F*ck Symbolism

We left at intermission last night of "The Hothouse."

Harold Pinter plays, as some of you may or may not know, are more about the experience and the feeling the audience gets and not necessarily about walking you through a storyline from A to B. Pinter doesn't resolve, he raises questions that go unanswered and he often leaves you to think about concepts without any specific guidance on the argument he is making (if he is making an argument at all).

Art for art's sake and all that.

Having seen the Dumb Waiter earlier this year, Suz and I were prepared. We knew that we weren't going to get answers and thought we could handle it but by intermission we just couldn't be bothered anymore.

"This is going to leave us frustrated. I can tell."

So we went to the bookshop, read the last 10 pages of the play and then went to Oxo Tower for the fantastic view and a glass of rose.

Problem solved.

Turns out as much as we'd like to think we are the sophisticated theatre types, we actually like our plays with a beginning, and end, and clear storyline. We like to try to figure it out and be right when we get to the end. We want character development, we want to be shocked and awed, we want a damn argument to be made so that we can vehemently agree or disagree and discuss it afterward. I don't want to leave with a "feeling" and unanswered questions. That's just annoying.

So as Suz so eloquently put it, "F*ck symbolism." Direct and to the point.

I like it.

Gigging

Is that a word?
May has been a month of gigs here in London town. One of those months where I have been discovering that there is an entire live music scene just down the street in Camden Town that I had always known - in the periphery - was there, but never bothered to participate in.

Sadcakes.

However, thanks to my friend Jharda's burgeoning music career (and active participation in open mic nights) I have found a bit of a new passion. In the last month I've been buying tickets to live music like it's going out of style - as long as it sounds interesting on their MySpace you can count me in. Not just gigs, formal concerts too. No music (except death metal goth punk) excluded.

Music worth mentioning from recent outings:

• Pink Martini - based out of Portland, Oregon they are so unique and fun and would definitely recommend them to anyone. You feel like you are living in a 50's movie soundtrack and you wish you could cha cha, samba, swing and salsa.
• G Love and the Special Sauce - after hearing great things for years and years, I finally checked them out on their way through Camden Town. Very fun and relaxed. You need a cool drink and a garden bbq for G Love. Life is good.
• Jharda - Seriously. Click on the link above and listen to her. She's amazing and she works in my office. I can't believe it sometimes.
• 7 Seconds of Love - Ska is not my fav but let's face it, it's always a fun show. These guys took on Coca Cola and won. How can you not love them a little bit? Specifically listen to "First Drink of the Day" and "Ninja". Someday, I'm gonna flip out like a ninja...cause that's what ninjas do.
• Fiction Plane - Random Friday night pub gig but turns out they are one of the opening bands for the Police on their tour. They ran a tight set and had TONS of enthusiasm. I would go again.
• And finally, I am seeing Dave Matthews next week in the new Wembley Arena. First Dave concert in about 3 years and the venue should be great. I am looking forward to seeing Dave on this side of the pond.

My secret hope is that 5of9er and MKinMotion will find at least one new music interest in this list...but I doubt it. They're miles ahead of me on music.

Rock on kids.
ReckenRoll out.

I Dream of Billy Elliot

Q: How do you know your not in the West End?
A: Audience gives a standing ovation.


I saw Billy Elliot with Suz last night. It was good. It delivered exactly what it promised and definitely entertaining. There was a lot of energy on the stage and we all left with smiles on our faces. Suz and I decided we need more standing ovations in our daily work. How great would that be? At the end of the day, you leave your desk and people stand up and applaud. "GREAT JOB LEADING THAT MEETING TODAY RECKEN!" "WHOO HOO!!"


I had dreams about dancing ballet last night. It was a good night of sleep - good times as far as dreams go - at least there wasn't a computer or a boss involved. I'd like to thank Billy and the cast at the Victoria Theater.


So anyway, Suz and I are at the show last night, checking out the swag they sell: Billy Elliot soundtrack! Billy Elliot t-shirts! Bill Elliot Key Chains! Billy Elliot pajamas! Autographed poster size photo of Billy Elliot's head shot!...Wait what?


They sell a poster sized blow up photo, autographed in ink, of the kid playing Billy Elliot. Which at first glance didn't raise much concern but then lead to our interval discussion of why they would sell this and who would buy it? Think about it.


Who buys a poster of an 11 year old boy (besides 11 year old girls) without revealing a big gaping window into your sexual perversion? Maybe it's a sting operation?

Coconut Orchestra

We DID it! I am now a new Guinness World Record Holder for being part of the world's largest coconut orchestra! We played along to "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" and KICKED USA BUTT with 4382 coconut bangers. They actually ran out of coconuts!

Highlights include:
"You must hold the left nut in the left hand and the right nut in the right hand"
"During the dance sequence, do not clap your nuts together"
"Don't break your nuts, tap them softly"

I do have a video of our successful attempt.
Maybe I'll get a You Tube account to share it 'round...
Days like this, you gotta love London!