Kind of ironic, that a walk is entitled "Transportation in London". But anyway, that's what London's Secrets, Tales & Legends had on the menu for today. This is a new Meetup group for me - I got the name of it from a fellow attendee at another Meetup, and thought it sounded interesting. And that's what they call cross-pollination..
They had originally just had a walk scheduled for 10.30 this morning, but then put on an extra one this afternoon, for people who couldn't make the first. Hallelujah! I wisely changed my booking for the later one. I was out late last night, and frankly was feeling very creaky today. In fact, I didn't even wake until 10.20, so that wouldn't have been much good. As it was, I rushed a bit even to get myself to St. Paul's Station for 3PM.
At least it was a beautiful, sunny day, and warm in the sunshine. Google Maps had me take the Tube to Mansion House and walk from there - St. Paul's itself isn't on a convenient line for me. So I got to Mansion House, where I usually get off for the Globe. This time, I decided that the exit for St. Paul's would be appropriate.. sadly, when I got up to surface level, I didn't recognise anything from Streetview. I crossed the road, looked around for the familiar dome of St. Paul's.. and finally saw it, back behind where I'd just come from. Complicated, these stations.
So I headed back that way, around the back of the cathedral, and got to St. Paul's Station entrance. I was slightly early, and looked around but didn't see any sign of the organiser, who'd said he'd be holding a Meetup sign. There were quite a few groups of people, and I didn't really know whether I should join any of them - or which! And 3 o'clock came.. and went.. and still no sign.
I checked my phone, and saw there was a message from the organiser, emphasising that we should meet at Entrance 1. Now, that's not much good if you haven't come through the station, and aren't familiar with it! There was nothing at surface level to indicate which was which. I finally thought I'd try across the road, and sure enough, there was a small group of people, including one with a Meetup sign, and one with a dog - someone had asked to bring along a dog. Seems we all had the same idea at the same time, because all of a sudden there was an influx. One woman said she'd been waiting down the road for 10 minutes. Really, this guy needs to describe better where to meet!
Anyway, after a rocky start, we were off - on a tour that described the old Royal Mail methods of transportation, moving on to the London Underground. Some photos here. We saw places that used to be coaching inns, and disused Underground stations. The most interesting fact I learned was the life expectancy of the horses that pulled the London omnibuses before they were motorised. Want to take a guess? My most extreme guess was six months. In actual fact, the life expectancy of a horse, once it started working with a London omnibus, was.. three weeks. Yes, you read that right. They worked them that hard.
We passed through Smithfield Meat Market - the dog loved that - and on to our conclusion at Farringdon Station. Where I wouldn't have bothered hanging around for his "ghost story" if I'd known how it was going to be. He knows many things - telling ghost stories isn't one of them. Anyway, we mooched around awkwardly at the end, and after a moment I gave him a few quid - he did know his stuff. I have no idea whether the others did - they seemed a dull lot, to be honest - and I scurried off home. A longish walk, in my creaky state, got me to Blackfriars, and although I passed eateries, I was keener to eat at home.
Tomorrow seems set to be a film - which means I have to trawl through what's on. Watch this space. Meantime, I'm headed to Guildford on Tuesday, and have Meetups on Wednesday and Thursday - on Wednesday, I'm seeing another instalment of the Bunker Trilogy, in Stratford, with the London European Club. This time, it's Agamemnon. And on Thursday, I got a free ticket to a classical concert - nice and close, in Cadogan Hall - with Kensington Classical Music. This is actually a new Meetup group, apparently founded by someone in the London European Club.
Back to Ireland at the weekend, and on Monday 5th I'm off to Barcelona! for a U2 concert the next day - they are playing on the 5th too, but I couldn't get a ticket. :-( I fly back on the 7th, and on the 8th I'm off to see People, Places and Things at the National. Good job I booked early - apparently they're completely sold out now. On the 9th, I'm back to Barcelona for another couple of U2 concerts..
Sunday 27 September 2015
Saturday 26 September 2015
Comedy: Dara O' Briain
'Twas a long time ago that Helen suggested we go to see Dara O' Briain, who was appearing in the Hammersmith Apollo in September. So we booked three tickets.. but then one of us couldn't go - it clashed with something. And no matter what she did, she couldn't find a taker for her ticket. This past week, I had immense fun trying to flog it - first on StubHub, who didn't explain adequately that, it being close to the date, I needed to send them the ticket before they'd list it. So I tried Viagogo - who had the same tale (explained better), but with seller fees of only 20% those of StubHub. So if I need to sell a ticket in future, I'll go to them in preference. However, for this occasion, I gave up, unwilling to pay postage for a ticket that I had no guarantee would sell.
And on Thursday, there we were discussing it in the office, and someone pops his head up and goes, "You're going to see Dara O' Briain?!" So the upshot was that he took the third ticket, and we arranged to eat beforehand in Latymer's - walking distance from the Apollo, and familiar to them from when the office used to be down that direction. A pub with a Thai restaurant that we all know to be good.
Helen was in town all day, part of which was spent on her fundraising sheep walk. She came to mine when she was finished, and we made our way from there, texting our companion to meet us there, which he did. Closest Tube station to this pub is really Baron's Court, and Google Maps showed the fastest walking route from there to be to head along the main road for a while before turning right. It's at the end of that road. Again, thanks, Streetview! We beat him to it and took a table just inside the door.
It was stiflingly hot inside. We decided on a bottle of wine - I chose, and the moment I saw they had Marlborough, that was sorted. Ah, the memories I have of driving through that region.. and the wine ain't bad either! So by the time our third party arrived, we had a bottle of wine on the table, in an ice bucket. Yep, we know how to organise.. we ordered food (well, got him to, at the bar), which was brought to our table post haste, and were well fed. Which left us plenty of time to saunter to the venue.
We took our seats - nice and close to the stage, but not too close. And observed the several cameras, to be used for recording a dvd. And the slightly harassed-looking woman with the headset, ushering people forward so the front seats wouldn't look empty. Neat way to get an upgrade! I noted several people seated nearby, brandishing Print-at-Home tickets from Tickets Direct. Pays to book early.. I'm not blaming people for buying from resellers, I often do it myself, but they're part of what makes it hard to buy last-minute tickets for shows - buying up tickets to re-sell at a profit - and it's a shame.
So, with all the reshuffling of seats, we were quite late in starting. He doesn't have support on this tour, so when the show did start - with a blaze of lights and a deep-voiced announcement - he was the one who came out onstage. And was soon into his routine of introducing himself to the front row. As usual, caveat emptor - sit in the front row at a comedy show, particularly in the centre, and expect to be picked on. In a hilarious manner, as usual for Dara. You know, I actually saw this show back in October (I think it was), and recognised many of the jokes - but as they say, it's all in the delivery, and really, I laughed so hard it hurt.
I remember him from college, and he was always a terrific debater. Started off in science, and chucked it to go into television, then into stand-up. Which we're all very happy about. His insights are spot-on, his take on things is quite unique, and he has a glint of mischief in his eye. I'm not going to give away his punchlines.. but you know, you can pre-order tonight's dvd on Amazon. :-)
And so home, after a lovely evening - and many thanks to our companion for doing the drinks runs in the venue! Tomorrow, I'm off on a walk entitled Transportation in London: Meat, Mortality and Mail. With the London's Secrets, Tales and Legends Meetup group. Who originally just had one scheduled for the morning, but then arranged another for the afternoon, to which I immediately changed. And given how late it is now, I am so grateful for that..!
And on Thursday, there we were discussing it in the office, and someone pops his head up and goes, "You're going to see Dara O' Briain?!" So the upshot was that he took the third ticket, and we arranged to eat beforehand in Latymer's - walking distance from the Apollo, and familiar to them from when the office used to be down that direction. A pub with a Thai restaurant that we all know to be good.
Helen was in town all day, part of which was spent on her fundraising sheep walk. She came to mine when she was finished, and we made our way from there, texting our companion to meet us there, which he did. Closest Tube station to this pub is really Baron's Court, and Google Maps showed the fastest walking route from there to be to head along the main road for a while before turning right. It's at the end of that road. Again, thanks, Streetview! We beat him to it and took a table just inside the door.
It was stiflingly hot inside. We decided on a bottle of wine - I chose, and the moment I saw they had Marlborough, that was sorted. Ah, the memories I have of driving through that region.. and the wine ain't bad either! So by the time our third party arrived, we had a bottle of wine on the table, in an ice bucket. Yep, we know how to organise.. we ordered food (well, got him to, at the bar), which was brought to our table post haste, and were well fed. Which left us plenty of time to saunter to the venue.
We took our seats - nice and close to the stage, but not too close. And observed the several cameras, to be used for recording a dvd. And the slightly harassed-looking woman with the headset, ushering people forward so the front seats wouldn't look empty. Neat way to get an upgrade! I noted several people seated nearby, brandishing Print-at-Home tickets from Tickets Direct. Pays to book early.. I'm not blaming people for buying from resellers, I often do it myself, but they're part of what makes it hard to buy last-minute tickets for shows - buying up tickets to re-sell at a profit - and it's a shame.
So, with all the reshuffling of seats, we were quite late in starting. He doesn't have support on this tour, so when the show did start - with a blaze of lights and a deep-voiced announcement - he was the one who came out onstage. And was soon into his routine of introducing himself to the front row. As usual, caveat emptor - sit in the front row at a comedy show, particularly in the centre, and expect to be picked on. In a hilarious manner, as usual for Dara. You know, I actually saw this show back in October (I think it was), and recognised many of the jokes - but as they say, it's all in the delivery, and really, I laughed so hard it hurt.
I remember him from college, and he was always a terrific debater. Started off in science, and chucked it to go into television, then into stand-up. Which we're all very happy about. His insights are spot-on, his take on things is quite unique, and he has a glint of mischief in his eye. I'm not going to give away his punchlines.. but you know, you can pre-order tonight's dvd on Amazon. :-)
And so home, after a lovely evening - and many thanks to our companion for doing the drinks runs in the venue! Tomorrow, I'm off on a walk entitled Transportation in London: Meat, Mortality and Mail. With the London's Secrets, Tales and Legends Meetup group. Who originally just had one scheduled for the morning, but then arranged another for the afternoon, to which I immediately changed. And given how late it is now, I am so grateful for that..!
Friday 25 September 2015
Play: Morgana & Comedy: The Boat Show
Wow, what a week. I was in Stratford yesterday.. well, I'd originally planned to go on a spooky walk in town, but it was promised to rain, and the sky looked ominous.. so instead, I joined the London European Club (in Meetup), who were off to see Morgana, part of the Bunker Trilogy in Stratford Circus.
What an evening to be headed to Stratford. There was a rugby match in the Olympic Stadium, and something in the O2, which is on the way. So I left straight from the office, to give myself the best chance. The District Line was ok, but the Jubilee Line, which serves both the O2 and Stratford, was jammed, and I couldn't squeeze onto the first train. They're frequent at peak hours though - the next was just a minute behind, and there was relatively no-one on it! until we got on, of course. I was one of the first on, and although there wasn't a hope of getting a seat, I did manage to score myself a leaning position against one of the upholstered rests on the walls.
That train was absolutely crammed. It was a relief when we came to the O2 and enough people got off that we could get some fresh air. And we were eventually disgorged at Stratford - now, I've been here before, and knew to take the exit with the weird, modern sculpture outside. So I made my way through the rugby hoards, and that's where I headed - then across the road and to the left. Before long, you come to the square that houses the Theatre Royal, where I've been before - the Stratford Circus Arts Centre turns out to be just on the other side.
I was starving - no time for dinner - and saw, with interest, that they had a café. Collected my ticket, and made for the counter, where I chose between the chocolatey options, and ordered a (good-value) glass of wine. On the way to the counter, I'd noticed someone I thought I recognised, and sure enough, it was one of the organisers of London European Club. So when I'd completed my transaction, I went and introduced myself, and we sat and chatted until a couple more came, then we all sat and chatted until the house was open.
I say "house". Actually, it was rather confusing - we were directed outside again, round the side of the building and in the back door. The path then led to an artificial "bunker", into which we were directed, to take our (unassigned) seats on rather uncomfortable wooden benches - although they were covered with something. We now found ourselves sitting in a reconstruction of a WWI bunker. To aid with the authenticity, smoke of some kind was regularly puffed through the "bunker", which at times made it hard to see. It stopped in time for the performance, though.
The story concerns the Arthurian legend of Morgana le Fey. We meet three British officers - Arthur, Lance(lot), and Gawain - two of whom are reminiscing over their lost love (who turns out to have been the same for them both) and one of whom has fallen for a mysterious local girl, who may yet prove his downfall.
So, we have the traditional idea of the femme fatale, causing trouble.. jealousy between two, and a fatal deception for the third. It's claustrophobic in the "bunker", and the acting is quite close-up; I got a bit worried during the fight scene, being in the front row. Very well acted though, and a Christmassy feel to it, what with them starting with Christmas carols. And they're all excellent singers, by the way. A very interesting show, it runs until 3rd October - 75 minutes, no interval and no re-admittance.
