This trip to London was rather incredible. I didn’t know what to expect.
I knew I had some things planned, but you know how it is when you plan something! Expect the unexpected! Good thing I had that attitude because many things changed at the last minute, and many opportunities came up that I said yes to and I’m so glad I did. Be Flexible in Body and Mind! One of my Stuntwoman Axioms.
I love walking around London. It’s the first thing I do when I get there. I could think of nothing better than walking with friends on a nerdy tour.
My first Saturday, a group of us did a Harry Potter walk that was really magical! It could be because we were lead by Luke LaStrange! Gryffindor won the House Cup ( for being smart asses). Naturally. We not only scoped out shooting locations ( many of which I already knew) but Luke took us to JK Rowling’s inspirational spots and favorite haunts. I really loved that. Tip: If you want to win the house cup on a walk with Luke, know your dragons! I didn’t but I am a massive smart ass so we won anyway. I’ll be sharing photos in the Photo Gallery so do click over to that when you are done reading. ( It’s on the Menu bar).
When Mags, Mel and I went to the British Library Harry Potter exhibit, that theme popped up again. Her inspirations, notes and even her illustrations were on display! I really loved seeing her thoughts, scratchings and little drawing of the Dursley’s for example. Each area was a ‘room’ for each of the classes offered at Hogwarts. If you can go, do! It’s really fun. I also found it inspirational and plan on some redecorating when I have time! 🙂 They created a large book for the exhibit and I had to have it. I did look on Amazon and bought the books I wanted there instead of trying to cart them all home. (Thank you Mags, for making the trip happen. )
When I am in London, I have the great good fortune of staying with 2 of the loveliest ladies I know. I met Pernille in Bali on a big writing mastermind. P is a world traveler and a wonderful writer. Keri is her flatmate, and a soul sister. She has many talents and is an inspiration to me. I get to share their enchanting space with 2 adorable kitties when I fly into town on my broom.
Now as many of you know, I believe community is a key to happiness. It doesn’t have to be large, but full of heart. You might not know where that will come from!
I hadn’t seen or spoken to Bryan Cooney in many years. When I saw that I would be in town at the same time as London MCM, I asked if I could join in on the fun. Bryan graciously slotted me in. I had never attended one and was most pleasurably surprised. It’s HUGE. The space is larger than San Diego Comic Con and I didn’t see even 1/4th of it. Bryan was as good a host as if this was s small dinner party. He had it all under control and he and his team run a tight and kind ship.
During a lunch break I chatted with Andrew Scott, whom I was acquainted with for his work as Moriarty on Sherlock. He was rather stunned by the vast convention and the energy it took to be a guest at one. Ah, youngsters!
I did meet David Bradley, of whom I am a big fan. He was lovely.
My friend Neil Burn helped me the first 2 days of the event, so I had wonderful company. Neil I had met online years ago when I said I was visiting London and needed help filming some things. We have been pals ever since. Community.
I wanted to do more shopping but kept getting caught in people jams so I waited until the crowds had been asked to leave at the end of Sunday and all the vendors were closing shop.
I was very restrained.
No such luck, though, when I visited the Primark at Tottingham Court.
I was so blown away by the Harry Potter stuff I went a bit mental. I had to buy another suitcase to bring it all home. We don’t have all that stuff here!
Any time I do anything, it’s more fun with a group. We had a fantastic group for Halloween: it was hilarious! We went to the London Bridge Experience Halloween special tour. It was weird and funny and scary and silly all at the same time. After that we went to this bar called The Alchemist. They have a crazy list of fantastical drinks that smoke, or need injections ( really!). Just don’t go when it’s too busy or it will take forever to get your drinks.
One of the biggest highlights was Harry Potter and The Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre.
Our group was just awesome, especially since we had Lily with us who was about 9 I think? She made it that much better for me. I noticed a theme in the script this time. Letting your child be themselves, seeing them for who they really are and making them feel seen. Something we ALL want; to be seen and loved for who we really are. I was so moved by this.
We were down front and what a view we had of the action and the actors! It’s SUCH a great set of plays. Do see them when you get the chance.
In between plays we ate at The Phoenix Artists Club. It’s a private club for actors but you can eat there early. It closed for members only at 8 or 9pm. The food was terrific. I Highly recommend it! After the show we went to the stage door for autographs and got a large number of the actors! Pretty cool! I was wearing my witches hat and got a lot of compliments on it.
I also saw Labour of Love with Martin Freeman and Tamsin Greig. It was fantastic. Politics and love! Heavy on the politics and passion for helping people with the complications of perspective. Well written and exceptional performances. Jess and I went to the stage door for autographs but since it was a matinee, the stars didn’t come out.
I also went to Wales. But I think that’s another post!
Where ever I go and whatever I do, I love meeting up with you. That’s why I come up wth all these events. I love making a special thing happen. One you couldn’t or wouldn’t do on your own. Something…unexpected!
