Parker McMillan

Being the lexicographical geek that I am, any opportunity to use words like labyrinthine, crepuscular, nebulous and (dare I say it) buttocks gets me a little excited. The Trusted Places party at Parker McMillan affords me the unique opportunity to unleash these WMDs of the English language in a single piece of prose.

So with dictionary and thesaurus now well and truly digested, let me get on with the matter in hand.

First thing to deal with is the location. The Moorgate / Barbican area is not somewhere I've frequented much in past adventures. This being a Friday night, the numerous heaving All Bar One-type experiences I passed en route to PMcM indicated that there generally is minimal reason to be here for some entertainment, unless you happen to have rolled into a pub from your workplace across the road. PMcM even stood out from the crowd with it's somewhat garish neon sign beaming in to the dark night (a post-ironic 80's throwback statement of intent?). Anyway, it had me wondering what I was about to behold as I entered the doorway.

And lo, we entereth the labyrinthine complex that would please greatly the leaders of international terrorism groups if this was to be their underground hideout. A veritable extravaganza of Victorian vaults greets the senses. Dim, red, seedy lighting adds to the crepuscular ambience. The sound of lounge muzak drifts innocently by. Not your average bar this one, but very very pleasing.

The setting was utterly perfect for the burlesque Shakespearian performance that was delivered to a fairly bewildered audience in a nebulous whirl of thespian spontaneity. I learned after the show that the actors had no chance to prepare in this most unusual theatrical venue, but you would never have guessed. The action flitted from pillar to post, table to bar, cave to cave in a manner that left the watcher both bemused and elated. The burlesqian turns - all high kicks, alluring glances and unabashed exposure of buttocks - drew gasps and applause from the gallery, who by the end had beceome an intimate part of the unfolding drama. It was a marvellously enjoyable piece of entertainment and certainly made me muse as to what the All Bar One hoards were missing out on!

Nice work Trusted Places. I like this stuff.