On Tuesday.. well, my cheap ticket club came to the rescue again! I booked for St. Martin in the Fields - for the first time in a while - for a performance of the Goldberg Variations. (Cheap!) Three - very different - musical evenings in a row. (And wouldn't you know it, ShowFilmFirst then advertised the same tickets even cheaper. Grr..) However, with work pressures, I decided it wasn't that essential to go, and that I'd feel happier if I stayed and finished what I was working on. Besides, a tummy upset meant I was happier to have ready access to a toilet. So I skipped the concert - which was probably the wisest choice. Ah well, at least it still counts towards my year's quota of shows with that club, given that I didn't cancel with them!
Last night, back with London Literary Walks (LLW) for The Richmond Walk. Third west London walk in a row with him - but I'm not complaining, they're lovely settings. I headed off in what should have been decent time - and on another roasting evening, was glad of the aircon, the seat, and the lack of crowding on the District Line. I wasn't as glad of the three stops at red signals - and to top it all, the train finished early, at Gunnersbury!
Well, this was an education in this station. It only has two platforms - one westbound, one eastbound (handily, right beside each other). And there was the poor station employee (at least there was one!), plaintively begging eastbound passengers to board on the westbound platform, because the train there (which we'd just vacated) was turning around and going back. And then speaking desperately into her walkie-talkie, consulting her tablet for information, and explaining that she hadn't a clue what was going on. After our train left again, she was giving estimates of five minutes for the next one to leave Richmond, heading east - and finally, said that the next westbound service was due in 15. :-/ I checked, but the bus wouldn't have been any faster, so I glumly stayed where I was.
..and then she gave us a glimmer of hope, saying that the Overground to Richmond was due in five minutes! I had no idea how to get to it, so wandered along the platform.. and lo, it turned out that they go from the same platforms as the Tube! Who knew they shared tracks from Gunnersbury to Richmond.. (well, besides TFL employees..) So I waited, and in due course a gloriously empty Overground arrived (with even stronger aircon!). And as we pulled out (with relief), I could hear the station employee bemusedly telling remaining passengers that, eh, the next train at the westbound platform would also be turning around and heading east..! Afterwards, people mused that perhaps the heat was to blame, had buckled the tracks or something. So how come it didn't affect the Overground..?
Happily, I know my way to the Orange Tree theatre - I knew the pub of the same name, where we were to meet, is right beside it, and I'd been there once before, but couldn't remember exactly where it was. Looked for the group on the street somewhere, as we were past start time, but couldn't see them. As I peered around for the pub.. I realised I was standing right outside it! And lo, there they were, seated right inside the door - how nice of them to wait. So I ran to the loo, and still had time for a drink, which I gulped down before we started off. We were an intimate group - some people had cancelled in advance, and as usual, some people just didn't show up, nor did they warn us that they wouldn't be there.
Apparently, the theatre started life - like so many others - in a room above the pub; they have much larger premises now. And off we wandered for a very pleasant stroll through Richmond - which turns out to be quite eclectic.
Also something of a bastion of female literary accomplishment, with references to both George Eliot -
and Virginia Woolf:
Home of coffee shops (back when they were hothouses of debate), home also of battling bands, as we kept coming across stories of the Beatles and the Stones. And a place keen on sports, with pubs having references both to cricket and rugby - however, the folks on the village green seemed keener on reclining in the evening sun.
We also came across what remains of Richmond Palace:
..and, of course, ended up by the water, where we sat for a while. And it would've been idyllic, but for the constant noise of planes - it's on the Heathrow flypath.
Walking back to the station, we came across a cinema advertising, appropriately, the new release, Vita and Virginia, about Virginia Woolf's relationship with the poet, Vita Sackville-West. And as we approached the station, I needed the loo again - never trusting station facilities, I popped into the adjacent Railway Tavern, where they turned out to be at the end of a labyrinthine path to the rear of the pub. And so ended another great evening, strolling in leafy west London with convivial company. Delighted I went, delighted with the scenery, the history, and the company. And delighted it wasn't today, with its prediction of record-breaking temperatures..! Wary of the Tube, I took train and bus home instead - and was a bit late to blog, last night.
