It's been quite a day of Meetups! There were a couple of walks on, but I decided to go with Walk About London's 800th Year of Magna Carta - I know the guide is a good one. And, like yesterday, it turned out to be a gorgeous day! So I dragged myself out of bed - unusually early for me, on a Sunday - and got myself into town. Despite the indication board at West Brompton telling me that the next train was headed my way, sure enough, when it came, it wasn't, and I had to change at Earl's Court. Which would have been easier, if not for the elderly couple who couldn't decide whether to get on, and held the doors twice..
After that, it was a straight run through to Blackfriars, where I exited the station to find the guide standing right in front of the entrance, a circle of people around him. We waited until 5 past for stragglers, then the tour began. He promised to finish around 1, but really this free tour lasted until about 1.30, as he led us up steps and down passageways, through the City. I still haven't gotten around to getting a new camera charger, but did shoot a few photos with my phone until the battery died.
We started with Temple, a district I love. This secluded part of town is home to the legal fraternity, and is a real haven amidst the hustle and bustle. We stopped periodically for him to talk to us, and after the first time, in the blazing sunshine (where it was quite hot), we stopped in the shade. Where, interestingly, it could be quite cold, especially when the breeze blew. Really, the day didn't know what it was doing.
It's tricky to talk about Magna Carta - you either say too much or too little. On the one hand, it's a charter of rights signed by King John, which he was forced into, and which formed the basis for later declarations of human rights. Story told. On the other hand, there's a real soap opera behind the king's life, which you can use to embellish the story - and it was interesting to see our guide pick his way through a maze of facts, focussing on the gossip-worthy bits.
We passed by Temple Church, where there's an exhibition on Magna Carta, but it wasn't open, so he just talked to us outside. Sometime after, as I was taking a picture with my phone, I noticed I had a new email - and, on checking it, discovered that it was the organiser of Film Nite, offering me a free ticket this evening to a documentary on Orson Welles! If he could source one. I thought about it, and replied in the affirmative, asking him to let me know if he got one.
Well, the walk wound on, through Magpie Alley, decorated with tiles depicting the development of printing in England, and past a highly decorated Youth Hostel that used to be the school for choirboys of St. Paul's. Wouldn't you know it, it was just as we reached St. Paul's that my battery died, and that was it for photos for today. We had a bit of time in St. Paul's churchyard, then wound our way to the Guildhall (with a slight detour to see some Roman ruins). Our tour finished in the museum under the Guildhall, where we saw a copy of Magna Carta, as well as a view of London's only Roman amphitheatre. This museum is free, and somewhere I'd like to come back to - there was more to be seen.
Afterwards, we searched for somewhere to have something to eat and drink and a chat, but this being the City on a Sunday, that wasn't easy. We fancied a pub, but the first was closed and the second didn't really have room. Instead, we ended up in the Pret a Manger at Cannon Street Station, where the five of us that remained spent a deal of time sitting, chatting, and reviving ourselves. I had an excellent brownie. Someone else had a cucumber seltzer that she wasn't keen on - altogether too much cucumber, it seems. The guide was never entirely off duty; upon hearing that the adjoining street concealed one of London's subterranean rivers, the American who'd lasted that long exclaimed, "Is there any part of London that's not cool?!" Quite. Another excellent tour by this guide - I'd love to go on more, he just has to schedule them at times and on days I can manage!
Well, with my battery dead, my only way of finding out whether I had a ticket for this film was to go home, which I did. Put my phone on to charge and booted up my laptop, to discover yes! he'd got me a ticket, and could I be at Soho House's new address by 4.30? Eh, yes, roughly.. I'd had a busy day already and it was now nearly four! I did my best, cramming myself onto a packed Piccadilly Line, and made it just 10 minutes late.
I knew the address, and had also looked it up on Streetview - the organiser had said to ring the bell and say I was his guest. Sure enough, I rang, was immediately buzzed in, and told the smiling lady on reception whose guest I was - whereupon she directed me downstairs to the basement cinema, and to turn right. It's newly refurbished, and noticeably less scruffy than the old place. I joined my fellow group members in a plush sitting room, where the widescreen tv was showing the football. I'd been considering going to the bar to order a drink, but didn't have to, because a waiter came around after a while. Just as well I hadn't - you have to be a member to buy anything, of course! Our organiser turned out to have a membership card, so the bill for two of us went to him, and he graciously paid it.
The cinema itself was though another door, and after having a look, I remarked to him on its similarity to the Electric Cinema - he explained that they were run by the same company. Ah, the luxury - plush armchair seats, with a side table (you can take in your drink), and an ottoman you can put your feet on. All cinema should, indeed, be like this!
The documentary - whose name I missed - turned out to be excellent. You think you know someone, but this highlighted many aspects of his life I hadn't been aware of. It was utterly fascinating. Also interesting was the roll call of so many of his films whose names I recognised - A Touch of Evil, The Magnificent Ambersons, and many others - which are currently showing in London: obviously to celebrate the centenary of his birth. This is a man it's worth getting to know more about.
On our way back, he advised us to pop our heads round the door of the Criterion restaurant, just to see the décor. Just a tad expensive, but wow! the décor is indeed worth a look - you'd never guess, from the street. A cover story about being supposed to meet someone there got us inside, and after confusing the waiter, we agreed to wait for our companion outside. The companion who'd already gone home, of course.
Tomorrow, we're going to a play - Frank Sent Me - that his old drama teacher wrote, and which is performing at the King's Head. On Tuesday, I'm headed to a play set in Sheffield during the Blitz. Operation Crucible is showing in the Finborough, nice and close to me. They bumped the time to half an hour earlier, but were good enough to both email and phone me, just to make sure I knew, and to let me know to contact them if I needed to cancel. On Wednesday, I'm with Let's Do London - for less! yet again, when they're off to the Globe to see As You Like It. Next Thursday, I'm off to the Spiegeltent - on my own - to see House of Burlesque. Time Out offer. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, and we're headed to the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, at the University Concert Hall.
The following Monday, I'm finally going to see Memphis: the Musical, at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And the next two days, I'm headed to the Guildford office - first for a meeting, then the Sports Day. Coincides nicely with the next Tube strikes, assuming the current talks don't help.. that Thursday, I've bitten the bullet and booked a ticket to see the comedian Iliza Schlesinger at the Soho Theatre - she was sold out for Monday, so I said maybe I'd better. And that Friday, I'm headed to the Boat Show. Those should both be interesting to get to and from, if the strikes go ahead!
