Gladiator's Unleashed in Tufnell Park

So this weekend I once again breached the weekend culture rule and invested in an evening of comedy courtesy of the Comedians Cinema Club to see a reenactment of Ridley Scott's Oscar winning film....Gladiator.

Set in the basement of Aces and Eights in Tufnell Park, the intimate venue has played host to various interpretations of classic films from Ghost to Edward Scissorhands. Even Pretty Woman and Titanic have not escaped the clutches of the Comedians Cinema Club.

Hands up I can't take credit for finding out about these guys sadly! That would be down to my sister who was fortunate to see Ghost last year and who was eager to return again. What better reason to go again and see hell unleashed for Gladiator.

The evening was hosted by comedian Eric Lampaert, who was joined on stage for this adaption of Gladiator with fellow comedians Will Seaward, Matthew Highton, Simon Feilder and Dan Schreiber. Now that's quite a small cast for an epic film. Problem solved, the audience can step in and fill those minor roles. Those who are stage shy may wish to position themselves at the back or wedge themselves between friends. However; my sister who would never get up on stage or get involved in any form of immersive theatre ended up taking part in Ghost, so shyness or stage fear really isn't an excuse to stop you taking a turn on the stage.


To warm us up ahead of delving into the world of gladiators and ancient Rome, each comedian took his turn on stage to do a short skit. Everyone was great, but Dan Schreiber discussing Harry Potter and the Big Funnel and Will Seaward's re-imagining of films were particularly enjoyable. I'll never look at the film Jaws in the same way again. Or should I say Doors?
 
Now suitably warmed up the action began and immediately we were in Germany receiving a rousing speech from a very Australian Maximus ahead of an epic battle. Once the battle is complete Maximus hopes to return home to his beloved decking, I mean his wife and son, but a series of events takes him on a different path which leads to him becoming a gladiator and five fights. If you are looking for a word for word faithful adaption of the film you won't get that, but that's the charm of the show. You couldn't help, but snigger and cringe at the incestuous scenes between Commodus and Lucilla and Eric Lampaert's lion prancing around in boxers still sets me off in giggles.

Were we not ENTERTAINED? Why of course! I don't think I've laughed so much in quite some time and having been ill for most of the week (always when I'm on holiday) it definitely perked me up and made my Wednesday evening. You have to give all comedians credit for their energy and enthusiasm and with next to nothing props they excelled in bringing the film to life - CGI isn't everything you know.

With Brokeback Mountain, E.T and the Sixth Sense next on the list to receive the Comedians Cinema Club treatment, you can guess where I'll be spending the last Wednesday of every month.

Visit www.comedianscinemaclub.com for more information about upcoming performances. 

Weekend Dose of Culture

So this weekend I suggest immersing yourself in the wonderful, and on occasion gory, worlds of Henry, Edward, Mary and Elizabeth at the National Portrait Gallery's Real Tudors exhibition.

If, like me, you've become a bit obsessed with Wolf Hall this exhibition is a great way to learn more about Henry VIII, his lifestyle, his friends and foes, those famous six wives (divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived is a rhyme that's found a permanent place in my mind since school) and the legacy he left his three children. It will also help to fill in a lot of the gaps that the TV show doesn't have time to delve into.

From Henry VII to Elizabeth I, you'll embark on a journey through portraiture and uncover details about these high-profile monarchs. Who knows maybe you'll learn something new about the Tudors.

The Real Tudors: Kings and Queens Rediscovered

Extras: Enjoy an evening of Tudor inspired music from Le Petit Orchestre at the gallery late on Friday 6th February. Starts at 7:30pm.

Cost: Free

Opening Dates: Now till the 1st March 2015

Website: www.npg.org.uk

Weekend Dose of Culture

So this weekend I suggest testing out your vocals and adding some sparkle to your weekend attire by joining the Frozen sing-along at the Prince Charles Cinema.

If you haven't seen or heard of Frozen, then quite frankly I'm speechless. Since hitting screens in 2013, the tale about sisters Anna and Elsa have captivated children and adults, gone on to win two oscars and become the highest grossing animated film of all time. 

