London...Trip #2. Let's Rehash.

Well, I loved London the first time around and figured that I would feel the same in the future. And I did. I'm not bubbling quite with the excitement I had the first time around; I think the nasty cold I had dampened my spirits a bit, but, nonetheless, I love London.

The city has an amazing energy about it. And even though English is the predominant language I've never heard a larger variety of languages than I did on the streets of London.

Kyle and I outside Apollo Victoria Theatre

This trip had one real reason. WICKED! Of course. I have wanted to see Wicked in London or New York for a long time. (New York...I'm coming for you soon!) All the other performances I've seen have been traveling shows that remain in cities for only a few weeks at a time and while many of these have been fantastic, I've been desperate for a viewing in a permanent location!

It did not disappoint.

There were a few differences throughout the show. (Once you've seen it a few times you start to notice these things!) There was an occasional wording difference or slight staging change, probably due more to it's London location and having a permanent stage to work with.

Elphaba was played by Rachel Tucker, whose raspy, but powerful voice with, of course, an English accent, made for an interesting change in the usual role.

See...those are some serious tats for Fiyero.

The other notable performance of the night belonged to Fiyero, played by Matt Willis. According to the bio in the program he was part of a British pop rock band called Busted. But, what made it notable was the full sleeve tattoos visible on both arms when Fiyero wore short sleeves. Now, I love a good tattoo (or two or three) but I was totally distracted by this character and his tattoos! His performance was okay, but the character of Fiyero is always given the silliest dance steps and I always wish they were just a little more "manly" and a little less "theatre". Hmmmm....but what do I know? Anyways...

While in London we also strolled down Portobello Road in Notting Hill and wandered the shops. It was a pretty cool area. Being sick might have been a good thing- I felt too bad to spend any of my money. Kyle was on a hunt for as many orders of fish and chips as a weekend would allow, so two lunch stops filled that desire. Fish and chips are okay, but I wouldn't want that to be the main cuisine of my hometown. I'll stick with the Skyline, thank you.

A few cider beers rounded out the quick trip. Nice to be back home. And now I must pack for Amsterdam and Paris. Life is rough.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Hope today and every day is a great one!

Pic of Matt Willis from http://www.geton.co.uk/Matt-Willis-Brightona