Wolf Hall

No Zebra Crossing today, the skies would not permit it. Woke up to rain so we immediately changed the direction of our day. Last night in my research, I discovered that the Aldwych Theatre sells a limited number of seats for 10lbs. Must be in person at the box office at 10:30am. The production is Wolf Hall done by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Based on the book by Hilary Mantel about Thomas Cromwell. I had read the novel and thought what better play to see in London, especially following our wonderful experience at Hampton Court. What a thrill to stand where Henry VIII had stood and so many heads had rolled!

We chose to take the bus to the theater which turned out to be not such a great idea during rush hour. We eventually abandoned the bus and walked the rest of the way. Got in line which really wasn't very long - still didn't know if there would be any seats left at that price. Talked with a woman from LA who was making the most of her time while her husband was here on business. Finally made it up to the window and scored some seats for the 2:00 matinee. We were told that they are in the "stalls". Have never heard this term before but it is basically in the back of the orchestra. In our case, the very back, the last row. No matter for 10 quid it was a deal. Our LA friend, Bev, got the seat next to us. 

Had a couple of hours to kill so we walked up to the British Museum.

Admission is free but there is a price for the special exhibitions. Would've liked to have seen the Vikings but the line to buy tickets was too much to bear. In fact, the museum, although beautiful, was a bit overwhelming with people. We stopped to see the highlights - Rosetta Stone, Easter Island Statue and a few other things and then left the crowds for a quiet pub we had passed earlier. Had a bite to eat and meandered back down to the Aldwych Theatre.

The skies were getting darker and it was very chilly so we went inside as soon as possible. This is a pretty compact theater and although we were in the last row, it was not that far back at all. The really great part was that even though the house was packed, there was no one in front of me and Bev. GREAT!! The seats could not have been better for that price and the performance was excellent. The staging was amazing. It was very minimalistic and done mostly with lighting. Wonderful experience and a great way to spend a rainy London afternoon.

The sun was shining brightly when we exited the theater, but it was chilly. The 15 bus was right there so we jumped on and rode home. Geoff put together some munchies. We showered, put in a load of wash, and headed out to the river side restaurant we have had our eye on for a while. No seats, except in the back -no view- without a reservation. UGH! Mulled it over and decided to make a reservation for tomorrow night, our last in London. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we can have a nice walk down the Thames after dinner.

We turned back to St. Katherine's Dock where our apartment is and went to Mala, the Indian restaurant. We have had our eye on this one as well. We were not disappointed. The food was incredible. We sat and watched the rain showers pouring down during dinner. Nothing but clear skies when we left.

Back in the apartment, listening to the clothes go around in the dryer, and hoping that the sun shines on us tomorrow. We have a lot planned for our last day. 

Next time...Last Tango in London