Afterwards, we headed to the Pizza Express across the way, where we fancied drinks, and were told we'd have to have something to eat with them. No problem, and we all ordered something small, and chatted away convivially for another hour - the performance finishes around 9. I was sorry to miss my walk, but glad to get to know this group better.. especially with much of the talk being about things European. Unfortunately, we left at around the same time as the rugby fans. I turned out to be the only one headed back by Tube, and when I fought my way through, I discovered two trains waiting - one on each platform (this is the terminus). Seeing the crowding on the one that was to depart first, I said I'd go for the other, and continued until I got to a part of the train with seats available. Glad of a seat, when the train filled to bursting. And after all that, we were the first to leave anyway!
Mercifully, the train emptied at Waterloo, just before I had to get off. And the rest of the trip was uneventful - but it's such a long journey, all I had time to do was go to bed.
Today proved a busy one, plenty to do at work.. and in the evening, I took myself off to that long awaited Boat Show (comedy on a boat)! You'll recall that I actually had a ticket for this last month, only to discover, at literally the last minute, that it was cancelled. Well, they promised me a free ticket for whenever I wanted, and I chose tonight - and they promised me a free glass of bubbly for my troubles.
So off I went - Google Maps kindly informed me that the boat - the Tattershall Castle - was permanently moored, just to the right of Embankment Station. Making my way out of there, I soon spotted its distinctive chimney - thanks, Streetview! I didn't really know where I was going, but handily, three ladies entered right in front of me, and I just followed them. Down the steeply sloped gangplank we went, and it transpires that you turn to the right, then downstairs and right again, to where there's a sign about queueing. Yes, they had my name on a list, and I was shown to a seat - seating is allocated. I had one on the end of a row, which gave me a bit more space, and let me put my stuff on a nearby ledge. I was also near one of the two fans they use to stir air around what could get to be a stuffy environment.. that was handy.
First up was Jeff Innocent, whom I'd researched on YouTube. I'd thought I'd like him, and I did - an excellent set, by a 60-odd East London geezer, was followed by the first of two intervals. Now, you'll remember I was promised a glass of bubbly.. I hadn't felt like queueing at the bar, but behold and lo, the hostess came looking for me at the interval, glass of bubbly in hand, and chatted to me a bit. And very much appreciated it was, too!
After the interval, there was a spot for a new performer. She was ok, although her delivery could do with some work. And she was followed by the excellent Nish Kumar, and another interval. Headliner of the night was Andrew Maxwell. Now, I've seen him on telly before, and thought I'd give him a shot - well, he was terrific! I had no idea he was so good at working an audience. A brilliant, natural comedian, he had me in tears.
There was a terrific atmosphere, and although there were a couple of rocky moments (literally!), after some of the freely flowing Prosecco, you wouldn't really care if the boat just drifted off to sea. As I was leaving, I noticed that the steeply sloped gangplank was now level - seems the tide had come in. It's a great entertainment venue, and I heartily recommend it..
I am so glad to be able to have a lie-in in the morning, and a fairly relaxed day for once. Tomorrow evening, a few of us are off to Dara O' Briain, in the Hammersmith Apollo - the plan is to eat in Latymer's first.. it's close, and it's good. And on Sunday - weather permitting - I'm off on another walk.. Transportation in London: Meat, Mortality and Mail. With London's Secrets, Tales and Legends.
What an evening to be headed to Stratford. There was a rugby match in the Olympic Stadium, and something in the O2, which is on the way. So I left straight from the office, to give myself the best chance. The District Line was ok, but the Jubilee Line, which serves both the O2 and Stratford, was jammed, and I couldn't squeeze onto the first train. They're frequent at peak hours though - the next was just a minute behind, and there was relatively no-one on it! until we got on, of course. I was one of the first on, and although there wasn't a hope of getting a seat, I did manage to score myself a leaning position against one of the upholstered rests on the walls.
That train was absolutely crammed. It was a relief when we came to the O2 and enough people got off that we could get some fresh air. And we were eventually disgorged at Stratford - now, I've been here before, and knew to take the exit with the weird, modern sculpture outside. So I made my way through the rugby hoards, and that's where I headed - then across the road and to the left. Before long, you come to the square that houses the Theatre Royal, where I've been before - the Stratford Circus Arts Centre turns out to be just on the other side.
I was starving - no time for dinner - and saw, with interest, that they had a café. Collected my ticket, and made for the counter, where I chose between the chocolatey options, and ordered a (good-value) glass of wine. On the way to the counter, I'd noticed someone I thought I recognised, and sure enough, it was one of the organisers of London European Club. So when I'd completed my transaction, I went and introduced myself, and we sat and chatted until a couple more came, then we all sat and chatted until the house was open.
I say "house". Actually, it was rather confusing - we were directed outside again, round the side of the building and in the back door. The path then led to an artificial "bunker", into which we were directed, to take our (unassigned) seats on rather uncomfortable wooden benches - although they were covered with something. We now found ourselves sitting in a reconstruction of a WWI bunker. To aid with the authenticity, smoke of some kind was regularly puffed through the "bunker", which at times made it hard to see. It stopped in time for the performance, though.
The story concerns the Arthurian legend of Morgana le Fey. We meet three British officers - Arthur, Lance(lot), and Gawain - two of whom are reminiscing over their lost love (who turns out to have been the same for them both) and one of whom has fallen for a mysterious local girl, who may yet prove his downfall.
So, we have the traditional idea of the femme fatale, causing trouble.. jealousy between two, and a fatal deception for the third. It's claustrophobic in the "bunker", and the acting is quite close-up; I got a bit worried during the fight scene, being in the front row. Very well acted though, and a Christmassy feel to it, what with them starting with Christmas carols. And they're all excellent singers, by the way. A very interesting show, it runs until 3rd October - 75 minutes, no interval and no re-admittance.
Afterwards, we headed to the Pizza Express across the way, where we fancied drinks, and were told we'd have to have something to eat with them. No problem, and we all ordered something small, and chatted away convivially for another hour - the performance finishes around 9. I was sorry to miss my walk, but glad to get to know this group better.. especially with much of the talk being about things European. Unfortunately, we left at around the same time as the rugby fans. I turned out to be the only one headed back by Tube, and when I fought my way through, I discovered two trains waiting - one on each platform (this is the terminus). Seeing the crowding on the one that was to depart first, I said I'd go for the other, and continued until I got to a part of the train with seats available. Glad of a seat, when the train filled to bursting. And after all that, we were the first to leave anyway!
Mercifully, the train emptied at Waterloo, just before I had to get off. And the rest of the trip was uneventful - but it's such a long journey, all I had time to do was go to bed.
Today proved a busy one, plenty to do at work.. and in the evening, I took myself off to that long awaited Boat Show (comedy on a boat)! You'll recall that I actually had a ticket for this last month, only to discover, at literally the last minute, that it was cancelled. Well, they promised me a free ticket for whenever I wanted, and I chose tonight - and they promised me a free glass of bubbly for my troubles.
So off I went - Google Maps kindly informed me that the boat - the Tattershall Castle - was permanently moored, just to the right of Embankment Station. Making my way out of there, I soon spotted its distinctive chimney - thanks, Streetview! I didn't really know where I was going, but handily, three ladies entered right in front of me, and I just followed them. Down the steeply sloped gangplank we went, and it transpires that you turn to the right, then downstairs and right again, to where there's a sign about queueing. Yes, they had my name on a list, and I was shown to a seat - seating is allocated. I had one on the end of a row, which gave me a bit more space, and let me put my stuff on a nearby ledge. I was also near one of the two fans they use to stir air around what could get to be a stuffy environment.. that was handy.
First up was Jeff Innocent, whom I'd researched on YouTube. I'd thought I'd like him, and I did - an excellent set, by a 60-odd East London geezer, was followed by the first of two intervals. Now, you'll remember I was promised a glass of bubbly.. I hadn't felt like queueing at the bar, but behold and lo, the hostess came looking for me at the interval, glass of bubbly in hand, and chatted to me a bit. And very much appreciated it was, too!
After the interval, there was a spot for a new performer. She was ok, although her delivery could do with some work. And she was followed by the excellent Nish Kumar, and another interval. Headliner of the night was Andrew Maxwell. Now, I've seen him on telly before, and thought I'd give him a shot - well, he was terrific! I had no idea he was so good at working an audience. A brilliant, natural comedian, he had me in tears.
There was a terrific atmosphere, and although there were a couple of rocky moments (literally!), after some of the freely flowing Prosecco, you wouldn't really care if the boat just drifted off to sea. As I was leaving, I noticed that the steeply sloped gangplank was now level - seems the tide had come in. It's a great entertainment venue, and I heartily recommend it..
I am so glad to be able to have a lie-in in the morning, and a fairly relaxed day for once. Tomorrow evening, a few of us are off to Dara O' Briain, in the Hammersmith Apollo - the plan is to eat in Latymer's first.. it's close, and it's good. And on Sunday - weather permitting - I'm off on another walk.. Transportation in London: Meat, Mortality and Mail. With London's Secrets, Tales and Legends.
Thursday 24 September 2015
Play: Simpatico
Yesterday was a day full of Meetup comedy, but none of it appealed. So instead, I got myself a cheap ticket to a nice, close venue - the Tabard - to see a play called Simpatico (gee, I can remember the name now, finally, without looking it up!).
Google Maps said it'd take me half an hour, but in the end it was just 20 minutes by Tube. And oh, the nostalgia.. when I first moved to London, I lived down that way. Indeed, my room overlooked the tracks.. way too expensive for that, and a small room too - but you learn. And I duly disembarked at Turnham Green. Lovely area - I'd forgotten. I've been to this theatre before - once - but had to look it up: but it's easy, just turn right upon exiting the station, head around the corner, and you soon come upon the beer garden of the pub on your right.
The theatre itself - a small room above the pub - is accessed via a covered, carpeted, wooden staircase, with the box office on top. The house was open, and I went straight in. They have decently comfortable, theatre-style, upholstered seats that tip.. seating was unassigned, I was quite early, and I chose a seat not too near, not too far. Mind you, someone behind me - when the place started to fill up - did remark to his companions that the legroom was too short.. (I'm 5'6'' and it wasn't a problem for me).. for this nearly three-hour long performance.
Yes, three hours (including a 15-minute interval). So much for going to something close and getting home early. And honestly, with all the running around I've been doing, I was tired and nearly dropped off during the opening scene - despite the natural comic skills of the actor that played Vinnie.
That was the last time though, and I was gripped for the rest of it. It's really, stunningly good. The writing is snappy, the characters beautifully drawn and skilfully played. I've already mentioned Vinnie's comic skills. Even the guy behind me, squashed into a too-short seat, forgot his complaints to murmur about how good Rosie was. And Cecilia got her own special standing ovation from some folks in the audience - friends of hers, I daresay.
It's a comic tale of a couple of chancers in the horseracing world. Plenty of twists, but the main attraction is the gorgeous script and the way it's played. This run ends on Saturday - go see it if you can.. I was massively impressed, and reminded how often you find fantastic shows, fantastic performers, in out-of-the-way venues like this.
Too late to blog again, last night. Today, I was scheduled on a tour of London's Ghostly Haunts, with Free London Events and Talks again. I'm a sucker for ghosties as much as for royalty. But it was raining this morning, there's an ominous cloud overhead again.. Nuts, but I daren't risk it. Instead, I'm dragging myself all the way out to Stratford (throws eyes to heaven) to see Morgana, in the Bunker Trilogy. As advertised by the London European Club. And doubtless running into the rugby crowd.. there's a match there tonight. Tomorrow, I'm off to the Boat Show at last. Hopefully! I finally found a comedy line-up that appealed - last month - and booked, only to discover, quite by accident, by clicking on the website the night before, that the show was cancelled! I complained, and secured myself a free ticket to tomorrow's performance (the next night that a line-up appealed). And a free glass of bubbly. Mind you, the organisation seems so ditzy that I'll consider myself lucky to see anything..
On Saturday, Helen and I are headed - finally - to a show booked long ago. We're off to see Dara O' Briain in the Hammersmith Apollo. On Sunday, I'm off on another walk - Transportation in London: Meat, Mortality and Mail, courtesy of London's Secrets, Tales and Legends. I was booked on the morning walk, but when they - conveniently - scheduled another in the afternoon, I changed to that. :-) Well, we'll see what the weather does..
Google Maps said it'd take me half an hour, but in the end it was just 20 minutes by Tube. And oh, the nostalgia.. when I first moved to London, I lived down that way. Indeed, my room overlooked the tracks.. way too expensive for that, and a small room too - but you learn. And I duly disembarked at Turnham Green. Lovely area - I'd forgotten. I've been to this theatre before - once - but had to look it up: but it's easy, just turn right upon exiting the station, head around the corner, and you soon come upon the beer garden of the pub on your right.