The following Saturday, I'm back with the London Dramatic Arts group, for Oresteia at Trafalgar Studios - its West End transfer. On the Sunday, I'm headed to the Scoop, for their double bill of classical plays. Technically, I'm accompanying the Free London Events and Talks group, but with 100 of us going, I doubt I'll be much bothered with actually meeting anyone. Unless I see someone I know.
That Monday, I'm finishing off the month by going to the Proms, and on the 1st September I'm going to What's It All About? Bacharach, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. And then I'm planning on collapsing with exhaustion..
Sunday, 16 August 2015
Saturday, 15 August 2015
Opera: Carmen
Let's Do London - for less! + opera = unbeatable combination. So I booked it. Mind you, I've been misrepresenting them for the last few days - this wasn't the Pop-Up Opera, which does abbreviated operatic versions in venues that never likely saw an opera before, or even live performance. Although this group has been to those productions before: no, this was Opera Up Close, which is more conventional. Somewhat. They do more standard versions of operas, in English, in somewhat more conventional venues. I believe performers do appear in productions for both companies, though.
So off I went today, to see their production of Carmen, in the Soho Theatre. A typically crowded and sweaty Piccadilly Line saw the usual influx of people at Knightsbridge, and a corresponding outflux at Piccadilly Circus. It was a lovely walk in the sunshine though, round the side of Chinatown, and when a gorgeous whiff caught my attention, I decided I'd have a Chinese afterwards. It's so long since I was in Soho on a sunny weekend afternoon..
We were more organised this time, with two tables booked in the lobby bar. As usual, our leader was behatted - more a flat cap than a baseball cap this time: very fetching, and equally effective. Chatted for a bit, went upstairs when the call came. I was fourth row from the front, which was plenty close.. up-close opera can be an intense experience. But when you compare this with a more usual production - my, it's amazing how much they can do without! Four musicians over the side did as well as a full orchestra, the pianist also acting as the conductor. No milling cast of characters necessary in the background - indeed, there wouldn't have been anywhere for them to mill about in anyway! No fancy costumes required.
The production was edited down a bit, but that didn't detract from it. The smaller cast enabled us to concentrate better on the story. And as I say, the sheer force of someone belting out an aria, practically in your face, has to be experienced. Really, I'll never look at a conventional production the same way again. Interestingly, this company gave the story a slightly different slant; Carmen is usually portrayed as a man-eater, ruthless and heartless, with José the poor, well-intentioned boy led astray. Here, for a change, Carmen is portrayed as just a flirt, a bit out of control and making bad choices: while José, once she stirs him from his obedient journey along the straight and narrow path, turns volatile and abusive. The last scene is actually quite chilling. Very interesting to see this completely different slant on the same story - and very believable. Also interesting how the abusive José got the loudest applause at the end. (To be fair, he was superb!) Runs till the 19th September. Recommended. Probably wise to book - today's matinee was pretty much sold out.
Afterwards, we had booked the same two tables. I got a drink and sat down, somewhat surprised to see some people there whom I didn't recognise from the group. They asked how we knew Antony (the organiser), introducing themselves as Antony's mother and sister. They didn't look much like him. I smelled a rat when they didn't recognise the term "Meetup".. turned out the performer who sang the part of José so well was also called Antony! We put the final pieces together when he finally came downstairs and they erupted in applause. Actually, it was nice, how all the performers came down after and hung out in the bar for a bit. The guys from Bears in Space (also still running) were also over the side (sans bears..)
When we broke up, I headed for New Loon Fung, for another of their delicious chicken in honey and lemon dishes. And it was as gorgeous as I remembered. The pinot grigio here is rosé, but perfectly drinkable. Toilets are upstairs from the main restaurant, where it turns out they have a whole other floor! No lack of space, then.. I shopped in Tesco on the way back, and had such heavy bags that the Tube was a nightmare. Thank goodness for the kind lady who made sure that I got, first a space to lean, then a seat, when they became available. Unfortunately, I just missed my train in Earl's Court, and ended up walking the rest of the way.
Tomorrow, I'm with Walk About London for a walk based on the Magna Carta - weather permitting. If it's like today, it'll be lovely! On Monday, the organiser of Film Nite informed us that his old drama teacher had written a play - Frank Sent Me - that's performing at the King's Head. Some of us are going.
On Tuesday, I'm headed to a play set in Sheffield during the Blitz. Operation Crucible is showing in the Finborough, nice and close to me. On Wednesday, I'm with Let's Do London - for less! yet again, when they're off to the Globe to see As You Like It. Next Thursday, I'm off to the Spiegeltent - on my own - to see House of Burlesque. Time Out offer. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, and we're headed to the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, at the University Concert Hall.
The following Monday, I'm finally going to see Memphis: the Musical, at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And the next two days, I'm headed to the Guildford office - first for a meeting, then the Sports Day. Coincides nicely with the next Tube strikes, assuming the current talks don't help..
So off I went today, to see their production of Carmen, in the Soho Theatre. A typically crowded and sweaty Piccadilly Line saw the usual influx of people at Knightsbridge, and a corresponding outflux at Piccadilly Circus. It was a lovely walk in the sunshine though, round the side of Chinatown, and when a gorgeous whiff caught my attention, I decided I'd have a Chinese afterwards. It's so long since I was in Soho on a sunny weekend afternoon..
We were more organised this time, with two tables booked in the lobby bar. As usual, our leader was behatted - more a flat cap than a baseball cap this time: very fetching, and equally effective. Chatted for a bit, went upstairs when the call came. I was fourth row from the front, which was plenty close.. up-close opera can be an intense experience. But when you compare this with a more usual production - my, it's amazing how much they can do without! Four musicians over the side did as well as a full orchestra, the pianist also acting as the conductor. No milling cast of characters necessary in the background - indeed, there wouldn't have been anywhere for them to mill about in anyway! No fancy costumes required.
The production was edited down a bit, but that didn't detract from it. The smaller cast enabled us to concentrate better on the story. And as I say, the sheer force of someone belting out an aria, practically in your face, has to be experienced. Really, I'll never look at a conventional production the same way again. Interestingly, this company gave the story a slightly different slant; Carmen is usually portrayed as a man-eater, ruthless and heartless, with José the poor, well-intentioned boy led astray. Here, for a change, Carmen is portrayed as just a flirt, a bit out of control and making bad choices: while José, once she stirs him from his obedient journey along the straight and narrow path, turns volatile and abusive. The last scene is actually quite chilling. Very interesting to see this completely different slant on the same story - and very believable. Also interesting how the abusive José got the loudest applause at the end. (To be fair, he was superb!) Runs till the 19th September. Recommended. Probably wise to book - today's matinee was pretty much sold out.
