A Haiku..

Autumn, need a drink.
Me, on the rocks with a twist.
I fell off a cliff.

A Night at the Theatre: Duckie's Lullaby at the Barbican.

What do 29 beds, translucent flying animals and a magician goose with a top hat have in common? ..probably one of the most bizarre and intriguing nights of the theatre you'll ever experience. Lullaby at the Barbican has opened it's bedroom doors for a month, inviting an unexpected audience to drift into a gentle slumber in their very own single, double or triple bed. As you arrive at the theatre, just as most shows are normally finishing, this is just getting started. Once at the check in desk you are greeted by a receptionist with a look that seems fresh out of an 'I love lucy' episode. After check in and some tasty hot chocolate (it really is very tasty) you are lead to the changing room to get into your PJs and slippers or in my case; T-shirt and board shorts. The oddly clad, slightly vulnerable audience are then invited into the pit to start a show that explores the dadaist with a symphony of silliness. However, once the absurdity has washed over you, it's clear to see that the show has been very cleverly thought out. From the story of a lonely man's growing imagination to the rotating, hypnotic Octopi.. the show creates an illusion that is very calming and instantly sparks off a chorus of yawns from the transfixed onlookers. By the time the show moved to it's fading lullaby, the majority of the audience were already deep in a silent slumber.

As we gather around a retro breakfast of eggs and soldiers, fresh from possibly one of the most incredible wake up calls I've ever experienced; the audience are buzzing from a night that is truly unique.. and with it being much cheaper than the best budget hotel and a comfortably affordable theatre ticket, this is an overnight experience that is not to be missed.

Lullaby by Duckie, playing in the Pit at the Barbican until the 24th of July 2011..

A Poem About Staying Awake for No Reason

Countless hours drop like morning dew

Through thought & time a day finds you,

Night meets its dawn, at dawn a yawn,

And sleep the whole day through.

A Puppet's Tale: Part 1

Once upon a time in a world far away,

Where day becomes night and night becomes day.

A puppet was lost, in the dead of the night.

It's family had fled, all far out of sight.

All cold and alone, it feared it may die,

As the storm clouds erupted in a vengeful sky.

But out of the fog, a badger came out,

The young hedgehog puppet, tried desperate to shout.

The badger was shocked, to find a child so alone,

All out in the woods, been left on his own,

He picked him up quick and carried him away,

For dangerous things may happen if he stayed.

Unknown to this child, the dark that had come,

The storm clouds had gathered and swallowed the sun.

This world that he knew, was not what it seems,

For it is a world we find in our dreams.

---

Ten years had past, the hedgehog had grown strong,

The badger was frail and something was wrong,

For the absence of light, ten years to the day

Had changed the world, in many different ways.

"Polo" Said the badger, "your tea's getting cold!"

"Come down from your room, three times you've been told!"

Polo, on his bed, all covered in sweat,

Having just finished wanking and covered in regret.

He towelled himself off and came down the stairs,

And hurried then stumbled, over the chairs.

"Sorry Mum" Said Polo, in a calming state,

He sips his tea. "Oh thanks, this is great"

But outside the den, the hour was late

A darkness was coming, that will change his fate.

"We need to talk" The badger's look was now stern.

Her final words, Polo will soon learn.

"You must leave this place, for a prophecy was told.

That a hedgehog family, once brave and bold.

Abandoned a child, for he holds a key.

To save our world, so we can be free."

"Free from what?" Polo said with shock,

But the Badger could not answer, the den began to rock

And suddenly the lights, all flickered and burst,

The darkness had come, the badger feared the worst.

"Quick, you must go, go to Edward the Owl,

And whatever you do, even if I howl,

You must keep on running and never look back"

And as she said her last word, she heard the door crack.

"I know you're in there" A dark voice was heard.

"Quick Polo, the tunnel, don't utter a word."

Polo said in fear, "Will you be okay?"

"I'll be fine, just go. Please do as I say"

So Polo hurried off, as fast as he could.

Off to Edward's house, deep in the wood.

But the badger knew, deep down inside,

She'll never see him again, she had no where to hide.

The door burst open, and fear filled the air

"Where is he, tell me now!!" She looked at it's stare.

"You'll not get the key." she proudly said.

And as darkness swept over, the badger was dead.

---

Now deep in the wood, two hours had past,

He saw Edwards house, he scurried up fast.

And as he got to the door, the owl hurried him in,

Fearful of the darkness and what was to begin.

"Quick, go to my study" The Owl's voice sounding strange,

"I'm afraid your life has started to change"

He closed the door and opened a book,

As Polo looked up, with a tired, confused look.

"Ten years to the day, a war had begun.

Between two worlds, that we had not won.

Scores had died, when badger found you lost.

But bringing you there was at a fatal cost.

As he locked the study, he poured a single malt.

"Don't worry my child, this isn't your fault.

It was always foretold, that the darkness would come,

Ten years to the day that you were found by your mum.

"So get some rest, you'll need the sleep,

Make sure you dream, and your slumber is deep,

For in the morning, you'll learn your fate,

I'm afraid my child, your destiny awaits."

---

And away from Edward's house, we continue the story,

A thousand miles from the wood, from dawn's early glory,

Beyond the horizon, way out to the west,

To a tall, tall tree with a perfectly built nest.

"Have you heard the news?" Tom said with a whisper,

The dawn frost has settled, the leaves had become crispier.

"The storm in the east, has started to spread

The darkness is moving, its about time to head.

Tom checked his wings and the clear sky weather,

And looked at the sun as he cleaned his flight feathers.

His wife looked concerned, but spread her wings.

The eagle's were moving, a new chapter begins.

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