The Book of Mormon

Recently, Marcus and I were lucky enough to score two front row tickets to see The Book of Mormon. Every day before a performance, a lottery is held outside the theatre, giving people a chance to win some of the best seats in the house for just £20 per ticket! Marcus saw this as an amazing chance to see a musical which is renowned for being consistently sold out and so at five o'clock on the dot, we were lining up outside the theatre, raffle form in hand, hoping for a chance to win. We were very lucky. The number of tickets dwindled as we waited with baited breath. Then, on the second to last draw, my name was called! Grinning, I ran inside the box office to pay the absurdly low price to purchase the coveted tickets. I couldn't quite believe it- we'd heard stories of people entering for up to six days in a row and still missing out!

Okay, this is where I have to admit that at this point I knew next to nothing about the show, I just enjoy winning. I mean, I'd seen the adverts on the tube, but hadn't really ever thought that much about it. Luckily however, Marcus knew a lot and so set about filling me in. Essentially, it's written by the team behind 'South Park' and is about two Mormons' journey to convert people to their faith. I won't tell you much more about the story because I'd hate to give anything away, but I will say that it is easily one of the best musicals I've ever seen.

Initially, I was quite dubious. I'm not a big fan of the type of humour in South Park and so was quite apprehensive about sitting through a few hours of something along the same lines. The South Park influence was definitely there in the clever references to other stories (a surprise visit from Yoda!) and at times, the humour being cringingly crude, but I have to say, I enjoyed every minute of it (and if the laughter filling the theatre was anything to go on, I'd say the rest of the audience did too). The story was  brilliantly current (Starbucks mugs dancing in Hell, lorded over by a guitar riffing Devil), with every song up beat and every dance choreographed to perfection. I especially loved just how animated every single character was and how there was always a surprise around the corner. The only unsurprising thing was that the performance ended with the entire audience on their feet, clapping and cheering the actors as they took their final bows.

This is how close we were!

This show is really not to be missed. Not only is it wonderfully hilarious (please, if easily offended, take everything with a pinch of salt), it's also thought provoking, causing you to question not only religion and belief systems, but the romanticised view we all have on certain parts of the world. More than anything however, it leaves you feeling rather endeared towards Mormons!

The King's Road and the Google Labs

Since exams were finally over, I decided to take my purse for a little walk about and hit the King's Road for a touch of retail therapy.

My main aim was to visit Brandy Melville, an Italian brand which has only recently recently hit the UK.

 I'd been promised good quality, affordable clothes and I can't say I was disappointed. More importantly, everything fitted beautifully and hung well, despite the store's 'one size fits most' policy. (I often find it hard to find clothes that fit my figure, so was pleasantly surprised!) Feeling rather spoilt, I happily trotted away with a pretty little tee and a floaty pink skirt, while Marcus treated me to the cutest pair of shorts! 

After a bit of a wonder, it started to tip it down so we headed over to the Science Museum (a favourite haunt of mine as a child- everything's so 'hands on'!) to visit the Google Labs. 

This exhibition is highly interactive, inviting people from all over the world to get involved (live!) over the internet. Your interactions are logged on a special lab card you're given, which allows you to view what you've done from home. While we were there we had time to watch a robotic arm draw our faces in the sand (which was incredible to watch) and view live 360° images of a 24hr bakery and an aquarium! Unfortunately we couldn't stay long, but I wish I'd had a chance to fully explore the exhibit as everything seemed so interestingly eye-catching  The exhibit closes in August so hopefully there will be time to go back and see what else it has to offer!

Rather hurriedly leaving the Science Museum, we dashed to Leicester Square to see if we could win a pair of Book of Mormon tickets...

UCLU Variety Show at the Magic Circle and Soho House

The sun was streaming in through the windows as the invigilator took one final glance at his watch and called that time was up. The room of students in front of him scuffled as they wearily put down their pens. Finally, after many long weeks of revision, the last exam was over. Freedom beckoned and I answered with full force, jumping on the first train out of the city and back to London. I had a fabulous weekend ahead of me which was to be kicked off somewhat magically that very evening!

