Monthly Archives: August 2013

The Pride, Trafalgar Studios

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After a series of musical theatre trips, it is perhaps unsurprising that I found The Pride to be so hard-hitting. Writer Alexi Kaye Campbell’s first play won a variety of awards in 2008. This Royal Court original graduated to the West End after rave reviews; it is a niche production that is perhaps better suited to the smaller boutique stage… but nonetheless makes a lasting impression at Trafalgar Studios.

On press night Trafalgar Square was buzzing, a petite red carpet flattered the egos of the celebrities in attendance and paparazzi flashed away. PR-wise this play could not arrive at a better time, poignantly outlining the injustices homosexuals have had to overcome, as Russia struggles with similar issues. There was certainly a feeling of protest in the air, cemented when the cast took their final curtain call with ‘To Russia With Love’ placards.

Sitting in the third row of the stalls I found the action on stage startlingly painful at times, and noticed myself audibly gasping… testament to the effective writing and powerful acting. The play alternates between 1958 and 2008, leaping between the two wildly different eras harshly addressing the changes in attitude to homosexuality. We are immediately thrown into the love triangle of ‘happily married’ Sylvia and Philip and their creative friend Oliver. It is intense from the very start, we soon learn that Philip is a deeply closeted gay man while Oliver is more comfortable with his orientation. It is a story of discovery and denial as the characters battle with their situations and complicated feelings.

Soutra Gilmour’s stark set allows the characters to always be the focus of our attention. A vintage glass wall is the only permanent feature, reflecting the ever changing sequences on stage. Hayley Atwell is stunning as Sylvia giving a piercing but nuanced performance, Al Weaver is natural and confident on stage, Harry Hadden-Paton is alarmingly sensitive and convincing and Mathew Horne is utterly hysterical, they make a great team and seem to genuinely enjoy interacting together.

If the topic doesn’t interest you particularly still go and see The Pride for the brilliant acting, wonderful direction and beautiful writing.

Continues until 9 November, book here.

www.thepridewestend.com

Naga, Kensington

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The best thing about moving homes is discovering a new neighbourhood, and Holland Park has a lot to offer. Living in this area of West London definitely has its perks, with Notting Hill and Kensington so close there are always plenty of options for keen restaurant frequenters! I’d never heard of Naga, nor spotted it just off Kensington High Street, but I’m always enthusiastic to find somewhere new nearby.

This restaurant offers oriental food which I feel is best described as Vietnamese with a touch of Thai and hint of Chinese. Along with the new tofu bar (the first in London), Naga has a great deal to offer to Kensington and Chelsea residents, with food this good it is also worth travelling to visit.

Owner and general manager, Tri, was keen to select our meal and we were happy to oblige bewildered by the menu. Soon a bottle of Italian white wine was open and we enjoyed a glass while observing the jovial atmosphere of the place – it was full and buzzing on a Saturday night.

Silken tofu with ginger dressing, duck and watermelon salad, and chicken satay were up first: an array of fragrant, flavoursome food that tasted just as good as it looked. The satay was spicy and aromatic, and the salad was sensational but needed more duck meat and less coriander leaves! The tofu was less appealing to me but understandably successful thanks to the creamy consistency.

I don’t know how to describe the main course – which was all truly delicious – silence fell as we both dropped conversation in favour of food gobbling. Flash fried beef fillet with scallions is a must – juicy, high quality meat coated in a peppery sauce. My guest adored the indulgent slow-cooked pork belly with crackling and Asian mash – fatty but wonderful pork with a sweet sauce and aromatic mash bedding. Our mains were accompanied with light and delicious egg fried rice, and amazingly addictive garlic French beans which are apparently made from a very secret recipe.

Coconut ice-cream and chocolate fondant soothed the tastebuds after all the piquancy of the meal. We tried to work off some of the calories by strolling home through Holland Park, overhearing the end of the Bizet opera on the way.

More information here.

www.nagarestaurants.co.uk

Best of Marrakech

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My recent trip to Morocco was an experience of polar opposites, dust and diamonds. I was visiting the choatic and leather stinking medina of Marrakech but staying in the most luxurious accommodation I have ever seen. Arriving early on Wednesday morning we had five full days to fit in an itinerary of activities, exploring and relaxation.

Best shopping: venture into the souks and head to the Bloom boutique for brightly coloured handcrafted gifts, clothes and souvenirs. We picked up some especially pretty postcards to send home.

Best cafe for lunch: Cafe des Epices is a favourite with foreigners. Try the simple lamb kefta wrap with salad and a fresh orange juice. If you decide to sit in the sun on the balcony Epices provide straw hats to cool you down and you can watch the souk sellers hustling with the crowds down below.

Best out-of-city adventure: Camel ride in the desert, at Kasbah Le Mirage Marrakech. After wrapping up in our dashing blue robes we mounted a herd of affectionate camels. I thought it would be a short token ten minute walk around, in fact we trekked through the scorching desert for nearly two hours. Not for the faint-hearted, but seriously good fun.
http://www.kasbahlemirage.com/en/excursions_loisirs.html

Best for history: Many historic tourist attractions are long and tiring to see in their entirety. The Saadian Tombs is a manageable and atmospheric site which were sealed up for centuries until their rediscovery in 1917. The tombs show intricate carving and beautiful tiling and blooming orange trees soak up the rays in the courtyard.

Best romantic retreat: La Sultana is a lovers’ lair. The poolside dinners are special and intimate, with a musician strumming in the arches and a menu of Moroccan delicacies to choose from. On a clear night you can see the stars from your seat.

Best authentic spa: Hammam de la Rose is a modest and charming spa in the centre of town. You must try the authentic Moroccan Hammam and massage for a revitalising cleanse and relaxing reboot.

Best magical Moroccan accommodation: La Mamounia has a long and legendary history with celebrity guests ranging from Winston Churchill to Elton John. If you are visiting Marrakech it is the place to stay. Beautiful five star luxury moments away from the medina with traditional decor and fantastic facilities.

Best hidden paradise: Royal Mansour is a palace where no luxury is overlooked. With a network of underground tunnels the personal butler service is amazing and no detail is forgotten. Expect the unbelievable and imagine the unimaginable, this hotel is one you will remember for the rest of your life.

Experience the subtle and the sublime in Marrakech. There aren’t many places four hours from home where you can experience rich heritage and history and indulge in such extravagance.