As a Norwegian I am very proud to hear that Sissel (Kyrkjebø) is in 1st place on the Billboard Classical Albums list for the 9th or 10th week in a row (11 weeks in the chart altogether), together with the massive Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra with their Spirit of the Season. They have also been nominated for a Grammy.

As a Weezer aficionado, I am very happy to hear they're planning the release of their sixth album for April/May 2008. By that time I will have been a fan for 14 years. Wow, how time flies.

I was also surprised and happy to read that the late Denis Quilley was part of the Chess concept album from 1984. I discovered at the same time that James Graeme, my favourite from the first concert featuring songs from musicals that I ever went to (in 2002, after Philip Quast had turned my world upside-down with his fabulous voice some months earlier), features on one of the many Chess albums. Unfortunately the only one I don't have (I think). But hey, as long as I have the ones featuring Tommy Körberg, I'm happy. I also have the Which Witch? album with Tim Morgan on it, so I shouldn't really be complaining. And I'm not. It's Christmas, after all!

Speaking of the Holidays, my Christmas has been very lazy so far (which would make Aug happy, since he told me to have a lazy Christmas). I managed to wait until around 1pm on Christmas Day with opening my presents, and was very happy with every single one. I am proud to say I have FINALLY got Dirty Dancing in my collection. It's the weirdest thing; I watched it at least five times in the cinema back in 1987/88 and have seen it about a dozen times on telly afterwards, but I have never owned it (probably because it's on telly "all the time" anyway). This year, however, marks the 20th anniversary and that means they released a special edition double-DVD which, together with the new Hairspray film, was the only thing I specifically wished for this Christmas (as, PER USUAL, people didn't heed my pleas of giving their money to charity instead, apart from my dear friend in Holmestrand (kudos!) - and therefore certain people demanded to know what I wanted for Christmas).

I am currently updating my film collection database, and have hit the 1000th mark, which is slightly distressing and impressive at the same time.

I have also started watching old episodes of Whose Line is it Anyway? (since there aren't any new ones, let's face it) and have thus rekindled my old semi-admiration of Greg Proops and acquired an interest in the comedy of Colin Mochrie. To my great surprise (since I didn't know the history of the show, frankly) they both feature in the UK as well as the US versions. Unfortunately the current repeats date back to the early nineties and up to 2002, but beggars can't be choosers etc.

Since I believe I'm due back in the office tomorrow morning (I'd better be, since I've been off for the past 12 days and feel like I've been gone an eternity), I guess I should go to bed right about now. Just have to upload some new music to my mp3 player. And by "new" I actually mean music which isn't there already, like Norwegian favourites Surferosa, DumDum Boys, Xploding Plastix, Gatas Parlament, Jaga Jazzist, Dimmu Borgir and Briskeby (Apoptygma Berzerk having already been uploaded a long time ago).

A continued Happy Holidays to everyone! *hugs and smooches to those who feel they deserve them*

Labels: Christmas, comedy, film, music, musicals, Norway, philip quast, tim morgan

No, not the couple who allegedly lived 2000 years ago. I am of course talking about Lee Mead and Connie Fisher, respectively, winners of the 2006/2007 "casting shows" for the new productions by Lord Lloyd-Webber on the BBC. Tonight saw them meeting up again and it is quite apparent that we, as the (very actively, at times) voting public, chose the right people for the parts in question. No slips-up from either of the two, and I'm sure the time they've been on stage this past year has helped. I'm proud, for no reason at all.

Well, it's Christmas Eve and I am stuck here listening to my favourite songs. I was only going to fill an hour before some wretched programme at nine, but I have a feeling the way I keep adding songs to the playlist I'll be sitting here for the next three hours or so.

