Storytelling: Queens of Albion

Tonight, a break from Meetup and from films - I was back with Storytelling at Torriano Avenue! This one was "Queens of Albion".. and, as usual, it's far enough away that Tube was required. The best selection of eateries near Torriano Avenue is, happily, near Kentish Town Tube Station, where I alighted this time - so it didn't take me long to get fed. Nando's, like last time I was here - and delicious wasn't the word. I always say these places are better out of the centre.. I'd have had a dessert, but didn't quite have time. I did stump up for a second glass of wine, though!

A reasonable walk to the venue, then - and look for the orange door. Wow, I was glad I arrived in time - we didn't start until 15 minutes after the scheduled start time, because Nell Phoenix, the host, was trying to seat everybody! At that, I'm not sure everyone did get a seat - I managed it, but I'm sure some of the last arrivals were standing by the door throughout. Meantime, she was feeding us hot punch - very welcome on a cold night - and asked me whether I wanted a shot in it. "Ooh yes," said I. She laughed, and remarked that I hadn't asked what I was getting a shot of..

First up were performers from the floor, who'd obviously booked their spots in advance. We had a half-Bulgarian woman (as she told us) with a story about God and the Devil arranging the Sun's marriage.. next up was an elderly gent in front of me, and then Laura Sampson, of all people, who had brought her ukelele, and explained that she'd been trying to come up with a story, but ended up with a song instead. Thereupon, she gave us a lovely song about Hildeburh!

After a short interval, the main event - the Queens of Albion - was presented by a woman who donned, for the occasion, a fetching bronze lamé jacket. This was, I'm afraid, for me, the highlight of her performance - I became quite obsessed with the jacket, as she kept taking it off and using it as a kind of prop. As to the storytelling itself - there was less of the mythological story, and quite more focus on its origins in Greek myth (which was interesting, but on which she spent far too much time), and indeed, her own history, having missed her ninth birthday party to rehearse for the panto. Umm. 

I love the atmosphere, love the venue - and it was great to see it so packed tonight. However, while I recognise that the story at the base of this show might be quite short, I don't think this was the way to fill the space. Never mind, it won't stop me coming back.. second Wednesday of every month. Except, again, I can't next month.. ay me, I need a doppelganger!

On the walk home from London Bridge, met not one, but two foxes, travelling separately! Trotting along the main road, bold as brass.. I guess they were headed for the bins around the eateries, up that way. I wonder whether it works like for magpies - One for sorrow, Two for joy..

Tomorrow - yes, back to film, this time on my own again - I'm going to Certified Copy, a nice pre-Valentine's Day romance, with Juliette Binoche showing an English author around Tuscany. Showing in the Prince Charles, one day only, and I finally booked, as it was beginning to sell out - and I'm planning to eat in my fave Bella Italia (Cranbourn Street) afterwards, appropriately. I see French Film Fanatics are seeing it too, but they're meeting for a drink afterwards, and I want my dinner!

Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend - and the film is looking like Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, in which Renée Zellweger reprises the role of the lovelorn Bridget, married to Colin Firth but now, sadly, widowed. Also stars Isla Fisher, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Bridget's kids' principal, Emma Thompson as Bridget's doctor, Jim Broadbent as Bridget's dad, and Hugh Grant - although not as a love interest this time; no, this time she finds a toyboy.. by the name of "Roxster". Well, it looks decent - and it's the only film showing in the afternoon, that I haven't seen and am interested in seeing! It's showing everywhere - I'll probably see it in Ennis.

On Monday, back in London, and back with CT for a jazz & tap night at Piano Smithfield.

On Tuesday - I was waiting for the film list to come out, just in case, but have finally plumped for another dinner at Greenwich Yacht Club with Over 40 Living the Life. It's always a good evening!

Next Wednesday, I've discovered more storytelling - Winter's Night Wonder Tales, as advertised on Facebook (how sensible), this is happening upstairs at The Palmerston. Just saw it advertised as I was thinking of what to do that night!

And on the 20th, finally back with Up in the Cheap Seats for The Shark is Broken, at Richmond Theatre. A comedy about the making of Jaws.. how could I resist?!