Another film on telly tonight that passed through my film list without getting seen - gee, this enforced telly-watching is great for cutting the list down! This time, it was Gold (2016) - in which Matthew McConaughey plays a gold prospector who strikes it big.
It's loosely based on a true story - which is something of a relief, as the story has such dramatic ups and downs as to make it quite unbelievable. Honestly, what a stressful career to have - but I guess it actually is, in real life. Anyway, just like yesterday's film, the lead is excellent, the rest of the film less so. Today's, mind, is much more watchable - and it is fun to speculate about how you'd behave, in the same circumstances. Recommended, if you're at a loose end.
Tomorrow morning, Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group is heading on a virtual tour of Mount Everest, on Google Maps again! So I'll tag along - must head to bed soon. to be up in time. He's actually closing down this group - on Wednesday, I think - so this is likely to be my last event with them. I'm not sufficiently invested in it to join his Facebook group.
Tomorrow afternoon, why, London Social Detours has another event I'm interested in. (And for once, she's not charging..!) She's reading a chapter of a book entitled London: The Wicked City, and there's to be a chat afterwards. First sociable thing I'm planning!
And yes, Up in the Cheap Seats is busy again.. They're watching a play called Wild, on the Hampstead Theatre website tomorrow evening. Another by Mike Bartlett, by the synopsis, it sounds like a dramatisation of the story of Edward Snowden. So that sounds interesting.. and as Hampstead Theatre is only streaming plays free for a week each, tomorrow is the last day for this. Free watching ends at 10pm GMT.
Saturday, 4 April 2020
Film: Child 44, Google Maps: Cat Island, & Musical: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Last night, Child 44 was shown on telly - and I made sure to watch it, as it had come across my radar before, but I hadn't seen it. Not to mention that it stars the excellent Tom Hardy, as a child who is liberated from a concentration camp at the end of WWII by the Russians, and grows up to join the secret police in the Stalinist era. Falling foul of the wrong people, he finds himself exiled to the sticks, with his wife, Noomi Rapace, under the command of a more sympathetic Gary Oldman, who helps him to investigate the suspicious-looking deaths of many small boys.
Well, Tom Hardy was excellent. Unfortunately, I rapidly lost interest in the film - as grey and depressing as you'd expect, it has few redeeming features. Relies too much on fight scenes too, which I have zero interest in. Can't really find any reason to recommend it.
So, as my mind wandered, I decided to follow a suggestion of Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group (ACEWAG) for today, for a virtual trip around Cat Island, on Google Maps. An island with a huge cat population - and his challenge is to count as many as you can (I got over 50). If you do the same, watch out for the sneaky pusses hiding behind walls..
This evening, Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) are watching Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Andrew Lloyd Webber is streaming a whole heap of his musicals on YouTube for free - all you have to do is subscribe to his channel, The Show Must Go On. Shows will be released at 7pm every Friday, for 48 hours - and this first was released last night. Again, I had to watch early. But I suspect I'll be back to this channel! The problem, of course, with such a busy group as UITCS is, when you remove commuting time.. they can pack so many more events into a day..
Now, this is excellent. I'd never seen it before - and this is the official performance, with Donny Osmond as the titular, biblical Joseph, who's the favourite of his father, Jacob (Richard Attenborough), but betrayed by his jealous brothers and sold as a slave to an Egyptian officer - Joan Collins plays a blinder (in a non-singing role) as the officer's wife, who takes a shine to her husband's handsome new slave.
Irresistibly catchy and memorable songs, great production values, a witty take on the story. Highly worth a watch - but hurry, only available for free until 7pm tomorrow! (I think that's GMT).
Tomorrow morning, ACEWAG is heading on a virtual tour of Mount Everest, on Google Maps again! So I'll tag along. He's actually closing down this group, so this is likely to be my last event with them - I'm not sufficiently invested in it to join his Facebook group.
Tomorrow afternoon, why, London Social Detours has another event I'm interested in. (And for once, she's not charging..!) She's reading a chapter of a book entitled London: The Wicked City, and there's to be a chat afterwards. First sociable thing I'm planning!
And yes, UITCS is busy again.. They're watching a play called Wild, on the Hampstead Theatre website tomorrow evening. Another by Mike Bartlett, by the synopsis, it sounds like a dramatisation of the story of Edward Snowden. So that sounds interesting.. and as Hampstead Theatre is only streaming plays free for a week each, tomorrow is the last day for this.