Afterwards, we had booked the same two tables. I got a drink and sat down, somewhat surprised to see some people there whom I didn't recognise from the group. They asked how we knew Antony (the organiser), introducing themselves as Antony's mother and sister. They didn't look much like him. I smelled a rat when they didn't recognise the term "Meetup".. turned out the performer who sang the part of José so well was also called Antony! We put the final pieces together when he finally came downstairs and they erupted in applause. Actually, it was nice, how all the performers came down after and hung out in the bar for a bit. The guys from Bears in Space (also still running) were also over the side (sans bears..)
When we broke up, I headed for New Loon Fung, for another of their delicious chicken in honey and lemon dishes. And it was as gorgeous as I remembered. The pinot grigio here is rosé, but perfectly drinkable. Toilets are upstairs from the main restaurant, where it turns out they have a whole other floor! No lack of space, then.. I shopped in Tesco on the way back, and had such heavy bags that the Tube was a nightmare. Thank goodness for the kind lady who made sure that I got, first a space to lean, then a seat, when they became available. Unfortunately, I just missed my train in Earl's Court, and ended up walking the rest of the way.
Tomorrow, I'm with Walk About London for a walk based on the Magna Carta - weather permitting. If it's like today, it'll be lovely! On Monday, the organiser of Film Nite informed us that his old drama teacher had written a play - Frank Sent Me - that's performing at the King's Head. Some of us are going.
On Tuesday, I'm headed to a play set in Sheffield during the Blitz. Operation Crucible is showing in the Finborough, nice and close to me. On Wednesday, I'm with Let's Do London - for less! yet again, when they're off to the Globe to see As You Like It. Next Thursday, I'm off to the Spiegeltent - on my own - to see House of Burlesque. Time Out offer. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, and we're headed to the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, at the University Concert Hall.
The following Monday, I'm finally going to see Memphis: the Musical, at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And the next two days, I'm headed to the Guildford office - first for a meeting, then the Sports Day. Coincides nicely with the next Tube strikes, assuming the current talks don't help..
Friday, 14 August 2015
Film: The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
Film it was tonight, and one of the more interesting stories of what was chosen. Working from my list of IMDB ratings, the highest was - rather surprisingly, but indisputably, Absolutely Anything (at 8.6), a Simon Pegg comedy in which he's given supernatural powers by the Monty Python crew, and uses them to seduce Kate Beckinsale and make his dog (Robin Williams) talk.
I thought it was too good to be true. Sure enough, the rating fell from 8.6 yesterday morning, to 8.2 yesterday evening, to 8 this morning. By the time it had reached 7.3 this evening, it had been surpassed (it's at 7 at time of writing). Something of a meteoric descent, then. Which left The Man From U.N.C.L.E. The Yplan ticket I'd bought (they have a cheap ticket deal for Vue) was good for any film, and good at my local cinema, which was handier than Shepherd's Bush, where I'd have had to see the other. Especially handy on a grey and drizzly evening.
I got the Tube down there - I could walk home afterwards, but it would've been a trek from the office. Queued for a bit, got my ticket, and arrived in the screen just after the trailers had started. Lots of spy/thriller type trailers - including, oddly, one for the very film we were seeing! I wasn't surprised to hear someone near me ask his companion - this is the one we've come to see, right?
Yes, it was. Co-written and directed by Guy Ritchie, it stars Henry Cavill as Napoleon Solo, the old Robert Vaughn role. Mind you, both he and his co-star, playing Ilya Kuryakin, are much better looking than the original actors. Also stars Alicia Vikander, as watchable as ever, and Hugh Grant. But I can't tell you who their characters are, for fear of giving the plot away.
Oh my goodness, it's very good! Guy Ritchie has set a spy film in the early 60s. And, not that I would wish a return to the Cold War - but it did make for some fantastic thrillers. Sexy, sinister - complicated backstory, great costumes, terrific scenery. Stylish, pacy, sassy. I loved it. Henry Cavill attempting the old Napoleon Solo accent grates at first, but becomes more natural. And Ilya is much less robotic in this than in the original. I do believe I remember one of the scenes from the original series. Oh yes, go see.. and I look forward to the inevitable sequel.
Inspired by the setting of most of the film in Rome, I fancied something Italian for dinner. Specifically, I would've liked chicken in a creamy sauce. Unfortunately, the nearby supermarket was Sainsbury's, and their woeful selection provided neither a decent ready meal, nor any kind of bottled Italian sauce at all! I picked up some garlic bread and chicken kiev..
Tomorrow, I'm back with Let's Do London - for less! for Pop-Up Opera's Carmen (in English), again at the Soho Theatre. On Sunday, I'm with Walk About London for a walk based on the Magna Carta - weather permitting. On Monday, the organiser of Film Nite informed us that his old drama teacher had written a play - Frank Sent Me - that's performing at the King's Head. Actually, he wrote two, and this chap was at the other last Monday, but I flew back that day and couldn't make that. Some of us are going to this.
On Tuesday, I'm headed to a play set in Sheffield during the Blitz. Operation Crucible is showing in the Finborough, nice and close to me. On Wednesday, I'm with Let's Do London - for less! yet again, when they're off to the Globe to see As You Like It. Next Thursday, I'm off to the Spiegeltent - on my own - to see House of Burlesque. Time Out offer. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, and we're headed to the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, at the University Concert Hall.
The following Monday, I'm finally going to see Memphis: the Musical, at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And the next TWO days, I'm headed to the Guildford office - first for a meeting, then the Sports Day. Coincides nicely with the next Tube strikes..
I thought it was too good to be true. Sure enough, the rating fell from 8.6 yesterday morning, to 8.2 yesterday evening, to 8 this morning. By the time it had reached 7.3 this evening, it had been surpassed (it's at 7 at time of writing). Something of a meteoric descent, then. Which left The Man From U.N.C.L.E. The Yplan ticket I'd bought (they have a cheap ticket deal for Vue) was good for any film, and good at my local cinema, which was handier than Shepherd's Bush, where I'd have had to see the other. Especially handy on a grey and drizzly evening.
