As you know I've been to London a lot during 2013 where I enjoyed seeing some incredible shows and revisited my favourite musical of all time, The Phantom of the Opera.
Phantom at Piccadilly Circus
I spent a few days during November where I revisited my favourite musical, visited the London Coliseum for English National Opera's The Magic Flute and saw The Bodyguard for the first time. I plan to do a full review about The Magic Flute in due course so keep tuned for the post!
I stayed in a hostel in Fitzrovia, classed as central London, and you could walk to a lot of places within 15-30 minutes! So it was great for visiting The West End, Covent Gardens, Holborn (where I did an arts workshop at City Lit on one of the days) and is a short distance from London Kings Cross Railway Station.
Fitzrovia, Central London
I mourned the fact that you are no longer able to climb up the British Telecom Tower but there are talks about the tower reopening to the public again. I understand there are great views of London and beyond. In the meantime it's a matter of relying on rides up The Shard and on the London Eye.
Neal Yard's, Covent Gardens
It was nice exploring the back streets of London especially the 'other side' of Long Acre Street including the Seven Dials, Neal Yard's etc. A contrast compared to the busy and bustling Covent Gardens. I was able to visit Donmar Warehouse where I obtained flyers for Coriolanus for which the only way to see the play live is via a screening at your local cinema at the end of January. I'm really looking forward to seeing the highly anticipated play with a very talented cast live on the big screen.
Sea Life London Aquarium
I had fun meeting up with some friends on the trip. Vicky and I visited the Sea Life London Aquarium. I first went when it first opened in 1999 and it has changed so much since and the entry admission fee has now more than doubled! I enjoyed the aquarium more than I though and respect Sea Life's aims to support marine conservation. I enjoyed walking through the 'underground' tunnels and admiring life around me. Amazing! After visiting the aquarium we had a mooch around the Christmas Markets at Southbank and enjoyed the mulled wine!
Christmas Markets at Southbank/London
On the last evening I went to see The Bodyguard at the Adelphi Theatre. I was curious about this musical based on the same title movie starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston. The musical comprised of Whitney Houston songs which tells the story about Rachel Marron, a famous singer, and Frank Farmer, the bodyguard.
I'm afraid to say that I was disappointed with the musical. The story was very basic and I feel the story's messages could have been delved deeper. For example, I would love to hear more about Rachel Marron's rise to fame and how the stalker's obsession for her developed. I know I won't see The Bodyguard again.
However there were memorable highlights such as seeing Beverley Knight perform! Wow! She was absolutely amazing and her singing was incredible! What a talented artist! I also enjoyed the Whitney's well known songs and we were dancing in our seats at the very end of the show!
I think from a juke box musical perspective...it's a perfect musical to enjoy some of the great Whitney's songs and to see Beverley Knight perform. From a story perspective, I think one would be disappointed. Still I think one ought to go and see and make up their own minds. This is simply my personal and honest opinion. Here is the website which will give you more information about the musical including booking information.
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