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Two Ladies: La Bella Bimba at Barons Court Theatre / Canal Cafe Theatre

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T hey sing. They dance. They clown around. They even wash clothes! Such is the story of La Bella Bimba, part of the Voila Theatre Festival, which highlights new and emerging artists. A tale of two Italian ladies who land in 1920s New York, trying to break into Broadway without speaking a word of English. It’s harmless, primarily even if a little nonsensical, and is currently playing as part of the Voila! Theatre Festival .  I caught the performance at the Barons Court Theatre , where the intimate setting created an evocative atmosphere reminiscent of dark New York alleyways. The space was almost claustrophobic with a distinct smell of rising damp, making you feel immersed in the story of two Ladies hanging around the theatre doors of Broadway. On the plus side, the theatre has some of the most comfortable seats you will find in any pub theatre in London. As the naive and hopeful singers, Co-creator Lucrezia Galeone as Carlotta and Sarah Silvestri as Cecilia are fine singers with co...
Weather changes

Weather today was misty, wet and cold. What happened to Spring? Given the lousy weather I decided to skip gym and come home early.

It was not related to:

  • Catching up with old flatmates from Haringey and having three or four (or possibly five) Becks over the course of the afternoon
  • Flatmates wanted all the gory details of the breakup but I just said there weren't any. "When somebody just can't stand the sight of you anymore you know it isn't all about you... So just move on" I told them. Have made mental note to include that line in any future book on postmodern advice that I may write...
  • Staying out extra longer with the guy who took the room after me. Wasn't quick enough to make silly jokes about "sharing the same bed"... This was probably not a bad thing
  • Heading out again around 11pm to catch up with a nice Jewish boy from California in Central London. This time it was vodka.

It was all very responsible (and quite enjoyable at the time) but I figured an early night in would help.

I was relating all this to my colleague at work and she seemed a little surprised. She had been relating stories to me over the past week so I figured I would return the favour.

Although it was a lot tamer than her stories... Last week while she was out a man sent a picture message of his penis to her which she was shocked about. She was shocked that somebody would do that, but also because it looked so darn good. I reassured her that in these technologically sophisticated times these are the way it is. Whether it is Bluejacking, toothing or picture messaging, it is all making the dating process far more expedient. Besides, a dinner date was no longer necessary. The downside was that he never rang over the long weekend so on Easter Monday she sent the picture back to him with the words "you can have it back".

And so it goes... Easter weekends can be so cruel... Actually I have noted of late that the level of professionalism has declined amongst my colleagues, but what the hell...

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