I started off my stay in London with a stroll down Piccadilly and through Green Park, then back down the mall. I also walked down Jermyn Street and resisted the urge to buy something from one of the many men’s shops there. I also discovered that the shop that had my favorite cologne had closed – Czech & Speake. I thought, perhaps a victim of covid, but they can be found on the internet.

My hotel is at Leicester Square, which is a bit like staying on Times Square, so getting as far away as possible was my intention. As I walked back, there was an area blocked off by the police across from the hotel. I later found out two people had been stabbed there. They survived

Had a delightful dinner with Jon Kissack and his partner,
Victor. Ate at Lima in Fitzrovia. Food was great and company even better. I arrived a little early, and wandered around the neighborhood. I saw a barbershop and needed a haircut, so made plans to go back in the morning. Ben & Co – Old School Barber Shop – home of Turkish barbering. I didn’t know what that was, but though, why not!

After breakfast in the morning, I wandered up to the barbershop, and the barber was waiting for me. Got a great haircut and found out what Turkish barbering was. On top of the haircut, I got my nose hairs waxed (ouch), a hot towel (ahhh) and he singed the hairs on my ears. When he lit the little torch, I was slightly concerned, but I figured, he’s a professional. It is unpleasant to realize, but as you age, hairs grow in places it hadn’t before. And, sometimes, stops growing where it used to. All for £42! I told him that he wasn’t charging enough.

I wandered some more. Through Covent Garden and along the Strand and had to grab lunch before making it to the theatre. I was trying to figure out what to have and spotted a place that said they were famous for their meat pies, and I thought, barber and meat pies, what could be better! The Wellington. I was a bit concerned when I went in and it was just me and the waiter. I looked at the menu and settled on the Pulled Lamb Shank Shepherd’s Pie and a beer. Followed by the Apple and Blackberry Crumble with custard. I figured I’d walk it off. Great choices.

Then it was time to go to the Barbican for the matinee of Kiss Me, Kate. It was a big, brassy production of a big, brassy musical starring Adrian Dunbar and Stephanie J. Block. And a matinee audience that wasn’t acting like a matinee audience. A great afternoon. As luck would have it, I knew one of the producing partners of Revolution Stage Co. in Palm Springs, Gary Powers, would also be at this performance, and we went back to the West End for a bite to eat.

Then it was off to see The Baker’s Wife at Menier Chocolate Factory. I was curious to see this theatre and a show I had never seen before. It was kind of an antidote to Kate. Small, intimate and just lovely. All the performers were amazing. In their small venue, they created a small French village, complete with old men playing pétanque. Before the show, audience members were invited to play along with the old men. I sat at one of the cafe tables with a trio of Brits, one of whom was concerned that he had heard there was audience participation. I said they were safe because they were on the far side of the table. I also figured it was just this pre-show bit.

As the show came to a close, I was wiping my eyes (yes, I was crying) and the actor playing the priest came straight for me with his hand outstretched and I went to shake it, but he pulled me up and as the rest of the cast was waltzing around the stage, I found myself dancing with a priest and bawling. Not sure if I was what he anticipated, but it was one of those magical moments in the theatre. I was still weeping as I walked back to the underground.

Now some breakfast and Hello, Dolly! Yes, I will probably cry too.