped from having his conversation. At the volume he chose to have it at. We'd been grumbling among ourselves for a while before the singer asked people just to keep the volume down a bit, please. And when that didn't work (naturally - people don't like to be inconvenienced), our organiser lost his composure enough to shout across to said table to keep it down please, they were bothering all of us. Which they were. And that did, indeed, quiet the bar - the chatty couple beside me carried on, but in whispers, and the troublesome gang in the corner were gone soon after. Good riddance to disrespectful folk. We need more of that resistance.

So, something of a cathartic night. And I walked home. Tomorrow, back for another comedy show at Soho Theatre - this time, it's Hench, by Jessica Fostekew.

On Wednesday, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats for a preview of Aisha and Abhaya, at the Linbury Theatre - apparently a new venue for the Opera House. My first time there.

I hadn't anything definite booked for Thursday - which turned out to be for the best, as The Embers Collective has finally published their New Year's schedule! Very late notice - I swear this wasn't up till last Thursday. They have a show on Thursday, called Wild Beasts, in Cafe Cairo - and I've booked. Tickets, as usual, from Design My Night. I just hope I don't have a repeat of the last time I tried to get there, when the Tubes were down..

And on Friday, I've booked for the Troy: Myth and Reality exhibition at the British Museum. Should be interesting.

Play: Lady of Jazz

Tonight, off to Wilton's, for Lady of Jazz. It felt unusual to be going there without a Meetup group! Anyway, I started off a bit early, having had an unusually productive day - and as I approached the stop, so did the bus! Oh lordy, and me carrying a heavy bag of shopping, which I'd taken the opportunity to get earlier, as I'd had to shop anyway.. well, off I trotted. Happily, a young chap bolted in front of me and held the door for me, letting me on first as well - I'd probably still have made it, but it was a lovely gesture. And my breath had returned by the time the bus lurched to a stop to let me off.

More exercise at the theatre, where I had to climb the stairs to the balcony - no bag check here, handily enough! I don't think I'd have been let into a West End theatre with a 2l bottle of liquid and an aerosol.. anyway, I had my usual high perch, with a sideways view. And if you go to this, it's worthwhile going in early - they have a very interesting slideshow of old b&w photographs from around the 1920s in the States:

I noticed the place was more than half empty - they obviously knew more than I did. Because, I'm afraid, the slideshow is the best of it. It's the fictional story of a jazz singer in the 1920s and 30s, mostly in New Orleans, and is told solely by one woman on stage, who sings some numbers. A pianist accompanies her to the side.

The show obviously hinges largely on her performance. What a pity, then, that her voice isn't quite up to it! Oh, she can sing - she'd better be able to, since someone told me at the interval that she's a music student (apparently the pianist is an examiner at the same college). But she just doesn't have that oomph that you expect from a show like this. Indeed, she avoids the big notes till the very end - when yes, she does screech.

It seems that most of the numbers are original, written for the show. Gee, they're underwhelming though - only the last did I find catchy enough to be humming it out the door. And forget her covers of classics - they're just dull in her voice, which has no character at all. Combine all of this with a complete non-story - for goodness' sake, the character doesn't drink, doesn't date, doesn't want for money.. I hoped for a bit of racial tension to give us a hook to hang the story on, but it's only ever on the sidelines. Nothing much really happens to her at all! I dunno, maybe a less bland actor could have made something of it.. Oh, and they might want to rethink that headdress she wears - it muffles the mic she's obviously wearing at her hairline!

I have to laugh at the theatre's show description:

"Lady of Jazz is an uplifting evocation of 1920s New Orleans and the gripping story of Honey Grey, lead singer in her Daddy’s band. She sings her own brilliant ragtime, Charleston and blues numbers, but also standards like Careless Love, Frankie & Johnnie, Ain’t Nobody’s Business and more.

