Sam Wanamaker Festival at the Globe

After a bit of a stressful weekend, I took some time Sunday to enjoy the sights of London on my own! I still have a long list of things I still want to do and places I'd like to see in the city. Some of them many of my peers have already been to or are not interested in, so I figured it was time to overcome that and roam myself. Being a theatre nerd way back in the high school days, obviously I've been plotting a trip to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre since I knew I was coming here. I also saw it in the movie Winning London. Mary Kate and Ashley, anyone??

It was a gorgeous sunny day. One like I haven't seen since..well, since I was in the US. I decided to embrace it (and save my Tube money) and walk over. It was only about 30 minutes or so, and I was able to stop where I liked and take photos. Just me, my music, and my camera. I crossed Blackfriar's Bridge over the Thames and bought a ticket for a tour.

One student ticket, please. 

D'you have your ID with you?

Yes, of course. 

That's quite alright. Eleven pounds, please. Here you go, enjoy.

Thank you. 

Thanks, cheers.

It was really cool how they had it set up. A museum of historical documents, stories, quotes, and costumes greeted visitors at the front before the tour began a bit down the line. The building was actually a replica, as the old one burned down long ago at a site about 300m away from the new one. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and British. i.e. classy. And you could tell he loved the theatre.

As we were about to enter the theatre, he informed us there was a festival later in the day and students from nearby drama schools were practicing on stage right now. That we would have to be very quiet, but he could tell us more facts about the Globe after we came out. My heart leapt a little bit. Students? Actually acting on the historic stage?? Yes. Yes yes yes.

After the tour was wrapped up, I went to the box office to see about attending this festival that magically dropped into my day's agenda. Five pounds for a ticket in the yard? Absolutely sold. I bought one without hesitation. I had a bit of time to waste before the doors would open (I wanted to get there early for a good standing place), so I grabbed and sandwich nearby and a Starbucks treat and continued to embrace the sun and community-like atmosphere that was happening. Other drama students, families, and just local London theatre lovers gathered around the riverside area to support these actors and the arts in general. My heart melted.

All the performances were duet pieces, about 3-5 minutes long each. Whoever set the order of performance did a very nice job, as it alternated nicely with drama and comedy without too much of one mood in a row. I really enjoyed it. Kind of reminded me of old Speech Team days, just goofing around and getting into the roles with ease. Enjoying the stage, I suppose. These students were obviously doing that.

I wasn't allowed to take photos during the event, but I did get plenty along my route and throughout the tour. One kind man did take my photo in the theatre and informed me that he intends to see more plays at the Globe having now taken a tour. I think he was there with his wife. "Been in London for years and years, just never really got into the theatre. But it's got something now, hasn't it?" I actually met quite a few people in my solo adventure. The Ray Prevost in me prodded me to be social (damn it). I spoke with a woman nearby me in the yard, who turned out to be an off-duty steward at the Globe for other plays and events. We discussed London, London theatre, the Globe and its progression, and how it's not actually supported by the government at all and solely relies on tourists, plays, and donations. I suddenly felt better about my 11 and 5 pound tickets, as well as the 8 pounds I spent on souvenirs. (Sorry not sorry, wallet.) I also met two girls, one from Amsterdam and one from Japan, who had just arrived in London with intentions to work and expose themselves to the world a bit more. They both did this on their own, and they were about my age. I suddenly felt more appreciative of the wonderful opportunity that's been handed to me by my university, incredible honors program, and supporting family. [Fun fact: As the primary language in Amsterdam is Dutch, they learn much of their English from American movies and television shows by matching the subtitles with words.]

Passing under the Millenium Bridge

The masses have gathered! Many of them with wine in hand

Overall, spectacular day. I had better sleep now. Much more to do this week and much more to write about. These past few weeks and the few to come are undoubtedly jam-packed with fun European things. I can't believe it's almost over.

Cheers xoxo muah muah byeeee