Category Archives: Londoner’s Life

No Rhyme Or Reason: Searcy’s At The Gherkin Plays Host To New Opus Art-Curated Exhibition…

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No Rhyme Or Reason: At Searcys, The Gherkin

11 September – 10 November 2017

An exhibition curated by Opus Art in collaboration with G X Gallery

Featuring works by Martin Foot, Eddie Hara, Claudia Meyer, Wu Mingzhong, Sheng Qi and Mitchell Schorr

At Searcys | The Gherkin

Visits by appointment only.

Imagery: Shane Finn at VOUZ! Photography

EDDIE HARA

THE THIRD PERSON

2005 Acrylic on Canvas

50 x 40 cm 19 3/4 x 15 3/4 in

WU MINGZHONG

HEY! SLOW DOWN, 2014

Silkscreen Print, Ed of 99

96.5 x 76.2 cm 38 x 30 in

Edition of 99

CLAUDIA MEYER

ACCORDANCE IV, 2015

Mixed Media on Acrylglas, LED

80 x 80 cm 31 1/2 x 31 1/2 in

CLAUDIA MEYER

CURSIVE, 2017

Stainless Steel, Acrylglas

180 x 180 cm 70 7/8 x 70 7/8 in

SHENG QI

WOMAN ON THE TREE, 2013

Watercolour on Paper

29.7 x 42 cm 11 3/4 x 16 1/2 in

SHENG QI

MOVE ALONG, 2014

Acrylic on Canvas

60 x 90 cm 23 5/8 x 35 3/8 in

SHENG QI

YELLOW UMBRELLA, 2014

Acrylic on Canvas

70 x 60 cm 27 1/2 x 23 5/8 in

MITCHELL SCHORR

VIRTUE, 2004

Oil on Canvas

51 x 61 cm 20 1/8 x 24 1/8 in

MITCHELL SCHORR

VICE, 2004

Oil on Canvas

41 x 61 cm 16 1/8 x 24 1/8 in

MARTIN FOOT

SOGNO DI PACE

Travertine Marble

47.7 x 16.5 cm (inc. base) 18 3/4 x 6 1/2 in (inc. base)

Private view – 12 September 2017

About Opus Art…

Nicole Barbezat is a professional art dealer and an avid art collector with a long life passion for art, based in London, offering private solutions to individual collectors and institutions seeking to build and manage their art portfolios.As an artist she has been drawing and painting since an early age, and has attended the Venice International Summer Academy for Fine Arts amongst other. Nicole was also actively involved with Sotheby’s Institute of Art.Over the years, Nicole has supported emerging artists, art foundations and charities that promote the arts.Nicole has also a strong background in Private Banking and Wealth Management having been active in this field for over 15 years. Today, she is fortunate to combine this invaluable financial experience and her passion for art enabling her to better serve and understand her clients, and find the subtle synergies between the beauty of art and the investment aspects of this alternative asset.

www.opusart.co.com

About G X Gallery…

GX Gallery (established 2001) is a leading contemporary art gallery in London. representing emerging and established artists. They have a regular programme of solo and group exhibitions and exhibit at art fairs throughout the year.

The gallery offers a wide range of services including advice on building your art collection, framing, installing artwork and delivery and shipment worldwide.

www.gxgallery.com

About Searcy’s at The Gherkin…

Based on the 39th and 40th floors of The Gherkin are the elegant cocktail bar and fine dining restaurant with panoramic views of London. Whether you are looking for a restaurant for a special occasion, a restaurant with a view in London or a cocktail bar in the city, their restaurant and bar is the perfect place to enjoy fantastic food and drink.

Events

The top three floors of this iconic venue are available for private hire. Their events team can host stunning seated dinners for up to 140 or elegant standing receptions for up to 260. If you are organising a conference, a special family occasion, a private party or a corporate event, the two floors are a truly special space with an amazing view of London.

Weddings

This world renowned building is one of the most impressive wedding venues in London! The beautiful event space is located on the top two floors of the building, both of which are licenced to hold ceremonies, dinners for up to 140 people or 260 guests for cocktail receptions. The Searcy’s experienced events team will be on hand to tailor-make your special day. With breath-taking 360 degree views over London, this is a truly unique venue to say “I do”!

