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The agony and the misogyny: Banging Denmark @finborough

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Banging Denmark, the comic play by Van Badham, answers the question, what lengths does a misogynistic pickup artist go to date with a frosty Danish librarian? It may be an uneasy farce given the subject matter, but it is made more palatable by the cast assembled to convince you of it. It's currently having its European premiere at the Finborough Theatre .  It opens with Guy DeWitt (Tom Kay) at one end of the stage. His real name is Jake, and he's a part-time podcaster whose expertise is misogyny and playing the role of the pickup artist. That is, someone who attempts to coax women into having sex with a mix of flattery or manipulation. His podcast attracts a variety of involuntarily celibate men (or incels), so call in asking for advice. And while he gives the impression of living the high life, he is in a grimy flat strewn with empty pizza boxes.  At the other end of the stage is feminist academic Ishtar (Rebecca Blackstone). She lives out of the photocopy room, losing all her

Scenes from Piccadilly Circus Sunday 00:49

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Scenes from Piccadilly Circus Sunday 00:49 Originally uploaded by Pauly_ . Waiting for the night bus...

Overheard at the gym Thursday

Young boy 1 : Oh why does every man you look at thinks you are checking him out? Young boy 2: Yeah especially that one (pointing to an older guy) … Young boy 1 : Like yeah as if… Young boy 2: Aw man I have taken too many drugs this week…

Scenes from Soho Thursday 22:59

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Scenes from Soho Thursday 22:59 Originally uploaded by Pauly_ . Late night drinking outside Ronnie Scotts (currently closed for refurbishment)...

Politics: Hot in the city

Today was the first day that felt like summer was on the way as temperatures hovered around 25degrees (even now after 1am it is 16 degrees). By late this evening thousands of people were out on the streets drinking and having fun. They were also out voting. Projected figures suggest that turnout could be around 40% which compared to 30% four years ago is an interesting figure. It also means that it will be a long night for the vote counters, and a long day tomorrow one suspects as well… Some of my best friends are vote counters. Silly bastards.

Housekeeping: back in the room

After over four months I finally have broadband at home, thanks to Be Internet . Wanadoo have still to send me the prepaid returns pouch so I can send back their wireless router to them, so I am using the box to rest my laptop against while I update the blog in my room. At least it has some use…

Scenes from Soho Thursday 22.15

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Scenes from Soho Thursday 22.15 Originally uploaded by Pauly_ . Warm weather makes the place heave...

Scenes from SW4 Monday 19:29

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Scenes from SW4 Monday 19:29 Originally uploaded by Pauly_ . Spring is here at last... And there are blue skies... Even if the temperature is still hovering around 10degrees...

Conversation in WC1

Paul and Ad are walking down Charlotte Street WC1. Man in white (to Ad in very low voice as he walks into him coming out of a shop) : Oh sorry darling… Ad : Oh that's ok… Darling… Paul (to Ad) : Darling?

Scenes from Covent Garden Monday 14:43

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Scenes from Covent Garden Monday 14:43 Originally uploaded by Pauly_ . Bank Holiday Monday had all the punters out at the usual places. There weren't any bargains to be had but people seemed glad to just be out of the 'ouse...

Scenes from Southwark Sunday

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Scenes from Southwark Sunday Originally uploaded by Pauly_ . Greenery is popular in London. Especially trees with bright foliage...