My London Bucket List

I am so fortunate that I am able to go down to London quite regularly, but I always stick to the same thing each, and every time I visit. My standard visit is now a fail safe, arrive at Liverpool Street, head to Topshop Oxford Circus, watch a matinee, grab dinner (Bills, Pret or Leon) go home. Which is great but not really getting a true reflection of this multifaceted, exciting, bustling city.

I should begin with the places I have featured in the image at the top.
Columbia Road Flower Market, such an iconic place and somewhere you picture when you think of London.
The Barbican Conservatory, I believe this is open once a month, and just looks like a really relaxing place with lots of plants (that as a 20 something millennial I am rather into).
Sketch, this restaurant especially the pink room pictured above and the toilets have reached a rather cult status. I am a fan of afternoon tea, not something I regularly indulge myself in, and boujee surroundings.
Finally pictured is the Sky Garden at the top of the Walkie Talkie building. What a view that place must have and the surroundings inside make my heart sing.

Other places I would like to tick off:
The Natural History Museum
Kew Gardens
The Shard (I am obsessed with this building for some reason!)
The V&A
Tonight Josephine
A Psycle class (this does partially scare me)
The London Eye at Night
A Cat Cafe
Peggy Porschen (again instagram goals, and coincidentally Peggy was my Nan's nickname)

I also want to finally track down Fenty Beauty and see it with my own eyeballs, get a Maria Tash piercing (maybe a 25th birthday treat to myself?!) and finally start trying all the independent coffee shops London has to offer.

Finally being the stagey that I am, I would like to see these 3 shows.
Come From Away - I have heard so many good things!!
Everybody is Talking About Jamie
Dear Evan Hansen - opening towards the end of this year.

That is how my bucket list is shaping up at the moment. London based friends I hope you are ready for a KP visit.

Shows to watch in London this Christmas 🎄

Hello, this wouldn't be my blogmas if there wasn't a stagey aspect to it. Today I am sharing all the shows I think you should watch in London if you could this festive season. Certainly I would love to be able to watch them all if it was possible!

The Nutcracker - The Royal Ballet

This is a christmas classic, performed by one of the most esteemed ballet companies in the world, in the gorgeous setting that is the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. A truly magical place during the festive season.

Matthew Bourne's Cinderella

I don't think you can go wrong with seeing New Adventure's Christmas residency at Sadler's Wells. This year Bourne is bringing back their version of Cinderella set in London during the Second World War. Staring Ashley Shaw, who blew audiences away over the past year in The Red Shoes, this really is one not to miss.

An American in Paris

When thinking of a musical include, this was the first one that came to mind. There are gorgeous dance sequences and it has a really almost cosy and warm feeling. Perfect for this time of year. The run ends on the 6th January so this is your last chance to see it!

A Comedy About a Bank Robbery

If you want a good laugh but pantomime isn't your thing, I highly recommend the Mischief Theatre Company, earlier this year I saw The Play that Goes Wrong and of course Peter Pan Goes Wrong was on the BBC last Christmas. The Comedy About a Bank Robbery is high on my list of things I'd like to see in London soonish.

Dick Whittington

I saw the Palladium Panto last year, and let me tell you it was the most extravagant pantomime I have ever watched, I will remember it forever. This year again it stars Julian Clary, who I just found beyond hilarious, I was crying with laughter. Elaine Paige is also in it, I am so honoured to get to see her perform. Its just a great day out, and I feel it will become a Christmas tradition.

If you're not able to go down to London this Christmas period, there is an abundance of local pantomimes in regional theatres, which are always a good laugh. Oh yes it is! Comment below any shows you are planning to see this December.

Thanks for popping by!

xxx

Barnum - Menier Chocolate Factory | Theatre Review

Hello! I have been aching to see Barnum ever since it toured to my local theatre a couple of years ago and my parents went without me - the cheek of it! When my stagiest friend Charlotte informed me it was on at the Menier Chocolate Factory a theatre I have been meaning to go to for a long time, I jumped at the chance. 

As we walked in to the bar area member of the cast were all ready performing as their circus characters doing tricks and just being a bit bonkers to be quite frank, but it really started to set the mood of what an extravagant person P T Barnum was. As the doors opened we walked through a circus tent entrance to our seats. We sat in the round and got an excellent view to watch proceedings in the really unique space.

The people who made this show were the ensemble, they were insanely talented and extremely energetic throughout. There was everything from a fire eater to balancing on each other's heads. The stunts in this truly left my heart in my mouth.

My favourite moments included Follow the Band, Tom Thumb's Solo (one extremely talented dancer who took the audience's breath away) and the last duet between Barnum and Charity was such a magical sweet moment completely different from the huge circus numbers.

I left this show humming the songs all the way back to where I was staying. If you can get to see this show it is on until March and it really deserves to be seen.

