Paul in London

Bird Flu Originally uploaded by Pauly_ . The country hasn't completely panicked since some dead bird washed up against the shore in Scotland. Here's the secret line of defence...

Tuesday evening I caught Mack and Mabel at the Criterion Theatre. The production was from the same team at the Watermill Theatre who brought the pared-down version of Sweeney Todd I caught in 2004 (that is now playing on Broadway). This version uses the same techniques (so the actors play the musical instruments as well) and stars David Soul and Janie Dee. The musical was a flop when it was first produced in 1974. The music and lyrics in this show by Jerry Herman are probably the most memorable thing with songs including "I won't send roses", "Time heals everything" and "Look what happened to Mabel". Even in a pared-down version with the singers belting out the numbers and then blowing a tuba or playing the violin, the songs still were great. Less so was the chemistry between the two leads. At intermission there was a consensus that there wasn't much chemistry between Soul and Dee. There was a bit of bitchiness that Dee (who I saw last year in a ca...

Scenes from Trafalgar Square Tuesday Originally uploaded by Pauly_ . For the first time ever, Nelson's column is covered in scaffolding as part of the regular cleaning that takes place once every 20 years...

Caught "Waiting for Godot" at the Barbican today which is part of a festival to commemorate Beckett's centennary . Sitting through the second act it occurred to me how brilliant Beckett is. It is a great play about the passage of time. In a week when time passed rather quickly and mediocrity seemed to be quite prominent within it, it was also good therapy. I'm not sure if the play is meant to be therapy, but it worked for me. The cast were terrific and the it looks like it will be a great run. Some of the other works (including a performance by John Hurt) is totally sold out so this festival is a bit of a must see at the moment in London...

Scenes from the Barbican Sunday Originally uploaded by Pauly_ . After "Waiting for Godot" there was waiting in the foyer for free entertainment in the form of a Brazilian band as part of the Tropicalia festival...

Still more scenes from Oxford Saturday.. Originally uploaded by Pauly_ . Late night at one of the bars there still was time for more photos on the blog (although it was a bit hard to focus the darn camera phone). Alcohol is a popular pasttime in Oxford. There is at least two bars for every student...

Scenes from an Oxford pub Originally uploaded by Pauly_ . At 7.6% alc vol. Old Rosie comes up with the goods!

Scenes from Oxford Saturday Originally uploaded by Pauly_ . Black face Morris dancing is strangely popular in Oxford...