Kiss me, Figaro!

Kiss me, Figaro! An Opera about an Opera. Nine professional Opera Singers take to The Scoop, (so named as it seems as if they have taken an ice-cream scoop to the concrete) to entertain an audience of tourists, commuters and passers-by.

They open with an odd warm up: walking through the stage and conversing through song as if there were not a large confused crowd 2 meters away staring expectantly.

At last it seems it is about to start. Everyone shuffles on the stone steps to settle in for a spectacular show...Alas! Alack! The male lead has fallen ill! The show cannot go on! But wait, who is this proudly standing above the rest?

"I know the part! I shall be your male lead!"

 

 

And from there the show begins.

 

Heart breaking at times, completely odd at others, this show was both hilarious and beautiful. 

  

Located right beside Tower Bridge, More London is easy to get to - either take a leisurely stroll long The Thames from embankment or Blackfriars, get the bus or hop off the tube at London Bridge Station.

 

It's a really wonderful area, filled with beautiful sights - the tower of London is just across the water, along with St Pauls and obviously Tower Bridge isn't a bad sight either.



 



Brazil Day!

 Yesterday was the long-awaited first match of this years World Cup hosts: Brazil. Strong contenders for the title, they did not disappoint their fans with a 3-1 win against Croatia!

Over in London the support for the hosts was clear to see, with yellow and green clad Brazilians invading Trafalgar Square in central London for what became 'Brazil Day'.

With authentic Brazilian food, music and of course people, a mini Brazil was established under the sunshine in this historical venue.

The picture to the right shows some of the food and refreshment available: a soft drink made of the Brazilian fruit Guarana - native to the amazon basin - and Aipim or cassava fries. These are some favourites and highly recommended by my lovely Brazilian photographer!
 
Within the clear celebratory atmosphere, there were still visible signs of anger towards both Fifa and the Brazilian government. Protest banners were seen in the crowds, echoing the social troubles and upset that many in Rio have been feeling since the bids for the World Cup started. These protests were peaceful, unlike those simultaneously happening in Brazil's capital, where armed police were violently restraining those who came out in protest.
 

Protestors at Trafalgar square. Signs at the bottom read: Go Home Fifa.


However, the day ended on a high with a victory from Brazil and fans of all nationalities celebrated together; multiculturalism remains strong and wonderful in London, making it a truly great city.
 
All of my photographs were provided by Felipe França, who very kindly acted as my Brazilian Correspondent for the day. Thanks again Felipe!


Live music playing while people play on a football table.



Socialising outside The National Gallery

 
 

More London Free Festival!

Something I have always loved about London is its determination to get everyone involved in cultural events. Almost all major London museums and art galleries are free to enter and visit; there are a huge amount of free tickets to watch live radio and TV programmes as they are recorded - I'm always at the BBC Broadcasting House watching comedian's satirise the news - and events like the More London Free Festival are being held every year.
 


Photo credit: www.morelondon.com/

This year will be my first time attending a More London event and I'm very excited! For those who haven't heard of it, it's a festival encompassing theatre, comedy, music and film, that lasts from June through to the end of September. There are so many events happening and as the name suggest, they are all free. Personally, I'm excited to introduce my lovely Portuguese friend and soon-to-be flatmate to an iconic 80's film called 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' which is showing on the 26th September. (I'm sure most of you know it, but if you don't you need to watch it...immediately!)
 
So for those in London over the summer, be sure to check out all the wonderful and free events happening at http://www.morelondon.com/events/about.

Photo credit: www.morelondon.com/

 

Upcoming this summer!

With my full time employment for the summer about to start and the moving day for my new flat set, I'm very much looking forward to this summer. Away from work, London offers a huge variety of events and places to visit through the hopefully sunnier months.

Here are a few of my recommendations...

Roundhouse Summer Sessions!

Picture credit: http://www.completemusicupdate.com/

 

An amazing venue with all the new and prominent artists. The Roundhouse is a great space in Camden that hosts a range of events, a favourite of mine being the summer sessions. With media and creativity at the forefront, there are music nights, poetry slams, drop in media sessions for all levels and even a purpose made beach for all Londoners who can't escape to the sea this year. If you are aged 16 to 25 you can also sign up to get £5 tickets for all sorts.

 

I already have my tickets for Andreya Triana, set to be a good night with the whole lower floor set out into a music café setting. Discounted drinks at the bar and live music on a Friday evening in July. Perfection! Pictures and a review will be up as shortly after.

For more information on everything the Roundhouse offers, click on the link below:

http://www.roundhouse.org.uk/

 

 

Udderbelly festival!

 

Although this started mid-April, this comedy festival actually lasts until mid-July. A myriad of comedians and comic genius' are present and tickets aren't a bad price. A few of my favourites are performing this year: Andy Zaltzman - Political animal; Ed Byrne - Roaring Forties and Roisin Conaty.

 

However, there are not only comedians but theatrical acts, cabaret, dance groups and poetry readings.

Something for everyone, just head to http://www.udderbelly.co.uk/ for more information and to buy tickets.

 

 

 

Thames festival!

 

Every year, there is an amazing month long festival along the Thames: The Mayor's Thames Festival! With performing acts, crazily good food stands and rows of market stalls - so many vintage clothes! - fireworks and even a river race, the Thames Festival is perfect for all ages. Having been two years ago and planning to go again this year, I definitely recommend this for everyone and obviously it's free to check out. More information is provided in the link >> http://totallythames.org/

Enjoy your summer!