Play: Further Than the Furthest Thing

Tonight, I was with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) at Further Than the Furthest Thing, at the Young Vic. About six different buses (at least, and that's not counting the ones where I'd have to change) could get me there - I chose the route that got me walking past the recycling bins, having - as usual - business to conduct with them. This route also took me past GBK - so that's where I ate, and boy was it comforting, on such a chilly, miserable, wet evening.

Not too long a walk from the bus stop to the theatre, where the others were stood down the back of the packed bar. I ran to the loo first - where artwork consisted of an interesting green splotch on the wall. And when I came out, we chatted briefly before heading in.

Looks for all the world like an ancient Roman amphiteatre, doesn't it? The stone-effect seats are particularly realistic:

Actually, they're nice and spongy - not hard at all. The first two rows weren't the most comfortable though, having no backrests - many people moved further back, to rows with back support: including two of our group, in the second half. It wasn't too full. Me, hey, I survived..

So - the visuals for this production are absolutely stunning. We go from a mockup of a Roman amphiteatre to - when the lights are down - the middle of the Atlantic, with an incredible light show, projected on the floor, that mimics the ocean, in its myriad colours, the waves pounding. Plus, a really beautiful singer pipes up from the side, evoking island life, I think. All in all, it's a breathtaking experience - and if you focus on the lights on the floor, quite dizzying too, what with the back and forth motion of the waves, and great sweeping motions, like sand being swept aside..

The play starts on a remote island in the Atlantic - presumably the South Atlantic, what with someone visiting from Cape Town. In fact, this is based on real-life events on Tristan da Cunha - the play being built around the true story. So, it all starts when a young man returns to the island after some months abroad. He's been raised by his aunt and uncle, who are delighted to see him back - but he hasn't come alone; he's brought a businessman with him from, as previously mentioned, Cape Town. And of course, he's got a business proposition..

The first half is interesting - we're immersed in a very insular island life, with a most distinctive dialect. They have their own customs - even the recently returned relative finds himself a bit at sea! and as for his guest, well.. he's like a visitor from a different planet. This won't be for everyone - apart from the dialect, not everyone can relate to the parochial nature of life that these characters take for granted.

By the end of the first half, however, events have taken a turn, and the second half is much different - and probably more accessible to most, being more familiar in style to the audience. Having said that, I was fascinated by the whole story - not to the point that I want to move there, mind, but I thought this was good. As I say, stunningly presented too.. quite a memorable experience. Runs till the 29th of next month. Oh, and I took a different bus home! Well, why not..

Tomorrow, back to Ireland for the weekend again. And hallelujah praise the Lord, Scream VI is still showing in Limerick! Earlier in the Omniplex, so I booked before they get the chance to &^%^$ change it again.. It moves the action to New York, where survivors have moved to start a new life - still has Courteney Cox, of course, and the classic Scream masks.. Contains strobe lighting, by the look of one of the trailers.

On Monday, I booked with the Happy Positive Group! For their weekly Monday trivia night! They seem to be completely online. But wow, looking at it lately, they seemed to have switched that week to the next day! Although, having cancelled my attendance, I then noticed that all Meetups were displaying in the wrong time zone, so were shown as starting five hours later than they actually were.. I complained, and they did fix it. Well, I probably wouldn't have gone anyway.

The best Meetup left for that day is with the Shanty Singers Colliers Wood. This is another of those things I once booked and ended up cancelling, so I said I'd hold off on booking that till nearer the time. But you know, when I looked more carefully.. this is a big complicated affair, with "warming up exercises", a vocal coach, a "practice session".. for goodness' sake. The more I read, the less enthusiastic I felt.

I finally gave up on Meetup, and have booked with TAC, for a Kirckman piano concert at King's Place. Should be nice, and is definitely close.

On Tuesday, I've booked for Phaedra, at the National.

On Wednesday, I'm going with UITCS to Sadler's Wells - first time in an age - for Creature, by Akram Khan! I absolutely love his work. Handily enough, I used my latest Theatre Token for this - would have used it for Phaedra, but while neither theatre takes them online (you have to phone if you want to use a token), the National charges extra for phone bookings. So I used it for this instead.

Next Thursday, back with the London European Club, at somewhere called the Ugly Duck, for Synchrony, a female 12-piece string ensemble. Tickets from Eventbrite. As hosted by Eleanor Salter Thorn again! So glad to see her hosting events in more central locations..

I was keeping the 31st free because Ivan is feeling thirsty again. :-) And for once, he seems to be sticking to the date, having booked us a table at The Lucas Arms (which, as he pointed out, has a smoker's area). We're hoping to have Martin - my other friendly ex-boss - join us, but he has more family commitments, which he's trying to juggle - we've told him to join us whenever. And this looks like turning into the first zapoi in a while - Ivan is talking about booking a studio, where we can drink overnight. Oy ve, watch this space.. So, not pushed about doing anything extra on the 1st.

