Had a great day down in London today. Purpose of the trip was to see Merchant of Venice at The Globe Theatre.
Journey down was remarkably smooth (if crowded, especially the Underground!) We headed for St Pauls first.
I found it faintly disturbing as a Cathedral - more of a mausoleum, a monument to British Empire, than a place of worship. Gloriously splendid, but somehow lacking in spirit. As W said, to get a monument within it the qualification seems to have been to die in battle at the point of victory (with notable exceptions. of course). The colours, gold leaf, and architecture of the building were undoubtedly splendid, however.
On to lunch at Pizza Express - a favourite dining place and conveniently across the road from St Paul's. Then, with time to spare, a leisurely stroll across the Millenium Bridge, to the Globe.
The drizzle was falling, but fortunately we were under cover, seated in the lower stalls. The hired cushions were also a wise investment! The shop, before the production, provided ample opportunities for purchase (to which some of us succumbed - I'm claiming I needed to as part of preparations to teach The Tempest this year!)
The play itself was a delight. The audience were drawn in, involved. Asides (off script!) were used to great effect to comment on a mobile phone ringing (argh!) and the interest of a local pigeon in participating in the drama. There was much comedy within the play, and many many laughs. And, at Shylock's downfall, you could only feel pity for the man, despite his obnoxiousness.
Then on to Foyles.
The girls were astounded at its size, enthralled to discover books they did not know of. Both now have wishlists as well as their purchases. We could have spent hours (and a fortune!) there - but made a gesture towards restraint. Homeward bound, we began reading our purchases, and reflected on a wonderful day out - and vowed to do it again. For both our girls (12 and 15) it was their first experience of seeing Shakespeare live - what a way in which to do it!
3 comments:
wow - I was slightly disappointed that Sam didn't get to actually see anything at the globe on her recent trip to London....
am secretly coveting her birthday present of Shakespeare for children -it gives me time to crib on plays I never got to read at school...
wow - I've been past the Globe but never inside. It sounds wonderful. As for Cathedrals, I prefer Southwark.
Hi Caroline....it sounds like it was a terrific day. Would love to experience the Globe....and will one of these days.
Just to be in London would be marvellous really....
St. Pauls...though it has been turned into a tourist shop to some extent, i found Westminster to be beyond help. I was able to still get a feeling of reverence when i walked in to that cathedral. I was sorely disappointed when visiting that beautiful cathedral.
Last year, I was presently surprised when I was in Toronto and walked into the downtown cathedral and found no real touristy things.......it had a calm wonderful feel to it...so much so that I sat down for an hour and meditated.....
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