The theatre itself - a small room above the pub - is accessed via a covered, carpeted, wooden staircase, with the box office on top. The house was open, and I went straight in. They have decently comfortable, theatre-style, upholstered seats that tip.. seating was unassigned, I was quite early, and I chose a seat not too near, not too far. Mind you, someone behind me - when the place started to fill up - did remark to his companions that the legroom was too short.. (I'm 5'6'' and it wasn't a problem for me).. for this nearly three-hour long performance.
Yes, three hours (including a 15-minute interval). So much for going to something close and getting home early. And honestly, with all the running around I've been doing, I was tired and nearly dropped off during the opening scene - despite the natural comic skills of the actor that played Vinnie.
That was the last time though, and I was gripped for the rest of it. It's really, stunningly good. The writing is snappy, the characters beautifully drawn and skilfully played. I've already mentioned Vinnie's comic skills. Even the guy behind me, squashed into a too-short seat, forgot his complaints to murmur about how good Rosie was. And Cecilia got her own special standing ovation from some folks in the audience - friends of hers, I daresay.
It's a comic tale of a couple of chancers in the horseracing world. Plenty of twists, but the main attraction is the gorgeous script and the way it's played. This run ends on Saturday - go see it if you can.. I was massively impressed, and reminded how often you find fantastic shows, fantastic performers, in out-of-the-way venues like this.
Too late to blog again, last night. Today, I was scheduled on a tour of London's Ghostly Haunts, with Free London Events and Talks again. I'm a sucker for ghosties as much as for royalty. But it was raining this morning, there's an ominous cloud overhead again.. Nuts, but I daren't risk it. Instead, I'm dragging myself all the way out to Stratford (throws eyes to heaven) to see Morgana, in the Bunker Trilogy. As advertised by the London European Club. And doubtless running into the rugby crowd.. there's a match there tonight. Tomorrow, I'm off to the Boat Show at last. Hopefully! I finally found a comedy line-up that appealed - last month - and booked, only to discover, quite by accident, by clicking on the website the night before, that the show was cancelled! I complained, and secured myself a free ticket to tomorrow's performance (the next night that a line-up appealed). And a free glass of bubbly. Mind you, the organisation seems so ditzy that I'll consider myself lucky to see anything..
On Saturday, Helen and I are headed - finally - to a show booked long ago. We're off to see Dara O' Briain in the Hammersmith Apollo. On Sunday, I'm off on another walk - Transportation in London: Meat, Mortality and Mail, courtesy of London's Secrets, Tales and Legends. I was booked on the morning walk, but when they - conveniently - scheduled another in the afternoon, I changed to that. :-) Well, we'll see what the weather does..
Wednesday 23 September 2015
Play: Edward IV
Well, yesterday was supposed to be an evening at the Scoop.. but this time, the weather didn't oblige. A terrible morning, with dark grey skies and lashing rain, brightened briefly in the afternoon, before descending into gloom again. So I was glad I'd researched an alternative, and off I went to Edward IV, at the Rose Theatre, Kingston. Well, I got a cheap ticket, and royal stuff is irresistible to me..
I was there once before - a long time ago, and had to research it again. It was always going to be a two-part journey - Tube, and either bus or train. With the look of the sky, I decided to minimise walking, so that meant the Tube to Putney Bridge, then a bus. The 85 runs from right outside the station to just down the road from the theatre - its entire route.
The first Tube was too crowded to cram onto, but I squeezed onto the second, a minute later. It had emptied out a good bit by the time we came to Putney Bridge. Outside, the bus stop was just to the left, and a bus came along within five minutes - lovely! I took a seat within sight of the information board, just in case. And we were off.
It was pretty crowded in Putney, but I was optimistic - I've seen worse. And in a while, we were making good progress. And it's a lovely trip - the air coming through the open window near me was the freshest I've breathed in a while. It was like a daytrip! As we neared Kingston, we passed some really expensive-looking houses. The traffic started to condense again - we spent one long stretch stopped at roadworks - but I wasn't worried, as I'd left in good time.
..And then the damn bus terminated!! And we weren't in Kingston proper yet - indeed, I hadn't much idea where we were! I didn't consider waiting for another bus - I figured I didn't really have time, and if I struck off I should make it. So off I trotted, in the same direction the bus had been headed. My phone battery was low, but it obliged in showing me a map of where I was, and where the theatre was. So I sped along, and when I came to a junction, there was a helpful sign for the theatre - Kingston is something of a maze. And off I panted, in that direction - and, amazingly, I got there by following my nose. And gasped out my name at the box office just as the bell rang for people to take their seats!
Seating is on those annoying double benches - so they tip, but they're double seats, so you have to coordinate with your seat-mate. But hey, my seat was fourth row from the front of the stalls - I wasn't complaining. They're doing a "Wars of the Roses" trilogy - Henry VI, Edward IV, Richard III. The play I was there to see - Edward IV - is patched together from segments of Shakespeare's Henry VI Parts I, II, & III. They were contemporaries, and their stories are interwoven of course, so it's all perfectly doable. And just the kind of thing that fascinates me! Turns out there are some famous people in it too - at least I recognised two: Joely Richardson as Queen Margaret and the Irish actor, Robert Sheehan, brilliantly cast as Richard of York.
Even those of us who are not fans of Game of Thrones, but rather of what inspired it, owe the tv series a debt of gratitude. Its popularity has led to a surge in things about the Wars of the Roses, which give it its inspiration. And the evidence is unmissable here, with even the iron throne from the series evoked in the English throne in this production, which has weapons stuck in the back. The battle scenes - of which there are a few - are enacted with strobe lighting to suggest movement, while the actors just stand still, in warlike poses. Very cinematic. And I imagine some of the posturing is inspired by the tv series, too.
Something else of interest that I noted.. I'm a big fan of the Globe, and their way of doing things - actors coming onstage through the crowd, who are clustered around the stage. Well gee, I suspect the director of this production feels much the same - when an army was required to rush onstage, they came down the aisles, and cheap seats were to be had (I discovered) on cushions in the "pit", i.e. sitting on the floor in front of the stage. Can't fault them - it works splendidly for this kind of thing, methinks.
I found it fascinating, of course. I would. I knew the story, and it was terrific to see it brought to life. Some of it was familiar - I went to a production of Henry VI in, I think, the Menier Chocolate Factory some time ago. It's beautifully done, although I found Joely Richardson's performance at the beginning a bit overwrought - I guess it's hard to come straight in as an irate harridan, particularly affecting a French accent. Gets better later on. In fact, if anything, I found the acting in general a bit exaggerated - more GoT influence, I suppose. It didn't detract too much, and I do recommend these shows to anyone with an interest. They run until the end of next month, and on certain days you can see the whole trilogy. Buy tickets for two, get the third free (unless you have a ticket for the pit). See the website for more details.
Poor me, I had no time for dinner. At the interval, I saw they had cake at the bar - and an enormous queue. Instead, I bought an ice cream from the stall. And that had to do me for the whole three-hour production. To top it all, the bus stop I should have taken the bus from was closed because of nearby construction work - continuing along the road, I found another, and the bus wasn't far behind. I wasn't the only one who'd travelled for the show - there was a chap on the bus the whole way back to Putney Bridge, and another lady who wanted the bus to Richmond. And my journey back was oh, so much shorter than the outbound! But I was still back too late to blog.
Well, tonight I'm off to a show whose name I have to look up every single time - for some reason, it won't stick. It's called Simpatico, it's some kind of crime caper, and it's on in the Tabard, and chosen because it was the nearest to me, of those on the list. Well, Meetup was advertising so many comedy gigs, but the line-ups didn't appeal - I'm picky about my comedy
Tomorrow, I was scheduled on a tour of London's Ghostly Haunts, with Free London Events and Talks again. I'm a sucker for ghosties as much as for royalty. But guess what? It's promised to rain again - although it's beautiful today. Nuts, but I daren't risk it. Instead, I'm dragging myself all the way out to Stratford (throws eyes to heaven) to see Morgana, in the Bunker Trilogy. As advertised by the London European Club. On Friday, I'm off to the Boat Show at last. Hopefully! I finally found a comedy line-up that appealed - last month - and booked, only to discover, quite by accident, by clicking on the website the night before, that the show was cancelled! I complained, and secured myself a free ticket to this Friday's performance (the next night that a line-up appealed). And a free glass of bubbly. Mind you, the organisation seems so ditzy that I'll consider myself lucky to see anything..
On Saturday, Helen and I are headed - finally - to a show booked long ago. We're off to see Dara O' Briain in the Hammersmith Apollo. On Sunday, I'm off on another walk - Transportation in London: Meat, Mortality and Mail, courtesy of London's Secrets, Tales and Legends. I was booked on the morning walk, but when they - conveniently - scheduled another in the afternoon, I changed to that. :-) Well, we'll see what the weather does..
I was there once before - a long time ago, and had to research it again. It was always going to be a two-part journey - Tube, and either bus or train. With the look of the sky, I decided to minimise walking, so that meant the Tube to Putney Bridge, then a bus. The 85 runs from right outside the station to just down the road from the theatre - its entire route.
The first Tube was too crowded to cram onto, but I squeezed onto the second, a minute later. It had emptied out a good bit by the time we came to Putney Bridge. Outside, the bus stop was just to the left, and a bus came along within five minutes - lovely! I took a seat within sight of the information board, just in case. And we were off.
It was pretty crowded in Putney, but I was optimistic - I've seen worse. And in a while, we were making good progress. And it's a lovely trip - the air coming through the open window near me was the freshest I've breathed in a while. It was like a daytrip! As we neared Kingston, we passed some really expensive-looking houses. The traffic started to condense again - we spent one long stretch stopped at roadworks - but I wasn't worried, as I'd left in good time.
..And then the damn bus terminated!! And we weren't in Kingston proper yet - indeed, I hadn't much idea where we were! I didn't consider waiting for another bus - I figured I didn't really have time, and if I struck off I should make it. So off I trotted, in the same direction the bus had been headed. My phone battery was low, but it obliged in showing me a map of where I was, and where the theatre was. So I sped along, and when I came to a junction, there was a helpful sign for the theatre - Kingston is something of a maze. And off I panted, in that direction - and, amazingly, I got there by following my nose. And gasped out my name at the box office just as the bell rang for people to take their seats!
Seating is on those annoying double benches - so they tip, but they're double seats, so you have to coordinate with your seat-mate. But hey, my seat was fourth row from the front of the stalls - I wasn't complaining. They're doing a "Wars of the Roses" trilogy - Henry VI, Edward IV, Richard III. The play I was there to see - Edward IV - is patched together from segments of Shakespeare's Henry VI Parts I, II, & III. They were contemporaries, and their stories are interwoven of course, so it's all perfectly doable. And just the kind of thing that fascinates me! Turns out there are some famous people in it too - at least I recognised two: Joely Richardson as Queen Margaret and the Irish actor, Robert Sheehan, brilliantly cast as Richard of York.
Even those of us who are not fans of Game of Thrones, but rather of what inspired it, owe the tv series a debt of gratitude. Its popularity has led to a surge in things about the Wars of the Roses, which give it its inspiration. And the evidence is unmissable here, with even the iron throne from the series evoked in the English throne in this production, which has weapons stuck in the back. The battle scenes - of which there are a few - are enacted with strobe lighting to suggest movement, while the actors just stand still, in warlike poses. Very cinematic. And I imagine some of the posturing is inspired by the tv series, too.
Something else of interest that I noted.. I'm a big fan of the Globe, and their way of doing things - actors coming onstage through the crowd, who are clustered around the stage. Well gee, I suspect the director of this production feels much the same - when an army was required to rush onstage, they came down the aisles, and cheap seats were to be had (I discovered) on cushions in the "pit", i.e. sitting on the floor in front of the stage. Can't fault them - it works splendidly for this kind of thing, methinks.
I found it fascinating, of course. I would. I knew the story, and it was terrific to see it brought to life. Some of it was familiar - I went to a production of Henry VI in, I think, the Menier Chocolate Factory some time ago. It's beautifully done, although I found Joely Richardson's performance at the beginning a bit overwrought - I guess it's hard to come straight in as an irate harridan, particularly affecting a French accent. Gets better later on. In fact, if anything, I found the acting in general a bit exaggerated - more GoT influence, I suppose. It didn't detract too much, and I do recommend these shows to anyone with an interest. They run until the end of next month, and on certain days you can see the whole trilogy. Buy tickets for two, get the third free (unless you have a ticket for the pit). See the website for more details.
Poor me, I had no time for dinner. At the interval, I saw they had cake at the bar - and an enormous queue. Instead, I bought an ice cream from the stall. And that had to do me for the whole three-hour production. To top it all, the bus stop I should have taken the bus from was closed because of nearby construction work - continuing along the road, I found another, and the bus wasn't far behind. I wasn't the only one who'd travelled for the show - there was a chap on the bus the whole way back to Putney Bridge, and another lady who wanted the bus to Richmond. And my journey back was oh, so much shorter than the outbound! But I was still back too late to blog.