Tonight, back with the London European Club (LEC) - it'll be my first time in St. Mary's Church Rotherhithe, where the Little Symphonic Duet is performing. They aim to reproduce famous classical pieces, with only a guitar and an instrument called a charango, a kind of miniature ukulele. It'll also be my first time in an age with Tuned In London - delighted to be with them again! Being in a church, we should be nice and cool - and one person is heading to the nearby Mayflower first, for food - I believe I'll join him.
Tomorrow, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend. On Monday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) - we're off to see Present Laughter, by Noel Coward, with the wonderful Andrew Scott, at the Old Vic. It'll be interesting for us all to see how he is in a comedy. Rear stalls again, yay! Sold out now, I believe.
On Tuesday, I'm back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group (ACEWAG), who are off to a free Motown concert in Canary Wharf. First come, first served for spots on the grass. Unless it's promised to rain, in which case I'll probably cry off..
On Wednesday, LLW just recently advertised a walk called Heart of the City. Wouldn't you know it, it goes from practically outside my office.. to practically outside my flat! Couldn't refuse to go on that, now could I?! Why, they'll just be walking me home from work..
Next Thursday, attending a performance of Hamlet by Shit-Faced Shakespeare at Leicester Square Theatre, with Civilised London (CL). Apparently, the idea is that one cast member performs while, well, shitfaced drunk. The organiser scored us some cheap tickets.
On the 2nd, back with UITCS for Barber Shop Chronicles at the Roundhouse. A National Theatre co-production, apparently.
On the 3rd, a group called Get Out of London is off to Stratford-upon-Avon. Ooh, I thought, that sounds nice - but they're leaving ridiculously early, and coming back the same evening. It being a Saturday, I thought it'd be much nicer to head off at a more civilised hour and stay the night! So that's what I'm doing. Booked a nice, cheap advance train ticket and a night at the Doubletree by Hilton - and because I booked with Expedia, I got a nice discount, on account of all those U2 trips I've been booking with them lately! It's very near the station, which will be convenient. Handily enough, my guide book to England didn't get thrown out in the recent move - and reading it, I might have missed a trick; seems the Shakespeare Hotel is an olde-fashioned type of establishment, and might have been nice. Never mind, it might just be noisy.
Of course, I've been busy booking other things too - such as a "full-story" ticket to all the five houses associated with Shakespeare (much better value than individual tickets: I pick it up when I get there - valid for a year); a couple of them are a bit far-flung, but I believe the hop-on, hop-off city sightseeing bus covers them all. So I've booked a 24-hour ticket for that too - cheaper on that website. (Valid for three months after booking, and for 24 hours after first use. Cancellable up to 48 hours beforehand. Only problem is, I'll have to find the office printer - they only accept paper confirmations!) And, of course - considering what I'm like - I've booked myself into an RSC production that night, at the Swan. It's not Shakespeare, but it is a period play; Venice Preserved is a Restoration thriller.
I'll come back on the Sunday evening. On the 5th, back with UITCS for Pilgrims, at the Orange Tree Theatre.
On the 6th, I'm off to the Bunker.. they have a program of plays by black writers, called This is Black, and that day, I'm seeing Double Bill 2 (they run on alternate days).
On the 7th, LLW has a walk called Moby Dick (ahoy!). It's around Greenland Dock.
On the 8th, I'm at a UITCS double bill at the Orange Tree! The Mikvah Project and Eight Gigabytes of Hardcore Pornography! (ahem..) Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On the 12th, This is Black, Double Bill 1.
On the 13th, back with ACEWAG again - they're at a free outdoor concert in Canada Square Park, called the Magic of the Movies.
Now, UITCS is at Matthew Bourne's Romeo and Juliet the same night, at Sadler's Wells - and I was gutted not to get a ticket. But guess what - I got one for the next night! Last seat in the house, in fact.. love Matthew Bourne.
On the 15th, back with The Embers Collective, who are performing Full Moon Stories at Cafe Cairo.
On the 16th, I'm back with the Best Authentic Walking Tours in London (aka Funzing) - for the Sex, Drugs, Sausage Rolls Tour. Unusual for me to find a new walk!
