Stratford in East London may not be at the forefront of your mind when considering a night out and the theatre, nor for that matter Bromley in South London. In the last week I have been lucky enough to experience the delight of both venues and they do not disappoint.
First off, the Theatre Royal Stratford East was the setting for an evening out on Wednesday to experience "The Graft" a play adapted from the Martina Cole novel of the same name. I first experienced this particular theatre last year after I saw a segment on BBC London about a debut play being performed there adapted from the same author called "Two Women". A family member is a massive fan of her books and being from Essex originaly we all thought it would be an experience worth a try. We were not disappointed!
So this year when I was made aware a second production was to be held there, this time based on"The Graft" I was eager to see if it could maintain it's initial success. It did and more some!
The journey from Liverpool Street Station is a mere 10-15 minutes by tube or overground and the walk from the station to the theatre no more than 5. Obviously we all know Stratford is undergoing a massive regeneration due to the Olympics and I feel that in these times particularly it becomes even more special to have a reason to visit the area to note the manner in which the area has been and will change before, during and post 2012.
The magic of this old building is that it lies directly opposite a modern block of flats and adjacent to a small pedestrianised area just outside the local shopping centre housing, a Chinese and West Indian restaurant. A part of old world charm inside a modern urban town. The theatre is quaint not small. The staff are helpful and polite but most of all friendly.
All that said the jewel in the crown of this place is the bar/restaurant that is attached. The Jamaican fare on offer is divine. Proving such a hit that it's locals not just theatre goers that vie for a table to eat there. Some diners still soaking up the atmosphere when you surface for the interval despite having arrived before you. There is basic food also for those who don't enjoy the spicy fare and the price is totally justified in my opinion, anything from £4-£8 for a meal. Drinks are reasonable £3 for a small red wine etc. My only detraction from this area this time was a solo pianist singing covers which frankly was too load for a busy pre-theatre area but hey you can't love everything about a place!
Despite not being a reader of Martina Cole books myself, on the two occasions I have experienced the adaptations of her works, I have been blown away by the great acting, superb stage direction, honesty and sheer bravery of the work. If the productions you witness are anything like the books, then we should all be running to get a copies. I am assured that the plays do indeed stand up to the novels by those that have accompanied me. Companions have also been thrilled that I should garner such enjoyment from the plays without any prior knowledge of the stories. Of "The Graft" I can commend not only the plot/script but the scoreline and directing of the physical scenes which were a joy to watch.
Last but not least on "The Graft" at Theatre Royal Stratford East. It was announced at the interval that Martina Cole was doing a book signing upstairs. May I just say what a wonderful warm lady she was, who signed anything from programmes to ticket stubs and posed for numerous photos. Totally made the night for my superfan friend!
Please see link below if this has sparked any interest:
http://www.stratfordeast.com/whats_on/The_Graft.shtml
The Churchill Theatre Bromley is the second location for my theatre report.
I must admit I have been lucky enough to visit this location on a number of occasions to see various productions of west end productions on tour, as well as new concepts be tried and tested.
I will be honest I cannot quite put my finger on what the Churchill has, but it has it in bucket loads!
Firstly there's the brilliantly, friendly and helpful staff. I know this may sound gushing but although I am not the first to complain, I will be the one complaining to the highest and loudest level when things are just wrong. This is blog is to promote the good stuff in London but the bad will not be ignored.
I was running late on a previous visit due to traffic and being the person holding the tickets in their hands, this did not qualm the fears of an elderly wheelchair user who was a member of my party. They were understandably concerned about being seated in time as not to disturb others. Even without me being present the staff ensured that they were comfortably in their seat 15 minutes before curtain up just by being told the seat numbers over the phone. Now I don't know about you guys but to me that's customer care!
Last Saturday's matinee was a trip to see Avenue Q. I'd been told to visit it many a time when it was in residence in St Martin's Lane but as you do, I thought it would run forever and never got around to booking tickets. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to see it and even more please to be able to enjoy it in the Churchill. For one thing the leg room is amazing, a massive deal for me in the theatre. No getting up and down all the time but just being able to swing your legs is a dream.
As for the play, I guess the Tony Award should speak for itself. It does!
The play is funny and it's bright, modern and engaging. Socially questioning, mocks PC blah blah and overall it is creative. Not in a razzle dazzle blow your mind way, in a we can talk about and challenge stuff that we're all going through in a whimsical, poke fun at ourselves kind of way.
I love seeing plays at regional theatres as I get a totally different vibe to the west end (have loads of stuff on the west end buy the way but don't wanna off load all at once)!