And on the 2nd, I'm back with the Crick Crack Club, for Orpheus Dismembered, at the British Museum, courtesy of Ben Haggarty. The event there that I'd already heard of..

Musical: Mandela (livestream)

Tonight, Ken's Green Walks for Health (aka Ken's Events, to those of us who know it from before) was off to see the Winter Lights at Canary Wharf. Now, I wouldn't go with them in a fit - but there's nothing to stop me seeing the lights myself for free, eh? I don't see the point in paying Ken £5 to lead a group around.. Mind you, the lady that sold me my ticket for Mandela was in touch afterwards to say that the theatre was offering a free link, to ticket purchasers who missed out on the full version, to a livestream of the full show! and she was asking me what day would suit. This being one of the options, I figured it'd be a good way to avoid the cold of Canary Wharf..

I didn't fancy The Lucas Arms, two days in a row. So it occurred to me - I didn't actually need any shopping today, but was down in a few things. Which I'd need to get in the Brunswick Centre. Which also houses GBK. Not to mention, I could drop off recycling on the way.. so that is exactly what I did, which I think was an excellent idea. GBK was yummy, as ever, with friendly service - I notice they now use kitchen paper for napkins! Probably cost-effective - certainly, with the amount of sauce they serve with their burgers, you'll probably need more than one per person! I did..

Shopped, and was back home in plenty of time, where I settled down in front of the computer with a glass of wine and those chocolates I got from the company! There are worse ways to be. We'd been advised to log on half an hour early, to check everything was ok - I did, and it was. And I got a spiel from the artistic director (several times) about how I could choose my camera angle. Nice - but I found the director's cut, which loads by default, quite sufficient - after all, the director is constantly changing views to get the best angle! However, to get another view, you can just click on it.

Now, I wasn't sure how much point there was in seeing this, having already seen the concert version. Boy, was I wrong - honestly, this is so much better! What with the costume changes, the open stage - unrestricted by a row of chairs, the actors roam around freely, and there's more actual acting. And more space for dancing! They also interact more freely with each other. And all of this gives more of a sense of realism - the costume changes help to convey the passage of time, and move the story along. I really found this very moving - and we had sound effects (gunshots) that didn't happen in the concert version! So, there's the political element I was looking for. The songs were more memorable for having been sung in real situations. I'm also sure I spotted dialogue that wasn't in the concert version.. truly. the concert version is no substitute, and I'm so glad I agreed to watch the full version! The show runs till the 4th - livestreams, I believe, until Saturday, for, as I say, people who lucked out and got the concert version.

Tomorrow (unusually, it's usually Thursday), back with Watkin's Bookshop for a book launch. This is Fifty Forgotten Books by R. B. Russell. Occult theme, as usual. Let's see whether I can avoid falling asleep this time!

On Saturday, back at King's Place - this time it's the Crick Crack Club, with Stories in the Dark. Told in darkness, by the sound of it - sounds divine! Got a warning email today - they'll be giving each of us an LED candle on the way in, which we turn on if we need to leave for any reason (no readmittance, of course). An usher will show us in, and out if we need to leave early. And yes, as they say - turn off your phone before you go in..

On Sunday, back with Cultureseekers for the Hieroglyphs: Unlocking Ancient Egypt exhibition at the British Museum. Assuming it's not curtailed due to transport strikes - there is a warning on the museum website that galleries might have to close early!

On Monday, I've finally booked for Best of Enemies at the Noel Coward Theatre. This play concerns a series of debates on US television between liberal writer Gore Vidal and conservative William F. Buckley in 1968 - the interesting twist here, given the time and place we're talking about, is to cast William Buckley as black! Had my own seat review on Seatplan to guide me in picking a seat - this is one of those restricted view/legroom theatres. And despite all the theatre offers flooding my inbox, I found the cheapest tickets for this on the official website! Mind you, what with See Tickets doing the selling, I found myself with a second, unexplained, booking fee..

For the next week or so, it's all Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS)! On Tuesday, for some reason, I hadn't seen their advertised event to see Orlando, based on the book by Virginia Woolf, and showing at the Garrick. For this, however, I found the cheapest tickets from Official London Theatre (OLT).

On Wednesday, we're off to see John Bishop at the Leicester Square Theatre. Love him, so I booked as soon as I saw this advertised - one of the few things for this month that I booked last month! Not that it seems to be selling out..

Next Thursday, we're off to The Vaults Festival - specifically, The Welsh Lxdies, a bilingual show about the women of Wales. Then back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On the 30th, we're heading to Noises Off, starring Felicity Kendal, at the Phoenix. Again, cheapest tickets from OLT.

On the 31st, with a group I haven't joined in a Very Long Time - I'm back with London Dramatic Art, from whom I've got a front-row ticket for Sylvia, at The Old Vic; this is the story of Sylvia Pankhurst, and stars the excellent Beverley Knight. Completely sold out - this was my only way to get a ticket!