On the 17th, going to see The Doctor, with Juliet Stevenson, at the Almeida. Now, I'd originally booked for this for the 15th, forgetting that The Embers Collective were meeting that day. Can happen when I'm booking lots of stuff. When I realised my mistake, I thought I just wouldn't bother with this - then saw that London Dramatic Arts are going on the 17th! So I switched my ticket to that night, and let them know I was coming too. As for whether they'll actually meet me, I'm not sure - the organiser was selling tickets for this, and might take umbrage at the fact that I bought my own: despite the fact that I originally bought it for another night, and wasn't deliberately trying to avoid buying hers! She can be like that, though.
On the 18th, going with CL to the Cartoon Museum - with optional dim sum afterwards. Yes please!
On the 19th, I'm finally going to see Evita, at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. Never have seen it.
On the 20th, with the LEC at the Globe - we're going to risk The Comedy of Errors.
And on the 21st, I'm seeing Showtune - an evening of Jerry Herman music - at the Union Theatre.
Tonight, more music - I was back with Civilised London (CL) for more jazz - Dai and the Ramblers - at Wilton's. A great atmosphere is always guaranteed!
I headed off in good time - on an airless bus, on what must be the hottest day of the year so far (here, at least!). Ran into the organiser on the way, and we walked down together - we were the first there of our group, and the bar, when we entered, was practically empty. Indeed, it stayed unusually empty all evening, even as people congregated for the music - as one said, probably on account of the hot weather. We nabbed a table - they've moved the long table to the middle now: and we saw a "reserved" sign on the bench by the wall! As he said, he hadn't thought you could reserve before now.. good to know.
He was also good enough to buy me a drink. They weren't doing food this evening - they don't always - but I hadn't eaten, and followed the example of others by schlepping out and bringing in a pizza - there's a Papa John's to the left along Cable Street, and mine was ready in 10 minutes. I ordered the large - and nearly finished it! The lashings of BBQ sauce finished me off, in the end. I didn't have room for the wedges I ordered as a side - but then, I did kind of intend those for my companions, and indeed, they did get eaten..!
The act started a bit late - the singer's mother had got lost, and he wouldn't start without her! When she arrived, she did look suitably chuffed and supportive. As Mary remarked, the four performers kind of looked as though they belonged to four different groups - but gelled perfectly. Their material is a mixture of covers and original - the original songs a bit funkier, perhaps; otherwise, very laid-back, very bluesy material. The singer (Dai), in particular, has a beautiful, rich voice - and the material was perfect for a drowsy, hot evening. The atmosphere, as always here, was relaxed.. and a great night was had by all. Particularly since, with so few people there, it was easy to get served! And as ever, we had passers-by stopping outside to listen, through the open door and windows.
Once the last of the crowd left, the cool breeze from outside was a relief - and we stayed for one for the road, almost the last people there. As I say, always a great night! and I appreciated the coolness on the walk home.
Tomorrow.. well, my cheap ticket club came to the rescue again! I'm off to St. Martin in the Fields - for the first time in a while - for a performance of the Goldberg Variations. (Cheap!) Three - very different - musical evenings in a row. (And wouldn't you know it, ShowFilmFirst just advertised the same tickets even cheaper. Grr..)
On Wednesday, back with London Literary Walks (LLW) for The Richmond Walk. Third West London walk in a row with him - but I'm not complaining, they're lovely settings.
On Thursday, back with the London European Club (LEC) - it'll be my first time in St. Mary's Church Rotherhithe, where the Little Symphonic Duet is performing. They aim to reproduce famous classical pieces, with only a guitar and an instrument called a charango, a kind of miniature ukulele. It'll also be my first time in an age with Tuned In London - delighted to be with them again! Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.
Next Monday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) - we're off to see Present Laughter, by Noel Coward, with the wonderful Andrew Scott, at the Old Vic. It'll be interesting for us all to see how he is in a comedy. Rear stalls again, yay! Sold out now, I believe.
On the 30th, I'm back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group (ACEWAG), who are off to a free Motown concert in Canary Wharf. First come, first served for spots on the grass. Unless it's promised to rain, in which case I'll probably cry off..
On the 31st, LLW just yesterday advertised a walk called Heart of the City. Wouldn't you know it, it goes from practically outside my office.. to practically outside my flat! Couldn't refuse to go on that, now could I?! Why, they'll just be walking me home from work..
On the 1st, attending a performance of Hamlet by Shit-Faced Shakespeare at Leicester Square Theatre, with CL. Apparently, the idea is that one cast member performs while, well, shitfaced drunk. The organiser scored us some cheap tickets.