Well, tonight I'm off to a show whose name I have to look up every single time - for some reason, it won't stick. It's called Simpatico, it's some kind of crime caper, and it's on in the Tabard, and chosen because it was the nearest to me, of those on the list. Well, Meetup was advertising so many comedy gigs, but the line-ups didn't appeal - I'm picky about my comedy
Tomorrow, I was scheduled on a tour of London's Ghostly Haunts, with Free London Events and Talks again. I'm a sucker for ghosties as much as for royalty. But guess what? It's promised to rain again - although it's beautiful today. Nuts, but I daren't risk it. Instead, I'm dragging myself all the way out to Stratford (throws eyes to heaven) to see Morgana, in the Bunker Trilogy. As advertised by the London European Club. On Friday, I'm off to the Boat Show at last. Hopefully! I finally found a comedy line-up that appealed - last month - and booked, only to discover, quite by accident, by clicking on the website the night before, that the show was cancelled! I complained, and secured myself a free ticket to this Friday's performance (the next night that a line-up appealed). And a free glass of bubbly. Mind you, the organisation seems so ditzy that I'll consider myself lucky to see anything..
On Saturday, Helen and I are headed - finally - to a show booked long ago. We're off to see Dara O' Briain in the Hammersmith Apollo. On Sunday, I'm off on another walk - Transportation in London: Meat, Mortality and Mail, courtesy of London's Secrets, Tales and Legends. I was booked on the morning walk, but when they - conveniently - scheduled another in the afternoon, I changed to that. :-) Well, we'll see what the weather does..
Monday 21 September 2015
Storytelling: The Fate We Bring Ourselves
Ah, back with that unique Meetup group, the Crick Crack Storytelling Club! Tonight was a talk entitled The Fate We Bring Ourselves, a retelling of Greek legends, staged in the Soho Theatre. And I was delighted to book - I absolutely love a good story, well told.
So off I went tonight, in good time - it takes me about 45 minutes to get there from home. I missed the rain we'd had all day, although I did get dripped on a bit from awnings I passed under. Made the theatre with five minutes to spare - not enough time to meet my fellow club members, a couple of whom made sociable conversation on the event page, but enough time that I didn't have to give myself a coronary climbing all those stairs. There is a lift, which some used, but well.. every now and then I do like to take the healthy option. An usher, seeing me on my own, directed me to a lone seat at the end of a row - rather unnecessarily, as there were several empty seats.
Just before the start, a woman to the side sneezed in quite the most melodramatic fashion I think I've ever heard. We applauded. And in short order, our storyteller, Ben Haggarty, arrived. He turned out to be the guy that I think is in charge of the club - minus his black hat tonight. And, for once, he explained the club chant to us. Well, kind of. He says "crick", we say "crack". He says "honour", we say "respect". 'Tis more explanation than I got on my first attendance!
And we were off. Good storytelling is a gift, and we spent the next 75 minutes or so enraptured in the spell that he wove with his stories, and the way he had of telling them. I couldn't keep the smile off my face, his words were so delightful. He could have been reading the phone book, such was his talent. Instead, he treated us to three tales I hadn't heard before, and one I had - the birth of Dionysus. Really, these meetings are special.. flock to them if you get the chance!
For tomorrow, I'm pessimistic about the weather - so much for my plans to go to the Scoop again. Instead, I managed to source a cheap ticket to Edward IV, an amalgamation of the various instalments of Shakespeare's story of Henry VI, at the Rose Theatre in Kingston. Bit far out, but royalty always attracts me.. On Wednesday, there's a profusion of comedy! but honestly, not one of the line-ups appealed. I'm picky about my comedy. Instead, perusing the list of events and unable to decide, I simply decided on the closest, and am headed (on another cheap ticket) to Simpatico, at the Tabard. Gosh, haven't been there since I lived within walking distance! (I moved because of the mice.)
On Thursday, I'm on a tour of London's Ghostly Haunts, with Free London Events and Talks again. I'm a sucker for ghosties as much as for royalty. And the weather's supposed to improve. On Friday, I'm off to the Boat Show at last. Hopefully! I finally found a comedy line-up that appealed - last month - and booked, only to discover, quite by accident, by clicking on the website the night before, that the show was cancelled! I complained, and secured myself a free ticket to this Friday's performance (the next night that a line-up appealed). And a free glass of bubbly. Mind you, the organisation seems so ditzy that I'll consider myself lucky to see anything..
On Saturday, Helen and I are headed - finally - to a show booked long ago. We're off to see Dara O' Briain in the Hammersmith Apollo. On Sunday, I'm off on another walk - Transportation in London: Meat, Mortality and Mail, courtesy of London's Secrets, Tales and Legends. I was booked on the morning walk, but when they - conveniently - scheduled another in the afternoon, I changed to that. :-)
So off I went tonight, in good time - it takes me about 45 minutes to get there from home. I missed the rain we'd had all day, although I did get dripped on a bit from awnings I passed under. Made the theatre with five minutes to spare - not enough time to meet my fellow club members, a couple of whom made sociable conversation on the event page, but enough time that I didn't have to give myself a coronary climbing all those stairs. There is a lift, which some used, but well.. every now and then I do like to take the healthy option. An usher, seeing me on my own, directed me to a lone seat at the end of a row - rather unnecessarily, as there were several empty seats.
Just before the start, a woman to the side sneezed in quite the most melodramatic fashion I think I've ever heard. We applauded. And in short order, our storyteller, Ben Haggarty, arrived. He turned out to be the guy that I think is in charge of the club - minus his black hat tonight. And, for once, he explained the club chant to us. Well, kind of. He says "crick", we say "crack". He says "honour", we say "respect". 'Tis more explanation than I got on my first attendance!
And we were off. Good storytelling is a gift, and we spent the next 75 minutes or so enraptured in the spell that he wove with his stories, and the way he had of telling them. I couldn't keep the smile off my face, his words were so delightful. He could have been reading the phone book, such was his talent. Instead, he treated us to three tales I hadn't heard before, and one I had - the birth of Dionysus. Really, these meetings are special.. flock to them if you get the chance!
For tomorrow, I'm pessimistic about the weather - so much for my plans to go to the Scoop again. Instead, I managed to source a cheap ticket to Edward IV, an amalgamation of the various instalments of Shakespeare's story of Henry VI, at the Rose Theatre in Kingston. Bit far out, but royalty always attracts me.. On Wednesday, there's a profusion of comedy! but honestly, not one of the line-ups appealed. I'm picky about my comedy. Instead, perusing the list of events and unable to decide, I simply decided on the closest, and am headed (on another cheap ticket) to Simpatico, at the Tabard. Gosh, haven't been there since I lived within walking distance! (I moved because of the mice.)
On Thursday, I'm on a tour of London's Ghostly Haunts, with Free London Events and Talks again. I'm a sucker for ghosties as much as for royalty. And the weather's supposed to improve. On Friday, I'm off to the Boat Show at last. Hopefully! I finally found a comedy line-up that appealed - last month - and booked, only to discover, quite by accident, by clicking on the website the night before, that the show was cancelled! I complained, and secured myself a free ticket to this Friday's performance (the next night that a line-up appealed). And a free glass of bubbly. Mind you, the organisation seems so ditzy that I'll consider myself lucky to see anything..
On Saturday, Helen and I are headed - finally - to a show booked long ago. We're off to see Dara O' Briain in the Hammersmith Apollo. On Sunday, I'm off on another walk - Transportation in London: Meat, Mortality and Mail, courtesy of London's Secrets, Tales and Legends. I was booked on the morning walk, but when they - conveniently - scheduled another in the afternoon, I changed to that. :-)
Sunday 20 September 2015
Restaurant: Nuala's
To Nuala's again today, as has become usual for us, before I fly back to London. Not for much longer though - once Aer Lingus switches to its winter schedule, I won't have time, what with the earlier flights.
This is just a quick note to extol the virtue of a particular dish. I know not to get the pan-fried chicken, which is dry - but they did have a chicken pasta dish, which sounded good. Unfortunately, I mustn't have been the only one to think so, because it was sold out. So I took the plunge, and ordered the "cornflake encrusted" chicken, which came with a choice of pepper sauce or "Café de Paris" butter. Feeling adventurous, I went for the butter.
Well, I have never had such tender chicken there. The "cornflake" crust was softer than many a breadcrumb crust I've had, and the butter had a most curious taste - some blend of spices, but I couldn't determine what. Delish! Quite made up for the chips, which were underwhelming, and which I ate half of, and passed the rest on to the family at the next table, who looked hungry - it was a busy evening at Nuala's, and we'd had to wait some time for our food. But we were warned about that.
Sadly, what with the wait for the main course, we didn't have time for dessert. But we will be back..
Tomorrow, I'm, delighted to be going to The Fate We Bring Ourselves, a retelling of Greek legends, by the Crick Crack Storytelling Club Meetup group, in Soho Theatre. It's ages since I've been with them, and they're always good! And on Tuesday, I'm supposed to be (nominally) with Free London Events and Talks at the Scoop again. This time, it's Still Alice.. but I dunno, the weather forecast doesn't look good. Watch this space.
This is just a quick note to extol the virtue of a particular dish. I know not to get the pan-fried chicken, which is dry - but they did have a chicken pasta dish, which sounded good. Unfortunately, I mustn't have been the only one to think so, because it was sold out. So I took the plunge, and ordered the "cornflake encrusted" chicken, which came with a choice of pepper sauce or "Café de Paris" butter. Feeling adventurous, I went for the butter.
Well, I have never had such tender chicken there. The "cornflake" crust was softer than many a breadcrumb crust I've had, and the butter had a most curious taste - some blend of spices, but I couldn't determine what. Delish! Quite made up for the chips, which were underwhelming, and which I ate half of, and passed the rest on to the family at the next table, who looked hungry - it was a busy evening at Nuala's, and we'd had to wait some time for our food. But we were warned about that.
Sadly, what with the wait for the main course, we didn't have time for dessert. But we will be back..
Tomorrow, I'm, delighted to be going to The Fate We Bring Ourselves, a retelling of Greek legends, by the Crick Crack Storytelling Club Meetup group, in Soho Theatre. It's ages since I've been with them, and they're always good! And on Tuesday, I'm supposed to be (nominally) with Free London Events and Talks at the Scoop again. This time, it's Still Alice.. but I dunno, the weather forecast doesn't look good. Watch this space.
Saturday 19 September 2015
Film: Selma
Finally, Thursday was a day without drama at work, and stayed fine as well - the one day in the week that did! So I headed off to the Scoop, going straight from the office because it's all the way over the other side of town, and the Meetup group, Free London Events and Talks, who advertised it said it was advisable to get there early for a good seat.
Good job I was early - the District Line was dawdling as much as ever. And the Jubilee Line, when I changed to it, was boiling! I was glad it was only three stops. Made my way to the Scoop, stopping en-route at M&S, where I picked up a sandwich, and one of those individual servings of wine, in a plastic container. (You're not supposed to take glass to events in the Scoop.) And while queueing for the till, I saw a box with two chocolate eclairs in it. So those came too!
It's ages since I've been - and never to a film - and I got a bit confused at the entrance - it transpired that you have to enter via a crash barrier, where they stamp your wrist, in case you want to leave and come back. I rented a cushion - you could also rent blankets, and he mistakenly charged me £3 (blanket price) instead of £2 for a cushion. What the hey, half goes to charity and it wasn't a big deal. There's also a £5 deposit, returned when you bring back what you've hired.
They weren't joking about the crowd - I arrived just after 7, for a 7.30 start, and it was packed! I managed to get a spot on the far side - an oblique view, but fine. A fellow behind me remarked to some people beside him that it had started to fill up around 6.. and as I enjoyed my picnic (the sandwich and wine were so-so, but the wine was pleasantly warming, and the eclairs were superb), I noticed that they'd set up some kind of food stall at the Scoop as well. But from what I gathered, the only food there was popcorn anyway. As for the group, well, no-one expected to meet anyone there - with over 100 people attending from that group alone, the guy who posted the Meetup informed us there'd be no organiser, and we should just go with our friends. So in effect, not a Meetup really - but it's good that they advertise events like this to people.
They showed a short film beforehand - something about people that work on the river, and this one was about a chap that manages Tower Bridge, and the raising and lowering of it. The sound quality was pretty terrible, mind - not to mention the helicopters flying overhead, drowning everything out! But it did improve for the main feature, and the helicopters became less frequent - despite one helicopter that hovered overhead for a minute or so.. wonder whether they were watching the film.
Selma deals with the march from Selma to Montgomery, capital of Alabama, that was led by Dr. Martin Luther King in 1965, to protest against the local black population being denied the vote. David Oyelowo plays the man himself - nominated for several awards for his performance, he won some of them, and indeed it's a magnificent portrayal. Tim Roth plays the slimy Governor of Alabama, Tom Wilkinson an only slightly less slippery LBJ. Oprah Winfrey pops up as a civil rights marcher. And despite reviews I read that said that Oyelowo's performance was the only good thing about it, I found it stirring stuff. Earned a round of applause from the audience on Thursday. Widely available online and on dvd, if you're interested.
