Going out « Penny Golightly

Theatre review: The Ladykillers

December 19th, 2011 by Penny Golightly

Last week I was lucky enough to grab tickets to see The Ladykillers at the Gielgud Theatre. It was top of my wishlist as it’s been written by Graham Linehan and stars Peter Capaldi as archvillain Professor Marcus (both big favourites here at Golightly gardens). Tickets have been going like hot cakes and it isn’t hard to see why.

From the opening scenes it was clear that it wasn’t going to be a workaday re-tread of the film. Much of the dialogue is original, mixed in with trademark Linehan cleverness plus pratfalls. The set’s incredible and seems to have a life of its own even when there are no actors on the stage – I won’t spoil it for you, but the effects of passing trains and the staging of the heist are both very special set pieces.

It’s been perfectly cast, with Marcia Warren as Mrs Wilberforce, Clive Rowe as One-Round and Ben Miller as Louis Harvey. The pacing is deftly done, and the laughs never stop. We loved it.

I’ve heard that some of the shows have already sold out, but do go if you can find a ticket. If you’re on a tight budget, try your luck for day tickets or box office returns on the day.

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Quick! Win 2 tickets for La Soiree this Friday at The Roundhouse, Camden

November 23rd, 2011 by Penny Golightly

Forget a quiet night down your local this Friday – you could be at the biggest block-busting cabaret, new burlesque and alternative variety show in town instead. That’s right, we have a pair of tickets up for grabs for the 10pm La Soiree show at The Roundhouse in Camden for Friday 25 November. Get in!

Want to win? Email [address removed - comp closed] as quick as you can with ‘Tickets’ in the subject line, and remember to leave your name and mobile number – we MUST be able to contact you at 5pm tomorrow afternoon if you’re the lucky winner of the two tickets, so we can make arrangements with the box office in good time.

Many thanks to aka for providing this excellent prize. Now get emailing!!

T&Cs: Competition closes 5pm on Thursday 24th November. Winner chosen from emails using random.org. NO ALTERNATIVE TIMES OR DATES AVAILABLE. No cash alternative, prize not transferable. Winner must be able to collect and use tickets for 10pm La Soiree performance of at Camden Roundhouse.

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Start’s A Garden Party to Make a Difference

September 16th, 2010 by Penny Golightly

I attended A Garden Party to Make a Difference at the weekend, which has been organised by Start and runs until the end of Sunday 19th September.

It’s a huge project that aims to promote sustainable living in a fun and interesting way, and I was keen to see all their creative and green ideas and that handy little side-effect: saving money. The whole event is set on The Mall in Clarence, Lancaster and Marlborough Houses and Gardens and the surroundings are very grand and beautiful.

What struck me most is that there are so many companies working in this arena now, and also the range of interesting non-profit projects seems to have expanded. There are lots of celebrities involved, from Alan Titchmarsh to Vivienne Westwood, who seem to have helped add a sprinkle of glamour to subject matter that’s often stereotyped as dull or cranky.

I really enjoyed the artworks that were scattered around the entire arena, and my favourite exhibits were the human-powered dance floor, the stylishly designed Pallet House Project and the amazingly varied produce in the kitchen garden. There were also different performances, demonstrations and talks scattered around the arena, so there should really be something to appeal to most people.

There’s a farmers’ market and assorted food and drink to keep you going, and if they run the event next year then I really hope they put together some kind of large tea pavillion as it would create a perfect focal point and add to the atmosphere.

If you’d like to know more about Start, the group behind this event, you can find them over at www.startuk.org.

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Summer time and the living is easier

July 17th, 2010 by Penny Golightly

However petite your budget may be, you can always have an amazing time in London during July and August.

You can hang out at home with some music or a good book, scarfing down home made ice lollies and granitas, or sipping some cloudy lemonade or ginger beer. If you have outside space then a few tea lights twinkling away in old jam jars are all you need to sit out on warm evenings.

Or head to any of the parks with a cheap rug or mat and a home made picnic. I know there are a few park poseur types who spend a fortune on blankets, hampers and fancy plates, but it can all be done on a shoestring and to hell with keeping up with the Joneses. The only thing that’s really worth spending a little extra on is a good vacuum flask that keeps things piping hot (or icy cool, if you prefer) and is leak-proof and fairly robust. Have a quiet one with the papers, or add plenty of friends and a few beers, it’s perfect either way.

When the weather’s warmer you can take off and do loads of different free walks, ranging from a short slacker-ish ramble to a full-on yomp, depending upon your preference. You can also get out of town for very little with various special travel offers and off-peak advance fares. I recently had a return trip to Brighton for £5, which made for a perfect day out, including a wander down the seafront and some loafing about on the beach.

While the big ticketed day and weekend festivals get a lot of press, there are also hundreds of free events to get yourself along to, with happenings to suit every taste. There’s always something free to try down at the Southbank, and there are plenty of outdoor fairs and festivals that have heaps of stalls and entertainments and cost nothing to attend, from Lewisham People’s Day to Notting Hill Carnival.

The main collections of most museums and art galleries are free, and many regularly have late evenings which are filled with interesting creative programmes (the easiest thing is to sign up for their mailing lists). Or head out to some or free or subsidised gigs, outdoor theatre, or even the BBC Proms (prices start at around £5).

Who cares if we’re broke, let’s have fun anyway.

Posted in Food and drink, Going out, Home & garden | 4 Comments »