Friday with Ricky Tomlinson

Friday evening. DH was out at his 4th (yes, 4th) work-related Christmas Do. At 6pm P-next-door comes a-knocking. Can I come out to some comedy evening including food, all paid by her work? YES!
I have never been out with P. We have some very good chats, laughs, & we care for each other, all within the confines of our homes! So I jumped at the chance - especially as she said smart dress, so clearly the perfect opportunity to try out my new winter boots!
I sorted childcare for my boys - at this point I would like to thank the Lord for providing me with so many friends who said "Yes" to suddenly having two boys to sleep over with only an hour's notice!
I got dressed up a bit, Lola straightened me hair a bit even!
And away we went to the GreenRoom on Duke Street.  A complementary glass of champagne went down a treat as we entered. We felt a little out of place as it seemed either posh, or certainly aiming at it!
There was a painting of Ricky Tomlinson at the bar, and a big tv with video of some of the acts playing. OH NO it's a cabaret! Of course P hadn't heard of Ricky. On the vid were shots of Bobby Davro and Jimmy Cricket, as well as someone doing impressions or something.
P & I had such a laugh while we were waiting. I explained that none of these acts would last a full minute on our TV without someone angrily turning it off, shouting Rubbish! or similar (actually maybe Jimmy Cricket, for old times sake!)
We had a drink (I had Gaymer's Pear Cider, seeing as you asked!) and then at 8 we were allowed through to our table.  Ours (with 4 other people that we don't know, due to turn up) was tucked right away in the very corner near the fire exit: only 1 of the 6 chairs had a direct view of the stage)
P & I nibbled away at the Iceland-quality butties & had a laugh. We both remarked, (if only we had acted on these remarks!) That if we were to go home now, we would have had a great night out!
Then on comes Ricky.

Shouting, swearing, making some vile jokes based on domestic violence.

Such Fun.

Two ladies turned up & sat opposite us. They were.having.the.time.of.their.lives.

The cabaret was some singers, an impressionist/singer, and the headlining act : Abba. Actually they were good. They were dressed the part & even spoke in fake swedish accents & danced well.

Unfortunately everything was so loud, it wasn't possible to communicate except by text.

We left early, it was awful - just not our style at all. During the interval Ricky implored us to buy a Christmas card featuring a photo of a fat woman's bum. For £2 for charity.

P (who is not british) was saying, " I cannot criticize this- it is your culture!"

This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I hope!

night all!