Oratorio: Jephtha

Tonight, back with the London Classical Music and Theatre Group, whom I hadn't been with in weeks.. this was for the Handel oratorio, Jephtha, at the Opera House. Looking around for somewhere to eat, I noticed Cote Covent Garden, which is just down the road - ah well, Cote will always do! So I booked - you never know.

The bus was slightly delayed, and so, therefore, was I. Never mind, they keep tables for 15 minutes, and I was well inside that - not to mention the place was mostly empty! Well, I got a table quickly, there was ever such a slight delay in taking my order, and then another small delay before my starter arrived - I saw carrot and squash soup on the Prix Fixe menu, so had that. And that was the last of the delays - the service was so quick, it made my head spin! Three courses, and a glass of wine - all delicious - served, consumed, and paid for in under an hour. (And for a spectacularly low price!) They could really teach Bar + Block a thing or two. Mind you, it's been repeating on me all evening - possibly because I ate so fast..

And so to the Opera House, and to the meeting point. I dunno whether the organiser arrived before I did - it did take me a while to spot her, and at that, I didn't recognise her immediately. Well, as I say, it's been a while - plus, she had her back to me, and I didn't immediately recognise the outfit as described. Anyway, I then joined them until it was time to go up - in the lift, thank you! I've quite given up taking stairs and escalators for Levels 5 and 6, here. Life is too short.

I was trying to remember, beforehand, how long it'd been since I was last here.. nearly a year ago, it transpires, again with this group, and at another work by Handel! Anyway, I was back in my preferred area - the Upper Slips are cheap, and have a decent view - if you lean. Don't worry, I did. Handily, I was practically on the aisle, with the actual aisle seat never occupied - so it was easy for me to get in and out.

This wasn't my favourite work ever - but I enjoy Handel, and I enjoyed this. In particular, I thought the last act had some beautiful arias! The plot, for once, is blessedly simple, and based on a Bible story - in fact, this was banned in Britain at first, because of its Biblical theme! The title character basically promises God that, if he is victorious in battle, when he gets home, he will sacrifice the first living thing to greet him. Unfortunately, it's his only daughter..

I also loved the staging - the religious theme is emphasised throughout, with the Israelites (on whose side Jephtha is fighting) as Puritans, and the Ammonites (their enemies) as decadent, 18th century aristocrats, cavorting in lavish outfits, drinking, and generally acting in a debauched manner. Looked like a better party, frankly. Great, stone-effect, carved slabs provide backdrops and stage breaks, and there are some profoundly supernatural lighting effects. In one scene, Jephtha's wife has a premonition of doom in the form of a nightmare about "creatures rising from the underworld" - sure enough, smoke rises from the floor and these fantastically made-up characters emerge to terrorise her. Shortly after, I couldn't figure out what was happening - until I realised she was walking horizontally on the wall, supported by four of the creatures! Beautifully done.

There's mention of how the ending was changed - God intervening to save Jephtha's daughter's life, commuting the sentence to confining her to be a nun for the rest of her life. Actually though, I've read how the original story can be interpreted that way, so it's not such a stretch. Definitely a more feel-good ending to this, anyway.. it's long, but I thought it was worth it. Runs on specific dates until the 24th.

Met the others again at the interval, where opinions did vary - it was good to see people I hadn't seen in a while. Afterwards, with no general move to meet again, I took myself home, catching the bus in Aldwych at about the time the theatres were letting out. So, that was entertaining, as I was standing right across from where Mamma Mia! is playing. Outside of which, a line of pedicabs had parked, blaring Abba tunes. And who doesn't love an Abba tune..?

Tomorrow, back with Up in the Cheap Seats - for the first time in over a month, very unusually for me and this group! This is for Phantasmagoria - yes, a kind of horror play, too late for Hallowe'en, tsk! Showing at Southwark Playhouse - so I've taken out another PAYG subscription (five tickets for £75, no expiry). Terrific value. We're meeting beforehand for dinner at Mercato Metropolitano.

On Friday, back with London Hot 100: Socials, Music & Sport - for a meal at Franco Manca. Never actually been to this chain - had to happen eventually, I guess! Anyway, great group, and RSVPs are already closed.

On Saturday, back with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners - this time for The Magic of Covent Garden: Secrets & Surprises. And Helen is coming to this one, good stuff! There's a lot of talk about the pro-Palestinian protests due to take place that day - I've already seen one central London Meetup cancelled as a result. But as Laurence said, since when do people protest in Covent Garden..?

On Sunday, an Indian friend of mine is celebrating Diwali by booking a meal in an Indian restaurant - she finally decided on Flora Indica. With 15 of us coming at last count, we have to pre-order.. so I did..

On Monday, back on a walk with the 45+s - this time, though, it's Paul's Monday Historic Pub Crawl from Rotherhithe to Tower Gateway. Which has the advantage of being around my current area! not to mention headed home, roughly, for me..

On Tuesday, still with the 45+s, but now back with Laurence - delighted to be able to make his walk on The Bombing of London! Unemployment does have its advantages.. Jeez, that'll be six days in a row where I get fed as part of the outing..! Better enjoy unemployment while I have it - I got a job today.. ;-) Starting on the 6th.

Next Wednesday, back at last with Buddies on Budget (BoB) in London, who are headed to the Belgravia Lights Switch On! V Christmassy..

On the 16th, I'm with a new group - London Smaller Theatre are headed to Soho Theatre to see the comedian Leila Navabi. So I'm giving her - and them - a shot!

And on the 17th, I'm back to Ireland again, for the weekend..