On the 2nd, back with UITCS for Barber Shop Chronicles at the Roundhouse. A National Theatre co-production, apparently.
On the 3rd, a group called Get Out of London is off to Stratford-upon-Avon. Ooh, I thought, that sounds nice - but they're leaving ridiculously early, and coming back the same evening. It being a Saturday, I thought it'd be much nicer to head off at a more civilised hour and stay the night! So that's what I'm doing. Booked a nice, cheap advance train ticket and a night at the Doubletree by Hilton - and because I booked with Expedia, I got a nice discount, on account of all those U2 trips I've been booking with them lately! It's very near the station, which will be convenient. Handily enough, my guide book to England didn't get thrown out in the recent move - and reading it, I might have missed a trick; seems the Shakespeare Hotel is an olde-fashioned type of establishment, and might have been nice. Never mind, it might just be noisy.
Of course, I've been busy booking other things too - such as a "full-story" ticket to all the five houses associated with Shakespeare (much better value than individual tickets: I pick it up when I get there - valid for a year); a couple of them are a bit far-flung, but I believe the hop-on, hop-off city sightseeing bus covers them all. So I've booked a 24-hour ticket for that too - cheaper on that website. (Valid for three months after booking, and for 24 hours after first use. Cancellable up to 48 hours beforehand. Only problem is, I'll have to find the office printer - they only accept paper confirmations!) And, of course - considering what I'm like - I've booked myself into an RSC production that night, at the Swan. It's not Shakespeare, but it is a period play; Venice Preserved is a Restoration thriller.
I'll come back on the Sunday evening. On the 5th, back with UITCS for Pilgrims, at the Orange Tree Theatre.
On the 6th, I'm off to the Bunker.. they have a program of plays by black writers, called This is Black, and that day, I'm seeing Double Bill 2 (they run on alternate days).
On the 7th, LLW has a walk called Moby Dick (ahoy!). It's around Greenland Dock.
On the 8th, I'm at a UITCS double bill at the Orange Tree! The Mikvah Project and Eight Gigabytes of Hardcore Pornography! (ahem..) Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On the 12th, This is Black, Double Bill 1.
On the 13th, back with ACEWAG again - they're at a free outdoor concert in Canada Square Park, called the Magic of the Movies.
Now, UITCS is at Matthew Bourne's Romeo and Juliet the same night, at Sadler's Wells - and I was gutted not to get a ticket. But guess what - I got one for the next night! Last seat in the house, in fact.. love Matthew Bourne.
On the 15th, back with The Embers Collective, who are performing Full Moon Stories at Cafe Cairo.
On the 16th, I'm back with the Best Authentic Walking Tours in London (aka Funzing) - for the Sex, Drugs, Sausage Rolls Tour. Unusual for me to find a new walk!
On the 17th, going to see The Doctor, with Juliet Stevenson, at the Almeida. Now, I'd originally booked for this for the 15th, forgetting that The Embers Collective were meeting that day. Can happen when I'm booking lots of stuff. When I realised my mistake, I thought I just wouldn't bother with this - then saw that London Dramatic Arts are going on the 17th! So I switched my ticket to that night, and let them know I was coming too. As for whether they'll actually meet me, I'm not sure - the organiser was selling tickets for this, and might take umbrage at the fact that I bought my own: despite the fact that I originally bought it for another night, and wasn't deliberately trying to avoid buying hers! She can be like that, though.
On the 18th, going with CL to the Cartoon Museum - with optional dim sum afterwards. Yes please!
On the 19th, I'm finally going to see Evita, at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. Never have seen it.
On the 20th, with the LEC at the Globe - we're going to risk The Comedy of Errors.
And on the 21st, I'm seeing Showtune - an evening of Jerry Herman music - at the Union Theatre.
Today, I was going to go to a film - until my cheap ticket club advertised their weekend offerings, just on Friday. Thinking I saw some interesting options, I looked closer - and was immediately captured by a classical Spanish guitar concert in King's Place! Part of the IGF Guitar Summit. So yeah, I booked that without hesitation! Terrific price, too.
