20 BEDFORD STREET WC2E 9HP website www.ladt.co.uk

IMAGINATION STAGE, MARYLAND

LONDON THEATRE TOUR With Artistic Director Janet Stanford

July 1-6, 2019

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 *

Monday

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.

Tuesday

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*

Wednesday

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.

2:00 pm Matinee Performance 2: HARRY POTTER & THE CURSED CHILD, Part I Palace Theatre. Based on an original new story by J. K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany. This production is the most award West End play in the history of the Olivier Awards, winning a record-breaking nine awards including Best New Play and Best Director, 2017.

8:00 pm Evening Performance 3: HARRY POTTER & THE CURSED CHILD, Part 2 Palace Theatre.

Thursday

Am Visit, lunch and show at Shakespeare’s Globe (pm)* We spend today in the marvellous recreation of Shakespeare’s Globe on the River at . 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

Friday Am MORNING LEFT FREE for shopping or sight-seeing

Pm PERFORMANCE 4 matinee: a play by * A unique experience – the amazing recreation of the where Shakespeare’s plays are performed in the Wooden “O” throughout the summer months.

Pm PERFORMANCE 5: LITTLE ANGEL MARIONETTE OR POLKA THEATRE* 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. The Polka Theatre in Wimbledon (of tennis fame) is one of London’s venue dedicated to producing children’s and family friendly theatre. *

Saturday

Am MORNING FREE

Pm London Eye.* Created for the millennium year (2000) – this huge and elegant ferris wheel has become a feature of the London sky- line. 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.

Farewell Supper*

Sunday 24 June

Depart for flights home to the USA 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: West End—Harry Potter, Parts 1 & 2 Polka or Little Angel Unicorn Shakespeare’s Globe

VISITS Musical Museum Parliament Shakespeare’s Globe Harry Potter-Land London Eye

COACHING* All events not within easy walking distance of the hotels, all sightseeing excursions.