tuscanlifeedit

I'm so excited!

We bought tickets during the "big sale" a week or so ago, from Pittsburgh to London, and we go on Feb. 8. Seeing Flaming June at the Leighton House Museum was the big draw, but I've been trying to add on some other special things, and getting frustrated.

Ballet/dance is usually my go-to activity but I wasn't thrilled about the choices for the short five days we are there.

We are going on to the Guildford area to the Watts Gallery for a show of paintings that are privately owned and I thought I would add on the Valentine's Day events at Highclere Castle, but we miss those by a day or two. Also, all the major attractions such as historic homes are closed in midwinter so that's a bit of a let down.

Then today I found an ad for Mike Leigh's production of Pirates, running from Feb. 9 to March 25, if anyone is interested. I worship Mike Leigh, so this is it for me.

I'm still looking for something else to do on our one full day in the Guildford area in February, if anyone has ideas.

StCirq

We could be enticed, if the price is right, to get to London to see Pirates. We are die-hard G&S fans. I've played in every one of them many times, even Cox and Box, and directed a couple. And we could use a trip to London and can usually fly cheaply from Bergerac. Thanks!

welltraveledbrit

Not so sure about the Guildford area but I have some ideas for things I like at that time of year in London

One that's only open through April is the old Astor mansion at Two Temple Place.
They're doing a show on:

"Sussex Modernism: Retreat and Rebellion"
Two Temple Place will be to the public from 28th January 2017 to 23rd April 2017.

http://www.twotempleplace.org

I blogged about the museum here:
http://www.somuchmoretosee.com/2015/...o+temple+place

You could combine it will a trip to Charleston Farm house (just over an hour from Guildford) but they haven't announced their 2017 dates and it may indeed be closed in Feb

When you go to the Leighton House I'd very much recommend the nearby 18 Stafford Terrace which is delightful too and just around the corner.
https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/subsites/mus...dterrace1.aspx

The Art Fund and the Victorian Society often have "days out" or lecture etc which could be fun and might give you some ideas...

There are lots of historic interiors in London that are open year round:

Apsley which you may have seen, or Kenwood House with its wonderful art collection - English portraiture, Vermeer etc

Spencer House is open on Sundays in February
http://www.spencerhouse.co.uk/book-your-tour/

What about the FreeMason's Hall which is fascinating
http://www.somuchmoretosee.com/search/label/London

You can also book to see the newly resorted private apartments at the Soane which are great and it's free!
http://www.soane.org/whats-on/tours/...partments-tour

How about the Estorick collection of Futurist Italian art in Islington
http://www.somuchmoretosee.com/2015/...ck-museum.html

Lots and lots more on my blog...

I almost went to see that production of the Pirates of Penzance last year so they're running the production again which means you'll have no trouble seeing reviews. As I remember the reviews were warmish/good enough but not a rave, which was perhaps what I'd hoped for with Mike Leigh.

Good luck with your trip!

tuscanlifeedit

Thanks, wtb.

With Mike Leigh, warmish/good enough is fine with me, because he is probably my favorite living creator.

I appreciate all the tips above and I will check out your blog.

We been Leighton House several times, but not to 18 Stafford Terrace which is totally on the list for this trip.

flanneruk

"With Mike Leigh, warmish/good enough is fine with me, because he is probably my favorite living creator. "

So why watch his Pirates of Penzance?

Leigh said 40 years ago he'd never work with a pre-existing script, and he's spent those 40 years following that principle. 18 months ago, he abandoned it to direct a workmanlike production of an average light opera.

Perfectly decent production standards: if someone released the Opera Live telecast on DVD, it'd be a great standby for a midwinter night in front of a fire.

But the only piece of creativity is Ruth's eyes.

Tulips

Thanks for posting, I'm going to book tickets. Love G&S. Saw the Mikado at ENO last year.

welltraveledbrit

I was charmed by 18 Stafford Terrace. So many historic homes are recreations but this place is different, it's as if the family just left. The story of how it was preserved is also interesting. Glad you'll check it out!

Tulips

Another interesting director, Ivo van Hove, has a play at the Barbican in April/May. Obsession, with Jude Law and Dutch actress Halina Reijn. Just bought tickets for that one.

welltraveledbrit

Tulips - Interested to read about Ivo van Hove new production at the Barbican.
I saw two of his productions in New York over the last year and enjoyed them both View from the Bridge and The Crucible.

SharonG

Don't you just love Flaming June? Saw it at the Frick last year and couldn't stay away from it.

annhig

Well I would never have imagined writing the words Mike Leigh and "The Pirates of Penzance" in the same sentence but we live in interesting times. I will be very interested to discover what you think of his interpretation, WTB.

sounds like you've got a lot to see, and you should have a great time.

welltraveledbrit

Annhig - Thanks for the kind wishes but I didn't opt to see the show when it was on in London last year and don't have plans to see it when I'm in at home for Christmas! But hopefully Tulips and the OP tuscanlifeedit will enjoy it .

annhig

oops, WTB, i got you and Tuscan mixed up - apologies.

tuscanlifeedit

I'm actually a little sorry that I jumped at the tickets so quickly. The reviews are "fine" but not glowing. It will still be a nice way to spend an evening in London, and we never go to the theater for anything but dance, so it will all be fresh for us.

I'm also getting tickets for a Spencer House tour.

We always have more than enough to do in London!