I headed out in decent time - but my route involved two buses, so it turned out kinda tight. The first bus ride was notable for the idiot tourist, trying to get the driver to look at a map while the driver was - er - trying to drive! Traffic was bad, and although we'd left early, we just arrived at my change stop around the time Google maps had specified. The second bus also came early - this driver was lucky enough to get a present of food from one of his regulars! Handily, unlike most buses I've taken towards King's Place, rather than dropping me at King's Cross so I then have to schlep up York Way, this one took me most of the way there. Which was good, considering I just had time to gabble my details at the box office, grab my ticket and scuttle downstairs. Got a decent seat in the third row - and you know, they were late starting anyway.
Well, this was a little piece of heaven! Nice one, cheap ticket club.. Marco Socías was first up, with some very soothing Spanish guitar. It was, apparently, his London debut. Unfortunately, I'd had time to have lunch before I came, and he nearly sent me right off to sleep. I managed not to drop off.. sadly, no encore, although I got the impression he would've - but there was no time!
At the interval, those of us who hadn't picked up a programme (I believe they were free, but since this is the only thing in the summit that I'm going to, I didn't bother) wondered whether that was it. I asked to borrow the programme in the possession of the guy next to me - sure enough, we still had a guitar quartet to come. And what a difference! A jazzier sound in general was rounded off - with a good pinch of humour - by a terrific arrangement of Rhapsody in Blue. What a lovely way to spend the afternoon - so glad I did this! Apparently they all give classes, too.. I think the last concert in the summit is tonight. So I'm glad I didn't miss it. Oh, and I managed a single, crowded bus home - but had to walk back to King's Cross for it!
Tomorrow, more music - I'm back with Civilised London (CL) for more jazz - Dai and the Ramblers - at Wilton's. A great atmosphere is guaranteed!
On Tuesday.. well, my cheap ticket club came to the rescue again! I'm off to St. Martin in the Fields - for the first time in a while - for a performance of the Goldberg Variations. (Cheap!) Three - very different - musical evenings in a row. (And wouldn't you know it, ShowFilmFirst just advertised the same tickets even cheaper. Grr..)
On Wednesday, back with London Literary Walks (LLW) for The Richmond Walk. Third West London walk in a row with him - but I'm not complaining, they're lovely settings.
On Thursday, back with the London European Club (LEC) - it'll be my first time in St. Mary's Church Rotherhithe, where the Little Symphonic Duet is performing. They aim to reproduce famous classical pieces, with only a guitar and an instrument called a charango, a kind of miniature ukulele. It'll also be my first time in an age with Tuned In London - delighted to be with them again! Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.
On the 29th, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) - we're off to see Present Laughter, by Noel Coward, with the wonderful Andrew Scott, at the Old Vic. It'll be interesting for us all to see how he is in a comedy. Rear stalls again, yay! Sold out now, I believe.
On the 30th, I'm back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group (ACEWAG), who are off to a free Motown concert in Canary Wharf. First come, first served for spots on the grass. Unless it's promised to rain, in which case I'll probably cry off..
On the 31st, LLW just today advertised a walk called Heart of the City. Wouldn't you know it, it goes from practically outside my office.. to practically outside my flat! Couldn't refuse to go on that, now could I?! Why, they'll just be walking me home from work..
On the 1st, attending a performance of Hamlet by Shit-Faced Shakespeare at Leicester Square Theatre, with CL. Apparently, the idea is that one cast member performs while, well, shitfaced drunk. The organiser scored us some cheap tickets.
On the 2nd, back with UITCS for Barber Shop Chronicles at the Roundhouse. A National Theatre co-production, apparently.
On the 3rd, a group called Get Out of London is off to Stratford-upon-Avon. Ooh, I thought, that sounds nice - but they're leaving ridiculously early, and coming back the same evening. It being a Saturday, I thought it'd be much nicer to head off at a more civilised hour and stay the night! So that's what I'm doing. Booked a nice, cheap advance train ticket and a night at the Doubletree by Hilton - and because I booked with Expedia, I got a nice discount, on account of all those U2 trips I've been booking with them lately! It's very near the station, which will be convenient. Handily enough, my guide book to England didn't get thrown out in the recent move - and reading it, I might have missed a trick; seems the Shakespeare Hotel is an olde-fashioned type of establishment, and might have been nice. Never mind, it might just be noisy.