Well, Tom Hardy was excellent. Unfortunately, I rapidly lost interest in the film - as grey and depressing as you'd expect, it has few redeeming features. Relies too much on fight scenes too, which I have zero interest in. Can't really find any reason to recommend it.
So, as my mind wandered, I decided to follow a suggestion of Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group (ACEWAG) for today, for a virtual trip around Cat Island, on Google Maps. An island with a huge cat population - and his challenge is to count as many as you can (I got over 50). If you do the same, watch out for the sneaky pusses hiding behind walls..
This evening, Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) are watching Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Andrew Lloyd Webber is streaming a whole heap of his musicals on YouTube for free - all you have to do is subscribe to his channel, The Show Must Go On. Shows will be released at 7pm every Friday, for 48 hours - and this first was released last night. Again, I had to watch early. But I suspect I'll be back to this channel! The problem, of course, with such a busy group as UITCS is, when you remove commuting time.. they can pack so many more events into a day..
Now, this is excellent. I'd never seen it before - and this is the official performance, with Donny Osmond as the titular, biblical Joseph, who's the favourite of his father, Jacob (Richard Attenborough), but betrayed by his jealous brothers and sold as a slave to an Egyptian officer - Joan Collins plays a blinder (in a non-singing role) as the officer's wife, who takes a shine to her husband's handsome new slave.
Irresistibly catchy and memorable songs, great production values, a witty take on the story. Highly worth a watch - but hurry, only available for free until 7pm tomorrow! (I think that's GMT).
Tomorrow morning, ACEWAG is heading on a virtual tour of Mount Everest, on Google Maps again! So I'll tag along. He's actually closing down this group, so this is likely to be my last event with them - I'm not sufficiently invested in it to join his Facebook group.
Tomorrow afternoon, why, London Social Detours has another event I'm interested in. (And for once, she's not charging..!) She's reading a chapter of a book entitled London: The Wicked City, and there's to be a chat afterwards. First sociable thing I'm planning!
And yes, UITCS is busy again.. They're watching a play called Wild, on the Hampstead Theatre website tomorrow evening. Another by Mike Bartlett, by the synopsis, it sounds like a dramatisation of the story of Edward Snowden. So that sounds interesting.. and as Hampstead Theatre is only streaming plays free for a week each, tomorrow is the last day for this.
Friday, 3 April 2020
Videos: Rock n Roll at the Royal Albert Hall
Tomorrow, Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) is hosting another virtual Meetup - this time, of a half-hour rock concert at the Albert Hall! Actually snippets of different concerts, all broadcast for free by the venue. Again, the communal experience is a bit late for me - but the Meetup is full anyway, and there's nothing to stop me watching it earlier.
But as it happened, I got to it today! Well, it was only half an hour's worth of content. The venue has a whole range of videos available.. and this compilation was very enjoyable. Reflecting the organiser's interests, it starts with a Led Zeppelin track - unfortunately, I'm not a fan. Happily, the rest was more to my taste - next up was Eric Clapton, with Cocaine.. I was very impressed, as always, by the Stereophonics.. hit of the list for me was the next, with Iggy Pop performing The Passenger. Definitely worth tuning in for! The list ends with David Gilmour, whom I'd never even heard of! Good though, with a most interesting, animated video - the rest in this list are live. Pity these Meetups are mostly on in the evenings, which I can't manage, so I miss chatting with the others..
Alternatively, for tomorrow, UITCS are watching Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Andrew Lloyd Webber is streaming a whole heap of his musicals on YouTube for free - all you have to do is subscribe to his channel, The Show Must Go On. Shows will be released at 7pm every Friday, for 48 hours - starting tonight. Again, I'll have to watch at another time. But I suspect I'll be back to this channel! The problem, of course, with such a busy group as UITCS is, when you remove commuting time.. they can pack so many more events into a day..
On Sunday morning, Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group is heading on a virtual tour of Mount Everest, on Google Maps! So I'll tag along. He's actually closing down this group, so this is likely to be my last event with them - I'm not sufficiently invested in it to join his Facebook group.
That afternoon, why, London Social Detours has another event I'm interested in. (And for once, she's not charging..!) She's reading a chapter of a book entitled London: The Wicked City, and there's to be a chat afterwards. First sociable thing I'm planning!
