Rope

Patrick Hamilton’s 1929 play was adapted by Alfred Hitchcock and filmed in one single shot to create the macabre Nietzschian drama. The revival at the Almeida makes for an unsettling evening: two young men's sinister act, martinis served over a chest and an incriminating blue ticket to the Coliseum pinned to a suit jacket.
*A member of SUDS alumni, Bertie Carvel's performance is mesmerising. The reviews are unequivocally full to the brim of praise. And rightly so.

Forgotton Spaces

RIBA London has launched Forgotten Spaces. An ideas design competition for areas of unused land in London.

So what is a forgotten space? "Small or large – a grassy verge, a wasteland, an unused car park, a derelict bilding or underpass or flyover. The proposal could be simple or complex, commercial or public, a piece of public art or a new building, the only requirement is that it answers a need in the area and serves a function for the local community".

The chosen proposals will be part of an exhibition at The National Theatre in May.

A short tale

A developer submits two proposals to their local authority for a 144-unit residential block. One classical, one modern. The council green lights both(!) and is now asking the developer to choose which one to build. Your reaction to this will tell you if you're drawn to pediments and plinths of the neo-classic or the minimal, blank facade of the modern. What does 'in keeping' actually mean?
The Story at Building Design.

Flat 14

Over the New Year break, friends visited my flat for peach Bellinis. And with that came several responses to the space, namely it needs "something". It feels transitory. In a good way. Paint the floorboards white. And the walls. You need a chair. So we can sit down.
I need to get practical. But can't help ponder over hanging up a disco ball.
(inspiration via 2 or 3 things).

London Festival of Architecture Update

Click the image for legibility!

"The mean reds"

The Donmar stage has become an artist's studio. Rothko's 1950s studio. Easels and taught canvases. Inky paint splattered on floorboards and brushes flecked with Rothko's red rage. Applying a base coat of maroon, the audience is faced with an artist who despised 'mantlepiece' art, artificial light and the "next generation" canvases displaying Campbells soup.

Red by John Logan, Donmar Warehouse until 6 February

Back in the Basement

Me: Did your family like their Christmas presents?
Mike: I gave my mum a Best of Bette CD. She also told my sister, brother and Dad that she wanted a copy. She now has four copies of 'Did you ever know that you're my hero'.

Happy new decade everyone. In case you missed my Brixton Market piece, jump one and read below.