Well, what with it being so far away, I got home too late to blog. And yesterday was a hectic day at work.. I fell asleep over the computer last night, and have got distracted so much today.. but better late than never with the blog, eh?!
I'm back in Ireland for the weekend. On Monday, I'm, delighted to be going to The Fate We Bring Ourselves, a retelling of Greek legends, by the Crick Crack Storytelling Club, in Soho Theatre. It's ages since I've been with them, and they're always good! And on Tuesday, I'm supposed to be (nominally) with Free London Events and Talks at the Scoop again. This time, it's Still Alice.. but I dunno, the weather forecast doesn't look good. Watch this space.
Good job I was early - the District Line was dawdling as much as ever. And the Jubilee Line, when I changed to it, was boiling! I was glad it was only three stops. Made my way to the Scoop, stopping en-route at M&S, where I picked up a sandwich, and one of those individual servings of wine, in a plastic container. (You're not supposed to take glass to events in the Scoop.) And while queueing for the till, I saw a box with two chocolate eclairs in it. So those came too!
It's ages since I've been - and never to a film - and I got a bit confused at the entrance - it transpired that you have to enter via a crash barrier, where they stamp your wrist, in case you want to leave and come back. I rented a cushion - you could also rent blankets, and he mistakenly charged me £3 (blanket price) instead of £2 for a cushion. What the hey, half goes to charity and it wasn't a big deal. There's also a £5 deposit, returned when you bring back what you've hired.
They weren't joking about the crowd - I arrived just after 7, for a 7.30 start, and it was packed! I managed to get a spot on the far side - an oblique view, but fine. A fellow behind me remarked to some people beside him that it had started to fill up around 6.. and as I enjoyed my picnic (the sandwich and wine were so-so, but the wine was pleasantly warming, and the eclairs were superb), I noticed that they'd set up some kind of food stall at the Scoop as well. But from what I gathered, the only food there was popcorn anyway. As for the group, well, no-one expected to meet anyone there - with over 100 people attending from that group alone, the guy who posted the Meetup informed us there'd be no organiser, and we should just go with our friends. So in effect, not a Meetup really - but it's good that they advertise events like this to people.
They showed a short film beforehand - something about people that work on the river, and this one was about a chap that manages Tower Bridge, and the raising and lowering of it. The sound quality was pretty terrible, mind - not to mention the helicopters flying overhead, drowning everything out! But it did improve for the main feature, and the helicopters became less frequent - despite one helicopter that hovered overhead for a minute or so.. wonder whether they were watching the film.
Selma deals with the march from Selma to Montgomery, capital of Alabama, that was led by Dr. Martin Luther King in 1965, to protest against the local black population being denied the vote. David Oyelowo plays the man himself - nominated for several awards for his performance, he won some of them, and indeed it's a magnificent portrayal. Tim Roth plays the slimy Governor of Alabama, Tom Wilkinson an only slightly less slippery LBJ. Oprah Winfrey pops up as a civil rights marcher. And despite reviews I read that said that Oyelowo's performance was the only good thing about it, I found it stirring stuff. Earned a round of applause from the audience on Thursday. Widely available online and on dvd, if you're interested.
Well, what with it being so far away, I got home too late to blog. And yesterday was a hectic day at work.. I fell asleep over the computer last night, and have got distracted so much today.. but better late than never with the blog, eh?!
I'm back in Ireland for the weekend. On Monday, I'm, delighted to be going to The Fate We Bring Ourselves, a retelling of Greek legends, by the Crick Crack Storytelling Club, in Soho Theatre. It's ages since I've been with them, and they're always good! And on Tuesday, I'm supposed to be (nominally) with Free London Events and Talks at the Scoop again. This time, it's Still Alice.. but I dunno, the weather forecast doesn't look good. Watch this space.
Wednesday 16 September 2015
Concert: John Doyle
Well, it was touch and go, but there are so many reasons for me not to go tonight that I won't: the awful weather and another uncertain day at work may be blamed.
Tomorrow, I'm (nominally) back with the Free London Events and Talks group, who are off to the Scoop, where they show free films outdoors in September. Mind you, if the weather's like today, that's out of the question! It's Selma, which I haven't seen. And on Friday it's back to Ireland yet again - I go every two weeks.. on Monday, I'm finally back with the Crick Crack Club, in the Soho Theatre, for The Fate We Bring Ourselves - a retelling of Greek legends. Next Tuesday, I'm - again (nominally) - with Free London Events and Talks, for another free film at the Scoop - this time, it's Still Alice.
Tomorrow, I'm (nominally) back with the Free London Events and Talks group, who are off to the Scoop, where they show free films outdoors in September. Mind you, if the weather's like today, that's out of the question! It's Selma, which I haven't seen. And on Friday it's back to Ireland yet again - I go every two weeks.. on Monday, I'm finally back with the Crick Crack Club, in the Soho Theatre, for The Fate We Bring Ourselves - a retelling of Greek legends. Next Tuesday, I'm - again (nominally) - with Free London Events and Talks, for another free film at the Scoop - this time, it's Still Alice.
Tuesday 15 September 2015
Undercover - the True Story of Britain's Secret Police
So, tonight I was to go this Amnesty talk about Britain's secret police. However, as it happens, I had some pretty earth-shattering news at work today, and if anything, I want some escapism tonight.
Tomorrow, I'm (nominally) joining the London European Club, who are off to see John Doyle, at the Irish Centre. Assuming I get no more shocks. And on Thursday, I'm (nominally) back with the Free London Events and Talks group, who are off to the Scoop, where they show free films in September. Weather-dependant. That day, it's Selma, which I haven't seen. And then it's back to Ireland yet again - I go every two weeks.. on Monday, I'm finally back with the Crick Crack Club, in the Soho Theatre, for The Fate We Bring Ourselves - a retelling of Greek legends. Next Tuesday, I'm - again (nominally) - with Free London Events and Talks, for another free film at the Scoop - this time, it's Still Alice.
Tomorrow, I'm (nominally) joining the London European Club, who are off to see John Doyle, at the Irish Centre. Assuming I get no more shocks. And on Thursday, I'm (nominally) back with the Free London Events and Talks group, who are off to the Scoop, where they show free films in September. Weather-dependant. That day, it's Selma, which I haven't seen. And then it's back to Ireland yet again - I go every two weeks.. on Monday, I'm finally back with the Crick Crack Club, in the Soho Theatre, for The Fate We Bring Ourselves - a retelling of Greek legends. Next Tuesday, I'm - again (nominally) - with Free London Events and Talks, for another free film at the Scoop - this time, it's Still Alice.
Monday 14 September 2015
Concert: U2, Ziggo Dome (#4)
Wow. The last U2 concert in Amsterdam this year. After a terrific, deep sleep - on the softest bed I've had in years - I started off yesterday at the Fine Seasons with an ok breakfast: not the variety of the Holiday Inn Sloterdijk, but ok. Curious thing - I had a banana that tasted of.. a banana! I recognised the flavour from banana-flavoured ice cream. Not what I'd expect from, say, Tesco.. I've never before had a banana that actually tasted of anything. I saw bread, but didn't think there was a toaster until I spied one behind the door - the butter was insipid though.
My plan for the day was simple: walk somewhere, explore, have a big lunch, head to the concert in time to hit the merchandising stall. So, the guidebook said the 9 Canals district was nice, and I set off in a meandering trail across the city centre to make my way there. Indeed, I meandered through some lovely districts.. photos here. Around the Oude Kerk (old church), the sex workers were plying their trade, complete with pimps - as the guidebook says, it's actually more intimidating during daylight hours. On no account take photos of either. However, it was interesting to pass all the dungeon-like coffeshops, dark inside, even on a Sunday afternoon. Nice to see that Amsterdam's debauchery takes place 24-7!
Near Dam Square, I passed a good-value chocolate shop, and a tourist office offering €11 tickets for that 1-hour cruise I took on Wednesday. By the time I'd got to the 9 Canals district, I'd had enough, and retraced my steps, looking for a steakhouse - I'd passed several, and after the last few days I was starving. Back near Dam Square, I settled on La Pampa, an Argentinian steakhouse.
I was starving. So I ordered garlic mushrooms to start - not a huge steak, I know I can never finish them, but a small one (200g) with a side of onion rings - and a dessert of profiteroles.
Decent wine, available in a carafe (0.5l).. when the garlic mushrooms came, I was dubious; the plate was massive! but they were tasty, and I finished them. The steak was gratifyingly small, after that. Mind you, it was nothing special - it does need a sauce, although I didn't like the pepper sauce I'd ordered to go with it. The onion rings were good, the dessert of profiteroles was lovely, considering the accompanying cream was sweetened and hid a scoop of chocolate ice cream in the middle!
Service is friendly, and I was well fed. But honestly, I wouldn't go back for the steak. I moseyed back to the hotel after that, where I had a most welcome nap, and headed out to the Dome. Oh, and for all of my talking about the U2 trucks.. here's a picture:
.. of some of them: I couldn't get them all in one shot.
I was early enough and made my way straight to the nearer merchandising stall, where I purchased a hat, and a red t-shirt..
..took my seat, and waited.
I was a little worried, to be honest: would I be a bit jaded, at my fourth in a row, in the same city?
I needn't have worried - I surprised myself with how enthusiastically I welcomed each number! And by the way, for their last night in town, Bono pulled a blinder. Apparently, the King and Queen were in the audience, and Every Breaking Wave was dedicated to the King's brother, Prince Friso, who was involved in a skiing accident a few years back and ended up in a coma. Indeed, there were also government ministers in the audience, whom Bono took the opportunity to harangue, near the end, about the Netherlands' falling percentage contribution to foreign aid. Before turning to his fellow band members and saying, with a grin, "What? It's the end of the week! I've been very good! I'm entitled.."!
Out of Control was back. Meerkat worked again, and the song for that this time was, apparently, a tour first - Magnificent. This was followed by what I think was a live first - The Sweetest Thing, with Bono on piano!
But what meant most to me was the change to the setlist at the end. They pulled off something very special. After being beseeched by fans all week, most notably by the girl pulled out of the audience on Wednesday, they finally played Bad. Well, I just lost it completely. And as if that wasn't enough, they decided to finish with 40.. Bono asked for the house lights to be turned off, and took up a spotlight to shine, first around the audience, then on his fellow band members as they exited the stage, one by one. And when they were gone, the audience was let sing the chorus a few times before the piped music came on. Very rare, very special. I want it inscribed on my tombstone, when I die - as I probably shall one day - that I was a U2 fan.
Setlist:
1. The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
2. Out of Control
3. Vertigo
4. I Will Follow
5. Iris (Hold Me Close)
6. Cedarwood Road
7. Song for Someone
8. Sunday Bloody Sunday
9. Raised By Wolves
10. Until The End Of The World
iNTERMISSION- The Fly
11. Invisible
12. Even Better Than The Real Thing
13. Mysterious Ways
14. Magnificent
15. Sweetest Thing
16. Every Breaking Wave
17. October
18. Bullet the Blue Sky
19. Zooropa
20. Where The Streets Have No Name
21. Pride (In the Name of Love)
22. With or Without You
23. City of Blinding Lights
24. Beautiful Day
25. Mother And Child Reunion (snippet)
26. Bad
27. 40
Early to bed last night to get up early today, so I'd have breakfasted in time to hunt for tickets for their just-announced Dublin gigs. I didn't actually sleep that well, or eat much, with the stress of it all. But it worked a charm, and I now have tickets for all four! I'm skipping the Belfast ones - I don't actually have enough time off left, and they're not as special. Then set about booking flights and accommodation with Expedia - which took me practically right up to check-out time, the internet connection was so bad! Checked out, which was when I got the nasty surprise that breakfast hadn't been included, and was €12.50 per night! As ever when you have to pay separately for hotel breakfast, a complete rip-off.
And here I am in Schipol, with a thunderstorm outside. Wanted something decent to eat, but not a hope in this excuse for a departure lounge (#3). Your best option is the Italian pizza / pasta / Panini place just as you come in - it's literally the closest they get to a restaurant. But at least they do serve wine.
No chance I'll go out tonight. Except perhaps to forage for food! Tommorrow, Wednesday and Thursday, I have Meetups.. For tomorrow, I discovered there's a Hammersmith and Fulham Amnesty group, who that night have a talk entitled Undercover - the True Story of Britain's Secret Police. And I'm going. On Wednesday, I'm (nominally) joining the London European Club, who are off to see John Doyle, at the Irish Centre. And on Thursday, I'm (nominally) back with the Free London Events and Talks group, who are off to the Scoop, where they show free films in September. Weather-dependant. That day, it's Selma, which I haven't seen. And then it's back to Ireland yet again - I go every two weeks.. next Monday, I'm finally back with the Crick Crack Club, in the Soho Theatre, for The Fate We Bring Ourselves - a retelling of Greek legends. The following day, I'm - again (nominally) - with Free London Events and Talks, for another free film at the Scoop - this time, it's Still Alice.