And yes, UITCS is busy again.. They're watching a play called Wild, on the Hampstead Theatre website on Sunday evening. Another by Mike Bartlett, by the synopsis, it sounds like a dramatisation of the story of Edward Snowden. So that sounds interesting.. and as Hampstead Theatre is only streaming plays free for a week each, Sunday is the last day for this.
But as it happened, I got to it today! Well, it was only half an hour's worth of content. The venue has a whole range of videos available.. and this compilation was very enjoyable. Reflecting the organiser's interests, it starts with a Led Zeppelin track - unfortunately, I'm not a fan. Happily, the rest was more to my taste - next up was Eric Clapton, with Cocaine.. I was very impressed, as always, by the Stereophonics.. hit of the list for me was the next, with Iggy Pop performing The Passenger. Definitely worth tuning in for! The list ends with David Gilmour, whom I'd never even heard of! Good though, with a most interesting, animated video - the rest in this list are live. Pity these Meetups are mostly on in the evenings, which I can't manage, so I miss chatting with the others..
Alternatively, for tomorrow, UITCS are watching Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Andrew Lloyd Webber is streaming a whole heap of his musicals on YouTube for free - all you have to do is subscribe to his channel, The Show Must Go On. Shows will be released at 7pm every Friday, for 48 hours - starting tonight. Again, I'll have to watch at another time. But I suspect I'll be back to this channel! The problem, of course, with such a busy group as UITCS is, when you remove commuting time.. they can pack so many more events into a day..
On Sunday morning, Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group is heading on a virtual tour of Mount Everest, on Google Maps! So I'll tag along. He's actually closing down this group, so this is likely to be my last event with them - I'm not sufficiently invested in it to join his Facebook group.
That afternoon, why, London Social Detours has another event I'm interested in. (And for once, she's not charging..!) She's reading a chapter of a book entitled London: The Wicked City, and there's to be a chat afterwards. First sociable thing I'm planning!
And yes, UITCS is busy again.. They're watching a play called Wild, on the Hampstead Theatre website on Sunday evening. Another by Mike Bartlett, by the synopsis, it sounds like a dramatisation of the story of Edward Snowden. So that sounds interesting.. and as Hampstead Theatre is only streaming plays free for a week each, Sunday is the last day for this.
Tuesday, 31 March 2020
New York City Ballet in Paris
Well, I'm spending these evenings watching telly with my mother, and generally don't have time during the week - what with working from home - to catch up with Meetup. But gee, there was a scarcity of decent programmes this evening (!).. so where else should I turn for an alternative?
Now, Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) is usually good for something - and this evening, they'd planned to watch a performance of the NYC Ballet in Paris. They ended up postponing the Meetup to Monday - but hey, nothing to stop me watching it on my own! Again, I can't make Monday's. It's available on Marquee TV - which is a subscription service, the first month free. I'm seeing a lot of events the group is advertising around shows available on that site..
So, I entered my card details, and proceeded to watch. Would've been a bit better if my mother's tablet - which I decided would be the handiest, at the time - hadn't been set to night mode: which apparently involves removing blue tones from the screen, because they tend to waken us. So everything had a kind of sepia tinge. Ah well.
This performance is, apparently, a tribute to George Balanchine, who founded the NYC Ballet, and is performed to the music of three French composers that inspired him: Charles Gounod, Ravel, and Bizet. The first and last pieces - music by Gounod and Bizet, respectively - are more formal. For me, the Bizet score of the last piece was the best score of the night. But the less strict dance formations of the middle pieces, performed to pieces by Ravel, were my favourites - hit of the night for me was the second piece, Sonatine, created by two dancers of the NYC Ballet and which - complete with pianist on stage - seems to evoke the freedom and simplicity of a tale of two of New York lovers. And the third piece, La Valse, has the look and feel of a fairytale, tragic ending and all!
Throughout, the dance is beautifully choreographed and expertly performed. Balanchine, it's said, was known for marrying music and dance, and sure enough, during this entire performance, they're perfectly interwoven. Gorgeous to watch, lovely to listen to.. highly recommended. Other midweek events aren't currently scheduled - but watch this space!
