April 15, 2017 - Gianna's 13th Birthday Trip to London - Day 4 - Mamma Mia on the London Stage and All about London Theatre

Elisa's Daily Scoop
CURRENTLY TRAVELING IN: LONDON, ENGLAND

Theatre Day in London

Hello Hello!

How is your holiday weekend going?  We have a fun one planned here in London on Day 4 of our trip celebration for Gianna's 13th Birthday.

STARTING OUR DAY - WALKING THROUGH VICTORIA (c) travelincousins.com

The focus of today is a matinee of Mamma Mia in London's theatre district.  We'll start the day with a lovely pre-theatre meal at Four to Eight, which is within waking distance to the Novello Theatre.

I actually saw Mamma Mia years ago when it first hit the Broadway stage in New York.  It's been quite a while and since this is a show my girls have never seen, I thought it would be fun to experience it together on this trip.

One of the things I try to do wherever our travels take us, is to fit in some kind of theatre or performance.  For example, when our little trio went to Boston for the weekend in November, 2015, we saw Beautiful at the Boston Opera House.  

London has such an amazingly rich history with theatre, that I was not going to visit here without having the girls see a show here.

​BEAUTIFUL THE MUSICAL AT THE BOSTON OPERA HOUSE

OUSIDE THE BOSTON OPERA HOUSE TO SEE BEAUTIFUL IN BOSTON (NOV. 2015) (c) travelincousins.com

CHECK OUT TANYA'S SIDE FOR SOME FUN FACTS ABOUT
​LONDON THEATRE AND ITS HISTORY! ​

Back to today - well, folks, I am admittedly good, even great at many things.  And I can embrace my strengths with lots of pride.


But, there are also a few (and I believe it's just a few) things that I'm so BAD AT that I wont even try to make excuses about.

Let's take travel for instance - I'm really great at planning trips, doing the necessary research, creating an agenda, finding fun and interesting things to do and I'm a star-time manager!

I'm organized, good with budgeting money, can make friends with anyone, anywhere and I'm your girl if you are doing something creative - like scrapbooking, decorating or a diorama lol.

HOWEVER...I am TERRIBLE with directions!  I have a bad sense of direction; cannot read a map to save my life and I believe that guided GPS was designed with people like me in mind!!!

That brings me to the day at hand.  We started off great - We had 1pm reservations to a wonderful restaurant in Covent Garden, across from the Novello Theatre, where we needed to be at 3pm.

We started off seemingly fine with a google map to direct us to the train station. Now, see, that was my first mistake. I should have stuck to the bus system here.  The stations are around the corner; they are above ground, but I digress.

Long story short, I don't know what happened.  Then I lost internet service - so after a minor meltdown on my part due to, a) having had it with Kelsey's morose and angry attitude for the 3rd day in row over something I said; b) Gianna taking her sweet time and causing us to leave 45 minutes later than I had planned; and c) feeling very out of control on the navigation front; I finally decided to get in a cab.

Now, the truth to be told, Gianna is great with a map; she has a wonderful sense of direction which she did not inherit from either her mother or her father, so she always saves the day in getting our course on track and directing us.  

But in this instance, that was not even happening, because I was already pissed off and once I lose it, it takes a while for me to come back to earth.

We were already late for our reservation, which was increasing my anxiety.

​So, I thought it best to suck it up, pay the extra money for a cab and just allow myself to calm down so we could have a nice meal and get to the play on time.

In the end, it turned out to be a GREAT DAY!! 

THE RESTAURANT WAS LITERALLY ACROSS FROM THE THEATRE! THIS PHOTO WAS TAKEN FROM OUR TABLE. TALK ABOUT CONVENIENCE!! (c) travelincousins.com

THE NOVELLO THEATRE (c) travelincousins.com

Once we were in the taxi, I calmed down; apologized to the girls and we moved on.  They also apologized to me since they realized they had their part in my freak-out.

So.....
The restaurant, Four to Eight, was delightful!! When I made the reservation via email, I was told that it was close to the theatre, but I didn't realize just how close!  It was literally yards away, across a small street!  

The atmosphere was eclectic with a bit of an industrial loft feel.  With floor to ceiling windows around the perimeter of the restaurant, it was bright and cheery.

​The size of the ground floor space was rather intimate, although quite airy with the openness of the windows, giving it the feeling of being larger. 

The bar and floor to ceiling wine rack in the center were the focal point.

The restaurant has a basement level as well, which is a bit more relaxed with a view of an open kitchen

Our table was just gorgeous, with a view of the Novello Theatre.  But, most importantly, let me tell you about the food!! 

