Tag Archives: southbank

Limbo, Southbank

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After seeing the mentalist Derren Brown I have decided that some kind of superhuman powers do actually exist. Limbo showcases superhuman talents of other kinds: physical strength, bravery and daring creativity. I’ve seen many of the Southbank’s Udderbelly summer productions but this show was significantly the most impressive and engaging.

With less of the clowning around and more hardcore awe-inspiring acts, it is impossible not to be amazed by these crazy artists as they eat fire, swing backwards on poles over the audience and contort and balance with unbelievable facility and confidence.

The band are magnificent too, providing a wacky soundtrack to the acts. Composer and musical director Gene ‘Sxip’ Shirey has created an experimental and imaginative score with contributions from various cast members. He uses a harmonica, tuba and megaphone throughout adding a sense of mayhem to the action.

I could highlight the individual performers but really a show like Limbo is all about the ensemble and magical teamwork. Each using their own special talents, the cast members create a 75 minute show that is addictively good. Big ideas on a small scale always carry a risk but Limbo triumph with staggering dexterity and wonderful charm.

Continues until Sunday 29 September, more information here.

www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whatson/limbo

Light Show, Hayward Gallery

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I’m delighted that Londoners are keen to see art exhibitions but it does mean getting tickets is a pain. The Hayward’s current exhibition, Light Show, is sold out almost every day, so tickets have to be booked in advance. It also means that when you do finally get inside you have to contend with hundreds of other visitors to see each work clearly.

Light Show explores the experiential and phenomenal aspects of light by bringing together sculptures and installations that use light to sculpt and shape space in different ways. The exhibition showcases artworks created from the 1960s to the present day, including immersive environments, free-standing light sculptures and projections. You see atmospheric installations and intangible sculptures, some that you can move around or even through. Visitors can experience light in all of its spatial and sensory forms. Individual artworks explore different aspects of light such as colour, duration, intensity and projection, as well as perceptual phenomena. They also use light to address architecture, science and film employing a variety of technologies.

Some pieces are rare not seen for decades and others have been created specially for the Hayward Gallery. It is amazing to experience and understand how light can stimulate our minds and alter our mood. I found some very beautiful and others quite disturbing, but all of them use light in innovative and creative ways that make you think.

Light Show features work by 22 artists including David Batchelor, Jim Campbell, Carlos Cruz-Diez, Bill Culbert, Olafur Eliasson, Fischli and Weiss, Dan Flavin, Ceal Floyer, Nancy Holt, Jenny Holzer, Ann Veronica Janssens, Brigitte Kowanz, Anthony McCall, François Morellet, Iván Navarro, Philippe Parreno, Katie Paterson, Conrad Shawcross, James Turrell, Leo Villareal, Doug Wheeler and Cerith Wyn Evans. Be warned that some installations in the exhibition contain artificial mist, flashing or strobe lighting, and others are sure to give you a headache if you watch for too long. I felt like I was entering another universe at times, the ethereal and glittering works certainly disorientate and surprise.

I was most stunned by Conrad Shawcross’ Slow Arc Inside a Cube IV made in 2009. This beautiful structural cage is very simple but with the gently moving light creates a complex game of ever-changing shadow and illumination, it is quite mesmerising. I also really enjoyed the special light filled rooms which feel completely immersive and are great fun to explore.

On the way out, the shop stocks examples of fabulous light objects and furniture. I fell in love with the romantic neon letters by Seletti. Buy your own individual letters for £35 each and make up any word (or work of art) you desire.

Continues until 28th April, book here.

Las Iguanas, Southbank

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I have always loved Las Iguanas, so it was no chore visiting for review purposes. The fun, noisy Mexican chain serves up some of the best Caiprinhas and Nachos I have ever tasted. And I have tasted a lot.

With branches across London, this cheerful and reasonably priced eatery is perfect for a quick drink or snack but can also serve as a lovely venue to spend an evening. It has a great vibe that puts me in a celebratory mood. Las Iguanas have kept the Olympic flame alive well after the closing ceremony. Honoring their Brazilian routes and in anticipation of Rio 2016, they are hosting a pop up ‘Rio Botequim’ across all their restaurants. With Rio set to be the next city after London to host the Olympics and Paralympics, Las Iguanas is the ideal place to mark the occasion.
Akin to a Brazilian pub, a botequim is a place to eat, drink and be merry so Las Iguanas have created a special menu highlighting typical botequim dishes and drinks as well as staging a number of culinary, cultural and sporting activities.

The service is exemplary, our waitress popped by regularly to check if we needed anything despite the overflowing restaurant of guests. Another good sign… it is ALWAYS busy in Las Iguanas. We visited the Southbank branch before seeing the Crazy Horse cabaret show. Our waitress highlighted the specials and new additions to the menu, I think she was surprised that I instantly knew what I wanted! Caiprinhas came first, ice cold, sugary with a kick from the lime… I love this cocktail so much, it seems to medicinally soothe the throat. The sizzling food was all ultra fresh and delicious. Crispy nachos with gooey cheese, salsa, guacamole and sour cream was addictive especially with the extra grilled chorizo on top. Definitely a bad idea to write this review at lunchtime, as I am drooling at the memory of our Las Iguanas feast.

Later we tried two of the new red fruits cocktails, they tasted stronger than I had expected. Reggae Rumba has a tropical taste with Havana Club Especial rum, lemon juice, strawberry & hibiscus syrup, strawberry liquor and fresh lime. Mulled Daiquiri was the real hit though, a combination of rum, lemon juice, cinnamon syrup, vanilla liqueur, cassis, orange and red wine… basically a better version of mulled wine, the perfect drink to welcome in winter.

Fajitas at Las Iguanas are faultless. Every element comes separately so you can make your own wraps to your personal specifications. It is the spicy sizzling chicken that makes the fajita so good, with a mix of coriander, lime, paprika, cumin, onions and peppers, it is good enough to eat alone. There was no room or time for pudding but a selection of exotic influenced treats are on offer.

You can tell I love this chain, equally excellent cocktails and food: Las Iguanas is a restaurant for any occasion and every situation.

Visit the website here for more information.

http://www.iguanas.co.uk/