I got the Tube down there - I could walk home afterwards, but it would've been a trek from the office. Queued for a bit, got my ticket, and arrived in the screen just after the trailers had started. Lots of spy/thriller type trailers - including, oddly, one for the very film we were seeing! I wasn't surprised to hear someone near me ask his companion - this is the one we've come to see, right?
Yes, it was. Co-written and directed by Guy Ritchie, it stars Henry Cavill as Napoleon Solo, the old Robert Vaughn role. Mind you, both he and his co-star, playing Ilya Kuryakin, are much better looking than the original actors. Also stars Alicia Vikander, as watchable as ever, and Hugh Grant. But I can't tell you who their characters are, for fear of giving the plot away.
Oh my goodness, it's very good! Guy Ritchie has set a spy film in the early 60s. And, not that I would wish a return to the Cold War - but it did make for some fantastic thrillers. Sexy, sinister - complicated backstory, great costumes, terrific scenery. Stylish, pacy, sassy. I loved it. Henry Cavill attempting the old Napoleon Solo accent grates at first, but becomes more natural. And Ilya is much less robotic in this than in the original. I do believe I remember one of the scenes from the original series. Oh yes, go see.. and I look forward to the inevitable sequel.
Inspired by the setting of most of the film in Rome, I fancied something Italian for dinner. Specifically, I would've liked chicken in a creamy sauce. Unfortunately, the nearby supermarket was Sainsbury's, and their woeful selection provided neither a decent ready meal, nor any kind of bottled Italian sauce at all! I picked up some garlic bread and chicken kiev..
Tomorrow, I'm back with Let's Do London - for less! for Pop-Up Opera's Carmen (in English), again at the Soho Theatre. On Sunday, I'm with Walk About London for a walk based on the Magna Carta - weather permitting. On Monday, the organiser of Film Nite informed us that his old drama teacher had written a play - Frank Sent Me - that's performing at the King's Head. Actually, he wrote two, and this chap was at the other last Monday, but I flew back that day and couldn't make that. Some of us are going to this.
On Tuesday, I'm headed to a play set in Sheffield during the Blitz. Operation Crucible is showing in the Finborough, nice and close to me. On Wednesday, I'm with Let's Do London - for less! yet again, when they're off to the Globe to see As You Like It. Next Thursday, I'm off to the Spiegeltent - on my own - to see House of Burlesque. Time Out offer. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, and we're headed to the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, at the University Concert Hall.
The following Monday, I'm finally going to see Memphis: the Musical, at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And the next TWO days, I'm headed to the Guildford office - first for a meeting, then the Sports Day. Coincides nicely with the next Tube strikes..
Play: Bears in Space
Ah yes, Bears in Space.. honestly, I wouldn't have given it a second thought, had it not been a Let's Do London - for less! Meetup. Not to say that I automatically go to all theirs - but they are always worth considering. So, without a specific reason not to go, I booked.
Just as well I did - not only did all their tickets for last night sell out, so did all Soho Theatre's, I think! A hot and sweaty Tube ride into town - not helped by the influx of people at Knightsbridge - was followed by one of those frustrating walks, crawling through crowds of people outside the station, crawling through crowds standing outside the pubs on Dean Street. It was a relief to get to the theatre at last, and weave my way through the crowds in the ground floor bar (crawling not required). A quick look around, and I spotted the Man with the Baseball Cap, and his wad of tickets. It was too late to be bothered with a drink, so I stood and chatted with other folks from the group for a while, waiting for the house to open.
There was a muffled announcement - not about our show, apparently, but we decided to move anyway and join the queue waiting to go upstairs. I was delighted to see two members of the London Dramatic Arts group there, who I know were there on my recommendation! I hoped they'd enjoy it. Meantime, we joined a cramped queue, and were let upstairs eventually. And, as I remarked to them, if this group has done anything for me, it's gotten me to this theatre a bit early, so I'm not rushing for shows. Lordy, the number of times I've dashed into the theatre panting and they've had to radio upstairs to hold the door while I give myself a coronary clambering up all those stairs..
After a relaxed climb, we arrived at the "Soho Upstairs" theatre on the top floor. Our organiser had advised us to sit in the central section, facing the stage, and this we did, as the house gradually filled up around us. Mind you, you could say the play had already started - certainly, the stage was set, three rather dopey-looking characters standing behind a sterner-looking chap, glaring at people who crossed the stage in front of him. No bears in sight, yet.
Comedy is subjective. Having said that, I would expect anyone booking a show called "Bears in Space" to have what I commonly call a highly developed sense of the ridiculous, which is what was required for this show last night. I won't give away who the four characters in the middle of the stage were, but it was a promising start. And over the next 80 minutes (without interval - the seats weren't quite comfortable enough for that, but never mind), we vaulted from WTF moments to moments of sheer genius. They know what they're doing - this is a professionally silly production.
Seriously - crack up your funny bone, dust off your sense of the ridiculous and take yourself along to this, if you get a chance. Let's Do London - for less! have four tickets left, at time of writing, for the same show on the 22nd. The theatre website is showing availability for tonight, tomorrow, and the 22nd. Recommended.
Afterwards, the theatre bar was still crowded, so our fearless leader popped off to find us somewhere else to congregate. We ultimately ended up around the corner, at The Ship, where we found we'd get served if we stood at the end of the bar, and we few hardcore members still remaining stayed for a drink and a natter. We had a convenient table to the side.. and the chat was good. When you could hear it - the soundtrack was excellent, but the thumping rock rapidly got louder and drove us away. Really, it's hard work screaming at each other all evening.. While we were there though, the man (who'd now dispensed with the Baseball Cap) shared some of his thoughts about the group, and it was obvious to see why these Meetups work so well, with an organiser who has such a passion for them.
Tonight is a film, and Absolutely Anything was at the top of my film list. Mind you, I was dubious of its initial high rating on IMDB. Sure enough, I watched as it plummeted from 8.6 yesterday morning, to 8.2 yesterday evening, to 8 this morning, and finally to 7.3 this evening. Nope, instead I'll be heading to The Man From U.N.C.L.E. My, that brings back memories of the tv series.. stars Henry Cavill (whom I last saw playing Charles Brandon in The Tudors) - in Robert Vaughn's role, I suppose - and the talented Alicia Vikander. Co-written and directed by Guy Ritchie. Handily, the Yplan ticket I bought is good at my local Vue just as well as the one I'd been intending to go to, in Shepherd's Bush - and my local is closer, on this grey and drizzly evening.
