Today, Helen came to town, and had the excellent notion of going to an Exhibition of Witchcraft at Viktor Wynd's Museum of Curiosities! Love that place. In the evening, I was to be off with Walking in London (hence Funzing) on a Hampstead to Highgate Haunted Pub Tour! She can't depend on the trains, so couldn't really commit to an evening event - I don't blame her, they're worse than Irish ones! (which is saying something). The tour takes a while, but includes a pub crawl, so that's forgivable. "crazy_fun" is the current 10% discount code, BTW. I also see they've now switched their loyalty scheme to cover anything booked online - much more efficient, as it automatically credits you! ..But then, at virtually the 11th hour, Walking in London advertised a more attractive-sounding ghost walk! Based in the centre, it promised to be less hilly, and includes a cruise. Starts later too, so I didn't have to rush. And as well as my 10% discount, I took advantage of my £10 voucher, for having booked so many events. So I got nearly a 50% reduction! And was just within the deadline for cancelling the other, if I were to get my money back.
So, a nice lie-in, and I had time for breakfast before meeting Helen - who had headed into Primark anyway, which is conveniently located right by the bus stop. She'd got to the bus stop by the time I made it there, and we had a bit of a wait for our bus - which happened along eventually. We sat upstairs, and as we passed from the posh West End, through the City and to the scruffier surrounds of Shoreditch, I got a look at where our new office is supposed to be - if they'd ever finish signing contracts! Location looks ok anyhow.. I just wish they'd tell us something definite.
We got off just down from the Museum of Curiosities, which was open and serving drinks to a crowd - well, any amount of people in this cramped space constitutes a crowd! We ascertained that the Witchcraft Exhibition was on the ground floor.. so he's just basically converted the display cases on the ground floor to the theme of witchcraft. And so we had a meander around this most interesting of venues:
I do think the place is fascinating. However, it's small, it's crowded, and it's difficult to see around people's heads to look at the exhibits, which do only form a small collection, albeit a unique one. I wouldn't go out of your way to come for the exhibition itself, which runs through February. The place was full of people who'd come for a drink - I see they serve food too, although as Helen remarked, it's a bit dark as a lunch venue! Perhaps a bit dubious too, considering what you're surrounded by. She didn't fancy eating in the area, so we came back into town.
When we passed a Byron, she had an epiphany - burgers it was! We were seated quickly, and as they only do burgers, burgers it was. She had cheese, I had a smokey - with every single choice on the menu, I'd have had to ask for either no tomato or no pickles; with the smokey, it was pickles. But everything else in it was fine - and when I bit into it, I had an epiphany of my own. It was delicious! Not quite the equal of the sublime dog I had in Brewdog in Stockholm, but ballpark. Lovely, spicy sauce - very moreish. We shared a bottle of wine (their menu lists "good", "better", "great", and "best" - we had "good", which was good enough). Brownies followed for dessert, and for me a hot chocolate - which was quite wonderful, with a caramely taste that I think came from the topping. I have a new favourite hot chocolate..
A brief trip to Primark for other stuff she'd seen, and she ended up gifting me an early birthday present that is quite lovely. Thanks, Helen! After I'd seen her off, I returned and got something I'd seen while she was queueing for her purchases - ah, Primark, consistently irresistible, particularly in the run-up to Christmas, with all those lovely fabrics.
Coming home, I just had time to drop off my purchase and ready myself to head out again. I was so glad I'd changed to go to something later! I could walk down to Mount Street, where we were to meet - wasn't exactly sure where though, what with my receipt telling me one thing and the Meetup page another! I believed my receipt, and was right to do so - I messaged the guide on Funzing, and to be fair, got a prompt reply, confirming that we were to meet at the seating area in front of the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Now, that isn't an obvious place to find - what it is, is a dual row of plants (the troughs in which they are planted are at a good height to sit on), leading to a park, which was closed. There is no mention of the church, although it's just visible in the background, in the dark.
Well, our guide duly happened along and took names. When he'd done that, and spent some time calling to anyone who'd listen "Anyone else for the ghost tour?", we started off.
Not many stops on this tour, but he gave value at each one. Our first was at the "most haunted house in London" - 50 Berkeley Square, with one ghost in the cellar, one that keeps falling from the balcony from which she threw herself to her death, and an attic that's so scary that people are advised not to enter alone, or at night. I have to say, that last one reminded me more than anything of a particularly creepy story I heard on a ghost walk in Edinburgh once - great city for them, with its atmospheric closes and wynds. Ah, makes me nostalgic for the place..
We stopped off at St. James' Palace - gee, how come no other guided walk of any kind has led me here? Kudos to the guy - or whomever - for finding a route that's new to me, who's done so many! We then visited Green Park - well, the edge of it - to be told how the building of the Victoria Line under it disturbed all the plague victims who were buried here. So now, lacking houses, they haunt the trees. You have been warned. For our part, it felt as though we were in Blitz conditions, with all the fireworks going off for Guy Fawkes! We could see some, over the trees, as we prepared to leave the park.
Now, we next took the Tube - which we had to pay for ourselves. Which is fine, except that the price for the tour is £30 per head! Seriously, you'd think they could afford to pay for the fare out of that. Anyway, again, kudos to the guide for managing to shepherd us all through the Underground. We had an unfortunate delay to our departure, owing to delays up the line, but it did ultimately save our feet. And after a stop at Westminster (Big Ben sadly shrouded in scaffolding, to the despair of tourists), we boarded a ferry.
