I headed to the Riverside Studios, Hammersmith tonight, for a double bill showing as part of the Nordic Film Festival - The Devil's Ballroom and Nordfor Sola (North of the Sun). They're both Norwegian shorts.
I left work a bit later than intended - had meant to go home first, but realised I realistically wouldn't have time. So I decided to go straight to Hammersmith, but forgot I could reasonably have walked it, and took the Tube instead. Still, that did get me there early enough to take advantage of their 10% discount voucher on the first drink purchased in their bar, when you buy a double-bill ticket. BTW, I was a bit phased by the huge queue on the way in, but apparently they were queueing for a tv recording. They have quite a few there, and the guy selling me my ticket explained that they have nowhere inside for them to wait. About time, then, that they got that new development that's been proposed!
So I gulped my drink and panted my way upstairs (it's a long way, and it's been a while). Goodness, that's two days in a row of panting - I am getting my exercise! As it was, they started a bit late. The Devil's Ballroom is a cute little film, only fifteen minutes long, about an elderly explorer heading for the North Pole. It has a concise story, but I can't really give anything more away without giving too much, so I won't. Suffice to say that the snowy wastes sent an icy chill through me.
Nordfor Sola is an interesting film (and the picture on the Nordic Film Festival website is a still from it). It's the story of two young Norwegian men, keen surfers, who find a gorgeous deserted beach in the Lofotens, north of the Arctic Circle, and decide to spend the winter there. And surf. There really is no accounting for taste.. Mind you, I cannot fault the scenery, which is breathtaking. This is a part of the world I've always wanted to visit.
And these guys truly are amazing - they took all the footage themselves (except for a couple of shots they can't have, but a couple of other people make brief appearances and I guess it could have been one of them). Some of the most stunning shots are taken while paragliding. They built their own cabin out of rubbish they found on the shore - we could all learn survival skills from these guys! Driftwood hammered together, plastic bottles for insulation - they even built their own wood-burning stove out of an old oil drum! They did make the odd trip into town for provisions - they weren't completely cut off, although it was a hefty hike over the mountains. When there, they chose food whose expiry date had passed, which was therefore free. In all, they spent three months there, and surfed when there was enough light. And I have absolutely no desire to do the same, but kudos! One of the most amazing survival films you're likely to see. And they also go snowboarding, BTW - as off-piste as you're likely to find.
Tomorrow is looking like another film so far, and top of my list is Le Mépris, directed by Jean-Luc Godard, starring Brigitte Bardot and Jack Palance. Often on the lists, it's currently showing in the Barbican, if I can be bothered dragging myself all the way across town for it.. we'll see. For Thursday, I've booked to see Saving Mr. Banks, at the local Cineworld, because they do give a discount for booking..
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
Monday, 2 December 2013
Film: Nebraska
I am delighted that Nebraska is previewing this week, was showing today at the British Film Institute, and was at the top of my list for films showing today. The trailer looks fantastic, and I was really looking forward to it. When I checked, I saw that it was already half booked out, so I decided, for safety, I'd better book a ticket, although it was showing in NFT1, the largest screen. They have a bit of a cheek though - first they suggest you give a donation of 10% of the ticket price, then they suggest you give another donation (suggested amount, £2)! Since they were also charging a booking fee, I decided to skip donating at all.
So I took myself into town straight after work, on a more packed District Line than I've travelled on in a while, panted my way up the steps onto the bridge, and marvelled at the South Bank, trussed up like a Christmas tree, with the lights of the skyscrapers, the National Theatre, and the Southbank Christmas market. Didn't take any photos - I have quite enough photos of that view, as you can see from previous posts. Had to walk through the market to get to the BFI, and decided I'd get something to eat there on my way out.
Ahh - I always forget how plush the seats are in the BFI! I was a bit to the side - if I had wanted a central seat, I'd have had to go to the very front or back. But the view is fine. They don't show ads as such here - just trailers for films showing in the BFI. Today, we just had one trailer - for The Innocents, with Deborah Kerr. The film is fine - but the trailer..! Well, they were different times. It dragged on and on, repeating the same phrase over and over ("Do THEY return to possess the living?"), and I'm afraid the audience found it quite amusing - which isn't, of course, the intended reaction!
And so to the main film, which started as understatedly as it meant to go on. Its basic story is of a doddery old man who gets one of these promotional "You are a Winner!" marketing promotions and believes he's won a million dollars. He wouldn't trust a million dollars to the postal system, so he decides to go to Nebraska himself to pick it up. Unfortunately, he lost his driving licence a while ago, and his wife refuses to take him. So when we first see him, he's walking to Nebraska. From Billings, Montana. A distance of nearly 900 miles.
