I'm spending a few days in Greenwich courtesy of my brother and his GF while attending the ATP Tour Finals at the O2. Yesterday, I travelled down to London by coach where I met up with a former colleague for a burger and chat. Then I hopped onto the Tube to meet up with my hosts, who fortunately live just a mile away from the arena. Therefore, this morning I walked back to the arena, where I popped into Cafe Rouge for a brunch to sustain me through the first se...

No, not the start of another travel adventure, but a stage production at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford of Jules Verne's famous story that I watched with my Mum. This was an excellent, imaginatively staged production. Apart from the main characters of Phileas Fogg, Passe Partout and the inspector, everyone else was played by half a dozen actors. Several locations around the world, and transportation methods, where recreated with strategically placed suit...

Today a couple of us went to Birmingham Town Hall to see Altered Images and Midge Ure. Naturally, being in Birmingham, we popped into Handmade Burger Company first. Altered Images were on first and Clare Grogan is still as full of energy as when she first bounced onto the scene. Located in the middle of the second row, we were treated to a great set. Next up were The Christians. A band whose hits I don't remember and, to be honest, I still don't. They were ok...

Today, for her birthday treat, I took my friend and mother of my GS to Bristol to see the almighty OMD. As it was a birthday treat, I'd booked a table at The Ox so we could enjoy a pre show steak each. These were lovely but the staff didn't seem too bothered so we won't be going there again. We then made our way to Colston Hall in time for the support act: Tiny Magnetic Pets. The three piece were great and heavily influenced by electro pioneers and, with a fema...

Today my friend and I drove to Bristol to see Sparks. After a lovely pizza at Stables, we made our way to the O2 Academy and secured a great view on the balcony behind the mixing desks. The support was provided by Mr Goodnite, whose backing tracks were played on vinyl. I think he was a spoof of the kind of smooth, ladies man crooner from the 70s and 80s, but if he was it didn't come over very well. Then it was time for Sparks. The Mael brothers were joined on ...