My plan for the day was simple: walk somewhere, explore, have a big lunch, head to the concert in time to hit the merchandising stall. So, the guidebook said the 9 Canals district was nice, and I set off in a meandering trail across the city centre to make my way there. Indeed, I meandered through some lovely districts.. photos here. Around the Oude Kerk (old church), the sex workers were plying their trade, complete with pimps - as the guidebook says, it's actually more intimidating during daylight hours. On no account take photos of either. However, it was interesting to pass all the dungeon-like coffeshops, dark inside, even on a Sunday afternoon. Nice to see that Amsterdam's debauchery takes place 24-7!
Near Dam Square, I passed a good-value chocolate shop, and a tourist office offering €11 tickets for that 1-hour cruise I took on Wednesday. By the time I'd got to the 9 Canals district, I'd had enough, and retraced my steps, looking for a steakhouse - I'd passed several, and after the last few days I was starving. Back near Dam Square, I settled on La Pampa, an Argentinian steakhouse.
I was starving. So I ordered garlic mushrooms to start - not a huge steak, I know I can never finish them, but a small one (200g) with a side of onion rings - and a dessert of profiteroles.
Decent wine, available in a carafe (0.5l).. when the garlic mushrooms came, I was dubious; the plate was massive! but they were tasty, and I finished them. The steak was gratifyingly small, after that. Mind you, it was nothing special - it does need a sauce, although I didn't like the pepper sauce I'd ordered to go with it. The onion rings were good, the dessert of profiteroles was lovely, considering the accompanying cream was sweetened and hid a scoop of chocolate ice cream in the middle!
Service is friendly, and I was well fed. But honestly, I wouldn't go back for the steak. I moseyed back to the hotel after that, where I had a most welcome nap, and headed out to the Dome. Oh, and for all of my talking about the U2 trucks.. here's a picture:
.. of some of them: I couldn't get them all in one shot.
I was early enough and made my way straight to the nearer merchandising stall, where I purchased a hat, and a red t-shirt..
..took my seat, and waited.
I was a little worried, to be honest: would I be a bit jaded, at my fourth in a row, in the same city?
I needn't have worried - I surprised myself with how enthusiastically I welcomed each number! And by the way, for their last night in town, Bono pulled a blinder. Apparently, the King and Queen were in the audience, and Every Breaking Wave was dedicated to the King's brother, Prince Friso, who was involved in a skiing accident a few years back and ended up in a coma. Indeed, there were also government ministers in the audience, whom Bono took the opportunity to harangue, near the end, about the Netherlands' falling percentage contribution to foreign aid. Before turning to his fellow band members and saying, with a grin, "What? It's the end of the week! I've been very good! I'm entitled.."!
Out of Control was back. Meerkat worked again, and the song for that this time was, apparently, a tour first - Magnificent. This was followed by what I think was a live first - The Sweetest Thing, with Bono on piano!
But what meant most to me was the change to the setlist at the end. They pulled off something very special. After being beseeched by fans all week, most notably by the girl pulled out of the audience on Wednesday, they finally played Bad. Well, I just lost it completely. And as if that wasn't enough, they decided to finish with 40.. Bono asked for the house lights to be turned off, and took up a spotlight to shine, first around the audience, then on his fellow band members as they exited the stage, one by one. And when they were gone, the audience was let sing the chorus a few times before the piped music came on. Very rare, very special. I want it inscribed on my tombstone, when I die - as I probably shall one day - that I was a U2 fan.
Setlist:
1. The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
2. Out of Control
3. Vertigo
4. I Will Follow
5. Iris (Hold Me Close)
6. Cedarwood Road
7. Song for Someone
8. Sunday Bloody Sunday
9. Raised By Wolves
10. Until The End Of The World
iNTERMISSION- The Fly
11. Invisible
12. Even Better Than The Real Thing
13. Mysterious Ways
14. Magnificent
15. Sweetest Thing
16. Every Breaking Wave
17. October
18. Bullet the Blue Sky
19. Zooropa
20. Where The Streets Have No Name
21. Pride (In the Name of Love)
22. With or Without You
23. City of Blinding Lights
24. Beautiful Day
25. Mother And Child Reunion (snippet)
26. Bad
27. 40
Early to bed last night to get up early today, so I'd have breakfasted in time to hunt for tickets for their just-announced Dublin gigs. I didn't actually sleep that well, or eat much, with the stress of it all. But it worked a charm, and I now have tickets for all four! I'm skipping the Belfast ones - I don't actually have enough time off left, and they're not as special. Then set about booking flights and accommodation with Expedia - which took me practically right up to check-out time, the internet connection was so bad! Checked out, which was when I got the nasty surprise that breakfast hadn't been included, and was €12.50 per night! As ever when you have to pay separately for hotel breakfast, a complete rip-off.
And here I am in Schipol, with a thunderstorm outside. Wanted something decent to eat, but not a hope in this excuse for a departure lounge (#3). Your best option is the Italian pizza / pasta / Panini place just as you come in - it's literally the closest they get to a restaurant. But at least they do serve wine.
No chance I'll go out tonight. Except perhaps to forage for food! Tommorrow, Wednesday and Thursday, I have Meetups.. For tomorrow, I discovered there's a Hammersmith and Fulham Amnesty group, who that night have a talk entitled Undercover - the True Story of Britain's Secret Police. And I'm going. On Wednesday, I'm (nominally) joining the London European Club, who are off to see John Doyle, at the Irish Centre. And on Thursday, I'm (nominally) back with the Free London Events and Talks group, who are off to the Scoop, where they show free films in September. Weather-dependant. That day, it's Selma, which I haven't seen. And then it's back to Ireland yet again - I go every two weeks.. next Monday, I'm finally back with the Crick Crack Club, in the Soho Theatre, for The Fate We Bring Ourselves - a retelling of Greek legends. The following day, I'm - again (nominally) - with Free London Events and Talks, for another free film at the Scoop - this time, it's Still Alice.
Saturday 12 September 2015
Concert: U2, Ziggo Dome (#3)
My, but that was a welcome shower! I eventually made my way to Centraal Station.. but nowhere could I find the fast food place I'd glimpsed out of the corner of my eye when I arrived! So it was another hungry concert for me.. thank goodness for the stroopwaffel I got from a vending machine in Sloterdijk Station, and hadn't eaten yet. It proved delicious as I was queueing to get into the Ziggo Dome.
A word about those trucks parked outside - I forgot to mention, but Bono confirmed during the last concert that there are actually 30 of them. So that answers that! which leaves the question of how many tour buses there are.. as I say, I counted seven..
Unfortunately, with just 15 minutes to go to (official) start time, I figured I'd be cutting it fine, queueing for merchandise. Which is a shame, as I wanted a lighter coloured t-shirt, it being supposed to be sunny and warm tomorrow. Oh, and I already lost my hat, and want another. Well, I'll make a special effort to get there early tomorrow and queue.
I made my way to my section. When the usher saw my row, she seemed a bit flustered in trying to explain how to get there. I gathered that I was to go down the side aisle and across the front row. When I got there, I discovered that this was Row 3.. it turns out that the front of the lower tier is staggered at the ends, and there was no Row 2 in this section - but I had to cross this section to get to Row 2, which formed the front row of the next section. So I was actually in the front row! and delighted with my proximity to the stage..
It's also handy to be at the front, and have a rail to lean on. So, this was the view from my seat, looking across the dome. You can see the enormous vidi-wall, suspended above the catwalk that runs along the middle of the floor, the length of the room. And you might notice a "gap" in the crowd at the far end of the floor - that's where Bono enters. The "i" stage is just visible to the right.
The crowd tonight was electric - best on the tour so far! Cheering, clapping before anything happened, waving at each other across the dome... a guy in the row behind me was explaining to the person sitting beside him where Bono would come in - was probably at one (or both) of the two previous concerts here this week.
Third night in Amsterdam, third night for me this year.. and third unique setlist:
1. The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
2. Electric Co.
3. Vertigo
4. I Will Follow
5. Iris (Hold Me Close)
6. Cedarwood Road
7. Song for Someone
8. Sunday Bloody Sunday
9. Raised By Wolves / Psalm 23 (snippet)
10. Until The End Of The World / Love and Peace or Else (snippet) / Words(snippet)
iNTERMISSION
11. Invisible
12. Even Better Than The Real Thing
13. Mysterious Ways / Burning Down the House (snippet)
14. Elevation
15. Every Breaking Wave
16. October
17. Bullet the Blue Sky / 19 (snippet)
18. Zooropa
19. Where The Streets Have No Name / California (There Is No End To Love) (snippet)
20. Pride (In the Name of Love)
21. With or Without You
22. City of Blinding Lights
23. Beautiful Day
24. Mother And Child Reunion (snippet) / I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For / People Have the Power (snippet)
I really did feel closer to the stage tonight - and was close enough to see Bono's autocue for the first time. Well, I'm not surprised he has one, the amount he has to say.. I'm loving the way they're cycling through a variety of old songs for song #2.. it's always a lovely surprise to hear a new one. The Fly is a staple now for the iNTERMISSION, and the girl pulled up for Mysterious Ways certainly seemed to enjoy herself, bouncing her way through the number. And afterwards. Unfortunately, Meerkat didn't oblige tonight, though.
Tonight it was that beautiful acoustic version of Every Breaking Wave that brought tears to my eyes. Tonight it was dedicated to Edge's daughter Hollie, who apparently got married recently! She and her husband were in the audience. And that song slips into the equally haunting October, before we change completely to the spitting fury of Bullet the Blue Sky, delivered through a megaphone.
I always look forward to these concerts - this band is just so damn good! And I try to savour each one - after tomorrow, I shan't see them again till next month. The breaks between concerts are generally much longer than that, of course... It occurred to me (too late) on the way back that the merchandising stand might still have been open, and less busy, after the concert - ah well, I'll try tomorrow!
So! I fly back on Monday, and try to get back to normal, but probably won't go out that night.
On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, I have Meetups.. For Tuesday, I discovered there's a Hammersmith and Fulham Amnesty group, who that night have a talk entitled Undercover - the True Story of Britain's Secret Police. And I'm going. On Wednesday, I'm (nominally) joining the London European Club, who are off to see John Doyle, at the Irish Centre. And on Thursday, I'm (nominally) back with the Free London Events and Talks group, who are off to the Scoop, where they show free films in September. Weather-dependant. That day, it's Selma, which I haven't seen. And then it's back to Ireland yet again - I go every two weeks.. on Monday 21, I'm finally back with the Crick Crack Club, in the Soho Theatre, for The Fate We Bring Ourselves - a retelling of Greek legends. The following day, I'm - again (nominally) - with Free London Events and Talks, for another free film at the Scoop - this time, it's Still Alice.
A word about those trucks parked outside - I forgot to mention, but Bono confirmed during the last concert that there are actually 30 of them. So that answers that! which leaves the question of how many tour buses there are.. as I say, I counted seven..
Unfortunately, with just 15 minutes to go to (official) start time, I figured I'd be cutting it fine, queueing for merchandise. Which is a shame, as I wanted a lighter coloured t-shirt, it being supposed to be sunny and warm tomorrow. Oh, and I already lost my hat, and want another. Well, I'll make a special effort to get there early tomorrow and queue.
I made my way to my section. When the usher saw my row, she seemed a bit flustered in trying to explain how to get there. I gathered that I was to go down the side aisle and across the front row. When I got there, I discovered that this was Row 3.. it turns out that the front of the lower tier is staggered at the ends, and there was no Row 2 in this section - but I had to cross this section to get to Row 2, which formed the front row of the next section. So I was actually in the front row! and delighted with my proximity to the stage..
It's also handy to be at the front, and have a rail to lean on. So, this was the view from my seat, looking across the dome. You can see the enormous vidi-wall, suspended above the catwalk that runs along the middle of the floor, the length of the room. And you might notice a "gap" in the crowd at the far end of the floor - that's where Bono enters. The "i" stage is just visible to the right.
The crowd tonight was electric - best on the tour so far! Cheering, clapping before anything happened, waving at each other across the dome... a guy in the row behind me was explaining to the person sitting beside him where Bono would come in - was probably at one (or both) of the two previous concerts here this week.
Third night in Amsterdam, third night for me this year.. and third unique setlist:
1. The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
2. Electric Co.
3. Vertigo
4. I Will Follow
5. Iris (Hold Me Close)
6. Cedarwood Road
7. Song for Someone
8. Sunday Bloody Sunday
9. Raised By Wolves / Psalm 23 (snippet)
10. Until The End Of The World / Love and Peace or Else (snippet) / Words(snippet)
iNTERMISSION
11. Invisible
12. Even Better Than The Real Thing
13. Mysterious Ways / Burning Down the House (snippet)
14. Elevation
15. Every Breaking Wave
16. October
17. Bullet the Blue Sky / 19 (snippet)
18. Zooropa
19. Where The Streets Have No Name / California (There Is No End To Love) (snippet)
20. Pride (In the Name of Love)
21. With or Without You
22. City of Blinding Lights
23. Beautiful Day
24. Mother And Child Reunion (snippet) / I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For / People Have the Power (snippet)
I really did feel closer to the stage tonight - and was close enough to see Bono's autocue for the first time. Well, I'm not surprised he has one, the amount he has to say.. I'm loving the way they're cycling through a variety of old songs for song #2.. it's always a lovely surprise to hear a new one. The Fly is a staple now for the iNTERMISSION, and the girl pulled up for Mysterious Ways certainly seemed to enjoy herself, bouncing her way through the number. And afterwards. Unfortunately, Meerkat didn't oblige tonight, though.