On the 1st, back with the Horror Book Club - Lordy, that means I need to read a book! :-) I'm using my flights for that. This time, it's The Ballad of Black Tom, based on the Lovecraft story, The Horror at Red Hook, but told from the perspective of a black man. Which means I should really read that, too.. Nice, I'd like to get back to some Lovecraft! I've read the summary of that, and am a decent way through the book club's book. Again, it's in the Prince of Wales, Covent Garden. Question is, will the kitchen be open..?

On the 2nd, I'm on my own for My Son's a Queer (but what can you do?), a musical at the Ambassadors Theatre.

On the 3rd, my first meeting of the year with London Classical Music and Theatre Group! We're off to Wigmore Hall, to listen to the Hagen Quartet play Mozart. They're Austrian, so that's appropriate.. I just need to remember not to drink the ultra-expensive sauvignon blanc!

On the 4th, well, Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners are back to Greenwich again. Now, I have been there with him before.. not sure how "new" this one will be, but hey, it was a great day last time!

On the 5th, nothing on Meetup appeals massively at the moment - I might go for a walk along the Ken's Events route, if I feel like it! (on my own). Or Over 40 Living the Life has advertised a walk along the New River.. I'll have to see, as I have to pay to sign up (refunds given to those who then come). And I might well change my mind..

On the 6th, my first actual event with that group. We're off to How Not to Drown at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East - the first event of theirs for which I couldn't get a cheaper ticket! So I decided, if I couldn't beat them, I might as well join them. True story of an unaccompanied, 11-year-old asylum seeker.

On the 7th, excited to be headed to see Derren Brown in Showman, at the Apollo Shaftesbury Avenue. Cheapest tickets with OLT again.

On the 8th, off to The Lehman Trilogy, at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Based on the true story of the bank that collapsed. Got the last £39.50 ticket!

On the 9th, back with UITCS for Winner's Curse, at the Park Theatre - an interactive show about a peace negotiation. Turns out North London Friends are headed to it the same night - what, are they now copying this group, as another group did some time ago? (since closed down). And then I'm back to Ireland again.

And on the 13th, I'm headed to Allegiance, starring George Takei in a musical based on the true story of his time in an American internment camp during the Second World War. Showing at the Charing Cross Theatre.

Musical: Mandela

Tonight, Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) headed to Mandela, a musical at the Young Vic. Unfortunately, I was way too late for a cheap ticket - but then I noticed that someone attending couldn't make it, and had advertised two tickets for anyone who wanted - much cheaper than what I could get elsewhere. Front row, too! One ticket had gone - I messaged her, and yay, I got the other! She sent them through when they arrived on Saturday, and I agreed with the other guy who should take which! Now, someone did contact the group to mention that she had been attending on Saturday, and the second half was cancelled due to illness - so I hoped that'd been sorted out..

Well, chance'd be a fine thing. Late this evening (and many people complained about the lateness), the theatre was in touch to say this'd be a stripped-down, "concert" production - we'd get all the songs and dialogue, but not the sets, or the whole production. Fully 2/3 of the group dropped out, rescheduling to other dates - six of us ended up going, in the end. Looking for somewhere to eat, I saw Olivelli's, across the road - well now, it was ages since I'd had Italian. So I booked.

Just about managed to leave the house in time - work was unusually chaotic. I think everyone lives in slight dread of the CEO, who always wants things done five minutes ago. Anyway, I banged off a document and scarpered, just making the bus in time - arrived at the restaurant 10 minutes early. And I was glad I'd booked - I might have beaten the rush, but most tables had "Reserved" signs, and had I not booked, I might have had trouble. As it was, I got a table near the staff cloakroom.. when a couple of ladies sat at the table next to me, one of the waiters moved my table a bit away for me, to give them some space. It's snug.

OMG though, it could not have been more delicious. I had calamari for a starter, with tartare sauce - lovely. I had veal with a truffle and mushroom sauce for main - divine. And a glass of sauvignon blanc that was so nice, I had another. Service throughout was both prompt and friendly - they could give lessons. Not cheap - but definitely memorable.

By the time I'd finished, the organiser was messaging to say he'd arrived at the theatre and got a seat - I joined him when I'd finished. And as the others arrived, a convivial chat was had before it was time to go in. I was in the front row:

So, this "concert" version consisted of the cast ranged in an arc of chairs across the stage. A few seats, for the principals, had music stands in front of them - as the story progressed, various characters rose from their seats to speak, or sing - or dance. The orchestra was unseen. Mind you, we didn't get the whole cast either - a notice at the door explained the substitutions that were being made for some roles - including Mandela himself.

The songs are terrific, the singing beautiful. I think the dancing caught everyone's imagination - and of the four, suited, white men sat at the end throughout, to represent white authority, it was lovely when one of them joined in the African dancing at the end. As one of the group remarked, if we had a true picture of the music and dialogue, this is very music-heavy!