As his son asks him, why didn't he just get the bus? Well, he doesn't answer that question. He's kind of out of it a lot of the time, and obviously a bit deaf. Eventually, seeing how miserable he is, his son agrees to drive him there. (Interestingly, I note that the route he takes is not the shortest, nor that suggested by Google Maps. But I defer to his local knowledge.) What follows is some of the most hilarious cinema I've seen in a long while, with the son acting the perfect deadpan while surreal things occur all around him. I mean, it's bad enough with dad being forgetful and confused, but just wait till he starts telling people he's won a million dollars..
One main thing I loved about this film was that it had old people in it. Lots of them. (The son decides at some point to take a small detour so dad can visit his relatives.) And these old people are - old! They stumble and fall, they forget things, they get confused, they speak slowly, they have to be helped to get around. These are not old people who go into space (Cocoon), or on a stag do, pretending to be youngsters (Last Vegas), or are international espionage agents (Red). No, you might just recognise these old people. An afternoon's entertainment when the family gets together consists of all the men sitting around the tv, comatose in front of a game. And the genius of this film is that it makes for the best comedy I've seen in ages.
The lead actor is Bruce Dern (yes, Laura Dern's father). He won best actor at the Cannes Film Festival for this, I'm delighted to say. Stacey Keach also makes an appearance, as on old "friend" who comes a-knocking and claiming a share of the winnings. There are twists and turns, ups and downs, and they make for a road movie with a difference. Very highly recommended, especially to anyone who's ever had to care for an old person. Kudos to the director, Alexander Payne, who as well as producing and directing this, also produced, directed, and wrote The Descendants and Sideways, among others. He obviously knows his subject.
And coming back through the market, I didn't buy anything else, but had a delicious crepe, which was piping hot - very welcome against the cold breeze. And some more chocolate-covered marshmallows.
Tomorrow seems set to be another film. Well, a double-bill, to be precise. Riverside Studios is hosting a Nordic film festival, and as part of this they're showing a double-bill tomorrow: two shorts - The Devil's Ballroom and North of the Sun, both of which are documentaries about people doing things in very, very cold places. Which, doubtless, will make me shiver a little less as I come out, having given me some perspective..
So I took myself into town straight after work, on a more packed District Line than I've travelled on in a while, panted my way up the steps onto the bridge, and marvelled at the South Bank, trussed up like a Christmas tree, with the lights of the skyscrapers, the National Theatre, and the Southbank Christmas market. Didn't take any photos - I have quite enough photos of that view, as you can see from previous posts. Had to walk through the market to get to the BFI, and decided I'd get something to eat there on my way out.
Ahh - I always forget how plush the seats are in the BFI! I was a bit to the side - if I had wanted a central seat, I'd have had to go to the very front or back. But the view is fine. They don't show ads as such here - just trailers for films showing in the BFI. Today, we just had one trailer - for The Innocents, with Deborah Kerr. The film is fine - but the trailer..! Well, they were different times. It dragged on and on, repeating the same phrase over and over ("Do THEY return to possess the living?"), and I'm afraid the audience found it quite amusing - which isn't, of course, the intended reaction!
And so to the main film, which started as understatedly as it meant to go on. Its basic story is of a doddery old man who gets one of these promotional "You are a Winner!" marketing promotions and believes he's won a million dollars. He wouldn't trust a million dollars to the postal system, so he decides to go to Nebraska himself to pick it up. Unfortunately, he lost his driving licence a while ago, and his wife refuses to take him. So when we first see him, he's walking to Nebraska. From Billings, Montana. A distance of nearly 900 miles.
As his son asks him, why didn't he just get the bus? Well, he doesn't answer that question. He's kind of out of it a lot of the time, and obviously a bit deaf. Eventually, seeing how miserable he is, his son agrees to drive him there. (Interestingly, I note that the route he takes is not the shortest, nor that suggested by Google Maps. But I defer to his local knowledge.) What follows is some of the most hilarious cinema I've seen in a long while, with the son acting the perfect deadpan while surreal things occur all around him. I mean, it's bad enough with dad being forgetful and confused, but just wait till he starts telling people he's won a million dollars..
