Show Notes
We're in between boroughs this week as Alex goes gaga for Miss Lala (as painted be Degas). She wowed the crowds in Paris and London with her phenomenal strongwoman act, on the trapeze, holding herself, and others, with her teeth. Her portrait is still wowing the crowds at the National Gallery. Pop in to pay her a visit and decide for yourselves, what do you see at first glance? Is she jumping? We know more about her performances than her life, but there are moments when we can glimpse her, moving to London, appearing at the Royal Aquarium, getting married. A mixed race pocket rocket gymnast who performed as at Black Venus and one half of Les Deux Papillons. She was last recorded applying for a passport, on the brink, maybe, of a leap across the oceans into the unknown. But we can admire her still, as Degas saw her that night, in white and gold, dazzling the Parisiennes high above the Cirque Fernando. Oh and we go off on a tangent for the benefit of Mr Kite. That makes a change, it's usually Fiona who does the tangents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
More from Ladies Who London
Well gang, here we are. It might not be the end of the road. It might just be a great big semicolon blocking our way for the moment. If you want to find out what happens next, and if we get past it, subscribe now. Then, when, if we do anything in the future, you'll definitely get to know.
Quite leafy Ruislip, a typical London suburb, was home to Helen and Peter. He was a 2nd hand book dealer and....... well, what else? And why did Helen end up commemorated on a stamp? I'm not going to tell you now, you'll have to listen to find out. Can you work it out before Alex does? Hillingdon has jumped the queue, Havering will be next week. Plus random cat news, and dappled shade in the street. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
We're often called clowns. I'm sure it is meant nicely. In any case, this week we take a look at one of London's most unusual events, the Clown Service every year in East London. We also trace back the history of clowning, and find where the traditions that we know and love (or are scared of!) originate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Alex takes us to the North London borough of Harrow. Eschewing the school and it's many celebrity alumni, we are retiring to the country instead.
Never has paying rent been quite so elaborate. Even when it's rent you're not paying, for a piece of land you don't use anymore. It's confusing. The City of London goes to town with the pomp and processions, and we are here to explain all. In fact this year (unlike all the others) we are determined to make it to some of these events. Get your diaries at the ready if you'd like to join us.