Last Thursday, Marcus and I went to watch a variety show which had been organised by his friend Edward Hilsum, a rising star amongst magicians and a member of the secretive Magic Circle. It was at the Magic Circle's head quarters the show was to take place, a building full of mystical displays and frequented by extraordinary people, tucked behind an unobtrusive blue door.  I could easily spend a few hours wondering between display cases, ogling all the artefacts, but soon after arriving we were ushered into our seats. Marcus and I were lucky enough to have some of the best in the house, right in the front row!

The most magical of staircases

Murals decorating the staircase

The show was incredible and really did justice to the concept of 'Variety.' The acts ranged from a serene contortionist to the strangely enthralling  art of 'paper cutting,' whereby a lady stood on stage and cut silhouettes out of paper while the audience watched with bated breath. Ed performed his incredible dove act (I can never get over the finale- it's simply mind boggling!) and there was even a special surprise performance from Piff the Magic Dragon, who left the audience in stitches! The whole night was hosted by the hilarious Young and Strange who made a girl vanish into thin air!

The evening really was magical and I couldn't recommend the shows highly enough. The amount of skill and talent put on display is simply astonishing and made me wonder what on earth I was doing with my life! Unfortunately for you guys, I think this show may have been the last of its kind for now, but be sure to look out for it in the future- hopefully Ed will co-ordinate something similar at some point!

After the main show, a few of us got talking to the liveliest of characters I've met in a long time, Fay Presto, who also performed that night. She kindly invited us along to her local haunt which just happened to be Soho House! For the second time that night, we were ushered through a secretive door and up to the main bar where Fay hosted the most spirited table there. After showing us a trick which involved an entire napkin going up in flames and then reappearing scorch free, we ordered cocktails. Soho House still remains somewhat of a mystery. The bar appeared to be fairly ordinary, like a club house if anything. However, there were a number of doors leading off in various directions which I didn't get a chance to peak through and I bet hid much more interesting places- I heard whispers of a private cinema behind one of them..?

Eventually, Marcus and I excused ourselves and headed home. I'd had the most wonderful night and the best possible start to the weeks of freedom ahead.



Ps- apologies for the lack of pictures and for the number of links. The links for the acts however should point you in the right direction for the performers' showreels which will demonstrate some of what I got to see that evening. Enjoy!

Freedom!

I'm happy to say, as of this Thursday just past, my exams all finished. Finally! Therefore I've had a few fabulous, jam packed but well deserved days to celebrate! Posts to follow shortly, but I'll just leave you with the photo below on what's to come and I promise normal posting shall (at long last!) resume:

Sally Hansen and Sparkles

So I've decided that I may as well do something useful while I'm in the student version of solitary confinement. I'm growing my nails. (Yes, I'm sorry, it's another nail post. I would write about something else, but not leaving my room doesn't really inspire much in the way of material.) Anyway, my housemate did a bit of spring cleaning the other day and on lifting up his bed, he found a full bottle of Sally Hansen maximum growth polish! He was pretty bemused since he has no need of nail polish and we were under the impression the tenants before us were all male, but I took it as a sign that someone was suggesting I did something useful with my revision time...

I've now been using the polish every day for about a week (as per the bottle instructions) and I have to say, I've noticed an improvement. My nails, normally flakey and ripped, seem to appear stronger and even the polish hasn't chipped around the edges. However, it is a tad dull on the colour front, so I may have added a little sparkle.

These sparkles come in tiny little bottles and just need to be dabbed onto damp polish. I found them on one of my many internet wonderings and thought they'd be interesting to try out. I have to admit, I'm rather taken in by them! I can't remember where exactly I found them, but if you google 'nail supplies' I'm sure you'll come across something similar!

Anyway, I hope you're all having a much better time than I am now and are getting ready to say hello to summer (with beautifully grown nails, of course)!


P.S- 10 days until my last exam and freedom! Wish me luck!

Cabin Fever

Recently, revision has been getting a tad overwhelming. You know when you get to that stage where you realise it's been three weeks and you've only ever left your room to raid the fridge? Well I've been at the point for some time now- I've stopped counting the days, but if you're receiving this message, know that I am still alive...

Anyhow, my breaks have become a haven for trawling the internet and consequently, I've rekindled my admiration of the craziness which is Japanese nail art. Now, if you've never seen this before, know that it's totally over the top and you have to wonder how these girls do anything with their hands all day bar stare at them. If you haven't, get googling!