It is, in fact, very politics-lite. My education about apartheid started with watching Cry Freedom.. and while it's easy, now, to brush over it, since we know it did come to an end - it was terrifying then, to think of what was going on there, had been for decades, and showed no sign of coming to an end. State violence isn't so easy to overcome, and the Soweto massacre, so lightly covered in this, was as horrific an example as you're likely to find, in which schoolchildren protested having to learn Afrikaans in school, which they saw as the oppressors' language. The police, not taking kindly to this, killed hundreds.

Tonight, however, we had as little involvement with that as Mandela did, stuck on Robben Island as he was. No, the real star of the show was the music and dance, and it was hugely enjoyable. The show runs till the 4th, although in what form is hard to say. But either way, it's worth a look!

Tomorrow, thinking film again - the listings site was typically slow last week, but had some info for this week. But given my experience on Tuesday - when it hadn't even included listings for my local cinema - I checked what was on there tomorrow as well. And lo, I came up with some not yet listed at all at that stage on the listings site.. highest rated is a documentary - Crows are White tells the story of a rather unusual Buddhist monk, who'd rather listen to heavy metal than birdsong..

On Wednesday, heading to Comedy in your Eye, at the Camden Eye. Tickets from Design my Night, including a free drink.

On Thursday - my first Crick Crack Club (CCC) event of the year! Online, but never mind - it's Nick Hennessy, at the Story Museum, performing The Kalevala. I think I remember hearing that he's the only non-Finnish person ever to win their competition to recite this! So, really looking forward to it.

Then, of course, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.. film is looking like A Man Called Otto, which suits just fine! Based on the Swedish comedy, A Man Called Ove, it stars Tom Hanks as an old grump whose wife has just died, but who meets his match in the fiesty young family that moves in next door. And, interestingly, its IMDB rating just keeps rising.. Showing in Ennis, handily.

Next Monday, back with UITCS for The Art of Illusion, at Hampstead Theatre. Award-winning, it seems..

On the 17th, I'm headed to Chicago Blues Explosion in the January Blues Festival at the 100 Club. Just a shame their early bird tickets were sold out.

On the 18th, with TAC for a classical concert at King's Place (nice and close). This is the Kirckman Society for young artists, presenting Connaught Brass.

On the 19th, Ken's Green Walks for Health (aka Ken's Events, to those of us who know it from before) is off to see the Winter Lights at Canary Wharf. Now, I wouldn't go with them in a fit - but there's nothing to stop me seeing the lights myself for free, eh? I don't see the point in paying Ken £5 to lead a group around..

On the 20th (a Friday, unusually), back with Watkin's Bookshop for a book launch. This is Fifty Forgotten Books by R. B. Russell. Occult theme, as usual. Let's see whether I can avoid falling asleep this time!

On the 21st, back at King's Place - this time it's the CCC, with Stories in the Dark. Told in darkness, by the sound of it - sounds divine!

On the 22nd, back with Cultureseekers for the Hieroglyphs: Unlocking Ancient Egypt exhibition at the British Museum. Assuming it's not curtailed due to transport strikes - there is a warning on the museum website that galleries might have to close early!

On the 23rd, I've finally booked for Best of Enemies at the Noel Coward Theatre. This play concerns a series of debates on US television between liberal writer Gore Vidal and conservative William F. Buckley in 1968 - the interesting twist here, given the time and place we're talking about, is to cast William Buckley as black! Had my own seat review on Seatplan to guide me in picking a seat - this is one of those restricted view/legroom theatres. And despite all the theatre offers flooding my inbox, I found the cheapest tickets for this on the official website! Mind you, what with See Tickets doing the selling, I found myself with a second, unexplained, booking fee..

For the next week or so, it's all UITCS! On the 24th, for some reason, I hadn't seen their advertised event to see Orlando, based on the book by Virginia Woolf, and showing at the Garrick. For this, however, I found the cheapest tickets from Official London Theatre (OLT).

On the 25th, we're off to see John Bishop at the Leicester Square Theatre. Love him, so I booked as soon as I saw this advertised - one of the few things for this month that I booked last month! Not that it seems to be selling out..

On the 26th, we're off to The Vaults Festival - specifically, The Welsh Lxdies, a bilingual show about the women of Wales. Then back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On the 30th, we're heading to Noises Off, starring Felicity Kendal, at the Phoenix. Again, cheapest tickets from OLT.

On the 31st, with a group I haven't joined in a Very Long Time - I'm back with London Dramatic Art, from whom I've got a front-row ticket for Sylvia, at The Old Vic; this is the story of Sylvia Pankhurst, and stars the excellent Beverley Knight. Completely sold out - this was my only way to get a ticket!

On the 1st, back with the Horror Book Club - Lordy, that means I need to read a book! :-) I suppose I can use my flights for that. This time, it's The Ballad of Black Tom, based on the Lovecraft story, The Horror at Red Hook, but told from the perspective of a black man. Which means I should really read that, too.. Nice, I'd like to get back to some Lovecraft! In the Prince of Wales, Covent Garden again. Question is, will the kitchen be open..?

On the 2nd, I'm on my own for My Son's a Queer (but what can you do?), a musical at the Ambassadors Theatre.

