Play: Fallen Angels

Tonight, headed with a friend to the Menier Chocolate Factory to see Fallen Angels, by Noel Coward. He booked a table for us beforehand at Casa do Frango - I could have walked, but decided to pack my Oyster card, just in case. Sure enough - despite my weather app's predictions - I walked into a horrible night, squalls of wind, pouring rain. Now, I was wearing a highly waterproof coat - doesn't matter, it was still a horrible night to be out. I do pass a bus stop as I leave - had a look, saw a bus was coming in a few minutes that'd take me within two minutes' walk. No competition! Did that - still got soaked on the walk to the restaurant.

I was the first to arrive - gave his name, and was told it was a reservation for three (yes it was, he'd forgotten to tell me someone else would be joining us). Upstairs, the table was (sigh). Was in possession of a glass of Sauvignon Blanc before anyone else arrived - unfortunately, they only do small glasses (or bottles) here. It's not terrific, either - I should probably have gone for something Portugese (this being a Portugese restaurant) for my second glass, but she'd taken the wine list with her.

I had croquettes to start - very nice - and a steak for main, which is advertised as being cooked medium. Which it was.. if chargrilled on the outside, and honestly not that tasty. The peppercorn sauce with it, however, was unusually creamy, thick, and uncommonly good. Chips were a bit weird. If I were there again, I'd probably do as my companions did, and have the piri-piri chicken with roast potatoes (caveat, the portion of potatoes would do two people). That looked good. For dessert, also, were I there again, I'd have the gelato or sorbet - my chocolate mousse was sickly and gooey. They do have a really handy online payment system - others take note - scan the QR code on the bill, choose to pay for just your items, and it presents the list of everything ordered at your table, from which you choose. The bill is then totted up for you - service is included, and you are given the option to leave an extra tip.

A really short walk from there to the theatre - the entrance has changed since I was last there, over three years ago! We were just in time, and went straight in - second row from the stage, to the side:

The setting - the living area of a well-appointed apartment in London (wish I lived in so swanky a place). A couple are having breakfast before he heads off on a golfing trip with his pal - she has plans to hang out with his pal's wife, but nothing definite. Also present is the new maid - seeming to have a talent for everything, to the extend of telling the husband which clubs he should take with him. The wives' dull existence is enlivened, however, when a postcard arrives from a French mutual ex-lover of both, saying he plans to visit London! Oo-er..

This play has more slapstick than I'm used to from Noel Coward - I'm not usually a fan of slapstick, but I have to hand it to them, they do it so well! The scene as they get drunker and drunker over dinner, anticipating their ex-lover's imminent arrival, is unexpectedly hilarious, and the whole cast has great comic timing. And just wait for the second half, which takes place the morning after the night before..

First performed 100 years ago, imagine - and censored! They couldn't handle female drunkenness, or women talking about sexual fantasies, women who had sex outside of marriage, adultery - as we discussed in the interval, it's still the case today that sex is treated much more seriously, for example by film censors, than is violence. Anyway, this is a naughty little play, and it's great fun! Last performances tomorrow (Saturday) - go see! Strongly recommended.

When we emerged, the rain had stopped - I walked home.

Now, tomorrow is our ex-colleagues' monthly get-together. There was talk that it might clash with a birthday party.. and then, there's the Ireland-England match tomorrow.. we'll play it by ear. Martin, sadly, is busy and can't make it.

Then, four nights of Meetup. On Sunday, I start two nights of horror, with The Hideout again for the first time in over two weeks.. was supposed to be Psycho Killer (stars Malcolm McDowell), but its UK release seems to have been delayed. Hope to see it at a later date, it looks good, some Satanic elements - from the writers of Se7en. Instead, we're headed to Cineworld to see Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die - an apocalyptic thing, the trailer looks funny. Directed by Gore Verbinski, stars an unrecognisable Sam Rockwell as a visitor from the future, here to save us from the hell of AI. Meeting in Victory House beforehand - and yay, that means I can eat in my fave Bella Italia! Ah, I've missed them..

And on Monday, when I saw Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) were going to Dracula, well.. showing in the Noel Coward Theatre, by the time I came to book, "cheap" seats were in short supply. There was one left in the Balcony - £50, and predictably, no legroom. There was one left in the Grand Circle - decent seat. £85. I got that one. Eating beforehand in The Salisbury, nearby.

On Tuesday, I'm trying out a new Meetup group; London Music Showcase - Gigs & Drinks specifically exists to promote the Piano Smithfield bar. So I'm trying out the gig there that night - cheap tickets on TAC, as apparently with all theirs. I'm eating in The Old Red Cow beforehand - gee, seems you know there's a place for you if they respond immediately to your booking enquiry; if you don't hear, it's a no.

And on Wednesday, back with UITCS for I'm Sorry, Prime Minister in the Apollo Shaftesbury Avenue. Eating in Bella Italia Strand for that one.

On Thursday, going to see Dara O' Briain, yay! Booked ages ago - he's in the Hammersmith Apollo.

And I'm finishing off the month with two more Meetups - next Friday, back with La Isla Flamenco Club, ole! Back in the gold Bar in the Colab Tower for a show called Identidades.

And on the 28th, back at last with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpies for his rescheduled Southwark: Seedy and Sublime walking tour.