Hot on the Highstreet Week 23

This is the week to give your laptop some love and affection. Marc Jacobs by Marc Jacobs have brought out a collection of groovy accessories all on sale in Harvey Nichols in the M by MJ pop-up shop. The line includes headphones, keyrings and of course iPod and laptop cases, all in fabulous bright colours.

Now I know Marc Jacobs isn’t highstreet, and neither, strictly is the diffusion line (Marc by Marc Jacobs) but with prices as reasonable as these I think it qualifies for my Hot on the Highstreet feature. The laptop case comes in two sizes: 13 inch and 16 inch, priced at £35 and £45 respectively. The cover is made from thick, snug nylon and is imprinted with the MJ initials. Pretty cool me thinks.

I have a standard size MacBook Pro, that my brother assured me measures 13.3 inches. The smaller of the two size laptop cases fits my little computer perfectly. The cases come in a few colours: black, blue, yellow, pink... I of course got the pink. If you're a bit more of a techie and have already bagged yourself an ipad then there is the slick M by MJ cover available for that too. I’m afraid I could only find a picture of the blue version (see above), you’ll have to take my word for it, the pink is definitely the nicest!

Now it’s cold and wintry your laptop will need a coat too, get the Marc Jacobs case and I promise it will be the cutest computer in town... but hurry because the pop-up store is only around for a few weeks.

See here.

'Over Gardens Out' at The Riverside

The play was first performed in 1969 at The Royal Court Theatre, see image above.

I enjoyed Peter Gill’s ‘Over Gardens Out’ although I found some of it unfathomable. This short play is directed by Sam Brown and is the second of two Gill works on at The Riverside Studios in Hammersmith.

The Riverside offers a wealth of creative activity, from film screenings to dance and new theatre projects. They have several performance spaces; previously I had only been to the main theatre. Over Gardens Out was performed in Studio 3, a smaller, colder, darker space that allows the audience to sit much closer to the action. I felt rather confined and this definitely affected my experience of the play.

The whole cast are onstage throughout, some barely have a role to play other than as voyeurs. Their presence emphasises the hostile nature of the play and the troubles of 1968 the year in which it is set. They stand judging.

At only 50 minutes, Over Gardens Out is more of a study than a story. The narrative revolves around the homoerotic friendship between two teenage boys. Dennis shows his insecurities through his moodiness and bratty behaviour, clinging to his mother at every opportunity, bully Jeffry is more overtly aggressive and masculine. Meilir Rhys Williams makes a very competent stage debut as Dennis. He is precocious and childish but in a way that is intriguing rather than annoying to watch. He is also a wonderful dancer demonstrated when he takes his mother’s hand to dance with her, for me the best moment of the play. There is a constant feeling of tension created predominantly by tough guy Jeffry (Calum Calaghan). He bounds around the stage with territorial arrogance, his nasty teasing often made me feel uncomfortable.

An interesting play that left me pondering the subjects it raises.

Over Gardens Out continues until 6 November 2010.

Move Choreographing You: an art and dance exhibition at The Hayward Gallery

Most art exhibitions are calming or thought-provoking but the Hayward Gallery is offering up something quite different this month. ‘Move: Choreographing You’ explores the interaction between art and dance from the late 1950s to the present. The work comes from a collection of wacky artists including: Janine Antoni, Pablo Bronstein, Robert Morris and Franz West. The show allows spectators to participate throughout, making us more than just audience members. It feels a bit like an assault course on School Sports Day except more of the contenders are fully grown adults!

This is a perfect Half Term activity for all the family to enjoy. The real downfall is the queues to have ‘your go’ on each piece of art. For the first major construction I had to wait about 15 minutes before I was allowed to go through. You climb through several compartments, including a central inflated clear bubble, and an area filled with balloons. The actual experience is fun, but after waiting for so long and hyping myself up for something other-worldly, it definitely didn’t live up to expectations.

My favourite activity is the maze of swinging hoops that you have to climb your way through (see image above). I managed to get about halfway before becoming hideously twisted in the ropes and falling to the ground totally defeated. I was definitely not dressed suitably – and spent half the time pulling my dress down to avoid any public indecency. Annoyingly my friend managed to make it through with heroic speed, and stood quietly gloating as I struggled. Other installations include films and outdoor artworks on the roof. There are also pieces that look at the history of movement and dance, and a beautiful little video of some clog dancers in one of the rooms. I have to say, participating in this exhibition involved more exercise than I had experienced in a long time, and I could definitely notice the ache in my muscles the next morning.

