Puccini's La Boheme at The ENO

ENO always has a diverse programme. This season they are offering up some real classics that I’m sure will be popular with the public: Handel’s Radamisto, Mozart’s Don Giovanni and of course Puccini’s La Boheme. Unlike some operas La Boheme is not difficult to follow, and the narrative moves slowly through the powerful melodies, avoiding the unbelievable twists and turns of some opera plots. Above all it is a great love story, and more prosaically a study of some young bohemians and the mischief they get up to.

I fell in love with Puccini when I first performed Tosca with Opera Holland Park, ever since I can’t help but be deeply affected by the overpoweringly passionate music. My academic experience of Puccini can sometimes lead me to be overcritical of productions I see. This time round ENO push all the right buttons for me, it is a truly enchanting production on all counts.

This is the first revival of Jonathan Miller’s production, following its initial successful run. Thanks to designer Isabella Bywater this adaptation adds something special to Puccini’s classic. The atmosphere is transporting, Miller decided to set the opera in 1930s Paris, the era after the depression, and Bywater’s vision matches the directors sentiment entirely. The evolving set made me feel so close to the great French city, and the magical mist and falling snow in the second half made me shiver. My favourite part of the set has to be the intricately decorated Cafe Momus that radiates from the centre of the stage, and is complete to the tiniest detail. I later found out the set and costumes are based on images of Paris from about 1932 by the famous Hungarian photographer, sculptor and filmmaker Brassaï.

The singers are all brilliant, but tenor Gwyn Hughes Jones is particularly spectacular as Rodolfo. (The part is split between Gwyn Hughes Jones and Alfie Boe). He commands the stage, and engulfs the tiny Mimi (Elisabeth Llewellyn) with an endearing natural charm. His voice is sensitive and yet grand and the massive ENO theatre buzzed with his presence. This is Llewellyn’s ENO debut, and I thought she did jolly well, she sings with a natural sincerity that suits the character well, her obvious excitement was very noticeable in her quite touching bow at the end of the curtain call. The rest of the cast are good too, and it is difficult to find any fault. I loved the raucous children running across the stage, all peering in to the Cafe while the bohemians are inside singing. I do prefer my La Boheme in Italian, but thought that Amanda Holden’s translation was rather comically and enjoyable.

Puccini’s music is so brilliant it doesn’t take much to make one of his operas into a good production, but this has something a little bit extra. ENO got it just right.

La Boheme continues at the ENO until 27 November 2010, book tickets here.

Frieze Art Fair

‘Frieze Art Fair features over 150 of the most exciting contemporary art galleries in the world. The fair also includes specially commissioned artists’ projects, a prestigious talks programme and an artist-led education schedule.’

Last year I helped at Zoo Art Fair, the younger crazier version of Frieze. My dad’s work was included in the eclectic mix. It was great fun and a very interesting project to be part of. I’ve always wondered what Frieze is like, and this year I got the chance to find out. I was lucky enough to be given two guest passes, and so was treated to complimentary champagne and delicious little canape treats. The VIP room was by far the best part of the Fair for me!

I was wearing my new 60s inspired, patterned COS dress, and was delighted to discover that COS is in fact one of the sponsors for Frieze, how mightily appropriate. And I know it sounds ridiculous, but this little coincidence made the whole outing more enjoyable.

After consuming the delicious nibbles and bubbly, we went off to venture round the scarily massive hangar of art. It is too big to see all the exhibits, and even if you did have a whole day to browse, you wouldn’t want too, as I think you’d zone out after a while. The work itself is very ‘in your face’, subtlety is an unknown concept in the world of Frieze. Around every corner a bold statement is made, sometimes with a giant vulgar sculpture, less often through a fluorescent painting or some mildly offensive photograph. Often the work tackles the grand topics of life and death. The art is intriguing, but most of it not the kind of thing you would want in your house, as even the most aesthetically pleasing is either too big or too precarious to display in a domestic environment. I liked the bright pink telephone box and some of the photographs best, there are also some dainty little ceramic cups on show that reminded me of some of Antony Gormley’s more petite work.

Tickets were priced at £25 each this year. In quantity you definitely get your money’s worth, and with work from so many different countries there is a huge variety to explore. I just enjoyed being there, and being part of the hubbub, some of the outfits visitors were wearing were artworks in themselves and I enjoyed observing all the mad characters.

Visit Frieze website here.

Flashdance at The Shaftesbury Theatre

It’s always exciting to see a musical for the first time. Flashdance has just opened at The Shaftesbury Theatre and after hearing all the hype I was looking forward to seeing it. Unfortunately it didn’t live up to my expectations, and definitely didn’t live up to Hairspray (the last musical I saw at The Shaftesbury).