Thanks for popping by!

xxx

Current Favourites

Welcome to my first favourites of 2017

My Scrap book

I spoke about my scrap book in my last post. I had two weeks off work because I needed to take some annual leave. For my days at home I needed something to keep me occupied, so I decided to finally combine all my theatre tickets, photos and posters all in one place to look through. I enjoyed the process way more than I thought I would.

LaLa Land

La La Land had been hugely hyped up, AND its a musical. Those two things meant I had to see it. I still have City of Stars in my head. I loved the dancing, the music, it was shot so beautifully. It deserves all its nominations, for literally all the awards ever.

La Cage Aux Folles

I had been looking forward to this coming to Norwich Theatre Royal since it was announced! I'm going to put it out there the plot line is a little bumpy. However this is in my favourites because of John Partridge and his portrayal of Albin/Zaza. It was as if the role was made for him and he was literally having the time of his life, despite the fact it was a Wednesday Matinee when I saw the show!! Oh and because I work at the Theatre, myself and the other usher's on a double got to have pizza with cast between shows on the Saturday.

Half a Sixpence

Half a Sixpence was my mum's Christmas present, admittedly I really wanted to see it... potentially thats why its extremely closely link to why she received the present. I went in not knowing anything, apart from at one point the cast would sing Crash, Bang, Wallop! My expectations were pretty high with the book by Julian Fellows (Downton creator) and music from the song writing duo Drewe and Stiles, I wasn't disappointed at all! In fact it exceeded expectations. The understudy for the leading role Arthur Kipp gave an absolutely outstanding performance. The whole cast was super slick and the audience were on there feet at the end. Even I was and I'm super picky about giving a standing ovation.

Pink Velvet Track suit

Loren and I went to the Missguided store in Westfield's, I literally felt like I was being followed around by the track suit. After it's persistence I resolved to try it on. I think then and there it became one of my new favourite items in my wardrobe. It quickly became a loungewear staple. Not sure if I will wear it all together out and about. I feel like a Kardashian when I wear it, so in my mind thats not a bad thing at all. 

Youtuber - Lucy Moon

I haven't had a new youtube channel discovery for a long while, granted Lucy has been on YouTube for a  long ole while and I am sad it took me this long to find her. I like all the topics she talks about and that she isn't trying to be squeaky clean. Its like talking to a friend - except she is doing all the talking. She also does covers, has great hair (please may I have) and I like her glasses.

Favourite Picture

This is from the say I went to watch Half a Sixpence in London, and I randomly stumbled accross Carrie in the street. I had to go up and say hi after seeing her in Les Miserables and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.What a completely lovely human she is.

Thanks for popping by!
xxx

Day Out in Kingston | Blogmas Day 4

Hello! Welcome back to my Blogmas posts, I hope you are enjoying them so far. Today we have another day I wish I had blogged about sooner. This day was way back in October, can you even remember October?!

This is a day out in Kingston Upon Thames, where I live now... still find that totally crazy!

I invited my Mum down to spend the day with me, I knew exactly how I wanted to spend the day straight away.

We started off with a walk down the Thames, because you can't do that back in Norwich!

The Thames seems to be occupied by many birds, including Canadian Geese and Swans. Not that having Swans is surprising living just down the river from Hampton Court Palace, yahoo with the Swans belonging to the Queen and all!

Parked/moored (not sure about boating terminology) are loads of boats of all different shapes and sizes. The one below is my favourite and it always makes me smile every time I walk by it.

Realistically if you're spending the day with me chances are we will end up in Bill's. I couldn't believe that in October we were sitting out side on the banks of the River Thames and not shivering! This time around I went for the watermelon juice and the Halloumi burger and it was fabulous!

Following this we went for a wonder around the shops, before heading to Creams. Which is a desert place if you haven't heard of it before! I went for the Oreo Sundae, unfortunately I couldn't finish it. I recommend you go when you are starving other wise you, like I will not finish it!

Thanks for popping by!

I hope you are enjoying my regular posts :)

xxx

Being a Tourist | Blogmas Day 3

Hello, today is the second of the overdue posts!

One of the best things about having a flatmate from the US is... I get to do touristy things in my own country. This was from the same day that I saw Curious, I cannot explain how great this day was, but I digress. 

In tourist mode we hit up Buckingham Palace, because if you're visiting London really there is no better place to start. I whipped out all my random knowledge about the Royal Family, and other trivia I'm sure Catherine really appreciated...

Following our visit to Buckingham Palace, we walked through the park which I believe is St James', it was like a little oasis in the middle of London, less than a five minute walk from London. I love how when you're walking around in London you never really know what is going to be around the best corner. In the park there was an array of birds, greenery and the odd squirrel, it was thoroughly delightful. However the best thing about the park was the view looking towards Horse Huards parade, this was not a view you could make up, I was truly stunned.

When we reached Horse Guard's parade it was time for the changing of the guards, I love that in everyday like, we still have the ceremonial pomp and circumstance, and am grateful for our history in the UK.