It is always interesting to go to something a bit different and exciting, especially when it is hands on but I was expecting more for my £11 ticket.

Move Choreographing You continues at The Hayward Gallery until 9 January 2011.

PUNK in Soho

PUNK in Soho has hosted some of pop’s greatest artists... including Lady Gaga and VV Brown. It is a groovy anti-establishment bar that welcomes creative souls of all kinds. I decided to embrace this freedom of expression and got dressed up with big fake eyelashes and my twiggy-like COS shift dress. A bit of hairspray in my hair, and some exaggerated eyeliner, and I was rather pleased with the overall look.

I went to see Jetson again (I must be their biggest fan)...on a night that showcased a variety of hip young bands, who all seemed delighted to be performing to Punk’s enthusiastic crowd. I enjoyed all the music, although at times there seemed to be a few sound problems. Jetson played with their usual flair, commanding the stage and filling the venue with a really positive vibe. The laid back ambience of this club is immediately noticeable, there is no dress code (like many Soho venues) and Punk has become a hang-out for scenesters, fashionistas, indie rockers, nu-ravers and all kinds of other people wanting to express themselves. I loved this feel-good atmosphere and felt relaxed amongst the crowd.

The bands were all being filmed for a show called Tftv. The crew will be travelling all round the country recording bands for a documentary for Channel 5 and Sky 3. This added an extra element of excitement to the evening’s performances, hopefully some of the bands from this night will be shown.

I was there with a few lovely friends who came to catch up and enjoy the music. Unlike many London clubs Punk doesn’t sell drinks at extortionate prices, so you can have a beer without breaking the bank.

Coming up at PUNK:

Monday 1^st November: Anthem

Thursday 4^th November: YOUR MUM’S HOUSE

Friday 5^th November: Dirty Pop

Friday 5^th November: Rockaoke

Saturday 6^th November: Dead or Alive

Saturday 6^th November: FU*K REHAB

Located on 14 Soho Street (just off Oxford Street) and open Monday-Saturday this is definitely a venue to check out.

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.

Rigoletto at The Royal Opera House

I looked forward to my Royal Opera House trip all week, especially as I was taking a ROH virgin along with me! We went to see the fifth revival of David Vicar’s production of Rigoletto, first staged in 2001.Rigoletto was written by the magnificent Verdi, an opera composer who many argue is superior to all those who worked in the genre before or after him. His intensely dramatic music is some of the world’s most celebrated and never fails to move me. La Traviata is my favourite opera by Verdi and also the first opera I ever saw, but this was my first time seeing Rigoletto.

There is nothing quite like sitting in London’s Royal Opera House, it is one of the great wonders of our city. I always feel thrilled to be part of such an excited sea of audience members, all sitting on the edge of their seats waiting for the conductor’s first wave of his oh-so important baton.

All eyes were on Israeli-born conductor Dan Ettinger who seemed delighted to be making his debut at The ROH. And despite being young he seems in his element in the pit and was a wonderful leader for the orchestra.

Vicar’s production is, on the whole quite dark and moody, and takes place in the shadows of the giant set. As the curtain rises we are treated to a shockingly bawdy scene. Perhaps I am being prudish but I found it a little too distracting, especially when one poor chorus member strips completely and runs around stark naked, quite a sight at The Royal Opera House!

The set is cleverly built to be reversible, the palace on one side, and Rigoletto’s house/Sparafucile’s inn on the other; it can be moved accordingly. Effective on the whole, but unfortunately it took rather a long time to move leaving an awkward silence in between Acts. The singing is the highlight for me, and I left thinking it the most impressive display of vocal talent I have ever seen on this stage. Dmitri Hvorostovsky (who played the role in 2005) once again takes to the stage as the desperate joker Rigoletto. His dark baritone voice is rich and resonant - he sings the melancholic role with conviction and credible emotion throughout. Wookyung Kim returns to Covent Garden to sing the part of the precious Duke, his energy and commitment to the role is obvious, his light tenor is very enjoyable to listen to, though I couldn’t help being disappointed that he isn’t better looking, a quality the Duke requires. Patrizia Ciofi and Ekaterina Sadovnikova share the role of Gilda for this production. Sadovnikova was performing the night I went and sang her little heart out and seemed very comfortable acting with Hvorostovky on stage, together they have some touching father and daughter moments on stage. I was a little disappointed with Daniela Innamorati who plays Maddalena, her voice did not quite live up to the part on the night, and she suffered against the other singers in the final Act quartet.

