James and the Giant Peach, Chelmsford

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Another Roald Dahl adaptation and another hit. It is no surprise that these highly imaginative stories translate so well to the stage, only bizarre that it hasn’t been done sooner.

Everyone knows about Matilda’s staggering success in the West End (and now Broadway too) and most are aware of the imminent arrival of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but less have been notified of the smaller scale but equally magical production of James and the Giant Peach which is currently touring the country.

The heartbreaking problem is that this boutique show is not permitted within forty miles of London where the other bigger budget Dahl musicals are on stage in case families are persuaded by the lower ticket prices to choose it over the more expensive alternatives. Basically this means James and the Giant Peach won’t be coming to London any time soon; Matilda seems pretty permanent. It seems completely unfair that kids miss out on this marvellous production.

The Birmingham Stage Company bring life and laughter to this well known story about a young boy and his adventures with a giant peach. This inventive and enterprising show is a blast, suitable for all ages, equally entertaining for adults and kids. Every detail of the narrative is given thought, for which director Nikolai Foster should receive huge praise. The eight cast members (Tom Gillies, Chris Lindon, Claire Greenway, Sioned Saunders, Iwan Tudor, Rhys Saunders, Giovanna Ryan, Oliver Lynes) show astounding teamwork. Working together, they exceed expectations with an impossible task to provide a plethora of characters, dealing with set changes, arranging numerous props accordingly and providing the entire live musical accompaniment on about twenty different instruments. It is quite unbelievable how they do this so effortlessly and seamlessly throughout the two hour show, and I am in total awe of them all.

Amazingly this Birmingham based company has produced more Roald Dahl productions than any other company in the world and their knowledge and understanding of the writer is clear in the nuanced way the books are performed. James and the Giant Peach travels to a different city every week… please raise awareness for this show and try to visit it wherever you can, I promise it is worth the trip.

More information and book here.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 145 – Top 5 Mother’s Day Gifts

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Jo Malone – English Pear and Freesia home candle £38, buy hereCarluccio’s  – Taste of Carluccio’s Hamper, £21.95, buy hereLaurent-Perrier, Brut Rose NV 750ml, £57.99, buy here

Tom Ford – Lip Colour Shine, £36, buy here

 

 Wild at Heart, bouquet of flowers, £60+, buy here

Experimental Cocktail Club, Chinatown, New Menu

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We were sitting snugly on the ECC sofas and it was impossible not to hear the nextdoor banker’s conversation. Trying their first cocktails, of perhaps their entire lifetimes, they smirked at the waitress, but remarked excitedly to each other that this was ‘definitely the coolest place I have ever been too’. I gave Mr Banker my card in the hope that it would educate him and encourage him to try out some of London’s other hip cocktail haunts.

But back to Experimental Cocktail Club where, let’s be honest, you will find some of the best cocktails in London. I have mentioned this secret prohibition-style bar before on TMM but with a regularly changing drinks menu, it seemed about time that I check out the latest talent. Recently too I tried the Paris branch of ECC and was interested to find the cocktails less daring, but equally delicious; it seems the French are lagging a little when it comes to the cocktail trend.

The current ECC menu features a plethora of oriental flavours, spices and herbs: I spotted unlikely ingredients like coriander, cumin and pressed beetroot juice… though tempted, I didn’t actually try these concoctions. Reminding myself of the popular classic, we ordered a Saint Germain Des Pres, a carefully balanced mix of Hendrick’s gin, St Germain liqueur, lime juice, Belvoir elderflower cordial, egg white, spiced Tincture & cucumber juice. It was spicier than I remembered, but just as striking, a lone slice of cucumber floating casually on the surface. Havana is the opposite – simply put, it is a straight smoked whisky flavoured subtly with Marsala and Angostura bitters. Created by Shaun Layton, a barman from L’Abattoir in Vancouver. Havana is hardcore and not for the faint-hearted, I could only manage a few sips but was able to appreciate the artistry of the product nonetheless.

We had two favourites: Stockholm Syndrome is a sweet vodka based drink with citrus tastes. Ketel 1 vodka is infused with cumin and dill and added to Linie aquavit, lemon juice, simple syrup & Peychauds bitters. It is served beautifully in a vintage glass with a chunk of lemon and sprig of dill. It is a light and refreshing choice and very easy to drink. The Kota Ternate is rather more exotic: the ingredients reminded me instantly of the Caribbean: Plantation Trinidad rum, Niko’s spiced tea: a mix of spices, coconut and Ceylon tea, Batavia arrack, fresh pineapple and lime juice and milk. Arriving in a medicine bottle for us to pour ourselves, I was instantly captivated. The cocktail itself tastes like a wacky fruit juice, with a kick from the warming spices. If, like me you need something to nibble on whilst sipping your cocktail, I can recommend the Cheese and Charcuterie Plate (£12) – salami, cheese, crackers and cornichons come neatly packed onto a plate.

ECC are selective and particular because they can afford to be. The staff are very friendly but it is hard to get past the doorman, tricky to get a seat and totally unacceptable to take away a menu for a souvenir. The popularity of the place does put me off rather, but if you’ve got the money to spend, ECC’s cocktails are worth every penny.

Visit the website here: www.chinatownecc.com