Old Times @ Pinter Theatre

Old Times @ Pinter Theatre. Very well acted 3 hander. Married couple & friend reflect on today and their past. Engaging & baffling. 6+/10

Pinter well known for his challenging story lines reinforces his reputation in this minimalist one act play set in the sitting room and bedroom of a 70s house by the sea. A married couple dart between reflecting on their marriage today and the friendship that the wife had with her friend not seen for 20 years.

Rufus Sewell's performance is particularly strong as was Kristin Scott Thomas. Lia Williams who played the wife in the show I saw had less opportunity to shine in her quiet broody role. Kristin and Lia will swap parts each night (a la Frankenstein at the NT) and promise to do it with the flip of a coin for some shows in the future a few minutes before the show. Innovative and scary. I would pay to see the roles reversed, but what show would you book! Might be a dramatic box office mistake.

This is the first Pinter play to be performed at the renamed Comedy theatre.

The Magistrate @ The National Theatre

The Magistrate @ The National Theatre. Period farce based on a lie about a ladies age & the mayhem that ensues. Good cast and clever set. 8/10

The Pre-Raphaelites @ Tate Britain

The Pre-Raphaelites@Tate Britain. Last days of this exhibition so busy. Interesting departure from & reaction to art trends of the time 6/10

Acoustic Zone @ RAFA

Acoustic Zone @ RAFA. Great sets from 3 piece River Bird at this mthly event. Simple musicality to a high standard from this new group. 7/10

This small private RAF association club with Maldon real ale is little more than a converted family home with built in bar, glitter ball and small stage in the front room window bay. The Acoustic Zone which is part of the Redbridge Green Fair uses the club to host this monthly event. Two acts on the bill tonight. River Bird - charming female brazilian lead singer with great vocals, male spanish keyboard and vocals and male english electric guitar. River Bird alternated between their own material and old soul classics. Preferred their own material. Check out riverbird. net. Del Brown also on the bill. Highlight was when his daughter (7 or 8 years old) accompanied him on mouth organ.

The singing loins @ the rose and crown walthamstow

Punk meets folk. Lively guest band at this quirky full to capacity folk open mike night. 7/10.

The loins using folk instruments - mandolin, squeeze box, banjo, double bass, acoustic guitar, tambourine and scissors (yes scissors) create a folky sound with traces of hank wangford, ian drury and the pogues. The song about the demise of paper silhouette cutters in the face of modern photography was my highlight.

The rose and crown appear (it
was my first visit) to be committed to developing live entertainment. Good for them.

Quartet @ Stratford Picture House

Feel good film about an old folks home or opera stars. 7/10

Uncle Vanya - Vaudeville theatre

A disappointing production relying on Chekovs provenance to carry it. 5/10