The Wallace Collection: Guided Tours and Talks - FREE - ★★★★★


The amazing Wallace Collection of paintings, furniture and armour is in the spectacular setting of Hertford House decorated largely in the style of the 18th century. The collection is also rich in 17th and 18th century masterpieces by the likes of Rembrandt, Rubens, Watteau and others. This is the place to see Frans Hals' "Laughing Cavalier." The collection does not travel so this is a must to visit. Free tours and the Brief Encounter talks (about 20 minutes) take a maximum of 25 people. One of our favourite places in London.

Reviewed by J.C.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆

WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Mon - Sun: 2:30 pm, Fri - Sun: 11:30 am
Brief Encounters talks at scheduled times
Hertford House, Manchester Square
Nearest tube: Bond Street
https://www.wallacecollection.org/whats-on
Map & Location: Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN, United Kingdom

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"Thinking about thinking" says Jimbo in this solo performance where we seem to enter the protagonist's mind as he talks to us about his relationship with Declan - an unseen ghost/vampire/friend. The line between dream and reality is blurred as the pyjama clad and somewhat fey young man talks about his experiences. How real Declan actually is remains an enigma as we delve into Jimbo’s mixed-up mind. His mum, the old lady with cats, a neighbour and his nan’s 90th birthday are all conjured up. Vampiric overtones make the whole atmosphere slightly surreal, and by using minimal props in a bare studio, director, Alexis Gregory successfully creates an unworldly atmosphere. The isolation of this young man is palpable and many of Jimbo’s situations are extremely comprehensible as past, present and future merge ahead of the tragic ending. Author/actor, Alistair Hall, gives us an excellent performance as Declan, and with live theatre being unavailable, this video-streamed transmis…
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A Kind of Magic, Multiple theatres (live via Zoom) - ★★★ - Until June 13, 2020

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A Kind of Magic is a kind of charming interactive show presented by the definitively charming Richard Essien, aka Magical Bones. Richard is a multi-talented performer familiar to many from Britain's Got Talent but here we only see his work as an up-close magician. This is a highly laudable attempt to bring live entertainment to us whilst theatres remain closed. Not only do we have Magical Bones, but also no less than four other acts crammed into a little less than one hour. It was a little obvious that this is a new concept and we're sure that it will pick up the pace as it continues; all of his tricks worked and were impressive – especially what seems to be his signature work with Rubik's cubes. The fact that this is all performed in close-up makes it all the more impressive. Guest magicians, Brendan Rodrigues and Magic Singh joined by aerialist Shelley Baker and body-popping dancer Brooke Milliner, bring elements of variety to the show but it is the interactive work by M…
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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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Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis, Park Theatre - ★★★★★ - Until January 4, 2020

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BIG: The Musical, The Dominion Theatre - ★★★★ - Until November 2, 2019

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Peace In Our Time, The Union Theatre - ★★★★ - Until April 4, 2020

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Soho Cinders, Charing Cross Theatre - ★★★★ - Until January 11, 2020

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It's all here but the pumpkin coach! This wonderfully updated telling of Cinderella's story takes place around Old Compton Street where Cinderella has become Robbieand Prince Charming is now a closeted politician. The fairy godmother played by Christopher Coleman expects a little more than appreciation and the two wicked stepsisters are now pole dancers threatening to take away Robbie's launderette. Does it sound like a lot of silly fun? Well, it is. It is also a slightly darker commentary on current political spinand image doctoring and on the tabloid culture that creates both political fairy tales and faux scandals. All of the cast are excellent. As the two totally over the top wicked stepsisters,Michaela Stern and Natalie Harman are hilarious in numbers such as "I'm So Over Men" and "Fifteen Minutes."Ewan Gillies as the evil spin doctor is quite perfect and "The Tail That Wags The Dog"sums up what so many of us see on the current politi…
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Gresham College Lectures - FREE - ★★★★★

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Gresham College is a fascinating institution that has been providing free lectures for over 400 years. Currently the College offers over 130 annual lectures and events. The range of subjects covered by their eminent lecturers is vast: law, literature, music, medicine, economics, astronomy, computer science.... The variety is amazing and the Gresham professors are leading scholars in their fields. The College is located in Barnard's Inn, but lectures are in various venues including the London Museum. The College has been recording its lectures since the 1980s and live streams all lectures. There are now over 2,000 lectures available on its website and on YouTube.
Reviewed by J.C.
 Our Score: ☆☆☆☆☆
WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE: Times and Dates vary Barnard's Inn, High Holborn Nearest tube: Chancery Lane http://www.gresham.ac.uk
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