London Theatre - a guest blog

Today we have a guest blog from my pal Tracey who inspired me to start this blog in the first place.  She is a published writer, playwright and theatre reviewer and I asked her if she would give us all some tips on what is hot coming up this Autumn and Winter in London's theatres.  I've already booked for some of these but I think I may have to see a few more.  Now where did I put the credit card... 
Rose x

 London has the most vibrant and exciting theatre scene in the world, and if you’re looking to see something on stage this season, there’s plenty to excite – whatever your tastes or budget.

Hamlet at the Young Vic
Michael Sheen might be best known for playing Tony Blair in the film The Queen, but he’s an accomplished stage actor and his Hamlet looks like being one of the hottest tickets of the year. The show runs from Oct 28-Jan 21 and is already selling fast, so get booking... http://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/hamlet

The National Theatre not only offers a great range of shows but also, thanks to its sponsorship deal with Travelex, a great range of prices – many shows can be snapped up for just over a tenner. A couple to watch out for this autumn are Collaborators by John Hodge, starring stage stalwart Simon Russell Beale, and Comedy of Errors, which features Lenny Henry returning to Shakespeare after earning his spurs in a surprisingly well-reviewed Othello. There is also an as-yet unnamed Mike Leigh play starting in October which is sure to sell out fast, so if you’re a fan, book now. (www.nationaltheatre.org.uk)

Still on the National, if you missed them first time round there are a couple of great shows transferring to the West End. The riotously funny One Man, Two Guv’nors has won James Corden rave reviews – even from those who find his standard comedy persona a little hard to stomach – while ‘Billy Elliot with brushes’ story the Pitman Painters returns to London after a triumphant run in New York (and, less glamorously, its hometown Newcastle) and looks set to be the feel good show of the winter. http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/66843/productions/the-pitmen-painters.html  and http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/64476/productions/one-man-two-guvnors.html

Another welcome return following an award-winning US run is Jerusalem. Featuring a career-best turn from Mark Rylance, Jez Butterworth’s play has scooped every award going and, having missed out first time round only to have every single person I know rave about how it was the best thing they’ve seen all year, I’m determined to get tickets this time... http://www.jerusalemtheplay.com/

Heavyweight writer Stephen Poliakoff returns to the stage with the world premiere of My City at the Almeida – as it’s his first new play for a decade, demand is high so there are already only a few tickets left, but this is sure to be a piece of landmark theatre so worth trying to get one if you can. The show stars Tracy Ullman and starts in October. http://www.almeida.co.uk/event/mycity

This is, of course, only a taster of the wonderful variety available at London’s theatres... to keep up to date with what is on and what is coming out, check out the review site www.exeuntmagazine.com and the news site www.whatsonstage.com

Stuff I don't like - London Riots

So I blogged yesterday about stuff I like. I was going to start today with stuff I don't like and of course the hideous London Riots are at the forefront of my mind.

There are awful stories in the news, on Twitter and by word of mouth that are just beyond belief. My dear couisns LL (as in Cool J) and TL live in Clapham Junction and both witnessed horrid scenes last night of looting and mindless violence. TL's lovely fiance Sally even did a ring round all of Da Familia living in London to check we were safe and at home. Frightening, horrifying and very much on our doorstep.

Claaaaahm Junction this morning - photo taken by Cousin LL

Did you see this piece by fellow blogger on The Ledbury being raided in Notting Hill? 

I woke up fearful to turn on the news to see a) what else had been set on fire while I slept b) whether our errant Prime Minister had actually come back from holiday to lead the country and c) whether Annie's new mini which had been parked in our drive has been vandalised as let's face it, she might never speak to me again if I hadn't managed to protect it. Basically I woke up feeling an awful lot of negative thoughts. Not good for a Tuesday.

And then I checked Twitter. I should have known better than to doubt the spirit of Londoners. Humour prevailed. Good British sterling humour. Not only that but Blitz Spirit appears to be alive and well with #riotcleanup being the top item trending on Twitter. People are getting out on the streets armed with some old Cath Kidston gardening gloves and a stiff broom from the Pound Shop and getting stuck into putting the neighbourhoods back together. This I like. This I like a lot. This is why I love this city.

Some of the best jokes on Twitter: Cameron is going to batter the rioters with a giant toberlone he picker up in duty free (@alancarr); Cameron is just finishing the last few pages of his John Grisham and will be with us shortly (@heawood); I think we should have another royal wedding. That will do the trick. Harry and Pippa, your country needs you (@davidallengreen)

Hope everyone stays safe and my thoughts are with those who have lost businesses and homes in the madness.

Rose x