On Saturday, UITCS is hosting another virtual meetup - this time, of a half-hour rock concert at the Albert Hall! Actually snippets of different concerts, all broadcast for free by the venue. Again, the communal experience is a bit late for me - but the Meetup is full anyway, and there's nothing to stop me watching it earlier.
On Sunday morning, Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group is heading on a virtual tour of Mount Everest, on Google Maps! So I'll tag along.
And that afternoon, why, London Social Detours has another event I'm interested in. (And for once, she's not charging..!) She's reading a chapter of a book entitled London: The Wicked City, and there's to be a chat afterwards. First sociable thing I'm planning!
Now, Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) is usually good for something - and this evening, they'd planned to watch a performance of the NYC Ballet in Paris. They ended up postponing the Meetup to Monday - but hey, nothing to stop me watching it on my own! Again, I can't make Monday's. It's available on Marquee TV - which is a subscription service, the first month free. I'm seeing a lot of events the group is advertising around shows available on that site..
So, I entered my card details, and proceeded to watch. Would've been a bit better if my mother's tablet - which I decided would be the handiest, at the time - hadn't been set to night mode: which apparently involves removing blue tones from the screen, because they tend to waken us. So everything had a kind of sepia tinge. Ah well.
This performance is, apparently, a tribute to George Balanchine, who founded the NYC Ballet, and is performed to the music of three French composers that inspired him: Charles Gounod, Ravel, and Bizet. The first and last pieces - music by Gounod and Bizet, respectively - are more formal. For me, the Bizet score of the last piece was the best score of the night. But the less strict dance formations of the middle pieces, performed to pieces by Ravel, were my favourites - hit of the night for me was the second piece, Sonatine, created by two dancers of the NYC Ballet and which - complete with pianist on stage - seems to evoke the freedom and simplicity of a tale of two of New York lovers. And the third piece, La Valse, has the look and feel of a fairytale, tragic ending and all!
Throughout, the dance is beautifully choreographed and expertly performed. Balanchine, it's said, was known for marrying music and dance, and sure enough, during this entire performance, they're perfectly interwoven. Gorgeous to watch, lovely to listen to.. highly recommended. Other midweek events aren't currently scheduled - but watch this space!
On Saturday, UITCS is hosting another virtual meetup - this time, of a half-hour rock concert at the Albert Hall! Actually snippets of different concerts, all broadcast for free by the venue. Again, the communal experience is a bit late for me - but the Meetup is full anyway, and there's nothing to stop me watching it earlier.
On Sunday morning, Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group is heading on a virtual tour of Mount Everest, on Google Maps! So I'll tag along.
And that afternoon, why, London Social Detours has another event I'm interested in. (And for once, she's not charging..!) She's reading a chapter of a book entitled London: The Wicked City, and there's to be a chat afterwards. First sociable thing I'm planning!
Sunday, 29 March 2020
Play: Cyprus Avenue
For today - Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) organised a virtual communal watching of Cyprus Avenue, with Stephen Rea, which ran at the Royal Court: who are currently screening it for free on their YouTube channel. Posted on Friday, apparently, and available for 30 days. It's a bit late in the day for me - and their Meetup is full anyway; they restrict the numbers so as not to compromise bandwidth. But hey, I remember being unable to get a ticket when it was running, and was dead keen to see this - so I decided to watch it, a bit earlier in the day!
And now I have, and - unusually - can turn straight around and review it, without having to wait to get home. I see it was played in the round - and this being the very first prerecorded play I've watched, I can honestly say the video production is fantastic. I wasn't expecting the multiple cameras and closeups - not to mention the outtakes, where scenes are shot in the open to illustrate the story. Really adds to the experience.
A simple set - white, with seats - forms the backdrop to the action. Stephen Rea plays a dyed-in-the-wool Unionist, of a certain age, who's of the opinion that time has passed him by, and the world has gone to pot. When we meet him, he's telling his story to a psychologist - young, female, black - who seems to embody everything that he feels threatened by. And boy, is she amused when he reveals to her the shocking truth - that his newborn granddaughter (somehow) is the personification of none other than.. Gerry Adams..
Ulster Unionists get short shrift here. The incredulous face of the psychologist gives us permission to titter at the daft theories spouted by this Orangeman. As do the increasingly exasperated faces of his wife and daughter, played in the flashbacks that tell the story. And it becomes absolutely hilarious, as he exposes himself to every kind of ridicule, and reveals himself to be bigoted in pretty much every way. While remaining a mild-mannered chap. Stephen Rea plays a blinder - malleable as modelling clay, he effortlessly switches from mad and ranting to quiet and self-deprecating. Which is what makes the ending so shocking..