At university I had a brilliant class called ‘Verdi and Shakespeare’, we touched briefly on Rigoletto although I realised, during the performance that I had forgotten many of the opera’s details. As the final Act began I suddenly remembered the horribly tragic conclusion, and couldn’t stop myself audibly gasping.

The ROH never fails to put on a show, with glorious sets and stunning costumes and great attention to detail, this production of Rigoletto is no different.

Rigoletto continues until 6 November 2010, book tickets here.

Gauguin at the Tate Modern

Finally I got a spare hour to nip over the river and see the Paul Gauguin exhibition at Tate Modern. This show is the first major Gauguin show in Britain for 50 years and is expected to set a new Tate record with its ticket sales. The collection on display includes over 100 of the French artist’s work as well as letters to his wife and fellow artist Vincent Van Gogh.

Entrance is rather pricey at £13.50 full price, or £10 concession. The show spans 11 rooms and examines a variety of his work focusing particularly on myth, storytelling and the construction of identity in his life and art. The work is not presented in chronological order but instead thematically. This is a little confusing especially for those less knowledgeable about his work.

Gauguin was bold and brave in his work and this confidence is obvious in the Tate’s display. I adore his use of colour, surprising and often spectacular. This unique use of colour evolves through his work as his surroundings and subject change. The first room looks at Gauguin’s exploration of identity and self-mythology with a selection of self-portraits. They are diverse in style due to the varying dates of production, the earliest he painted in his late twenties. The rest of the rooms show work from Gauguin’s travels all over the globe.

My favourite paintings are those done when Gauguin travels to Tahiti, they are the pieces that characterise his style and are probably the most recognisable of his output. I can fondly remember learning about works such as ‘Nevermore O Tahiti’ (pictured above) in my AS Art History classes, and admiring the work back then in my younger, more naive days. I found it interesting to observe Gauguin’s depiction of women and the relationship they have with the viewer or indeed the artist. Many of the female models are looking round directly to the viewer, making the image rather eerie.

When observing Gauguin’s work it is intriguing to think about the symbolic intentions of his colour. Blue, for example was often recognised as a colour of wealth. The final room features many paintings with deep pinks and purples that are striking to see in Post Impressionist paintings. These unusual shades emphasise further the exotic influences over the artist.

Even if the work of Gauguin is not your ‘thing’ this is a once in a lifetime exhibition and a must see.

Exhibition continues until 16 January 2011, book tickets here.

GIRLS IN PEARLS: Country Life and Mikimoto Party at Christie's

I am lucky enough to have two of the best grandmothers a girl could wish for. My mum's mum was unable to take up her invite to an elite Country Life evening soiree and I got given the place instead. The theme of this party was ‘Girls in Pearls’ and was, as far as I understood a celebration for Country Life magazine and Mikimoto jewellery (one of the most famous pearl jewellery designers.)

The dress code was, of course, Pearls. My fabulous Grandfather had donated some fake pearls to me for the occasion (he just happened to have them lying around). As we shivered up to the grand entrance of the party’s venue, none other than Christie’s, I asked my date: ‘And where are your pearls?’ He looked down in shame only to discover that in fact the buttons on his Nicole Farhi shirt were made from mother of pearl, delighted with our good fortune we walked in smugly.

I had forgotten what Country Life magazine is like, pretty pretentious to be honest. All the other guests were dressed in, what looked like, exceedingly expensive outfits; I began to feel a bit dull in my French Connection dress. Luckily I had tried out a bit of Yves Saint Laurent bright pink lipstick in Harvey Nics and so had one thing that made me stand out a bit. The setting was all very grand, with huge bouquets of fresh roses and a professional string quartet playing in the corner, rudely ignored by most of the guests. I took a moment to watch and enjoy their music.