Searcy’s Private Members Club

Searcy’s Club at The Gherkin one of the most unique and exclusive Private Members Clubs in London. Membership allows you access to a club lounge, fine dining restaurant and elegant bar situated under the world renowned dome.  We pride ourselves in handpicking our members; to apply please get in touch where your application will be reviewed by our committee board.

Private Dining

The Gherkin private dining experience is both refined and secluded, offering a privileged perspective to impress your guests. From a special birthday, a business lunch or even an intimate wedding reception, enjoy their private dining rooms with a view of London.

www.searcysatthegherkin.co.uk

Review: Fabulous Fiddler

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Review
Fiddler on the Roof (until 2 September)
Chichester Festival Theatre
Box Office: 01243 781312 www.cft.org.uk


Photo credit: Johan Persson

Heart, humour and world-class performances are just some of the elements that make Daniel Evans’s big summer musical an absolute belter. Add to that terrific musicians, Alistair David’s thrilling choreography and Lez Brotherston’s cleverly conceived set, which makes the very best use of Chichester’s unique stage, and you have a show that has all the hallmarks of a West End transfer.

The story of Tevye, a poor dairyman with five daughters, it is 1905 and in Russia an uneasy sense of impending change is in the air. But on a poor shtetl Tevye is more immediately concerned with finding husbands for the three eldest of his girls. Alas, despite his best efforts to keep with tradition, it seems that they are determined to follow their hearts rather than their heads, or indeed the advice of Matchmaker Yente (gloriously played by Liza Sadovy).

Omid Djalili is superb as Tevye. Radiating warmth sufficient to melt a Moscow frost in January, he convinces absolutely as the ordinary family man who is not without his shortcomings. In his regular exchanges with God (Dajalili’s stand-up career is much in evidence here), and later as he sings the touching Do You Love Me? to his wife, he reveals a touching vulnerability.

Tracy-Ann Oberman as his wife Golde is equally impressive. A feisty lioness who knows her old man better than he knows himself, it is an inspired pairing.

The singing overall is outstanding. From sweet and soaring to joyous and rousing, Tradition, the opening number, is nothing short of an emotional musical wallop to the gut.

A stupendous ensemble effort, this is a revival that feels both fresh and relevant. Delivering the theatrical triple of laughter (the dream scene is as clever as it is riotous), tears, and food for thought, it is the latter of the whole shebang that is the production’s ultimate strength.

A sharp reminder of how political and social unrest continues to throw lives into disarray, the final moments are heartbreakingly poignant.

Review: Forty Years on at Chichester Festival Theatre

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Photos: Johan Persson

Taking up his post as Artistic Director new Head Boy Daniel Evans opens his first Chichester Season with Alan Bennett’s early play, which is set in 1968 at Albion House, a fading public school.

Some fifty local schoolboys join the cast and are outstanding, opening the production with a roof-raising rendition of Praise My Soul the King of Heaven.

The occasion is the end of term show, which also marks the retirement of the elderly headmaster. Under the directorial auspices of his reformist successor, the offering of a history revue includes some sketches that get the old duffer decidedly hot and bothered – to be overtly risqué is definitely tsk-tsk territory.

There are some joyous moments. Danny Lee Wynter’s naughty portrayal of an elderly aristocrat à la Dame Maggie as Downton’s Lady Violet is delicious, while an ace tap-dance solo is worthy of the Strictly! final. A stage invasion of lusty-voiced rugger buggers is also a gas, which for all the headmaster’s puritanical tendencies is deemed perfectly acceptable once it is revealed that the opposition has been roundly trounced.

Alan Cox as incoming headmaster Franklin, Jenny Galloway as Matron and Lucy Briers as Miss Nisbitt give accomplished performances, while the music and singing is superb, thanks to the excellence and exuberance of a terrific ‘school orchestra.’

Some of the historical inspirations do not resonate, leaving these skits teetering on the brink of tedium. But there are plenty of jolly spoofs to compensate, as well as flashes of poignancy bringing a balancing shade.