It was a long, cold wait till it arrived, during which the guide told us the story that made him believe in ghosts. Onboard, we could sit indoors or outside at the back - back it was, for me, and I got a nice view of St. Paul's:
I loved the trip - it's ages since I've been on a boat. I was bloody freezing though - the weather has really turned cold! I've never been on one of these before, and it was interesting to note that, outside, you can't actually hear the announcements. But I was keeping an eye and an ear out for the Tower stop, where we were to get off - just as well, because the guide stayed inside, and I might well have missed it.
I dunno whether he continued his guiding duties during the boat trip, but he was back on duty for the Tower of London - nice to have this obvious venue included on a ghost walk, it's too far out for most.
A few more tales, and we were let off into the night - after he passed the hat around! Honestly, he kept talking about his boss - does he not get paid enough? I did find him a good and personable guide, but sadly had very little cash on me, and just fished out a handful of very small change for him. The company has cool business cards though, like Death from the tarot:
Now, I was very happy with the content of this tour. I heard stories I hadn't before, visited places I hadn't before, and had a boat trip at night. The guide was good fun, and it was a good evening. But £30? (£32.70, when you add the Tube trip, and that's not counting a discretionary tip.) Definitely not worth it - certainly, from the back of the boat, I had no commentary for the duration of the boat trip, and apart from delivering us to the Tower, it provided no value whatsoever! As for it being included in the price of the tour - gee, had we had to pay ourselves, it wouldn't have cost more than £5.40.. Which makes this far and away the most expensive walk I've ever been on. No, I have to say, avoid - it was fine for the £17 (well, £19.70) I paid, but I'd have been very miffed to pay full price.
And so I made my way uphill for the bus, and shivered till it came - I felt like a block of ice by the time I got in. Glad tomorrow's is indoors, and in daytime - the Crick Crack Club is back, with Hugh Lupton telling the tale of Beowulf at the British Museum - sold out by now, I believe, and no wonder.
On Monday, I'm at the RSC's MMXVII season at the Barbican, seeing Coriolanus with Up in the Cheap Seats.
On Tuesday, I'm with the London European Club (LEC), at the Royal Festival Hall for a "Night Under the Stars" - Russian Soul.
On Wednesday and Thursday, I'm with Up in the Cheap Seats again - Wednesday for Saint George and the Dragon, at the National. Which sounds like fun. Unfortunately, the consensus last night between those who had seen it was that the second half is drawn out. On Thursday, we're off to Everybody's Talking About Jamie, at the Apollo. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.
On the 13th, the Crick Crack Club returns to Soho Theatre for an evening called Under the Eyes of Baron Samedi, courtesy of Jan Blake. Delighted to say I persuaded a couple of friends to come along! Hope they enjoy it. Also delighted that the crazy woman isn't coming - despite being a fan of Jan Blake, she couldn't make this.
On the 14th, Up in the Cheap Seats again, and we're off to The Secondary Victim, at the Park Theatre.
On the 15th, I'm finally back with The London Jazz Meetup, to see Ben l' Oncle Soul at Cadogan Hall. Really, I'd go with them much more often, but there's so much else on..!
On the 16th, I'm back at Sadler's Wells with Up in the Cheap Seats, for Hunted Maud Le Pladec / Okwui Okpokwasili.
On the 17th, I'm off to see Young Frankenstein, at the Garrick!
The weekend is Funzing, with Walking in London. On the 18th, A Secret London Tour - I've had my eye on this for a while, it sounds interesting. And on the 19th, I'm finally doing Murder Mile Walk.
On the 20th, I'm off to This Beautiful Future, at the Yard Theatre.
On the 21st, my annual pilgrimage to Cirque Berserk at Winter Wonderland! Whee..
On the 22nd, back with Funzing and Walking in London, this time with Katie of Look Up London, and her Alternative Christmas Lights Tour. Delighted to give her the business, and it should be fun!
On the 23rd, back with Up in the Cheap Seats - this time at the newly opened Bridge Theatre, for their first show, Young Marx. Delighted to make this - I had booked it for the 20th October, then the Crick Crack Club got in the way, as they often do! The theatre charged me a nominal fee to change it to this date. And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On the 27th, I'm headed to see Follies at the National - one that London Dramatic Arts (LDAM) went to a while ago, expensively. What with their ticket prices, and other things getting in the way, I really don't know when I'll be with them again..
On the 28th, back with Let's Do This! (LDT) at a place called The Fiddler's Elbow, for a Blues Club & Jam. Be good to see them again!
On the 29th, the Crick Crack Club has their long-awaited 30th birthday party at Rich Mix. Finally advertised by their Meetup group, I see, months after tickets went on sale. A friend is going to this, and Helen is thinking about it. Oh, and the crazy lady is supposed to be going - may she not dare to cross my path!
On the 30th, LDT is off to.. Saint George and the Dragon! Now, when this was advertised, I remembered having booked it already. Checked, and discovered that was during my week in Stockholm - so I was happy to book it again. Completely forgot, of course, that I was already booked for next week, with Up in the Cheap Seats. No refunds either. Ah well, just hope it's good, considering I've now booked it three times! Then I'm back to Ireland again.
On the 4th of December, I'm finally seeing Heisenberg: the Uncertainty Principle, at Wyndham's Theatre. Another that LDAM saw before I have, and another I rescheduled - this from the 16th October, when I was with Up in the Cheap Seats. Another nominal fee to change.
On the 5th of December, my annual trip to La Soirée! "Posh new venue", as they say - they're now in the Aldwych Theatre. Cheapest tickets at Amazon tickets.
