This is a recommendation with someone particular in mind so I hope that she is reading. If, alas, she is not, then this is still something that can warm the cockles of any of us who've hopped around to the myriad of Balkan Beats floating around these past couple of years.
The Russian folk festival of Maslenitsa is hitting London this Sunday and will feature a host of performances from Russian groups based both in Russia and the UK.
A week long version of Lent, there will be marionette puppetry, traditional games and, of course, the obligatory efnic food all in the shadow of Tower Bridge and in amongst The Scoop.
Anya, I hope you're getting all this :)
Love to all.
Over and out x
Thursday 4 February 2010
Huzzah!
So, there is blessed news on the cultural battle front! The incredible Shunt are being permitted to remain in the vaults under London Bridge for a further year!
The Theatre Company itself had found alternative premises in a huge, old tobacco factory but have successfully fought to keep the vaults open despite the looming shadow of the ridiculous Shard building which is being plonked on top like some gargantuan, fetid, severed digit upon a deliciously, disguised cake.
This is being viewed as a new project and will be a different kettle of fish to the previous incarnation of the vaults but give their track record should be squeezing out plenty of superb little nuggets.
The new venue for the theatre company is currently running an extended second season of the critically acclaimed production, Money. Taking place in an immense space with part of the intention being one of disorientation, this is not for the feint hearted. Go boldly, soldiers...
The Theatre Company itself had found alternative premises in a huge, old tobacco factory but have successfully fought to keep the vaults open despite the looming shadow of the ridiculous Shard building which is being plonked on top like some gargantuan, fetid, severed digit upon a deliciously, disguised cake.
This is being viewed as a new project and will be a different kettle of fish to the previous incarnation of the vaults but give their track record should be squeezing out plenty of superb little nuggets.
The new venue for the theatre company is currently running an extended second season of the critically acclaimed production, Money. Taking place in an immense space with part of the intention being one of disorientation, this is not for the feint hearted. Go boldly, soldiers...
Old School
For those of a certain masochistic ilk, and by certain I mean Victorian, the Ragged School Museum has just the thing for you.
The first Sunday of the month offers an opportunity to step back in time and sit in on a Victorian school lesson.
Get schooled, the old school way. Bring you're own cane though if that's your bag...
The first Sunday of the month offers an opportunity to step back in time and sit in on a Victorian school lesson.
Get schooled, the old school way. Bring you're own cane though if that's your bag...
Celluloid
There are two filmic events this month, one that fulfills an oft-held desire and the other which is particularly close to my heart, being as it stars a friend of mine.
First up, UCL are hosting a rare showing of the original 1916 film of 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. A groundbreaking film at the time that wowed crowds with it's special effects and underwater shots, you will also have the opportunity afterwards for a complimentary glass of wine and a meander round the museum.
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Starring the glamourous and lovely Rachel Stubbings, Can We Talk was nominated for the recent Sundance Film Festival and has been going great guns on the short film circuit.
11 minutes full of sexually-charged comedy, brutal honesty and painful laughs it is fully deserving of it's nomination to Sundance and the Shooting People's award for film of the month.
Nice fucking work, Rachel.
First up, UCL are hosting a rare showing of the original 1916 film of 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. A groundbreaking film at the time that wowed crowds with it's special effects and underwater shots, you will also have the opportunity afterwards for a complimentary glass of wine and a meander round the museum.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Starring the glamourous and lovely Rachel Stubbings, Can We Talk was nominated for the recent Sundance Film Festival and has been going great guns on the short film circuit.
11 minutes full of sexually-charged comedy, brutal honesty and painful laughs it is fully deserving of it's nomination to Sundance and the Shooting People's award for film of the month.
Nice fucking work, Rachel.
Secret City
Although most representations of London are of the sprawling metropolis, the hectic non-stop pace, the constant buzz, the real beauty to our capital lies in the mysteries of history and the hidden treasures that lie beneath.
I've lived in this city for 30 years and every day I discover something new, something that feels like only I have discovered and I now have two other paragons to add to this ever-growing list.
