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!
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