Clip Joint Comedy night at The Camden Head pub

Comedy and I don’t usually get on… the pressure to laugh always deters me… however occasionally I do surprise myself by making the effort to go along to a comedy show, and more importantly enjoying it. Clip Joint wasn’t hysterical, but all in all it was a light hearted and amusing night, and for £4 a ticket the evening was, I think, a success.

The friendly Camden Head pub hosts exciting live comedy acts in a dark and cosy upstairs room. Clip Joint is a new act performed by Dougie Anderson and Iain Lee - it is a monthly show with clips of films and TV series that they find funny, talking and explaining the scenario, in the hope that the audience will share their amusement, for whatever reasons. On Friday they also brought along a special guest, Iain Morris creator of ‘The Inbetweeners’ and generally brilliant Comedy writer whose credits also include two episodes of ‘Flight of the Conchords’.

Anderson and Lee are fun guys, and it’s hard not to feel at ease with them. Both TV presenters, you can tell immediately that they are experienced and at ease performing and talking on cue. Despite the slightly strange layout (watching very random clips on a small TV on the stage) the hour long show felt relaxed and everyone in the mismatched audience seemed to enjoy it.

Unfortunately I think it would be impossible to describe the individual clips here, but take my word for it, they were the bizarrest, most incongruous things I’ve ever seen. Audience members are encouraged to bring along their favourite clips to share with the crowd, though our group was terrified and quiet. Eventually one regular confidently strode up to the video machine with a hilarious rendition of the Chicken Duck Monkey song by Mike Phirman. I’ve managed to find it on youtube, so I’ll leave you with this silly happy video now...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N7-wRWg7FU

Food for Thought, Vegetarian Restaurant in Covent Garden

Located in the heart of Covent Garden, Food for Thought first opened its doors to the hungry masses in July 1974. Ideally situated for a quick bite or pre-theatre dining and only minutes from Covent Garden tube, they offer simple nourishing bowls of vegetarian food, freshly and lovingly prepared. Menus change daily according to seasonal produce, and everything is priced very reasonably.

The little cafe is full of charm and personality, a quirky diner that has become a firm favourite for Londoners and tourists. My parents apparently often visited as students, and still enjoy eating there. I was taken aback by the immensely friendly service and lovely atmosphere, it is like a special little canteen, everyone packed in and having a good time. We had a good chat with one of the chefs, who furthered my enthusiasm for the place. I was reminded of New York where speciality eateries are plentiful and diverse.

After debating about the veggie lasagne or stirfry, the fruit crumble or salads (everything looked wonderful), we decided on the delicious homemade soup, a fragrant carrot and coriander, seasoned with a kick of spice. To accompany a heavy but delicious cheese scone, perfect for soup dunking or eating alone. As a busy blogger, I am always looking for unique little restaurants serving fresh and delicious food - a welcome change from the usual PRET sandwich. Food for Thought has character as well as a healthy appetising menu to satisfy any stomach.

Visit the website here, and pop in next time you’re in Covent Garden.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 68

Tom Ford is on a roll - fashion designer, film director and now progenitor of an entire line of luxurious make-up bearing his name. Already familiar for his sultry scents, last year he introduced a few limited edition products, including the most gorgeous lipsticks I have ever tried. This Autumn 2011 sees the launch of the whole make-up range, modelled in the campaign by Lara Stone and the designer himself.

After sampling the collection, I have decided on a few favourites, though it’s worth experimenting with the hues yourself to find the colours that exactly suit your skin tone and mood. I love all the lipsticks, they are all made from the most vivid pigments designed to really last all day long on your lips. Along with five from the original collection, there is a swathe of new shades to try. My favourite is Sable Smoke, a dusty pale pinky brown, that should compliment most skin types and work well day and night.

My must-have item though is the blusher in the extravagant shade, Flush. Appearing very orange off, it actually works wonderfully on, highlighting the cheek and providing a pretty but sophisticated peachy warmth. With summer over I feel the need to wear richer shades and the Tom Ford palette is perfect for flattering in the harsher winter light.

Exceptional quality and bold beautiful colours, I predict this range will be a hit.

See the range here, and buy in all good department stores.

Wool Week

Milly the Sheep

So we all know that 'fashion week's are coming up in many major cities, but who knew that this week is Wool Week in the UK? Well it is, and there are events and activities happening across the capital embracing all things woolly. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales initiated the Campaign for Wool, to make us more aware of the huge challenges facing the wool industry. It seems Wool Week has come not a moment too soon, considering the arctic September weather we are currently experiencing.

The highlight of the week is an exhibition titled WOOL MODERN launching at La Galleria in London – a celebration of wool in the 21^st century. The show exhibits innovative wool-related pieces from iconic designers including furniture, art and photography, and taking a peek at the history of wool. There is also the chance to register to compete for an exclusive designer woolly handbag, thanks to Harvey Nichols.

My favourite thing about this event though is the woolly mascot that has been designed by MillaMia in honour of the week, Milly the Sheep! Complete with instructions, MillaMia hopes to introduce people to the world of wool with this fun and quick knit. Each furry animal can be customised with its own coloured scarf and is made from soft merino wool from John Lewis, or other yarn shops across the UK. Read the instructions to make your own Milly the Sheep here.

