Across from the Chancery.  

Within The Same Block

London has some of the most brilliant architecture in the world. Nowhere else does the modern blend with the past so seamlessly. Here are some recent picks that caught our eye during a short walk.

First 2 Shows

Saw two performances today. One was a silly, yet well choreographed, musical that tried to take itself too seriously. It was called “Grand Hotel” and was staged at the Dunmar.

The Dunmar is well known for pairing exceptional actors with talented directors. Last year I saw “After Ms. Julie” at the same location and was absolutely blown away by the show. This year, I was left a bit disappointed. However, the shortcomings were not that of the cast or director. In fact, the actors were superb and the staging was captivating. It was the material itself that lacked in substance and wit. The music was unimpressive and the lyrics banal. I felt as though I was watching an early work of a never to be accomplished writer.

After the play we went out to dinner and invited one of the leads to join us. He seemed to be very nice.

As the evening progressed we were hit with a shocker. Our friend had purchased same day tickets for another play, “Festen” at the Lyric. The show, to say the least, was astonishing. The plot was simple; after his sister’s death, a son confronts his father with charges of sexual molestation. The whole thing takes place during the father’s birthday celebration.

I could not put down my binoculars. The lead, Luke Mably (28 Days Later, Colour Me Kubrick, The Prince and Me), was both gorgeous and very capable. He took my breath away when he confronted the father during a birthday toast. The rest of the cast members were also great.

Now I understand why the old queens, the company of friends I am here with, spend so much time and money on these shows. They are hoping to recapture the feeling which I experienced tonight while watching “Festen.” They want to be overwhelmed and caught off-guard once again. Unfortunately, today, there are too few plays or musicals capable of creating such sensations.

Tomorrow I get to meet Sir. Ian.

Hello.
I am Squinchy.
I will be your London tour-guide.

Hello From London

Well, here I am. The whether is chilly and some snow is to be expected.
We are staying at the posh
Renaissance Chancery Court London.
It may be a lower end hotel when compared to the Savoy, where we stayed last year, but its accommodations have thus far exceeded our expectation. The rooms are large, well decorated, and the beds are extremely comfortable. The building is a looker too (see link above).

So far, I have dined at the star studded The Ivy and had breakfast at the ohh-so-gay “Balans.” A must have at The Ivy is the Scandinavian frozen barry desert coated in warm white chocolate.
The plays will start today.

X-Mas is Over.

Now I get to wake up early on Sunday (25^th) and spend that hard earned cash on some newly discounted Armani clothes. Yehhhh.

Christmas was great and is bound to get even better once I arrive in London next week. My other ½ and I will be meeting-up with a group of truly fabulous friends. Our goal is to be as gay as possible by seeing as many plays and musicals as tolerable. Plus, we get to meet Sir Ian (Gandalf, Magneto).

My goal is to flirt with this movie star in order to acquire some queer points. You are nobody in the gay world unless you know somebody famous. Oh, and I also want to have his baby and estate.

(Ian, I only say these absurd things in jest. By the time you read this, post successful execution of aforementioned plan, you will already be fully aware of my odd sense of humor. XOXO )

On an even more serious note, my work buddy is in North Korea on a special “lets see who can get hit by a communist bullet first” tour. I wish him the best and hope that he returns in one piece.