One main thing I loved about this film was that it had old people in it. Lots of them. (The son decides at some point to take a small detour so dad can visit his relatives.) And these old people are - old! They stumble and fall, they forget things, they get confused, they speak slowly, they have to be helped to get around. These are not old people who go into space (Cocoon), or on a stag do, pretending to be youngsters (Last Vegas), or are international espionage agents (Red). No, you might just recognise these old people. An afternoon's entertainment when the family gets together consists of all the men sitting around the tv, comatose in front of a game. And the genius of this film is that it makes for the best comedy I've seen in ages.
The lead actor is Bruce Dern (yes, Laura Dern's father). He won best actor at the Cannes Film Festival for this, I'm delighted to say. Stacey Keach also makes an appearance, as on old "friend" who comes a-knocking and claiming a share of the winnings. There are twists and turns, ups and downs, and they make for a road movie with a difference. Very highly recommended, especially to anyone who's ever had to care for an old person. Kudos to the director, Alexander Payne, who as well as producing and directing this, also produced, directed, and wrote The Descendants and Sideways, among others. He obviously knows his subject.
And coming back through the market, I didn't buy anything else, but had a delicious crepe, which was piping hot - very welcome against the cold breeze. And some more chocolate-covered marshmallows.
Tomorrow seems set to be another film. Well, a double-bill, to be precise. Riverside Studios is hosting a Nordic film festival, and as part of this they're showing a double-bill tomorrow: two shorts - The Devil's Ballroom and North of the Sun, both of which are documentaries about people doing things in very, very cold places. Which, doubtless, will make me shiver a little less as I come out, having given me some perspective..
Thursday, 28 November 2013
Play: The Dead Wait
Tonight, I took myself off to Finsbury Park to see The Dead Wait. It's a long time since I was there, and I was only there once before, so I'd forgotten you can't take the Overground straight there. And so I took Google Maps' suggestion and went by Tube instead. It's faster.
Not that that's the hard part! The last time I was there, it looked really easy on Google Maps Streetview to get from the station to the Park Theatre. Just a short walk, straight ahead and it's on the left. Except there are at least three exits from the station, and I took the wrong one and got completely lost. Just as well I was early! Coming back, I saw the one I should have taken. So this time, I paid special attention when they told me on the theatre website to take the Wells Terrace exit, and I kept an eye out for the sign. And this time, it was a breeze!
The Park Theatre has a large stage, but not much seating. Four rows of stalls, and a few upstairs. Seating extends around three sides of the stage. Upholstered benches, which are comfy enough, but of course slightly cramped if the place is full, because it's not clear where one seat ends and the next begins. Legroom is ok though. I was second row from the front in the stalls, and let me tell you, that's extremely close to the action. But then the entire stalls are!
This, as someone remarked, looks like a serious play. It is. It's about South Africa - in a broad sense, what it did, and how it is coming to terms with it. More specifically, South Africa's secret involvement in the Angolan civil war. More specifically still, the story of a talented young white South African athlete who joins the army and ends up in Angola, and how they come across a wounded ANC activist, whom the athlete's commanding officer orders him to carry back to the border for questioning. (The ANC were seen by the South African government as terrorists, back when these events are supposed to have happened.) And a bond forms between this young man and the man he's carrying on his back. In the second act, 20 years have passed and the protagonists are trying to come to terms with what happened back then.
It's a long time since I saw such a powerful and intense play. The writing is beautiful, and it's no wonder the playtext was on sale. The title references the African tradition of ancestor worship, which is strongly emphasised during the play. The acting is forceful, and there were actually a couple of scenes that were too intense for me to watch. That, I haven't come across in a play before. I think it's an absolute travesty that this isn't selling out every night - there were some empty seats downstairs, and the balcony was nearly empty from what I could see. People, people - I know it's a little bit out of town, but it's worth it! You'll only have to pay more if it moves to the West End, to see it in a more cramped theatre. It's on the next two nights, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Quick! It's much better than the average..
And so I'm off to Ireland for the weekend. Thinking of a film for Monday, but I haven't had time to look at the new ones yet..
Not that that's the hard part! The last time I was there, it looked really easy on Google Maps Streetview to get from the station to the Park Theatre. Just a short walk, straight ahead and it's on the left. Except there are at least three exits from the station, and I took the wrong one and got completely lost. Just as well I was early! Coming back, I saw the one I should have taken. So this time, I paid special attention when they told me on the theatre website to take the Wells Terrace exit, and I kept an eye out for the sign. And this time, it was a breeze!
The Park Theatre has a large stage, but not much seating. Four rows of stalls, and a few upstairs. Seating extends around three sides of the stage. Upholstered benches, which are comfy enough, but of course slightly cramped if the place is full, because it's not clear where one seat ends and the next begins. Legroom is ok though. I was second row from the front in the stalls, and let me tell you, that's extremely close to the action. But then the entire stalls are!
