Play: The Divine Mrs. S.

Today, we headed for a team lunch in All Bar One, to celebrate the latest product release! When we arrived, as soon as someone said we had a booking, he led us straight to the table - didn't need a name, there was only one table booked! Well, they actually pushed three tables together for us, around the L-shaped sofa. 13 of us, there were.. and despite the unlucky number, we were excellently fed. I had fish n chips, which was excellent - I was actually surprised at how much I enjoyed it; perhaps I hadn't realised how hungry I was! Like the guy sitting across from me, who said as much about himself, eating his burger in about two bites. We were also allowed one drink each, on the company's dime - mine was a large Sauvignon Blanc (of course).

And a few of us had dessert - a couple of us had churros, with chocolate sauce on the side, which were excellent too.. just too many of them, and I left a couple. They are filling, you know! plus, we were supposed to be back for a meeting, and the boss was regretting having ordered dessert as a result.. Never mind, we still made it back in time. Only problem thereafter was the food coma, and the two-hour meeting we dived straight into! Lord, did I have trouble staying awake..

And in the evening, I headed to The Divine Mrs. S, in Hampstead Theatre, with Up in the Cheap Seats - this is based on a real life actress, the most celebrated of her time, back in the day when women had few rights, including over their own careers, so her brother acted as her agent, negotiating her fees and roles, and taking her earnings - and her husband took the bulk of it, spending it on his mistress. 

Happily, I got an upgrade! although they didn't close the Circle completely - but I had booked right at the back of it, which does help with upgrades:

I had trouble finding somewhere to leave my bag, but hey! Well, the action here takes place backstage.. and we meet our protagonist, as well as her brother and co-star, her maid, and the female playwright that she teams up with. The beginning is all light and fun, as we get the very theatrical behaviour of the characters - something I love. Unfortunately, it doesn't really sit well with the dark subject matter, as we learn about what's going on in her private life, with the husband we never actually meet, and her brother making all the decisions.

It improves massively, I think, in the second half, when she seems to come into her own, playing Hamlet, for instance! I did enjoy it - it certainly is entertaining throughout; it was just the contradiction between the lighthearted atmosphere and the serious background material that did for me at first. Never mind, it is worth a look.. if only to educate yourself about an extraordinary woman. Runs to the 27th of next month..

Unfortunately, I missed everyone afterwards - they all probably left while I was in the loo. I'd got buses there, from the office - and for once, managed to get a combination of buses home! although it was complicated enough, what with blasted Google Maps continually recalculating my route, when I was already on a bus! It's all very well and good giving me the best option at any point, but they could wait until I ask.. after all, what am I going to do, get off at the next stop and take a different bus, because they're no longer suggesting the one I'm on?! Their constant recalculation means you have to memorise the route you want.. they might change it at any moment, and you can't necessarily look it up again.. Honestly, it was a pain, but I got home eventually.

Tomorrow, heading back to Ireland for Easter. I'm just spending the bank holidays there, flying back on Monday - so after that, on Tuesday, I'm back with CT at Shoreditch Balls for Stage Time, the Improv Variety Show.

Next Wednesday, I'm back with Over 40 Living the Life - and for the first time, joining them on their "Gastronomical Tour" of countries alphabetically. That evening, it's Azerbaijan! and we're headed to the Land of Fire restaurant. Hmm..

And on the 4th and 5th, back with CT - and the Backyard Comedy Club! Always a great atmosphere..