do the right thing…
And it’s February already! The last couple of weeks have been a bit of a blur (and apologies for being MIA for at least part of that time); but some things can’t be helped.
Back at the ranch, those not living in a cave (at least here in London; readers outwith Zones 1-6 are excused up to a point) will have seen our beloved Prince Charles Cinema in the news as it steps up to the plate against it’s landlords, aka the greedy bastard property developers (is there any other kind?) as they try to game the cinema’s lease renewal.
For anybody who didn’t know, this is the same company who recently bought and are now closing the oldest YMCA in the world a bit further uptown which has been used by thousands of people for over one hundred years; the owner is a billionaire who already has half the West End in his pocket. The intention is almost certainly redevelopment and another independent venue will disappear.
As somebody who has been a lifetime member for a very long time and who has spent many a happy occasion – most recently to watch The Hateful Eight on my birthday – the idea of turning the corner and seeing some shiny crap hotel (almost certainly with keycarded lifts, so a waste of space in every conceivable way) in it’s place is too much to bear. Details (and petition) are here – you know what to do.
I first found the Prince Charles by the luckiest chance possible when stuck in London one evening with nowhere to stay, spotting there was an allnighter on when I walked past on my way to get some dumplings. Maybe one day you’ll want to go and see Twelve Angry Men and The Raid followed by Muppet Treasure Island without leaving the building (and if you do, I’ll come with you); my next few PCC visits (so far) comprise The Monkey, In The Mood For Love and The VVitch with Robert Eggars on the 28th (now sold out, I think). That’s on top of seeing Pamela Anderson herself introducing The Last Showgirl this Saturday at the Barbican – yay!
It’s that time of year again, and everything is crossed for Demi Moore at the Oscars on March 2nd. Song of the Week – like the title – has to be a film one (despite being better known as the theme from London geography maverick Luther); anybody who hasn’t seen Nobody, get to it.
Business as usual bar Friday this week when I will be out of town for the day but back in a heartbeat! Meanwhile, please help the PCC triumph.
More soon…
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