This, as someone remarked, looks like a serious play. It is. It's about South Africa - in a broad sense, what it did, and how it is coming to terms with it. More specifically, South Africa's secret involvement in the Angolan civil war. More specifically still, the story of a talented young white South African athlete who joins the army and ends up in Angola, and how they come across a wounded ANC activist, whom the athlete's commanding officer orders him to carry back to the border for questioning. (The ANC were seen by the South African government as terrorists, back when these events are supposed to have happened.) And a bond forms between this young man and the man he's carrying on his back. In the second act, 20 years have passed and the protagonists are trying to come to terms with what happened back then.
It's a long time since I saw such a powerful and intense play. The writing is beautiful, and it's no wonder the playtext was on sale. The title references the African tradition of ancestor worship, which is strongly emphasised during the play. The acting is forceful, and there were actually a couple of scenes that were too intense for me to watch. That, I haven't come across in a play before. I think it's an absolute travesty that this isn't selling out every night - there were some empty seats downstairs, and the balcony was nearly empty from what I could see. People, people - I know it's a little bit out of town, but it's worth it! You'll only have to pay more if it moves to the West End, to see it in a more cramped theatre. It's on the next two nights, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Quick! It's much better than the average..
And so I'm off to Ireland for the weekend. Thinking of a film for Monday, but I haven't had time to look at the new ones yet..
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland
Sleigh bells ring, can you hear 'em? In the lane, snow is glistening. A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight, walking in a winter wonderland!
Well, no snow, and it wasn't that cold. Which was better for festive perusing! But we did go to Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland. I was there last year and loved it, and was bound to go back. And tonight, we did. Get off the Tube at Hyde Park Corner and it isn't too hard to find - just follow the twinkly lights and the streaming hordes.
From that station, you come in at the Angels Market - the largest Christmas market I've been at in London.
Two avenues of wooden stalls, which line each side of the path (with some extra at the edges) make for an irresistible shopping experience. There are ornaments of wood, glass, and crystal, there are woolly and furry garments, there is jewellery. Don't spend all your money at once - you could easily spend an hour just checking what stalls are available and you might find better further in. There are food stalls by the dozen - stalls with gift food - jams, cheeses - and places you can eat.
Ultimately, I had a burger (which wasn't great, but filled a spot) and finished off with a much better chosen skewer of four large, chocolate-coated marshmallows I got at a sweet stall further along, when I'd finished the burger. Look out for them - I haven't a clue where they were, but they are worth looking for. Helen had a Belgian waffle, drenched in chocolate sauce. I do believe that went down well too!
We sat to eat in the shadow of one of those horrendous rides where people pay to be catapulted into the air and hurled in a circle. Yes, Winter Wonderland also incorporates a funfair!
So the sound of screaming accompanied our dinner. Well, but it is interesting to be sitting right under one of those things.
Not everything was Christmassy..
Well, no snow, and it wasn't that cold. Which was better for festive perusing! But we did go to Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland. I was there last year and loved it, and was bound to go back. And tonight, we did. Get off the Tube at Hyde Park Corner and it isn't too hard to find - just follow the twinkly lights and the streaming hordes.
From that station, you come in at the Angels Market - the largest Christmas market I've been at in London.
Two avenues of wooden stalls, which line each side of the path (with some extra at the edges) make for an irresistible shopping experience. There are ornaments of wood, glass, and crystal, there are woolly and furry garments, there is jewellery. Don't spend all your money at once - you could easily spend an hour just checking what stalls are available and you might find better further in. There are food stalls by the dozen - stalls with gift food - jams, cheeses - and places you can eat.
Ultimately, I had a burger (which wasn't great, but filled a spot) and finished off with a much better chosen skewer of four large, chocolate-coated marshmallows I got at a sweet stall further along, when I'd finished the burger. Look out for them - I haven't a clue where they were, but they are worth looking for. Helen had a Belgian waffle, drenched in chocolate sauce. I do believe that went down well too!
We sat to eat in the shadow of one of those horrendous rides where people pay to be catapulted into the air and hurled in a circle. Yes, Winter Wonderland also incorporates a funfair!
So the sound of screaming accompanied our dinner. Well, but it is interesting to be sitting right under one of those things.
Not everything was Christmassy..