Tonight it was that beautiful acoustic version of Every Breaking Wave that brought tears to my eyes. Tonight it was dedicated to Edge's daughter Hollie, who apparently got married recently! She and her husband were in the audience. And that song slips into the equally haunting October, before we change completely to the spitting fury of Bullet the Blue Sky, delivered through a megaphone.
I always look forward to these concerts - this band is just so damn good! And I try to savour each one - after tomorrow, I shan't see them again till next month. The breaks between concerts are generally much longer than that, of course... It occurred to me (too late) on the way back that the merchandising stand might still have been open, and less busy, after the concert - ah well, I'll try tomorrow!
So! I fly back on Monday, and try to get back to normal, but probably won't go out that night.
On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, I have Meetups.. For Tuesday, I discovered there's a Hammersmith and Fulham Amnesty group, who that night have a talk entitled Undercover - the True Story of Britain's Secret Police. And I'm going. On Wednesday, I'm (nominally) joining the London European Club, who are off to see John Doyle, at the Irish Centre. And on Thursday, I'm (nominally) back with the Free London Events and Talks group, who are off to the Scoop, where they show free films in September. Weather-dependant. That day, it's Selma, which I haven't seen. And then it's back to Ireland yet again - I go every two weeks.. on Monday 21, I'm finally back with the Crick Crack Club, in the Soho Theatre, for The Fate We Bring Ourselves - a retelling of Greek legends. The following day, I'm - again (nominally) - with Free London Events and Talks, for another free film at the Scoop - this time, it's Still Alice.
Play: Much Ado About Nothing
In between trips to Amsterdam to see U2, I had two free nights - Thursday and Friday. But, you know, I'm spoiled flying between the UK and Ireland all the time - I hardly have to go through any passport checks. The queue for passports upon re-entering the UK on Thursday - albeit a lot faster if you had an EU passport - was an eye-opener, and exhausting. I definitely didn't feel like going out that night!
Last night, however, was a different matter. Well, considering the subject matter, anyway - the Let's Do London - for less! Meetup group was headed to the Globe to see Much Ado About Nothing - which, by the way, is my favourite Shakespearian play! Well, they were sold out - but tickets were still available on the Globe website, so two of us decided to go, and I booked us seats in the "Gentlemen's Box" - where we could still get in the front row.
I ordered Print at Home tickets - a good thing, as in the event it was a mad dash for me.. left the office later than I intended, and got on arguably the slowest Tube in history. It took forever to leave Earl's Court, and dawdled at several stations along the way. I figured I'd make it on time - just - but my worry was my companion, who arrived even earlier than we'd agreed, who'd never been there before, and who must have wondered whether I'd ever arrive! I did, after nearly giving myself a coronary dashing from the Tube - it's been a while since I had to rush that much. But you know, all's well that ends well! They hadn't closed the gate yet, I had the tickets in hand, and we made it inside and through the entrance just as the usher was thinking of closing the door. The music had started as we made our way to our seats, but it was only the prologue - we didn't miss much.
Well, this was posh! I'd never been in the Middle Gallery before, and it seems you automatically get cushions there, rather than having to hire them; also, the benches come with backs. At least in the Gentlemen's Box! (and probably in the Ladies', too). We kind of had a rear view, but not a big deal - just the odd action was obscured by the nearer of the pillars holding up the stage roof.
This was a terrific production! I can see why it sold out - the comic skills of the actors were superb. My companion was pleasantly surprised at all the audience interaction - and, indeed, there was more of it in this play than many others. Including orange-throwing, for the energetic in the pit. Not even a rain shower could dampen their enthusiasm, and at the end the place went wild! I bet the entire run sold out.. sadly, that was the last night of this run. Hope there's another..
Afterwards, to the Founder's Arms as usual, and we occupied a space at the back. Where we stayed, we talked, we drank, we talked, and they didn't throw us out till midnight! Shame in a way - we'd have stayed longer, those of us that were left - and there a few, this time. But then, Tubes do stop running at about 12.30, and there's no sign of that 24-hour Tube yet.. straight to bed when I got home.
Right! Well, more rushing today to catch another flight to Amsterdam - and my flatmate and her boyfriend hogging the shower at exactly the time I wanted to get ready. So, I couldn't go to the toilet, I couldn't even get my toothbrush. I left at about 10.15, Tube to Victoria (no delays, thankfully!) and the Gatwick Express got me there for 11.15. I had to change terminals - handy they say tell you which terminal, on the boarding pass - but fortunately there's a shuttle between them that only takes two minutes. The gate was due to close at 11.35 - I made it through security by 11.30. And it was a long, long way to the gate.. long before I got there, the departure boards were saying the gate was closed for that flight. Unnerving, but it does just mean you need to get through security by that time. I arrived in time to board without delaying the flight - and wasn't even the last one on.
No free stuff on Easyjet, but very friendly crew. And despite a "one-bag" policy, no-one seemed to object to me carrying my handbag separately. The flight was packed with people off to enjoy themselves for the weekend.. bumpy in parts, but no-one minded. Dear God though, if I thought passport control on Thursday was a nightmare, I'd seen nothing yet! The queues in Schipol today were so long they filled the room! I joined what seemed the shortest - there was an EU fast-track, but only for people with electronic chips on their passports. Which I don't have. So I stood in the queue for a full 20 minutes before it even moved, whatever they were doing. When it did, suddenly I was at the desk within five minutes, and processed in two seconds.
No sign of anywhere to buy a toothbrush (or shampoo - I didn't have a small bottle, or time to look for one). I got a ticket for the train to town, knew what I was about this time, and made my way quickly to the platform, where a train to Centraal was leaving within five minutes. And so it happened, even with the passport nightmare, that I was in town within an hour of my flight landing. I got another travel pass - only 48-hour this time (€12), I realised that'd do - and had an idea what direction to take for my hotel. This time, I let Expedia choose me a hotel, and have ended up in the "Fine Seasons", on Prins Hendrikkade. It's about a 10-minute walk from Centraal - just follow the right street, and you see it on the right. And on the way, joy of joys, I saw a convenience store that had shampoo. And toothbrushes. And I do intend to have a much-needed shower before I head out.. I'll grab my first meal of the day in a fast food place in Centraal, probably.
My third U2 concert of the year tonight - I'm on the North side of the venue again, but really close this time - Row 2 of the lower level! Tomorrow night, I'm only two seats away from that. I fly back on Monday, my U2-ing done.. for this month. ;-) And I daresay, again, I'll be too tired to venture out that night.
On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, I have Meetups.. For Tuesday, I discovered there's a Hammersmith and Fulham Amnesty group, who that night have a talk entitled Undercover - the True Story of Britain's Secret Police. And I'm going. On Wednesday, I'm (nominally) joining the London European Club, who are off to see John Doyle, at the Irish Centre. And on Thursday, I'm (nominally) back with the Free London Events and Talks group, who are off to the Scoop, where they show free films in September. Weather-dependant. That day, it's Selma, which I haven't seen. And then it's back to Ireland yet again - I go every two weeks.. on Monday 21, I'm finally back with the Crick Crack Club, in the Soho Theatre, for The Fate We Bring Ourselves - a retelling of Greek legends. The following day, I'm - again (nominally) - with Free London Events and Talks, for another free film at the Scoop - this time, it's Still Alice.
Last night, however, was a different matter. Well, considering the subject matter, anyway - the Let's Do London - for less! Meetup group was headed to the Globe to see Much Ado About Nothing - which, by the way, is my favourite Shakespearian play! Well, they were sold out - but tickets were still available on the Globe website, so two of us decided to go, and I booked us seats in the "Gentlemen's Box" - where we could still get in the front row.
I ordered Print at Home tickets - a good thing, as in the event it was a mad dash for me.. left the office later than I intended, and got on arguably the slowest Tube in history. It took forever to leave Earl's Court, and dawdled at several stations along the way. I figured I'd make it on time - just - but my worry was my companion, who arrived even earlier than we'd agreed, who'd never been there before, and who must have wondered whether I'd ever arrive! I did, after nearly giving myself a coronary dashing from the Tube - it's been a while since I had to rush that much. But you know, all's well that ends well! They hadn't closed the gate yet, I had the tickets in hand, and we made it inside and through the entrance just as the usher was thinking of closing the door. The music had started as we made our way to our seats, but it was only the prologue - we didn't miss much.
Well, this was posh! I'd never been in the Middle Gallery before, and it seems you automatically get cushions there, rather than having to hire them; also, the benches come with backs. At least in the Gentlemen's Box! (and probably in the Ladies', too). We kind of had a rear view, but not a big deal - just the odd action was obscured by the nearer of the pillars holding up the stage roof.
This was a terrific production! I can see why it sold out - the comic skills of the actors were superb. My companion was pleasantly surprised at all the audience interaction - and, indeed, there was more of it in this play than many others. Including orange-throwing, for the energetic in the pit. Not even a rain shower could dampen their enthusiasm, and at the end the place went wild! I bet the entire run sold out.. sadly, that was the last night of this run. Hope there's another..
Afterwards, to the Founder's Arms as usual, and we occupied a space at the back. Where we stayed, we talked, we drank, we talked, and they didn't throw us out till midnight! Shame in a way - we'd have stayed longer, those of us that were left - and there a few, this time. But then, Tubes do stop running at about 12.30, and there's no sign of that 24-hour Tube yet.. straight to bed when I got home.
Right! Well, more rushing today to catch another flight to Amsterdam - and my flatmate and her boyfriend hogging the shower at exactly the time I wanted to get ready. So, I couldn't go to the toilet, I couldn't even get my toothbrush. I left at about 10.15, Tube to Victoria (no delays, thankfully!) and the Gatwick Express got me there for 11.15. I had to change terminals - handy they say tell you which terminal, on the boarding pass - but fortunately there's a shuttle between them that only takes two minutes. The gate was due to close at 11.35 - I made it through security by 11.30. And it was a long, long way to the gate.. long before I got there, the departure boards were saying the gate was closed for that flight. Unnerving, but it does just mean you need to get through security by that time. I arrived in time to board without delaying the flight - and wasn't even the last one on.
No free stuff on Easyjet, but very friendly crew. And despite a "one-bag" policy, no-one seemed to object to me carrying my handbag separately. The flight was packed with people off to enjoy themselves for the weekend.. bumpy in parts, but no-one minded. Dear God though, if I thought passport control on Thursday was a nightmare, I'd seen nothing yet! The queues in Schipol today were so long they filled the room! I joined what seemed the shortest - there was an EU fast-track, but only for people with electronic chips on their passports. Which I don't have. So I stood in the queue for a full 20 minutes before it even moved, whatever they were doing. When it did, suddenly I was at the desk within five minutes, and processed in two seconds.
No sign of anywhere to buy a toothbrush (or shampoo - I didn't have a small bottle, or time to look for one). I got a ticket for the train to town, knew what I was about this time, and made my way quickly to the platform, where a train to Centraal was leaving within five minutes. And so it happened, even with the passport nightmare, that I was in town within an hour of my flight landing. I got another travel pass - only 48-hour this time (€12), I realised that'd do - and had an idea what direction to take for my hotel. This time, I let Expedia choose me a hotel, and have ended up in the "Fine Seasons", on Prins Hendrikkade. It's about a 10-minute walk from Centraal - just follow the right street, and you see it on the right. And on the way, joy of joys, I saw a convenience store that had shampoo. And toothbrushes. And I do intend to have a much-needed shower before I head out.. I'll grab my first meal of the day in a fast food place in Centraal, probably.
My third U2 concert of the year tonight - I'm on the North side of the venue again, but really close this time - Row 2 of the lower level! Tomorrow night, I'm only two seats away from that. I fly back on Monday, my U2-ing done.. for this month. ;-) And I daresay, again, I'll be too tired to venture out that night.
On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, I have Meetups.. For Tuesday, I discovered there's a Hammersmith and Fulham Amnesty group, who that night have a talk entitled Undercover - the True Story of Britain's Secret Police. And I'm going. On Wednesday, I'm (nominally) joining the London European Club, who are off to see John Doyle, at the Irish Centre. And on Thursday, I'm (nominally) back with the Free London Events and Talks group, who are off to the Scoop, where they show free films in September. Weather-dependant. That day, it's Selma, which I haven't seen. And then it's back to Ireland yet again - I go every two weeks.. on Monday 21, I'm finally back with the Crick Crack Club, in the Soho Theatre, for The Fate We Bring Ourselves - a retelling of Greek legends. The following day, I'm - again (nominally) - with Free London Events and Talks, for another free film at the Scoop - this time, it's Still Alice.
