Scrooge-Christmas in London

There is never enough time to do or say all the things that we would wish. The thing is to try to do as much as you can in the time that you have. Remember Scrooge, time is short, and suddenly, you're not here any more.
-The Ghost of Christmas Present

My favorite Christmas movie is Scrooge starring Albert Finny. This is a musical with a number of great songs and lots of silliness mixed in with the story of that old miser Ebeneezer Scrooge and three ghosts that haunt him into goodness.

Made in 1970 Scrooge was a bit past the musical heyday of 1950s, but it is still a great film. A brilliant supporting cast includes Edith Evans, Kenneth More, Anton Rodgers, and Alec Gunness. I love the melancholy feeling of Albert Finny and his one true love that he lost to his love of money.

There is a great song called Thank You Very Much in which the entire city of London seems to be celebrating the death of the wicked old Scrooge. There is also the sad and hopeful Happiness sung by Scrooge's one true love, though Scrooge is too blind to see the truth until he is brought back to the past. I also like the happy and fun December The 25th.

I've watched Scrooge every year for several years now. One of the keys to falling in love with any musical is hearing the songs over and over again. Maybe Scrooge is not up there with My Fair Lady or Camelot, but I like it. If you haven't seen, you should really give it a look.

London's Theatreland

On 20 February 1908 a group of London theatre managers came together to form the Society of West End Theatre Managers (now renamed the Society of London Theatre, or SOLT). In doing so, they ceased being just separate theatre owners working in London and created an industry that has grown into the exciting, colourful and vibrant arts scene known as London’s Theatreland.

Taking in a show in London's West End is one of those things every visitor to London should do. I didn't-but it is on my list of things to do the next time I am in London. I have always been a big fan of Musicals, and the London Theatre Scene has it's share of great musicals. From Classics like Cabaret and Gigi to more current fair like Disney's High School Musical, there is something fun for everyone.

Among the Now Showings that I would see if I could is The Year of Magical Thinking-25 April 2008 to 15 July 2008-by Joan Didion and starring Vanessa Redgrave . This was an amazing book about the sudden death of Joan Didion's husband and what she went through as a result. The subject of death is explored in great detail and it was a very moving story.

There is no dress code for most theatres, however be would advised that customers dress smart-casual. As a general guide, it is recommended that you make an effort to look smart, but be comfortable.

There are a lot of shows and a lot of theatres in London. Here's a list of the Top Ten London Shows at the moment.

1. BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL
2. PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
3. LION KING
4. MARY POPPINS
5. MAMMA MIA
6. WE WILL ROCK YOU
7. CHICAGO
8. WICKED
9. SPAMALOT
10. SOUND OF MUSIC

Any of these London Shows looks good to me, well, except for the Phantom of the Opera, I never cared much for that one. Spamalot, that's more my speed.



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