I booked tickets for a Saturday 3 o’clock matinee... which seemed like a good idea – tickets tend to be slightly cheaper and it is less likely that I will fall asleep from exhaustion (as I increasingly do at evening shows!) When we arrived I was delighted to find that our (cheap, Grand Circle) tickets, had been upgraded to top price Stalls tickets. I was initially ultra smug about this, before realising that in fact this meant the show was likely to not be selling very well, hence all the empty seats. This was the first suggestion that the show may not be as fabulous as I hoped.

It starts with a bang, of light, music and movement. No-one can deny this production has overwhelming energy throughout. I enjoyed the electrifying atmosphere initially, but as the show went on and continued to grow more and more deafeningly loud, I began to feel like I was in a nightclub, and one with bad music at that! (Druggy criminals and skimpy outfits included.) It isn’t all bad, there is the odd recognisable song, ‘What a Feeling’ and ‘She’s a Mania’, both quite enjoyable, and sung well.

Arlene Phillips should be commended, she really is a wonder with her choreography; it is quite astounding when you think that Phillips, who is now 67 years old, can still think up routines as contemporary and complex as those seen in Flashdance. Strictly Come Dancing were silly to let her go, her judging was their biggest asset. The dancers are good in Flashdance, some are very good, but the narrative is dull and this makes even the dancing boring after a while. In fact the plot is very similar to Billy Elliot – the heroine Alex Owens works in a Pittsburgh steel mill by day and as a dancer in a showbar at night, with the ambition of becoming a professional ballet dancer.

Alex Owens was played by Twinnielee Moore, although the part is normally taken on by Victoria Hamilton-Barritt. Moore is a competent enough dancer, but the sentimental acting sort of ruins her part for me. Also in the cast is Matt Willis (from boy band Busted), who I’m sure will excite the younger girls in the audience!

The feel-good ending is rushed and insincere, leaving the audience with a bitter aftertaste; I left feeling a bit cheated. Flashdance is similar to Dirty Dancing and Fame, and the dancing talent definitely compares to these shows, but unfortunately the direction and songs do not, and I predict this will shorten its run in the West End.

Book tickets here.

My favourite musical: GREASE

I am very enthusiastic about many musicals, but in terms of the long standing favourite, GREASE is the always the winner. I saw this retro musical for the third time this week. It is as fabulous as ever, with all the rock’n’roll numbers everyone remembers from the film, and dance routines that are as brilliant as expected from choreographer Arlene Phillips. The cast has recently changed and now features Matthew Goodgame (Channel 4 Musicality, Chicago) as the leader of the T-birds, Danny Zuko and Lauren Samuels (BBC1 ‘Over the Rainbow’ finalist) making her West End debut as Sandy.

Grease tackles some controversial social issues like teenage pregnancy and gang violence, subjects that make the film gritty and sexy. For me, this production is a little too tame and nice to live up to the exciting film, but this could also be because of the lack of John Travolta. I think the geeky characters are the best on stage: Faye Brookes as an adorable Frenchie, and Hayley Gallivan as a fantastic Jan. All the guys look great but their voices aren’t quite as sparkling. Lauren Samuels also impressed me, the role of Sandy is probably the least exciting part to play in Grease, but she grabs the audience’s attention with her strong voice and obvious stage presence.

Despite not being entirely convinced by this production, I still recommend it as a fun night out, catch it before it goes off on tour in Spring 2011.

Other retro musicals to see in London:

- Flashdance: new to the West End stage it tells the tale of 18 year old Alex, welder by day, ‘flashdancer’ by night who hopes to be given a place at the Shipley Dance Academy.

- Dreamboats and Petticoats: a sweet song-writing love story that features many classic songs.

- Dirty Dancing: brought to the stage after the hit 1987 film, features rebellion, growing up pains and above all, the power of dance!

- Sweet Charity: the story of a dancer-for-hire at a Times Square dance-hall who finds love at last (hurry it ends 6^th November).

If you really want to get into the vintage musical mood, pick up a snazzy t-shirt at Grease or Flashdance. I got a Rydell High tee in grey and red, that I love.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 21

You may be too young to remember the days when sweets were quaintly packaged in stripey pink paper bags. I can just about recall placing my carefully chosen portion of pick’n’mix in one. When I was at primary school, my siblings and I had ‘sweetie day’ on Friday. Our granny would pick us up from our respective schools, and we’d rush excitedly to the corner shop on Southfield Road in Chiswick. The weekly trials and tribulations for my poor granny are quite hilarious in retrospect.

Now you can relive your childhood sweetie experiences in style through Natthakur’s inventive leather accessories, with designs that mimic sweetshop bags, grocery bags and brown paper bags. This collection is called ‘The Reusable Range’ and considers the notion of disposability. Designer Natalie Thakur’s hopes to ‘recreate designs in leather to not only bring longevity to the designs by turning something cheap into something with perceived value, but also to expose the simplicity of the pieces as art objects.’