The beauty of seeing a play such as Avenue Q in Bromley, was to watch the way the audience came out of their shell as the play progressed. That I think is exactly it's message and not wanting to give too much away the point of the whole experience.
I don't want to wax too lyrical so I shall leave it there but I have to say after 5 years The Churchill has not dissappointed and long I hope it reigns.....
See link below for more details
http://www.ambassadortickets.com/2243/651/Bromley/The-Churchill/Avenue-Q-Tickets
Sit back, relax and enjoy!
Friday, 25 February 2011
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
Things To Do In The Gloomy Weather.....
So its cold again, it's getting towards the end of the month and money is tight!
Here are my tips to enjoy some time out that will tickle the senses but not necessarily break the bank, window shopping with a difference with a little added!
The places may sound pricey but the experience doesn't have to be ........
Stop 1
Selfridges Food Hall
Starting in Oxford Street, smack bang in the centre of town.
Take a trip to Selfridges Food Hall. Selfridges I hear you cry hardly easy on the pocket but the beauty of the Food Hall is that it's like a tour of the world in edible delicacies.
Meat and fish are laid out the way they are meant to be observed. Heads and feet left on in all their glory, which although at first appears a little scary, enables you to really appreciate the things you eat and where they come from.
There is a kitch American section filled with all the usual delights like Goobers peanut butter jelly, Hershey products and fruit loops galore. Parents be warned the colours are bright and the E Numbers high! There's sushi, Italian meats and I could go on but you need to see for yourselves.
A favourite of mine is the bread section seriously who knew there was actually that many different ways to eat such a basic delight. Tucked beautifully behind the bread is the most exciting of all parts CAKES!
To buy, to try and to decorate if you're into cupcakes the trend du jour!
For those with some spare cash in their pockets there is the Oyster and Champagne Bar ( I saw Patsy Kensit enjoying a mid-week splurge on a day off once)! Also, the delicious smell of Salt beef from one of the many concessions along with the unenviable taste of the Square Pie company and so on which are all at your disposal.
I must admit despite all my time in this great city, Selfridges Food Hall is a recent discovery. I would be ashamed but am also thrilled to pass on the delight I have seen it give to every generation with whom I have visited, enjoy!
Stop 2
Liberty Of London
Now I don't know about you but whenever I hear the name Liberty London, a short walk from Oxford Street and just off of Regent Street, I think Tudor, chintz, plaid, the past....
I now thoroughly happily admit after seeking refuse one rainy Sunday afternoon that I could not have been more wrong!
This place is an architectural master piece.The wood beams stripped bare with white walls is so Shoreditch new money you'd could cry. And the clothes, the clothes!!!!
Now I won't lie to you I'm thrifty, always have been and always will be. I want the most for my money but I love the designer gear that I love. I may not buy it very often but I sure as hell will admire it/save for it when necessary and there is no better place to freely explore your fashion treasures than at Liberty.
The decadence of the pret a porter designers on offer against the sparseness of the space is inspiring and the whole place offers an indulgence that I believe only an invite to London Fashion Week can afford.
Even the shoe section has you stroking the products and that to me is heavenly-Shoes glorious shoes!
The fact that the staff are on hand to help but not intimidating was a huge plus. I was carrying a rain soaked Primark bag at the time (for my boyfriend of course) and no one batted an eyelid, what a refreshing change!
Lastly, at a hefty price I admit but if you did fancy a treat the cream teas they offer are almost, almost irresistible.
This is the point of A Londoners London blog. I have lived here for many years yet have still managed to miss so many of the obvious highlights it's scary.
I think the moral is (if there ever is one) is it isn't the devil you know but maybe actually talking to the devil that's in front of you that's important!
Stop 3
A short walk to Covent Garden/Seven Dials for the small but exquisite experience of Neals Yard.
Now in these cash strapped times many of us have taken to home crafts in order to fill time/make gifts/create income.
As a homemade jewellery maker for nearly 3 years now, I have found it hard to find stores in London that actually sell beads, findings, and original materials at a high quality, high diversity of product and at a decent price level.
My prize find is Bead Aura in Neals Yard http://www.beadaura.co.uk/
So efficiently organised, offering a hugely different choice of materials in a low pressure atmosphere, is almost unheard of in London and leaves the shopper to explore to their pleasure.
The staff stay seated behind the till, helping only when asked, which I find vital in such a small space. Everything is clearly labeled so you know what the deal is buying wise. The precious stones are kept separately downstairs and I find this invaluable so as not to get carried away from your original wish list. Come on crafter's we all do it!
Bead Aura, I doff my cap to you! I keep coming back for butterflies to make my drop earrings!