The 6th of December sees our office Christmas party! Mercifully, I've just found out it's not black tie this year - don't have to buy a new outfit, then! It's at Bounce - a pub with ping pong tables, wouldya believe?! We have a private room, with three such tables and a karaoke machine. I foresee a noisy night..!
I can't stay long though - have to be at Stansted at 6 in the morning of the 7th of December, for a trip to Nuremberg Christmas market with LEC! We'll also be doing some travelling in the area. Helen liked the sound of it, and my other friend who's coming to the storytelling is coming too. We'll have a ball! I just bought Lonely Planet's chapter on Bavaria, downloaded it, and have shared it with them - isn't it handy how you can buy individual chapters? Mercifully, although the crazy woman was supposed to go on this, she's pulled out.
Back late on the 10th of December, and on the 11th of December - having taken the day off work (I'll be exhausted) - I'm off to the Barbershop Chronicles. At the National.
On the 12th of December, I've just booked a Funzing talk - Interviews With a Serial Killer, courtesy of London Speaks Sessions and LDN Talks @ Night. For which, with their new loyalty scheme, I earned that £10 credit! Not so shabby..
On the 13th of December, my last visit of the year to Sands Films - not yet advertised on Meetup, although it probably will be, TunedIn London has a concert by Plastikes Karekles, a Greek group.
On the 14th of December, my friends who are off to Soho on the 13th of November are headed to Wilton's Music Hall, for something called The Box of Delights. And for once, I'm letting them decide for me, and am going myself too.
And on the 15th of December, my final trip of the year to the Crick Crack Club - Jan Blake is performing Masters of Hex at the British Library. Along with Ben Haggerty and TUUP. Same friend going with me as on the 29th of November, and Helen too - and the same lunatic. Well, after the nasty things she had to say about me, I'll be surprised if she dares to approach me at all.
Next day, I'm back to Ireland for Christmas. Farewell 2017 - it's been good! Roll on 2018, and the next U2 tour..
With only seeded bread in the office kitchen today - I don't like seeded bread - I headed out for lunch. My intention was just to get a takeaway from Cafe Milano, downstairs: but when I tried the door, it was locked! Despite an "Open" sign, clearly displayed. As I turned away, a fellow having a smoke at the pavement edge said "five minutes". Huh? "They'll be back in five minutes." Oh right, great. Now, my first problem with that was that they had to close the business completely for this "five-minute" jaunt - not a good look! My second problem was that "five minutes" is rarely five minutes - and who was this guy anyway? Does he know them, or did whoever was locking up (probably that guy who doesn't speak much English) ask him to say that? Anyway, I felt like teaching them a lesson, so I left.
Plan B: Chinatown. So I headed for New Loon Fung, where I was quickly seated - they weren't busy, not long after opening. Every time I've been here before, I've had the chicken in lemon sauce - today, I decided to plump for the beef Szechuan. The waiter dubiously warned me that it was spicy - even if he hadn't, the three chillies depicted on the menu would probably have given it away.
I also had the chicken spring rolls, which were as tasty as ever. The house white is very nice, and I had two glasses - I figured I might need something to cool my throat. The Szechuan? Murderous! I really thought the first mouthful would kill me. I managed to fish all the beef out of the dish, where it was swimming in chilli sauce, but carefully avoided everything else - I just couldn't take the risk of accidentally eating bits of chilli. I also managed to eat all the beef I'd fished out. I wouldn't order it again, but it was tasty enough (when my taste buds recovered). You have been warned!
Tonight was a mixed programme from the Birmingham Royal Ballet at Sadler's Wells, again with Up in the Cheap Seats. I was hoping that'd be a bit more traditional. Or at least, nicer to watch than last night's. Well, having travelled the same route last night, I didn't have to look up directions now! Went to the bus stop in time to catch a bus that should get me there for when we'd agreed to meet - and wouldn't you know it, despite the roadworks, we sailed along without problems, and the journey - which isn't a long one - took five minutes less than last night.
A long climb upstairs to the Second Circle - I was the first to arrive, the others happening along in due course. My, it was packed - word must've got out that this was good! From where I was seated, I couldn't see a free seat - although, apparently, there were some behind us. Each of the three pieces had an interval between, so we had a chance to meet and confer after each one - standing, with limited seating available. We managed to secure part of a standing table at the bar, though. Where we cultured folk discussed the many things on in London, some of which we've seen and some of which we haven't. Or not yet. I'd had plenty to drink at the office Friday drinks session, so didn't bother with alcohol - and would've had some of the tap water provided at the second interval, but they'd run out.
The first piece, Arcadia, I absolutely loved. A story of Pan coming to earth and, predictably, wreaking havoc, the imagery was fantastic, the dancers in the background depicted in silhouette - and with Pan's horns silhouetted against the backdrop, the whole thing had a fantastical air that really appealed to me, as a lover of storytelling. Associated with sexuality as he is, he danced topless, contrasting with the nymphs in their gorgeously coloured costumes.
The second piece, Le Baiser de la Fée, is apparently based on a classic fairytale - which I'd never heard of. For once, this provided a good reason to buy the programme, which explained the plot! As we entered for this piece, the woman in front of me was reading about it, and I was doing my best to read over her shoulder. Got through the prologue, and then she passed the programme to someone further down, and I couldn't see it any more!
