Musicals

I have now been in the UK for 7 months, and I finally made time for myself to see a show in London’s West End. I only starting thinking about going in to see a show about 2 months ago, realizing the opportunity I would miss if I didn’t see something. I have been trying to make time on weekends to go in, but this last while I have needed both Saturday and Sunday to recharge my batteries and plan for the next week. The beginning of April marked our Easter holidays, so I went to London for the weekend with the aim to see a show (anything that was cheep enough that I had some interest in) and to go to Wood Green Mennonite church on Sunday. Fellow teachers have hyped me up to see The Lion King citing good reviews and personal experiences, so I hoped I could snatch a cheep last-minute ticket just before performance. It turns out many other people had read these good reviews, because it was sold out. Besides, it would have set me back £60 (about $120 Canadian). I decided to go for Whistle Down the Wind, music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. As the opening musical number introduced the setting of the story, became acutely aware that the entertainment aspect of my life was sorely lacking. This is what I need more often to unwind and leave the troubles of school behind me for a while. If it wasn’t for cost and time, I’d do this at least once a month! Anyway, aside from cramped seats and child actors who let their British accent poke through at times (the drama is set in the deep American South in the 1950’s) it was very enjoyable. And the music! Well, it’s by Andrew Lloyd Webber – need I say more? Some people have said this is the next best score Webber has produced next to Phantom of the Opera. Too bad it is often overlooked.
Since I went in for a matinee, I had time in the evening to wander around the theatres for a while, as well and popping into China town. I walked by The Queen’s Theatre where Les Misérables is performed. The show was sold out, but for £10, one could stand in the back and watch the show. I decided that I would pass on this, since I had seen the show before in Winnipeg (and performed in it in high school). I checked out other shows, but scalper’s price was still £50 for Mamma Mia or The Lion King. I was drawn back to Les Misérables, and decided to queue up to inquire about any cancelled tickets (I didn’t want to stand for 3 hours). I waited behind two young German women who were trying to give address details to the attendant, but had a hard time communicating because they had limited English and he had no German. I translated for a while until realised they were trying to return a ticket. I just simply bought the ticket off them for reduced price (£35), which made everyone happy. I was in the back though, so I could not see the faces of the people on the barricade due to the low ceiling, but it was still worth it.
So, I ended up seeing two shows instead of one, paying £59 for tickets and £8 for programs and sweets. Plus I ate out for £4, too. Total bill: £73 (or about $145 Canadian)…. (The cost of train tickets, and staying the night at the London Mennonite Centre added another £40 to the weekend) A bit more expensive compared to my normal “free museum and free walks around parks” weekends. But I deserved to spoil myself once in a while, right?
For the second half of the Easter break, I’m on a tour of Eastern Europe. Another expensive adventure… Oh well, I have to take this opportunity to travel while I can!

Shalom
Kevin