Future Cinema, Saturday Night Fever, Troxy

I was utterly amazed when I experienced Secret Cinema for the first time a few years ago. This immersive cinematic experience caught on fast and soon everyone wanted a ticket to a Secret Cinema event. Soon after, Future Cinema arrived, a less exclusive idea that allowed the revolutionary concept to reach bigger crowds. The product was, sadly, diluted and consequently the thrill lessened. Tickets were more readily available, and very few were as desperate to go.

Casablanca was my first Future Cinema experience and more recently I went to the Saturday Night Fever production. As a big John Travolta fan, this film has always been on my favourites list, and I even have a scruffy vintage film poster in my room. Unfortunately though, the character led storyline does not lend itself to the Future Cinema format and the experience was less convincing. The flashing multi-coloured dance floor was fun and there was a bit of good dancing but that was all.

Less time, money and creativity has gone into the Saturday Night Fever showing, the entrance was less dramatic, the hall was barely decorated and the characters/actors seemed lost amongst the audience. All in all I found the concept, for the first time, mediocre. Drinks were overpriced and it was confusing having stalls selling clothes and jewellery at the back of the venue. In fact the only good thing about the evening was the classic disco film, which I would have rather watched from the comfort of my own home.

More information on Future Cinema here.

Book of Mormon, Prince of Wales Theatre

The Book of Mormon was an instant hit, stunning and shocking audiences on Broadway and now in London’s West End. It is nearly impossible to get tickets and fast becoming the most desirable production to see ever. The show, written by the successful duo behind South Park, is as crude and rude as the TV show but much, much funnier.

Reviewed by every critic, writer and blogger, there is not much to say that hasn’t been said. There is plenty of f@&$ing and blinding to mention, but it is the genius musical structure which deserves credit. Using motifs and melodies from a variety of famous musicals, Book of Mormon is a collage of creative ideas brought together by a ridiculous but thought-provoking narrative.

A group of Mormon missionaries are sent off in pairs to bring in new recruits. The main characters, Elder Price and Elder Cunningham, begrudgingly travel to Uganda to convert a village of African rebels, with disastrous results.

The songs, the dancing and the stupendous performances make this show a spectacular one-of-a-kind, hilarious and mesmerising throughout. And although I’m not desperate to return for a second viewing, I am relieved and pleased to have witnessed the show once because I am sure that there never has and never will be another musical quite as absurd and amazing as The Book of Mormon.

Book of Mormon information and tickets here.

www.bookofmormonlondon.com

Glitches, Halcyon Nights, Aldgate East

Aldgate East is not an area I know well – I normally avoid this end of the District Line. However, for one night only, I made the journey east in search of the indie electro band, Glitches, and their wacky secret gig.

This chilled out three piece brand their sound as “organic imperial grooves”. Music geeks may have heard their most familiar tracks ‘Warm Seas’ and ‘Leper’ on John Kennedy’s Xposure Show on XFM. The regular music event ‘Halcyon Nights’ showcases several upcoming bands, with Glitches as the final headlining act. Halcyon XII took place at the boys’ digs, that is a dowdy hard-to-find flat in Aldgate East. Luckily we could hear the clicking drums from the street otherwise we would never have located them.

A clammy but cheerful crowd had gathered inside, each person clutching a can of beer. Photocopied pages were stuck casually on the walls and bright lights flickered on the band members’ faces. I preferred the more upbeat tracks, ‘Leper’ has an addictive rhythm and uplifting melody. Glitches play catchy music that is easy to listen to. The mellow vibe has gained them many fans, and they are often flown overseas to entertain international followers.

Glitches: coming to a festival near you, sooner than you think.

http://glitchesmusic.co.uk/