To one side of the first room the Mikimoto pearl collection was displayed under sparkling lights. Five giant models stood like statues also displaying the jewellery, they seemed a little bored of being peered at by guests. I began to wonder what this party was all about. Pol Roger Champagne was on tap, they had the bottles everywhere, encouraging you to drink more, which wasn’t difficult as it was delicious. And I must mention the canapés, that exceeded all my expectations. Most were too fancy for me to understand, like miniature samples of a Michelin starred restaurant menu. Once we clocked where they were coming from we positioned ourselves at a nearby table. Luckily most of the other girls there were far too precious about their weight to eat so there was much more for us. My favourite had to be the venision with bacon, a dollop of celeriac mash and gravy, all components immaculately placed in a spoon, ready to eat. Other interesting treats included beetroot pannacotta and melted cheese and fig tarts.

Later on in the evening, as we were admiring the art we also discovered an oyster bar. Sadly I don’t eat oysters but I very much enjoyed the sight of others satisifyingly slurping them. At 8 o’clock on the dot we were ushered into the main room for a short, seemingly pointless speech. It was explained to us that while the rest of the country were wallowing in the misery of George Osborne’s spending cuts news, they were doing very well at Country Life, with sales just getting better and better, and so had ordered even more champagne for the evening’s entertainment. It became obvious that the evening had little purpose other than to celebrate wealth. Not that I was complaining I had had a splendid time gorging on their canapés and champagne.

We left a bit early; everyone else seemed to know each other. I was sure to collect a goodie bag on the way out which was filled mostly with catalogues of expensive things. It’s not everyday you get an invitation to a Christies party, and as I stepped out with my smart goodie bag, I got envying looks from passers by. I thought to myself, I might know my pearls are fake, but they don’t!

Waving goodbye to Oliver!

A few nights ago I went to see Oliver! It has been on my ‘to see’ list ever since the Andrew Lloyd Webber programme went in search of the perfect Nancy. Oliver closes on 8^thJanuary 2011 after a fantastic two year run, and tickets are selling out fast. I didn’t realise the scale of this show before I went – the theatre is massive and very grand and the stage constantly changes, with ever more fabulous backdrops for each successive scene. But by far the most epic aspect of this musical is the huge cast, predominantly made up of very talented young children.

The show currently stars entertainer Russ Abbot as the loveable rogue Fagin (although I saw understudy Tim Laurenti in the role) and Kerry Ellis as Nancy. Laurenti is a devilish Fagin, he makes the character suitably sinister but still manages to be utterly comical; thanks also to the clever script. Ellis is clearly very capable, as is evident from her impressive resume, but for me she didn’t sparkle as much as I hoped she would, a shame considering how superb the rest of the cast are.

Gwion Wyn Jones (Oliver) and Ben Wilson (Artful Dodger) are the real stars of the night. I can’t believe how capable and confident they are on stage, singing, dancing and acting with startling maturity and swagger. I love the sequence right at the start of the show when all the kids come on stage to sing ‘Food Glorious Food.’ They are fantastically choreographed by Matthew Bourne who must have rehearsed them half to death to achieve this standard. I couldn’t help coo-ing, but also felt a twinge of jealousy and wanted to be up there myself joining in. How such young kids remember two hours worth of material and pull it off so convincingly is beyond me.

I am so glad I made an effort to see this before it disappears from the West End. Oliver! is an example of showbiz at its very best.

Book tickets here.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 22

This shirt is haunting me... I first saw it online when I was browsing through the Whistles website, then I spotted it amongst the goodies at Harvey Nichols. Yesterday I noticed it in ELLE magazine, it is begging me to buy it and I am finding it increasingly hard to resist.

WHISTLES has recently made its way onto my highstreet radar, firstly because of its dynamite designer collaboration with Roksanda Ilincic, and secondly because it is slightly more affordable than all the super bucks designer shops near me at work (for lunchtime shopping). Oh and did I mention they currently have a mid-season sale on?

Enter this sassy little number: The Lightning Bolt Silk Shirt. Priced at £95. This beautiful garment is tailored to perfection with epaulettes on the shoulders, two front pockets and one box pleat on the back below the yoke. I sneakily tried it on over my dress the other day, and found that it would look great open over a dress, or buttoned up with a skirt (see image above) for a smarter look. The only problem is with handwash silk clothes dry cleaning tends to be necessary, which adds a regular wearing tax onto the price... something worth thinking about. But then again silk is so pretty, and so very soft.

I really want it, so if anyone feels like buying it for me...click here.