There's an ice rink, a Bavarian village, bars (including one that revolves!), a full-blown restaurant.. there are grown-up, scary rides, and rides for littler people. And when you're not in earshot of live rock music, you can hear Christmas tunes. There really is something for everyone.. and not that I went this year (yet), but let me recommend Zippo's Circus, with the Cirque Berserk in the evenings, for adults only. Most rides are paid for with tokens, which you can buy from the token stands dotted around the venue. Oh, and there are cash machines too.
And I was well worn out by the time we left, purchases in hand. Tomorrow night should be a much more sedate affair - The Dead Wait, a play at the Park Theatre, Finsbury Park. And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend.. and then it'll be December. Roll on Christmas!
Monday, 25 November 2013
Play: Perfect Nonsense
I like having an excuse to get dressed up on occasion, and this was one such. I went to see Perfect Nonsense, a Jeeves and Wooster farce, at the Duke of York's theatre. The official box office had sold out, but third-party sellers had tickets, and the cheapest were with www.lovetheatre.com.
So, having changed frenziedly after work, I scurried into town and made it as they were giving the three-minute call. I'd booked the rear stalls (row R), because they were cheaper but not advertised as having restricted view. In fact, I'd found an online review of the seat two in from mine, which said that, although at times it felt a bit far from the action, the view was fine and the overhang (which is pronounced) doesn't impact most productions. Indeed, from where I was sitting I could see the overhead lights on stage. I think that's high enough for most people's purposes! Legroom also fine, as you'd expect from the stalls. I noticed that some seats were left empty - I guess they'd been bought up by third-party vendors and not sold on. I think that's a real shame - some venues buy them back and resell them on the evening, which gives theatregoers a chance to see a show they might otherwise not.
Well, I love Jeeves and Wooster. Always have. And I enjoyed this as much as I expected to. Jolly good, I say! Comedy is subjective, and this won't be to everyone's taste, but I found the farce gentle, and just nicely silly enough. Matthew Macfadyen is perfect as Jeeves, the long-suffering "gentleman's gentleman". Sadly, Stephen Mangan was "indisposed", and someone else stood in as Bertie Wooster, the hapless aristocrat - I would have preferred Stephen Mangan, I think he's more naturally funny. But it was a fun evening, and I would certainly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the Jeeves and Wooster stories.
Guildford tomorrow, so perhaps nothing tomorrow night, I'll see how I feel. And then on Wednesday, it's off to Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland! Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow..
So, having changed frenziedly after work, I scurried into town and made it as they were giving the three-minute call. I'd booked the rear stalls (row R), because they were cheaper but not advertised as having restricted view. In fact, I'd found an online review of the seat two in from mine, which said that, although at times it felt a bit far from the action, the view was fine and the overhang (which is pronounced) doesn't impact most productions. Indeed, from where I was sitting I could see the overhead lights on stage. I think that's high enough for most people's purposes! Legroom also fine, as you'd expect from the stalls. I noticed that some seats were left empty - I guess they'd been bought up by third-party vendors and not sold on. I think that's a real shame - some venues buy them back and resell them on the evening, which gives theatregoers a chance to see a show they might otherwise not.
Well, I love Jeeves and Wooster. Always have. And I enjoyed this as much as I expected to. Jolly good, I say! Comedy is subjective, and this won't be to everyone's taste, but I found the farce gentle, and just nicely silly enough. Matthew Macfadyen is perfect as Jeeves, the long-suffering "gentleman's gentleman". Sadly, Stephen Mangan was "indisposed", and someone else stood in as Bertie Wooster, the hapless aristocrat - I would have preferred Stephen Mangan, I think he's more naturally funny. But it was a fun evening, and I would certainly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the Jeeves and Wooster stories.
Guildford tomorrow, so perhaps nothing tomorrow night, I'll see how I feel. And then on Wednesday, it's off to Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland! Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow..
Sunday, 24 November 2013
Play: Mucky Kid
Yay! Finally, I think of going to the Latchmere and actually make it! Google Maps suggested I take the Overground to Clapham Junction, and then there's a bus I could take - but it would actually be faster to walk, from Clapham Junction. So I did. Wrapped up well - it's not snowing any more, but it is absolutely freezing out there!
