Films, Plays, and Red Carpets in London

13 October, 2015 | Noel Coward Theatre

I knew that West End was the heart of all these plays, which I love, but is it simply the Hollywood in me that piques my interest?

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I had never heard of this title before, I admit, but it would be a waste to miss out on plays since I live within walking distance to most of the theatres here. I had heard that some shows sell £10 tickets if you queue the morning of.

It was Tuesday, after my 9 AM class, and on my way back to the halls,I stopped at a Tesco I don’t usually go to, since I figured I could beat the lunchtime rush when the small stores are crowded with people in a hurry to grab a quick snack or drink. After I finished, I decided to take a detour, as I sometimes do around here, and I ended up in front of the Noel Coward Theater. It was half past 10 so I figured I would see if there were any tickets left, and there were! Since I could get 2, I quickly messaged my roommate to see if she had any plans, and just like that we had standing row “seats” to see Nicole Kidman on stage! The play was witty, insightful, and moving, and everyone for those 90 minutes straight was brilliant. Highly recommend.

18 October, 2015 | BFI Closing Night Gala

Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, a 10 minute walk from my room-I could not pass this up. Luckily, I didn’t have to do it alone. Waiting for a couple hours before they pulled up in the silver Mercedes Benz, we waited in the rain and watched as they pulled out the red carpets.

I was amused at the lifeless “woos” the crowd gave as the host called out the cast and crew that would be attending the premier of Steve Jobs. I guess the excitement is slightly more contained or reserved here?

I may have lost the selfie battle to the girl in front of me, but I truly believe she was a bigger fan than I. Upon getting her picture, she bent down and said, “I’m going to cry!” and then proceeded to cry.

So close, yet so far. More than the big names, the entertainment in so many forms is not lacking here in the heart of central London!

MELODY TIENYUN