This is a choose-your-own adventure blog post! You have two options!
Option 1: You can watch a mildly disturbing YouTube video, become delighted by it, and then give someone some money in exchange for a product or service. If you are made of stern stuff, I highly recommend this approach.
Option 2: You can read me describing a thing, which I really enjoyed, and then afterwards give someone some money in exchange for a very similar product or service. This may be a better approach for those of a nervous disposition, or who dislike surprises.
I suppose there is also a sort of option 3, whereby you read the text, watch the video, and then don’t give anyone any money at all. But really, I don’t think that is nearly as good a choice.
Are you ready? The video is right here for you to watch… or you can scroll on past it and read the text. Make your choice!
In January, on a Sunday evening, I scurried across London to the Water Rats. Which is a pub, with a tiny venue behind it, somewhere in the vicinity of Kings Cross. Whenever I’ve been there before, it’s been to see a band and the vibe has been packed, boiling hot, and very noisy.
But no! The place was fairly quiet. There were little tables and chairs laid out, and people sitting at them decorously ordering food and drinks. I had a glass of wine. I got chatting to people sitting nearby. It was all quite dreadfully civilised, and then a small parade of people came on stage, one at a time, and read us stories.
Some stories were funny. Some were downright weird. One was pure horror (my favourite, naturally). But six complete and very different stories were read (either by their authors or by an actor), and everyone sat quietly and listened. And clapped. Honestly, it was an absolute delight, and not the sort of entertainment that is commonly available.
Anyway, it turns out that many people enjoyed it, and so another one of it is happening. If you are in or near London, then mark March 23rd in your calendars, and get your ticket before it sells out. (If you are merely near London, then the previous event finished - unless you wanted to hang around and chat - around half past nine, giving you plenty of time to catch your train home. See, I told you it was civilised.)
I’m certainly going again, although this time I will be one of the people standing on the stage.