The first is a guided walk through the Hidden Gardens of the City. Taking you on a route that is oft-restricted and hidden to the public face, this promises to be a little element of our city that only a few are lucky to peer at...
Every Wed 1:30pm until 31st March
£5 donation to Cancer Research and Oxfam
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This second one, I have to admit was news to me too and has since piqued my curiousity to such an extent that I will be using some of my precious holiday time to explore. If any of you should also be so piqued, let me know when, and we can embark.
Under neath London Wall, still stands the remains of the Roman's military fort. Rarely accessible, this will be open to the public as part of a curator-guided tour on 3 dates through February, March and April. Nearly 1900 years old.
That's bloody old, that is.
FREE
Thursday February 11th 14:00 - 14:30 and 15:00 - 15:30
Monday March 8th 14:00 - 14:30 and 15:00 - 15:30
Thursday April 22nd 14:00 - 14:30 and 15:00 - 15:30
I've lived in this city for 30 years and every day I discover something new, something that feels like only I have discovered and I now have two other paragons to add to this ever-growing list.
The first is a guided walk through the Hidden Gardens of the City. Taking you on a route that is oft-restricted and hidden to the public face, this promises to be a little element of our city that only a few are lucky to peer at...
Every Wed 1:30pm until 31st March
£5 donation to Cancer Research and Oxfam
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This second one, I have to admit was news to me too and has since piqued my curiousity to such an extent that I will be using some of my precious holiday time to explore. If any of you should also be so piqued, let me know when, and we can embark.
Under neath London Wall, still stands the remains of the Roman's military fort. Rarely accessible, this will be open to the public as part of a curator-guided tour on 3 dates through February, March and April. Nearly 1900 years old.
That's bloody old, that is.
FREE
Thursday February 11th 14:00 - 14:30 and 15:00 - 15:30
Monday March 8th 14:00 - 14:30 and 15:00 - 15:30
Thursday April 22nd 14:00 - 14:30 and 15:00 - 15:30
Cupid Valentino
This time of year sees one dodging flying giant hearts, rampaging cuddly toys and coupledom on the riot marking that unavoidable time when that Hallmark holiday, Valentines Day, is almost upon us.
Now far be it from me to be bitter about such things but I feel only the need to give it a cursory wave on it's way past.
Thus, this cute little distraction. Love in the Archives is being offered at National Maritime Museum of all places. The NMM will be opening up their archives for one to read through the collection of letters that they hold on all things love.
Tea and cake will be served in the Great Hall accompanied by music from Trinity College. Civilised, interesting and definitively no Carebears.
FREE but due to limited capacity advanced booking required.
Now far be it from me to be bitter about such things but I feel only the need to give it a cursory wave on it's way past.
Thus, this cute little distraction. Love in the Archives is being offered at National Maritime Museum of all places. The NMM will be opening up their archives for one to read through the collection of letters that they hold on all things love.
Tea and cake will be served in the Great Hall accompanied by music from Trinity College. Civilised, interesting and definitively no Carebears.
FREE but due to limited capacity advanced booking required.
Orchestral Maneouvres in the Dark
Alongside the Bonnie Greer performance is another Late at Tate gem from Larry Achiampong.
Jam In The Dark is a short film of Larry and his band, unsurprisingly, having a jam session in total darkness and is being shown in the Manton Studio at Tate Britain as the musicians try to heighten their auditory senses by closing off their visual ones.
This is a small part of the larger Chris Ofili exhibition that is currently bringing huge brushstrokes of colour and emotion to the Tate. One of the most acclaimed living British artists, this is an amazing opportunity to see over 45 of his works from the last 20 years.
Jam In The Dark is a short film of Larry and his band, unsurprisingly, having a jam session in total darkness and is being shown in the Manton Studio at Tate Britain as the musicians try to heighten their auditory senses by closing off their visual ones.