More information on Wool Week here.

Prom 69 at The Royal Albert Hall: Wagner, Rihm and Mahler, with The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Anne-Sophie Mutter

photos by: BBC/Chris Christodoulou

The Annual BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall are attended by thousands of music fanatics every year, they are a traditional part of the summer in London. While some lucky listeners are seated, hordes gather in the centre of the great hall, squashed tightly together desperately trying to catch a glimpse of the action. We were amongst the ‘prommers’, and arriving just before the curtain up had to contend with several very grumpy audience members while trying to eke out an inch of space.

On the menu for Prom 69 was Wagner’s ‘Lohengrin- Prelude, Act I’, Wolfgang Rihm’s ‘Gesungene Zeit’ (playing for the first time at the Proms) and after the interval, Mahler’s epic ‘Symphony No.5 in C sharp minor’. A diverse selection all played by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra conducted by Manfred Honeck.

Played well, Wagner is unbeatable in my opinion, and this rendition of the delicate Lohengrin prelude was spot on. The light airy music could have been lost in the huge Albert Hall, but the orchestra made it twinkle, adding energy and mythic magic to even the quietest passages. I felt soothed by the music, the ethereal depiction is deeply moving and in some ways healing too, a mesmerising start to the evening.

For the Rihm the orchestra were joined by soloist Anne-Sophie Mutter, a virtuoso violinist who began performing professionally at the age of 13. Dressed in a striking turquoise dress (not that I could see much of her) she stormed through the exceptionally challenging modern composition, a piece that was written specially for her in 1991. A haunted fragmented melody makes Rihm’s music deeply unsettling, and I think the audience found it difficult to concentrate. Mutter seemed unfazed though, playing with ease and power, showing particular animation in the very high top notes. After the Rihm, Mutter treated us to a gorgeous piece of unaccompanied Bach; I think everyone was grateful to hear something a bit more tuneful from her.

Having battled throughout the first half jostled by bad-tempered prommers, we were kindly relocated to the stalls for the second part, to enjoy the Mahler from the comfort of a seat. The dramatic Symphony No.5 is unusually made up of five contrasting movements, and requires a massive orchestra. Honeck kept a strong hold over the ensemble throughout, guiding them efficiently through the music. I loved the percussion section, you could always tell when a climax was coming because the five timpani players would get up and walk up to their instruments like hungry predators. It was a tour de force, and though I far preferred the first few movements to the later, the whole piece was all consuming and wonderful to watch.

The 2011 Proms conclude this Saturday 10th September with a special programme of favourite pieces - see website for more information here.

Shu Uemura: Backstage Trends EVENT at Selfridges London, 30th Sept - 1st Oct

It is no secret that Shu Uemura is my make up brand of choice. Lush lashes, poptastic colours and the highest quality ingredients - in my opinion it is unbeatable... and the professionals think so too. If I was on a desert island, a bag of Shu goodies would be my luxury of choice, and then maybe I’d finally have the time to learn how to apply eye shadow.

My enthusiasm has intensified at the announcement of a very special Shu Uemura event taking place in Selfridges in Oxford Street... where you are invited to come along and learn all about this season’s hottest trends while being made to look and feel ravishing.

On offer will be hair styling, brow treatments, skin preparation, even a make-over... the perfect pre-party transformation. The event runs from 30^th September to 1^st October; to reserve your place call 0207 318 3962. Entrance is priced at £50, which is then fully redeemable on Shu Uemura products at the counter in Selfridges.

Make sure you’ve organised a special date for after your Shu make-over! And visit the website here to find your favourite items in advance. I can recommend the fantastic fake lashes.

Jude Law in Anna Christie, Donmar Warehouse

The Donmar’s production of Anna Christie is an almighty whoosh of emotion and power. Eugene O’Neill’s 1921 drama depicts a misty seaport where a fallen woman returns home to her father after fifteen years apart. Father and lover fight for her affections until her secret past life of prostitution is revealed, causing both to back away with equal measures of disgust and hatred. After a torturous few days where both seem intent on destroying her, she is forgiven and the situation is resolved. In fact at the conclusion little seemed changed from the opening scenes, but an important dilemma is left lingering, proposing Anna Christie as ‘the right kind of prostitute’.

I was overwhelmed by the imaginative staging and wonderful set - it is incredibly evocative, and the mock rainstorm is realistic enough to make you shiver in your seat. Visually it is a real treat, the stage evolves simply but miraculously from a musty bar to a wayward ship, helped by brilliantly moody lighting design from Howard Harrison.

There is no denying Jude Law is a great actor, and having never seen him on stage before I was eager to see his portrayal of Mat Burke, the muscular shipwrecked Irish broker. He is certainly not playing his usual suave role - here he uses a very different kind of charm to woo the ladies. Law quite literally throws himself into the part, rampaging across the stage and exerting huge amounts of energy; he manages to conjure up a deeply nuanced character that will convince any critic of his abilities.

