With son David visiting London for the weekend and grandchildren up from Surrey on Saturday, I jumped at the chance to attend two musicals, only one of which I agreed to review. In different circumstances I'd have been with the anti-cuts protesters instead of attending a Betty Blue Eyes preview, so I was delighted when a splinter group went on the rampage through Covent Garden. Fortunately, their intentions were peaceful.
It turned out to be the best musical I've seen for years. I expect I was influenced by the northern wartime setting, contemporary relevance and Alan Bennett's very funny script. Top quality directing by Richard Eyre, the magic of a state-of-the-art West End theatre and Sarah Lancahire leading a great cast. This is a hugely entertaining show.
Families of marchers thronged the bar at the Royal Festival Hall where we enjoyed drinks afterwards.
Son David said he'd preferred the intimacy of the tiny 70-seater Jermyn Street theatre where we'd been the night before. I could sympathise - Fringe theatre's a seductive experience, and this musical adaptation of She Stoops to Conquer evoked an enthusiastic response. My review appears on the Remotegoat website.
It'a a shame that Fringe theatre shows get such a restricted run, but The Kissing Game, is to tour to other venues.