Of course, I've been busy booking other things too - such as a "full-story" ticket to all the five houses associated with Shakespeare (much better value than individual tickets: I pick it up when I get there - valid for a year); a couple of them are a bit far-flung, but I believe the hop-on, hop-off city sightseeing bus covers them all. So I've booked a 24-hour ticket for that too - cheaper on that website. (Valid for three months after booking, and for 24 hours after first use. Cancellable up to 48 hours beforehand. Only problem is, I'll have to find the office printer - they only accept paper confirmations!) And, of course - considering what I'm like - I've booked myself into an RSC production that night, at the Swan. It's not Shakespeare, but it is a period play; Venice Preserved is a Restoration thriller.
I'll come back on the Sunday evening. On the 5th, back with UITCS for Pilgrims, at the Orange Tree Theatre.
On the 6th, I'm off to the Bunker.. they have a program of plays by black writers, called This is Black, and that day, I'm seeing Double Bill 2 (they run on alternate days).
On the 7th, LLW has a walk called Moby Dick (ahoy!). It's around Greenland Dock.
On the 8th, I'm at a UITCS double bill at the Orange Tree! The Mikvah Project and Eight Gigabytes of Hardcore Pornography! (ahem..) Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.
On the 12th, This is Black, Double Bill 1.
On the 13th, back with ACEWAG again - they're at a free outdoor concert in Canada Square Park, called the Magic of the Movies.
Now, UITCS is at Matthew Bourne's Romeo and Juliet the same night, at Sadler's Wells - and I was gutted not to get a ticket. But guess what - I got one for the next night! Last seat in the house, in fact.. love Matthew Bourne.
On the 15th, back with The Embers Collective, who are performing Full Moon Stories at Cafe Cairo.
On the 16th, I'm back with the Best Authentic Walking Tours in London (aka Funzing) - for the Sex, Drugs, Sausage Rolls Tour. Unusual for me to find a new walk!
On the 17th, going to see The Doctor, with Juliet Stevenson, at the Almeida. Now, I'd originally booked for this for the 15th, forgetting that The Embers Collective were meeting that day. Can happen when I'm booking lots of stuff. When I realised my mistake, I thought I just wouldn't bother with this - then saw that London Dramatic Arts are going on the 17th! So I switched my ticket to that night, and let them know I was coming too. As for whether they'll actually meet me, I'm not sure - the organiser was selling tickets for this, and might take umbrage at the fact that I bought my own: despite the fact that I originally bought it for another night, and wasn't deliberately trying to avoid buying hers! She can be like that, though.
On the 18th, going with CL to the Cartoon Museum - with optional dim sum afterwards. Yes please!
On the 19th, I'm finally going to see Evita, at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. Never have seen it.
On the 20th, with the LEC at the Globe - we're going to risk The Comedy of Errors.
And on the 21st of next month, I'm seeing Showtune - an evening of Jerry Herman music - at the Union Theatre.
Today, I was thinking of a film. However, I wasn't mad about what was coming out on top - and since Meetup had an alternative, I did that instead. Headed with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) (again) to the matinée of Sweat, at the Gielgud Theatre. It's the very last day - and lots of sites had half price offers on decent seats. I chose the one suggested on Meetup - lastminute - and since they'd widened their half price offer, I scored myself an excellent price for a seat in the rear stalls. Nice how they specify the seats now! I remember when you booked in a price band, and had to take pot luck after that.
I wasn't too late to bed, so was up and out in decent time, and took the #8 to the West End. It's funny how Google Maps never seems to recognise that there's a stop nearer to me than where they send me - ah well, at least I do, and waited there. Traffic was appalling, so I was a bit later to arrive than intended, and on what seemed an unusually busy day - even for a sunny Saturday! For one thing, Frith Street was blocked off for a street concert, in honour of Ronnie Scott's 60th anniversary!
Swerving around people the whole way, I threaded my way through backstreets to the theatre - and just as I approached the door, where they were checking bags, I realised I had wine gums in my bag! Just in time, I slipped them into my pocket - which, of course, wasn't searched. Got my ticket from the kiosk in the lobby, and joined the others, positioned in a decently out-of-the-way place in the middle.
