a confession...

[clair_de_lalune]

As I'm spending this evening in a hotel room, I thought I'd take some time to write about my trip to London, so far. I'm here to see Hamlet and Twelfth Night. On arriving Wednesday morning, my main goal was to make sure I was rested enough to enjoy the performance of Hamlet last night. Fortunately, even though I arrived at the hotel hours before

Comments

A kiss on the cheek...

[jaderabbit]

…is not unknown among the theatre folks I've met. I think it might be common to men who either sincerely think it's a nice thing to do or think they're charming enough to get away with it. ;)

Re: A kiss on the cheek...

[clair_de_lalune]

Well, he seemed like a serious and sincere person, so I would think it's his custom to do that. :)

Re: A kiss on the cheek...

[cynodd]

The cheek-kissing thing is very common in Romania. Seems like other parts of Europe I've been in this was true, too.

Re: A kiss on the cheek...

[jaderabbit]

That's fair. I would definitely take it as a compliment, though.

Inquiring minds want to know...

[cjmr]

...which dress did you eventually choose to wear?

Re: Inquiring minds want to know...

[clair_de_lalune]

I wore the red dress because it was really the nicest in terms of the material and craftsmanship, which made me feel more comfortable. I would say that I was somewhat dressier than most of the other women there, but not terribly so. I used a black wrap with it that might have helped to break up the attention to the waist detail that you noted.

Re: Inquiring minds want to know...

[cynodd]

Glad to hear it worked well.

[rattlesnakeroot]

How exciting to meet so many actors! I wouldn't worry next time about telling people you've seen a play before. Every actor-type I knew in college spent a good part of the weekend going to plays or watching movies. Actors are probably the most likely people to see a play multiple times.

Strange about Thomas Hardy's heart! That reminds me of Beedle the Bard, and the guy with the "hairy heart" he keeps in the dungeon!

[clair_de_lalune]

Yeah...I just worry that it's weird because most of my friends and family seem to find it unusual.

The guide said that Hardy's heart was buried in his hometown because that's where his heart belonged. I guess it would have been an honor that couldn't be refused to be buried in Westminster Abbey, though.

[jaderabbit]

I think Edward Gorey went to every Sunday performance of the NYC ballet for a few decades. At worst, that puts you in the company of brilliant and lovable eccentrics.

It's fun to see the same production more than once. It's interesting to watch the little changes that occur through the run, as well as to see how your reactions change when you're less surprised.

[ms_arithmancer]

Wow, it sounds like a great trip! On my one super-brief trip to London, not getting to see Westminster Abbey was the thing I missed once (I just did not have the time to wait in the line to get in.)

I hope you enjoy the rest of the trip and look forward to reading about the rest of it.

[clair_de_lalune]

Thanks! :)

Fortunately, there was no line at Westminster Abbey when I was there. It's probably typical for it to be much less crowded in the middle of winter.

[ms_arithmancer]

That makes sense - I stopped over in London in July or August several years ago, on my way to Athens. (In the usual, logical mammer of airlines, booking a flight, even with stops/transfers, from my US airport to Athens cost some $2000/person. But buying a ticket to London, and a separate ticket on to Athens, was about $1000. So Alex and I saved tons even with a 2 night stay in London. :D )

[clair_de_lalune]

Airline logic! *sporfle*

At least you got a chance to see some of London. :)

[lunas_ceiling]

It sounds as though you are having an exciting trip! I am happy you chose the red dress too! I didn't think the waist thing was an issue but a black wrap would be a great accessory regardless, so nice choice.

I will be anxious to hear your thoughts on A Game of Thrones. I really only posted initial thoughts and am waiting to discuss it further. Still, I don't know if anything I wrote could be a spoiler so wait till you're done and we'll discuss it.

I was involved in a couple productions of Oliver with my kids. What part did you play in high school? I love that show. I love theatre period, so think it is just amazing you were able to experience this production of Hamlet and meet the actors, wow.

[clair_de_lalune]

I was in the chorus and sang the part of the strawberry seller in high school - actually one of two strawberry sellers, since neither of us had enough power in our voices alone to reach the back of the auditorium. If I remember correctly, cynodd was one of the milk maids...

The older gentleman who I met at the RSC reception said that I would have to see at least 10 different productions of Hamlet during my lifetime. I suppose he's right... *lol* He thought this one compared very favorably to the others he'd seen. The reviews for this production have been so good that I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to have seen it. In fact, a review in The Guardian actually ends with "I think I was lucky to see theatrical history in the making."

[cynodd]

Yes. "Any milk today, mistress? Any milk today?"

[lunas_ceiling]

The Guardian actually ends with "I think I was lucky to see theatrical history in the making.

Well obviously they missed the cynodd & clair_de_lalune production of "Oliver" and went with the next best alternative ;)