From the Grant Road exit from Clapham Junction station (the one adjacent to the Overground platforms, 1 & 2), you turn right, past the bus park, and left onto Grant Road itself. Walk to the main junction, and turn right onto Battersea Park Road - the Latchmere will be on the right hand side. Eventually. So, I shivered my way into the pub, eventually, and climbed the narrow stairs to the box office. Which turns out to be a whole landing, with chairs, tables, sofas.. a copier in the corner.. must be the office for Theatre 503. At the counter, they told me it was a "pay what you can" day. (Sundays are, it seems - you can pay as little as £3, according to the website.) "So," he said, "what do you want to pay?" I asked him what the common price was and he said "£5 or £10". I checked my wallet and the only notes I had were £20s, so I handed him one and asked him to take £10. Well, I could afford it, I didn't want to take advantage, and frankly, that still represents a saving on the standard price of £15 suggested online. And then he checked whether it was one or two tickets I wanted for my £10. Honestly, this must represent the best value theatre in London. I took a seat to wait, because I was early, and was surprised to feel my hands thawing out. I hadn't realised just how cold I'd been. Of course, walking briskly does help. And I saw shelves of books that you can apparently read while waiting, as well as playtexts you can buy. A very convivial atmosphere.
Seating in the theatre is unallocated, on benches, and a little cramped. But Mucky Kid only lasts an hour anyway. And what an hour that is! It's the story of a girl who, when she was 10, killed another little girl, and has spent her life in prison ever since. She's now grown up, and the play asks us to consider whether she should ever be released. This, or course, reminds us of the case of Jamie Bulger, the little boy who was murdered by two 10-year old boys in 1993. One of them has had trouble with being released into society, and had to be re-incarcerated, although is apparently currently on release again. The play is as intense as you would expect, and the acting is terrific - I've seen a couple of these people in other things, and am continually impressed by them.
The lead actor, in particular, is mesmerising. The writing has us consider the main character's motives - she has been on the run from the prison briefly, was recaptured, and now has to tell the person in charge what she got up to while she was out. As she is made to tell and retell her story, and we come to an ever truer picture of what really happened, we are made to question our initial perceptions of her. Engrossing stuff. As I always say, you get much better bang for your buck in fringe theatre. This runs until the 7th: under-16s not admitted.
I was hungry coming out, and planned to eat in the pub. Was reading a menu when the barman came over and exclaimed that he'd thought all those had been taken in! Turns out they'd run out of food and the kitchen was closed. This was at 6:10 - they were supposed to serve food until 11! Be aware of this if you're headed that way. I had to eat elsewhere.
Well, no more films this week! (Shock, horror!) I've been to all the big releases, so it's time for something(s) new. Tomorrow, I wanted to go to Perfect Nonsense - a Jeeves and Wooster farce at the Duke of York's Theatre. I love Jeeves and Wooster - a farcical tv series about a stereotypically idiotic English aristo - played in this production by Stephen Mangan, whose performances I love - and his long-suffering "gentleman's gentleman", Jeeves. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a ticket on the official website. Undaunted, I trawled other websites, and found the cheapest tickets on www.lovetheatre.com. So I am going after all! On Tuesday, I'm in Guildford, so probably won't go to anything, and on Wednesday I'm hitting Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland! On Thursday, I wanted to go to a play called The Island, but it's completely sold out apart from day tickets (show up at the theatre on the morning and hope to get lucky) - so instead, I'm going to another play, The Dead Wait, at the Park Theatre in Finsbury Park. It's so long since I've been there that I'd actually forgotten I'd been there at all.. Then it's back to Ireland for the weekend.
Yes, I've been busy today! ;-)
From the Grant Road exit from Clapham Junction station (the one adjacent to the Overground platforms, 1 & 2), you turn right, past the bus park, and left onto Grant Road itself. Walk to the main junction, and turn right onto Battersea Park Road - the Latchmere will be on the right hand side. Eventually. So, I shivered my way into the pub, eventually, and climbed the narrow stairs to the box office. Which turns out to be a whole landing, with chairs, tables, sofas.. a copier in the corner.. must be the office for Theatre 503. At the counter, they told me it was a "pay what you can" day. (Sundays are, it seems - you can pay as little as £3, according to the website.) "So," he said, "what do you want to pay?" I asked him what the common price was and he said "£5 or £10". I checked my wallet and the only notes I had were £20s, so I handed him one and asked him to take £10. Well, I could afford it, I didn't want to take advantage, and frankly, that still represents a saving on the standard price of £15 suggested online. And then he checked whether it was one or two tickets I wanted for my £10. Honestly, this must represent the best value theatre in London. I took a seat to wait, because I was early, and was surprised to feel my hands thawing out. I hadn't realised just how cold I'd been. Of course, walking briskly does help. And I saw shelves of books that you can apparently read while waiting, as well as playtexts you can buy. A very convivial atmosphere.