Nail polishes: OPI (Russian Navy) and Saffron London 

I first saw this art form when in Tokyo some time ago. Many of the girls were sporting glittering hands and the news kiosk stands were packed full of magazines showing row after row of impossible 'do it yourself' step by step instructions. To say the least, it left a rather lasting impression.

The little flower is made from polymer clay which you can get in canes or already pre-sliced

So, in an attempt to draw myself away from the computer screen, I had a go at my own (unskilled) version of nail art. Now, as I've said before, I'm not a huge nail polish girl, nor am I that accomplished in that department, but nonetheless I had a go. My slightly biased opinion is that they came out pretty well for a first attempt and if I can do it, all of you can. So go wild, let off some of that revision steam and paint your nails...! Yes, you can tell I haven't got out much recently.

P.S- incase anyone was wondering, exams for me are over in exactly one month and then normal regular posts should be here once again- sorry for the wait!

Matilda the Musical by the Royal Shakespeare Company

Roald Dahl has been a permanent fixture in my family's life ever since my sister and I were old enough to open our eyes. As young children we were read (and later read to ourselves) 'Revolting Rhymes' so relentlessly that to this day, I can still recite 'Cinderella' from beginning to end without missing a beat. Next of course followed 'James and the Giant Peach', 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' and 'The Witches' and later still, Dahl's more sinister adult short tales such as 'Skin and Other Stories'. Dahl's imagination for the twisted and the fantastical has never failed to amaze me, so imagine how excited I was to discover that someone had transferred a pinch of his brilliance into song and dance, in the shape of one of the best stories of all, 'Matilda'.

For those of you who are yet to discover Roald Dahl, Matilda is the story of a very special little girl born into one of the least special or appreciative families. Taunted and ignored, she turns her attention to the friends that never failed her- books. Then, using her extraordinary mind, Matilda sets out to perform a child's justice in a very adult world.

This uplifting story is one that transfers spectacularly onto stage. The quirky songs (which I wasn't surprised to discover were written by comedian and musician Tim Minchin), tight choreography and wonderful set design all helped animate the characters to larger than life proportions. Miss Trunchball made you want to cower in your seat while Matilda's loathsome parents made you squirm in your skin.

The set at the start of the show. If you want to see more photos from the performance, the Matilda website has a few. 

But the thing that amazed me the most was the performance of the children. Each under 13, they sang, danced and acted as if they'd been doing this job for years beyond their own. They managed the transformation from repulsive little squirts to miniature heroes seamlessly, lead by a resolute Matilda, captivating the hearts of the audience left, right and centre.

I throughly enjoyed the flamboyant performance and I think Dahl would approve, as in his own words he once wrote, "Matilda said, "Never do anything by halves if you want to get away with it. Be outrageous. Go the whole hog. Make sure everything you do is so completely crazy it's unbelievable..."" I think the RSC's interpretation of 'Matilda' might just fit the bill.

Sri Lanka

My exams aren't over until June and consequently (as you may have noticed) I've failed to do anything interesting in the last few weeks. To make up for this, I thought I'd take you all on (another) trip down memory lane. Please, don't try too hard to contain your excitement...

A few summers ago, my sister, Mum and I went to visit Sri Lanka. This was not to be a lounge around on the beach style holiday, but more of a 'get up and go' and 'lets see everything there is on offer' affair. We'd heard tales of golden temples, elephants roaming wild and ancient tea plantations so wanted to see  everything for ourselves!

Despite our intention to explore, this didn't mean we had to stay in anything short of luxury, so we picked the Jetwing Beach Hotel as our base. Here, we were in the costal town of Negombo, not too far from the cultural treasure trove of the city of Colombo, putting us in the prime spot to start our adventures. I found the mix of food at the hotel rather fascinating as there was the standard unsurprising western foods next to the much more interesting Sri Lankan cuisine which, although not all to my taste, was interesting to try. There were also some fantastic themed nights and a beautiful restaurant called "Black Coral" where we were served stunningly tasty dishes by engaging and knowledgeable staff which really completed the dining experience.

Anyway, moving on from food...

After a day or two recovering from our flight by soaking up the Sri Lankan sun, we started our explorations in ernest. We hired a driver, a local man who knew about everything there was to know and discussed with him what we wanted to see and where he thought we should go. Then we set off.

We were shown some magical places although I'll only share with you my highlights, otherwise we'll be here all day!