FYI, the story is as follows: a woman is struggling with her baby through a storm, and encounters a troupe of fairies. They snatch the baby from her, and she drops dead in the snow. As the nearby villagers spot her and realise that something is wrong, the fairy queen kisses the child on the forehead before leaving him for the villagers to find. Fast-forward to when he's grown up - he meets the fairy queen, who tells him that he'll have just enough time to find love before she comes to claim him. Sure enough, on his wedding night, enter the fairy queen to claim his life. A gorgeous piece this, the fairies all sparkly, very classical.
The final piece though was, for everyone I think, the hit of the night! The best reason yet to buy the programme, which had full-page pictures of the main characters, which could be scanned, causing the characters to dance on your phone. You could then take a picture, which would show the character dancing on whatever was in the background - so, the top of someone's head, say! Or on their shoulder. Two kids in front of me were having great fun with this.
The piece itself is Still Life at the Penguin Cafe, and stars a number of different creatures, the dancers wearing the appropriate heads - can't be easy to dance in those. Each section shows a different endangered species - and one section has rainforest people, whose culture is also endangered. The final section shows them all sheltering from a storm - brilliantly portrayed - and ultimately gathering on an ark. Accompanied by catchy music, the ballet is actually hilarious, while communicating a very serious message of conservation. A great hit with young and old!
When I eventually got out - the ladies to my left being as reluctant to get up and leave as they had been to get up to let me into my seat after the intervals - we met at the bar again and took our leave, after what had been a most excellent evening. It was - as predicted - raining, but lightly. Just as well I wasn't in a rush home - it took us ages to get down Euston Road, the traffic was so bad.
Tomorrow, Helen is coming to town, and has had the excellent notion of going to an Exhibition of Witchcraft at Viktor Wynd's Museum of Curiosities! Love that place. In the evening, I was to be off with Walking in London (hence Funzing) on a Hampstead to Highgate Haunted Pub Tour! She can't depend on the trains, so couldn't really commit to an evening event - I don't blame her, they're worse than Irish ones! (which is saying something). The tour takes a while, but includes a pub crawl, so that's forgivable. "crazy_fun" is the current 10% discount code, BTW. I also see they've now switched their loyalty scheme to cover anything booked online - much more efficient, as it automatically credits you! ..But then, at virtually the 11th hour, Walking in London advertised a more attractive-sounding ghost walk! Based in the centre, it promises to be less hilly, and includes a cruise. Starts later too, so I don't have to rush. And as well as my 10% discount, I took advantage of my £10 voucher, for having booked so many events. So I got nearly a 50% reduction! And was just within the deadline for cancelling the other, if I were to get my money back.
On Sunday, the Crick Crack Club is back, with Hugh Lupton telling the tale of Beowulf at the British Museum - sold out by now, I believe, and no wonder.
On Monday, I'm at the RSC's MMXVII season at the Barbican, seeing Coriolanus with Up in the Cheap Seats.
On Tuesday, I'm with the London European Club (LEC), at the Royal Festival Hall for a "Night Under the Stars" - Russian Soul.
On Wednesday and Thursday, I'm with Up in the Cheap Seats again - Wednesday for Saint George and the Dragon, at the National. Which sounds like fun. Unfortunately, the consensus tonight between those who had seen it was that the second half is drawn out. On Thursday, we're off to Everybody's Talking About Jamie, at the Apollo. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.
On the 13th, the Crick Crack Club returns to Soho Theatre for an evening called Under the Eyes of Baron Samedi, courtesy of Jan Blake. Delighted to say I persuaded a couple of friends to come along! Hope they enjoy it. Also delighted that the crazy woman isn't coming - despite being a fan of Jan Blake, she couldn't make this.
On the 14th, Up in the Cheap Seats again, and we're off to The Secondary Victim, at the Park Theatre.
On the 15th, I'm finally back with The London Jazz Meetup, to see Ben l' Oncle Soul at Cadogan Hall. Really, I'd go with them much more often, but there's so much else on..!
On the 16th, I'm back at Sadler's Wells with Up in the Cheap Seats, for Hunted Maud Le Pladec / Okwui Okpokwasili.
On the 17th, I'm off to see Young Frankenstein, at the Garrick!
The weekend is Funzing, with Walking in London. On the 18th, A Secret London Tour - I've had my eye on this for a while, it sounds interesting. And on the 19th, I'm finally doing Murder Mile Walk.
On the 20th, I'm off to This Beautiful Future, at the Yard Theatre.
On the 21st, my annual pilgrimage to Cirque Berserk at Winter Wonderland! Whee..
On the 22nd, back with Funzing and Walking in London, this time with Katie of Look Up London, and her Alternative Christmas Lights Tour. Delighted to give her the business, and it should be fun!
On the 23rd, back with Up in the Cheap Seats - this time at the newly opened Bridge Theatre, for their first show, Young Marx. Delighted to make this - I had booked it for the 20th October, then the Crick Crack Club got in the way, as they often do! The theatre charged me a nominal fee to change it to this date. And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On the 27th, I'm headed to see Follies at the National - one that London Dramatic Arts (LDAM) went to a while ago, expensively. What with their ticket prices, and other things getting in the way, I really don't know when I'll be with them again..
On the 28th, back with Let's Do This! (LDT) at a place called The Fiddler's Elbow, for a Blues Club & Jam. Be good to see them again!
On the 29th, the Crick Crack Club has their long-awaited 30th birthday party at Rich Mix. Finally advertised by their Meetup group, I see, months after tickets went on sale. Helen's going to this one, and another friend. Oh, and the crazy lady - hope they protect me from her!
