Paul in London

Woman: I wish I bought pyjama pants for this flight... Man: Vagina pants?? Woman: No pyjama pants...

I caught a preview of The Trial of the Mariner at the Hoxton Hall this week. This is a work that is presented by the Lotos Collective and Hoxton Hall, and part of their Rebirth programme. It was not the full performance, but where they had got to so far in their work and it looks set to be an imaginative take on sustainability issues. As it is an interactive multi-media piece about plastic, there are some creative uses for old margarine tubs, milk bottles, yogurt pots and the like. It was in the bar before the performance where you are greeted with this creation (that should be incorporated into the production in future). She was somewhat menacing yet also strangely alluring with large paper-mache breasts and milk bottle tops for nipples. The Lotos Collective have previously undertaken performances and site-specific projects in London, Naples, Ghana and Beirut and this piece continues along their ethos. The story is set in year 2111, and a group of desperate sailors embark on a

I had reservations about catching the final night of Fidelio at the Royal Opera. The bad notices for this production (although not for the performances) had lowered my expectations, but in fact there is much to enjoy about this work, and no doubt explains why it is a favourite among some people. It is easy to understand why it is still performed. The leading lady gets to disguise herself as a boy, fend off the love interest of a woman, rescue her husband and inspire a minor revolution. All during this there are some very interesting arias to sing, and the second half things get particularly dramatic. It is a rather inspiring work with a strong central character. Nina Stemme in the lead role was also strong and believable. She spoke on an earlier Royal Opera podcast about the role and she gives the piece a solid foundation. She also looks perfect for the role of a woman who disguises herself as a boy (and she is helped by some rather sensible trousers, jacket and cap)... At tim

Easter weekend feels more like a summer weekend in London. And if you're not at the beach, there is a chance to take in a replica seaside  at the South Bank Centre , part of the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the Festival of Britain, which have now got underway. The festival celebrations also include a rather large fox near Waterloo Bridge, which looks rather unhappy in this photo... It could be the heat (or what happened to it getting to London)... Even with the crowds it is worth a look. The festival runs until September. 

Posted via email from paulinlondon's posterous Actually when you think about it, it isn't that funny... But after a night out at the theatre and a generous bar I found it hysterical...

The first thing that strikes you about this Olivier-award winning play is how great the production looks. You feel like you are transported back into the 1950s in a living room fashionable for that time, and populated by people you would expect to see. As the play gets going however it becomes apparent that this is going to be a darkly comic night at the theatre that looks at property, neighbourhoods and the enduring value of real estate... It was worth finally getting a chance to see it before it ends its run...

I caught Michael Feinstein's final concert at the Leicester Square theatre and he is sounding as good as ever. The last time I saw him he was performing with a big band at the Palladium. There was much gushing and gratuitous cameo celebrity appearances. This time around things were much smaller scale and far more enjoyable... The programme included a selection of songs from the likes of Gershwin and Porter, which is now classified as " The American Songbook " A rather generic label for any song that is old (in danger of being lost), with a pleasant tune, and lyrics that are usually well written.