Tomorrow, I'm back with Let's Do London - for less! for Pop-Up Opera's Carmen (in English), again at the Soho Theatre. On Sunday, I'm with Walk About London for a walk based on the Magna Carta - weather permitting. On Monday, the organiser of Film Nite informed us that his old drama teacher had written a play - Frank Sent Me - that's performing at the King's Head. Actually, he wrote two, and this chap was at the other last Monday, but I flew back that day and couldn't make that. Some of us are going to this.
On Tuesday, I'm headed to a play set in Sheffield during the Blitz. Operation Crucible is showing in the Finborough, nice and close to me. On Wednesday, I'm with Let's Do London - for less! yet again, when they're off to the Globe to see As You Like It. Next Thursday, I'm off to the Spiegeltent - on my own, for a change - to see House of Burlesque. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, and we're headed to the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, at the University Concert Hall.
The following Monday, I'm finally going to see Memphis: the Musical, at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And the next TWO days, I'm headed to the Guildford office - first for a meeting, then the Sports Day. Coincides nicely with the next Tube strikes..
Just as well I did - not only did all their tickets for last night sell out, so did all Soho Theatre's, I think! A hot and sweaty Tube ride into town - not helped by the influx of people at Knightsbridge - was followed by one of those frustrating walks, crawling through crowds of people outside the station, crawling through crowds standing outside the pubs on Dean Street. It was a relief to get to the theatre at last, and weave my way through the crowds in the ground floor bar (crawling not required). A quick look around, and I spotted the Man with the Baseball Cap, and his wad of tickets. It was too late to be bothered with a drink, so I stood and chatted with other folks from the group for a while, waiting for the house to open.
There was a muffled announcement - not about our show, apparently, but we decided to move anyway and join the queue waiting to go upstairs. I was delighted to see two members of the London Dramatic Arts group there, who I know were there on my recommendation! I hoped they'd enjoy it. Meantime, we joined a cramped queue, and were let upstairs eventually. And, as I remarked to them, if this group has done anything for me, it's gotten me to this theatre a bit early, so I'm not rushing for shows. Lordy, the number of times I've dashed into the theatre panting and they've had to radio upstairs to hold the door while I give myself a coronary clambering up all those stairs..
After a relaxed climb, we arrived at the "Soho Upstairs" theatre on the top floor. Our organiser had advised us to sit in the central section, facing the stage, and this we did, as the house gradually filled up around us. Mind you, you could say the play had already started - certainly, the stage was set, three rather dopey-looking characters standing behind a sterner-looking chap, glaring at people who crossed the stage in front of him. No bears in sight, yet.
Comedy is subjective. Having said that, I would expect anyone booking a show called "Bears in Space" to have what I commonly call a highly developed sense of the ridiculous, which is what was required for this show last night. I won't give away who the four characters in the middle of the stage were, but it was a promising start. And over the next 80 minutes (without interval - the seats weren't quite comfortable enough for that, but never mind), we vaulted from WTF moments to moments of sheer genius. They know what they're doing - this is a professionally silly production.
Seriously - crack up your funny bone, dust off your sense of the ridiculous and take yourself along to this, if you get a chance. Let's Do London - for less! have four tickets left, at time of writing, for the same show on the 22nd. The theatre website is showing availability for tonight, tomorrow, and the 22nd. Recommended.
Afterwards, the theatre bar was still crowded, so our fearless leader popped off to find us somewhere else to congregate. We ultimately ended up around the corner, at The Ship, where we found we'd get served if we stood at the end of the bar, and we few hardcore members still remaining stayed for a drink and a natter. We had a convenient table to the side.. and the chat was good. When you could hear it - the soundtrack was excellent, but the thumping rock rapidly got louder and drove us away. Really, it's hard work screaming at each other all evening.. While we were there though, the man (who'd now dispensed with the Baseball Cap) shared some of his thoughts about the group, and it was obvious to see why these Meetups work so well, with an organiser who has such a passion for them.
Tonight is a film, and Absolutely Anything was at the top of my film list. Mind you, I was dubious of its initial high rating on IMDB. Sure enough, I watched as it plummeted from 8.6 yesterday morning, to 8.2 yesterday evening, to 8 this morning, and finally to 7.3 this evening. Nope, instead I'll be heading to The Man From U.N.C.L.E. My, that brings back memories of the tv series.. stars Henry Cavill (whom I last saw playing Charles Brandon in The Tudors) - in Robert Vaughn's role, I suppose - and the talented Alicia Vikander. Co-written and directed by Guy Ritchie. Handily, the Yplan ticket I bought is good at my local Vue just as well as the one I'd been intending to go to, in Shepherd's Bush - and my local is closer, on this grey and drizzly evening.
Tomorrow, I'm back with Let's Do London - for less! for Pop-Up Opera's Carmen (in English), again at the Soho Theatre. On Sunday, I'm with Walk About London for a walk based on the Magna Carta - weather permitting. On Monday, the organiser of Film Nite informed us that his old drama teacher had written a play - Frank Sent Me - that's performing at the King's Head. Actually, he wrote two, and this chap was at the other last Monday, but I flew back that day and couldn't make that. Some of us are going to this.
On Tuesday, I'm headed to a play set in Sheffield during the Blitz. Operation Crucible is showing in the Finborough, nice and close to me. On Wednesday, I'm with Let's Do London - for less! yet again, when they're off to the Globe to see As You Like It. Next Thursday, I'm off to the Spiegeltent - on my own, for a change - to see House of Burlesque. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, and we're headed to the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, at the University Concert Hall.
The following Monday, I'm finally going to see Memphis: the Musical, at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And the next TWO days, I'm headed to the Guildford office - first for a meeting, then the Sports Day. Coincides nicely with the next Tube strikes..
Thursday, 13 August 2015
Play: The Heresy of Love
Actually, The Heresy of Love, at the Globe, was originally a Meetup, but I'd forgotten. I didn't see it advertised there, and actually came across it while browsing Time Out. It wasn't until I was checking my email inbox for ticket offers that I came across the original invitation, from the London Dramatic Arts group. Checked the Meetup page, only to discover it had been cancelled - no takers, it seems! I don't think people from that group are into the Globe.. pity, their loss!