I loved it - I laughed, I gasped along with the audience. No laughter left, by the end. A keen observation of contemporary culture in Northern Ireland. Strongly recommended - runs for 30 days from last Friday, I believe. And for free! I tell you, as the saying goes, it's an ill wind blows no-one any good.
Tomorrow, the organiser of London Literary Walks is to release the answers to the quiz he posted us last week. Well, he already has.. just in random order.. which helped me to some of the answers.. and he's already told me I'll probably win, as I was - as of earlier, at least - the only one to answer!
On Saturday, UITCS is hosting another virtual meetup - this time, of a half-hour rock concert at the Albert Hall! Actually snippets of different concerts, all broadcast for free by the venue. Again, the communal experience is a bit late for me - but the Meetup is full anyway, and there's nothing to stop me watching it earlier.
And next Sunday, Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group is heading on a virtual tour of Mount Everest, on Google Maps! So I'll tag along.
And now I have, and - unusually - can turn straight around and review it, without having to wait to get home. I see it was played in the round - and this being the very first prerecorded play I've watched, I can honestly say the video production is fantastic. I wasn't expecting the multiple cameras and closeups - not to mention the outtakes, where scenes are shot in the open to illustrate the story. Really adds to the experience.
A simple set - white, with seats - forms the backdrop to the action. Stephen Rea plays a dyed-in-the-wool Unionist, of a certain age, who's of the opinion that time has passed him by, and the world has gone to pot. When we meet him, he's telling his story to a psychologist - young, female, black - who seems to embody everything that he feels threatened by. And boy, is she amused when he reveals to her the shocking truth - that his newborn granddaughter (somehow) is the personification of none other than.. Gerry Adams..
Ulster Unionists get short shrift here. The incredulous face of the psychologist gives us permission to titter at the daft theories spouted by this Orangeman. As do the increasingly exasperated faces of his wife and daughter, played in the flashbacks that tell the story. And it becomes absolutely hilarious, as he exposes himself to every kind of ridicule, and reveals himself to be bigoted in pretty much every way. While remaining a mild-mannered chap. Stephen Rea plays a blinder - malleable as modelling clay, he effortlessly switches from mad and ranting to quiet and self-deprecating. Which is what makes the ending so shocking..
I loved it - I laughed, I gasped along with the audience. No laughter left, by the end. A keen observation of contemporary culture in Northern Ireland. Strongly recommended - runs for 30 days from last Friday, I believe. And for free! I tell you, as the saying goes, it's an ill wind blows no-one any good.
Tomorrow, the organiser of London Literary Walks is to release the answers to the quiz he posted us last week. Well, he already has.. just in random order.. which helped me to some of the answers.. and he's already told me I'll probably win, as I was - as of earlier, at least - the only one to answer!
On Saturday, UITCS is hosting another virtual meetup - this time, of a half-hour rock concert at the Albert Hall! Actually snippets of different concerts, all broadcast for free by the venue. Again, the communal experience is a bit late for me - but the Meetup is full anyway, and there's nothing to stop me watching it earlier.
And next Sunday, Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group is heading on a virtual tour of Mount Everest, on Google Maps! So I'll tag along.
Saturday, 28 March 2020
Film: Kayak the Kwanza
Hi! From, hopefully, one of the safer areas of Western Europe - I'm much happier to be back in Ireland, for once. Far fewer people, and far fewer cases of coronavirus than London.. and let's hope it keeps away from me, and in particular from my elderly mother. People over 70 have been advised to stay completely indoors.. and to avoid infection, so am I. Apart from walking the dog.
Now, I spend the evenings watching telly with her, and daytimes during the week are spent working from home. All of which means, unfortunately, that I can't make the midweek virtual Meetups that have started to spring up. Weekends, however, I do have a bit more time.. and today (well, tonight), I decided to start actually doing something that was neither purely practical - nor quite as passive as watching telly. So, I turned to the section of my film spreadsheet that, since I began, has listed films available on YouTube. And once I curated that long-neglected list, I discovered that the most appealing film at the top was a documentary called Kayak the Kwanza. Streaming for free. So, I watched that.