At least the weather is much better than yesterday. I woke up to fog as thick as pea soup and a flatmate who was running around like a headless chicken because she was going to fly home for Christmas. As the day panned out, after giving up on the National Express and instead sharing a cab with four Polish people, she ended up on the plane almost on schedule. Lots of others weren't as lucky. (And that prompted me to add "I Should be So Lucky" to my playlist - gotta love those antipodeans! - which again reminds me I am currently looking for the complete collection of Stingers (just sharing here, nothing to get hung up on - ooh, must add "Hung Up" by Madonna))

Today, after having done the last bits of my Christmas grocery shopping and phoned my grandma and parents (Dad is suffering from the chatting bug, I believe...but then again we hardly ever speak on the phone because it's usually Mum who phones me on my days off), I got stuck with three films in succession. Damn BBC1. So I watched the last 3/4 of Santa Clause, then Ella Enchanted (which was much better than I had dreaded), followed by Lemony Snicket's blah-blah-blah. Then it was time for supper and the aforementioned When Joseph Met Maria. Now you know what I've been up to today.

Oh yes, and I filled a huge bowl with sweets. I think I shall have to put it away, because where it is now (in the middle of the coffee table) it is making me slightly queasy.

By the way; mixing red food colouring with marzipan makes your hands look like you have just killed someone. (Let's just say that's why I postponed my marzipan adventure until AFTER Saturday's show and this morning's shopping.) Don't say I didn't warn you.

Labels: Christmas, film, Lloyd-Webber, music, musicals, personal, TV

I went to the matinee of La cage aux folles earlier today (Saturday) and it is getting even better! I am so chuffed they're sold out. Not that it has anything to do with me, but I like backing winners. ;-) I also found the PERFECT first act spot in the auditorium today...although it did become apparent it is a very silly seat for a notoriously shy person during the second act. I blame the lights for being VERY hot, but it may have been my face turning red when I suddenly found myself in the spotlight for a whole song (I actually knew I was in the wrong spot before I sat down, but it was worth it because of the sheer perfectness of the place during the rest of the performance.)

Of course, Philip Quast still looks like my uncle in this production, but at least he had heeded my tip from last time and changed the timing of one of his lines. (OK, I think perhaps it had nothing to do with me.)

I have also booked tickets for six plays, musicals and concerts over the next few months, so this is going to be a very inspiring spring. Hairspray is turning out slightly on the too expensive side of things, but I have a feeling I must save up for a ticket for sometime in the latter part of 2008. Now all I need is for someone to have the brilliant idea of backing a production of Victor/Victoria! (Yes, there is a common theme here.)

I just have to mention Spencer Stafford by name this time. He is the understudy for Douglas Hodge (Albin) in La cage and due to illness he is the only one so far who has been playing the role of Albin. Now, as my interest in the production lay not with Mr. Hodge, I couldn't care less about who played Albin to begin with, but I must say I am very happy to have been allowed to see Stafford doing the part twice now (and I believe there will be a third time in February).

In case I won't visit again before Christmas; Happy Holidays everyone! God Jul!

Labels: Christmas, musicals, philip quast, theatre

I had a day off today after working 15 days in a row, which was very nice. I decided I'd just relax and ended up (after having done the washing-up) watching programmes I have taped during the past month or so. A couple of episodes of the brilliant The Street (particularly looking forward to next week's episode) as well as The Secret Millionaire and Friends and Crocodiles, which was nothing like what I had pictured. By the way, I thought Jodhi May should have been top of the bill on that one, but perhaps I am biased.

Then I went downtown to witness the lighting of the Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square. It rained, which meant a lot of people with brollies, which again meant a lousy view. We also had to endure the embarrassing Norwegian accent of Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg. All in all a disappointing event which really wasn't worth the trip...well, apart from yours truly's annual testing of the old singing voice, as they played the Norwegian national anthem. Quite ruined by the annoying students in front of me (three Norwegians, one Brit) who just couldn't shut the fuck up. Total lack of respect, I think.

On a sidenote I am having mixed feelings about my blog quickly popping up when googling for most combinations containing the term "Philip Quast". Surely there are more informed and less biased sites out there?

And while I remember; The Stage ran a short review of this year's Royal Variety Performance today and it looks to be a good one. It's on next week, I think, and a would recommend it to my friends abroad as well. There's a number or two from Hairspray in there, among other things.

Labels: Christmas, jodhi may, musicals, Norway, philip quast, TV

I found out today that 1) I get too emotional, and 2) I am in much higher demand than I thought I would be.

Let's just say I didn't take the job I was offered.

