5 replies to this topic

[Scribbler]

I had a great day in London on Wednesday with my PA to see the show Les Miserable. I went down from Newark by train, which only takes 80 minutes but the WC space on National Express wasn't practical, so a couple moved seats, which was much better.

I got a cab from Kings Cross to Frith Street, which only cost £8.50 and was easier than trying to find the correct bus. We had lunch at an Italian place then went round the corner to the theatre.

The staff where very helpful but I felt a bit precarious perched on the raised platform. My WC space was C1 and my PA in C2, which was next to me but about 3 feet lower, it would have been better if my PA had been in B1, which was the same level as me but only slightly behind my left shoulder.

The show was spectacular so well worth the effort and I thought £40 was quite cheap for me and my PA. It was the afternoon matinee; maybe its more expensive in an evening.

There must have been a secret trap door next to me because each time the house lights went up a member of staff suddenly appeared by my shoulder and asked it I needed anything.

The show finished at 5.30 so we decided to walk back to Kings Cross, (I still say walk after 50 years). I noticed the dropped curbs were very steep; my foot tray scrapped the road at one point.

Although I was born in London and used to go around there a lot; its been 25 years since I've been back, but I still knew my way around. 50 years ago when I was injured there weren’t any dropped curbs or disabled loo’s, but we still went all over London; even on the tube.

We got back to Kings Cross early so I asked at the Information Desk if I could catch an earlier train. He was very helpful and got on his radio, then told me to go to platform 3 as there was a train leaving in 15 minutes. A lady was waiting for me and said she'd upgrade us to First Class.

The WC space in First Class was excellent plus we had free coffee from china cups plus a free newspaper; all for £35 return. Not bad!!!

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I’d see Les Miserable in the West End, its thanks to the people on this site who write encouraging posts with useful information that spurred me on so thanks Trinity, Ches & John.

I found everyone very friendly and helpful, even in London people were friendly and polite and drivers stopped to let us cross roads. If you’re thinking of going I’d certainly recommend it.

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[nomis]

Gosh Scribbler, you're making me nostalgic for London. Last show I saw there was the Rocky Horror Show about 30 years ago. Glad you made it to Les Miserable.
Nice pic, Mr Nonchalance and his very pretty assistant.

[Trinity]

Looking very dapper in that photo! So glad you had a good time, better start planning the next adventure!
Trin x

[Jasper]

I am seething with jealousy! I grew up watching Les Miserables on VHS and listening to it on CD. I have been dying to see it in person! Just to give a snip of the love my family has for the play, not only did me and my cousins reenact the entire play in front of a video camera when I was a pre-teen (The Movie we made was quite good, equipped with costumes and all. I played Marius) but a framed Les Miserables poster adorns the wall at the end of the front hallway in my mothers house, greeting all who enter. I am very happy for you! Congrats on a wonderful adventure!

[Scribbler]

Hi Jasper, or should I say Marius

I read the book years ago and saw the film so I must admit to being a Les Miserables fanatic. I watched the 10th anniversary concert on TV and since it went on DVD I bought it, along with the set of 3 CD's with every song. Even after all these years I never tire of hearing the beautiful songs, my favourite; "Bring Him Home" still brings a tear to my eye.

As I type this I'm listening to the CD; they're singing, "One Day More"... I hope you get the chance to see the show as its so spectacular and gets a standing ovation (except from me) at every performance..

Mike

[Jasper]

Colm Wilkinson, be still my beating heart! The 10th Anniversary concert is absolutely amazing! I had the 3 CD set, but alas, I played to often (on a loop for months) and it no longer works I still get goose bumps every time I here the Mmm Dun Dun Da Dun.