Stunning performances are seen elsewhere too, I recognised the expressive face of Jenny Galloway immediately, having recently seen her in Cause Celebre and was delighted to watch her witty interpretation of Marthy Owen. David Hayman is sensational as Chris Christopherson, the sentimental father desperate to win his daughter back having abandoned her. But the real star of the show is Ruth Wilson, with her gritty depiction of Anna. She manages to be both vulnerable and tough and is startlingly striking in her cropped blond wig - she commands the stage, certainly an actress to watch for the future.

It is the wobbling accents that break the magic from time to time, and I had to suppress a giggle occasionally. Jude Law is the main culprit staggering between a heavy Irish accent and what sounds like a quirky Jamaican droll. Ruth Wilson seems to falter momentarily too with her tricky accent but David Hayman, though at times incomprehensible, manages to speak with impressive consistency throughout in his Swedish – English accent.

Anna Christie continues until 8 October at the Donmar Warehouse... beg, borrow or steal a ticket because they are all sold out.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 67

I have been reminded recently how important friendship is, which is why I dedicate this hot on the highstreet to all my lovely pals. Friendship bracelets have recently stormed back into fashion as the most in-demand accessory. Dana Levy has trumped everyone else with her stunning, brightly coloured woven bracelets adorned with diamante details.

Vogue featured her collection recently and I’ve seen her stuff elsewhere too, she's hailed as a ‘designer to watch’. London-born and Jerusalem-trained, Dana started out making yoga mats, eye masks and silk evening bags, decorated with charms before expanding to jewellery. All her work uses the same amulets and talismans and incorporates beautiful semi-precious stones and glass beads.

The Friendship bracelets are handmade to order and completely unique. I adore the exotic colour combinations, and am amazed that, unlike most thread bracelets, these have a clasp, which enables you to take them on and off easily and so preserve them better. They complement any outfit, and would look particularly good on a post-summer tanned wrist. Priced at £72, these bracelets are available on the Dana Levy website here, as well as at Liberty in London.

So to all my friends, I wish I could buy each of you one of these bracelets.

The Tempest, Theatre Royal Haymarket

Trevor Nunn continues his season at Theatre Royal Haymarket with a feisty production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. The renowned director follows his stunning production of Flare Path with this classic, magical tale, said to be Shakespeare’s last work.

It is a wonderfully imaginative play and with the right exciting staging can be quite a spectacle. On a remote island Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan, desperately tries to transport his daughter back to her rightful place with all kinds of illusions and experiments. He has the help of Ariel, the spirit of the air, who here is a beautifully androgenous creature flitting through the air and dancing amongst the other characters. Prospero lures his brother, Alonso The King of Naples to the island, meanwhile daughter Miranda falls in love with Alonso’s son.

The staging dramatically spills over the edge of the platform into the lower boxes giving the whole setting an otherworldly feel. Impressive video design from Ian William Galloway and overwhelming sound by Paul Groothuis further adds to the magical effect. The music is wonderfully atmospheric, with several of the characters singing to melodies from composer Shaun Davey. I particularly liked Ariel's poignant countertenor voice.

Familiar film star Ralph Fiennes leads the cast with a striking rendition of Prospero. Despite recently watching him as the terrifying Lord Voldemort in Harry Potter, here I felt automatically at ease with him - he presents the father figure as a man of great wisdom, strong yet serene. Miranda is taken on by Elisabeth Hopper, who holds her own next to Fiennes and there is some touching dialogue between them. Hopper manages to be youthful and naive while possessing a strength as well as a remarkably striking voice.

I don’t find this theatre the most comfortable; the chairs squeak insufferably, and on the night I attended a cold breeze made me shiver throughout. However it is worth enduring the conditions to witness this enchanting production of The Tempest.

The Tempest continues until 29 October, book tickets here.

Museum of Broken Relationships, Covent Garden

Museum of Broken Relationships can be perceived by every viewer differently, perhaps you will participate and donate an item, or you may prefer to just be a voyeur, listening to other people’s memories and stories. I found it touching and intriguing and strangely ethereal.

The exhibition is located in two tiny Covent Garden venues, beginning at the Tristan Bates Theatre on Tower Street. Amongst beautiful delicate paper cut-outs, lie discarded objects, each given to indicate a lost love, a remembered relationship, from people all over the world. Alongside the piece is a brief description, explanation or thought.

It is described by the creators as “a traveling exhibition revolving around the concept of failed relationships and their ruins. Unlike ‘destructive’ self-help instructions for recovery from failed loves, the Museum offers a chance to overcome an emotional collapse through creation: by contributing to the Museum's collection.” Conceived in Croatia by Olinka Vištica and Dražen Grubišić, the Museum has toured internationally, amassing an amazing collection.

Museum of Broken Relationships is an insightful exhibition that is truly unique and unlike anything I have ever seen before. Heartbreaking and memorable this show will make you laugh and cry, just like all good love stories.

A £3.50 ticket is valid for repeat visits within the week of purchase. Ends on September 4th 2011, visit the website here.