On the 3rd, my first meeting of the year with London Classical Music and Theatre Group! We're off to Wigmore Hall, to listen to the Hagen Quartet play Mozart. They're Austrian, so that's appropriate.. I just need to remember not to drink the ultra-expensive sauvignon blanc!

On the 4th, well, Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners are back to Greenwich again. Now, I have been there with him before.. not sure how "new" this one will be, but hey, it was a great day last time!

On the 5th, nothing on Meetup appeals massively at the moment - I might go for a walk along the Ken's Events route, if I feel like it! (on my own). Or Over 40 Living the Life has just advertised a walk along the New River.. I'll have to see, as I have to pay to sign up (refunds given to those who then come). And I might well change my mind..

On the 6th, my first actual event with that group. We're off to How Not to Drown at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East - the first event of theirs for which I couldn't get a cheaper ticket! So I decided, if I couldn't beat them, I might as well join them. True story of an unaccompanied, 11-year-old asylum seeker.

On the 7th, excited to be headed to see Derren Brown in Showman, at the Apollo Shaftesbury Avenue. Cheapest tickets with OLT again.

On the 8th, off to The Lehman Trilogy, at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Based on the true story of the bank that collapsed. Got the last £39.50 ticket!

On the 9th of next month, back with UITCS for Winner's Curse, at the Park Theatre - an interactive show about a peace negotiation. And then I'm back to Ireland again.

And on the 13th of next month, I'm headed to Allegiance, starring George Takei in a musical based on the true story of his internment in an American internment camp during the Second World War. Showing at the Charing Cross Theatre.

Play: Who Killed My Father

Tonight - well, blast, I wanted to use my Theatre Token again, and still haven't gotten around to calling the box office during opening hours! So yesterday, I bit the bullet and booked without benefit of token - for Who Killed My Father at the Young Vic, with Up in the Cheap Seats.

Looking around the area for somewhere to eat, I came across a steakhouse, just around the corner, called Bar + Block. Thought I'd better book it, to be safe. I got there a little early - and it was completely empty! I joked with the maitre d' that I hardly needed to book - he countered that I definitely did, because they were only taking bookings! I later found out why, when he was turning away another couple - seems they were short-staffed today.

Service was good, I have to say - she seemed a little unsure of herself, but was pretty on the ball. Handily, she waited while I consulted the wine list - and later, the dessert menu - so that I didn't have to wait, having chosen, until she returned! They have a decent choice of wines, and I chose one - the food menu took longer.

It's all along the same lines - their primary market is not vegetarians! Lots of things on the menu were crossed out, though - possibly because of the staff shortage. I was intrigued by "beefy" garlic bread for starter, so ordered that. For main, I could have a steak sampler - three 4oz samples of different steaks, with sauce and chunky chips. Or a classic steak, which also comes with sauce and chips - 8oz standard, but they do quote a price for 16oz, and encourage you to enquire if you want bigger! Over the page are burgers. I noticed chicken. Also lots of sides. I finally opted for a (standard 8oz) sirloin with pepper sauce (they have four or five different options). And onion rings, natch. With a large glass of sauvignon blanc.

Ah now, I think it's hard to go wrong here! The garlic bread came pre-sliced into neat fingers, stacked on a little plate - a bit salty, but very moreish, coated in beef dripping! The steak.. was the best I've had in years - couldn't have done it better myself. One of those you nearly don't need sauce with. Delicious onion rings. The chips were massive. The wine was lovely - I had a second glass. And with the swift service, I had time for dessert - so, with only four options available, I plumped for the chocolate tort - a chocolate mousse cake with a chocolate sponge base. OMG, perfect texture. Wow, would love to have an excuse to come back here.. and the prices are reasonable. Highly recommended. Just a pity the free WiFi wasn't working..

And so, a short trot over to the theatre, where the group was gathered on the pavement outside, and we chatted before going in. Now, curiously, I was listed as being "upstairs", although the seating plan seemed to indicate that I was in the lower level - how it works is, yes, I was in the main stalls section, but towards the rear. And a couple of rows in front of mine, the bench seating runs all the way across, not leavng an access aisle. So, everyone sitting behind that has to enter from upstairs and walk down, whereas everyone in front of it enters from downstairs and walks up. Well, that's one way to do it..

Found the seating a bit uncomfortable - or maybe it was the steak repeating on me. Anyway, they started about 10 minutes late - the whole performance takes place in a single room, with a single actor giving a monologue. He's Dutch, as it happens, and I was to be glad of the captions after a bit, as I couldn't quite make out everything he was saying.

The first half of the play has him discussing his difficult childhood, living with an alcoholic, abusive father, who objects to his son doing "girlish" things like dressing up, singing the girl's part of a pop song, obsessing on Titanic! It took me a while to figure out that he was switching between the father's and son's parts by the simple means of stuffing his hands under his jumper to represent his father's beer belly. You couldn't miss him playing the son though, when he's playing the lead singer of Aqua, performing Barbie Girl and bouncing along the stage..

