Student productions are a great way to see some really good theatre free (but please make a donation). London has some of the best drama schools in the world, such as LAMDA and RADA, whose reputations depend on making sure these productions are first class (often better than many professional productions).
The actors in this production may have been students but the director, designer, costume designer, choreographer and vocal coach were all staff members or visiting artists.
This terrific production is from LAMDA students but you’d hardly know it apart from some actors being a little young for their parts. In particular, the chemistry between Holly Augustine as Beatrice and Ryan Donaldson as Benedick is fabulous and I’m sure they are both actors we’ll see again soon. The great direction by Janet Suzman is certainly not amateur! It is free to book from the Riverside Studios website www.riversidestudios.co.uk (I’ve still got to work out how to add links), as is Romeo and Juliet., but please make a donation to LAMDA. They both run until 6th December.
There are not many places to eat near to the Museum of London. The London Wall Bar & Kitchen next door offers decent value for the City and does not get overcrowded but do book the exhibition first. I ate then went in to the exhibition, only to be given a one-day-only voucher for 10% off . Oh well. I did get in for half price with my Art Pass. If you don’t have an Art Pass, you can get 20% off at londoncalling.com (Google to find the offer).
There are plenty of places to eat near the Wellcome Collection but head for Drummond Street for some fantastic value Indian vegetarian food. I keep going back to Chutneys but there are a couple of others in the street that look just as good. This time I had a disappointing thali – stick to the dosas or the “eat all you can” lunchtime buffet.
They are both about death, both with skulls and other bits and pieces, but two very different exhibitions.
“Doctors”, etc., at the Museum of London gives a fascinating history of dissection in medicine (with lots of dissected bits of body) – excellent but it costs (£9 + suggested donation + online booking fee).
“Death” at the Wellcome Collection is more limited (one man’s personal collection of art related to the theme of death) and is not as good as previous more ambitious exhibitions such as “Dirt,” but it is free.
Both museums also have very good permanent, free exhibitions, both highly recommended.
I plan to review theatre/opera/ballet in and around London but also exhibitions, restaurants and anything else I think worth sharing. There are better reviewers out there so my reviews will be very short.
However, I will try to add useful bits and pieces that you never get in professional reviews, such as the comfort of the seats, the bar prices, how to find special offers or where to eat before the performance. Isn’t the Freedom Pass wonderful!
Grandpa's reviews 