Bec & Dave's Blog: Shakespeare-Upon-Avon

Two households, both alike in dignity,
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
From forth the fatal loins of these two foes,
A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life
Prologue, 'Romeo and Juliet'

Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight!
For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night.
Act 1, Scene V

Yea, noise,then I'll be brief;
O, happy dagger!
This is thy sheath; there rest, and let me die.
Act V, Scene III

Last weekend we made our way by coach to Stratford-Upon-Avon, town of all things Shakespeare. It was bright and sunny, but absolutely freezing. Upon arrival on Saturday at 11, we checked into our nice, cosy B&B (after getting into the English spirit and sharing a pot of tea), and went to see the sights. We saw the Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare's grave is, Shakespeare's birthplace, the Great Garden of New Place, and numerous statues and sculptures depicting the scenes and characters from his works. The play was our main reason for being there however, and after dinner and a few drinks at the Dirty Duck, we took our seats at the Courtyard Theatre for the RSC production of 'Romeo and Juliet'. I can't use enough superlatives here, so just let me say that it was absolutely BRILLIANT. Worth every penny. The actors were amazing, favourites being the portrayals of Mercutio and Benvolio by, respectively, Gyuri Sarossy and Daniel Percival.
In other London news, we had a great day/night yesterday at our 'Orphans Christmas' (thanks guys). Today, while Dave has been at work, I have done a themed walking tour, Shakespeare's and Dickens' London - very interesting and worthwhile.
A few photos below. Hope all is well.

At The Dirty Duck before seeing 'Romeo and Juliet'