Having attended last weekend I can honestly say it's a hoot and after singing my heart out, and deafening those around me, my vocal chords are in dire need of rest. The evening shows are probably not suitable for youngsters (a lot of banter ensued around Anna asking Kristoff to take her up the North Mountain) but matinee performances will undoubtedly be swarming with mini Anna's and Elsa's with the occasional Olaf thrown in.

Frozen Sing-Along

Extras: Aside from coming together to sing Disney tunes, you get a bag filled with goodies including balloons and party poppers to make the film experience more interactive.

Cost: £16 (members £13.50)

Opening Dates: now till the 31st December, afternoon and evening screenings

Website: www.princecharlescinema.com 

Bricks of Art

                                 

So this weekend I hit the east side of London to check out the exhibition that everyone's been talking about...The Art of the Brick.

Conveniently located just off Brick Lane, the exhibition reveals some of the greatest works of art created by former US lawyer Nathan Sawaya. From ancient art to human emotion he's transformed the humble brick into masterpieces and this latest exhibition of his work demonstrated his ability and keen eye for replicating human expression and world famous art.

Everyone is obsessed with Lego. Since the little multicoloured bricks arrived in 1949 they've built up a huge following of kids and adults, inspiring us to use our imagination and build whatever springs to mind. Well most people followed the instructions on the box, but I must have been a brick rebel growing up. According to my Dad somewhere in the loft, amongst childhood toys and a sylvanian house, lives the most spectacular treasure chest filled to the brim with bricks that can make a castle with a dungeon, a luxury stable yard for the rich and famous and quite a few spaceships. SPACESHIP! I've even dreamt about living in a three storey, Victorian style Lego town house in Angel. It may not be structurally safe, but it's quite possibly the only way I'll make it on to the property ladder.

It's pretty obvious that I'm a fan of Lego, although I'm no way near in the same league as some die hard fans such as my Best Friend Ally, but I'm a fan none the less. Therefore it was only logical that I found myself admiring the statue of Lego David at the weekend and trying to guess how many bricks had been used to create it.

                            

Each room you walk through is styled to a particular genre or theme, highlighting Sawaya's talent as an artist. I was mesmerised by his brick interpretations of Gustav Klimt's The Kiss and Rembrandt's self portrait, but it's when you step into the human expression room that your jaw will quite literally drop. From a man clawing his way out of another man's stomach to a trapeze artist flexing their muscles, it's incredible to believe that these have all been created simply using Lego. The descriptions around each piece of work is useful, once you look past the slightly cheesy quotes. Even pop fans will be delighted to see that One Direction have been immortalised in Lego beside the Beatles. 

                          

                          

But it's when you get to the end of the exhibition where the fun really begins. If you can fend off the crowds of kids, you can delve deep into trays of bricks to make your own creations. I don't think I've seen my Dad so excited to build something - the spaceship he created was very impressive compared to my never ending staircase which had many design faults. His spaceship made it on to the display table, my staircase did not.

Maybe the great return home for Christmas will include a trip into the attic to resurrect the treasure chest of Lego. I might not be able to replicate the Mona Lisa, but I could try.

You've only got till the 4th January to see the exhibition. Visit http://artofthebrick.co.uk, to book tickets.

It only leaves me with one last thing. To share my top five things/objects you should make with Lego:

1. The Millennium Falcon from Star Wars. It's more about Hans Solo than the ship 
2. Anything related to Lord of the Rings even if it's just a plastic version of Gandalf's staff 
3. The White House - why bother going through the rigours of campaigning when you can build your own version. You can't live in it, but you can look at it
4. Anything to do with superheroes. Anyone who has made the Bat Cave is in my opinion the coolest person ever
5. Freestyle - don't be limited by what's written on the box and instead come up with something creative. Anything is better than my never ending staircase

Weekend Dose of Culture

So this weekend I suggest a craft infused evening of fun, with a cocktail or two, at Drink Shop Do.

November for many marks only two months to go till Christmas, but for many men it's the month of the moustache aka Movember. Men across the globe grow some amazing, weird and wonderful facial hair to generate awareness and raise money for men's health issues.

To show their support, Drink Shop Do in Kings Cross have been hosting special Friday events throughout the month, to raise money and provide some tasche-spiration by getting craft fanatics to make their own moustaches.

As not all of us can grow a moustache, this evening of craftiness is a great way to make your own and see what you would like with a bristly upper lip, whilst also doing it for a good cause.

