Exploring the West End: Theatre in London

I’ve seen two fantastic productions within the past few weeks, King Charles III and Shakespeare in Love. I have tentative plans to see War Horse while I am here and maybe even a musical!

Shakespeare in Love is a stage adaptation of the movie starring Joseph Fiennes and Gwyneth Paltrow. I had seen the movie a few years ago and remembered liking it, but I didn’t remember much else about it.

As you might be able to tell from the video, the stage version is UNBELIEVABLE! The leading actors, Tom Bateman (William Shakespeare) and Lucy Briggs-Owen (Viola), were amazing, as were the rest of the cast members. Tom Bateman really humanized Shakespeare by making him just a regular person who happens to write some great plays.

I also loved how the show incorporated Shakespeare’s verse within the dialogue. It was reassuring to see a play in which one of the most talented writers to ever live also experiences writers block and comes up with some terrible (yet hilarious) stuff.

My favorite scene was the final sequence, which is when Viola and William are performing as Romeo and Juliet in the play’s debut. During the scene, you get to see what is going on both “on-stage” and “back-stage.” The set, a moving replica of the Globe Theatre, was amazing, and the way it was used in the final scene was so cool.

I would highly recommend going to see it if you are in London and hope the production makes its way over to the states!

King Charles III which is a history play set in the future. It shows what could happen if Queen Elizabeth dies and Charles ascends the throne. Although it deals with a heavier subject, it is a satire and had some very Shakespearean undertones. The dialogue was written in blank verse, and Kate Middleton’s character had an undeniable resemblance to Lady Macbeth. There were also some parts of the play that had a very Hamlet feel to them. Many of the play’s jokes related to English culture, and it was nice being able to understand a majority of them.

Out of the two, I preferred Shakespeare in Love for its story line.

A Trip to the British Library

So it’s been a while, sorry about that guys! I was in Italy and Germany for a total of 10 days (posts about these adventures and pictures will very soon), and I’ve been super busy with midterm work. But, I did make some time to go to the British Library yesterday (so cool!) and explored its “Terror and Wonder: The Gothic Imagination” exhibit!

There were six different rooms that explored various aspects of gothic literature, from its beginning in 1764 with the publication of Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto to modern interpretations of the gothic.

I found it really interesting that there are strong ties between the gothic and Shakespeare. The exhibit mentioned Shakespeare’s and the medieval period’s influence on Walpole.

My favorite part of the exhibit though was the Victorian section. The exhibit discussed the influence of literature (such as The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) on the public’s perceptions of real events (like the Jack the Ripper murders). This was something that I discussed in my first English class, a Sherlock Holmes seminar, at Mount Holyoke. I was very interested in how the media sensationalized the Whitechapel murders, writing in a highly gothic inspired style. There were several tabloid magazines on display depicting the dramatization of the murders, and it was amazing to see these artifacts.

The image below is taken from Google (yay!), but it also appears in the British Library’s exhibit. It is a photo of the actor Richard Mansfield who played both Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in the 1887 London stage adaptation. Because he was so convincing in his performance, some people suspected he was actually Jack the Ripper.

The exhibit didn’t allow me to take photos, and it was raining yesterday, so I didn’t get any good photographs of me outside of the library! Instead, I’ve attached a video the British Library made to promote the exhibition. I will definitely be going back at some point and will take pictures! Enjoy!

We’ll always have Paris

Last weekend I got to go to Paris, which was unbelievably exciting.

It was my first time there, and I had an amazing time doing almost every classical tourist activity a person can do in a day and a half. This trip was a pretty big step for me in that I organized, booked, and paid for everything all by myself (yay independence!). I was super proud that I successfully navigated my way from London to Paris and back, especially considering that I don’t speak a word of French!

I stayed in a beautiful area right near the Eiffel Tower and also got to take my first trip on the Eurostar! Highlights included going to the Louvre and seeing the Mona Lisa (I discovered it was REALLY small, and if you want to get within 10 feet of it you have to engage in a Hunger-Games-like battle with 100 other tourists), visiting the Arc de Triomphe, lighting a candle at Notre Dame de Paris, putting a lock on the Lock Bridge, seeing some of Monet’s Water Lillies, and having a wine and cheese party at sunset at the Eiffel Tower.

