Saturday 25 August 2012

Thursday 23rd August



On Thursday I went to London to finally go on the chair-o-planes by waterloo south bank. I don't enjoy rides anymore but this is an exception. As a child I was very brave and dared myself to go on all the rides a theme park could offer. As  got older, I got more cautious and realised I did not enjoy rides. I do not enjoy the sick feeling you get whilst queuing, the unsteady creaking sound the machinery makes as it takes you up and over, and the way I am thrown about in my seat with my eyes closed waiting for it to finish. Even the opportunity of a photo is not enough to keep me coming, I always have my eyes shut and head ducked in the photo anyway. 
But Chair-o-planes are something different, they give me a lot f joy. The way my legs can dangle happily in the air as we go whizzing around. The cool breeze that whips my face and makes my hair do crazy things. 




The whole south bank pier theme was very enjoyable. We sat and had a magner's (it being Jacks favourite). it was a shame none of the freak shows were open (or were they just for decor?)

Later we met some friends for dinner and then visited Camden late market
There was swing dancing and vintage stalls. There wasn't much to do but the atmosphere was very reminiscent of 40s london and a perfect exertion for a summer evening. 


Before going home we checked out Bar Solo where on a Thursday there was cabaret. A wonderful woman stood outside beckoning us in, she was German and looked every inch a cabaret performer with her top hat, fishnet stockings and twinkling eyes. 
Her name Anke Landeau, but for tonight she was Marlene Dietrich
She sauntered around the bar trailing the microphone lead behind her. 
Putting aside any doubts about her mature age, she swung her legs over a chair with an effortless ease- she was delightful! When her act was finished, she sat handsomely by two bearded gentlemen.
The men looked german also and the 3 of them sitting together could have been from any era, Perhaps Belle Époque Paris or 1930s Berlin.
Little Queenie was next on stage. The raspy, rousing voice came as a shock from the petite lady. She Reminded me of June carter with her effortless country slang, mixed with the rock n roll riffs and thick guitar. Little Queenie's set was over far too quick, she was a quirky little thing and I could've watched her for so much longer.

As the beaded curtains parted, a long bronzed limb appeared seductively
Miss Kimberly (Im sure that was her name) strutted onto the stage beginning her song "thats why the lady is a tramp" (but substituting lady for tranny). Immediately the room was filled with flamboyance and fun. With loud belting vocals, long blonde wig and fitted red gown, I was immediately reminded of Wilhelmina Slater from 'Ugly Betty'. 
above, the red dress of Miss Kimberly as she sings to a groups of bankers
and on the right is Anke in her top hat

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