At under an hour long, it's not a massive time commitment - and yes, it is interesting. Very much so, in fact - and to those of us less interested in kayaking itself, don't worry, they don't dwell overmuch on the technicalities of it. The Kwanza is one of the longest rivers in Angola, and this trip was undertaken in aid of the Halo Trust, whose mission is to remove landmines in former war zones around the world - including Angola. Two English blokes do the kayaking - in fact, one of the few criticisms I have of the film is that we come nowhere near anyone else for the duration, nor hear them speak - although we do see them, helping to carry luggage or mend the boat. In fact, one of the kayakers does the bulk of the narration, and it's a considerable way through the film before we hear from the other guy at all! or really get a good look at him..
I found the narrator's delivery very dry - although he patently has a sense of humour, and the film is well edited and entertaining. Mainly, I watched it for a feel of what Angola is like, as I've never been there. Mind you, most of it is seen from the river (of course) - still, there are snatches of views of elsewhere, and we do get a potted history of the country, mainly to explain the purpose of the trip. Later, there's mention of a world record attempt as well - for what, I don't know, as it's never specified.
But for travel lovers, I do recommend this - they manage to capture that sense of excitement at the start of the trip, and it is full of adventure (I won't spoil the surprise). And as I say, not too long. Dunno about the high rating though - probably inflated due to its worthy nature.
For tomorrow - Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) are organising a virtual communal watching of Cypress Avenue, with Stephen Rea, which ran at the Royal Court: who are currently screening it for free on their YouTube channel. Posted on Friday, apparently, and available for 30 days. It's a bit late in the day for me - and their Meetup is full anyway; they restrict the numbers so as not to compromise bandwidth. But hey, I remember being unable to get a ticket when it was running, and would love to see this - so I fancy watching it, a bit earlier in the day!
On Monday, the organiser of London Literary Walks is to release the answers to the quiz he posted us last week. Well, he already has.. just in random order.. which helped me to some of the answers..
Next Saturday, UITCS is hosting another virtual meetup - this time, of a half-hour rock concert at the Albert Hall! Actually snippets of different concerts, all broadcast for free by the venue. Again, the communal experience is a bit late for me - but the Meetup is full anyway, and there's nothing to stop me watching it earlier.
And on the 5th, Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group is heading on a virtual tour of Mount Everest, on Google Maps! So I'll tag along.
Now, I spend the evenings watching telly with her, and daytimes during the week are spent working from home. All of which means, unfortunately, that I can't make the midweek virtual Meetups that have started to spring up. Weekends, however, I do have a bit more time.. and today (well, tonight), I decided to start actually doing something that was neither purely practical - nor quite as passive as watching telly. So, I turned to the section of my film spreadsheet that, since I began, has listed films available on YouTube. And once I curated that long-neglected list, I discovered that the most appealing film at the top was a documentary called Kayak the Kwanza. Streaming for free. So, I watched that.
At under an hour long, it's not a massive time commitment - and yes, it is interesting. Very much so, in fact - and to those of us less interested in kayaking itself, don't worry, they don't dwell overmuch on the technicalities of it. The Kwanza is one of the longest rivers in Angola, and this trip was undertaken in aid of the Halo Trust, whose mission is to remove landmines in former war zones around the world - including Angola. Two English blokes do the kayaking - in fact, one of the few criticisms I have of the film is that we come nowhere near anyone else for the duration, nor hear them speak - although we do see them, helping to carry luggage or mend the boat. In fact, one of the kayakers does the bulk of the narration, and it's a considerable way through the film before we hear from the other guy at all! or really get a good look at him..
I found the narrator's delivery very dry - although he patently has a sense of humour, and the film is well edited and entertaining. Mainly, I watched it for a feel of what Angola is like, as I've never been there. Mind you, most of it is seen from the river (of course) - still, there are snatches of views of elsewhere, and we do get a potted history of the country, mainly to explain the purpose of the trip. Later, there's mention of a world record attempt as well - for what, I don't know, as it's never specified.
But for travel lovers, I do recommend this - they manage to capture that sense of excitement at the start of the trip, and it is full of adventure (I won't spoil the surprise). And as I say, not too long. Dunno about the high rating though - probably inflated due to its worthy nature.