Me, I adore the place. And what's more, I was just in time (in the last hour, in fact) to avail of a Time Out offer for tickets - so I booked one. I was lucky with the Tube on the way in to town, got trains immediately at both West Brompton and Earl's Court, where I had to change. They say to print off a voucher, but I didn't need one - just gave my name at the box office and got a ticket. This was a £40 ticket for £17.50, but that doesn't dictate which level you're on, rather your position relative to the stage; £40 for this production gets you a straight-on, central view. It just so happened that my central view was in the Upper Gallery (the top level). What the hey, it's not the first time, and the stairs aren't taxing. What did give me pause for thought was that it said £14 on the ticket itself.. but no, that seat was definitely selling for £40 on the website.
So I got a front-row seat, pretty much directly facing the stage - just high up:
This play is based on the true story of Sister Juana Inés de la Cruz, a nun in Mexico in the late 1600s, who attracted the opprobrium of the Church - simply for having the temerity to write poems and plays. And she a nun! whose time would be better spent in writing in praise of God.
Cue lotsa Church-bashing - in the form of the new archbishop, who can't look a woman in the eye (for fear of corruption) and is the character we love to hate. All sorts of dramatic doings, such as book-burnings, illicit affairs, plotting and scheming, and a woman who just wants to keep writing, who has so much to say.
The writing wasn't as good as the night before, when I saw The Gathered Leaves - but that's quite a play to compare it against. And some of the acting isn't as subtle as it could be - but that's the nature of the Globe, they do have to shout a bit: not least because of the passing planes, which were a real annoyance till it got dark and the flights died out. Personally, I loved it - I'm a sucker for the theme, and for the period. And for the venue. And, near the end of the play, I even saw a shooting star.. the advantage of an open-air venue, and of being in the upper level! This production runs on selected dates until the 5th September: and unless you're quite particular about your seat, there's probably no need to book - it's not selling out.
On my way home, I needed to change at Earl's Court again, and they played a game of musical trains with us - my train was to go to Ealing Broadway, and I needed one for Wimbledon. So I got off. My train stayed where it was. Another Ealing Broadway train arrived at the other platform. We all waited. Finally, my original train changed its destination to Wimbledon, and the other to.. Dagenham East?! That's the other way! (I think it went to Ealing Broadway eventually.) Anyway, it went too late on me to blog last night.
Tonight, I'm joining Let's Do London - for less! for Bears in Space! in the Soho Theatre. Tomorrow's a film, and top of the list - rather surprisingly - is Absolutely Anything, a new Simon Pegg comedy, where he's given unlimited powers by the Monty Python crew, taking the shape of aliens in this. Kate Beckinsale is the love interest. Robin Williams voices the dog. I'm dubious - I don't think it deserves such a high rating, and today already it's dropped from 8.6 to 8.2. Well, we'll see.. could be fun.
Then begins a whole run of things whose booking was inspired by Meetup organisers warning me that things were selling out! On Saturday, I'm back with Let's Do London - for less! for Pop-Up Opera's Carmen, again at the Soho Theatre. On Sunday, I'm with Walk About London for a walk based on the Magna Carta. On Monday, the organiser of Film Nite informed us that his old drama teacher had written a play - Frank Sent Me - that's performing at the King's Head. Actually, he wrote two, and this chap was at the other last Monday, but I flew back that day and couldn't make that. Some of us are going to this.
On Tuesday, I'm headed to a play set in Sheffield during the Blitz. Operation Crucible is showing in the Finborough, nice and close to me. On Wednesday, I'm with Let's Do London - for less! yet again, when they're off to the Globe to see As You Like It. Next Thursday, I'm off to the Spiegeltent - on my own, for a change - to see House of Burlesque. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, and we're headed to the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, at the University Concert Hall.
The following Monday, I'm finally going to see Memphis: the Musical, at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And the next TWO days, I'm headed to the Guildford office - first for a meeting, then the Sports Day. Coincides nicely with the next Tube strikes..
Me, I adore the place. And what's more, I was just in time (in the last hour, in fact) to avail of a Time Out offer for tickets - so I booked one. I was lucky with the Tube on the way in to town, got trains immediately at both West Brompton and Earl's Court, where I had to change. They say to print off a voucher, but I didn't need one - just gave my name at the box office and got a ticket. This was a £40 ticket for £17.50, but that doesn't dictate which level you're on, rather your position relative to the stage; £40 for this production gets you a straight-on, central view. It just so happened that my central view was in the Upper Gallery (the top level). What the hey, it's not the first time, and the stairs aren't taxing. What did give me pause for thought was that it said £14 on the ticket itself.. but no, that seat was definitely selling for £40 on the website.
So I got a front-row seat, pretty much directly facing the stage - just high up:
This play is based on the true story of Sister Juana Inés de la Cruz, a nun in Mexico in the late 1600s, who attracted the opprobrium of the Church - simply for having the temerity to write poems and plays. And she a nun! whose time would be better spent in writing in praise of God.
Cue lotsa Church-bashing - in the form of the new archbishop, who can't look a woman in the eye (for fear of corruption) and is the character we love to hate. All sorts of dramatic doings, such as book-burnings, illicit affairs, plotting and scheming, and a woman who just wants to keep writing, who has so much to say.
The writing wasn't as good as the night before, when I saw The Gathered Leaves - but that's quite a play to compare it against. And some of the acting isn't as subtle as it could be - but that's the nature of the Globe, they do have to shout a bit: not least because of the passing planes, which were a real annoyance till it got dark and the flights died out. Personally, I loved it - I'm a sucker for the theme, and for the period. And for the venue. And, near the end of the play, I even saw a shooting star.. the advantage of an open-air venue, and of being in the upper level! This production runs on selected dates until the 5th September: and unless you're quite particular about your seat, there's probably no need to book - it's not selling out.
On my way home, I needed to change at Earl's Court again, and they played a game of musical trains with us - my train was to go to Ealing Broadway, and I needed one for Wimbledon. So I got off. My train stayed where it was. Another Ealing Broadway train arrived at the other platform. We all waited. Finally, my original train changed its destination to Wimbledon, and the other to.. Dagenham East?! That's the other way! (I think it went to Ealing Broadway eventually.) Anyway, it went too late on me to blog last night.
Tonight, I'm joining Let's Do London - for less! for Bears in Space! in the Soho Theatre. Tomorrow's a film, and top of the list - rather surprisingly - is Absolutely Anything, a new Simon Pegg comedy, where he's given unlimited powers by the Monty Python crew, taking the shape of aliens in this. Kate Beckinsale is the love interest. Robin Williams voices the dog. I'm dubious - I don't think it deserves such a high rating, and today already it's dropped from 8.6 to 8.2. Well, we'll see.. could be fun.
