Journey Through London: 21 Shows in 10 Days

This is for sure A Theatre Lover’s Journey 

Over the past 10 days, I had the opportunity to see 21 shows in London—an experience that has left me utterly inspired and reaffirmed my passion for theatre. I still can't quite believe I managed to catch so many performances in such a short time! This reminds me of my time at the Festival de Otoño in Spain, where I also had a similar immersive art experience, or my time in Oregon recently. There's something about these moments that allow me to recharge, creatively and spiritually.

As I reflect on this whirlwind theatre adventure, I can't help but chuckle at how many people ask me, "Why so many shows?" It’s funny, but my answer is always the same: Theatre is life. it's my craft, my profession nd my PASSION! It's also a way to refocus, connect with purpose, and yes, indulge in great meals and magical moments with like-minded friends.

From laughter that left me in tears to moments of profound emotional depth, London's stages continue to expand my artistic compass. I am beyond grateful to my incredible friend, Juanjo Gonzalez, for joining me on our second annual December theatre adventure. London’s vibrant arts scene, its streets filled with stories, and its theatres alive with innovation have, once again, inspired me in ways words can hardly express.

Speaking of gratitude, I must take a moment to thank Carla Rodriguez. You are pure heart and soul! 

For years, you've poured your energy into R.Evolución Latina, collaborating with Denisse, Heather, and our incredible team to organize our summer camp. Despite both of us being fully immersed in the work, we rarely get the chance to spend quality time together. But London has become our special place to reconnect through culture and friendship—and it’s nothing short of magical. I think this is our fourth time seeing art together here, though I’ve been back to London four times since the pandemic. Either way, I’m thankful for you being the extraordinary human you are.

This season has been a whirlwind of emotions and artistry. London never fails to surprise me, reminding me of the joy, tension, laughter, and introspection that great theatre inspires. Each show left its mark, whether through its lighting, storytelling, or the remarkable performances of its cast. Theatre makes you present. It immerses you in a shared experience, expanding your worldview and igniting curiosity. I’m so grateful to witness such remarkable artistry, and I can’t wait to see the remaining shows.

Art has always been my compass, guiding me to new discoveries, deeper connections, and endless inspiration. If there’s one takeaway from this adventure, it’s this: Keep exploring—keep living, keep being, keep trying.

Thank you, London, for being a hub of magic and possibility.

Here’s a glimpse into the shows I’ve seen the emotions/thoughts they stirred: (I'll keep it short)...

1. Starlight Express

   Luke’s direction was stunning, and the lighting design inspiring and electrifying. The visuals were captivating, a bold and ambitious production.

2. Operation Mincemeat
   Minimalist yet masterful storytelling, akin to Peter and the Starcatcher with its creative use of space and props. A standout moment came from the actor playing the secretary, whose emotional depth left me speechless. The symbolic use of a rope dividing the stage was genius.

3. Come Alive
   A high-energy musical that radiated passion. The two lead performers truly poured their hearts into the show, and the lighting enhanced the emotional impact, making this a joy to watch.

4. Wolves on Road
   A contemporary exploration of race and identity, with immediate, relevant themes. The play enriched its audience with a thoughtful narrative.

5. Viola’s Room
   An immersive, sensory experience. The lighting was the star here, creating a surreal, powerful atmosphere that truly enveloped the audience.

6. The Play That Goes Wrong
   I laughed until I cried! From the moment I walked in and saw the actors "playing" with the stage, I knew this would be special. The perfectly orchestrated chaos and impeccable timing made this a comedic masterpiece.

7. The Devil Wears Prada
   A vibrant, inspiring production that entertained, moved, and left me feeling inspired to be a better artist and human. Jerry’s direction, Elton John’s music, and the incredible design created a show that was entertaining and full of heart.

8. Six
   This high-energy musical continues to resonate with audiences. The power of these queens and their music is undeniable, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser.

9. The Lehman Trilogy
   A sweeping, intricate tale, performed with remarkable precision. A masterclass in storytelling.

10. Benjamin Button
    A charming production that captured the essence of time and love with beautiful storytelling and performances. I want more of this...

