Theatre Delicatessen

Even more than New York, London is the theatre capital of the world. London's legendary West End Theatre scene is the finest in the world and with Shakespeare's Globe and the National Theatre at South Bank, these are the first addresses when it comes to theatre. 
But there are many more delicatessen. For example, in the "summer" months you should pay a visit to the Scoop at More London, close to Tower Bridge. It is an outdoor sunken amphitheatre with seating for 800 people. It hosts a variety of free events - from free theatre over free music to free films. I watched "The Trojan Horse" there last weekend and it was great. It's part of the magnificent Oresteia trilogy. If you want you can stay and also watch "Agamemnon" and "Orestes" - all in one night and for free. 

For more information, visit: http://www.morelondon.com/
As I mentioned, though, The Scoop at More London only exists throughout the "summer" months, and I discovered another pop-up arts venue this week: Marylebone Gardens. 
It's the old BBC London headquarters at Marylebone High Street which has become a hangout spot and workplace for artists until the building is redeveloped. Drop in during the day or evening and you'll find an indoor pleasure garden oasis with a bar and astroturf, plus a big screen which will sport highlights during the Olympics:

There are also lots of performances which you shouldn't miss. I enjoyed, for instance, songs about corporate social responsibility and nude beaches in NY, as well as poems about online dating.
So, check out their website : http://www.marylebone-gardens.co.uk/week3.php

Tube Etiquette

Yesterday, I went to a bookshop to buy a book about London and stumbled upon "The Little Book of Tube Etiquette" by Laura King. Without question, I had to read a bit in it. I have already learned not to stare at people on the tube, but there are many more unwritten rules. For example: Don't eat. Don't drink (except water). Don't make conversation with the person opposite, even if he/ she is a friend. Don't show affection. Don't laugh out loud.....

Uiuiui, I remember nights where I have broken all these rules:

I am sure each of us living in London knows a funny or annoying tube story (which might include pole-dancing girls). I particularly admire girls who put their make-up on in the morning. How do they do that when it's so bumpy? And it's always funny when you notice people reading in your free newspaper. Laura King suggests you move the newspaper slowly towards them as if you wanted to make it easier for them to read it. I might actually buy her book next time, just to learn "how to get a seat". 


P.S.: A friend of mine just sent me this "London 2012: A tourist's guide to the transport system": http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-18236508

Fancy Dresses

Last weekend I attended Zoo Lates. Every Friday night in June and July, London Zoo opens its doors after hours for a night out with a difference. The main difference was that there were not only animals inside the enclosures, but also outside:

Some of them even escaped and strayed around Camden Town: 

That really made me wonder about the English and their obsession with fancy dresses. I remember when I moved here a year ago I thought fancy dress equals a glamorous outfit, but learned very fast I misinterpreted that. English people like to dress up whenever possible: Halloween, Christmas, Hen/ Stag Parties, theme parties - even for the upcoming Olympics you can get a fancy dress here http://www.fancydress.com/costumes/

The only question is why? A German friend of mine argued the other day it's because they don't have Carnival. In Germany, we have several weeks where you can dress up in a different costume for every single Carnival's party. We even call it the 5th season and people go wild. Maybe that's why we wear normal clothes for the remaining 4 seasons and I'm surprised about the English fondness for fancy dresses.