Then begins a whole run of things whose booking was inspired by Meetup organisers warning me that things were selling out! On Saturday, I'm back with Let's Do London - for less! for Pop-Up Opera's Carmen, again at the Soho Theatre. On Sunday, I'm with Walk About London for a walk based on the Magna Carta. On Monday, the organiser of Film Nite informed us that his old drama teacher had written a play - Frank Sent Me - that's performing at the King's Head. Actually, he wrote two, and this chap was at the other last Monday, but I flew back that day and couldn't make that. Some of us are going to this.
On Tuesday, I'm headed to a play set in Sheffield during the Blitz. Operation Crucible is showing in the Finborough, nice and close to me. On Wednesday, I'm with Let's Do London - for less! yet again, when they're off to the Globe to see As You Like It. Next Thursday, I'm off to the Spiegeltent - on my own, for a change - to see House of Burlesque. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, and we're headed to the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, at the University Concert Hall.
The following Monday, I'm finally going to see Memphis: the Musical, at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And the next TWO days, I'm headed to the Guildford office - first for a meeting, then the Sports Day. Coincides nicely with the next Tube strikes..
Tuesday, 11 August 2015
Play: The Gathered Leaves
Meetup had nothing interesting scheduled for tonight. They're getting a bit lax, mainly, over the summer.. anyway, I found myself back on Time Out, looking for something to go to, and came across The Gathered Leaves, starring Jane Asher and showing in the Park Theatre. Good reviews.. turned out the venue website is sold out for the entire run, but any number of resellers had £20 tickets in the upper level for sale for £26. So I went with Time Out. In retrospect, I probably should have shopped around for someone that would leave the ticket at the box office for me - instead, Time Out shipped it to me, for an extra 95p. Ah well, at least I didn't have to queue at the box office.. in fact, I'd completely forgotten they were to ship it until I arrived back after the weekend and it was there for me! Actually, my flatmate saw it and brought it in, which was just as well - I'd have panicked if I'd realised it was supposed to be posted and I hadn't found it yet..
It's a long journey, but a simple enough one: Tube to Finsbury Park, make sure to take the correct exit, and it's a short walk. Of course, this is while we have the luxury of the Tube - this journey would be completely impossible for me during a strike, and these days those are more and more frequent. They've just announced TWO more for the week after next - that'll be four days in a row when services will be down. They're objecting to the rosters that have been set up for the new 24-hour service supposed to start next month, you see. Well, I sympathise with anyone that has to deal with the likes of Boris Johnson - but they are really pushing the goodwill of the public here. These next strikes will affect people heading away for the bank holiday weekend.. expect trouble, methinks.
May I just take a moment to warn people about the own-brand chicken tikka at the Co-Op. I had business at my local one this evening - actually, at the post office that lives down the back - and decided to buy dinner there. Chicken tikka, because some folks had had it at lunchtime and I'd envied the smell, and it'd been quite a while since I'd had it. Well, "chicken" tikka was almost misinformation, considering the tiny amount of chicken in it - and I was advised to add far too much water during cooking, making the whole thing soggy. Avoid, avoid, avoid..
Dinner over (thankfully) and while we still have the Tube, I took it. And it was a long enough journey that I had time to read the paper cover to cover - thankfully, I got a seat the whole way. And I didn't get lost in the station - just follow the signs for Wells Terrace (and make sure to locate them at each branching of the corridor!). Upon exiting, you can see the theatre, straight ahead on the left. I threaded my way through crowds of people, bravely occupying outside tables despite light rain, and made my way straight upstairs, where they were already open. Wound my way past some people to my bench seat at the side - there are no really bad seats here.
Predictably, this (quite small) theatre was packed - I only saw one free seat from where I was, by the end. The play is a family drama, centred around a family reunion at Easter, and featuring the return of a couple of members to the fold, coinciding with the birthday of the head of the family. Because the family connections are a bit convoluted to remember at the beginning, let me elaborate; the head of the family is the ageing William, his long-suffering wife is Olivia, played by Jane Asher, and they have three children: Samuel, who's autistic, Giles, a doctor, and Alice. Samuel lives in a care home. Giles is married to Sophie, with two grown-up children, Simon and - I can't actually remember his sister's name. And Alice has a daughter, Orelia. And they all come to visit for this fateful Easter.
So, a family drama then. But, as the reviews say, this production breathes new life into an old form. It is absolutely a gem, and I'm not in the least surprised it's so popular! The script absolutely sparkles. The characters are well drawn and complex, beautifully played. The play is utterly engaging - there is laughter, there are tears. There was one scene where one of the performers played the piano - for real, unusually. And as the others clustered around to listen, I found that the most moving scene of the whole night. Very highly recommended - if, as predicted, this moves to the West End, it'll be one of the best things there. Runs until Saturday, and I feel lucky to have seen it - as I say, the official website is sold out, but you might have luck if you search around.
I occupied myself on the Tube back by realising how out of practice my French is, reading the French novel over the shoulder of the woman beside me.. Tomorrow, I'm off to the Globe. Always a treat - and tomorrow is supposed to be the best night of the week to see shooting stars - there's a passing meteor shower. Hey, it's open-air; you never know.. the play is The Heresy of Love, bought on a Time Out offer again, but at a discount this time, in the last hour of the offer. And on Thursday, Meetup redeems itself in the form of the Let's Do London - for less! group, who are off to (ahem) Bears in Space, at the Soho Theatre. There's a rumour of a discount for people who dress up. I'm not tempted.
It's a long journey, but a simple enough one: Tube to Finsbury Park, make sure to take the correct exit, and it's a short walk. Of course, this is while we have the luxury of the Tube - this journey would be completely impossible for me during a strike, and these days those are more and more frequent. They've just announced TWO more for the week after next - that'll be four days in a row when services will be down. They're objecting to the rosters that have been set up for the new 24-hour service supposed to start next month, you see. Well, I sympathise with anyone that has to deal with the likes of Boris Johnson - but they are really pushing the goodwill of the public here. These next strikes will affect people heading away for the bank holiday weekend.. expect trouble, methinks.
May I just take a moment to warn people about the own-brand chicken tikka at the Co-Op. I had business at my local one this evening - actually, at the post office that lives down the back - and decided to buy dinner there. Chicken tikka, because some folks had had it at lunchtime and I'd envied the smell, and it'd been quite a while since I'd had it. Well, "chicken" tikka was almost misinformation, considering the tiny amount of chicken in it - and I was advised to add far too much water during cooking, making the whole thing soggy. Avoid, avoid, avoid..