A nice seat - good legroom, if space to the side was a bit snug. It was also nice that practically the whole row in front of us was free - this was the back row of the next price band up, you see! And while the overhang obscured the very top of the stage, we didn't miss anything relevant:
Sweat takes you right into the heart of small town America - starts at the very beginning of 2000, but I don't think much has changed since. The town's main industry is a steel mill, but almost all the action takes place in the local bar, where gossip is spread, fights are started, and people let their hair down. Tickertape and news broadcasts keep us apprised of what's happening on a national scale - what president is elected, and how there's trouble with the economy. We can all tell what's coming next.
It's no surprise at all when the workers are replaced with those who will do the job cheaper - what the play concerns itself with are the consequences for the different characters, and the differences in their reactions. And what a terrific bunch of characters they are - the play spends most of its time making sure we get to know them, and recognise them as just like us - or like people we know. They're real, they're fleshed out - there's the young and feckless one, the young one with ambition, just like his mother, his dad a strung-out loser. There's the one who regrets the lost ambition of her youth, and now drinks her life away - and there's the mouthy one, who always blames her misfortunes on someone else. Let's not forget the Colombian guy who works in the bar, and is practically ignored by all the customers! Finally, the bartender keeps the peace, a benign figure who tends to stay out of arguments.
The first half is mainly exposition - but I did love the easygoing script. At the interval, I was peckish, so had a box of Maltesers with my - rather watery, but well-priced - pinot grigio. And at the start of the second act, I was glad of those wine gums, when my cough flared up briefly. And gee, what a second act.. by now, the workers are out of a job, disillusioned - and things rapidly go from bad to worse, ending in an abrupt climax that shows just how bad the consequences can be when people let their prejudices get the better of them. A depressing reflection on today's reality.. and an interesting reflection of the people behind the headlines. I'd advise you to go see it, but the last performance is running as I write - keep an eye out for it though. Highly relevant theatre.
Afterwards, a pub had been mooted - but we had no plan of where to go. One member's suggestion might have been good, but was noisier than expected - at which point, everyone turned tail for home. We could have headed for Waxy O' Connor's, but by now there was no point, the group had scattered. Me, I was hungry, and the stage set had inspired me to go American - so I headed for Garfunkel's. Which was busy, but they found me a table - and to be fair, service was prompt. The food definitely wasn't up to their usual standards though - the main course was ok, but the garlic bread and chocolate fudge cake were absolutely tasteless! I could have saved myself some money by not ordering them, and I think I won't, if I go there again. I do see that you can now pay via the website, if you want a quick getaway.
Tomorrow, I really was going to go to a film - until my cheap ticket club advertised their weekend offerings, just yesterday. Thinking I saw some interesting options, I looked closer - and was immediately captured by a classical Spanish guitar concert in King's Place! Part of the IGF Guitar Summit. So yeah, I booked that without hesitation! Terrific price, too.
On Monday, more music - I'm back with Civilised London for more jazz - Dai and the Ramblers - at Wilton's. A great atmosphere is guaranteed!
On Tuesday.. well, my cheap ticket club came to the rescue again! I'm off to St. Martin in the Fields - for the first time in a while - for a performance of the Goldberg Variations. (Cheap!) Three - very different - musical evenings in a row. (And wouldn't you know it, ShowFilmFirst just advertised the same tickets even cheaper. Grr..)
On Wednesday, back with London Literary Walks for The Richmond Walk. Third West London walk in a row with him - but I'm not complaining, they're lovely settings.
On Thursday, back with the London European Club - it'll be my first time in St. Mary's Church Rotherhithe, where the Little Symphonic Duet is performing. They aim to reproduce famous classical pieces, with only a guitar and an instrument called a charango, a kind of miniature ukulele. It'll also be my first time in an age with Tuned In London - delighted to be with them again! Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.
On the 29th, back with UITCS - we're off to see Present Laughter, by Noel Coward, with the wonderful Andrew Scott, at the Old Vic. It'll be interesting for us all to see how he is in a comedy. Rear stalls again, yay!
And on the 30th, I'm back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group, who are off to a free Motown concert in Canary Wharf. First come, first served for spots on the grass. Unless it's promised to rain, in which case I'll probably cry off..
