If I Live to Tell (New Year's)

[commonpeople1]

For any of you who were fans of the TV show Spaced and were wondering what Jessica Stevenson is up to at the moment, she's starring in a very good comedy at the Royal Court called The Priory. In a way she revisits her character from the series (a somewhat failed writer) only this time she's older, slightly more melancholic and stuck in a medieval monastery-cum-weekend getaway for a New Year Eve's party with trainwrecked friends. I loved how natural the dialogue felt - the kind of chit chat I have myself with friends, but funnier - and how some of the characters, in particular the women, were fully fleshed and unforgettable. What's meant to be a relaxing holiday with friends descends into drugs, drinks, The Big Chill soundtrack pumped through an iPhone and a menacing hooded figure that may, or may not, be the ghost of a monk. Everything that could possibly go wrong on a New Year Eve's party, goes wrong - with some funny but also slightly shocking consequences. It's been extended until mid January and I highly recommend it.

Afterwards, wink_martindale and I hit Sainsbury's for some Xmas food and last minute gifts. Now I'm listening to some Madge while preparing to make the living room off limits for Wink until I've wrapped presents and placed them underneath our spider plant. Later, I will finish a Xmas story I'm writing and which I wish to post here tomorrow. It's a story about one of you!! Wink is drawing some images to go alongside it too...

Last night, we had a Xmas party with our book club. I won some homemade chutney and a strange contraption that makes my ears glow. It will come in handy when I walk down Regent's Canal at night.

Comments

[petercampbell.livejournal.com]

I loved Jessica Stevenson in Spaced and always felt she got left a bit behind while Simon Pegg headed for Hollywood stardom. Good to know that she's still out there doing worthwhile work.

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

I think she's been quite busy but obviously not getting as much attention as Simon. But she is a great comic and this play really suits her - she's very good in it.

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

And a merry xmas to you! Have a safe journey home.

[naturalbornkaos.livejournal.com]

That play sounds awesome. I really want to see it. I need to stop being so crap at going to the theatre.

Your ear thing looks cool. But kind of emo on the picture.

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

I've been crap too about going to the theatre. I didn't even know about this one but an opportunity came up last minute to see it today. It was a really nice surprise. I definitely think you'd enjoy it!

[kevyn-kronycles.livejournal.com]

You have a Xmas Spider Plant? We've got a Xmas Cat Palm.

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

Is your Xmas Cat Palm decorated? We were absent minded this year and forgot to buy stuff for ours.

[sallypointzero.livejournal.com]

Cue n x reports of eerie sightings at Regents Canal of twin 'dancing pink lights.'

PS those blue lights in Norway are v. interesting

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

Aren't they just? YouTube is full of interesting videos on the subject.

[sallypointzero.livejournal.com]

I'll look -- there's *so much* spookiness happening : D

btw i'm going to nip over and see 'Christmas Past' at the Geffrye Museum almshouses in Shoreditch later around 3 - love that thing - will prob. go back b4 it closes 3rd Jan.

http://www.geffrye-museum.org.uk/whatson/christmas-past-2009/

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

Have you been before? I went last year! It's truly lovely. I work very near the Geffrye and go often there when it's warm to sit in their grounds during lunch hour. Have fun!

[sallypointzero.livejournal.com]

Yes I went a few years ago with visitors.
I wish they'd do it for all the seasons, or - they could have similar theme for different events thru'out the year- e.g. arrival of a new baby in the homes and show all the paraphernalia used for that event at different times. Huh, i should run that place.

Ta, will do : )

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

That's a very good idea - why not suggest it to them when you are there?! :-)

[rickyorr.livejournal.com]

I will definitely have to get down to try and see this show. I am still a huge fan of Spaced and Jessica.

:)

Merry Christmas :) xx

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

If you are a fan then you must catch it! And a very Merry Xmas to you too.