The sweetie-style make-up bag is made from the finest leather, like all Natthakur’s accessories. It comes in pink (definitely grooviest) and black. It costs £28 and can be bought online here. As well as oozing retro style it is sure to stand out in a messy handbag. Also worth a quick mention are the lovely little coin purses costing £30 (see image above).

Dare I say it... one of Natthakur’s products would make a great stocking filler!

The Suzuki Stars

Helen Brunner teaching

The Suzuki method has always been a philosophy close to my heart, ever since I started learning violin at three. I did not continue past the age of eight, and it has been one of my biggest regrets. Now I can fully enjoy and appreciate the talent of young children who play their instruments with the love and instinct as Suzuki encourages. My 13 year old sister began learning Suzuki violin ten years ago, and I can honestly say is one of the most wonderful musicians now, she is a true inspiration to me.

I recently went to see a lovely concert in Notting Hill of young Suzuki violinists. They are the ‘London Gold Group’, a team of players taught by the amazing Helen Brunner, a woman who needs little introduction in the world of Suzuki. She introduced the method to the UK. Later this year the Gold Group go on tour and this concert was fundraising for that cause.

With delicious canapes and wine from Sally Clarke of Clarkes the evening got off to a great start. The programme was made up of solo and ensemble pieces by a variety of well known composers: Bach, Vivaldi, Elgar and Kreisler, amongst others. It never ceases to amaze me how children so young can just stride up onto the stage and play their hearts out, with no sheet music to rely on, and seemingly no nerves either. I particularly loved the solo performances by Marnie Breadin and Gabriel Rumney who both really captivated the audience. I also enjoyed the ensemble pieces, led by the enthusiastic smiling Helen on one side of the stage, these group moments bought the venue, St Peter’s Church, to life.

All Helen’s pupils clamboured up onstage for the finale – a medley of the simpler Suzuki pieces: Allegro, Go tell Aunt Rhody, Lightly Row, and of course Twinkle. As the audience left the church we were invited to donate to the envelopes hung by ribbons above the entrance: each one had a different expense on the front (eg. Fare for Ferry travel, music folders), a lovely personalised idea I thought.

Things to do in Barcelona

I have always been very strict with myself about my blog, making sure I pretty much only write about things to do in London. But after several trips away, I have decided to allow myself the occasional post about foreign cities, partly because I want to write about my fun experiences, but also because I think it could help others and be a sort of mini guide.

So, most recently I went to Barcelona. I’ve never been to Spain before, surprisingly, and I always love ticking off another country on my ‘to do’ travelling list, so was very excited about this visit. Long weekends away are the way forward, a welcome break from work and a refreshing time-out from everyday London life. I am going to try and do them more, even if it is just for one night.

We were staying in the luxurious five star Miramar Hotel, and got a very reasonable deal thanks to my work part-owning the establishment. I could easily have not left the building for the three days happy to gorge myself on the extensive breakfasts, use the wonderful gym and spa facilities and generally just hang out in the beautiful bedroom. The weather wasn’t perfect with quite a bit of rain and I considered sunbathing in bikini and wellies, but eventually decided against the idea.

We were in Barcelona for three nights, and I was pleased to find this was enough time to see rather a lot of the city. After a lazy first night, trying out the room service and pressing all the exciting buttons in the bedroom, we set off for a fun-packed first day which we completed with a visit to the Liceu Opera House (how could I resist seeing Carmen in Spain!).

Things you should do in Barcelona:

- * Go to The Picasso Museum: a massive collection of this master’s work from his very early paintings to late ceramics, and everything in between. About 9 Euros entrance, give yourself a good hour to look round.

- * The stunning Cathedral is definitely worth the five Euro entrance fee. The biggest Cathedral I’ve ever been to, I felt drowned in its splendour. You can even take a little lift up to see the views from the roof.

- * Walk up The Ramblas and marvel at the street performers, some freakish, some quite beautiful. They definitely give the Covent Garden clowns a run for their money.

- * The best tapas can be found at Cerveceria Catalana on C/ Mallorca - go early, they are always full (even in October it was tricky to get a table). It's not cheap, but they have an excellent selection of tapas on offer and a huge variety of beer. Very yummy.

- * Attempt the metro: it is super cheap (just over one Euro a journey) and very efficient. We saved a fortune using it, rather than taxis.

- * Make your way down to the seaside, book a table at Agua (very popular, very good fish restaurant) and then go for an after supper stroll on the beach, the perfect evening in all seasons.

- * Try and see some Gaudi architecture (see image above), but avoid the hideous touristy crowds (Park Guell has some of the best examples of his work, but tends to be completely overcrowded and therefore offputting).

- * Wander the streets aimlessly and see what you find, be sure to stop at the stalls of handmade goodies, perfect for presents or little Barcelona souvenirs.

