Theatre Tours

The Albert Hall tour was worth doing. Not too much in the way of access to secret places - you do get to see the royal retirement room, maybe see a show being set up - but informative, and the best chance you'll get for photography, and a leisurely look around that beautiful building.

I did the NT tour a few months ago. Really interesting and lots of backstage access.
Also did the RAH one in October. No backstage access but it's a facinating tour with lots of history. You get to sit in a box and we were lucky to see rehursal for a concert later that day.

I did a tour of the Palladium, admittedly quite a few years ago , not sure if they still do them, but it was excellent . We got to actually walk across the stage , I was amazed how shallow the stage is, front to back , and there’s hardly any wing space. It’s amazing what scenic designers do with perspective . It was good seeing all the old posters in the corridors too . So not sure if this recommendation is any help , but it’s a good tour if they do it.

I did Drury Lane years ago when "Miss Saigon" was on - fascinating.

I did the Drury Lane tour this morning and I have to say, I loved every minute of it. The two guides were funny, knowledgable and made it really interesting. Only costs a tenner for an hour, and you get a great insight into the history (including ghosts!), entry to the Kings Room and Princes Room, see the crew soundchecking in the otherwise empty auditorium, a walk through the wig department and even a look underneath the stage. Thoroughly, thoroughly recommended 😁😁

I did the ROH tour a year or two ago and yes, it was more like £12. (We had coffee and cakes in their cafe afterwards and the tour ticket entitled you to a small discount!)

The highlight for me was our guide... I recognised him instantly as one of the old Les Mis stalwarts. He seemed quite chuffed after the tour when I said I could remember him as the unsuspecting guest with the bag in Thenardier’s tavern (among other things). 

I found this on him after a quick Google: 

smallTALK with David Alder

What was your first experience with the musical Les Mis in London?

I first saw Les Mis at the Barbican when it was four hours and twenty minutes long! I was in "Me and My Girl" at the time, and it felt like an endurance test but enjoyable at the same time. Both shows were up for Best Musical at the SWET or Olivier Awards, and of course Me And My Girl won! An actor called Ian Calvin died tragically, and Cameron asked M & MG management if they would release me to replace him, which I did, with two weeks rehearsal and no audition, as everybody knew who I was, and it was a very sensitive situation. I played two and a quarter years in it.

What was the most embarrassing thing that happened during your time in London Les Mis?

My embarrassing moment was when I was playing the bishop (that was my understudy role) I had my night shirt tucked in my underpants, after having done the quick change, and as at that time I couldn't wear contact lenses, the cast use to lay bets as to whether I would find the candlesticks on the table!

Would you like to be in this musical again? If yes, what role would you like to do then?

They wouldn't have me back in the show now as I am too old. But I loved being with a lot of the originals when I joined, some of whom had been upgraded to the leading roles.

The ROH was very grand (my one and only visit) and we saw lots behind the scenes too. So all in all it was well worth it.



@eldermillan , I keep meaning to say that I visited your wonderful city (I wonder how many others on the board have been?) a couple of years ago and found it breathtaking! 

Oh @caiaphas, how cool! Not a lot of foreign tourists know about it. Nice to hear you enjoyed it!

Yes, I know where that is (I think it's called Vincci Zaragoza now). Next time stay at the hotel where I work, I'll make you a discount

Please tell me 'backstage tour at the Gaiety'is the best euphemism ever!

Anyone been on the Royal Court tour?