All of a sudden, the son grows up and moves to Paris (this is actually set in France). And lives his own life. And suddenly, his view of his father changes to how he's a victim of the system. Our group afterwards thought this U-turn in the play had happened rather suddenly.. anyway, from then on, this is a really political play (left-wing, of course). Culminating in a list of accountable French politicians, reeled off..

I couldn't get into the early part, I'm afraid - he worked much better for me as the angry young man from the wrong side of the tracks, in the more political second half. But kudos to him for carrying a 90-minute show, on his own. Also kudos for him for actually fetching a bottle of water, presumably left there for his use, and giving it to the lady in the third row, with the persistent cough. Seriously, he reached out with it from the stage, saying "This is for you". Haven't seen that before.

Runs till Saturday, if you're interested. Contains strobe lighting, offensive language, and loud sections (sounds and music). I can't say it set me on fire, but it was interesting.

Tomorrow, back with Civilised London for a Cajun & Creole meal at Plaquemine Lock, with drinks at The Narrowboat. Looking forward to it.

On Saturday, meeting (all going well) Ivan, as well as two other ex-colleagues, at Imad's Syrian Kitchen. Which, of course, I know about from my last CL event! Now, I just hope this rendezvous happens, given the complete failure of last month's..

On Sunday, booked with Discover London - History Walks and Events for the London Sheep Drive & Livery Fair. Have to hand it to her, she always comes up with interesting things..

On Monday, as usual, I'm on my own.. heading to Divas, at the QT bar. Which, of course, focuses on the hits of - the divas!

And on Tuesday, back with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners! (Considering I probably won't be in a job at that point.) Gee, seems ages since I saw them.. Anyway, this walk is around Sophisticated (& Sometimes Seedy) St. James'..

Concert: Didi & Play: Chasing Hares

Today, I booked with London Classical Music and Theatre Group - Didi, from the group, who is herself a classical guitarist, was playing a free Summer Music Festival concert in the Holy Sepulchre Church, which promised to be lovely.

I tell you though, I could have slept a lot more.. but I managed to drag myself out. Should have been able to walk, but didn't leave enough time-  the bus was quick enough though, and the concert didn't start quite on time anyway. I'd never been in this church before - it's quite lovely:

Didi, the consummate professional, was looking well - and took the interference from her amp in her stride. How unfortunate that was - because it was a lovely programme, and a lovely hour spent in a fairly tranquil setting, the dappled sunlight shining through the trees outside the windows.

Delightfully for me, who loves Spanish classical guitar, that featured heavily - Ferdinando Sor's Spanish Romance, Menaya's Irunia, and oh! one of my all-time favourites, Asturias.. as one man remarked afterwards, we should really have been in a cave in Granada for these! I think we who don't have experience of playing these don't appreciate the work that goes into them, either - but my, the effect is worth it.

In addition, we had Erik Satie's Gnossienne #1 - simply divine, a really sweet piece by Bach, the Prelude to Cello Suite #1, and a couple of Latin pieces from Villa Lobos. And to finish, a couple arranged by Didi herself - the theme to Schindler's List, and Canarios. Just a lovely concert - and plenty of people there to congratulate her afterwards! Well-deserved, indeed. And this seems a lovely festival, in general - the vicar, in jeans, flip-flops, and a dog collar, was doing some advertising for it at the end.

Unfortunately, Didi had to clear out her stuff, or she'd have joined me for a late lunch. For my part, I had a look at what was around, and ended up at The Fable, a fairytale-themed gastropub. Approaching from Holborn Viaduct, a sign instructed me to head downstairs - sure enough, they are a multi-level pub, and the business end is on Farringdon Road, right at the bottom. I asked for a table for one - which I thought caused a curious amount of thought, considering the place was mostly empty! Anyway, I was seated. And started to deal with my mountain of messages, including from another recruiter offering a temporary contract. Well, never say no..

Service was pretty quick, in general - again, the wine hadn't come by the time my starter did, but the waiter was surprised at this, and quickly amended it. The squid starter was, I must say, delicious. The chicken kiyev I had for my main was not so successful - the coating was burnt, and I wasn't sure about the accompanying sauce. This is also one of those places that doesn't include sufficient sides, so I ordered onion rings - and was sorry I did; the coating was greasy, the rings insubstantial and difficult to cut. But the chicken was massive, and I was stuffed - had a second glass of wine, but couldn't face a dessert.

I then had to rush home, to field a call from the recruiter - another of these people with an incomprehensible phone voice. Well, I've sent on my cv - we shall see. Anyway, I was exhausted this afternoon - with the heat and the rushing around. Had a small nap - and again, left myself short of time. You see, this evening, I was at Chasing Hares, at the Young Vic. And wouldn't you know it, CT now has ticket offers for this..