On the 30th, LDT is off to.. Saint George and the Dragon! Now, when this was advertised, I remembered having booked it already. Checked, and discovered that was during my week in Stockholm - so I was happy to book it again. Completely forgot, of course, that I was already booked for next week, with Up in the Cheap Seats. No refunds either. Ah well, just hope it's good, considering I've now booked it three times! Then I'm back to Ireland again.
On the 4th of December, I'm finally seeing Heisenberg: the Uncertainty Principle, at Wyndham's Theatre. Another that LDAM saw before I have, and another I rescheduled - this from the 16th October, when I was with Up in the Cheap Seats. Another nominal fee to change.
On the 5th of December, my annual trip to La Soirée! "Posh new venue", as they say - they're now in the Aldwych Theatre. Cheapest tickets at Amazon tickets.
The 6th of December sees our office Christmas party! Mercifully, I've just found out it's not black tie this year - don't have to buy a new outfit, then! It's at Bounce - a pub with ping pong tables, wouldya believe?! We have a private room, with three such tables and a karaoke machine. I foresee a noisy night..!
I can't stay long though - have to be at Stansted at 6 in the morning of the 7th of December, for a trip to Nuremberg Christmas market with LEC! We'll also be doing some travelling in the area. Helen liked the sound of it, and my other friend who's coming to the storytelling is coming too. We'll have a ball! I just bought Lonely Planet's chapter on Bavaria, downloaded it, and have shared it with them - isn't it handy how you can buy individual chapters? Mercifully, although the crazy woman was supposed to go on this, she's pulled out.
Back late on the 10th of December, and on the 11th of December - having taken the day off work (I'll be exhausted) - I'm off to the Barbershop Chronicles. At the National.
On the 12th of December, I've just booked a Funzing talk - Interviews With a Serial Killer, courtesy of London Speaks Sessions and LDN Talks @ Night. For which, with their new loyalty scheme, I earned that £10 credit! Not so shabby..
On the 13th of December, my last visit of the year to Sands Films - not yet advertised on Meetup, although it probably will be, TunedIn London has a concert by Plastikes Karekles, a Greek group.
On the 14th of December, my friends who are off to Soho on the 13th of November are headed to Wilton's Music Hall, for something called The Box of Delights. And for once, I'm letting them decide for me, and am going myself too.
And on the 15th of December, my final trip of the year to the Crick Crack Club - Jan Blake is performing Masters of Hex at the British Library. Along with Ben Haggerty and TUUP. Same people going with me as on the 29th of November - and the same lunatic. Well, after the nasty things she had to say about me, I'll be surprised if she dares to approach me at all.
Next day, I'm back to Ireland for Christmas. Farewell 2017 - it's been good! Roll on 2018, and the next U2 tour..
Tonight, back with Meetup for the first time in a week: and both tonight and tomorrow, I'm headed to Sadler's Wells with Up in the Cheap Seats. Tonight, it was Ellipsis Land.
Not long to get there, so of course I ended up rushing. Finishing off work, would you believe.. well, you know how it is when you get started on something! I could take either the 19 or the 38 - of course, I arrived just in time to see one leave! Another 15 minutes I was stood there, until one came along that I could take - I was dubious about making it in time for the show at all, never mind in time to chat to the only other person from the group that was going! Roadworks in Bloomsbury meant the same terrible traffic as usual - mercifully, we flew up Rosebery Avenue, and I got off just on the dot of 8.
This is in the Lilian Baylis Studio, just past the main theatre - as I collected my ticket, they were just going in. I could see my companion ahead of me in the queue, gave her a wave. Seating is unassigned - also unseated; there's a row of seats along the edge, but most of us were sat on the floor. She gave me her cushion - I suppose they were available from the venue. We sat at the edge - probably a good idea, we had a decent view.
She asked me afterwards what I would say about this; I'm still not entirely sure. Let me take it chronologically. Two dancers lie on the floor as the audience enters. When they're ready to start, they start to wriggle along the floor, faces down, filmed on something like a mobile phone, which is broadcast to a screen. (I could relate to this, I make videos as part of my work.) They do this for a while - kind of like embryos in the womb, perhaps.
Then the filming stops - I missed it. They start to get more active. They stand. They jiggle instead of wriggling. They play with torches. They jiggle amongst the audience. A guy on the side plays mood music. It gets so loud that I was glad when it finally cut out, signifying the end of the piece after 45 minutes. When the lights abruptly come on again, it's hard to see, having spent the show in near darkness - besides, it seems they've filled the stage with dry ice (thought I could smell something!), so it's all smoky, and they aren't even visible until they come to the front.
I did try to read the free programme they gave us - it muttered some arty tosh about the interplay between the human body and technology. Or something - I gave up after a bit, that sort of pretentiousness gives me a headache. So, I'm guessing that when they were playing with flickering torches and stepping over us, they were (artistically) exploring their boundaries? Anyway, it was a relief to get up and leave - neither of us felt like the Q+A. Runs till Saturday, believe it or not.The cafe was closed by now, and we made our separate ways home. We agreed that it wasn't the worst we've seen.. we just couldn't find anything good to say about it!
Came straight home, as they've eaten all the decent food in the office again. Tomorrow, it's a mixed programme from the Birmingham Royal Ballet. I'm hoping that'll be a bit more traditional. Or at least, nicer to watch.