And I felt really, REALLY bad about it. But the matter of the fact is that I wouldn't earn enough to begin with, and I just don't have the savings for that kind of a scenario. Last week I started telling a few people that I work closely with that I was leaving, and the general reaction was "oh no, that's too bad", but one took off completely and apparently, it turns out, they don't actually want me to leave! Wow!

So then I started thinking, "but I don't actually want to leave, either!"

And the ball started rolling from there.

Today I was given a better deal at my current work place and thought "great", but then I had to tell the new place that unfortunately I couldn't take up a position there. That was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. They are very nice people and I liked it there, but all in all I just couldn't afford it. So I told the boss and hated myself, REALLY hated myself, afterwards.

Half an hour later she called me back and gave me a few options. All with increased pay. I seriously didn't think I was worth it, so it was a good and bad feeling wrapped into one. I was standing there, secretly thinking "PLEASE don't give me an offer I simply cannot refuse", and luckily she stopped 1K short of the recent offer from my current employers. After all, with my nervous disposition (shh) I probably shouldn't venture into the World of Sales. Which I told her (let's just blow EVERY chance I have of getting a job somewhere else, shall we!), but she seemed to understand. Apparently she has much better confidence in me than I'll ever have.

I haven't felt this rotten for a very long while, though.

Of course, saying "no thanks" to the other job means I have the next couple of days off, and suddenly I have 12 days off at Christmas. Too late to book a flight to Norway for Christmas, of course. Typical. Still, I've already planned my holidays, so...

In other news, I got the quite impressive Romulus, My Father the other day. Richard Roxburgh as director and Marton Csokas as one of the stars? Clear favourite.

Labels: Christmas, film, marton csokas, personal

I am currently shedding dry skin off of my nose. Dandruff, anyone?

So, and this has nothing to do with dandruff (I think) - I got the next two series of Waiting for God for Christmas, plus a few books, a couple of CDs, some soup (this may sound odd, but it was actually one of the most appreciated gifts I had all Christmas), a new brolly (a small one), another calendar (but this one I'm actually going to use, as opposed to the several calendars we've got from various local fast food restaurants for our patronage (oops) - even though one of them does show both English and Chinese bank holidays), some gift certificates and some other bits and bobs. Since I was alone I decided to spread the gift unwrapping a little bit across the day and opened the last one just before I started preparing for lunch.

Lunch lasted for just about all of The Snowman and the plates and bowls had been removed by the time the Queen popped up on the screen. So much for overeating. Didn't even finish one portion. And the desserts were so rich I felt like a millionaire after eating a few mouthfuls.

And I almost made my way through Christmas without watching Love Actually, but then I suddenly got this urge to see Bill Nighy, Alan Rickman and Colin Firth, and what better way than to watch the one film that puts them all together, eh? By the way, to those who have been wondering what Rickers is saying to Emma after the school play, you're not alone. Listen to the commentaries on the DVD.

Speaking of commentaries, I would really recommend the commentaries to This is Spinal Tap. It brings a new dimension to this already fantastic film, as the three actors Guest, McKean and Shearer stay in character as their alter egos/stage personas throughout the whole thing. It's quite brilliant.

And if I haven't said this already...you must see Best in Show. Seriously. In fact, anything with these guys (Waiting for Guffman, A Mighty Wind and the brand new For Your Consideration). Or else you will simply have to be spanked. And not in a good way, either.

Woke up this morning to the most wonderful trail on BBC...apparently the long-awaited umpteenth series of Waking the Dead will be back "soon". Yum. And speaking of trails...they have started showing the trail for Perfume on telly. Slightly desperate for another film with Rickers by now.

I think I am going to vote for the inauguration of Midsomer Murders: Ghosts of Christmas Past as the traditional murder mystery for Christmas. I think ITV may be ahead of me, though, as they have been showing it three years in a row now. It's just that you can never have enough Quastiness, and this is the best showcase for that quality. Well, if not the best at least certainly good enough! Awaiting the arrival of Javert - Misunderstood Copper, a drama series of 52 episodes where Quast is contractually obliged to appear in every single scene.

OK, maybe that would be a tad too much even for me.

