Dirty Martini, Covent Garden

Dirty Martini has always been one of my favourite cocktail bars in London, in fact I'm not sure why I haven't blogged about the place sooner. Based in the centre of crowded Covent Garden they are certainly never short of customers, I have spent many friend's birthday parties here, as well as enjoying frequent spur of the moment visits!

Being underground, dark, crowded and raucous, I find it is not a great venue in the warm light summer months... however in Winter Dirty Martini offers a haven for chilly commuters in need of a cocktail before supper, we went along for an aperitif before eating at Loch Fyne last week.

The menu, as you'd expect is chock-a-block with martini flavours - we chose the passionfruit and the lychee. The cocktails are served in artfully frosted glasses, which look great but does cause constant dripping while drinking which is slightly irritating.

The drinks were delicious, not too sweet and extra flavoursome thanks to the real fruit and high quality spirits used. This is a real 'sex in the city'-esque bar, and with very generous happy hours (5-10pm on school nights - two cocktails for £8!) it is difficult to resist the urge to have martini hour every day.

Visit the Dirty Martini website here.

La Traviata, Royal Opera House

La Traviata was the very first opera I ever saw, at the ENO, with my mum, and quite honestly I think it ignited my passion for music. Verdi’s masterpiece is the perfect opera, a heartbreaking but believable story, with nuanced characters, and music to make you cry, laugh and dance. I adore it and would never pass up the chance to see a production of it, especially at the Royal Opera House.

We had standing tickets in the lower slips (ie. right up at the very top) but for a mere £9, I felt I couldn’t complain. Instead I spent the 35 minute long first half desperately trying to spot where the empty seats were in the stalls (a trick I’ve used before)... I found a few and rushed down in the interval to claim them. We remained in these considerably more expensive seats for the rest of the performance!

The tragic tale of a doomed love affair, La Traviata is based on La Dame aux Camelias (1852), a play adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas fils. ‘La Traviata’ literally means ‘The Fallen Woman’ a term used to describe prostitutes of the time. Marina Poplavskaya’s voice as Violetta is perhaps not to everyone's taste; my mum isn't a massive fan, though I was grateful for the power and strength particularly as recently I've noticed rather too many weedy sopranos. Strangely this Russian singer performs best in the closing scenes when she is progressively more ill and exhausted, she seems to blossom in this wilted state, and sings the quieter subdued final arias with beautiful tone and impressive control.

The star of the show is clearly evident, Leo Nucci as the father of Alfredo, Giorgio Germont. Nucci received more outcries of ‘Bravo’ than I have ever heard in an opera house. He is a great connoisseur of opera, having made his debut in 1967 and sings with a wealth of experience. His voice is a stunningly rich Baritone, and he devotes himself entirely to the role, singing with emotion and grandeur.

This brilliant production by director Richard Eyre and designer Bob Crowley is fresh seventeen years after its first performance, this revival seems set to just keep on exciting audiences. The orchestra, conducted by Jan Latham-Koenig, brings suitable light and shade to Verdi’s magnificent score.

I’m not sure if I could ever find La Traviata disappointing, just hearing the music is enough to satisfy me. Though this production doesn’t just rely on the wondrous musicality of Verdi, it succeeds in producing an all round superb rendition with a cast of singers that thrill.

Continues until 25 January 2012, book 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.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at The Donmar

A spelling bee is a very American phenomenon, so it is questionable whether the Donmar’s new production of ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ will resonate with a British audience. This stylish one act musical comedy, with music and lyrics by William Finn, is a short show about a fictional spelling bee, with a distinct lack of storyline despite originating from Rachel Sheinkin’s witty book. Much like Million Dollar Quartet, which I saw last week, it is a musical about one special event on one day.

The Donmar Theatre is a gem in the centre of Covent Garden, whose productions regularly receive critical acclaim. It is not unusual to see queues of hopeful punters waiting to try and snatch the few remaining day tickets hours before a performance. After hearing the music of this American revue at University I booked well ahead of time to secure my seat.

Along with the six wacky contestant characters, the actors are joined on stage by four willing and brave audience members who must actively take part in the spelling competition. I wasn’t feeling 100 percent on the night so didn’t volunteer myself, as I normally would. The poor participants have to suffer as the judging panel call them up to spell, announcing them with hilariously cruel introductions. The words given are unrecognisably tricky, so when one audience member correctly answered three words the improvising actors had to stifle a giggle wondering what to do next... for us watching it was eye-wateringly funny.

It is a chirpy piece and I really enjoyed it, though I can understand why some are not so keen on its cutesy agenda, it does seem a strange programming choice for the Donmar after the prestigious production of King Lear. The music is fast and furious with snappy witty words. As I said before, there is little action, and the songs mostly involve the characters singing about their feelings, on a very superficial level.

Christopher Oram’s school gymnasium set is perfect and immediately creates the scene. Of the six geeky kids, it is David Flynn as rotund and repressed William Barfee that stands out for me. Utterly hilarious he brings his own quirks to the role, becoming a startlingly convincing teenager. There are brilliant performances throughout, Ako Mitchell is absolutely fantastic as the counsellor on standby to comfort losing contestants, he has a nonchalance that is very natural on stage and a stunning voice of gold. Iris Roberts is great as the enthusiastic lisping girl who is eager to please and Steve Pemberton thrills as the creepy principle.

A silly show with a real feel-good factor. Book here.

Lucy in Disguise : Lily Allen and sister open their new vintage shop

The two sisters: Lily Allen and Sarah Owen

‘Lucy in Disguise’ is the latest idea from Lily Allen, who has set out to prove herself as more than just a singer. Lily has teamed up with half-sister Sarah Owen to launch this Covent Garden boutique. The two sisters admit they have not always been friends, though in the song ‘Back to the Start’ Lily offered her sibling a peace offering and this joint venture shop suggests they are now a lot closer.