The bonus is you can take the Husband/Boyfriend/Kids/Uninterested Friends without fear of boredom because of the amazing cafes that neighbour this brilliant shop so everyone can be sustained..
Stop 4 Last and as always not the least....
Royal Festival Hall South Bank
I have to admit this is my favourite place in London Town.
I have been visiting this amazing place since the age of fourteen and I'm now 33 years old and the solace that such a modern building offers is as warm as it is unique.
Photography exhibitions, free Jazz concerts at lunch times, coupled along with the paying events this place has to offer makes this place in my humble opinion the most peaceful, communal and diverse landmark you can inhabit.
It's free, its real, it's true.
In winter it's a stop off for the loo and coffee and now there's the food market positioned at the back which adds a bit extra. In the summer it is the ONLY place to enjoy a drink on the front terrace during a lazy afternoon.
I know many feel due to it's modernisation it's become yet another capitalistic privately owned part of London and I more than most dislike the heavy hand of security presence that is now in existence.
That said despite of all this it still holds its original charm for me. A place to meet friends or strangers, a place to go alone, a place to learn, a place to view. Here you are free.
Breathtaking views, every facility nearby, nothing holding you back.
Have Fun!
Here are my tips to enjoy some time out that will tickle the senses but not necessarily break the bank, window shopping with a difference with a little added!
The places may sound pricey but the experience doesn't have to be ........
Stop 1
Selfridges Food Hall
Starting in Oxford Street, smack bang in the centre of town.
Take a trip to Selfridges Food Hall. Selfridges I hear you cry hardly easy on the pocket but the beauty of the Food Hall is that it's like a tour of the world in edible delicacies.
Meat and fish are laid out the way they are meant to be observed. Heads and feet left on in all their glory, which although at first appears a little scary, enables you to really appreciate the things you eat and where they come from.
There is a kitch American section filled with all the usual delights like Goobers peanut butter jelly, Hershey products and fruit loops galore. Parents be warned the colours are bright and the E Numbers high! There's sushi, Italian meats and I could go on but you need to see for yourselves.
A favourite of mine is the bread section seriously who knew there was actually that many different ways to eat such a basic delight. Tucked beautifully behind the bread is the most exciting of all parts CAKES!
To buy, to try and to decorate if you're into cupcakes the trend du jour!
For those with some spare cash in their pockets there is the Oyster and Champagne Bar ( I saw Patsy Kensit enjoying a mid-week splurge on a day off once)! Also, the delicious smell of Salt beef from one of the many concessions along with the unenviable taste of the Square Pie company and so on which are all at your disposal.
I must admit despite all my time in this great city, Selfridges Food Hall is a recent discovery. I would be ashamed but am also thrilled to pass on the delight I have seen it give to every generation with whom I have visited, enjoy!
Stop 2
Liberty Of London
Now I don't know about you but whenever I hear the name Liberty London, a short walk from Oxford Street and just off of Regent Street, I think Tudor, chintz, plaid, the past....
I now thoroughly happily admit after seeking refuse one rainy Sunday afternoon that I could not have been more wrong!
This place is an architectural master piece.The wood beams stripped bare with white walls is so Shoreditch new money you'd could cry. And the clothes, the clothes!!!!
The decadence of the pret a porter designers on offer against the sparseness of the space is inspiring and the whole place offers an indulgence that I believe only an invite to London Fashion Week can afford.
Even the shoe section has you stroking the products and that to me is heavenly-Shoes glorious shoes!
The fact that the staff are on hand to help but not intimidating was a huge plus. I was carrying a rain soaked Primark bag at the time (for my boyfriend of course) and no one batted an eyelid, what a refreshing change!
Lastly, at a hefty price I admit but if you did fancy a treat the cream teas they offer are almost, almost irresistible.
This is the point of A Londoners London blog. I have lived here for many years yet have still managed to miss so many of the obvious highlights it's scary.
I think the moral is (if there ever is one) is it isn't the devil you know but maybe actually talking to the devil that's in front of you that's important!
Stop 3
A short walk to Covent Garden/Seven Dials for the small but exquisite experience of Neals Yard.
Now in these cash strapped times many of us have taken to home crafts in order to fill time/make gifts/create income.
As a homemade jewellery maker for nearly 3 years now, I have found it hard to find stores in London that actually sell beads, findings, and original materials at a high quality, high diversity of product and at a decent price level.
My prize find is Bead Aura in Neals Yard http://www.beadaura.co.uk/
So efficiently organised, offering a hugely different choice of materials in a low pressure atmosphere, is almost unheard of in London and leaves the shopper to explore to their pleasure.