11. Dr. Strangelove
    Unfortunately, this one didn’t resonate with me. It lacked the spark I seek in live performance, but even that contrast reminds me of the vast diversity of reactions theatre can evoke.

12. Barcelona
    Loved it! A beautifully crafted play with seamless flow. The relationships and text were handled with finesse, leaving me wanting to dive deeper into its themes.

13. Waiting for Godot
    A thought-provoking experience. Its philosophical depth and existential musings gave me much to reflect on.

14. The Duchess
    Powerful! A compelling narrative, wonderful drama with a slight stumble in its third act. Overall, the intrigue carried it through, making it an engaging watch. Great Lead Actress! 

15. Hansel and Gretel
    The Globe is always fun! It was a creative reimagining that’s still brewing in my mind. I’m intrigued to reflect more on this one. Mostly because the style and it's educational theatre possibilities. 

16. Cinderella
    Beyond the production, I discovered an incredible restaurant nearby, proving once again that theatre enriches life in unexpected ways and yes, this is the best thing I can share about the show. Sorry! I felt miss lead... 

17. Mean Girls
    While I enjoyed the talent on display, this show hit differently for me the second time around. The themes of how we treat each other and the language we accept left me feeling somewhat conflicted... Ummm. yeah... both impressed and saddened by the reflection of our times. I sort of really listen to the lyrics this time... uyyyy.

18. Oedipus
    Wow! Loved this show. A powerful, intense experience that stayed with me long after the curtain fell. Love when classic are re-imagined with such brilliant care!

19. All’s Well That Ends Well
    The Globe Theatre has its own magic, and this production was no exception specially under candle lights! I was also especially impressed by the staff, who handled a situation with a lady who fainted with remarkable professionalism.

20. Musicals by Candlelight
    I was moved to tears during the second song. This intimate, candlelit setting transported me to various emotional and creative spaces.

21. The Tempest
    Jaime Lloyd made a bold gesture here. I can’t fully articulate yet, as It was only the first preview, but art needs time and space to grow. It’ll be interesting to see how this evolves. But hey, HIs Sunset was and is Spectacular and I love his creative mind. I think this show will shape up soon. It has a bit of a Robert Wilson Vibe and that is always magical to witness.

    
    

In General, Oh, London, how magical you are!

before I go:

HAMLET:

Speak the speech, I pray you, as I pronounced it to you, trippingly on the tongue: but if you mouth it,

as many of your players do, I had as lief the town-crier spoke my lines. Nor do not saw the air

too much with your hand, thus, but use all gently;

for in the very torrent, tempest, and, as I may say,

the whirlwind of passion, you must acquire and beget a temperance that may give it smoothness. O, it offends me to the soul to hear a robustious periwig-pated fellow tear a passion to tatters, to

very rags, to split the ears of the groundlings, who

for the most part are capable of nothing but inexplicable dumbshows and noise: I would have such a fellow whipped for o’erdoing Termagant; it out-herods Herod: pray you, avoid it.

Be not too tame neither, but let your own discretion be your tutor: suit the action to the word, the

word to the action; with this special o’erstep not

the modesty of nature: for any thing so overdone is from the purpose of playing, whose end, both at the first and now, was and is, to hold, as ’twere, the mirror up to nature; to show virtue her own feature, scorn her own image, and the very age and body of the time his form and pressure. Now this overdone, or come tardy off, though it make the unskilful laugh, cannot but make the judicious grieve; the censure of the which one must in your allowance o’erweigh a whole theatre of others. O, there be players that I have seen play, and heard others praise, and that highly, not to speak it profanely, that, neither having the accent of Christians nor the gait of Christian, pagan, nor man, have so

strutted and bellowed that I have thought some of nature’s journeymen had made men and not made them well, they imitated humanity so abominably.

O, reform it altogether. And let those that play

your clowns speak no more than is set down for them; for there be of them that will themselves laugh, to

set on some quantity of barren spectators to laugh

too; though, in the mean time, some necessary

question of the play be then to be considered:

that’s villanous, and shows a most pitiful ambition

in the fool that uses it. Go, make you ready.