Film: Urchin

Tonight, finally got to Urchin - only reasonable showing time today was in the Picturehouse Hackney. And somehow, I got the impression that I had to leave an hour earlier than I did, in order to eat. Ah well - I was on my way when I realised. It's just that I do actually have some work to do, and it would have been a good opportunity.

Even going from work, which is closer to it, traffic was such that I needed to take the Central Line - which was stuffy, but amazingly, I got a seat - and when I got off, I could have walked, but considering three buses went the same way, and I had my laptop, and it was already taking so long.. I treated myself to a bus. Arrived in good time to eat - unfortunately, I was to discover that everywhere was full! After an altercation with a beggar - she started with a sob story, face contorted in the way that they do, I cut her off with a firm "no", and as I marched off, she called me a b***h (I didn't stay to hear the rest) - I said sod it, I'll settle for whatever they have at the cinema.

In the cinema, I got the last free table in the cafe area - and what they had was cake, but I didn't like any of it. So I had a packet of crisps, and a couple of glasses of wine - I was in tons of time for the film. When it was time to go in, I was to discover that Screen 5 was the one and only screen not with the others.. I was also to discover that it was on the second floor; happily, there was a lift. Seats are comfortable, with fuzzy upholstery, and recline..

Well, this is a film about a young man who's his own worst enemy. When we meet him, he's sleeping rough - he's found a place to stash his bag during the day. We see him begging - at which I felt a pang of remorse at what had happened earlier, but honestly, they all have a sob story, some better than others, the upshot of which is they need money. I wouldn't believe any of them. Anyway, a do-gooder is determined to help - he tells the man that yes, he can buy him a snack, there's a place over here, he'll show him the way; of course, the way to the cafe leads through a dark passage, where he proceeds to assault him and steal his watch, which he soon afterwards sells.

It transpires that the whole thing was caught on cctv - so he spends some time in jail, and when he gets out, he's in the social welfare system. To be fair, he gets a great deal - a month, I think it is, in a hostel - in a single room - mind you, his social worker is noncommittal about what he's to do after that. He has a job interview, which I presume has been arranged for him, and starts working in a hotel kitchen. So now he has a place to stay, he has a social life with some of his co-workers, he has money in his pocket.. even gets himself a girlfriend.

And, well, we just know he's going to mess it all up. It's kind of a surprise, because he's a very personable chap, brilliantly played by Frank Dillane. His girlfriend accuses him of being lazy.. perhaps that's it, he's too lazy to make the effort. Whatever, things don't go well for him, and you do find yourself wincing at the things he does. I did think the metaphorical ending was a bit pretentious though.

Managed to get buses all the way home, the traffic being much lighter. Walking between buses, I stopped into a small shop to pick up some chocolate.. one of those eat-on-the-run days.

Tomorrow is probably going to be similar - I'm heading back to Ireland for the weekend, on my last trip this year, my weekends are looking so busy! (I did take the precaution, last time, of buying some food for the freezer.) Meeting an old friend for a bite to eat at Jade Cottage, and if I can squeeze in the cinema (and why not?!), I'm thinking of Roofman, a fact-based comedy about a crook (Channing Tatum) who hides out in an unused bit of a toy store. Complications ensue when he falls for Kirsten Dunst, an employee. Peter Dinklage plays the manager. Playing in Limerick, and at the Omniplex at a more reasonable time.

On Monday, a Meetup group called London Loves Jazz is advertising a concert by Kim Cypher in Pizza Express Soho. I liked the music I heard online, and bought a ticket - but baulked at joining the group, what with the joining fee, and the intensive questionnaire, including whether I was prepared to be "an active member".. so I'm going independently. I didn't have a great experience with my last jazz group. My companion of Tuesday has decided to come too.

On Tuesday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) for Kindling in the Park Theatre. It's a comedy about a group of perimenopausal women who go on a camping trip to scatter their friend's ashes. My companion is going to that too, and we'll be heading to Palmyra's Kitchen afterwards.

On Wednesday, back with storytelling - Winter's Night Wonder Tales, with Alys Torrance, is back at The Palmerston. Tickets through Eventbrite.

Then, two Meetups in a row. Next Thursday, I booked with yet another new Meetup walking group - Walks and Tours - for a Xmas Lights walk around Mayfair. Meeting in the Mercato Mayfair. And as it's a Thursday, I'd be lugging my laptop, ouch!

But just yesterday, UITCS advertised a trip to see Precipice, a climate change drama, at the New Diorama. Sounds interesting - and crucially, this'll mean less carrying of the laptop! So I've switched, and am now doing this.

On the 14th, back with The Hideout for Keeper, directed by Osgood Perkins - details TBA, but it'll be somewhere around Leicester Square.

The 15th is another ex-colleagues meeting - or probably just another meeting with James! We haven't seen Ivan since June, and Martin since last Christmas.. Probably in The Phoenix again.

And on the 16th, back with Mandy and London Herstory Walks for Rebel Women of the South Bank.