People say that the English (particularly me) are obsessed with the weather but I say that the weather is obsessed with England. Why else would our little isle be such a hot spot for the weather to hang out? It’s clearly the place to be if you’re a cumulonimbus looking to meet a nice cirrus or a bunch of tropical downpours trying to hook up with some gales. But I’m not complaining; I like the way it keeps you on your toes. Plus, every now and then, through some happy accident in the climatic social scene, we get a forecast like this---------------------->
Cool and cloudy all week while you’re stuck at work, hot hot hot all weekend - couldn’t be better.
In London, we’re really getting into the swing of this summery weather; everything is moving outdoors – Sunday lunches are becoming barbecues, the Frisbee is the new pool-table and now you can even watch a movie outside – and for free! (Summer obviously brings the philanthropists out of their boardrooms.) This Thursday and Friday check out The Scoop (that mini-amphitheatre on the South Bank by the City Hall). They’ll be showing Blowup (dark murder-mystery thriller made in the 60s) on Thursday and Walk the Line (incredible story of Johnny Cash’s life) on Friday. They say you should be there by 9:15, but I think you’d probably be well advised to arrive a bit early.
I’m also really excited about this weekend’s West End Live event. Don’t miss out on this spectacular publicity stunt for the West-End theatres who tend to suffer a downturn in bums-on-seats during the summer months. It’s a free outside performance in Leicester Square from the casts of the Blue Man Group, Chicago, Footloose, Guys and Dolls, Mamma Mia!, Stomp, The Lion King and The Producers. It’s going to be like a giant thespian circus (runs Saturday and Sunday 12.30-6.00pm).
Finally, if you need any more proof that Londoners know how to make the most of the summertime, there seems to be a different festival-type event going on every weekend; this weekend it’s the Tottenham Carnival, which promises all the action and distractions you’d expect of a mini-festival. Among the attractions is the Midsummer Meltdown, which describes itself as a showcase for “some of London's finest untapped urban talent, including dancers, singers, poets, MC's, stand-up comedy, and much more!” All in all it sounds like a reasonable way to idle away a sunny Saturday. If you want to get in on the action get to Bruce Castle Park for 12-7pm on Saturday.
Sara Sha'ath
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