Play: An Actor Convalescing in Devon

Last night, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) - they were off to An Actor Convalescing in Devon, at Hampstead Theatre. I'll tried Ye Olde Swiss Cottage for food, as usual there. Had to get the Tube, of course - just too far for a bus - and at least, this time, I got a seat straight away! Because, like the day before, it was stifling..


I got my usual table at the pub - but wow, they must have a new chef! The menu was quite different.. instead of roast chicken, they had chicken schnitzel, which is no bad thing - the roast chicken was a bit tired. And despite confusion over my drink - he thought I said "red" wine, when I said "white" - and despite a delay in my food coming - wow, this was terrific! The most succulent chicken of any kind I've had in an age! Would recommend it to anyone. I had a second wine, and was a little late meeting the others. Interestingly, on my way to the downstairs theatre, I met one of the group coming upstairs - he'd come to say hi, but was actually heading to the show in the main theatre, The Divine Mrs. S.

Seating downstairs was unassigned, and with no notification of the doors opening, we ended up in the back row - but it's a small theatre:


So, this lasts for just over an hour, and is a one-man show.. the "actor" of the title is indeed headed to Devon for a break with his actorly friends. He's an elderly chap, and has health issues that he's overcoming - indeed, this was written especially for the actor, it seems, and it struck me as semi-autobiographical: particularly when he describes losing part of his palate and jaw.. certainly, this actor had trouble with his speech. It takes place over the course of his train journey to Devon - on the slow train, as he explains.

Well, I seem to be Devil's Advocate a lot these days - last night was an occasion where I was almost the only person who liked it! People seemed to find it too slow.. and, as mentioned, he wasn't the easiest to understand. He spends his time reminiscing, which, again, dragged for most - me, I love talk of actors! I'm not saying it's by any means the best thing I've seen.. but I always enjoy "actorly" things. Anyway, runs till the 11th of next month, if you fancy it.

As I say, it's just over an hour long, so finished nice n early - the bar was staying open till 10.30, so we had plenty of time to hang out and have a drink! (or two). And we did. Chat was convivial before we all headed off together - on the Tube. But despite the early finish of the play, I didn't have time to blog last night - I'm in the office today, so had to be up early.

Tonight, I booked with the same group again for The Ballad of Hattie and James, at The Kiln. But gee.. then The Hideout advertised Immaculate (as he said on Saturday, "the other nun horror film"!).  Which I'd rather go to - so now, I am. At the Vue West End again. And I've booked Bella Italia, next door, for dinner - looking forward to that, and am about to head off now!

Tomorrow, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again. For a film, I'm thinking of Back to Black.. just waiting for the rating. It is on in the Omniplex.

On Monday, back with UITCS for Life with Oscar at the Arcola.. £10 tickets with the code OSCAR10, when I booked! The "Oscar" in question is the statuette - this is a comedy about making it in Hollywood.

On Tuesday, back with Over 40 Living the Life for another dinner at Greenwich Yacht Club.. and after last Tuesday, I know what not to order!

On Wednesday, with London Literary Walks.. he's BACK!! Great stuff - and he's starting, appropriately for me, with the James Joyce Walk. I was actually supposed to go last night, but it transpired that his popularity is proving a hindrance - he had too many people for last night, and asked his regulars to switch to another date - he's actually doing the walk twice more: tonight, and on Wednesday. So I'm going then.

And next Thursday - back with UITCS, for a new take on A Midsummer Night's Dream (perhaps a bit early) at Wilton's. Wow, Meetup seems to have woken up at last..

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