The Dambulla Cave Temple was a truly spectacular sight. You had to climb up an enormous rock (while wild monkeys skittered around your feet) to reach the cave networks, where you were faced with giant statutes of Buddha throughout the stages of his life. The view from the top was also beautiful.

Another stunning temple we visited was the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. This temple was so ornate you had no idea where to look next! Everything the light touched glittered gold.

One place I really enjoyed visiting was the Tea Museum. Here, you could see all the old machinery which was used to separate out the different bits of the tea plants and learned about which different parts of the plant are used for what purpose. For example, did you know that tea bags are simply made up of 'tea dust,' essentially all the left over bits after all the good bits have been separated out?!

However, my favourite place had to be the elephant orphanage. Here we got to see a huge herd of elephants who had been brought together by the orphanage keepers. I especially enjoyed watching them all splash around in the river while they enjoyed a good rub down by their keepers.

Hats made from lotus flowers!

Sigiriya: The Lion Rock

We all really enjoyed our trip to Sri Lanka and felt we got a good feel for the island. We felt safe where ever we went, found the locals wonderfully welcoming (and we were surprised to find we weren't all that hassled at the markets!) and the sights truly awe-inspiring. Just remember ladies, take a few long shawls with you for covering yourself inside any temples you may visit!

A Host of Golden Daffodils

Today cabin fever finally kicked in and I emerged from my books to have a (quick revision break style) stroll around the garden, which to my surprise, was bathed in sunshine and was surprisingly mild! I mean, last time I looked out of my window there was a slushy mush on the ground and a chill in the air.

I'm beyond excited that spring's finally showing her blossomed head- the way things were going I was starting to think the Starks had got it right and winter was really setting in to stay. However as I milled amongst the flower beds, I could see buds starting to pop and new shoots poking through the soil. Most importantly, the sun was shining!

Anyway, I was so dizzy with happy thoughts of sun and warm weather I seized my camera so I could share this with all of you. So grab your sun hats and your April showers brollies and enjoy!

The BodyHoliday: LeSPORT, St Lucia

Unfortunately for my grades, revision time lends itself to daydreaming. One moment you're reading the tiniest detail concerning the correct procedure for obtaining a mortgage, the next you're on a sunny beach somewhere far away from all thoughts of Land Law and potentially failing your exams. In my case, my sunny beach was in St Lucia, a good 8 hour plane ride from where I am now. More specifically, at the BodyHoliday LeSPORT resort where I spent seven glorious days last year with my mother.

There is only one way to describe LeSPORT: heaven.  It's an all inclusive little slice of paradise, where you're pampered to your heart's content and then left to bake in the sun (or play tennis/golf, scuba dive, sail etc... whatever takes your fancy really) and I loved it!

My days there quickly fell into a routine. I'd get up and potter off to breakfast (a delicious array of just about every breakfast food you could imagine) and then snare my favourite poolside spot, just in time to catch the start of the morning aqua aerobics class. This was followed by a spa treatment (you're handed a time table when you arrive with pre-booked treatments, one for each day. Told you it was heaven!) lunch and if I was feeling up to it, another go at aqua aerobics. Then I could be found on my sun lounger with a book and a coconut (the gardener would climb up the tree for us and hack down a fresh one, lop off its head and give us a straw to slurp up all its milky goodness) until it was time to head up and get ready for cocktails and dinner. Total relaxation.

My Mum was a bit more on the active side. She could be found getting up for 6am beach walks, in various yoga classes and then up partying all nights- there were many occasions where I'd turned it at 9pm only for Mum to sneak in at 3am, having been singing around the piano in the bar... Talk about role reversal?!

The whole holiday is built to be the ultimate escape and it obviously works- nearly everyone we met had been once, if not twice or three times before. The focus on you- you can opt in to activities or be like me and focus on some serious R&R, away from the distractions of normal every day life. After a busy and stressful year, this holiday gave me the chance to completely switch off and that was amazing.

I loved many things about my time at LeSPORT- the food was amazing, the spa treatments relaxing, the resort a haven. I especially loved the attention to the little things. For example, our room even had a pillow menu where we could choose exactly what type of down we'd like to rest our weary heads on!

After a stressful year I couldn't have asked for a better holiday, however now that I'm in revision period, I'm wishing I'd had a slightly worse time so that Law looked that little bit more interesting!