Paul in London

From http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/ Tuesday night I had the chance to see The Emperor Jones at the National Theatre starring Paterson Joseph . The production originated at the Gate Theatre in 2005 and has been pumped up and given the usual National Theatre treatment such as loads of cast members on stage for no comprehensible reason, shirtless men, gigantic sets, and a large percussion orchestra. Most of the time that is enough to make a show enjoyable but this time I kind of wished I had seen the original production rather than this monster one. Sure the jungle beats were infectious (and so loud that nodding off even during a bit of a dull exposition was only temporary) and Joseph gives a great performance, but it all seemed like it could have benefited from remaining a bit smaller scale... The play is about a southern American conman Jones, who establishes a dictatorship in the West Indies, only to find himself facing a people's revolt. It made Eugene O'Neil famous. But...

260820072286 , originally uploaded by Paul-in-London . One lady. One large package... Strangely in focus...

250820072271 , originally uploaded by Paul-in-London . Bank holiday weekend barbeque conversation starters: Hey there is sun... That's new for summer... Is there normally this much smoke in coal-fired barbeque? Has the fire alarm gone off yet? How do you like my sausages? Are my meat patties brown enough for turning yet?

It turned out to be the second time in about a month that I saw a show featuring Amelia Earhart. The first show was An Air Balloon over Antarctica that I saw in Melbourne and which is now getting fabulous reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe . I thought that show was a bit crap with very uninteresting characters, but that just goes to show how much I know... Anyway this show is a musical about flying planes featuring the Wright brothers, Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart. It is having its world premiere at the Menier Chocolate Factory but it has been in development for a while . I guess songs about engine drag, staying awake and 3.14 squared just don't cut it with investors. It was and obscure choice for a musical but I'd heard word that the songs and the production were good, so I went and saw it with John . John was glad I wanted to see this as he couldn't think of anybody else who would. I was just glad he got there before me and grabbed a good seat since the seating is u...

Fat man on phone (walking into Tescos): Look I don't want excuses from you anymore I want results...

190820072216 , originally uploaded by Paul-in-London . Soho Pride was a quieter affair this year... With the light drizzle it did tend to put people off... Well some people anyway...

Scenes from the Northern Line Thursday 17:30 , originally uploaded by Paul-in-London . That would be right... No bloody seat...

An old school friend sent me a message asking if life in London was an endless stream of theatre productions and overheard conversations. Well basically I would have to say (in between the rest), yes... So bearing that in mind, Fraser and I went to see two short plays by the National Youth Theatre at the Soho Theatre (or should that be the national yoof featre?)... Anyway, the first play The Band was about a bunch of Manchunians bitching and moaning... I could relate to it as I lived with a Manchunian and that's seem to be what they do best... Fraser wasn't so enthralled by it with all its teen angst and overplayed drama. Besides he was still pissed that I had arrived late to the theatre and there wasn't time for a drink beforehand... Still even sober I thought it was great fun. Even better was that it was short and short is always a good thing... As mid week who has the attention span to last longer than 50 minutes before an interval or break? The second play was 20 Ciga...