Every other scene, then. But then we'd need 60+ episodes. And lots of plot.

Good luck to the writers.

Labels: Alan Rickman, bill nighy, Christmas, colin firth, comedy, daniel hill, film, illness, Javert, philip quast, trevor eve, TV

What a nice way to start Christmas. First my debit card is being declined everywhere despite having "lots" of money in the account, leaving me with very little money for the holidays, and then I wake up on my first day off to a very sore throat which eventually leads me to believe I have a cold. So, after three feverish days with coughing and sneezing and general unwell-being, I am back at work and my head feels like a complete vacuum. At least the sore throat is gone. Well, the throat is still there, but it doesn't hurt anymore. Yesterday was fun, in an irate way. The lift, once again out of order (having been so for five days already had prepared me for an interesting day), did not help me the least as I went to go grocery shopping for Christmas. Wearing my rucksack filled with goods from the local supermarket, I began the ascension to the 10th floor, my throat threatening me with a lawsuit if I went past third floor and my sweat glands not sure what to do about my fever. But I made it in the end and almost collapsed on the floor before getting a grip and put the food into the fridge.

Forgot buying onions, of course, so will have to stop by a shop today as well. And I thought I'd planned every minute detail.

Also forgot to tell you that I went to see The Holiday, which was surprisingly good (it starring Jude Law and all - his appearance quite often ruins the whole film for me, but not this time), and the other day we watched the whole first series of Waiting for God in one go. I've missed that series, it seems. Also, Daniel Hill never appears in anything (but silly commercials).

And I built myself a brand new computer the other day. Shh, don't tell anyone. It even works...ish. It would have worked so much better if I'd actually had the newest version of Windows. So now I am eagerly awaiting the announced 30 January release of Windows Vista. Hopefully I will be able to afford it. Since I received a very surprising Christmas bonus at work (surprising in that I didn't expect one), I think that should be possible. Until then I will have to play a very nice-looking Oblivion with no sound; all the other new games I have won't work as I have no drivers for my Windows version. Haha, must remember to read the fine print.

Actually, I am just amazed I managed to build the darn thing. It took me a lot longer than first expected (and a few extra trips up and down the ten flights of stairs with my sore throat in order to buy tools from Maplin), but at 21:20 I plugged it in and hoped for the best. And the bloody thing actually worked. The graphics are quite stunning and this is definitely a computer which will last at least a couple of years, considering the fact that it is compatible with the not-yet-released DirectX 10, and also I managed to buy a motherboard which can take at least one major upgrade before I have to buy a new one.

So apparently Playstation 3 will not enter my house in a long while. Wii will, however, at least I believe it will.

I no longer have a computer on which to play my old games, though. Will have to look into that. I kept the old parts, of course, and should be able to build a Windows 98 machine from those, when I have the space (which will only happen by magic in the flat where I live at present - good thing Harry Potter is still around).

Looking forward to Christmas lunch. Have stocked up on all sorts of goodies and am expecting a one-woman-feast, apparently. The sad part is, I'll probably finish everything within 30 minutes after having spent a good five hours preparing it. Oh, well. A vely melly Chlistmas to you all, though, no matter how and whether you actually celebrate it or not.

Labels: Christmas, computers, daniel hill, film, food, gaming, illness, TV

Apart from the fact that seeing a raw turkey up close could possibly turn me into a vegetarian, it appears that I mastered this roast turkey thing on the first try, which is a huge relief. I shall have to perfect my timing, though. My flatmate was the guinea pig today as I served turkey with overcooked potatoes (oops), carrots that were cold in the middle (uhmm), rather nice sprouts (although I can't stand more than four or five in one sitting) and gravy which tasted quite brilliant, so all in all a half decent dress rehearsal. Luckily we both agreed the turkey itself was very nice, because I spent the whole day in the kitchen in order to make sure it was done correctly. Also, I have enough turkey for about 20 dinners. :-)

My fingers smell of onion, though.

