'Kiss Me, Kate' Press Night at The Old Vic

Last week I was invited to the press night of ‘Kiss Me, Kate’ at The Old Vic.  Directed by Trevor Nunn, this all singing, all dancing, high octane performance, stars the impossibly brilliant Hannah Waddingham and Alex Bourne.  The famed Broadway show, considered to be Cole Porter’s best, follows the story of an on/off couple performing in a low budget stage production of William Shakespeare’s ‘The Taming Of The Shrew.'  This vibrant show (which also includes a gorgeous tap dancing Adam Garcia) has wonderful 1940’s costumes, lots of romance, gangsters, laughs, and of course, brilliantly sassy songs -  Hannah Waddingham’s ‘I Hate Men’ was hysterical!  I was left totally jazz handed and on a real high for days following this show… Although meeting THE Kevin Spacey at the buzzing Old Vic Tunnels after party may also have contributed to this! 

Below (L-R):  The picturesque Old Vic, and with Adam Garcia at the Old Vic Tunnels. 

'Kiss Me, Kate' at The Old Vic - Tickets Here, until March 2nd 2013.

The Minotaur at The Old Vic Tunnels

On Monday night I went to the Old Vic Tunnels for the opening night of 'The Minotaur' - a unique collaboration of theatre, visual art, film and food to coincide with both the Frieze Art Fair and the London Restaurant Festival.

The Lazarides Galleries, the influential group who represent emerging international artists who defy convention, have collaborated with Kofler & Kompanie (the pioneers of PRET A DINER, Europe's most celebrated pop up restaurant) to transform the Old Vic Tunnels into an alternative cultural space featuring a labyrinth gallery of cutting-edge artwork and film alongside creative cuisine from Michelin-starred chefs.

The exhibition takes inspiration from the ancient Greek legend of 'The Minotaur' and Steve Lazarides commissioned several exciting and innovative artists to each create their own interpretation of the classical myth. Highlights of the exhibition included art and installations by Robert del Naja “3D” (from Massive Attack), David Choe (who was commissioned by Mark Zuckerberg last year to paint the new Facebook offices) Conor Harrington, Antony Micallef, and Jonathan Yeo.

Art aside, what also really excited and amazed me was the venue itself. The vast, maze-like Old Vic Tunnels, hidden beneath the deepest, darkest depths of Waterloo Station, is the most unique and atmospheric venue I have seen in a very long time. Acquired by The Old Vic in 2010 the mystical, dimly lit, arches have since been used for a plethora of art, music and theatre events.

Tickets to 'The Minotaur' exhibition: £5.
A three course meal at PRET A DINER including entrance to the exhibition: £75.

Showing until the 25th of October.