For tomorrow - Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) are organising a virtual communal watching of Cypress Avenue, with Stephen Rea, which ran at the Royal Court: who are currently screening it for free on their YouTube channel. Posted on Friday, apparently, and available for 30 days. It's a bit late in the day for me - and their Meetup is full anyway; they restrict the numbers so as not to compromise bandwidth. But hey, I remember being unable to get a ticket when it was running, and would love to see this - so I fancy watching it, a bit earlier in the day!
On Monday, the organiser of London Literary Walks is to release the answers to the quiz he posted us last week. Well, he already has.. just in random order.. which helped me to some of the answers..
Next Saturday, UITCS is hosting another virtual meetup - this time, of a half-hour rock concert at the Albert Hall! Actually snippets of different concerts, all broadcast for free by the venue. Again, the communal experience is a bit late for me - but the Meetup is full anyway, and there's nothing to stop me watching it earlier.
And on the 5th, Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group is heading on a virtual tour of Mount Everest, on Google Maps! So I'll tag along.
Thursday, 19 March 2020
Non-event
I could not find a cinema open in London from today. However, I did find one theatre - so I headed off to the Old Red Lion this evening, for a triple bill - Nuclear War / Buried / Graceland. In persistent drizzle - just made the bus, and gazed at empty pubs and closed restaurants as we headed along the way. And so to the pub - a welcome beacon of light..
Cleaner than usual, inside - but they did mention that they've increased their sanitation measures. The box office kiosk was unoccupied, no lights on - the door to the theatre was open, but the rope was across the stairs to it, and the curtain drawn. With 15 minutes to go. So I sat down and, eh, waited. The pub was dead, apart from a noisy table around the corner.
And once it came to half past - start time - I left. At least I got a free journey back with the Hopper fare, since it'd been less than an hour since I'd tapped in first! I've applied to the box office for a refund. Damp squib to end on, but hey.
Now, I tried and tried to find another theatre open tomorrow - to no avail. So I checked the Ryanair website - there having been rumours of flight cancellations. And when I logged in - first thing I saw was that my flights back to Ireland in a week's time have been cancelled: no bookings being taken after Tuesday. With a confirmed booking, they should have informed me, but I daresay they're swamped. So I said, well, this wasn't entirely unexpected - and with nothing happening in London, and WFH anyway, I might as well be in Ireland. My mother at least has a telly! Now, the app is down - but I managed to book a flight for tomorrow on the website. Checked in as well - and although the app is down, I managed to download the mobile boarding pass in the end. Processing the refund is another day's work.
So, that'll be it. Literally everything in my calendar has been cancelled, up to the 7th - which is unlikely to happen either. And most things I'd booked after that. But I can't count on anything right now, and have booked a one-way ticket. So, this is my last post. For an indefinite period. As all the theatres say, "it is with a heavy heart.." Take care, stay healthy. See you on the other side.
Cleaner than usual, inside - but they did mention that they've increased their sanitation measures. The box office kiosk was unoccupied, no lights on - the door to the theatre was open, but the rope was across the stairs to it, and the curtain drawn. With 15 minutes to go. So I sat down and, eh, waited. The pub was dead, apart from a noisy table around the corner.
And once it came to half past - start time - I left. At least I got a free journey back with the Hopper fare, since it'd been less than an hour since I'd tapped in first! I've applied to the box office for a refund. Damp squib to end on, but hey.
Now, I tried and tried to find another theatre open tomorrow - to no avail. So I checked the Ryanair website - there having been rumours of flight cancellations. And when I logged in - first thing I saw was that my flights back to Ireland in a week's time have been cancelled: no bookings being taken after Tuesday. With a confirmed booking, they should have informed me, but I daresay they're swamped. So I said, well, this wasn't entirely unexpected - and with nothing happening in London, and WFH anyway, I might as well be in Ireland. My mother at least has a telly! Now, the app is down - but I managed to book a flight for tomorrow on the website. Checked in as well - and although the app is down, I managed to download the mobile boarding pass in the end. Processing the refund is another day's work.
So, that'll be it. Literally everything in my calendar has been cancelled, up to the 7th - which is unlikely to happen either. And most things I'd booked after that. But I can't count on anything right now, and have booked a one-way ticket. So, this is my last post. For an indefinite period. As all the theatres say, "it is with a heavy heart.." Take care, stay healthy. See you on the other side.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)