Paul in London

DSC04490 , originally uploaded by Pauly_ . Learning how to dance "Bollywood style" in amongst the Raphael Cartoons ...

Lady dog owner: Her dog ended up in the kennel, and my dog was raped... On Valentines Day...

I overheard one woman leaving the theatre tonight complaining that she had just seen a three hour epic about infanticide and pedophilia. Well that was partly what Coram Boy is about. It is based on a bestselling (and award-winning) novel set in the eighteenth century. It starts out telling the tale of a man who for a fee takes away unwanted babies and promises to take them the Foundling Hospital. It becomes quickly evident that he is working for his own profit. Soon little graves are found everywhere... There begins an epic tale full of spectacle and the music of Handel. Even with a dark tale as this, there is a lot to enjoy over the three hours and it is not surprising both of its runs have been sellouts (and popular with young people). The music of Handel (and additional music in the style of Handel) underscores the drama and it helps overlook some of the more convenient turns in the plot. In a way it was a shame that more music wasn't used. What is particularly interesting is t...

Lady in black: Well, the salad was okay... Man in red trousers: Never mind that, I need to pee...

An advised that I could learn a lot from Thérèse Raquin in a similar way that I learned a lot from Belle Du Jour . Well after finally seeing this production I suspect the central message is not to live with your mother in law. Adapted from Emile Zola's play, it is a great story about a woman and her husband's friend who conspire to kill the husband so they can be together. In the opening minutes of the first act, Charlotte Emmerson as Thérèse mostly pouts and isn't given much to do. I was wondering what was the appeal of the pouter. I was also starting to get a little bored with this production. That was until Ben Daniels (as Laurent) stuck his hand up Emmerson's dress. Neither actor is particular attractive but there was this electricity that suddenly made the audience snap to attention. It was a pity there weren't more touches of this throughout. It felt at times to be a bit too polite and mannered as if were a play about herbal teas and dominoes instead of murde...

Chinese New Year was as good an excuse as any to have a few celebratory drinks this weekend, but: Try not to make too much of a scene when encouraging intoxicated friends to sing key songs from Dreamgirls (although helpful to keep unwanted punters at bay) Don't confuse old blonde woman in bar for Jessica Lange post Glass Menagerie matinée Beware that slightly-familiar yet good looking guy in the bar who is checking you out... He may be the star of a children's programme you avidly watched 15 years ago...

DSC04470 , originally uploaded by Pauly_ . Missing the last tube from central London after one too many drinks...

DSC04465 , originally uploaded by Pauly_ . Quiet lunchtime at the recently refurbished Brunswick Centre ... Cinema, chain shops and a Waitrose which goes down very well for the Bloomsbury types...

Paul (eating) : These Sainsburys donuts taste like poop... Colleague 1 : That's the second time you have said that word today, is that a favourite word? Paul : Maybe... Colleague 2 : I bet you also like using the word... Plop...

Today was Valentines Day and the only valentine I got was from an email from a creepy consultant that facilitated the office away day a few months ago. He sent it to everyone that went on the course. But that wasn't widely known until I let out a yelp upon checking my email and much discussion ensued. I was just relieved to know that the message from creepy consultant wasn't all about about me... But the fashion for this years VD if you were single was to go out to dinner with friends . It makes sense. If you are going to blow £50 or more on a dinner you might as well spend it with somebody you don't mind hangin' around... I had to work late so I was having none of that. But I did catch up with An later in the evening for some cheap champagne in a straight bar in Balham. Strange, but I had seen this bar before. It was back in those heady days of 2003 . The fish were still there... So were loads of women. I don't think they were all lesbians. I have it on authority...