)inCFT'sproductionofFORTYYEARSON.PhotoJohanPersson_04653You can almost smell overcooked cabbage thanks to Lez Brotherston’s impressive school hall set, which comes complete with an almighty oak organ, rising from and towering over the stage.

At eighty years on himself, and having suffered a heart attack only last year, it is perhaps unsurprising that Richard Wilson is not yet tight on his lines. Reading from a script for the most part, when he struggles to find his place on the page it causes the audience collective anxiety. It’s a shame, but there is still much to enjoy here.

www.cft.org.uk Box office: 01243 781312

Vicky Edwards

Stepping Out: Review

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Stepping Out

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In rehearsals for Stepping Out

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At Chichester Festival Theatre until 19 November (Booking: 01243 781312; www.cft.org.uk)

At the Vaudeville Theatre, London, 1 March – 17 June 2017 (Booking: www.nimaxtheatres.com)

Directed by Maria Friedman

Cast: Amanda Holden, Angela Griffin, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Tamzin Outhwaite, Nicola Stephenson, Judith Barker, Rose Keegan, Sandra Marvin, Jessica-Alice Mccluskey, Dominic Rowan, Janet Behan, Emma Hook, Katie Verner and Nick Warnford

A weekly tap dancing class in a community hall is the setting for a story that follows the lives of a group of ladies and a solitary man. Like many adult education classes, all human life is here.

Boasting a cast that includes several popular faces from television, Tracy-Ann Oberman is on superb form as wise-cracking Maxine. Glamorous in a wardrobe of nearly new and knock-off, the more-front-than-Brighton exterior conceals a tender and vulnerable heart. Tamzin Outhwaite as is also touching in her role class teacher Mavis. With her dreams of being a dancer dramatically reconfigured and an unhappy relationship to cope with, teaching is both her salvation and a constant needling reminder that she never quite made it. Amanda Holden as posh but tactless neat freak Vera delivers some of the production’s funniest moments, admitting only towards the end that her perfect life isn’t quite so perfect after all.

Everyone, in fact, has a secret to reveal, but the audience is short changed; what the final outcome is for each of the characters is anyone’s guess. Pace, too, is a frustration. A lethargic beginning gives way to a gentle potter before coming to a rather abrupt and inconclusive ending.

But the dialogue is sharp enough, the performances are (largely) accomplished and the familiar theme of trying to get along with people with whom one has little in common will surely resonate. Touring prior to the West End next year, hopefully the tempo will pick up and settle along the way. Then, no doubt, Stepping Out will be packing ‘em in.

stepping-out_image

 

Elf the Musical – Review

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Elf the Musical
The Dominion Theatre, until 2 January
Box office: 0845 200 7982
www.elfthemusical.co.uk

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Photo credit: Alastair Muir

Even strolling beneath the over-sized illuminated baubles of Oxford Street, on a mild November evening it still felt far too soon to embrace Christmas. Fast-forward three hours and I was positively exuding seasonal cheer – this is a show that would transform even Scrooge from selfish to elfish.

Based on the 2003 film starring Will Ferrell, the plot is fairy tale daft. A baby crawls into Santa’s sack one Christmas Eve and is raised by Elves in the North Pole. Being a fairy tale nobody mentions the fact that Buddy can place the star on top of the Christmas tree without the aid of a cherry picker, but eventually Santa ‘fesses up: Buddy is actually human and has a father in New York. As it turns out, a father who isn’t too keen on welcoming an oversized elf to the family.

At the risk of spoiling the story for those who haven’t seen the movie, suffice to say that chaos, comedy, romance and high drama follow, each element taking the narrative towards Happily Ever After as smoothly as champion skier heading down a nursery slope.

Ben Forster as Buddy is a joy. Bouncing around like a particularly nimble and enthusiastic Labrador, he has a terrific rapport with the audience and manages to be both charming and sweetly innocent. He also sings like a dream (Forster was the winner of the TV search for Jesus Christ Superstar), and makes an exceptionally good fist of songs that, while entertaining in the moment, aren’t especially memorable.