Out of these things, seeing Monet’s oil paintings was definitely my favorite. My Grandma, who teaches Art Goes to School in Philadelphia, first told me about the collection when I was little, so visiting the Musee de l’Orangerie was a nice reminder of home. The paintings are so beautifully done; I think the colors and the way they all blend together is absolutely stunning! But, what I liked best about the paintings on display was the fact that parts of them aren’t actually “finished.”

When you look closely at some of the paintings, you’ll notice that there are uneven gaps between where the color stops and where the canvas ends, or there is a whole corner that is not filled in. This caught me off guard, and at first I was a bit disappointed that there were imperfections in Monet’s work. But then after I thought about it, I realized the exposed canvas doesn’t actually detract from the art in anyway. And, maybe this is just the English major in me, but I think those exposed pieces of canvas are a nice reminder that things don’t need to be “perfect” (and I can always use a reminder about that!).

Because I had such a great time in Paris, I’ve decided I need to go back at some point. My friend Brittany and I agreed that next time we’ll have to spend two weeks just on the Louvre (so many things to see, so little time)!

But, the absolute best part of Paris was getting to see my best friends in the entire world (either in person or through the magical portal of Skype)!

It’s really hard to write this post and think about being away from some of the most important people in my life for the next few months (which is why I put all of the fun, lighthearted stuff at the beginning of this post). Don’t get me wrong, I love England, and the people I’ve met have been unbelievably welcoming, kind, and fun. But nothing makes me feel as good as when I am with my second family (and of course my family-family!).

My friends and I have been through so much together, really good times and really bad times, and I would never for a second give up any of those moments. Everything is always funnier when we’re together, and things are always a little bit more manageable too. When life gets tough, no one can (literally) haul my butt off of the ground, dust me off, and get me back on track quite like they can. They let me be myself (even my very worst self) and still find some way to love me, which I think is truly incredible.

And even though I miss them like crazy, part of what my study abroad experience has made me realize is how fortunate I am to have these people in my life. So, although we’re apart for the next few months, in some ways, I’m glad, because it makes me really cherish the times when we are together (and I’ll never take that time for granted again). I am so lucky to have such wonderful soul mates, I mean friends. So, to my main biddies, thanks for being you. I love you forever and can’t wait for us to be reunited (counting down the months). ❤

 

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Visit to the Charles Dickens Museum

Last Wednesday I decided to take a little trip (okay, it was three hours) over to the Charles Dickens Museum, located at 48 Doughty Street. I had an amazing time nerd-ing out to all things Dickens and thought it was unbelievably cool that Charlie and his family actually lived in the house for two years! My favorite part of my tour was seeing some of Dickens’ original manuscripts and letters. I also learned a lot about Dickens and his life from all of the informational posters placed around the museum.

I would definitely recommend that any literature lover visit, and if you’re a student you get a discount on admittance!

I may have taken 361 photos while I was at the museum (oops), but I won’t put them all up! Here are my favorites for you to enjoy!

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Fulfilling my life long dream: My night at The Globe

Yesterday was like Christmas and my birthday combined. But better.

When I got accepted to study abroad in London there was one thing I absolutely had to do. And frankly, I probably would be content if I did nothing else this trip. What was this magical, unbelievably important activity you ask?

Seeing one of Shakespeare’s plays at The Globe Theatre.

I know. I am a nerd (specifically a Shakespearean nerd) and am completely proud of my ongoing infatuation with the Bard. My obsession with Willy Shakes started during the summer before my Junior year of high school, when I enrolled in McCarter Theater’s Summer Shakespeare Program. I spent eight weeks working on two plays, Romeo and Juliet (I played Nurse, see photo below) and The Winter’s Tale. Ever since then, I have been a Shakespeare addict.

I attended McCarter’s program going into my senior year of high school (photo of me as Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream) and was absolutely crushed when I had to become an adult the next summer and get a job.

My favorite material in English class was always Shakespeare, and I was absolutely thrilled to take a Shakespeare course with one of my favorite professors last semester at MHC. I am also planning to take a Shakespeare and film adaptation course when I return in the spring. Basically, if it were practical for me to major in Shakespearean studies, I would totally do it.

Anyway, I was literally like a four-year old at Disney World during my visit to The Globe. I had been to the theatre in January with my friend Carolyn but hadn’t been able to go inside. As we lined up waiting for the house to open, I was jumping up and down with excitement. I also had an extremely emotional reaction walking into the actual theater (much to the embarrassment of my friends, sorry!). My next-door neighbor Brad, my fellow MoHo Jacqueline, my new friend Maya, and I went to see The Comedy of Errors.