There are so many great tasche's out there. Who will inspire you? Tom Selleck? Hercule Poirot or maybe even Charlie Chaplin.

Movember Mo Making

Extras: It's not just about the tasche! You can also enjoy some delicious cocktails including a Movember themed number!

Cost: Free to enter with a complimentary cocktail. £1 goes towards Movember when you buy a themed cocktail

Opening Dates: 21st and 28th November

Website: www.drinkshopdo.com 

Weekend Dose of Culture

So this weekend I suggest treating your senses, and a bad case of the munchies, with a visit to the BBC Good Food Show London at Kensington Olympia.

A feast for the eyes, feel inspired and try or buy local and international food and drink from a variety of stands. Talks and demonstrations with some of our TV favourites including Paul Hollywood, James Martin and Jamie Oliver will also be taking place across the weekend so you are bound to pick up some hints and tips to use in your kitchen.

There might just be one slight problem. You won't be walking home. You'll be rolling.

BBC Good Food Show London

Extras: Mary Berry will be there, need I say more

Cost: Starts from £26.50

Opening Dates: 14th - 16th November

Website: www.bbcgoodfoodshowlondon.com

Zombie Lockdown in Hackney Wick

So this weekend I found myself in a quarantined safe house, avoiding zombies, drinking beer and stuffing myself with cheesy chilli nachos at the latest Backyard Cinema movie night.

I feel well versed when it comes to zombies. World War Z is one of my favourite books and I've learnt some vital lessons from Rick and the Walking Dead TV series, so if a zombie apocalypse were to take place I believe I could kick ass and survive. The reality is that I'd probably be the first to be eaten or die in some trivial accident such as tripping over a kerb. Hopefully nothing bad would befall me during Backyard Cinema Apocalypse.

Born from a desire to enhance the cinematic experience and dull movie snacks and food, Backyard Cinema has grown from humble beginnings in a garden to taking over venues in Camden, revitalising the movie experience and offering delicious food for hungry guests. To celebrate the spooky season the film wizards headed to Hackney Wick to take over an old warehouse to showcase a series of zombie fest flicks with the added touch of an interactive theatrical zombie experience. From romantic zombie comedies to full on heart stopping, stomach churning, adrenalin pumping horror there's a wide selection of films to choose from to suit your fear factor limit. As much as I love Zombieland and 28 Days Later it was the first chapter of the cornetto trilogy, Shaun of the Dead, which felt right for this occasion.

On arrival at the quarantine zone we were lined up in two rows and given  orders from military personnel and debriefed on the situation. In a nutshell London wasn't in good shape. It had been taken over by the undead and as one of a small group of survivors, we had been directed to a safe house which also doubled up as a lab.....oh and they also happened to have a few caged zombies too. Health and safety issues all over the shop.

Whilst awaiting the movie, we were fed and watered in one of the safe areas which also featured an incredibly creepy shrine dedicated to victims - Backyard Cinema definitely pulled out all the stops to make the event as realistic as possible. I was also coerced in to buying some roasted bugs which according to experts, I didn't ask for ID, would provide me with the protein needed to outsmart and outrun zombies. Unfortunately, whilst texting this fact to my brother and telling him I'd eaten bugs, predictive text decided to change bugs to butts. As you can imagine he was slightly worried about where I was spending my Friday night.

Right my lips are sealed. I'm not giving anything else away as you really have to experience it for yourself to understand how great and slick the evening was. However; if there was one thing I learnt from the evening, it's who you can rely on in a zombie invasion. Clearly not my twin sister who sprinted away and abandoned me in my hour of need when a crazy female zombie launched herself at me. Maybe blood isn't thicker than water after all.

I don't think I've screamed so much in my life - looks like all that time invested in zombie themed books, films and TV shows hasn't helped at all.

If you haven't had your fill of frights for 2014, then you've got a few more days of zombie fun left. Visit www.backyardcinema.co.uk to book tickets.

In case a zombie apocalypse does occur in the near future, then below are some of my favourite tips courtesy of Columbus from Zombieland to help you survive.

1. Cardio 

2. Double tap 

3. Get a kick ass partner 

4. Beware of bathrooms

5. Double knot your shoelaces