Concert: Louis Demetrius Alvanis plays Beethoven

These next two days are courtesy of my cheap ticket groups! Tonight, I was with TAC for a Beethoven concert at the Milton Court Concert Hall - and what was handy was that the tickets were from the venue, with a promo code - so we didn't have to pick them up at the venue, and could choose our own seats; naturally, I picked the most expensive I could get away with (£25 seats for £5 - not bad). Booked to eat beforehand at Cote Barbican.

The bus arrived almost perfectly when I did, and whisked me as close as it was going - including a short stop to even out the gaps in the service. I then had a bit of a walk, but for some reason, Google Maps stopped updating my ETA as I walked. Never mind, I arrived on time - and took a seat by the window. Have to say, I had the loveliest meal - most of this chain are terrific places to eat, great service, great food. And tonight, the worst I could say was that the calamari were a little chewy - but they were tasty, the steak frites was gorgeous and not too heavy. And happily, I had time for dessert - and the best thing I've found there for dessert is the delectable salted caramel ice cream. All accompanied by a carafe of wine - so handy not to have to ask for a second glass. I veritably purred all the way to the concert hall.

Somehow missed the bar - probably because it was on the other side of the entrance to the hall. I was in the second row:

Two sonatas before the interval (at which point I went out and got a drink, having seen others come in with theirs, and some chocolate, which I ended up having at home just now). Two sonatas after the interval. Throughout, it occurred to me that Beethoven is so synonymous with power and passion.. We started with the Pathétique, which ended up being my favourite of the evening - this was followed by the Waldstein, which I also loved. After the interval, the programme appealed to me less, with Sonatas 22 & 23 (Appassionata) - but wow, the last, in particular, gave the pianist and piano a workout! I love Beethoven, and I loved the concert.. just a nice, easy evening. I even had space on either side, after the lady on one side moved, presumably to an even better seat.

And tomorrow, with CT, 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 Monday is coming too, and I've booked Prezzo on Northumberland Avenue, just to avoid confusion.

Then it's five Meetups in a row.. on Wednesday, 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, 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.

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. Location and time TBA.

Next 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.

On the 31st, 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.