Comedy: You're Dead to Me

Tonight, second night in a row for cheap tickets, with CT this time though, I found a live podcast - You're Dead to Me is history with a comedic twist! Playing at The Adelphi. My dinner companion of last week came too, and I booked Prezzo on Northumberland Avenue, just to avoid confusion. My seat number was allocated this afternoon.

And then the traffic struck. I didn't so much mind the bus being delayed a quarter of an hour.. but when it took half an hour to cover two stops, I knew I was in trouble. With my companion delayed as well, I knew dinner was a bust, cancelled the reservation, and suggested we make for the nearest Pret to the theatre. Of course, my bus also had to change drivers en route - but on the whole, the last leg was faster. My companion beat me to it, and had a vegan croissant - my usual salmon sandwich was there, thank goodness, and hallelujah, the good chocolate. We made our way to the theatre in time to have a drink in the bar (standing, no seats available) - despite the ushers taking five attempts to scan my ticket! We'd booked separately, so weren't seated together - she was in the Dress Circle (the Upper Circle was closed), I was in the rear Stalls:

(The theatre remains decorated for Back to the Future, which is normally running there.)

It really is a podcast on stage - the host directs the banter between the historian and the comic. Sundry visuals are displayed on the rear of the stage, mainly for the audience's benefit, and the comedian complained at one point that she couldn't hear what they were saying to her, as the audio was obviously directed towards the audience..

This show was dedicated to Alexander the Great - and as the historian provided facts, the comedian gave reactions, and sometimes the host interrupted to ask the comedian's opinion: such as, how "great" she thought he really was. I knew some, but not all, of the facts revealed - such as the revenge he wreaked for his father's murder, or the practice of polygamy in Macedonia at the time. Not a standard history lecture, it was designed for entertainment - but at the same time, a lively delivery really brought the characters to life. I left with a new appreciation of the man - very much enjoyed it. They're off on a tour of the country now - I suppose they'll have a different subject for each night!

Glad to get in, on what has turned out to be a very stormy night.

Next, it's five Meetups in a row.. tomorrow, back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) for Oh! Mary, a musical and comedic look at the life of Mary Lincoln, playing at Trafalgar Theatre. I paid a little over the odds for it at late notice, but decided I'm interested enough to get another perspective, after seeing last month's show about her, Mrs. President.

On Thursday, back with London Museums A-Z (LoMAZ), unusually for a midweek event, a talk on Johnson, Crime and Punishment, in Four Cases, at Dr. Johnson's House. Includes a welcome drink and a chance to peek around the house - I'll have my rucksack with me, but hope to be able to leave it at reception. Tickets were cheaper if bought in pairs, so I paired with someone from the group. Now sold out.

On Friday, finally back with Over 40: Living the Life, for Cleopatra: The Experience, at the ExCel Centre. We're eating at Tapa Tapa beforehand.

On Saturday, back with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpies - this walk is It's Only Rock 'n' Roll but I Like It! Unfortunately, the event page seems to be set up differently, not allowing people to sign up without paying through PayPal, and incurring the fee. He's having to take people's names offline..this wasn't his intention, and I'm not sure what has happened.

And that evening, I've now been invited to attend a performance by a friend of a friend in Notting Hill, optional firepit dinner afterwards (weather permitting), with payment of a supplement. Sounds interesting, and I've said I'll go - tickets from Eventbrite. Anyway, I should be able to make it across town in time.

On Sunday, back with The Hideout again for They Will Kill You, a comedy horror about a girl who takes a job at a Manhattan mansion, only to discover it's a temple to Satan, and she's tonight's sacrifice. However, they didn't know about the martial arts she picked up in prison.. not a spoiler, that's all in the trailer. At last the venue and time have been announced - we're headed to the Vue West End, and hallelujah again, I managed to get a booking at Bella Italia! And I have a voucher.. Lordy, it's over a month since I was last there!

On Monday, heading to something advertised to me by someone I met on the last regular LoMAZ event I was on - he organises a WhatsApp community called London Fun, and had a spare prebooked ticket to Lifeline, a musical based around the medical profession and starring real medical professionals. So I said I'd go - in Southwark Playhouse again.

Next Tuesday, back with Movie Roadhouse London, who are dipping their toe in horror as well.. also now advertised with The Hideout.. we're seeing Brain Damage, an 80s body horror about a guy infected with an alien parasite..  hmm. Showing in The Nickel Cinema - which turns out to be around the corner from The Wilmington, so I've booked there again. 

On the 1st, back with TAC for another Kirckman concert for young classical musicians at King's Place- this time it's Sherri Lun.

On the 2nd, back at storytelling with Orpheus Dismembered, featuring Ben Haggarty, of the Crick Crack Club. Happening at Hoxton Hall, and I'm eating in Schnitzel Heaven beforehand.

And on the 3rd, back with UITCS at Sadler's Wells, for Solera - flamenco with Paco Peña. ¡Olé! Eating at The Wilmington again- and can go a little earlier, it being a bank holiday.