First London Theatre Trip

Yes, not long now and very excited for this trip! As I wrote in another thread I managed to get a ticket for Dreamgirls as well so now have 6 out of 8 shows sorted. Then have also purchased the backstage tour at the National Theatre which was only £10 and I think it will be worth every cent. Thanks for that tip @emicardiff.

Thank you, I love this walking tour that you suggested TallPaul and will do that. Good to know about the no whistling rule. 😂 Think it will be really nice to discover the Covent Garden, Soho, Mayfair area on foot. I can't wait to see London all lit up and in festive mode. 🎄

If you still have spare slots for shows, "A Christmas Carol" at the Old Vic is excellent and getting some rave reviews on here.

It's a very old rule, enforced by the resident Beadles, that dates back to the days when some of the Arcade's upper rooms were used by a certain kind of lady, if you catch my drift. Why not be a rebel and whistle one of your favourite musical tunes?

I'd somehow missed that you'd booked for Dreamgirls. You may already know that the Savoy Theatre was the London home of Legally Blonde, so you should feel right at home. If theatre architecture is your thing, then the interior of the Savoy Theatre is an Art Deco masterpiece. (If you go down the steps to the Stage Door, and around the corner, you will see that it's actually a much older building.) Savoy Court, which is the short road that leads to both The Savoy hotel and Savoy Theatre, is the only road in the UK were vehicles drive on the right, rather than the left.

You asked for suggestions in a previous post about places to eat with a theatrical link. I've never been, because I don't really do healthy food, but the Shaftesbury Avenue branch of Leon is staffed by musical theatre graduates and hopefuls. It looks like there's a good deal if you eat after 5pm. Here's the link: leonrestaurants.co.uk/restaurants/westend/. Who knows, you could see a star of the future!!

I think all that is left now, Elle, is to wish you bon voyage.

As you probably already know, the British are obsessed with the weather. Your timing is almost perfect! Friday and Saturday are going to feel cold, there may be a little rain on Sunday, but next week is going to be positively balmy, with daytime temperatures in double figures.

I know you are a seasoned traveller, but I think we all want you to remember London for all the right reasons:

-Stay safe.
-Keep alert.
-Don't fall for any scams.
-Watch out for rogue cyclists.
-Most of all, have a FAB-U-LOUS time.

And don't forget to send the Board a postcard!

Have fun! If you need any help or tips while you're here just post in this thread! Looking forward to hearing what you think of 42nd Street!

My flight was delayed so got in later today. Only had time to walk around the Strand and Covent Garden before the show, it was already dark and sooooo busy! But then it was a Friday night I guess? Other tourists asked me for directions 4 times. 😄 Considered a cheeky Nando's but went to Pret for soup. Also tried a mince pie, yum! The traffic on the left needs getting used to. Must look the right way!!! The city feels similar to NYC: so vibrant with endless possibilities. I know I will barely scratch the surface during this week. So much to see and do!

42nd Street, what a feast for the eyes and ears! This is really a SHOW!!! Just pure entertainment and fun. Excellent opening and encore. Such a large cast, it was impressive to see. Left humming the tune.

I always regard it as a badge of honour to be asked for directions. It means I must look like a local.

If, by the end of my visit, I haven't been asked, I start insisting on giving directions to random strangers, whether they want them or not!!!

Godspeed.

Keep in touch, and come back soon (both to the Board and London). You can check-out anytime you like, but you can never leave!!!!

Thanks TallPaul ! Made it home safely. Who's leaving? I only just got to this board. 😄 Still need to tell you guys about what else I did in London and keep up with the shows for my future trips etc. Oh yes, there will be many future trips! Sorry NYC, we need to go on a break, I have a new city in my life. Now that I got the basic London stuff down next time will be even better!

Thank you lynette!

Never questioned it, but you are right. Why in Britain?  Never seen it abroad.

Keep these observations coming.