On Saturday, Helen is coming to town, and has had the excellent notion of going to an Exhibition of Witchcraft at Viktor Wynd's Museum of Curiosities! Love that place. That evening, I was off with Walking in London (hence Funzing) on a Hampstead to Highgate Haunted Pub Tour! She can't depend on the trains, so couldn't really commit to an evening event - I don't blame her, they're worse than Irish ones! (which is saying something). The tour takes a while, but includes a pub crawl, so that's forgivable. "crazy_fun" is the current 10% discount code, BTW. I also see they've now switched their loyalty scheme to cover anything booked online - much more efficient, as it automatically credits you! ..But then, at virtually the 11th hour, Walking in London advertised a more attractive-sounding ghost walk! Based in the centre, it promises to be less hilly, and includes a cruise. Starts later too, so I don't have to rush. And as well as my 10% discount, I took advantage of my £10 voucher, for having booked so many events. So I got nearly a 50% reduction!
On Sunday, the Crick Crack Club is back, with Hugh Lupton telling the tale of Beowulf at the British Museum - sold out by now, I believe, and no wonder.
On Monday, I'm at the RSC's MMXVII season at the Barbican, seeing Coriolanus with Up in the Cheap Seats.
On Tuesday, I'm with the London European Club (LEC), at the Royal Festival Hall for a "Night Under the Stars" - Russian Soul.
On Wednesday and next Thursday, I'm with Up in the Cheap Seats again - Wednesday for Saint George and the Dragon, at the National. Which sounds like fun. Next Thursday, we're off to Everybody's Talking About Jamie, at the Apollo. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.
On the 13th, the Crick Crack Club returns to Soho Theatre for an evening called Under the Eyes of Baron Samedi, courtesy of Jan Blake. Delighted to say I persuaded a couple of friends to come along! Hope they enjoy it. Also delighted that the crazy woman isn't coming - despite being a fan of Jan Blake, she couldn't make this.
On the 14th, Up in the Cheap Seats again, and we're off to The Secondary Victim, at the Park Theatre.
On the 15th, I'm finally back with The London Jazz Meetup, to see Ben l' Oncle Soul at Cadogan Hall. Really, I'd go with them much more often, but there's so much else on..!
On the 16th, I'm back at Sadler's Wells with Up in the Cheap Seats, for Hunted Maud Le Pladec / Okwui Okpokwasili.
On the 17th, I'm off to see Young Frankenstein, at the Garrick!
The weekend is Funzing, with Walking in London. On the 18th, A Secret London Tour - I've had my eye on this for a while, it sounds interesting. And on the 19th, I'm finally doing Murder Mile Walk.
On the 20th, I'm off to This Beautiful Future, at the Yard Theatre.
On the 21st, my annual pilgrimage to Cirque Berserk at Winter Wonderland! Whee..
On the 22nd, back with Funzing and Walking in London, this time with Katie of Look Up London, and her Alternative Christmas Lights Tour. Delighted to give her the business, and it should be fun!
On the 23rd, back with Up in the Cheap Seats - this time at the newly opened Bridge Theatre, for their first show, Young Marx. Delighted to make this - I had booked it for the 20th October, then the Crick Crack Club got in the way, as they often do! The theatre charged me a nominal fee to change it to this date. And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On the 27th, I'm headed to see Follies at the National - another that London Dramatic Arts (LDAM) went to a while ago, expensively. What with their ticket prices, and other things getting in the way, I really don't know when I'll be with them again..
On the 28th, back with Let's Do This! (LDT) at a place called The Fiddler's Elbow, for a Blues Club & Jam. Be good to see them again!
On the 29th, the Crick Crack Club has their long-awaited 30th birthday party at Rich Mix. Finally advertised by their Meetup group, I see, months after tickets went on sale. Helen's going to this one, and another friend. Oh, and the crazy lady - hope they protect me from her!
On the 30th, LDT is off to.. Saint George and the Dragon! Now, when this was advertised, I remembered having booked it already. Checked, and discovered that was during my week in Stockholm - so I was happy to book it again. Completely forgot, of course, that I was already booked for next week, with Up in the Cheap Seats. No refunds either. Ah well, just hope it's good, considering I've now booked it three times! Then I'm back to Ireland again.
On the 4th of December, I'm finally seeing Heisenberg: the Uncertainty Principle, at Wyndham's Theatre. Another that LDAM saw before I have, and another I rescheduled - this from the 16th October, when I was with Up in the Cheap Seats. Another nominal fee to change.
On the 5th December, my annual trip to La Soirée! "Posh new venue", as they say - they're now in the Aldwych Theatre. Cheapest tickets at Amazon tickets.
The 6th December sees our office Christmas party! Have seen a smashing dress online, at a great price - must get on to that.
I can't stay long though - have to be at Stansted at 6 in the morning of the 7th of December, for a trip to Nuremberg Christmas market with LEC! We'll also be doing some travelling in the area. Helen liked the sound of it, and my other friend who's coming to the storytelling is coming too. We'll have a ball! I just bought Lonely Planet's chapter on Bavaria, downloaded it, and have shared it with them - isn't it handy how you can buy individual chapters? Mercifully, although the crazy woman was supposed to go on this, she's pulled out.
Back late on the 10th of December, and on the 11th of December - having taken the day off work (I'll be exhausted) - I'm off to the Barbershop Chronicles. At the National.
On the 12th of December, I've just booked a Funzing talk - Interviews With a Serial Killer, courtesy of London Speaks Sessions and LDN Talks @ Night. For which, with their new loyalty scheme, I earned that £10 credit! Not so shabby..
On the 13th of December, my last visit of the year to Sands Films - not yet advertised on Meetup, although it probably will be, TunedIn London has a concert by Plastikes Karekles, a Greek group.