Dinner over (thankfully) and while we still have the Tube, I took it. And it was a long enough journey that I had time to read the paper cover to cover - thankfully, I got a seat the whole way. And I didn't get lost in the station - just follow the signs for Wells Terrace (and make sure to locate them at each branching of the corridor!). Upon exiting, you can see the theatre, straight ahead on the left. I threaded my way through crowds of people, bravely occupying outside tables despite light rain, and made my way straight upstairs, where they were already open. Wound my way past some people to my bench seat at the side - there are no really bad seats here.
Predictably, this (quite small) theatre was packed - I only saw one free seat from where I was, by the end. The play is a family drama, centred around a family reunion at Easter, and featuring the return of a couple of members to the fold, coinciding with the birthday of the head of the family. Because the family connections are a bit convoluted to remember at the beginning, let me elaborate; the head of the family is the ageing William, his long-suffering wife is Olivia, played by Jane Asher, and they have three children: Samuel, who's autistic, Giles, a doctor, and Alice. Samuel lives in a care home. Giles is married to Sophie, with two grown-up children, Simon and - I can't actually remember his sister's name. And Alice has a daughter, Orelia. And they all come to visit for this fateful Easter.
So, a family drama then. But, as the reviews say, this production breathes new life into an old form. It is absolutely a gem, and I'm not in the least surprised it's so popular! The script absolutely sparkles. The characters are well drawn and complex, beautifully played. The play is utterly engaging - there is laughter, there are tears. There was one scene where one of the performers played the piano - for real, unusually. And as the others clustered around to listen, I found that the most moving scene of the whole night. Very highly recommended - if, as predicted, this moves to the West End, it'll be one of the best things there. Runs until Saturday, and I feel lucky to have seen it - as I say, the official website is sold out, but you might have luck if you search around.
I occupied myself on the Tube back by realising how out of practice my French is, reading the French novel over the shoulder of the woman beside me.. Tomorrow, I'm off to the Globe. Always a treat - and tomorrow is supposed to be the best night of the week to see shooting stars - there's a passing meteor shower. Hey, it's open-air; you never know.. the play is The Heresy of Love, bought on a Time Out offer again, but at a discount this time, in the last hour of the offer. And on Thursday, Meetup redeems itself in the form of the Let's Do London - for less! group, who are off to (ahem) Bears in Space, at the Soho Theatre. There's a rumour of a discount for people who dress up. I'm not tempted.
Monday, 10 August 2015
Restaurant: Teach uí Bhriain
We actually thought of going to Flanagan's in Killaloe yesterday - my mother likes it, and it did turn out a lovely evening for the drive. We took the scenic route, down by the lake - gorgeous. Unfortunately, we weren't the only ones with the same idea, and parking near the restaurant - which is by the water - was impossible. So we shortly decided to head back up the road to Teach uí Bhriain. (Actually, I prefer the food there anyway.)
Parking wasn't a problem - they have plenty of space round the back. We immediately noticed something different though.. an extension has been in progress for some time, and now they seem to have roofed it, and put some tables and chairs in there. Interesting! There was more to come - turns out they've been visited by the team from At Your Service, a tv programme where the Brennan brothers, who run the 5-star Park Hotel Kenmare, travel around the country to give advice to people running smaller hospitality businesses.
We chatted to one of the management, who explained that renovations are still in progress - but the change is already easy to see. We passed through the restaurant, where they've opened the space by removing all the booths. That section can also now cater for larger groups, with bench seating running along the wall. Anyway, we decided to head for our regular seat in a corner of the bar, where the change is equally dramatic; new, brighter upholstery and a new shade of pale yellow on the walls, with a white ceiling, effectively brighten up what was a very dark corner. Gone is the dark wood, and much of the memorabilia that cluttered the walls. They've only really done it over the last month, and many of the customers were remarking on the difference.
Thankfully, the food is as good as ever, and with hearty portions, we were well fed. I was glad to have a curry - they don't do it for the seated service in Quin, and I don't have it so often. We worked our way through a whole bottle of wine, given that they don't do small bottles here any more, and the full bottle is better value. Well, the dinner soaked it up.
Back to London tonight. Tomorrow, I'm headed to a play called The Gathered Leaves, in the Park theatre, starring Jane Asher. No official tickets left, but plenty of sites have tickets for the upper level, at £26 for a face value of £20. On Wednesday, I'm back at the Globe for The Heresy of Love, and on a special Time Out offer too! (since expired, sorry). And on Thursday, I'm with Let's Do London - for less! again, at the intriguingly titled Bears in Space, at the Soho Theatre..
Parking wasn't a problem - they have plenty of space round the back. We immediately noticed something different though.. an extension has been in progress for some time, and now they seem to have roofed it, and put some tables and chairs in there. Interesting! There was more to come - turns out they've been visited by the team from At Your Service, a tv programme where the Brennan brothers, who run the 5-star Park Hotel Kenmare, travel around the country to give advice to people running smaller hospitality businesses.
We chatted to one of the management, who explained that renovations are still in progress - but the change is already easy to see. We passed through the restaurant, where they've opened the space by removing all the booths. That section can also now cater for larger groups, with bench seating running along the wall. Anyway, we decided to head for our regular seat in a corner of the bar, where the change is equally dramatic; new, brighter upholstery and a new shade of pale yellow on the walls, with a white ceiling, effectively brighten up what was a very dark corner. Gone is the dark wood, and much of the memorabilia that cluttered the walls. They've only really done it over the last month, and many of the customers were remarking on the difference.
Thankfully, the food is as good as ever, and with hearty portions, we were well fed. I was glad to have a curry - they don't do it for the seated service in Quin, and I don't have it so often. We worked our way through a whole bottle of wine, given that they don't do small bottles here any more, and the full bottle is better value. Well, the dinner soaked it up.
Back to London tonight. Tomorrow, I'm headed to a play called The Gathered Leaves, in the Park theatre, starring Jane Asher. No official tickets left, but plenty of sites have tickets for the upper level, at £26 for a face value of £20. On Wednesday, I'm back at the Globe for The Heresy of Love, and on a special Time Out offer too! (since expired, sorry). And on Thursday, I'm with Let's Do London - for less! again, at the intriguingly titled Bears in Space, at the Soho Theatre..
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