Just back from three nights in London, which culminated in the Leadbelly Fest at the Albert Hall on Monday night. Managed to fit in a couple of other events while we were there, just for good measure.
Theatre, Film, Arts
Picture of Doreen Gray – Wolsey Theatre
Yesterday, went to see the latest production from Maggie Fox and Sue Ryding – known collectively as Lip Service. This year’s offering takes its cue from Oscar Wilde’s A Picture of Dorian Gray. All the usual Lip Service trademarks are present and correct – the minimalist set is the butt of many of the jokes, the ageist humour is in full flow and the facial mugging and …
Leeds – Business and Pleasure!
Just back from a three night stay in Leeds. Based around a visit to the Department of Health in Quarry House (see below), we at least managed to get a look around the City Centre, fit in a play and film and have a couple of decent evening meals to kill the pain!
London Rubens Palace Hotel Bash – 6th to 9th February
It’s not just the monarchy that gets two birthdays! On Denise’s “official” birthday (actual birthday last week), we indulged in a three night break in London at the Rubens Palace Hotel. First afternoon we had an excellent afternoon tea at the hotel and, following the leaked news that the break was a delayed birthday bash, the hotel very kindly provided a couple of glasses of champers, a ‘birthday cake’ and happy birthday in chocolate in the tea selection (and a birthday card). Lovely service and a pretty good reflection of the hotel generally.
Aldeburgh Break
Excellent weekend at the Wentworth House Hotel at Aldeburgh to celebrate Denise’s ‘big birthday’. Been threatening to sample this hotel for a while and, although certainly not cheap, it was definitely worth the money. Excellent food (although sad to report that a big cream tea followed by a three course dinner in the evening is now seemingly beyond us) and lovely public spaces, it’s possibly best …
London Again (03/12/2014)
Can’t stay away at the moment, another trip to London yesterday, second time in six days. Until these recent visits, we hadn’t been down to ‘the smoke’ for quite a while. Same format as the week before, a visit to an exhibition followed by a matinee and then a bite to eat.
London for the Day (27/11/2014)
Last minute decision to pop down to London yesterday, hoping to catch a matinee and then a late night showing at the Courtauld gallery. Went surprisingly well, although in the immortal words of Mr. Morecombe, not necessarily in the right order.
Miles Jupp at the Colchester Mercury
Caught Miles Jupp’s latest show “Miles Jupp Is The Chap You’re Thinking Of” in Colchester last night. Some of the subject matter might be a little familiar but his delivery, sharp observations and knowing self deprecation make the show a delight.
Richard II Live Stream
Saw the above at the Riverside, Woodbridge last night – direct from the RSC in Stratford. Tennant excellent in the title role, particularly fine as he weakens and his power base slips away. All cast excellent so seems ungracious to highlight specifics, but I thought Oliver Ford Davis was particularly good as the Duke of York, struggling between his loyalty to the Crown and the …
The Heat
It might not be the most original film released this year and the plot may be a tad formulaic, but The Heat is still a must see. The reasons? A great take on the good cop / bad cop routine, played out to wonderful effect by Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy, some sassy dialogue and genuinely hilarious interplay between the two lead characters. Just goes …
Lowry In London
Or more accurately, a Lowry retrospective at Tate Britain. Went down on Sunday for a couple of nights, primarily for ‘private’ showing at the Tate on the Monday evening, the result of a competition win by Denise through the show sponsor, the Independent.
Growing Old Disgracefully
Virginia Ironside’s take on reaching 60 and beyond at the Mercury in Colchester last night was a warmly funny 75 minute show, if a little formulaic in the topics discussed. Memory, book clubs, cruises, ridiculously energetic friends and ‘foot care’ all featured in a series of wry observations.