PEAR WITH RADICCIO, RICOTTA AND HAZELNUT SALAD (c) travelincousins.com

HOUSE BREAD PLATTER (c) travelincousins.com

ORECCHIETTE IN TOMATO SAUCE TOPPED WITH CRISPY FRIED EGGPLANT AND SMOKED RICOTTA. (c) travelincousins.com

FETTUCCINE CARBONARA (c) travelincousins.com

Offering both a pre-theatre menu and an a la carte menu, the options were pretty varied.  Interesting dishes as well!

Gianna and I both spied the Pear & Radicchio salad, which was so incredibly tasty.  Blending the bitterness of the radicchio with the sweetness of the pears, combined with the creaminess of the ricotta and crunchy nutty flavor of the hazelnuts, it was an original combination which was incredible!

The bread assortment was a combination of traditional bread and a kind of crispy, almost chip-like "bread" which had the most savory, spiced flavor.

For our main courses, we went with pasta. (is that a shocker?!?)

My dish was definitely the best, as I tasted all three!  Orecciette in a spicy tomato sauce, topped with crispy fried eggplant and smoked ricotta.  So many different flavors blending together. And the eggplant was "chip-fine" making it so light.  It was nothing that I expected and more than I could have asked for!!

KELSEY MUNCHING AWAY ON THE CRISPY BREAD (c) travelincousins.com

Gianna went with the Fettuccine Carbonara, which she liked but found a bit heavy, which is a trademark of carbonara sauce.

Kelsey went traditional with fettuccine with tomato sauce.  I tasted it and found the sauce very tasty and light.

Time was slipping away, since we had arrived late, so only Gianna ordered dessert - Dolce de Leche Cheesecake with amaretti crumble.

Her cheesecake arrived while Kelsey and I made a visit to the little girls' room, so I didn't get a chance to snap a picture.  When I got back to the table, she had polished off most of the cake, but there was a small little piece from which I was able to taste. Guys, I cannot express just how amazing this cheesecake was!!!  The flavors were the perfect combination of sweet!  I took what was left after I had a bite. 

TIME FOR THE SHOW!!

We scurried across the street and were AMAZED at the seats.  I had forgotten since ordering these a number of months ago, where we were sitting.

Four Row, slightly right of center.  Great view, to say the least. Alittle loud since we were rather close to the speakers, but our location could not be more perfect!

Let me tell you, the girls LOVED IT!! I knew they would.  Neither of them had seen the movie and weren't that familiar with the music from ABBA.  So, I was interested in seeing their reaction.

According to Gianna, she didn't want it to end!!  She told me that she wants Grandma to take her to see it in New York.  Well, I cannot tell you how happy that made me - the fact that I did well with the choice!

Of course, I'm a sap - I've seen this show twice and I still cried!  Yup - two parts - when Donna is helping Sophie get in her wedding dress and when Donna and Sam face off after 20 years of not seeing each other, realizing how they always loved each other.  What can I say, I'm a romantic!

WAITING FOR THE SHOW TO START (c) travelincousins.com

MOMMY & GIRLS' TRADITIONAL "THEATRE SELFIE" (c) travelincousins.com

ENJOYING THE COOKIES & CREAM ICE CREAM AT INTERMISSION (c) travelincousins.com

Ok so we decided to take the bus back home to our apartment.  Do I need to further embarrass myself?  Yup - got on the RIGHT BUS - but was too busy taking pictures out the window - got off at the WRONG STOP!  I thought Gianna was going to kill me.  

It wasn't that bad  - honestly!  We had to walk about .7 of a mile (which did us all good considering how gorgeous it was outside!)

WAITING FOR THE #87 BUS AFTER LEAVING THE THEATRE (c) travelincousins.com

MY LITTLE WORLD TRAVELERS ON THE BUS (c) travelincousins.com

VIEW BACK TOWARDS CATHERINE STREET (c) travelincousins.com

ACROSS FROM THE BUS STOP (c) travelincousins.com

TAKEN FROM THE BUS (c) travelincousins.com

SNAPPING AWAY FROM THE BUS (c) travelincousins.com

VIEW DOWN THE THAMES FROM THE VAUXHALL BRIDGE (LONDON EYE IN VIEW) (c)travelincousins.com

Well that was my little adventure today. We stopped into the grocery store off our lobby and grabbed a few provisions.

Tomorrow is Easter and we are going to attend mass in the morning at the most adorable little church up near our apartment and then head to have Afternoon Tea at the Chesterfield in Mayfair.