Seating in the theatre is unallocated, on benches, and a little cramped. But Mucky Kid only lasts an hour anyway. And what an hour that is! It's the story of a girl who, when she was 10, killed another little girl, and has spent her life in prison ever since. She's now grown up, and the play asks us to consider whether she should ever be released. This, or course, reminds us of the case of Jamie Bulger, the little boy who was murdered by two 10-year old boys in 1993. One of them has had trouble with being released into society, and had to be re-incarcerated, although is apparently currently on release again. The play is as intense as you would expect, and the acting is terrific - I've seen a couple of these people in other things, and am continually impressed by them.
The lead actor, in particular, is mesmerising. The writing has us consider the main character's motives - she has been on the run from the prison briefly, was recaptured, and now has to tell the person in charge what she got up to while she was out. As she is made to tell and retell her story, and we come to an ever truer picture of what really happened, we are made to question our initial perceptions of her. Engrossing stuff. As I always say, you get much better bang for your buck in fringe theatre. This runs until the 7th: under-16s not admitted.
I was hungry coming out, and planned to eat in the pub. Was reading a menu when the barman came over and exclaimed that he'd thought all those had been taken in! Turns out they'd run out of food and the kitchen was closed. This was at 6:10 - they were supposed to serve food until 11! Be aware of this if you're headed that way. I had to eat elsewhere.
Well, no more films this week! (Shock, horror!) I've been to all the big releases, so it's time for something(s) new. Tomorrow, I wanted to go to Perfect Nonsense - a Jeeves and Wooster farce at the Duke of York's Theatre. I love Jeeves and Wooster - a farcical tv series about a stereotypically idiotic English aristo - played in this production by Stephen Mangan, whose performances I love - and his long-suffering "gentleman's gentleman", Jeeves. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a ticket on the official website. Undaunted, I trawled other websites, and found the cheapest tickets on www.lovetheatre.com. So I am going after all! On Tuesday, I'm in Guildford, so probably won't go to anything, and on Wednesday I'm hitting Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland! On Thursday, I wanted to go to a play called The Island, but it's completely sold out apart from day tickets (show up at the theatre on the morning and hope to get lucky) - so instead, I'm going to another play, The Dead Wait, at the Park Theatre in Finsbury Park. It's so long since I've been there that I'd actually forgotten I'd been there at all.. Then it's back to Ireland for the weekend.
Yes, I've been busy today! ;-)
Saturday, 23 November 2013
Film: Don Jon
I planned a nice day for myself today. Would go to Don Jon at 10 past 6 in Westfield, but go early and have a trip around the shops first, eating if the fancy took me. And.. so it came to pass!
After a nice late start, I hopped on the train to Shepherds Bush. Only takes five minutes (two stops), and drops you across the road from the shopping centre. And so I spent the next couple of hours shopping. My, but it's been a long time, and retail therapy is a wonderful thing!
So, I started my Christmas card shopping. Looked at a few dresses in House of Fraser, but they were no good when I tried them on. Bought a necklace that might go with the dress for my Christmas party. And before I knew it, it was after 4 and I was hungry, so headed for Nando's - I didn't fancy anything, well, fancier. The queue was horrendous, and I've never seen a Nando's so busy - but neither have I ever seen service so professional. Really, I said I wouldn't have a dessert if it took them too long to bring it, but practically the minute I'd finished my main course they were asking me whether I wanted anything else. So yes, I did have a slice of their delectable choc-o-lot cake!
And with an hour still to go before the film, I headed for the shops again, and struck gold in Monsoon, in the form of one of those dresses that looks unexpectedly good when you try it on..
And so I headed for the cinema. I queued for a ticket machine, and was to find again, as yesterday, that booking had been strong in the past few minutes. I got the last seat that was neither VIP nor in the front row, and headed off for Screen 16. Saw a few interesting trailers, including for the new version of Carrie - pity it's not rated higher on IMDB. Well, maybe it'll come up. I see it stars Julianne Moore as the psycho mother.
She shows up again in Don Jon, which is directed and written by, and stars, Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Goodness, wouldn't he look a fool if it had been a flop! Fortunately, it isn't. He plays a modern-day Casanova, envied by his mates for his ability to pull women. We have Tony Danza as his father, and Scarlett Johansson as the woman who finally tames him. The film is set in New Jersey, and as we hear in the trailer, Don Jon has certain priorities in his life - his body, his pad, his ride, his family, his church, his boys, his girls.. and his porn.