But Honey is living a lie and that’s a dangerous thing to do in the 1920s in the South …"

Yeah, copied and pasted from one review site to another. Really, just do a search for this show, you'll keep coming up with exactly the same text. "Gripping" it ain't. Might have been uplifting if I hadn't kept being bored. And the "danger" they describe? Blink and you'd miss it. Anyway, finishes tomorrow, to everyone's relief, doubtless. The highlight of the show for me was when the usher - unusually for here - said that, what with all the free seats, I could swap to a more face-on one for the second half, if I wanted! Which turned out to be a good thing, because now I could at least see the piano, which switched to the other side of the stage at the interval. Imagine though, instead of £10, that seat would've cost me £18.50..

Tomorrow, I booked at the Turbine Theatre, for Torch Song. This is the inaugural show at the new theatre in the revamped Battersea Power Station! But last week, London European Club (courtesy of Henning) advertised a concert of Cretan music at Jamboree, which sounds much more fun - so I've decided to go to that instead. Wow, it's years since I was last there!

On Thursday, North London Friends is off to A History of Water in the Middle East, at the Royal Court. Another where I got my ticket from the organiser.

On Friday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) - to Southwark Playhouse this time, for Preludes. D' you know, I bought their passport a while ago, which entitles you to cheap tickets to five shows - and of the last three I booked, something else came up for every single one! Hope I make this one.. reports of it being "weird" don't phase me in the slightest!

On Saturday, seeing the matinee of Solaris at the Lyric Hammersmith. Turns out that both UITCS and Love London Theatre, Arts, Music & Stuff (LLTAMS) are going - so I booked with both! Why not? Each requires you to buy your own ticket. And since only the organiser and I are going from LLTAMS, I hope we can merge.. Ivan was talking about possibly meeting up that evening, but then realised he had a train booked for the following morning, so we have to reschedule.

On Sunday, joining the London Improvisation Community Group for the first time - they have a show called Happily Never After at the Pleasance - part of the London Horror Festival.

On Monday, I'm seeing Mother of Him, at the Park.

Next Tuesday, UITCS is off to the Albert Hall for Symphonic Queen - the Royal Philharmonic is performing Queen.

Then begins a long period of non-Meetup stuff. On the 16th, I'm heading to the ballet Manon, at the Opera House.

On the 17th, the Crick Crack Club (CCC) is back at Rich Mix, with Melusine. TUUP is the headliner on this occasion, which should be terrific!

On the 18th, Helen's in town, heading to a Midge Ure concert at the Palladium - we're meeting for dinner beforehand. Now, that's the day I should be flying back to Ireland - so I'm going the next day instead. And with my mother's birthday during the week - and not having any major holidays booked - I said, why not just take the week off and spend it in Ireland? So I am.

On the 28th, the CCC is back again - Ben Haggarty is in Soho Theatre with Grim Grimms - a dark take on fairytales, highlighting four lesser-known tales of the brothers Grimm. With musical accompaniment. Tickets weren't available when I noted this in my calendar - they are now, and will likely sell out.

On the 29th, I'm trying to persuade the social group from my former company to come with me to a Design My Night event - Fright Night Cinema is showing Hallowe'en in the Rivoli ballroom, with a themed cocktail bar and people dressed in spooky costumes. Now, that sounds like fun.. I've booked, at least, and a couple of others have indicated they'll come.

On the 30th, back with Meetup at last - UITCS is at a mixed programme by Birmingham Royal Ballet, at Sadler's Wells. I've seen part of it before, and it's excellent.

For Hallowe'en, The Embers Collective stepped up to the plate, with a storytelling performance called Witch, at The Jago.

On the 1st, that rescheduled meeting with Ivan.. he's away most of the time till then, and I'm busy the rest of the time!

And on the 2nd, I've booked with Best Authentic Walking Tours in London, for a Royal Maritime Greenwich Ghost Tour. Now, this is - as with all their walks - with Funzing, so I can get a refund up to 48 hours beforehand. Which I'll probably do (have, in fact, done for this twice already), as I might go to a film that day - depending what's on - or, if I don't like the offerings, LLTAMS is off to Blood Wedding, a new adaptation of the Lorca play, at the Young Vic. By 'eck, though, I see there's already limited availability on tickets for the whole run! Hope I don't lose out..