IWA Canalway Cavalcade Highgate Cemetery Visit - FREE - ★★★★★ - May, 2020


There is lots to do over the three days of the IWA (Inland Waterways Association) Canalway Cavalcade. And even if the sun isn't out, this is a lovely way to pass an afternoon or evening. Little Venice is a charming part of London that too many people are unaware of so this celebration can provide an excellent occasion for a visit. There is lots to do for children: Punch and Judy, animal shows, bumper boats and other amusements. For the whole family there is a great variety of entertainment in the amphitheatre: choirs, bands, singers, dancers and even cheerleaders. The food booths offer an international selection of tasty treats and there are some crafts we haven't seen elsewhere. Try to catch the procession of illuminated boats on the Saturday night. This is a lovely highlight of a great community event celebrating Britain's amazing inland waterways.

 Reviewed by J.C.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆ 

WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
May
Little Venice
Nearest tube: St. Pancras
https://www.waterways.org.uk
Map & Location: Little Venice, London, UK

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The words dance off the tongue in this new, delightfully amusing ninety-minute verse play by Charles Ward. Under Emma Butler's immaculate direction, Renaissance is performed on a small raised platform in a magically lit garden. The modern, stylish cream and white clothes look gorgeous. We meet Cesare Borgia, Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolò Machiavelli who, at Cesare's behest, assume each other's characters. Light-hearted comedy ensues when the women in their lives turn up. In many ways the story recalls Shakespeare's comedies of disguise and mistaken identity. James Corrigan has great fun and is outstanding as the flamboyant Cesare, getting himself into all kinds of predicaments including some amusing exchanges with the sexually ambivalent Machiavelli. Nicholas Limm as Niccolò speaks beautifully, especially as he begins to enjoy his new role at court. Akshay Sharan, masquerading as a bemused Leonardo, is totally charming. Hannah Morrish as Cesare's sister, the infamo…
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Pippin, The Garden Theatre at The Eagle - ★★★★ - Until October 11, 2020

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'Adapt and change' seems to be the way forward for theatre in 2020. Showstopper!, which has been running successfully in the West End for several seasons with an Olivier Award already under its belt, has created hundreds of improvised musicals before our eyes and ears. This, however, is its first foray into online entertainment and, judging by the audience feedback, it will prove very popular. Four very talented performers – Ruth Bratt, Justin Brett, Pippa Evans and Adam Megiddo, backed by Duncan Walsh Atkins and Alex Atty in the band – work incredibly hard creating and linking songs in the style of favourites from Hamilton, Les Miserables and many more. We also enjoy seeing them flesh out the flimsiest of plots as suggested by audience members; on this occasion, the story involved a hot air balloon trip and time travel. The reimagined format is obviously still unfamiliar to the performers and without a live audience the show takes a while to get into its stride, but by the se…
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Sir John Soane's Museum Guided Tour - FREE - ★★★★★

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Reviewed by J.C.

 Our Score: ☆☆☆☆☆

WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE: Wed - Sun: 10 am - 5 pm (last entry at 4:30 pm) Closed: Dec 24, 25, 26, 31 & Jan 1
Private Apartments Tours: 1:15 pm & 2:00 pm Sir John Soane's museum, Lincoln's Inn Fields Nearest tube: Holborn https://www.soane.org
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Sweet Harmony: Rave | Today, Saatchi Gallery - ★★★★ - Until September 14, 2019

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Reviewed by J.C.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆ 

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Fanny & Stella, The Garden Theatre at The Eagle - ★★★★ - Until August 28, 2020

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Afterglow, Southwark Playhouse - ★★★★★ - Until July 20, 2019

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Reviewed by J.C.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆ 

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