Lear and Royal Dwellings

Lear. Lear Lear Lear.  I went to likely one of the best shows we're going to see this whole trip Tuesday night: King Lear at the Royal National Theatre.  I loved nearly everything about the thoughtful production.  Not to mention the technical effects unrivaled by any other Shakespeare play I've seen.  Before the show, we took a backstage tour that covered history and technical aspects of the theatre's three stages.  Consequently, we saw props and set pieces before the performance and even watched the talented Simon Russell Beale (who played Lear) warm up onstage before the show!

Yummy pre-show snack

The stage itself was one of the most incredible parts.  It rotated a full 360 degrees and included a lift that made a ramp-like projection onstage.  The design of the play itself was rather simplistic--dark, muted colors and sparse furnishings, complementing the mood of the Leninesque setting perfectly.  Most of the acting was well-paced and strongly performed, though at times over dramatic and lacking tension.  However, this strongly imagined production has earned its place among my favorite shows.  

Yesterday, the group toured Windsor Castle, an hour (hour and a half?) train ride from London.  It is one of the Queen's favorite residences and often used to entertain foreign dignitaries; additionally, Henry VIII and some of his unfortunate wives are buried in its chapel.  I also took a short walk over to Eton (home of Eton College), another cute, quaint town on the banks of the Thames.

Today was a tour of Kensington Palace, home to Royals present and past including Princess Diana, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Will and Kate of the recent royal wedding), and Prince Harry.  Unfortunately there are no pictures because I was having issues--now resolved!--with charging my phone.

Selfie with the free audio guide

     

No puppies :(