On the 14th of December, my friends who are off to Soho on the 13th of November are headed to Wilton's Music Hall, for something called The Box of Delights. And for once, I'm letting them decide for me, and am going myself too.
And on the 15th of December, my final trip of the year to the Crick Crack Club - Jan Blake is performing Masters of Hex at the British Library. Along with Ben Haggerty and TUUP. Same people going with me as on the 29th of November - and the same lunatic. Well, after the nasty things she had to say about me, I'll be surprised if she dares to approach me at all.
Next day, I'm back to Ireland for Christmas. Farewell 2017 - it's been good! Roll on 2018, and the next U2 tour..
Not so much on Meetup appealed for tonight - so I decided to go to a film. And leading the charge on my film list was Brexitannia, advertised as the first documentary on Brexit! Includes Noam Chomsky on the list of participants, looked interesting. Just a pity that the only place it was showing was in East Dulwich! Never mind, I can get a bus straight there.. in about an hour.. Included a Q+A with the director, and I was delighted to see that they just tell you straight out how many seats are left! I do like not having to book, and commit myself - and pay a booking fee..
My plans stayed fixed - and with a late start to the film, I stayed late in the office too. The bus, for once, arrived on time, and I hunkered down for a long journey. Was intrigued by the small army of white-haired, little old ladies who got on at St. Martin's Place - and got off at the next stop, which was for Charing Cross. I'm guessing they'd just been at a show, and were all headed back on trains from there. Anyway, lovely to see them all heading out in a group like that!
After Elephant & Castle, I was in terra incognita - but I did make it eventually to where Google Maps told me to get off, and there was the Picturehouse, ahead on the right. And lo, the bus stop outside would do me to get home! Ideal. It seems to be a converted church, with high, arched windows - inside, I was most impressed by the decor, all little nooks and crannies with comfy-looking armchairs in every corner. Got my ticket, followed the signs - I was in Screen Two, which is upstairs. And once I'd climbed the stairs, I found myself on a balcony overlooking the downstairs area, more armchairs, and the screen just there. It was now nearly showtime, but we waited politely for an usher to show up and let us in. Seating is unassigned, and I sat fairly forward - gosh, the seats are fantastically comfortable, plush, amazing legroom: and would you believe it, pullman. And cheaper than most in the city centre.. mmm, if only it weren't so far out!
The writer/director gave a brief speech beforehand to remind us he'd be there after, and we were into the trailers - slightly late. Saw the new Star Wars trailer for the first time! and a clever ad for Classic FM. And so to the feature.
Shot in black and white, it's deceptively simple. After showing us a picture of the ballot sheet, it takes us through a whole round of snippets of interviews with members of the public. All human life is there - some I'd happily have coffee with, some I'd run screaming from. Various shades of opinion are expressed, some very non-pc. Stand-out memories for me include the British woman of Indian heritage, telling us how a stranger hurled racial abuse at her, the day after Brexit, as she was dropping off her 12-year-old daughter at school. Her daughter, who'd never heard such things before, was traumatised for weeks afterwards, and her classmates - many of foreign nationality - were really worried about their futures. She herself said she didn't feel safe any more.
But it isn't all doom and gloom - when one guy points at his (white) skin and says "that, that's British", it's funny to see his friend visibly wince and exclaim, "You can't say that!", shifting away from him on the sofa. There's a Scot, talking about the referendum for Scottish independence, there are two Welsh guys - one who points out that he doesn't fit the stereotype, as he's not into rugby.. immediately followed by one who's not only a rugby fan, but sings us a rugby anthem!
It's all beautifully shot, and the interviews veer away from Brexit specifically, and into the wider question of the economy. And just when you're thinking you've had enough of this line of discussion with no resolution - up come the experts! and there are interviews with them instead. There are about seven, but I only recognised one - Noam Chomsky kicks it off with an interesting snippet on how he believes that the neoliberal philosophy is at the root of all the trouble we see with modern society, and how it's led society to shift to the right, what with its sacrifice of humanity in favour of market forces. We then have a very interesting take on the connection between refugees and bottled water! and a timely reminder that, when those in power try to divide us from our neighbours, they're likely trying to distract us from their own shortcomings. Someone makes the point that, since 1974, no British government has been elected that did not have the support of Rupert Murdoch.. who, by the way, was for Brexit. Quite simply, as he said himself, he wanted Britain separated from Europe, because Downing Street does as he says and Brussels doesn't.
Really, this film presents a most comprehensive analysis, quite sensitively. For once, I do believe we have a documentary that deserves its high rating! (9.1/10 on IMDB, at time of writing.) This was a one-off showing - do try to get to see it if you can, this is something everyone really should see. I'd have loved to stay for the Q+A, but was conscious of how long it'd take me to get home. And glad that my bus came pretty quick, given how cold it was, outside!
Tomorrow, back with Meetup for the first time in a week: and both tomorrow and on Friday, I'm headed to Sadler's Wells with Up in the Cheap Seats. Tomorrow, it's Ellipsis Land, and Friday, it's a mixed programme from the Birmingham Royal Ballet.
On Saturday, Helen is coming to town, so doubtless we'll get up to some shenanigans! That evening, I'm off with Walking in London (hence Funzing) on a Hampstead to Highgate Haunted Pub Tour! She can't depend on the trains, so can't really commit to that - I don't blame her, they're worse than Irish ones! (which is saying something). The tour will take a while, but includes a pub crawl, so that's forgivable. "crazy_fun" is the current 10% discount code, BTW. I also see they've now switched their loyalty scheme to cover anything booked online - much more efficient, as it automatically credits you!
