By Gordon Durich
London, England (The Hollywood Times) 10/7/24 – The dynamic energy of London is captivating and so is its timeless allure.
A fusion of film and other offerings drew this writer back to the Old Smoke. Promoting my documentary “Thou Art That: The Sayed Sabrina Story” and book (“Autobiography of a Believer: Elusive Faith,”) seemed inconsequential when exploring the swinging city, founded in 43 A.D.
My old stomping ground, the West End offers seizing productions such as “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” at the Palace Theatre, “Wicked” at the Apollo Victoria and long running hits including “The Phantom of the Opera” (nearly 40 years) at His Majesty’s Theatre, “Hamilton” at Victoria Palace Theatre and “Mamma Mia!” at the Novello Theatre. Some shows like “Back to the Future: The Musical” playing at The Adelphi, actually emanated in England’s capital.
Marked by the distinction of being the world’s longest running play, “The Mousetrap” by Agatha Christie, is still at St. Martin’s Theatre, right where I left it years ago. Talk about timeless. Albeit a bit cheesy but a good old romp, nonetheless.
Sharp imagery and confronting digital art make for an arresting exhibit “Healing Frequency” headlined by Marina Abramovic, the performance artist who has collaborated with Lady Gaga (“Joker 2” – or “Joker: Folie a Deux” as I spotted an ad for it in Paris) and others, at the new Moco Museum, Marble Arch. American counterparts Warhol, Haring and Basquiat and other artists are also on the bill.
Cinephiles will flock to London’s Film Fair, come November and revel in the exciting news that the renowned Hollyshorts Film Festival has launched a London edition, at the Curzon Soho Cinema in December. Expect to be entertained.
Despite the dynamic changes- impact of Brexit, in the immortal words of Vera Lynn, there’ll always be an England.
www.londontheatre.co.uk
www.london.mocomuseum.com
www.hollyshorts.com
https://dauntbooks.co.uk
