The Hunt

Every trip that the U of O Theatre Department has done (as far as I know) there has been a sort of scavenger hunt. The point of which is not which team is the fastest but to get each team to better know London and how transportation and life works in the city. Since I’ve done this trip before of course my team was given a couple more destinations to discover and seeing as it would give my team an advantage, I had to let my team figure things out for themselves, which really wasn’t hard for them as they are some of the smartest people I know. Regardless of my previous knowledge, the places that were chosen for us to go to were, for the most part, places I had never been to before. The first stop was finding an electrical extension cord. Not very exciting but to know important if you’re in need one (there is a store that sells them right down the street). Second stop was the Garrick Theatre just outside of Leicester Square. Yes I have been to Leicester Square many times but I had never noticed the large Garrick situated on Charring Cross Road. The show that is currently playing there is called Hurly Burly a burlesque show that has apparently been getting some good reviews. The show features not only the art of the tease but also mashups from hit pop artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Lady Gaga and even the Pet Shop Boys. For further information on the show go to http://garrick-theatre.co.uk/current-show.htm , scroll down to see the blurb on Hurly Burly.

Third stop, find the plaque located at 5 Woburn Walk WC1. It’s William Butler Yeat’s old house. In a cute neighborhood, near where we will be staying the second half of our trip. 

Fourth stop, St. Paul’s Cathedral, get a brochure. This is the first time I have used the St. Paul’s tube station to get to the cathedral; usually I take Mansion House and walk. This way is much more epic, once you get out of the station you turn and boom there it is! It was free to go in today, well you can’t go exploring everything because of mass and all that it being Sunday and all. But I saw the ceiling and the dome and why I never visited this before I don’t know but it is truly inspiring. So much so even though I’m not in slightest sense religious, I lit a candle for my family, wishing them well and good health and in remembrance of those who’ve passed on. I suppose it’s fitting that I did this though because without the support and love I get from my family each and every day, I probably wouldn’t be here now. No for sure I would never had made it to London, chances are I wouldn’t even be studying theatre. But they are supportive and I am studying theatre and I am here in London. And for all those things I’m thankful for. I should have lit more candles.

 
Lunch on the steps of St. Paul’s. Cold but worth it, I mean how many people back home can say they’ve done that? New goal of something to do while I’m here, feed the birds at St. Paul’s. If you don’t get that reference, who are you?

Fifth and final stop (thank God, because it was starting to get windy and cold and I didn’t have a jacket), Tate Britain. I have never been in this area or in this museum before. I don’t know why I haven’t either. They have art I like, the area is nice and it’s not like its super far away from the Houses of Parliament and it’s right on the Thames! So I don’t know why I haven’t but now I know I’ll go back and actually see what the Tate has to offer. We unfortunately didn’t spend so much time in the museum as we needed to get back seeing as we had been exploring for four hours already (we were told that it should only take about 2, but then again, we took our bloody time). I will be back and I will explore more of this area.

Tomorrow: First day of Class and Clybourne Park.