One of the many moments of me expressing great enthusiasm.

(L to R): Me, Maya, Brad, and Jacqueline!

The show was absolutely fantastic! I wasn’t sure what seeing a Shakespearean play at The Globe would like (I would have payed money to literally just sit in the space) or how accessible it would be for a modern audience. It was hilarious! I was cracking up the entire time at the ridiculousness unfolding on stage! I particularly enjoyed how the the actors and crew made the play extremely enjoyable while staying true to the tones of Shakespeare’s work (there was a Harry Potter reference thrown in, along with an allusion to Hamlet).

The four of us had standing tickets, which meant we were very close to the stage and had a great view of the actors. Standing in one spot for two and a half hours was a bit tiresome but totally worth it.

Sitting down at intermission.

Being able to see the show is definitely going to be one of the highlights of my trip, and, if people in London have the chance, I would definitely recommend they go before the theatre closes for the winter!

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Pictures of my (Instagram worthy) room

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I finally finished decorating my room last night, so as promised, here are some photos!

I know, I know. It’s blue. I was a little surprised too, but I wanted to match the curtains.

Because this is the one space here in London that is totally mine, I wanted to make my room as home-y as possible. There are tons of photos of my friends and family so that when I am homesick I can come back to Wolfson and feel a little closer to them. The photos also give me the chance to show my new friends who the most important people in my life are. I got the idea to do this from my friend Carolyn, whom I met when she was studying abroad at MHC.

I’m pretty proud of how the room turned out, especially working within a tight budget, and enjoy coming home to chill out after long days.

The top 10 things I miss about Mount Holyoke

HAPPY MOUNTAIN DAY EVERYONE!

For those of you who don’t know, Mountain Day is a time-honored tradition at one of the best places on earth, Mount Holyoke College! It’s a fall day when our college president unexpectedly cancels classes because it’s too beautiful for people to be inside working. Students wake up to the Mary Lyon Hall bell ringing and flyers posted throughout the hallways announcing the highly anticipated day has finally arrived!

The entire MHC community travels to Mount Skinner to climb the mountain and enjoy some ice cream with our president, Lynn Pasquerella! It’s one of my favorite days because it’s a time when everyone can take a step back from all of the craziness of the semester and breath. If this weren’t only my second week of classes, I too would be celebrating by taking the day off to wander around London in search of a Mountain (I will be getting ice cream later to celebrate the occasion)! And, unfortunately I can’t make it to the Mountain Day celebration (at 18:37) in London because I’m in class (brb, crying)!

I’m feeling nostalgic and a bit (Mo)home sick, so I’ve made a list of the things I miss most about Mount Holyoke. (Don’t worry Mom, I am still loving London!)

10. Chef Jeff cookies

Nothing solves all of your problems like the Chef Jeff cookie. I will never taste a better cookie in my entire life and would be ok if they were the only thing I could ever eat again.

9. Thirsty Mind

It’s sad when your new barista doesn’t know your order by heart and you have to build a whole relationship with them before they know you as “large, skinny hazelnut latte.” I’m counting down the days until my next one!

8. The fall

Mount Holyoke is the most beautiful place in the fall. And, while London’s setting isn’t too shabby, I miss the leaves changing colors, the sunsets over lower lake, and sitting in a lawn chair on Skinner Green.

7. The five-minute walk to any place on campus

I used to think that the five minute walk from Torrey to Skinner was inappropriately far at 8:30 a.m. My commute in London has made me realize it is not.

6. The free public transportation

Many of you know I am not the biggest fan of the PVTA, but after paying for a monthly Oyster card to get around London, the PVTA isn’t looking too bad.

5. The Library

I’m not going to lie, the King’s Libraries are really nice, but no library will ever be as memory packed as MHC’s library. I miss taking power naps on the beanbag chairs and getting kicked out at 2 a.m.

4. Personal pizzas

I love pizza. And I love eating one that has been artfully (and tastefully) created just for me.

3. Treble Effect

Every time one of the songs from our set list comes on I have to restrain myself from singing and dancing.

2. The MHNews team

The MHNews crew is one of the most dedicated, hardworking, fun groups I have met. It’s amazing that after spending more than 30 hours per week together selling our souls to the paper that we could still laugh and find each other entertaining. #WednesdayNightsAreTheBestNights

1. My best friends in the entire world, who are my second family.

Continuously Whatsapping each is not the same as having my support system toughing it out with me each and every day. I miss you guys more than words can say.

