Wednesday

Still in London. I'm surprised my credit card hasn't melted from the strain but we're having fun. Since the last update I've seen 2 shows (3 to go) starting with (as previously mentioned) Billy Elliot. We had dinner at the pub next door then scrambled into our seats - if we'd known they'd be 10 minutes late starting we wouldn't have rushed so much. I suspect the late start was tied in with the fact that they switched cast members halfway through the first act. Until they made the announcement at interval I don't think many people had noticed that we had two different Billy Elliots. The show was absolutely brilliant. It was an amazing experience that I can't really describe.
Tuesday. Woke up stupidly early again (damn jetlag) and nervously scanned the sky for impending clouds. Reassured by the forecast of plenty of sunshine we made our way down to the London Eye. Blue skies, sensational view, sunlight glinting off Big Ben- certainly picture postcard perfect. I must remember to get a copy of the photos Karen took.
Munching on a hot waffle we then ambled through Westminster up to St James's Park etc as I was determined that Karen experience the Changing of the Guards. I dropped her off at the fence and watched the band (Welsh Guards) run through a few numbers before the ceremony started. Then I left the crowd to enjoy the spectacle and wandered off through the parks, along the Serpentine etc and generally soaked up the sunshine. The MBTs (new fancy shoes) got a solid workout and my legs and feet were aching when I made it back to the hotel to change and find my ticket for Mary Poppins. I can see why the reviewers call it a "magical" show. I guess I should have expected a ton of illusions and stage tricks from Disney. You certainly wouldn't want to have a fear of heights playing the title role.
Wednesday. Overcast and windy thus far. Karen has gone on the Hop On Hop Off bus with a view to explore the Tower along the way. I have got myself a ticket to The Woman in White so we'll see if it lives up to the hype. Karen is off to Les Mis tonight while I'm at the Palladium with Jason Donovan and the flying car.