IMAGINATION STAGE, MARYLAND. LONDON THEATRE TOUR With Artistic Director Janet Stanford June 2018

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1 20 BEDFORD STREET LONDON WC2E 9HP website IMAGINATION STAGE, MARYLAND LONDON THEATRE TOUR With Artistic Director Janet Stanford June 2018 Introduce your young theatre-lovers, ages 7-12, to the London theatre scene in a week packed chock full of West End hits, Shakespeare s Globe, London s top Theatres for Young Audiences, and family friendly trips to museums and other attractions. Having lived and worked in London, Janet knows the town well. She can t wait to talk with guests about the plays, the performers, and London theatre lore and history. Make great memories with this fun, inspirational and educational trip. PROPOSED ITINERARY Please Note: All events are subject to change due to performance schedules. Journeys for which coach transportation is provided are marked *

2 Monday 18 June Am Individual arrivals at a London Airport. Transfer to The Athenaeum Hotel. Situated opposite Green Park one of the city s splendid green lungs this fine establishment offers a variety of high-level accommodation, restaurants and bars. The property features standard rooms, junior and full suites alongside several townhouses with family accommodation multiple bedding arrangements and interconnecting rooms. 4pm WELCOME TEA at HOTEL A chance to meet the Tour Director and find out about all the exciting events and performances planned for the week. 7.30pm PERFORMANCE 1: ALADDIN* Disney s production is directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon) with music by Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast), ALADDIN features lyrics by Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast), Tim Rice (The Lion King) and Chad Beguelin (Elf), who also wrote the book. Featuring the timeless songs from the classic film including A Whole New World, Friend Like Me and Arabian Nights along with new music written for the production. Prince Edward Theatre Tuesday 19 June 10.30am Visit to the Musical Museum* Behind the doors of a rather ordinary warehouse in Kew, an amazing array of domestic mechanical music devices from Victorian and Edwardians homes and places of public entertainment. The collection includes an extra-ordinary coin-operated device which plays a violin. The star exhibit is a magnificent Wurlitzer Organ once a familiar sight in Movie Theatres.* Lunch in Kew*

3 pm (pm or early evening) PERFORMANCE 2 POLKA THEATRE* this is one of London s venue dedicated to producing children s and family friendly theatre. Polka Theatre Wimbledon Wednesday 20 June 10.30am Guided visit to the Houses of Parliament.* The Palace of Westminster on the banks of the River Thames has for centuries been the base of one of the world s oldest Parliaments. Here the business of the UK s Government is conducted in Victorian splendour the building houses two chambers the Commons and the Lord, one is green the other tour. We ll take a guided tour and meet with a serving member of the The Lords to learn about how democracy works on a daily basis. AFTERNOON FREE PERFORMANCE 3 UNICORN THEATRE or LITTLE ANGEL MARIONETTE THEATRE* The Unicorn in Southwark is a purpose built children s theatre producing a variety of plays throughout the season. The Little Angel is found in Islington a north London neighbourhood in a converted Chapel Building, the company specialises in Puppet shows and is a much loved venue.* Thursday 21 June Am/pm Visit, lunch and show at Shakespeare s Globe (pm)* We spend today in the marvellous recreation of Shakespeare s Globe on the River at Southwark. The complex, in addition to the main theatre, also features the exquisite Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, a candle-lit covered space and an extensive exhibition gallery. The Globe has a highly regarded education department which programmes tours and events for all age groups PERFORMANCE 4 matinee: a play by William Shakespeare*

4 A unique experience the amazing recreation of the Globe Theatre where Shakespeare s plays are performed in the Wooden O throughout the summer months. EVENING LEFT FREE for those wishing to book tickets to HARRY POTTER, Part 1 Friday 22 June Am Visit to Museum of Childhood.* Part of the Victoria & Albert Museum this east London museum in a former Tram Shed houses a collection devoted to all aspects of childhood across the ages. Toys, of course, are a major feature. Lunch in Bethnal Green Pm The Harry Potter Experience* The Warner Brothers Studio in Watford is our destination this afternoon. We ll see many of the sets and props that created the extraordinary magic of the movies series. The train which leaves from Platform 9¾ is ready and waiting to take you on an adventure into the world of J.K. Rowling and the atmosphere and wizardry Hogwarts.* EVENING LEFT FREE for those wishing to book tickets to HARRY POTTER, Part 2 Saturday 23 June Am Pm MORNING FREE London Eye.* Created for the millennium year (2000) this huge and elegant ferris wheel has become a feature of the London skyline. A ride on the wheel takes half-an-hour, so plenty of time to take in the amazing views particularly those over the Houses of Parliament across the River Thames.

5 Supper* near Matilda. Time for Dinner before we see the last exciting show on the schedule. 7.15pm PERFORMANCE 5: MATILDA* Roald Dahl's classic novel, loved by generations of readers, has been adapted in a hilarious new version by Dennis Kelly with songs by composer and comedian Tim Minchin. After fantastic success and a sell out run in Stratford, Matthew Warchus and the RSC bring their production of Matilda to London s West End. Having won numerous Awards in London, the Broadway production has been nominated for 11 Tonys. Cambridge Theatre Sunday 24 June Depart for flights home to the USA

6 SUMMARY ACCOMMODATION 6 nights at the Athenaeum Hotel MEALS Full English Breakfast daily Welcome tea Lunch in Kew Lunch in Bethnal Green Farewell supper nr Matilda PERFORMANCES (5) Perhaps: Aladdin Polka Unicorn or Little Angel Globe Matilda VISITS COACHING* Musical Museum Parliament Globe Harry Potter-Land London Eye All events not within easy walking distance of the hotels, all sightseeing excursions.