Today, Helen was in town again for training - and we decided to go on the Hidden Horrors Haunted History London Ghost Walk. Which I was on before, but was happy to go on again - it's good (as I could see from the review I left), and I could always do with reminding. I was curious to see how much I'd forgotten.. It's also Funzing, and I got a 15% discount with the code Fun15, which can only be used once. Advertised by Best Authentic Walking Tours in London - so Funzing does still have a Meetup group for walks.. Don't believe what they say about "no refunds" though, the Funzing rule of a full refund up to 48 hours beforehand still applies. And handily, it's only a hop, skip, and jump from my new office!
For speed, we went for Nando's again - it's close, and quick. Although mine took a lot longer than hers to arrive - interestingly, everything I had came out slightly overcooked. The chicken, again, was too tough to finish, the garlic bread hard. The mash was slightly charred, but ok. I've definitely had better Nando's than in One New Change. And we didn't really have time for dessert, this time - the walk was starting quite early.
Happily, as I say, it was close by - and what a day for it to pick to start raining! This was the wettest day I've seen in an age - it fairly pelted down as we were waiting to start, all clustered close to the wall for shelter as our intrepid leader stood out in the middle of it, rain pouring from his wide-brimmed hat. Anyway, as each person checked in and was checked off, they got a leaflet - for his other website about haunted Britain and Ireland! This is a busy guy. And successful - I counted 32 people on tonight's walk! It's a good job his voice projects.
I did remember a lot of the walk, but was grateful for the reminders. For instance, I knew there is supposed to be a ghost in the Viaduct Tavern, but had forgotten what they called him (Fred), until a medium contacted him and ascertained that he was actually called something else (he's Scottish, and named Robert). And I'll always enjoy the story of Scratching Fanny of Cock Lane.. ;-)
As we passed Smithfield, I mused how sad it is that the market is to be moved, and flats erected on the old site. Possibly the main thing I'd forgotten from my first outing was that the wonderful, Tudor gatehouse of St. Bartholomew the Great used to be clad in brick, and it was only when it was hit by shrapnel from a WWI zeppelin that they discovered the older structure underneath! Every cloud, you might say..
I noted that he changed the final location, to a different section of the Roman wall - probably because the ground would be too muddy, where we had been before. All in all, it was every bit as entertaining as I remember, with a theatrical guide who loves to put on a show, as well as giving us a bit of history. And I love how he encourages questions, and is never short of answers. One of the most entertaining ghost walks in London - highly recommended. And great to see Helen, BTW!
Tomorrow, I was thinking of a film. However, I wasn't mad about what was coming out on top - and since Meetup had an alternative, I'm doing that instead. Headed with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) (again) to the matinée of Sweat, at the Gielgud Theatre. It's the very last day - and lots of sites have half price offers on decent seats. I chose the one suggested on Meetup - lastminute - and since they've widened their half price offer, I scored myself an excellent price for a seat in the rear stalls.
On Sunday, I really was going to go to a film - until my cheap ticket club advertised their weekend offerings, just today. Thinking I saw some interesting options, I looked closer - and was immediately captured by a classical Spanish guitar concert in King's Place! Part of the IGF Guitar Summit. So yeah, I booked that without hesitation! Terrific price, too.
On Monday, more music - I'm back with Civilised London for more jazz - Dai and the Ramblers - at Wilton's. A great atmosphere is guaranteed!
On Tuesday.. well, my cheap ticket club came to the rescue again! I'm off to St. Martin in the Fields - for the first time in a while - for a performance of the Goldberg Variations. (Cheap!) Three - very different - musical evenings in a row.
On Wednesday, back with London Literary Walks for The Richmond Walk. Third West London walk in a row with him - but I'm not complaining, they're lovely settings.
On Thursday, back with the London European Club - it'll be my first time in St. Mary's Church Rotherhithe, where the Little Symphonic Duet is performing. They aim to reproduce famous classical pieces, with only a guitar and an instrument called a charango, a kind of miniature ukulele. It'll also be my first time in an age with Tuned In London - delighted to be with them again! Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.
On the 29th, back with UITCS - we're off to see Present Laughter, by Noel Coward, with the wonderful Andrew Scott, at the Old Vic. It'll be interesting for us all to see how he is in a comedy.
And on the 30th, I'm back with Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group, who are off to a free Motown concert in Canary Wharf. First come, first served for spots on the grass. Unless it's promised to rain, in which case I'll probably cry off..