On Sunday, the Crick Crack Club is back, with Hugh Lupton telling the tale of Beowulf at the British Museum - sold out by now, I believe, and no wonder.
On Monday, I'm at the RSC's MMXVII season at the Barbican, seeing Coriolanus with Up in the Cheap Seats.
On Tuesday, I'm with the London European Club (LEC), at the Royal Festival Hall for a "Night Under the Stars" - Russian Soul.
Next Wednesday and on the 9th, I'm with Up in the Cheap Seats again - Wednesday for Saint George and the Dragon, at the National. Which sounds like fun. On the 9th, we're off to Everybody's Talking About Jamie, at the Apollo. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.
On the 13th, the Crick Crack Club returns to Soho Theatre for an evening called Under the Eyes of Baron Samedi, courtesy of Jan Blake. Delighted to say I persuaded a couple of friends to come along! Hope they enjoy it. Also delighted that the crazy woman isn't coming - despite being a fan of Jan Blake, she couldn't make this.
On the 14th, Up in the Cheap Seats again, and we're off to The Secondary Victim, at the Park Theatre.
On the 15th, I'm finally back with The London Jazz Meetup, to see Ben l' Oncle Soul at Cadogan Hall. Really, I'd go with them much more often, but there's so much else on..!
On the 16th, I'm back at Sadler's Wells with Up in the Cheap Seats, for Hunted Maud Le Pladec / Okwui Okpokwasili.
On the 17th, I'm off to see Young Frankenstein, at the Garrick! Might be what those old ladies were at this evening, the stop was pretty close.
The weekend is Funzing, with Walking in London. On the 18th, A Secret London Tour - I've had my eye on this for a while, it sounds interesting. And on the 19th, I'm finally doing Murder Mile Walk.
On the 20th, I'm off to This Beautiful Future, at the Yard Theatre.
On the 21st, my annual pilgrimage to Cirque Berserk at Winter Wonderland! Whee..
On the 22nd, back with Funzing and Walking in London, this time with Katie of Look Up London, and her Alternative Christmas Lights Tour. Delighted to give her the business, and it should be fun!
On the 23rd, back with Up in the Cheap Seats - this time at the newly opened Bridge Theatre, for their first show, Young Marx. Delighted to make this - I had booked it for the 20th October, then the Crick Crack Club got in the way, as they often do! The theatre charged me a nominal fee to change it to this date. And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On the 27th, I'm headed to see Follies at the National - another that London Dramatic Arts (LDAM) went to a while ago, expensively. What with their ticket prices, and other things getting in the way, I really don't know when I'll be with them again..
On the 28th, back with Let's Do This! (LDT) at a place called The Fiddler's Elbow, for a Blues Club & Jam. Be good to see them again!
On the 29th, the Crick Crack Club has their long-awaited 30th birthday party at Rich Mix. Finally advertised by their Meetup group, I see, months after tickets went on sale. Helen's going to this one, and another friend. Oh, and the crazy lady - hope they protect me from her!
On the 30th, LDT is off to.. Saint George and the Dragon! Now, when this was advertised, I remembered having booked it already. Checked, and discovered that was during my week in Stockholm - so I was happy to book it again. Completely forgot, of course, that I was already booked for next week, with Up in the Cheap Seats. No refunds either. Ah well, just hope it's good, considering I've now booked it three times! Then I'm back to Ireland again.
On the 4th of December, I'm finally seeing Heisenberg: the Uncertainty Principle, at Wyndham's Theatre. Another that LDAM saw before I have, and another I rescheduled - this from the 16th October, when I was with Up in the Cheap Seats. Another nominal fee to change.
On the 5th December, my annual trip to La Soirée! "Posh new venue", as they say - they're now in the Aldwych Theatre. Cheapest tickets at Amazon tickets.
The 6th December sees our office Christmas party! Have seen a smashing dress online, at a great price - must get on to that.
I can't stay long though - have to be at Stansted at 6 in the morning of the 7th of December, for a trip to Nuremberg Christmas market with LEC! We'll also be doing some travelling in the area. Helen liked the sound of it, and my other friend who's coming to the storytelling is coming too. We'll have a ball! I just bought Lonely Planet's chapter on Bavaria, downloaded it, and have shared it with them - isn't it handy how you can buy individual chapters? Mercifully, although the crazy woman was supposed to go on this, she's pulled out.
Back late on the 10th of December, and on the 11th of December - having taken the day off work (I'll be exhausted) - I'm off to the Barbershop Chronicles. At the National.
On the 12th of December, I've just booked a Funzing talk - Interviews With a Serial Killer, courtesy of London Speaks Sessions and LDN Talks @ Night. For which, with their new loyalty scheme, I've just earned £10 credit! Not so shabby..
On the 13th of December, my last visit of the year to Sands Films - not yet advertised on Meetup, although it probably will be, TunedIn London has a concert by Plastikes Karekles, a Greek group.
On the 14th of December, my friends who are off to Soho on the 13th of November are headed to Wilton's Music Hall, for something called The Box of Delights. And for once, I'm letting them decide for me, and am going myself too.
And on the 15th of December, my final trip of the year to the Crick Crack Club - Jan Blake is performing Masters of Hex at the British Library. Along with Ben Haggerty and TUUP. Same people going with me as on the 29th of November - and the same lunatic. Well, after the nasty things she had to say about me, I'll be surprised if she dares to approach me at all.
Next day, I'm back to Ireland for Christmas. Farewell 2017 - it's been good!
