Whirled Cinema - A movie night with a difference.

What a fantastic weekend... leading to today's recommendation...

Discover a hidden gem in London's cinema scene and head to the Whirled Cinema near Loughborough Junction station. Down a slightly scary alleyway, follow the blue light and you'll end up at a surprisingly large venue.

During the week they play art house movies, and at the weekend you can hire the place for a shindig 7pm until 3am! They have a well-stocked bar, friendly staff and can play any DVD you like as long as you supply it - the only catch is your can't sell tickets. Instead, get a group of friends together and split the cost, the average evening hire cost is £300, and the capacity of the cinema is 60 = £5 each!

With a decent sound system and access to Spotify, you can set the atmosphere pre- and post-movies, and Firezza pizza is nearby for delivery or collection - try the 1/2 meter pizzas for feeding a crowd!

https://www.whirledcinema.com/

'Dara' at the National Theatre - Review

Culture vultures - this one is for you.

Last night I attended the first performance of 'Dara' at the National Theatre. Set in Hindustan (Indian empire) in 1659, it details the struggle for power between two brothers as their father ages.

Why should you see it?
It is fantastically put together. The beautiful and imaginative staging used simple latticed screens to move the scenes from location to location, and although I can't say if the clothing was accurate to the time (I'm not an expert!) I can say the royal's outfits were exquisite. These elements alone would have made the play an interesting watch; yet the best was to come with the actors on stage.

Of particular note was Zubin Varla as the Crown Prince Dara. I won't give away too much, but his delivery of a long and complex argument in one particular scene was enchanting. A few times I looked across and saw the whole row leaning forward in attention and anticipation for the imaginative, perfect metaphors he would use next to illustrate his argument.

The rest of the cast were not outshone by this epic performance though. Vincent Ebrahim as the Emperor and Sargon Yelda as the power hungry brother are also worthy of praise - when all three are on stage their copetition for the limelight reflects and enriches the plot somewhat.

Altogether a fantastic production, made better by the Entry Pass ticket price of £5 - if you are 25 or under and don't have one, you are missing out!

http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/dara

Museum Lates: August 2014

Looking for an inexpensive yet educational night out? Museum Lates are the perfect choice!

See below for information on the best Museum Lates for this month - so now your only issue is choosing which one to attend. Just remember there is no better combination than booze and learning!

Natural History Museum - Friday 29th August

Who doesn't like dinosaurs? The NHM is a fantastic museum, unfortunately though, it is often filled with children and smells like a myriad of packed lunches. The museum's lates series are a great opportunity to see the exhibits in a quieter setting, with a well-stocked bar and special activities. Sponsored by MasterCard, there is also an exclusive cocktail bar - just flash your MasterCard and you're in. However, many prefer the main bar for the novelty of supping a prosecco under the watchful eye of the diplodocus (pictured) in the main hall!

The Science Museum - Wednesday 27th August

The Science Museum lates are my favourites by far - they really cater to your inner child! When we went last summer, we ended up dressing up as cockroaches and being led on a tour of the museum to study human behaviour:

This month's theme is The Science of Hedonism -  and with a silent disco, pub quiz and the chance to take your photo in an astronauts suit, this one is sure to be a winner. Don't be put off by the queues to get in, they move really quickly, and the short wait is worth it!

The Victoria and Albert Museum - Friday 29th August
The V and A looks like the place to be from this month's selection. A 'disobedient object' themed evening will be filled with talks, films and classes on a variety of subjects centered around the theme. 

They also hold live music events in the cafe on selected Friday evenings!

The British Museum - Every Friday evening until 20.30

I wouldn't say the British Museum's Friday lates are a 'special event' in the same way the ones described above, but the regularity of them helps us to find a date to attend! Friday evenings include a free 20min 'spotlight' tour of the museum, focusing on a different theme each week, and tree restaurant and bar are open. A good chance to see the museum without the crush of tourists, and easy to pop into after work on your way home, or to somewhere else!

Let's go to the movies!

It's all about cinema in London this summer - rooftops, boats, car parks, drive-ins - it's all on offer! But which to choose? See below for a round up of venues for your viewing pleasure.....

Rooftops
Rooftop Film Club - playing a fantastic array of  films in Stratford, Peckham and Shoreditch. From £13


Hot Tubs
Hot Tub Cinema - a rooftop experience with a difference. Be prepared to strip down to your swimmers- jump in a hot tub full of strangers and booze it through a movie of your choice. I'm not sure if swapping bacteria is optional....tickets £35



Floating Cinema
All aboard the floating cinema! Watch a great selection of documentaries and films, including Leave to Remain and Lost in Translation whilst floating peacefully down London's waterways. Departures are from different places each night, and some display the film on the river whilst you sit on dry land - for those without sea legs!. Tickets from £10 - not far of what you would pay normally!

Drive in

Pull up, tune in and watch a plethora of films at Brent Cross Shopping Centre this summer! Top Gun, Dirty Dancing and Godzilla are among the movies on show in August. £22 per car.

In the park

For all your outdoor cinema needs, try Luna Cinema . From Classic 80's Films in Kew Gardens to a very democratic public vote at Brockwell Lido - they really do have the best range of venues. Tickets from £13.50

At the British Museum

A very limited run of classic Sci-fi films at the British Museum - history + movies = fun!

Free!
Who doesn't love a good freebie! Grab a brolly (just in case- what a crazy summer we are having!!) and go to the Scoop for a selection of free films. You can even hire a cushion for £1 to prevent a numb bum!


So...
That's it! Go forth and watch away!! If I have missed any, do let me know in the comments and I'll edit them in for everyone to enjoy.