Kimberley Walsh as Jovie, the object of Buddy’s affections, is also in fabulous voice, while Joe McGann as Buddy’s dad Walter convinces as the tetchy publisher of children’s books who has been putting work ahead of family for too long.

Offering up plenty of warm and fuzzy feelings from the off, excellent teamwork sees a supporting cast singing, dancing and acting their Christmas socks off, while the design team’s clever set (‘wow’ factors come thick and fast) deserves a curtain call of its own.

Directed and choreographed by Morgan Young, if panto isn’t your cup of eggnog then there are plenty of seasonal sensations to be had here, without all the ‘behind you’ capers. And if you don’t leave the theatre wanting to spread tidings of comfort and joy, frankly you’re a lost cause.

Jeans For Genes Pop Up Store

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We have the latest and most exciting Free, YES Free laundrette to hit London and we ventured out to see an exclusive preview! Its open from the 11th till Monday the 14th of September from 11am – 5pm. The amazing premium washer brand Miele and the Charity Jeans for Genes have joined forces and decided to hold a pop up laundrette right in the heart of London. 8 Newburgh street…Just off Carnaby street in Soho. We nipped in for the VIP evening …A few hours ago …to see what all the fuss was about…And decided you can’t miss it..So here is the scoop, fresh off the press.

 

Jeans For Gense-1 Jeans For Gense-4 Jeans For Gense-5 Jeans For Gense-6 Jeans For Gense-7 Jeans For Gense-8We had an amazing evening with friends and all the Miele team. We listened to a live set from DJ Roman Kemp, drank denim themed cocktails and ate delicious canapés. And as from tomorrow…(today) you can pop in free of charge with all your denim and try out the latest Miele machines. Save your favourite pair from hash washing and then enjoy a shopping while the team look after your laundry.

The money raised on Jeans for Genes Days funds a range of initiatives that improve the quality of life of children affected by genetic disorders. If you don’t even need your jeans washed by one of the top brands machinery its well worth a trip over the see them and get involved. Buy a T-shirt, donate some cash or just support this incredible charity. Help and benefit the lives of others by having a little fun. So if your out shopping for new pair of jeans over the weekend (that you really don’t need) think again….Maybe nip in and get an old pair of your favourite jeans laundered for free and donate the money you would have spent!!

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What You Can Expect

  • You’re invited to use the laundrette and get your jeans washed ahead of Jeans for Genes Day! All the Miele machines have a very unique denim wash cycle that cares for you’re ultimate best friends, so they are kept looking like the day you purchased them…No light streaks and patchy bits for those best buddies ever again!
  • A complementary denim manicure is on offer.
  • Hair braiding
  • Denim-care talks from Jeans for Genes and Miele ambassador and X Factor stylist Gemma Sheppard.
  • Jeans for Genes merchandise will be available to buy.

What’s On Friday 11 September

  • Styling advice from Gemma Sheppard – 11am-12pm
  • You will see exclusive upcoming trends for 2016.
  • You will learn how to keep your clothes in top tip condition and how to best wear your denim.
  • There will be a Q&A on everything you could ever need to know about style and fashion
  • Mavala Denim Nail bar – 11am-5pm

 

What’s On Saturday 12 September

  • Orelia Temporary Tattoo Applications 11am – 2pm
  • British jewellery brand Orelia will be on demand to help you get inspired. You might just leave with the feeling you need to got to an amazing festival.Or feel the indian summer revival is overdue!
  • Timur Kim Denim Customisation in collaboration with La Redoute 2pm – 5pm. To help you revitalise your fave denim pieces!

 

What’s On Sunday 13 September

  • Hair braiding by Joel Benjamin – 11am-­5pm.. free hair braiding with a twist!. Pop by at any time to get your hair braided in a unique way.

What’s On Monday 14 September

  • Hair braiding by Joel Benjamin – 11am-­5pm. Joel has worked with the likes of Nike, Adidas and Harvey Nichols, and has now joined Miele and Jeans for Genes Day to offer unique, denim braids. Pop by at any time to get your hair braided in a unique way.
  • Trend talk with Lauretta Roberts – 6pm-6.30pm

Make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment. Email miele@frankpr.it

Have a blast this weekend!

