Theatres, Taverns and Tubes! Oh my!

           

nl.wikipedia.org

            On our first day in London, we were given the task to find three iconic landmarks on a scavenger hunt. One of these three places was the National Theatre. I didn’t know what to expect, but I had the idea in my mind that it was going to be more of an older building. (Boy, was I wrong) As we approached, I saw that the National Theatre was the complete opposite of my assumptions! Already, we have seen one, Light Shining in Buckinghamshire, of three plays that will be performed there during our stay.

            In 1848, Effingham Wilson proposed the idea for a National Theatre, but after several failed attempts, “definite plans were formulated in a book by Harley Granville Barker and William Archer in 1903.” Parliament finally gave their approval for the building in 1949. “It was decided in July 1962 that pending completion of the new building, the Old Vic Theatre was to become the temporary home of the specially created National Theatre company.” On October 25, 1976, the Queen of England opened the National Theatre to the public.

http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

            On the National Theatre’s website, the purpose of the theatre is described as “The National Theatre is dedicated to the constant revitalization of the great traditions of the British stage and to expanding the horizons of audiences and artists alike. In its three theatres on the South Bank in London, it presents an eclectic mix of new plays and classics from the world repertoire with seven or eight productions in repertory at any one time. The National Theatre aspires to reflect in its repertoire the diversity of the nation's culture.” Light Shining in Buckinghamshire was a great representation of what the theatre wants to accomplish.

It was a gateway into a time of the English Civil War between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians. Although the script did not entertain me, the overall production was beautifully designed. The whole play took place on a gigantic buffet table. While the Parliamentarians performed their struggles of everyday life, the Royalists were sitting at the table enjoying multiple rounds of food and leisure. As the production went on, the table became bearer and eventually turned into a dirt plot. There were many creative flares that made this seemingly traditional show into a contemporary masterpiece.

(This information was gathered from http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/discover-more/welcome-to-the-national-theatre/the-history-of-the-national-theatre/national-theatre)

             May 30 was one of the best day in London I have had so far! A few of us woke up early and took the tubes to Picadilly Circus and entered in the lottery for front row tickets to The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre. WE WON!!!! I went into the show only knowing a few songs and came out with a smile and a newfound appreciation for the comedic musical! Then we met Ross Hunter who played Elder Price (picture right), and Brian Sears who played Elder Cunningham (center picture). We also acquired half price tickets to Wicked and met Jeremy Taylor who played Fiyero (picture left).

                               

It was a day of laughter, friendship and adventure. This was a great way to wrap up a fun first week!