Working

Building up is one thing but building down is another. Neighbours of footballer Henry Theiry are upset that he has been granted permission to go ahead with his new home that will incorporate a 40ft high fish tank. I'm not sure why they say high when all this will be underground. That's the way they do things in the wealthy part of town. Height restrictions have resulted in mansions going down rather than up. I guess the fish wont mind.

The British Way

This is how the British sales team operates.

I'm off to Paris today to cheer the threegirlsinfivedays as they arrive in Paris. I'll let you know the French way on my return

Theatre Breaks

This week I went to the Harold Pinter Theatre in Piccadilly to see "South Downs and The Browning Version". It was organised for me by London Theatre Breaks, who specialise in show and hotel deals in the capital.

The Plays:

Following a critically acclaimed and sold out run as part of Chichester’s Festival 2011, the
double bill of Terence Rattigan’s one-act masterpiece The Browning Version and David Hare’s specially
commissioned companion piece South Downs has now transfered to Harold Pinter Theatre

Anna Chancellor and Nicholas Farrell lead the casts in these plays which
examine life in boarding public schools. Rattigan’s own Harrow School and Hare’s own Lancing
College provide the backdrop for two moving and resounding stories, one told through the
eyes of a master and one told through the eyes of a boy. Both revolve around unexpected acts
of kindness which place the harsh and at times cruel worlds of these schools into stark contrast.

South Downs is set in the 1960's, John Blakemore superbly played by Alex Lawther, a precocious, bright and inquisitive student who is in trouble for writing a letter of protest to the newspapers. He is not liked by the other boys, but his response is "I don't like me either". His only friend abandons him. A dashing and popular prefect with a movie star mother and Blakemore's life takes an unexpected turn.

The Browning Version steps back 20 years. Nicholas Farrell is outstanding as Crocker-Harris the classics master, known as Himmler of the lower fifth, who is forced into retirement without a pension. His dysfunctional marriage to the wealthy Millie, played by Anna Chancler and his lack of self esteem take an unexpected turn with the small act of kindness from a pupil.

This production is certain to pick up awards. I urge you to see it you wont be disappointed.

Piccadilly Horses

The statue of the four horses of Helios with a small fountain at their feet is popular for a tourist photo. I haven't been able to find any information on the history of why this statue was put here. I'm relying on some of you to enlighten me.

Clowning Around

Bringing a smile to passersby and encouraging the tourists into their shop, The guys at Cool Britannia in Piccadilly have the most novel ways to sell their souvenirs.

Pretty Piccadilly

The art deco Piccadilly Arcade in its Xmas frock. Take a deter from the busy main street and wander through this lovely arcade and do a bit of leisurely window shopping.

Marry Xmas

Merry Xmas to all

Peace

Tucked away in a small garden of St James Church in Piccadilly is this peace statue. The garden was created to commemorate the bravery of Londoners during the second world war when the area was heavily bombed and many lives lost.

I thought her appropriate today as we woke up to the news of the terrible event in Norway.

Monopoly - Piccadilly

Monopoly yellow square. £280.

Piccadilly a major street that runs from Hyde Park corner to Piccadilly Circus. Bring a big wallet to shop or stay. Tea at the Ritz? Chocolates from Fortnum and Mason? Wander down Piccadilly Arcade (pictured here) and order your shirts, British shoes or maybe buy a toy soldier or wedgewood china.

Cool Art - Charlie Anderson

Last night was the opening of an exciting young Scottish artist, Charlie Anderson, at the "Art of Money" gallery. The work is vibrant and colourful. First glimpse it appears to be a collage of posters and billboards or newspaper cuttings, however it has all been created by paint.
Street art in the gallery.

Charlie is winner of several awards including being winner of the British Airways Degree Show. prize in 2009. This is an artist to watch.

Hundreds of Thousands Protest

Figures range from quarter of a million to half a million, however there was no doubt it was one of London's biggest demonstrations. Protesters ranged from the very young to the very old all with a clear message, some humorous, but all expressing opposition to the government's proposed cuts.

Piccadilly Circus

Famous for its statue of Eros, but if you look up you will see the three golden swimmers diving from the building.
The contrast of the deco statues against the large advertising screen is truly London.