The internet is really really great…

I honestly have no idea how long it is since me and Gem had a night out, just the two of us, neither driving, and without kids in tow. At least a year, I’d say, taking into account our almost 4 month old and the preceding nine months of pregnancy. Fair to say, then, that Saturday night’s outing can be described as a rare treat!

First step was dropping the girls off, something Gem had been dreading because it’s the first time Megan’s been left anywhere without us. Meanwhile, Heather was desparate to get to Grandma’s house (Grandpa isn’t allowed naming right, apparently!) for the sleepover she’d been looking forward to for days. Amazingly there were no tears (from anyone) on our departure. I mean, Megan wasn’t exactly happy, but that was due to sore gums rather than anything else.

Torres was the venue for our pre-theatre meal, somewhere we’ve not been to before. We love tapas, and although we know nothing will ever compare to the best tapas bar ever, we keep looking. We were booked on a 5pm.co.uk deal offering 3 tapas and a glass of house wine for £10.95, which caused much confusion when we asked for a couple of Estrellas before ordering. That aside, service was good, as was the food which arrived almost as soon as we’d ordered – I suspect that was down to the early evening quiet!

We did, however, have cause to complain, when our desserts arrived frozen – fine if you’ve ordered ice cream, not so much when it’s cheesecake or tiramisu. Sorted out without fuss though, which is always nice to see, and certainly wouldn’t put us off going back. We tend to think Merchant City before Sauchiehall St when it comes to Glasgow, but Torres is definitely handy for the King’s which means a return isn’t out of the question.

Following our meal, we had time to hit for one more pre-theatre drink, and headed into the Hippo Lounge for a quick drink. Although familiar with its Gordon St sibling, it was the first time either of us had been here, and it didn’t disappoint – particularly as their well-stocked bier list included two of our favourites from last year’s NYC trip!

The evening’s main event was Avenue Q which is most easily described as Sesame Street for grown-ups. Most of the main characters are muppet-style puppets, who only exist from the waist up and are carried around by one – or in a few cases, two – puppeteers, who also provide their voices. It’s amazing how easy it is to focus on the puppets though, and before long you barely notice the people behind them, which I guess is testament to their skill.

Revolving around various people (and monsters!) living on the same New York street, Avenue Q is a very funny show about adjusting to life in the real world, and learning to be yourself. Song highlights include It Sucks To Be Me, Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist, and The Internet Is For Porn. Possibly not for the easily offended then, but definitely a show I’d watch again.