And to top it all, today, after having seen four episodes without a bloody clue, the plot of The State Within finally stood before me, crystal clear. We've been watching the series since it started, agreeing about the fact that it's brilliant even though we've been having great difficulties in following the story, but we had to wait until the fifth week to tie it all together. Of course, it helped enormously that Jason Isaacs is the lead. *smirks*

Labels: Christmas, food, jason isaacs, TV

Apart from the fact that I'm done with most of this year's Christmas presents (which is amazing - I've usually not even started until mid-December), I am also soon done with Christmas lunch. Well--it just so happened that the turkey I bought was a couple of inches too large for my puny freezer, so I have to prepare it tomorrow. Basically I'm going to convert it into a dress rehearsal (skipping the tech rehearsal entirely, due to unforeseen circumstances) and simply try my way around this one before messing up Christmas lunch completely. I've never made a roast dinner, so this is a new experience for me and I'm going to do my best and make all the mistakes (or just emerge as a master chef on the first try) before the 25th.

Yes, I am going to celebrate the 25th this year (all of my non-English heritage friends are aghast). When in Rome...or in my case, London...Londinium? Perhaps it's ok to say "When in Londinium, do as the Romans?" But then again, the Romans didn't celebrate Christmas. Hmm...

We just finished this season's most controversial episode of Morgan Spurlock's 30 Days, the one about pro-life contra pro-choice. Boy, were we mad by the end of it. I am still fuming. But I'm not going to comment upon it. I'll stay up all night if I do.

And yes, if you actually were wondering, I am definitely pro-choice. As in "abortion should be the last resort and not a decision taken lightly, but should still be an option". Btw, what are all those men doing there campaigning against abortion clinics and what-not? How can they pretend to even begin to understand what it's like?

Must. Stop. Commenting.

Labels: Christmas, current affairs, food

I'm sorry, but I may have to sound a little bit condescending right now. The Brits are cute. Really. The main news today is that there has been a snowfall this morning, even reaching six inches in places! The best comment came on the ITV News when they said they were working "day and night to keep the roads open". I'm seriously laughing my head off.

On the other hand, today may be a rollercoaster ride of emotions as I was watching the "Best Eurosong Ever" show earlier and basically had tears in my eyes through most of the show. I'm way too emotional. Early menopause? I'm beginning to wonder... Anyway, the winner (no one beats ABBA) was the right one, and I'm celebrating by playing all their songs in one go (well, those I have, that is). My neighbours may start complaining soon.

I had a very nice yuletide celebration; good food, nice presents (I got both of the Norwegian "family" films Kamilla & Tyven and no one asked me why I wanted them), and I got to see large parts of my family, so I'm very satisfied. It's good to back in London, though. Apparently, I entertained my whole family, especially two of my cousins, with stories about this wretched country, and possibly made them into more of a patriot than they already are.

Telly over there leaves quite a lot to be desired, though, when you are getting used to the (rather annoyingly) enormous supply from the British channels. To think that Christmas used to be my favourite telly time of the year! Of course, back then we didn't even have a VCR, so the films they used to show were awesome (one year they showed Monty Python's The Meaning of Life and I was in heaven). However, they started showing Bleak House, one week after it completed on BBC1, the day before I left, and this is very good news, especially for my parents who are great fans of everything related to BBC drama. "Shake me up, Judy!" Eww...

I have to come back to the Eurosong programme I watched earlier today. I have to comment on the fact that I think the Brits, who are so bloody cynical and think Eurosong is a great laugh and yet compete every year, should look upon Norway as they big heroes. After all, Norway has come last more than any country and that's probably something the Brits should be aiming for, since they always claim to hate the show so much (yet they have become number two 15 times out of 50 and won five times...who's fooling whom? Bad losers, I say. And Terry Wogan, bless him, may have something to do with it.)

Current track: ABBA - Chiquitita (told you I was listening through their songs)

Labels: Christmas, dennis storhøi, film, Monty Python, music, Norway, party, TV

I know, a little bit too early, but I'll be too busy in a few hours' time to even think of updating my blog (especially since I won't be able to log on for a while). So Merry Christmas, everyone, hope you have a good one!