This is a small part of the larger Chris Ofili exhibition that is currently bringing huge brushstrokes of colour and emotion to the Tate. One of the most acclaimed living British artists, this is an amazing opportunity to see over 45 of his works from the last 20 years.
Happy Happy Talky Talky
Chatter, natter, banter, scuttlebutt, oration, chitchat, hot air, exhortation, powwow, dialogue, shootin' the breeze...we all love to put those words out there.
Riffing and scatting all over our pain...
Bonnie Greer will be doing the riffing and the exceptional singer Cleveland Watkiss, the scatting as they bring a free performance to the Tate Britain of Greer's new novel, Entropy.
Friday 5th February 18:30 Room T7 Tate Britain
FREE
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Just a little further West of here, the ever reliable V&A are playing host to a series of evening talks from some true British legends over the next few weeks. From the comedic giant that is Terry Jones to the theatrical genius, Alan Bennett these talks will be a rare opportunity to grasp.
Some will be talking of their own work and some will be talking about areas of interest and knowledge that they have. Either way, there should be quite a few insights amongst all the babbling...
Riffing and scatting all over our pain...
Bonnie Greer will be doing the riffing and the exceptional singer Cleveland Watkiss, the scatting as they bring a free performance to the Tate Britain of Greer's new novel, Entropy.
Friday 5th February 18:30 Room T7 Tate Britain
FREE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just a little further West of here, the ever reliable V&A are playing host to a series of evening talks from some true British legends over the next few weeks. From the comedic giant that is Terry Jones to the theatrical genius, Alan Bennett these talks will be a rare opportunity to grasp.
Some will be talking of their own work and some will be talking about areas of interest and knowledge that they have. Either way, there should be quite a few insights amongst all the babbling...
Y'know, for kids...
This month also sees me posting the first kids event that I've happened across. I'm not sure why since I know very few people who are currently with child, but for those select few of you who live with the small people, the Southbank Centre is hosting a month long festival, Imagine 2010.
A mixture of free and ticketed events, but always full of creativity and excitement, events range from puppets to poetry from magic to beatboxing.
If I had to pick one, and given that my diplomatic relations with Mr Money are at an all time low, I would go for a free one. And a free one I would be inclined to pay for, were it so. Julian Hepple's Story Time seems like an ideal way to pass a Saturday daytime...
A mixture of free and ticketed events, but always full of creativity and excitement, events range from puppets to poetry from magic to beatboxing.
If I had to pick one, and given that my diplomatic relations with Mr Money are at an all time low, I would go for a free one. And a free one I would be inclined to pay for, were it so. Julian Hepple's Story Time seems like an ideal way to pass a Saturday daytime...
Clowncore
Clowns, like Marmite, engender a sense of either love or loathing but surely there can be no more glorious sight than a collective of clowns far and wide gathered to revere a hero. A pratfall of clowns, if you will.
Just such an event is taking place this Sunday, and indeed the first Sunday in February every year since 1946. Clowns from all parts come to pay tribute to Joseph Grimaldi, still the most celebrated English clown, by conducting a service at Holy Trinity Church in Dalston. Adorned in full 'motley and slap', this is a true spectacle...
Photos by George Best
Sunday 7th February 3pm
Just such an event is taking place this Sunday, and indeed the first Sunday in February every year since 1946. Clowns from all parts come to pay tribute to Joseph Grimaldi, still the most celebrated English clown, by conducting a service at Holy Trinity Church in Dalston. Adorned in full 'motley and slap', this is a true spectacle...
Photos by George Best
Sunday 7th February 3pm
Technical Difficulties
Good evening. And apologies for the radio silence. Life getting in the way of life, a change of abode and circumstance.
Having now though settled back into the ample, warm, bosom of Hackney I feel once again like the IV mainlining an assortment of happenings straight to your boggling eyeballs.
Goddamn junkies…
Having now though settled back into the ample, warm, bosom of Hackney I feel once again like the IV mainlining an assortment of happenings straight to your boggling eyeballs.
Goddamn junkies…
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