 

#5thviewbloggers Event

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We attended and amazing blogger event is this Saturday. The event was held at the top floor of Waterstones near Piccadilly with amazing prizes and personalised gifts in the goody bags.

We drank superb cocktails and snaked on delicious honey bee and cheese cookies. The #5thviewbloggers event was held by 2 lovely bloggers Albertine from Dippy Writes & Jessica from LookWhatIGot. It was all about networking with brands and fellow bloggers. We met companies like Bee Good, GelTouch, Mink and Stone and Venus Concept.
#5thviewbloggers event
These two lovely ladies had the event running so smoothly it was very impressive.
#5thviewbloggers event #5thviewbloggers event #5thviewbloggers event #5thviewbloggers event Mink and Stone Mink and stone was one brand that blew me away. Their concept is to create your very own necklace and jewellery designs and then for others to purchase your items. If you sell your items then you are rewarded with 10% commission that you then can use to make and purchase more designs. Incredible, beautiful and stunning beads are at your fingertips. I will be doing a full article and review very soon. So keep your eyes peeled for this coming soon.

We mingled and chatted away with fantastic like minded bloggers. The event way too fast and we had the best time ever.

Visit my website www.SLBStyle.com for more about what I get up to. My fashion and beauty loves and general London life as a full time blogger.

For event photography contact Ian at www.2boxes.co.uk 

Holborn Dining Room

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The Holborn Dining Room is a beautiful classy and chilled establishment. The interior is splendid but isn’t as impressive as the outside area in when the sun is shining. We headed out for a wander mid afternoon to grab a few drinks and stumbled upon this place. The menu was basic, delicious, and very impressive. We plumped for good old fish finger sandwich and a classic chicken and bacon salad. Washed down with a few Gin cocktails.

 

With seasonal, locally sourced British cuisine on the menu this place will go down very well when needing to impress a lady or friends. Grab yourself a pint of local lager a burger or a glass of fizz and a pint of prawns. Fine wines are on offer at this renowned restaurant.

Holborn Dining Room is a welcome find for us. London life is so very grand when you find places just like this to share with all of you. It’s possibly one of the nicest bars on the scene in the city.

Holborn Dining Room Holborn Dining Room Holborn Dining Room Holborn Dining Room Holborn Dining Room Holborn Dining Room Holborn Dining RoomThe first cocktails we tested where the Hendricks and the G Vine. The G Vine was simply amazing flavoured with elderflower tonic and garnished with grapes. I happily sat and sipped while we waited for the food to arrive. This place is where you need to chill and soak up the amazing atmosphere. Their is no rush, just take your time to relax.

Holborn Dining Room Holborn Dining Room

Another cocktail before we ate… This one was the Smooth Amber, garnished with cinnamon and orange zest. Pocky and pretty darn good. Ian went for a more simple one. The sipsmith, flavoured with juniper, lemon and orange. Both had us feeling chilled in a matter of moments! Ready for some food by this point and we where not disappointed. Out came our dishes served by a lovely waitress. We chatted for a few moments about how grand it would be to stay in one of the many rooms on offer. You can actually rent an entire floor in the hotel, POA of course! Other rooms start from around £250 per night if you are tempted.

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Who would have thought a simple chicken and bacon salad could look this divine and taste so utterly wonderful. A side of chips as thats just how we like to roll! Ian’s fish finger sandwich was severed on sourdough bread. A little fiddly to eat but impressive none the less. It was garnished with horseradish and by all accounts was really rather a good choice. The menu is made up of simple dishes with a twist. All the other dishes being served to various tables looked and smelt divine. This is most certainly one place we need to come back to review the evenings offerings.

Holborn Dining Room Holborn Dining Room Holborn Dining Room Holborn Dining Room Holborn Dining Room Holborn Dining Room

Well worth a little trip very soon if your in the area. The prices reflect the area and the quality of the food. Not an everyday treat for some but possibly the nicest of afternoons you could have. We spent the rest of the day wandering back home with full bellies and happy smiles.

 

Find them at NO 252 HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM WC1V 7EN