I should have been able to bus it - ended up on the Tube, with dire warnings about delays on the Jubilee Line. Well, it was certainly unpleasant - crowded and stuffy. I got off at Southwark with little time to spare - and immediately proceeded to get lost. You see, the sign pointed in one direction for the exit and various attractions on the South Bank - and the other direction for Waterloo East Station. My reasoning was - well, surely there's an exit through the station as well, and looking at my map, it seemed that it would be sensible to exit on the other side to the South Bank, relative to where I was.

Eh, nope. I did try that - ended up going through not one, but two sets of ticket barriers! and the only direction from there was to the platforms - no exit in sight. I ended up having to retrace my steps all the way to the exit I'd rejected in the first place - which is the only street exit from Southwark Station. You have been warned. From there, it was at least only a short walk - I was exactly one minute late, but bless them, they started about five minutes late, and by that stage, I was in my seat.

Front row centre. I soon developed a crith in my neck from staring up at the actors. So, the story of this centres on an Indian family, now living in the UK - the daughter works for a food delivery app, is overworked, and as she explains to her father, played by Irfan Shamji, as she is technically self-employed, she doesn't get any maternity leave. Despite having a small baby to care for. The action then shifts to the father's past in Kolkata, when she was a baby herself, and he was working for an unscrupulous family of sweatshop owners. As the play progresses, he manages to ingratiate himself with the boss' son, and gets promoted to line manager - life dramatically improves for him and his family. But how will this square with his conscience when he's obliged to defend the company's illegal work practices?

Lord, I am sorry I went to such efforts to get there on time. And sorry I managed it, against the odds. It's a worthy topic, for sure - but we are literally beaten around the head with it. As someone remarked afterwards, everything is explained in minute detail, as if we're children. I found this man's wife, played by an Englishwoman, somewhat unbelievable - but I think she was an understudy. Ayesha Dharker is good as the lead actor in the boss' son's theatre troupe, as is Scott Karim as the boss' arrogant son himself. But the material is woeful. I see it won an award - for political theatre, which is fair enough. Doesn't mean it's any good to watch, though.

I winced my way through the first half, and left at the interval - glad, at least, to give my neck a rest! Outside, looking up my route home, I was privy to a couple of conversations being held nearby. One woman was complaining about the directing, one man about the over-obvious story. I second those emotions! Runs till Saturday, if you're curious - deals available. Includes lots of swearing - and some more violent stuff in the second half, I believe. Managed to get a bus home this time - which stopped, conveniently, outside the Co-Op. Whose card machines are now working (yay!), but one of whose fridges is now broken.. So good to get home early, after my exertions.

Tomorrow, I booked with a new Meetup group - Soho Comedy Factory Shows and Socials, which organises free events on Wednesdays at the aforementioned Soho Comedy Factory. But yesterday, I got an offer from CT for seat-filling for Wonderville! magic & cabaret, so now I'm going to that instead. I've had bad experiences with free comedy!

On Thursday, I've booked a free ticket with an improv group called Kid Smokers Improv! at Barons Court Theatre. (It's Pay What You Can, actually.) They're actually stepping in while Avocado Presents takes a summer holiday - they seem to have a residency here, now. Anyway, I've seen Avocado Presents before, and they're excellent - so I figure I'll give these people a shot! Avocado Presents, interestingly, have a Meetup group now - Watch Improv & Chat Comedy! which I've also just joined.

On Friday, I booked for the Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street Tour with Poppy's Events for 40s 50s and 60s, another new group to me. But Laurence and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners have a walk that day as well - the Strange Tales of Old (and New) London Tour. And with one company I applied to having rejected me, and the other saying they won't let me know before that day - it looks as though I'll be free. So now I'm going on this instead - don't fancy doing both, although I could.

On Saturday, I'm off to see The Ehrlich Brothers, a magic show at the Wembley Arena. This is with Friendly Frolickers 50+ Meetup Group - so I've joined them as well. I was - as often happens - rather frazzled when I booked though, and completely forgot that they have their own, discounted tickets! Blast - they do this specifically so that they can sit together. Well, I've booked my own - more expensively - and explained. Can't be helped. Oh, and again, CT now has tickets for that very day..

And on Sunday, I've booked with the 45+s again - but not with Laurence this time! They do have walks guided by other people, and this one is of Brick Lane.

Musical: Oklahoma!

Last night, I was at a revamped version of Oklahoma at the Young Vic! They sent the ticket on Sunday, by email.

With the boss on holiday this week, I could sneak off a bit early - so I headed back to The Duke of Sussex for dinner beforehand. Could get any number of different buses - and lo, as I approached, no fewer than three of the ones I could get were disappearing into the distance! Never mind, it wasn't long till another came along - I had to change with that one, but the next wasn't long either, and I soon found myself in Waterloo.

A short walk to the pub - I hadn't been able to book online, but when I asked at the bar, there was no trouble in seating me there! I ordered at the bar as well, which is much handier than being in the restaurant and having to wait for service. Didn't fancy a starter, had the same chicken kyiv as before - and it was, again, gorgeous. Looked at the desserts, didn't see anything I fancied apart from ice cream.. then I noticed it was gluten free, and suddenly thought - wasn't the ice cream weird here? So I checked the blog - and sure enough, to be avoided! Phew, narrow escape - how useful this blog can be! I had a second glass of wine instead, having time to kill.