Which ends up being the subject of the film. Basically, everything's going fine until he hooks up with Scarlett Johansson, who gives a hilarious turn as a high-maintenance girlfriend. She's a perfect 10, but when she catches him watching porn, she demands he stop it immediately. Frankly, I was worried that was going to be the extent of the plot - he was going to see the error of his ways, she would reform him. This disturbed me mightily, because she was coming across as a controlling cow. Not only was she demanding that he give up porn - she insisted that he take up an evening class, chose which he should do, and when she found out he did his own cleaning, she was horrified (didn't think it was manly, I suppose) and insisted that he was too old to be doing that and when they were living together, he was not to be doing it. Under any circumstances.
Ironically, it's at the evening class that he runs into Julianne Moore, who helps him to see the error of his ways. And this is where the film gets interesting. Because it then takes an uncommon direction. And that, I think, is why this film has the high rating it does - the unusual story direction really lifts it above the ordinary. In the meantime, it's a really enjoyable watch - although some audience members did find Tony Danza's leering after his son's girlfriend rather icky. And weren't afraid to express that!
When I came out, it had been snowing.. here comes Christmas, indeed! Tomorrow, I'm planning on going to a play for a change, having gone to the best of what's on in the cinema. The plan is to go to Mucky Kid in the theatre over the Latchmere Pub. Mind you, I've planned to go there a couple of times before and it hasn't worked out yet - we'll see.
After a nice late start, I hopped on the train to Shepherds Bush. Only takes five minutes (two stops), and drops you across the road from the shopping centre. And so I spent the next couple of hours shopping. My, but it's been a long time, and retail therapy is a wonderful thing!
So, I started my Christmas card shopping. Looked at a few dresses in House of Fraser, but they were no good when I tried them on. Bought a necklace that might go with the dress for my Christmas party. And before I knew it, it was after 4 and I was hungry, so headed for Nando's - I didn't fancy anything, well, fancier. The queue was horrendous, and I've never seen a Nando's so busy - but neither have I ever seen service so professional. Really, I said I wouldn't have a dessert if it took them too long to bring it, but practically the minute I'd finished my main course they were asking me whether I wanted anything else. So yes, I did have a slice of their delectable choc-o-lot cake!
And with an hour still to go before the film, I headed for the shops again, and struck gold in Monsoon, in the form of one of those dresses that looks unexpectedly good when you try it on..
And so I headed for the cinema. I queued for a ticket machine, and was to find again, as yesterday, that booking had been strong in the past few minutes. I got the last seat that was neither VIP nor in the front row, and headed off for Screen 16. Saw a few interesting trailers, including for the new version of Carrie - pity it's not rated higher on IMDB. Well, maybe it'll come up. I see it stars Julianne Moore as the psycho mother.
She shows up again in Don Jon, which is directed and written by, and stars, Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Goodness, wouldn't he look a fool if it had been a flop! Fortunately, it isn't. He plays a modern-day Casanova, envied by his mates for his ability to pull women. We have Tony Danza as his father, and Scarlett Johansson as the woman who finally tames him. The film is set in New Jersey, and as we hear in the trailer, Don Jon has certain priorities in his life - his body, his pad, his ride, his family, his church, his boys, his girls.. and his porn.
Which ends up being the subject of the film. Basically, everything's going fine until he hooks up with Scarlett Johansson, who gives a hilarious turn as a high-maintenance girlfriend. She's a perfect 10, but when she catches him watching porn, she demands he stop it immediately. Frankly, I was worried that was going to be the extent of the plot - he was going to see the error of his ways, she would reform him. This disturbed me mightily, because she was coming across as a controlling cow. Not only was she demanding that he give up porn - she insisted that he take up an evening class, chose which he should do, and when she found out he did his own cleaning, she was horrified (didn't think it was manly, I suppose) and insisted that he was too old to be doing that and when they were living together, he was not to be doing it. Under any circumstances.
Ironically, it's at the evening class that he runs into Julianne Moore, who helps him to see the error of his ways. And this is where the film gets interesting. Because it then takes an uncommon direction. And that, I think, is why this film has the high rating it does - the unusual story direction really lifts it above the ordinary. In the meantime, it's a really enjoyable watch - although some audience members did find Tony Danza's leering after his son's girlfriend rather icky. And weren't afraid to express that!
When I came out, it had been snowing.. here comes Christmas, indeed! Tomorrow, I'm planning on going to a play for a change, having gone to the best of what's on in the cinema. The plan is to go to Mucky Kid in the theatre over the Latchmere Pub. Mind you, I've planned to go there a couple of times before and it hasn't worked out yet - we'll see.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)