Wednesday 9 September 2015
Concert: U2, Ziggo Dome (#2)
After my last blog, I was just preparing to go out when housekeeping finally got around to my room. So that was good timing! I wanted to head into town for a bit, and looking up the easiest thing to do - which would also have to be quite quick, as I wanted to get back to the hotel and leave in good time for the venue - I came up with a one-hour sightseeing cruise, run by Holland Cruises and departing regularly all day from Centraal Station. Perfect!
I thought about getting a train to town - it's only a 10-minute journey - but first I had trouble finding a platform where such a train was going from - Sloterdijk Station has no general departures board - and then I'd have had to queue for the ticket machine - my pass doesn't cover that. So I said sod it, and took the Metro instead.
This would be a good time for a brief review of Amsterdam's Metro. Carriages are higher than the Tube, seats - which are quite hard - either face the direction of travel or backwards - not to the side. They come in singles and pairs. It's never as crowded as the Tube, but neither does it come as frequently. 10 minutes between trains is the norm. And there are only five lines. But you know, as usual in any city, it's the easiest to figure out!
Exiting Centraal Station, I saw a tourist office across the way. Goodee! I nipped in there, found a brochure with what I wanted, and asked the nice lady at the desk whether she'd sell me a ticket. She would, she did (€16), and she directed me "across the green bridge and to the right". And that I was looking for "Holland Cruises". I easily found them, and as it happened, a boat was just about to leave, and the captain let me on.
Today was gloriously sunny - perfect for this kind of trip. Mind you, being in a glass-covered boat was like being in a greenhouse, and we boiled for the next hour or so. But it was very pleasant, and a good way to get an idea of the city. Photos here - such as I could take, given the difficulty of shooting through glass and into the sun. And avoiding constant bridges we were going under. And it didn't help that I didn't notice the flash had turned itself on, which of course reflected in the glass.. but I got some presentable ones.
Well, by the time it was finished, it was about time to head back to the hotel, so I did - stopping off for another burger at the station on the way. And headed off nice and early for the concert - good thing, considering we stopped at a station in the middle of nowhere for 10 minutes without explanation..
Food not being an issue this time, when I arrived I turned my thoughts to merchandising. But first I went up to Level 2, where my seat was tonight. Where I found that yes, the queues were substantially shorter - but there was no merchandising! I had visions of being very bored for the next hour - potentially - until, phew, I found the stairs down. (I'd taken an escalator up.) So I shoved my way to the front of the merchandising scrum, identified a cap I wanted (yay! I hadn't had a U2 cap before..) and waited patiently for the guy who'd pushed in front of me to be served. Which took a while, as he bought over €300 worth of stuff - clothing for all the family, by the sound of it! 3 medium t-shirts, 1 small, 4 hats, a hoodie.. and this stuff ain't cheap! Me, I was just interested in my hat - and had a look at a necklace they're selling, but it didn't appeal. At €40 for the hat, that was enough for me, thanks! My, but he was relieved I paid in cash..
Well, tonight gave me an interesting perspective - I was on the other side, upper tier, but far more central: closer to the "e" than the "i". Excellent view - and I can now testify, at least for this venue, that being in the upper tier makes little difference to being in the upper part of the lower tier - in fact, I felt closer to the stage tonight.
Setlist;
1. The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
2. Gloria / Gloria - Van Morrison (snippet)
3. Vertigo
4. I Will Follow
5. Iris (Hold Me Close)
6. Cedarwood Road
7. Song for Someone
8. Sunday Bloody Sunday / /Johnny Comes Marching Home (snippet)
9. Raised By Wolves / Psalm 23 (snippet)
10. Until The End Of The World / Love and Peace or Else (snippet) / Words(snippet)
iNTERMISSION
11. Invisible
12. Even Better Than The Real Thing
13. Mysterious Ways / Burning Down the House (snippet)
14. Desire
15. Angel of Harlem
16. Every Breaking Wave
17. October
18. Bullet the Blue Sky / 19 (snippet)
19. Zooropa
20. Where The Streets Have No Name / California (There Is No End To Love) (snippet)
21. Pride (In the Name of Love)
22. With or Without You
23. City of Blinding Lights
24. Beautiful Day
25. Mother And Child Reunion (snippet) / I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For / People Have the Power (snippet)
So! You'll notice some changes, if you're paying attention. The sections that can change are those that have least to do with the video screen - the bits heavily tied into that obviously won't change much. Now, I found tonight's show even better than last night's - although there's been talk that Bono didn't sound great, and they thought he was holding his arm as though it hurt. Well, I sincerely hope that's not true.
For me, it could have been the fact that I was more relaxed, knowing more or less what to expect - or my better seat.. it probably had a lot to do with the fact that they substituted Gloria for the second number! O my, I don't often hear that..
I didn't cry as much as last night, but there's something about Song For Someone that really gets me, heard live. The intermission had the remix of The Fly, again.. in the second part, again, Bono first pulled out a girl, then a guy. The girl got to film everyone, and got to film the whole of Desire, on someone's mobile phone - apparently it was streamed live to Meerkat, and the feed was shown live on the vidi-wall. Got lots of good responses from South America. And when the guy was pulled up, he was asked whether he could play guitar to Angel of Harlem.. he said he could, and after some brief instruction on chords, by The Edge, that he did. And got to keep the guitar for his troubles!
Ah, like I say, U2 concerts always merit another look. They have so much depth.. and they're so damn good! I'm looking forward to getting back to London, just to spread the word..
So, I probably won't do anything but go to the airport tomorrow. On Friday evening, I'm off to see Much Ado About Nothing, at the Globe. (Now, that is worth dragging myself along to!) Lucky the proposed Tube strike was cancelled though, or it'd have been impossible. Anyway, I was too late to book with the Let's Do London - for less! Meetup group, who are going the same night: but I've arranged to meet them, to go to the pub after. For the show, I got a ticket in the "Gentlemen's Box"..
..and then on Saturday, I'm back to Amsterdam again, for two more U2 concerts (Saturday and Sunday). As I say, I've been to Amsterdam before, to see them, and seen pretty much enough of the place, so didn't want to stay the whole week. I fly back on Monday, my U2-ing done.. for this month. ;-)
On the 15th, 16th, and 17th, I have Meetups.. For Tuesday 15th, I discovered there's a Hammersmith and Fulham Amnesty group, who that night have a talk entitled Undercover - the True Story of Britain's Secret Police. And I'm going. On Wednesday 16th, I'm (nominally) joining the London European Club, who are off to see John Doyle, at the Irish Centre. And on Thursday 17th, I'm (nominally) back with the Free London Events and Talks group, who are off to the Scoop, where they show free films in September. Weather-dependant. That day, it's Selma, which I haven't seen. And then it's back to Ireland yet again - I go every two weeks..
I thought about getting a train to town - it's only a 10-minute journey - but first I had trouble finding a platform where such a train was going from - Sloterdijk Station has no general departures board - and then I'd have had to queue for the ticket machine - my pass doesn't cover that. So I said sod it, and took the Metro instead.
This would be a good time for a brief review of Amsterdam's Metro. Carriages are higher than the Tube, seats - which are quite hard - either face the direction of travel or backwards - not to the side. They come in singles and pairs. It's never as crowded as the Tube, but neither does it come as frequently. 10 minutes between trains is the norm. And there are only five lines. But you know, as usual in any city, it's the easiest to figure out!
Exiting Centraal Station, I saw a tourist office across the way. Goodee! I nipped in there, found a brochure with what I wanted, and asked the nice lady at the desk whether she'd sell me a ticket. She would, she did (€16), and she directed me "across the green bridge and to the right". And that I was looking for "Holland Cruises". I easily found them, and as it happened, a boat was just about to leave, and the captain let me on.
Today was gloriously sunny - perfect for this kind of trip. Mind you, being in a glass-covered boat was like being in a greenhouse, and we boiled for the next hour or so. But it was very pleasant, and a good way to get an idea of the city. Photos here - such as I could take, given the difficulty of shooting through glass and into the sun. And avoiding constant bridges we were going under. And it didn't help that I didn't notice the flash had turned itself on, which of course reflected in the glass.. but I got some presentable ones.
Well, by the time it was finished, it was about time to head back to the hotel, so I did - stopping off for another burger at the station on the way. And headed off nice and early for the concert - good thing, considering we stopped at a station in the middle of nowhere for 10 minutes without explanation..
Food not being an issue this time, when I arrived I turned my thoughts to merchandising. But first I went up to Level 2, where my seat was tonight. Where I found that yes, the queues were substantially shorter - but there was no merchandising! I had visions of being very bored for the next hour - potentially - until, phew, I found the stairs down. (I'd taken an escalator up.) So I shoved my way to the front of the merchandising scrum, identified a cap I wanted (yay! I hadn't had a U2 cap before..) and waited patiently for the guy who'd pushed in front of me to be served. Which took a while, as he bought over €300 worth of stuff - clothing for all the family, by the sound of it! 3 medium t-shirts, 1 small, 4 hats, a hoodie.. and this stuff ain't cheap! Me, I was just interested in my hat - and had a look at a necklace they're selling, but it didn't appeal. At €40 for the hat, that was enough for me, thanks! My, but he was relieved I paid in cash..
Well, tonight gave me an interesting perspective - I was on the other side, upper tier, but far more central: closer to the "e" than the "i". Excellent view - and I can now testify, at least for this venue, that being in the upper tier makes little difference to being in the upper part of the lower tier - in fact, I felt closer to the stage tonight.
Setlist;
1. The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
2. Gloria / Gloria - Van Morrison (snippet)
3. Vertigo
4. I Will Follow
5. Iris (Hold Me Close)
6. Cedarwood Road
7. Song for Someone
8. Sunday Bloody Sunday / /Johnny Comes Marching Home (snippet)
9. Raised By Wolves / Psalm 23 (snippet)
10. Until The End Of The World / Love and Peace or Else (snippet) / Words(snippet)
iNTERMISSION
11. Invisible
12. Even Better Than The Real Thing
13. Mysterious Ways / Burning Down the House (snippet)
14. Desire
15. Angel of Harlem
16. Every Breaking Wave
17. October
18. Bullet the Blue Sky / 19 (snippet)
19. Zooropa
20. Where The Streets Have No Name / California (There Is No End To Love) (snippet)
21. Pride (In the Name of Love)
22. With or Without You
23. City of Blinding Lights
24. Beautiful Day
25. Mother And Child Reunion (snippet) / I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For / People Have the Power (snippet)
So! You'll notice some changes, if you're paying attention. The sections that can change are those that have least to do with the video screen - the bits heavily tied into that obviously won't change much. Now, I found tonight's show even better than last night's - although there's been talk that Bono didn't sound great, and they thought he was holding his arm as though it hurt. Well, I sincerely hope that's not true.
For me, it could have been the fact that I was more relaxed, knowing more or less what to expect - or my better seat.. it probably had a lot to do with the fact that they substituted Gloria for the second number! O my, I don't often hear that..
I didn't cry as much as last night, but there's something about Song For Someone that really gets me, heard live. The intermission had the remix of The Fly, again.. in the second part, again, Bono first pulled out a girl, then a guy. The girl got to film everyone, and got to film the whole of Desire, on someone's mobile phone - apparently it was streamed live to Meerkat, and the feed was shown live on the vidi-wall. Got lots of good responses from South America. And when the guy was pulled up, he was asked whether he could play guitar to Angel of Harlem.. he said he could, and after some brief instruction on chords, by The Edge, that he did. And got to keep the guitar for his troubles!
Ah, like I say, U2 concerts always merit another look. They have so much depth.. and they're so damn good! I'm looking forward to getting back to London, just to spread the word..
So, I probably won't do anything but go to the airport tomorrow. On Friday evening, I'm off to see Much Ado About Nothing, at the Globe. (Now, that is worth dragging myself along to!) Lucky the proposed Tube strike was cancelled though, or it'd have been impossible. Anyway, I was too late to book with the Let's Do London - for less! Meetup group, who are going the same night: but I've arranged to meet them, to go to the pub after. For the show, I got a ticket in the "Gentlemen's Box"..
..and then on Saturday, I'm back to Amsterdam again, for two more U2 concerts (Saturday and Sunday). As I say, I've been to Amsterdam before, to see them, and seen pretty much enough of the place, so didn't want to stay the whole week. I fly back on Monday, my U2-ing done.. for this month. ;-)
On the 15th, 16th, and 17th, I have Meetups.. For Tuesday 15th, I discovered there's a Hammersmith and Fulham Amnesty group, who that night have a talk entitled Undercover - the True Story of Britain's Secret Police. And I'm going. On Wednesday 16th, I'm (nominally) joining the London European Club, who are off to see John Doyle, at the Irish Centre. And on Thursday 17th, I'm (nominally) back with the Free London Events and Talks group, who are off to the Scoop, where they show free films in September. Weather-dependant. That day, it's Selma, which I haven't seen. And then it's back to Ireland yet again - I go every two weeks..
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