Bead Aura, I doff my cap to you! I keep coming back for butterflies to make my drop earrings!
The bonus is you can take the Husband/Boyfriend/Kids/Uninterested Friends without fear of boredom because of the amazing cafes that neighbour this brilliant shop so everyone can be sustained..
Stop 4 Last and as always not the least....
I have to admit this is my favourite place in London Town.
I have been visiting this amazing place since the age of fourteen and I'm now 33 years old and the solace that such a modern building offers is as warm as it is unique.
Photography exhibitions, free Jazz concerts at lunch times, coupled along with the paying events this place has to offer makes this place in my humble opinion the most peaceful, communal and diverse landmark you can inhabit.
It's free, its real, it's true.
In winter it's a stop off for the loo and coffee and now there's the food market positioned at the back which adds a bit extra. In the summer it is the ONLY place to enjoy a drink on the front terrace during a lazy afternoon.
I know many feel due to it's modernisation it's become yet another capitalistic privately owned part of London and I more than most dislike the heavy hand of security presence that is now in existence.
That said despite of all this it still holds its original charm for me. A place to meet friends or strangers, a place to go alone, a place to learn, a place to view. Here you are free.
Breathtaking views, every facility nearby, nothing holding you back.
Have Fun!
Thursday, 17 February 2011
Fashion Baby!
London hold on to you Fabulousness as London Fashion Week rolls into town tomorrow!
Somerset House is the main base for all those Fashionistas in the know, with other shows taking place all around the Capital.
Highlights will come as always from Vivienne Westwood's Red Label Show taking place on Sunday and the Burberry Show which happens on Monday.
Alongside the big hitters there will also be a cream of British talent being featured so there really will some bits to get your taffeta teeth into!
Expect parties into the night and a few weary heads requiring the obligatory Vitamin water in the morning for the early shows!
Somerset House is the main base for all those Fashionistas in the know, with other shows taking place all around the Capital.
Alongside the big hitters there will also be a cream of British talent being featured so there really will some bits to get your taffeta teeth into!
Expect parties into the night and a few weary heads requiring the obligatory Vitamin water in the morning for the early shows!
Saturday, 12 February 2011
Bafta Buzz!
It's BAFTA Awards time in London and the festivities kick off at around 4.30pm at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden on Sunday, so if you're out and about in the west end today or tonight, keep you eyes peeled for a few A-listers in town for the star studded event!
There is a public view area which opens for wristband collection at 8am on Sunday find more details at
http://www.bafta.org/awards/film/film-awards-public-information,663,BA.html
Don't forget your autograph book and camera!!
There is a public view area which opens for wristband collection at 8am on Sunday find more details at
http://www.bafta.org/awards/film/film-awards-public-information,663,BA.html
Don't forget your autograph book and camera!!
It's A Beautiful Day
It can be muddy so proper shoe attire is worth remembering and dogs run free.
People roam at their leisure and experience a real sense of 'green' in this part of North London an escape from the hustle and bustle of city living. There are facilities dotted around and maps to follow so you can enjoy all that is to offer, such as sitting by the lake, cafes and of course Kenwood House. Opening times are normally from 7.30am and closing times vary season to season, usually at sunset. Check on the entrance gates for times when you enter. After you walk why not wander into Highgate Village and enjoy a drink at The Flask Pub which is cosy inside with a great outdoor space at the front!
Friday, 4 February 2011
And so it begins .......
So it goes like this, I have lived in London for over 6 years and been a regular visitor for nearly 25 years and worked in this town for 15.
This is why I feel I am a bona fide Londoner and tough if you don't agree!
Whilst living in this amazing city it can become much much too easy to forget and overlook the true wonders it has to offer, hence this blog!
My aim is to document the little finds and amazing sights that are present in each nook and cranny of town and as well as informing visitors to London of what hot and what's not, what is a waste and what to do in haste and remind it's residence of what a unique place we live in and encourage Londoners to see what's under their nose and realise that not all of it's attractions are just for tourists!
Hold tight and enjoy the ride!!
This is why I feel I am a bona fide Londoner and tough if you don't agree!
Whilst living in this amazing city it can become much much too easy to forget and overlook the true wonders it has to offer, hence this blog!
My aim is to document the little finds and amazing sights that are present in each nook and cranny of town and as well as informing visitors to London of what hot and what's not, what is a waste and what to do in haste and remind it's residence of what a unique place we live in and encourage Londoners to see what's under their nose and realise that not all of it's attractions are just for tourists!
Hold tight and enjoy the ride!!
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