The writer returns!

Just wanted to give everyone an update on my life at King’s:

I was just accepted as a news reporter for King’s publication Roar! YAY! I’m excited to start writing again because I’ve been experiencing some serious publication withdrawal from the MHNews (which is looking FANTASTIC, check out the latest stories here)! I don’t have any assignments as of yet, but something might pop up for me later this week. I’ll post links to my articles so you can check them out. In the mean time, take a look at the Roar! website to see what’s going on at King’s.

I’ve also decided to work on my creative writing this semester and have joined the Creative Writing club and King’s Create. King’s Create is promotes literacy for children and teens through creative writing, so I’ll be volunteering with students in London throughout the semester.

All of my extracurriculars seem to be shaping up nicely, and I’m happy I’ll be trying some new things in addition to reporting.

Adventures in Notting Hill

Today I visited to Notting Hill and Portobello Market with my friend Jacqueline, who is also an MHC student studying abroad at King’s. It was great spending the day with her, talking about the new adventure we are on and reminiscing about MoHome!

Notting Hill is located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, which is a beautiful (and really expensive) area of London. All of the flats and houses in the area were stunning.

I wanted to visit Notting Hill because 1. the movie was filmed in the area and 2. multiple people had told me that I had to visit Portobello Market while I was in London.

The last time I watched Notting Hill was probably five years ago, but after being in the area where it takes place, I want to watch it again. I looked for the bookshop where Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant meet, but apparently it closed a few years ago (Hugh Grant was also nowhere to be found…)!

There are plenty of other bookstores in the area though, and there were tons of books on sale at the market. Jacqueline and I had to restrain ourselves from buying all of the vintage books we saw.

And, Portobello Market did not disappoint in the slightest! It was phenomenal and had a beautiful array of antiques and jewelry to browse through! I didn’t make any purchases this time, but I am definitely saving up for the next time I head over there.

Jacqueline and I got to relive Sunday brunch (on a Saturday) by getting strawberry, banana, and Nutella crepes! They were AMAZING, and I definitely had to restrain myself from
getting another one.

One of the last things we discovered was this amazing movie theater, The Gate Cinema. It’s super posh, with a bar inside. If I go to the movies while I am here (I definitely because Gone Girl is coming out next week!!), I’ve decided I’m going to go to this one.

 

Below are more photos from my trip, as always excuse my poor photography skills!

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First Week of School!

First day of school, first day of school!

In honor of one of my favorite movies, please enjoy this clip:

Unfortunately, I couldn’t convince my parents to send me to London for a semester to travel around visiting various literary sites and drinking pints at the pub. But, a after a week and a half of gallivanting around the city and settling into my dorm, I was excited (and nervous) to start classes.

On Monday I had my first lectures at King’s College London (KCL). I have heard that the English education system is quite different from that of America’s, so I was a bit intimidated to start class.

So far, things seem to be going pretty well. There were some issues with my schedule that would have required me to invest in a time turner, but the module coordinators were able to change my schedule for me!

I’m taking Political Economy: Approaches, Concepts and Issues, Industrial Organisations, American Fiction 1900-1945, and Medieval Performance Culture.

I’m only in class 8 hours per week, which is something I am not used to at all. Each course I am taking has a one hour lecture and a one hour seminar. I get the sense that in lectures students aren’t really allowed to speak, which isn’t something that would not fly at Mount Holyoke. This will probably be one of the hardest things for me, especially in my English classes. In seminars though, students basically run the show, and it’s our job to generate discussions. I can tell that I’m going to enjoy these classes the most because participation is something that has been drilled into me since middle school.

Since I have so much free time during the day, I assume I’ll be spending most of my time in the library tackling my ever-growing pile of readings. From what I can tell, most of the work is pretty independent. I only have a few mandatory course readings each week, but students are expected to do some extra “suggested” readings if they are interested in a subject. Apparently, I was also supposed to start reading some books for one of my classes, but the reading list didn’t get distributed to study abroad students (oops)!

I’m taking all level five courses, which means I am with students who are in their second year of university. Since students at KCL (and the rest of England) can only take classes within their major departments, they all seem to know one another. It’s a little intimidating for me, but I’m working on making some new friends. Everyone I’ve met so far has been nice and helpful.