Headed down to the theatre then, and into the bar - which was as cramped as ever. I've never liked this bar. So I headed back outside again, still having time to kill - saw a Caffe Nero across the road, and thought that'd be nice, and would do for dessert! I see they don't do the cafe milano any more - they now call it "luxury Belgian hot chocolate", which I had - mind you, it's been so long since I had the other, I'm not sure it's the same. Certainly, it wasn't served the same way. But hey, it was nice. I had a little bar of gianduja with it - which was severely melted! But anyway, it was nicer than what I'd have had in The Duke of Sussex.

And so across again, just in time to take my seat.

I was handily near the end of the row, with no-one outside me - until the second act, when I was joined by a couple of ladies. Being upgraded? The ushers had been looking for spare seats, so I don't think they'd had them booked already. Anyway, so it's a prime location - but the bench seating isn't very comfortable, even with upholstery. Oh, and there's a table in front of the front row - beware, it's there for a purpose. They prop drinks on it - and when the party gets going, they get a bit frisky! When one of them started to shake a can before he opened it, I knew what was coming - and even in the second row, I got splashed..

So. The singing is terrific - and they do the original numbers. Mostly, it's quite traditional - and with the wooden set, and a backdrop depicting a flat, agricultural landscape, it gives a good impression of a large building in a rural community. When they traipse on in cowboy hats, denims, and chaps - and with all the guns displayed along the walls, as well as some carried by the actors (be warned, they do shoot some off during the production) - well, you're in no doubt but that you're in the middle US of A. And wow, they give it welly! I remember our school putting this on one year - we had a thing for musicals - but it didn't have anything like the energy of this!

Having said that, after a while I was beginning to wonder - the advertising had mentioned a modern production, as indeed I would associate with this theatre. Well, we sure did get that in due course - and I wasn't entirely sure of some of the staging. Yes, the tone is a lot darker than I'm used to - which is no bad thing. But honestly - two complete blackouts during the show, each lasting for several minutes? During which we can hear the actors continuing with the production. Used for particularly disturbing scenes. Eerie, and I'm not sure it quite worked - seems excessive, really. But as I say, they effectively conveyed an air of menace - and affected the whole tone of the show! Which I say again is no bad thing. Runs until the 25th of next month, some shows socially distanced, some relaxed performances. An interesting take, if you want to check it out. It ran too late last night to blog.

Well, today is Star Wars Day - May the fourth be with you! And I have another flat viewing this evening - this for a 1-bed! Imagine, affordable and within walking distance of work - fingers crossed it works out, I'd love to live alone again, for the first time since I moved to London! Later in the evening, I'm delighted to be at last back with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners! Ah, it's been too long.. someone suggested that I skip off work for a couple of hours during the day to go on the walks, but seriously, every time I checked when his walks were, I had a meeting that clashed! So, not an option. Anyway, this is the Cool Camden Pub Walk! and a short walk from the flat I'll be viewing. It was actually rescheduled - was originally supposed to happen last Wednesday. Unfortunately, tonight it clashes with a couple of other things - a Civilised London (CL) meal I was actually booked on (happily, he gave me a refund of my deposit), and leaving drinks for my favourite ex-boss from my last company. Tarnation. Well, can't be helped - this is a pub tour I really want to go on. I was originally booked for an online talk tonight - Fight Them on the Beaches is a talk about the greatest speeches in parliament. Courtesy of Guided Walking Tours in Brighton and Sussex. But they record the talks, so I can catch it afterwards. True, isn't it - everything happens on Wednesdays!

Tomorrow, I'm off to Scandaltown, at the Lyric. Yet another play by the prolific Mike Bartlett, this is a revamped Restoration comedy, set in modern-day, debauched London. As always, love his stuff and am really looking forward to this. But wouldn't you know it, now CT has tickets.. ah well..

Just as well I had Friday free when another ex-boss, Ivan, asked when we could do drinks again! He also suggested we try to find somewhere quieter than the last place - not an easy ask, for a central venue on a Friday night. Ah, but I have contacts.. the organiser of CL once recommended to me a pub just off Charing Cross Road, which he knows as quieter than the usual - I couldn't remember the name, but he reminded me it's the Round Table. I'd have booked, but they seem not to take bookings on Friday evenings. Our ex-colleague is coming, and for the first time, my aforementioned ex-boss from my last company! Should be cool, and will make up for me missing her leaving drinks tonight.

On Saturday, back with Laurence and the 45+s - this time, it's a walk called Red Lights, Rabble Rousers & RocknRollers, around Soho. And Helen is coming up for it! So, a highly sociable week!

And on Sunday, back with the Crick Crack Club. This is The Origins of Life and Death, with Jan Blake, at the British Museum, which I missed in January. Limited availability at time of writing, as they have socially distanced seating.