A Night Out in London: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? & Tibits

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Superb: Matthew Kelly as George

Girl talk: Louise Kempton (Honey) and Tracey Childs (Martha)

Patterns: Trisha Guild design at Tibits

Ambience: there is a laid-back friendly vibe

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THE SHOW
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf
Where: Trafalgar Studios
Nearest tube: Charing Cross
Tickets: £17.50 to £25
www.ambassadortickets.com
Parties always have their awkward moments. A point during proceedings when someone reveals a little too much, drinks a little too much, or allows a toxic insult to slip through the convivial veneer. Uneasy silence ensues; eyes trail the carpet; and the subject is hastily changed. Such situations can be uncomfortable, but it's unusual, thankfully, for them to last three hours. And if things get truly excruciating, you can always leave.

Not so at the epic party of Martha and George, which the audience at Trafalgar Studios surrounds on three sides, and in just three rows: 100 silent guests to the final crumbling of a long-rotten relationship. Like the party's only invitees, the pugnacious Nick and the vacuous Honey, the audience cannot escape; we are pinioned to our seats by the resentment and antipathy which suffuses the play from snarky start to whimpering finish.

Matthew Kelly, top lip clamped over bottom and thinning hair oiled to a tousled slick, is superb as embittered academic George: a “drowning man”, absorbing the attacks of his flamboyant wife with a determined stoicism before quiveringly disintegrating and mounting his own vicious assault. Kelly's New England accent slips periodically, but such lapses are forgivable in an otherwise consummate performance. Tracey Childs' turn as Martha, meanwhile, is equally compelling, particularly in the final scenes, when all her fight and fervour is ripped devastatingly away.

At this party from hell, everyone reveals far too much, everyone drinks far too much, and the toxic insults do not slip out occasionally but spew constantly forth. This is an enrapturing production of Edward Albee's magnum opus. So painful at times it's difficult to bear, we can only watch in horrified fascination as the source of all the bitterness and rage, the deep wound which long ago catalysed Martha and George's venomous 'games', gradually appears from beneath all the bile.
Ed Vanstone

THE DINNER & DRINKS
Tibits
Where: Heddon Street, just off Regent Street
When: Mon - Wed 9am - 10.30pm, Thur - Sat 9am - midnight, Sun 10am - 10.30pm
Nearest tube: Piccadilly Circus
www.tibits.co.uk
Tibits ticks all the right boxes - delicious food, fun ambience and gorgeous décor. And it does so simply, without breaking the bank. With the added bonus of a super-healthy menu, it's hard to fault.

The concept is that you 'create your ideal meal' from a buffet-style selection of vegetarian dishes inspired by global flavours. According to how hungry you are, you can opt for anything from a quick snack to a three course dinner. Food is priced by weight so you are in complete control of what you eat, how much you eat and how much you pay.

The menu reflects the seasons so food is always fresh and locally sourced. For the summer expect mouthwatering salads and exotic dishes. This is vegetarian food done properly. Whether you are a fully-fledged veggie or meat lover, the dishes are so flavoursome that you won't feel like you are missing out. Try the great selection of cocktails too - with freshly squeezed juice, they are especially revitalizing.

The restaurant's décor is ideal for its smart/casual vibe - Trisha Guild's gorgeous patterns embellish the walls and furniture. And with such a friendly team at hand to help you with your food choice this is the kind of place you can always find a reason for visiting.
Amira Hashish

 

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