A Jaunt in the Big Smoke and a Review of The Monty Python Live Show!

So I don't normally do theatre posts (though, fun fact, I actually have a Masters degree in Contemporary Theatre), but last week myself and the other half hopped on a train to the big smoke to catch Monty Python - the last ever live show. I thought this most certainly deserved cementing in history, or at the very least, a blog post and a nod to the occasion.

I've mentioned my love of visiting the capital before, and nothing really excites me more than taking a few days out and exploring London. We decided to make a big deal of out of it and booked an airbnb for a couple of nights. We have an emerging tradition where we always find a good Groupon for a nice meal out when we go (call us cheapskates if you like, but its expensive to eat there) and this time was no exception, we found a lobster/steak meal for two with a bottle of wine for £30! Needless to say, I do quite like lobster.

We had a bit of a wander around Camden town during the day, I threw a new outfit together with one of my favourite Bershka shirts, and it also gave me an excuse to take out my new handbag that I picked up from 'Asylum'. My best friend runs the shop and honestly, I can't walk past without being coerced into buying something, (but I do love it all).














Now onto the show itself - I'm going to start by admitting that I felt like a bit of a sham going to see Monty Python. Trig got the tickets for us, but in reality my parents are much bigger fans than me and I've barely ever watched it. I almost felt guilty going, because I thought someone else should probably be in my seat! Every MP fan I've ever met can usually recite entire sketches by memory, which is just an indication of its cult following, really. Although they were initially only going to do one show, it sold out within 45 seconds so they kept adding new dates until it stopped selling out. We got tickets for the second night, and I tried to get myself up to speed before we went without watching too much MP at home and ruining it for myself.


We met some of Trig's workmates and chilled out in the Sky VIP lounge beforehand int he o2, which was a really nice touch! The staff were so friendly and made us feel so welcome.

I happen to have what we could call a minor fear of heights (OK - I really don't do well with heights) and luckily for us our seats were the very top of the arena on the absolute highest tier. Once I got over that (and begged to swap with someone for the end seat so I didn't have to climb over anyone) everything was splendid. The show itself was about 2 1/2 hours long. They did recycle lots of their famous sketches which they have been slated for in the press, but if you're doing a last show of an iconic comedy spanning decades, you would be silly not to. That is what their audience and fans clearly wanted. There were sketches even I recognised, their famous dead parrot sketch, for example, which was really great to see live.  Others I didn't know but would now like to watch. John Cleese was phenomenal on stage - a natural comic, they were all great. I have an odd sense of humour, and the slapstick elements don't usually tickle me, but I enjoyed it immensely.

They also added new material - with guest spots from Lee Mack live, and recorded material with Stephen Hawking and Brian Cox (Stephen runs him over and flies off into the sky to 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life'.. perfect) John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones all had such great chemistry and it was fun to watch, especially when things didn't go to plan.

What I loved the most, was that you could tell that they were old friends with history, getting together and having a laugh, remembering the good times, and nodding in respect to the late Graham Chapman, one of the original Pythons (they jokingly titled the show '1 down, 5 to go!).

The show closed to 'Christmas in Heaven' and 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life' which everyone was on their feet to.

Overall I loved it - some things you just feel fortunate to be a part of.

Have you been to the Theatre lately or are you planning on going? Let me know! x

Seven Facts About Me

So I have been blogging about various beauty, fashion, event, travel topics for a few months now - but I realised I haven't really talked much about my life outside of that. I don't want to go on about myself so this will be a rare post, but I guess it might be useful for people to know the way my life works and what motivates me to do the things I do, and like the things I like!

So here it goes;

1. I used to play the drums, guitar, and keyboard, and I have vocal lessons still. I was never the best musician but I do love music lessons, and always walk out feeling lifted and happy!

2. I have the most daft kitten called Jives (see right), it's probably my own fault since I gave her such a silly name.

3. I manage an enterprise centre called 'Ignite' in Peterborough, the UK. We support people under the age of 30 to set up their start up business ideas with free office space, mentoring advice from business experts, help finding funding, and lots more. It's really rewarding and I work with lots of really interesting people. It's inspired me to consider so many start up ventures of my own!

4. I'm currently learning how to produce music as well as just DJ as I want to broaden my horizons :)

5. I go to London at least once a week now, but I never tire of the buzz and excitement of it, and like a lame tourist pretend I live there. I would love to live there, but I kind of prefer it this way because I'm close enough to still get to everything, whilst still remaining super excited with the vibe of the place every time I go. I'd hate to lose that.

6. My boyfriend is really really tall. Honestly he is nearly 7 ft. I like that because I'm actually quite tall for a girl, so it makes me feel like I'm an average height. He also often gets mistaken for Jesus.

7. I'm rehearsing weekly to be in a play that my friend wrote, which is being published and performed later in the summer. It involves talking in a northern english accent, which is gradually improving (at a slow rate, I am terrible with accents).

I also produced some theatre of my own last year, where I directed a play I wrote about sex trafficking, which was based as a performance inside a residential house (one in London, and one in Cambridge).  Actors and actresses portrayed stories of real women who had been sex trafficked into the UK, and the audience walked round the room as an installation. I'd love to do it again one day if I find the funding! Visit Ophelia Circus, my website, to see more!



What are some interesting facts about you? Let me know!

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Individual Mink Eyelash Extensions Giveaway! At The Spa Room (London)

Hello!

I popped down to 'The Spa Room' in East London this morning and treated myself to a new set of eyelashes. Its been so long since I've had my eyelashes done - since the lovely lady who did mine regularly (Natasha Embellish) had a baby (and so quite rightly needed to take time out!) 

I've had some horrible eyelash experiences before - I once went to a hairdressers in Peterborough who advertised them on the door, only to find an hour and a half later that it looked like a few spiders legs had been attached to my eyelids, sporadically (there were about 5 'lashes' hanging on there for dear life from big black dots of glue). Thankfully, 'The Spa Room' was a completely different, professional experience to this. The lovely ladies have recently relocated to Bow, to merge their beauty school and beauty practice together into one space. I was made to feel very welcome and at home when I got there. Nuressa explained the difference between mink lashes, which are softer and look more natural, and normal eyelash extensions, which seem a bit harder. This makes them perfect for daywear as well as when you're out partying at night!

In my experience, eyelash extensions usually last at least 3 weeks, (depending on the glue!) so we'll see how they hold out. But I'm extremely happy with them. Being a redhead with blonde lashes, they are virtually invisible most of the time, so it's nice to have fluttery peepers again.

Now - if you like what you see, and you live in the London area, I have one free eyelash extension appointment to give away! I originally bought this as a voucher for my sister as a birthday present, but unfortunately we couldn't redeem it and she won't be able to use it in time - which means someone else can. Thought it may as well go to some use if anyone out there wants it! :)

If you'd like it, just;

1. Either follow me on bloglovin or GFC :)
2. Write a comment below so I know you want it!

Must be booked by the 20th March! Original value £63 (I think?) Could make a perfect present to someone, or yourself of course ;)

Alice x

UPDATE: I will be sending this to the lovely Estelle! Half a week on and mine haven't budged in the slightest - no mascara needed! Glad to report they're all still doing great :)  x