See you back tomorrow!!

-E
xoxo

Tanya's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 2 DAYS

All about London Theatre

Good Day Folks & Happy Saturday to you!

The beautiful Easter Bouquet that Dave got me (c)travelincousins.com

I wish you could smell this - it's gorgeous! (c)travelincousins.com

​Do you have any fun plans for this weekend?

I've got a busy day ahead, but it's full of fun Easter errands rather than boring ones. And then plans for a lovely dinner at the Arata pop-up at Plant Food + Wine out in Venice, CA.

If you recall Dave and I had made our way out there last August for the delicious first pop up.. 

OH MY GOSH - looking at some of the plates that we ordered last time is making my mouth water!

Lucky for me that I'll be eating similar offerings in only a few hours...I can't wait!

Another thing I feel pretty lucky about is that I can say I AM FINISHED packing!
Good thing huh?!       We leave in 2 DAYS!

Yes folks, I managed to get through the massive amount of laundry, continue with my super chore of switching out the winter/summer clothes, pack, go to the gym, take Cosette to her Horseback Riding lesson and still make it to my Mani appointment - and while I was there I changed my mind and did opt to also get a Pedi.

​Now that my finger nails and toe nails are looking good - ready for Easter and for our trip. We know that since I have my LipSense that my LIPS are looking awesome (which btw - I received another package yesterday with MORE colors - soooo exciting!!).  

​Now it's time for my hair!!!

I'm also still trying to finalize the day-to-day itinerary for Hawaii - if you could believe that! I mean what the heck?

​Is it that when I think of Hawaii that my mind goes on Hawaii time?

We leave in 17 days, so I better get this darn tootin' itinerary finalized!

I bet you didn't realize that every time I talk about or evern mention going Hawaii that my sister Jet gets all dreamy eyed and tells me that I should invite her...which have you I typically do - and she still doesn't come.  

Plus I know that Cosette is a bit upset that I'm doing this Hawaii trip without her and Dominic.  

But there are activities planned - such as mountain biking, which Cosette HATES.  
So in any case I am planning another trip to Hawaii for us next year and let's see if Jet follows through and comes along!  What you think she'll do?

Now let's talk about London!!

Elisa and the girls are out there enjoying themselves and today they went to see Mamma Mia. 

We took Dominic and Cosette to see this on Broadway years ago.

Winter Garden Theatre in NYC (c)travelincousins.com

It was great fun and the kids (especially Cosette) loved the music, had already known the story and the soundtrack from the movie.
​
ABBA is just so much fun to sing along to!

Taking the kids to see Mamma Mia in NYC (c)travelincousins.com

And speaking of the theatre. How about some interesting history about London Theatre?

• Theatre in London flourished after the English Reformation. The first permanent public playhouse, known simply as The Theatre, was constructed in 1576 in Shoreditch by James Burbage.
• It was soon joined by The Curtain.
• Both are known to have been used by William Shakespeare's company.
• In 1599, the timber from The Theatre was moved to Southwark, where it was used in building the Globe Theatre in a new theatre district formed beyond the controls of the City corporation.
• The first West End theatre, known as Theatre Royal in Bridges Street, was designed by Thomas Killigrew and built on the site of the present Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.
• It opened on 7 May 1663 and was destroyed by a fire nine years later. It was replaced by a new structure designed by Christopher Wren and renamed the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

West End theatre is a common term for mainstream professional theatre staged in the large theatres of "Theatreland" in and near the West End of London.

DID YOU KNOW: The length of West End shows depend on ticket sales.

• The longest-running musical in West End history is Les Misérables.
• It overtook Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats, which closed in 2002 after running for 8,949 performances and 21 years, as the longest-running West End musical of all time on 8 October 2006.
• Other long-runners include Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera and Willy Russell's Blood Brothers which have also subsequently overtaken Cats.

• However the non-musical Agatha Christie play The Mousetrap is the longest-running production in the world, and has been performed continuously since 1952!
• Along with New York City's Broadway theatre, West End theatre is usually considered to represent the highest level of commercial theatre in the English-speaking world.
• Seeing a West End show is a common tourist activity in London.

• In 2013, ticket sales reached a record 14.4 million, making West End the largest English speaking audience in the world. 

​
As you know both Elisa and I love the Theatre and I'm so glad that she and the girls had such a good time this afternoon!

Related reading:
Classical Music Venues Worldwide

I'll gonna get going here - I think I'm a bit behind schedule and have a ton more to do.

See ya back here for Easter Sunday!

Ciao 4 now,
-T