Category: London

A trip to Covent Garden last night .

We have seen this before in Wellington but I did not remember the details. The ending is rememberable as Tosca commits suicide-last night by jumping through a window and for the Wellington performance by jumping off a wall.

I was up in the gods so the warmth became an issue. I enjoyed it, it became better as it progressed and I enjoyed the ‘hits’. The story was stronger and clearer than in some other operas and so easier to follow.

I have been listening to the music again today along with a few other operatic classics.

We went to this at the weekend and the effort to note it has come from reading a review in the FT.

A positive review and we certainly enjoyed it. I have seen it at least once before-many moons ago in Cannizzaro park as part of the outdoor theatre festival.

Stephen Fry makes a dominant impact and yes the performance of Merriman is very ‘Mrs Overalls’ and ‘soup…..’- great.

Well worth seeing the classic play done with a sting nod to gay life and identity.

As a result of this visit we are members again.

A recommendation from EQ to see Edward Burra:

I enjoyed most of his work. Early stuff less stimulating and later UK scenery less appealing. Interesting images of Franc and USA in the 1920 and 30s.

The violence of war in Spain then WW2 are hard to view.

He also loved music and helped in design for operas. One o f which was about the Govan area of Glasgow:

During my recent trip to London for work I slipped in some culture. One event was a trip to the Royal Albert Hall to watch and listen to a Proms concert.

The main attraction was Beethoven’s Fifth.

The paino concerto was good to listen to and technically a great exhibition. The piece ‘Bruckner’s Skull’ was quite different and interesting.

I obtained my ticket on the day and so was a ‘Prommer’ for the first time- in the standing area in front of the stage. A good experience but hard on the feet by the end!

A trip to London to work for MP prior to Easter and the trip was extended to see someone about my hip. More of that later.

A trip to see Brentford play at the Emirates- butI could only watch the first 30 minutes because I had to go off to Harrow for my quickly arranged MRI.

No Adrian there as he was apparently too mentally tired from the Real Madrid Champions League QF win. So Ben’s turn.

A trip to the National Portrait Gallery again. Hockney. Apparently he had little time to do it- still very good.

An afternoon of culture.

I have never been here before- but I have been to the National Gallery next door.

I was not really familiar with Francis Bacon beforehand. His work did not really get me going- but some more interesting pieces.

Based on his style and relationships, I suppose he had a troubling life.