Wedding singers to Opera Boys

We've been lucky as we've been to see two shows in the last eight days. The first one was The Wedding Singer which we saw last Saturday at the Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham. Its a lovely theatre, but the seating is awful. You're packed in like sardines, so if anyone is thinking of going - be warned. We were up in the heavens where the cheap seats usually are, and we had a good view, so can't complain about that. However our seats were mid-row and we were sure crammed in. Anyway, the show! The Wedding Singer, I was full of excitement. After all its one of my favourite films, and I couldn't wait to sing along with all the 80's classics. Only, there weren't any!! Who stole the 1980's?? I am guessing it was something to do with weird copyright laws, but the songs are what make the film so special, and it wasn't the same without them. The musical was good though, a lively collection of  songs and dance. Ray Quinn was great as usual!

Then this Saturday we went to see the Opera Boys at the Lichfield Garrick. We had a lovely dinner at ASK, never a bad choice. The Olive oil and pistachio cake is delicious 😊 After dinner we took a stroll through the city centre, thankfully the rain had stopped which was a relief, In fact the sun had come out and the city looked lovely in the evening sunlight. Hard to believe how much its changed since we were last there. Finally we arrived at the theatre, pre-ordered our drinks for the interval and then found our seats. We weren't sure what to expect, but the show was fantastic and exceeded all expectations. The Opera Boys have all performed in West End musicals and have amazing voices. Add to that they are funny and rather easy on the eye - a recipe for a great evening.  They did several arias from Les Mis, La Traviata, Phantom etc and also performed a few show tunes. For me the highlight of the evening was their rendition of December 63 - a Four Seasons classic. Everyone was on their feet for that number, I haven't stopped singing it yet.

After the show finished we headed down to the foyer to buy one of their CD's, the guys were signing them and happily chatting to people. We stopped to get our CD's signed and told them how much we enjoyed the show. I also had to tell Richard he was my favourite, he's adorable and also the shortest, and the other guys took every opportunity to make fun of him. I can so relate to that - LOL!! I was thrilled when Richard flew around the table, and gave me the biggest hug. What a great end to the night. And it was a great night, I hope we get the chance to go and see them again soon. And next week....off to the theatre again!

Walking with Alpacas

A picture can paint a thousand words, but sometimes a few more can be helpful. So for anyone who's thinking of going on an alpaca walk but aren't sure if its for you, let me help. Take it from a city girl, this is an experience anyone can enjoy. Paul and I had booked to go on the alpaca walk with afternoon tea afterwards, so the actual walk wasn't that long. A good introduction to alpacas though, and plenty enough time to know if you like it.

At 1.30pm everyone had assembled outside the shop/reception and we were taken over to the Alpaca pen and ushered inside. Here we were all allocated an alpaca, it seemed like you were pretty much paired up with the alpaca closest too you. Mine was called Portofino, Paul's Bertie. The girl who was leading the walk went through a few things, like how to hold the lead, and how alpacas are pretty laid back and like to take a calm amble. Oh how I wish someone told Portofino that, as soon as the gate was open......he was off! Yes, I had the alpaca with attitude. He was cute and all, but in a terrible hurry to get out front and stay there. He pretty much took me along for the ride! We were led through the farm and into one of the fields, and then made our way to a lovely little wooded area. Lots of bluebells and an ideal location to stop for photo's. We took loads, and also too the opportunity to feed the alpacas with the feed we had bought at the shop. I also too the opportunity to swap alpacas with Paul and I enjoyed the rest of the walk with the very placid Bertie. He was a sweetie, happy to bring up the rear and stop to eat grass.

When we got back to led the alpacas back into their pen, and said good bye. Be warned if you do this, wear old clothes, alpacas drool all over you! After the walk I had to go back to the car and take my drool covered fleece off.

And then it was time for afternoon tea, which was nothing short of amazing. There were the usual sandwiches, cakes and scones with jam and cream. But there were also sweet potato fries and banana ketchup. Never tried banana ketchup? You have never lived - delicious! All of the food was fabulous, and I can't recommend it highly enough. So from someone who's known not to be a lover of the great outdoors, if you have the chance - go walk an alpaca.