Unlike most of the little vintage gems tucked away in Covent Garden LID (Lucy in Disguise) is large and easy to find on Kings Street. It’s luxuriously purple glow makes it stand out even on the rainiest of days. The shop opened a month ago, but its unique selling point is only revealed to the public this week – a fabulous lower floor with all kinds of treats. I was given a sneak preview and was delighted to see retro nail and hair and make-up sections, a mini Grey Goose vodka bar and a very special VIP section with a selection of spectacular one off vintage pieces for renting only. Everything you could need for the perfect retro look.

I was sceptical about the idea of this shop, but being a vintage clothes lover and a fan of Lily Allen, decided to pay it a visit. So last Friday afternoon I took my weary legs off to Covent Garden (giving up my sacred one evening off). I was delighted to discover the comfort and ease of the shop; there is no struggling through dusty rails with disappointment, everything here is superbly selected by experts. The prices vary, and it is clear that the LID team aim to please every budget... some unlabelled items come in at around £30, and then there are stunning designer pieces that range from about £80 up. Many of the more expensive designer pieces also offer the option of renting for a fraction of the price. I bought a delicious green patterned Valentino jacket that has already won me several compliments. I could have easily bought more; I fell in love with a dinky make-up purse, and some of the glamorous costume jewellery is to die for.

I had a lovely conversation with a few of the staff in the shop,who seem to have a real passion for the project on which they are embarking, and perhaps that’s why so far the idea has been a success. Lily Allen is never one to think small and this is certainly true of her newest mission. The shop offers more than any other of its kind, and they will have to work hard to keep such a big ambition alive. Luckily this business isn’t snooty or pretentious as celeb ventures can often be. The thought that has gone into LID is clear from the moment you walk in, even the psychedelic name (that links to the Beatles song ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’ and the drug LSD) has been cleverly chosen.

In the corner is a Playstation Move for all those poor poor boys that are dragged into this girly haven. And if they are still dissatisfied they can pop downstairs for a cheeky drink. I kept my accompanying man in tow to give me what I hoped would be valuable opinions on the outfits I tried on. But then I remembered, men don’t get vintage clothes, so better just to decide for yourself.

Lucy in Disguise can be found at 10 Kings Street, WC2E 8HN. Visit the website here.

The Roaring success of The Lion King

The roaring success of The Lion King is even evident on the streets outside the theatre. I felt a bit bewildered as I waited to collect my tickets, this production is epic in every sense of the word. The Lyceum itself is massive and takes up half of Covent Garden, and the interior of the theatre looks more like a rock concert stadium.

I have seen The Lion King once before when I was much younger; the show seemed largely unchanged. Although perhaps overly sentimental, this show is a masterpiece in every other respect, and it is no wonder it has done so well. The visuals are stunning with life-like animals and colourful moving sets evolving into the different animal habitats. I love the way the action surrounds the audience: pretend birds flying across the crowds on wire and percussionists sitting almost amongst us. The show definitely feels all inclusive.

The two children who play young Simba and young Nala must be having the time of their lives jumping about the Lyceum stage; I was certainly envious. I’m not sure which of the children performed on the night I went – I was too far away to recognise their faces from the selection in the programme. Timon (Nick Mercer) and Pumbaa (Keith Bookman) are great too and even more hilarious than I remembered, as the musical's two comedians. Brown Lindiwe Mkhize is a sensational Rafiki, filling the whole auditorium with her soulful voice.

The music in The Lion King is written by Elton John & Tim Rice and is relentlessly energetic throughout. I prefer the chorus numbers, they generate an electrifying sound with the huge cast and band that you can’t help but be affected by. Some of the solo songs are a little weak, I was a bit disappointed with Adult Nala’s (Narran McLean) voice and she seems to struggle a bit despite the amplification.

By the end I was exhausted from all the excitement, and it feels slightly bizarre to be unable to find a real criticism. I often overhear people chatting about The Lion King and their individual experiences of the show are all positive. It is a musical for everyone; it is happy but not kitsch and the message is one most can relate to. More than any other show I have seen, I think The Lion King is universally appealing.

Book here.

The Woman in Black

I know I am very affected by emotive shows, but at the end of a week of terrifying productions my emotions have reached new extremes. After Ghost Stories I vowed I would not let myself get so scared by a performance again. That pledge evaporated almost immediately when, a few nights ago I went to see The Woman in Black.

The Woman in Black is currently celebrating its 21^st year at the Fortune Theatre in Covent Garden. With only two parts (and the unknown actress playing the ghost) the play is a real showcase for the two male actors: Michael Mears (Arthur Kipps) and Orlando Wells (the actor). Mears is fantastic on stage, capturing the atmosphere of the piece exactly. Wells also is great fun to watch, he seems to know the part so well that he can play with it as he desires. His little quirks are matched by Mears and together they are a great duo.

The Fortune Theatre is rather dingy and dangerously intimate for a show like The Woman in Black, especially when, once again I had the creepy aisle seat. In fact before the actors came on I was reminded of the interior of a cheap hotel in a stereotypical scary movie. The stage is slanted and covered in gauze-like material. The performance combines theatrical illusion and trickery with a disturbing narrative, scaring even the coolest of hearts.

In comparison to Ghost Stories this play is more realistic and therefore more believable. There is an interval and a traditional dramatic structure, unlike Ghost Stories, but the underlying message is more sinister and upsetting, and the chilling final outcome left me shivering for hours after the play had ended.