Current track: The Beatles - A Day in the Life

Labels: Christmas, personal

I'm starting to panic about Christmas gifts. I have bought only a few and there's lots more to go. I think I have a couple more nailed down but I haven't bought them yet. I keep using my Mastercard, and I hate that. Have no other option, though. Hmm... Must remember to react sooner next year. The thing is, I haven't really got into the Christmas mood these past few years. I've been too busy or stressed out to realise it was creeping up on me. I may decorate the place this year, but I think I'll need some help to even be arsed about it. For me it's all about the telly this year; lots of Christmas specials to be watched and then relax for a bit longer. As if I haven't been relaxing for way too long already.

We went to see Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire again today, or Harry Otter, as we've now dubbed it, after a well-spotted typo at the local cinema. It's a great film, I must say. Both the second and the third films were rather boring to see twice in a row, and the third one I haven't even been bothered about watching on DVD yet, even though I've had it since its release date, but the fourth one is truly brilliant. I actually had goosebumps and tears in my eyes when the Quidditch arena was revealed. And my favourite Hogwarts teacher (since I read the first book, mind!) is in a very funny study scene, so I'm pleased.

And then Peter Serafinowicz was a guest at this year's final episode of Have I Got News for You (hosted by Joan Collins), which was a nice surprise. I must say it's a bit difficult to be a fan of his when he doesn't appear in much at all. Story of my life as a fan, I'm afraid. Should be used to it by now, though.

This weekend I have been finishing the campaign in Age of Empires III and struggling with the career mode in SWAT 4. So much, in fact, that I eventually ended up playing Civilization IV just to "relax".

I am also currently totally hung up on the song Sleep by Texas. Funny thing, this Texas fascination I have, because I've never been a fan and I still don't consider myself one, and yet I love lots of their songs. It's weird, really.

Current track: Nothing. Not even "Sleep".

Labels: Alan Rickman, Christmas, film, gaming, music, personal, peter serafinowicz, TV

This Christmas has been a nice one (so far). Since my parents were mainly done with all the decorating and cleaning and dusting and food making and shopping and all that by the time I got there on "little Christmas Eve", we had a very nice evening filled with...well, telly, really. There was a fair bit of slagging the singing and decorating and food making going on on telly. Fun was had by all. Finally got to see the Swedish version of Chess. Absolutely stunning.

Christmas Eve was very nice indeed; excellent food and drink all around, nice cup of coffee afterwards, then the presents (handed out by me as usual - not quite sure when it all turned and I had to do all the Father Christmas things) at around eight or nine in the evening (starting later every year), and finally chatting till past midnight. Lots of sparkly things flying about all evening and well into Christmas Day, as someone in the family had bought sparkly wrapping paper. Oh, well.

On Christmas Day I got up past noon (!) and we got around to having breakfast at around one thirty. Snow had fallen during the night (so much for a green Christmas for once) and my father had gone outside to plow the surrounding street as well as our garden (back and front). Eventually persuaded them to watch Love Actually with me (didn't have to work too hard; my mother noticed Colin Firth's name on the cover of the DVD and said "press play!"). We then went to this year's family get-together, which was very nice indeed; some of those people I hadn't seen for three or four years.

Boxing Day was spent watching films and helping my mother ordering some books from Amazon, as well as trying to out-do each other in laziness. Ended up watching three films. In the midst of everything the tragic earthquake and following tsunami in Asia caught our attention and so the rest of the evening was spent watching the news.

Got back home yesterday. The train was actually full by the time we reached Oslo. I sprang home to a highly anticipated event, indeed the highlight of this Christmas, namely a truly yummy Philip Quast appearing in this year's Midsomer Murders Christmas special (which was actually shown in Australia a few months ago). There couldn't have been a better way to celebrate Christmas than with a nice, wholesome murder and a gorgeous Aussie on telly. And to top it off, lots of Christmas specials of my favourite shows: The Vicar of Dibley, AbFab (with a brilliant Nathan Lane this year), Q.I., Dead Ringers, The Kumars at No. 42, My Family and a bit of Outtake TV (unfortunately not with Paul O'Grady any longer) as well as a one-off comedy starring lots of the current comedy stars of Britain; The Flint Street Nativity. I am overwhelmed.

AND I've got chocolate!

Current track: Howard Goodall - The theme for Q.I.

