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Chloe

March 16th, 2015

February in Review

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Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Chloe

March 16th, 2015

February in Review

0 comments

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

One of the main things everyone wants to talk about when you say you go to uni in London is how much there is to see, and how amazing the night life and culture is. This February I decided to capitalise on my new location, and book some events. Between those and assessed essays, I definitely had an eventful month.  The term so far is turning out to be expensive and exhausting, but 100% worth it. I would definitely recommend keeping an eye out for cheap theatre tickets on sale in January. I found my tickets at www.getintolondontheatre.co.uk, and I managed to get my hands on £20 tickets that usually go for around £40.  February is also prime tour season, and lets be honest, nowhere can beat London when it comes to gigs.

Made in Dagenham

Having grabbed some cheap theatre tickets, at the beginning of the month I took a trip to the Adelphi Theatre to see the hit musical ‘Made in Dagenham’, based on the Ford workers strike of 1968. The musical combines garish sixties fashion with strong feminist leads, a catchy soundtrack and a killer cast, to create a real crowd pleaser. I had the songs going round and round in my head for days afterwards, which is always a sign of a strong musical. The show left me with an urge to ‘stand up’, and a newfound love of the Dagenham accent. I would definitely recommend this musical to those who want a cheerful evening out, with a side of kickass feminist empowerment.

Book of Mormon

This is the best West End show I’ve ever seen, and since seeing it I have recommended it to literally everyone I know. Hilarious from start to finish, I’ve never laughed so hard in my life. Walking the fine line between funny and offensive is a dangerous move, but Book of Mormon finds the perfect balance. The script is clever, however it is also careful. The show follows two young Mormons on their mission in Uganda, as they struggle with their faith, fears and in the case of Elder Cunningham, fibbing. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but lets just say that even Chewbacca and a pair of hobbits made an appearance at one point… Lighthearted frivolity and innuendo are met in perfect balance by darker humour and gritty subplot; while I wouldn’t suggest taking your Grandma or kid brother to see this, it really does tick all of the boxes.

HUDSON TAYLOR

Breaking away from the musical theatre theme, I then had a couple of gigs lined up in two of London’s most popular venues. Hudson Taylor are an Irish duo, who headlined their first major UK tour at Shepard’s Bush Empire in February. I first listened to the brothers after their appearance on the Reading line-up last year, and fell immediately in love with their music. Their acoustic, folk inspired sound carried perfectly from recording to live performance, especially when they disconnected their speakers and sang with no assistance to a breath-taken audience. The whole performance felt personal and uplifting and was very emotional to watch. Not least of all, because of how clearly ecstatic and overwhelmed the duo were by the crowd and their reaction. Every time the audience sang along, Harry and Alfie seemed to burst with pride, and you can’t help but feel proud of them. Having just dropped their debut album ‘Singing to Strangers’, these two brothers from Ireland are no doubt on the cusp of an amazing journey.

KODALINE

To round up my miniature musical marathon, I ventured to Camden to see Kodaline (yes I know, I clearly have a thing for Irish musicians) at the Roundhouse, supported by The Mispers and Port Isla. The band performed amazingly as always, with one or two songs bringing me embarrassingly close to tears. While a few of their songs were from a new album that had yet to drop, I still managed to howl along through most of the set. Kodaline were obviously the stars of the show, but they did nearly have their spotlight stolen by their incredibly talented supports. Port Isla are definitely one to watch for fans of James Bay, George Ezra and alike. They have a small UK tour running soon, I say check them out.

*Sigh of relief*

I told you that February was pretty hectic right? We’ve reached that point in term again, two weeks to go; it’s all downhill from here (here’s hoping). Hopefully I’ll get a chance to revise over break, somewhere in between a holiday, excessive naps and general procrastination. After that, things are really going to kick off.

About the author

Chloe

Second Year BA Geography student. Follow my somewhat trivial thoughts through my time as a student in London.

Posted In: London life

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