Cats

Today was the reason why we came up earlier than in the past few years. Some little time ago Christine had spotted that a new production of Cats was starting and there was a matinee for this afternoon. Ellie had also opted to join the party.

We had arranged to meet Ellie on the train which she was catching from Slough, stopping at West Drayton at 11.35. This would give us plenty of time to find the theatre and have some lunch. Just as well we gave ourselves time as it turned out!

We arrived at the station to discover that there were signalling problems and the previous train had been cancelled. Ellie texted to say that it was already rather full and, as the time for it to arrive neared, the display showed a later and later time. In the end it was only about 15 minutes late into Paddington but very, very  full. At one later stop some people almost could not get on. But they did have a large pushchair!

The Underground to Oxford Circus was uneventful but we quickly discovered that although there are plenty of places to eat close to the Palladium, all were extremely busy. We opted to queue at Bella Italia - although more than busy the staff were very friendly and we eventually settled down at a table for all five of us. at least there was plenty of time for us all to study the menu so that we were ready to order when our server arrived.

Waiting for food

The food was appreciated all round and everyone went for something different - Alice was very clear that her choice was spaghetti bolognese!

Time to find our seats

Over then to the theatre which by now was very crowded around the entrance. After finding the right doorway we gradually made our way to the auditorium and found our seats in the centre of the stalls.

The two smallest were also able to have 'booster' seats (no, not just big sister's lap!) which gave them a better view. taking photos inside the theatre, even before the start of the performance, is not easy with a pocket camera so this atmospheric image will have to do!

The production had very high values, with lots of detail both in costumes, props and the way in which every member of the case contributed.

The interval provided, of course, an opportunity for an ice cream! also a chance to pretend to be a Cat.

And then on to the second half. Some of us thought that this part was even better than the first half! All too soon we reached the main version of Memory and then how to Ad-dress the Cats.

We were left with plenty of memories of our own, especially the energetic dance routines and the powerful music and singing. We were all very please indeed that we had manged to meet up for the experience!

Outside the streets were packed - late night last minute shoppers along with the usual rush hour meant that the first entrance to the Underground was almost entirely blocked! However, we did find another and once down stairs it was less fraught. Only then did we really realise just what might have happened if we had become separated!

The train ride back from Paddington to West Drayton was rather smoother than this morning and we bade farewell - until tomorrow - to Ellie who was returning home whilst the other two returned to the boat with us.

After having had a good lunch we were all only into  a snack - sausage sandwiches for three of us whilst Alice opted to accompany her sausage with a few oven chips!