Our stay came and went in a flash, and before I could say ‘sangria’ we were back on our Easyjet flight to Gatwick.

Browsing in Borough Market

The surviving street markets of London can be found in picturesque corners of the city, specialising in all manner of goods, from food to vintage clothing. Some are open all week, others only for a few mornings, or at the weekend.

Portobello is fighting for its life, commercial chains are moving in, ruining the magic of a truly unique and much loved street market. I love this area of London and enjoy pottering amongst the junk and jewels on a Friday or Saturday morning, stopping briefly to grab a coffee and croissant from a quaint Notting Hill cafe.

I visit Borough Market less regularly, for the sole reason that it exists on the opposite side of London to me. But when I do, I revel in the delicious smells and colours of the produce and love to watch the people that mingle there. For coffee and breakfast Monmouth is charming, although sometimes has a large queue outside. Grab your drink and take a seat at one of the large wooden tables.

To eat, if you fancy more than a fresh cup of soup, to drink on the go, I have heard Roast is worth a try. A wholesome restaurant dedicated to offering up classic British cooking using the finest seasonal produce, it overlooks the hustle and bustle of the marketplace below.

Borough market is great for those unusual ingredients you may not be able to find elsewhere, and all of the best quality. So worth a trip if you want something a little bit different for a dinner party or special meal. I can also strongly recommend the beautiful flower stall/shop ‘Chez Michele’ that has ready made stunning bouquets, one of which I couldn’t resist buying for my grandparents. I was tempted in fact to buy a bunch for myself too, but decided that was perhaps a little over-indulgent.

If you can, go to Borough market during the week, it is less busy and easier to get a good look at everything.

Levi's SHAPE WHAT'S TO COME Launch: YOU GO GIRLS

A few nights ago I was invited to the launch party of new Levi's social network: ‘Shape What’s to Come.’ It aims to help and promote women in their individual creative quests. It took place in the Regents Street Levi’s store, that had been all kitted out for the occasion. Beers were available downstairs, alongside some intriguing mood boards to ponder over.

The evening began with a discussion, hosted by Annie Mac who was accompanied by SWTC Ambassadors: Kathryn Ferguson (filmmaker), Justice Williams (Tru Life magazine), Kristin Knox (fashion blogger), Ikonika (DJ/producer) and Anna Murray & Grace Winteringham (Patternity).Each woman had their own personal struggles and story to share with the room (which was, by the way, dominated by a 90% female audience).

Questions were fired at the team of ambassadors, and the room fell ominously quiet as one brave woman mentioned feminism. Only blogger Kristin admitted to adopting a feminist stance, the others seemed to shy away from the term, and I can understand why. They don’t want to succeed because they are women, but as creative people who are just as capable as men. I felt encouraged and motivated by these entrepreneurial young people.

After the panel discussion we were free to mingle and meet other hopeful interesting women, and I did. I talked for a while to blogger, Miss Geeky, and also had a chance to chat to Kristin Knox (and her adorable dog, Butters) about how she developed her blog and her passion for fashion. She was down to earth and honest, and after peeking at her blog (The Clothes Whisperer) this morning, I can also confirm her quirky talent.

A surprise performance by The Noisettes was the highlight of the evening for me. Lead singer, Shingai was looking gloriously glitzy and gave a spectacular performance with her band. The evening concluded with a set from Ikonika, a few more beers and I watched as the newly inspired women left smiling.

Visit the Shape What's to Come website here.

The Show After The Show: Sarastro

Sarastro or The Show After The Show, as it’s sometimes known, has been on my ‘to do’ list for far too long. This restaurant brightens up the whole of Theatreland with its outrageously flowery exterior. And inside it wows its visitors with the lavish decoration and opulent splendour.

I wanted to sit in one of the boxes which line the walls of the restaurant, and are not dissimilar to ‘real’ opera boxes. So, I went in the night before our visit to woo the waiters. It worked despite there being only two of us (the boxes are normally for six plus). They are used to cater for people pre and post show, in fact they expect you to be going to see something.

Opened in 1996 by owners Richard Niyazi and his nephews Salih and Richard Salim, Sarastro is one of a kind. The name ‘Sarastro’ comes from Mozart’s character in ‘The Magic Flute’. The restaurant is very theatrical and they always have appropriate music playing. If you’re lucky you might even catch some live music as on various nights they have opera and musical stars performing in the restaurant itself. Currently Sarastro has West End star Colin Roy singing a programme of Swing and Motown songs every Thursday.

The food was only average, we both ate steak which was a little dry and uninteresting. It is expensive for what you get. However you don’t visit Sarastro for the food, you visit for the experience. Open every day of the year, including Christmas Day and Boxing Day, Sarastro is an ideal place for parties or birthdays – the atmosphere is always dramatic and lively.

Visit the website here.