Following this I took Catherine to Downing Street, because I am a good tour guide (who was reliant on google maps, aren't we all?).

After a morning of British Culture we hit up Chipotle a mexican restaurant, now back in Norwich we're not at the fore front of Mexian Cuisine, so this was a new experience for me. I had my first Burrito Bowl, a new experience indeed, once I had picked out the soapy coriander, life was good, and I was full to the brim.

Thanks for popping by!

xxx

Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time | Blogmas Day 2

*THIS IS AN OVERDUE POST*

Hello,

This is the best play I have ever seen. Now as you may know I'm a little musical theatre girl, and often when I see a play I feel there is something missing, and it could easily be broken up by a bit of song and dance.

However Curious changed all that. Before going to watch it I knew it would be good. The theatre I work in back at home had the touring cars in, and I could' watch it because all the tickets were sold (not a surprise), I was well and truly gutted. Knowing I was moving to London, I made it my mission to see it in the West End.

With the discovery of day tickets, Catherine (my flatmate) and I headed out way too early in the morning to the Gielgud to queue up for tickets. For £15 our early morning was rewarded with two tickets for the second row in the stalls. Conclusion: DAY TICKETS ARE AMAZING!!

First of all a very brief summary of what the play is about. If you went to school in the UK, chances are you know the story.. The main character is Christopher Boone, he is 15 and he as Asperger's, which in his case means he finds social interaction difficult, especially in busy places. He has no understanding of metaphors and is extremely bright. He discovers his neighbour's dog has been killed, gets the blame, then goes on a detective mission to discover who indeed killed the dog.

This play was truly astonishing. I have seen nothing like it,ever, and it went straight to the the top of my list of productions I have ever seen for emotional impact. I loved the set design, it would have been very easy/obvious to do a naturalistic set e.g. a house, a street etc. Instead the staging was very minimal and futuristic. It represented the way Christopher's brain works, so we could understand how he felt in situations, because as a "normal" person, it can be difficult. I really felt I was with him every throughout.

I liked the use of physical theatre (some parts almost looked liked dance), the use of narration, the occasional breaking of the fourth wall, the performances by all the actors was so powerful. Aaaah I really cannot explain how good this play is. All the reviews you read online can give you an idea, but your will never really know, unless you go and see it. I found myself properly laughing out loud in moments and in others I found myself bawling tears.

As a summary I insist you go and watch this play, immediately.

Thanks for popping by!

xxx

London Haul

Hello, I know its only been a very small bit of time between this haul and my last. Oops, but seriously since I've been earning money I have definitely been able to curb my spending habits quite considerably I think. Sales are every where and its so easy to be tempted, but I came out with not too much. I basically just bought wardrobe staples which I knew I was missing so I was going to get wear out of them again and again.

Stripes of the Tops

Zara £7.99

Oh my, can I just say that this is the most amazingly soft top ever. Its like walking around in the softest pyjamas ever. 

£7.99

Another Stripey top, this one is from Pull & Bear, I hadn't heard of this shop before. But after disappointment in Forever 21. Just another practical top, which I can wear out and about, or for exercises.

Denim Shirt

I don't know why I haven't picked up a denim shirt before, I always see Harriet in one, so I was like I need that, and it was quite barginous, again from Pull & Bear.

Longline Waistcoat

£15.99

I think this might be my star purchase, possibly. This kinda thing is quite literally all over the highstreet, the sort of thing which would cost £35 plus in somewhere like Topshop. This will be good on evenings out, not out out, but to the theatre or out to dinner!

Sunnies

£5

Literally this was such a necessary purchase, my Tiger sunglasses died. I'm one of those people who cannot survive in the sun and my eyes seal themselves shut. We were walking in Camden Market and as you would know if you've been, there are lots of sunglasses stands, so the inevitable happened. I really like these and have worn them lots since.

Thanks for popping by!

xxx

London Wonderings

Hello!

On Monday the mother and I wondered through London, beginning with picking up tickets for Les Miserables, but more on that in August.

Following this we headed unto Camden market for a gander, before heading on a pretty walk down the canal to Primrose Hill.

 My Outfit: Top, Skirt and Bag (Topshop), Kimono (Primark), Shoes (Converse), Sunglasses (Camden Market)

Following a pit stop for a much needed lunch it was time to walk to the top of Primrose Hill to get that view of London, something I've wanted to see since the first time I went to London years ago.

 One can simply not miss a photo opportunity like this, not one you get everyday!

After taking in the stunning view, it was time to head down Primrose Hill and to have a wonder about in Regents Park.

Squirrels in Regents Park are fairly bold, this one I named Gregg. But I did see another one being fed and petted by other visitors.

A highlight for my Mum and I had to be Queen Mary's Gardens, where we were greeted by this chap watering the plants.

Then it was time to say goodbye to the park, before heading off into Central to get our (my) shop on, haul post coming soon!

I hope you enjoyed this style of post!

Thanks for popping by

xxx