Labels: Christmas, comedy, current affairs, film, food, holiday, musicals, philip quast, TV

What a perfect title. Three stories for you this time.

The first one is about yesterday, when I discovered that Riget (that would be the original, Danish version of Kingdom Hospital; the American one I managed to avoid and will keep on doing so - it really annoys me when Hollywood has to "fix" something that isn't broken just because they think it's tedious to read subtitles) is out on DVD. I bought the two DVDs (both series) and as soon as it was dark enough (which was at around four in the afternoon; don't move here if you're used to "normal" day and night cycles, for instance if you live in southern California) I put it on. I was supposed to watch one episode only, but I just couldn't put it away and ended up with watching the whole first series; four and a half hours of the most surreal comedy horror series ever made (David Lynch, go home! Twin Peaks was mediocre compared to this!) I'm looking forward to seeing the second series this weekend (hopefully).

The second story is from earlier today, when we went for Christmas lunch at a fancier restaurant somewhere in the smart (some would rather say "posh") area of the city. It's up in the hills and the view is stunning. Usually. Thankfully I've seen it before and could visit anytime, but the poor busload of English tourists there today must have been very disappointed when they experienced the fog being so thick they could hardly see the nearest shrubbery. I felt sorry for them because I know how extraordinary that view normally is. I also felt a bit sorry for them because they treated themselves to the Christmas buffet, and I would imagine they were a bit perplexed. We were actually discussing this among ourselves, in Norwegian, saying they'd probably think the pinnekjøtt (which means "meat on a stick" - but tastes better than it sounds) would be spareribs because it looks a lot like it:

It is, however, made from lamb and therefore wouldn't taste quite as they'd expect. Plus, the garnish is different than what you'd like with your normal spareribs. We must have said "spareribs" once too many or they thought it up themselves, either way we soon heard them saying something about "the spareribs" and so decided to stop commenting on the food from there on. They looked very pleased when they were done, though, so hopefully they didn't think it was awful.

The third story is sort of a two-part one as it actually started last week. I went to see Sound of Musvik (it IS supposed to be a jocular name, not a misprint or a weird, Norwegian way of spelling "music") for the second time last Friday and apart from the fact that it was amazing and all that, I was also directly told off by one of the actors, much to my dismay and yet, at the same time, to my amusement, for not joining in. I concur wholeheartedly, but at the time I was just too embarrassed to do anything even remotely sensible. I got back at myself tonight, as I watched the masterpiece play a third time (and, quite possibly, the last, even though I really, really, REALLY would like to go to the closing night in two days); this time I joined in big time, I even sang in public, something which I haven't done since Year Six or thereabouts. Luckily the whole audience sang, otherwise I wouldn't have. In addition, they both lost track of the plot completely and didn't seem to want to get back to it anytime soon, and I cannot stress this enough: The audience loves this kind of abruption to a comedy. In other words, don't fret if you actually forget your lines, don't run off stage crying or something, because we would most likely love you even more afterwards. The downside to tonight's performance is that it was the last I'll ever see of it. If I hadn't had all that studying thing going on these past few months I would've gone more often; I mean, I've waited for this opportunity to see the two of them working together on such a play for seven years and when it finally happens, the run is much too short and I have too much to do. The annoying bit is that I seriously feel down when I know I'll never see one particular play or show again, and there really is no reason to feel that way, as I know perfectly well it's not the end of the world, especially since I've actually seen it and won't be kicking myself for years on end for missing the entire run (did I hear someone shouting Mysteriet Myrna Vep in the back there?) - silly girl.

All in all, this last year has been supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (sorry, watched Mary Poppins the other day) theatre-wise and I've had such a jolly time I'm having trouble seeing it getting any better than this. Actually, I think I shouldn't live in a city where they've got theatres and brilliant actors...which would rule out most larger cities in the world. It gives me a headache just thinking about all the great plays I'm going to see in the future. Hopefully some of them will be my own.

Current track: Tom & Mick - Somebody's Taken Maria Away (quite fittingly, coming to think of it)

Labels: anders hatlo, Christmas, food, musicals, personal, theatre, TV