For years we repeated the mantra of “this year we are going to buy tickets and see a show in London.” Something always got in the way: Schedules didn’t work out, tickets weren’t available, tickets were too expensive, but most of the time it was just a pub and/or laziness that got in the way! So, this year I backed us into a corner. I purchased our tickets on line before leaving the states. I even made reservations for dinner to ensure that “I” would show up.

Four years ago Alejondro, one of the bartenders at the Crowne Plaza had recommended his favorite Italian Restaurant (located in the Theatre District) including his favorite wine. We have tried over the years to get in but they never had availability for “walk ins.”

After a wonderful and uplifting matinee performance of Mamma Mia at the Novello Theatre, we slipped around the corner for a delizioso meal at San Carlo Cicchetti Ristorante (more about that meal later).

Now back to the Novello. The Novello Theater has gone through several iterations after its initial opening in 1905 as the Waldorf Theater. While it has a capacity of 1105 patrons, it seems smaller and more intimate. Our seats were in the first row of the first balcony (mid-price range) but were excellent for viewing. I had the added luxury of music in both ears (I believe they call that stereo). Elizabeth on one side and a lovely young lady on the other, both singing and crying in unison at the appropriate moments. The performance, itself, was most excellent. Highly recommended!

Oh, by the way, we met the most delightful couple before the show began. We had made our way to one of the theater bars for a glass of wine. While there was plenty of wine (at only £ 6 a generous pour) there were no seats available (We learned later that you can just take your drinks to your seats). That’s when we met Stephen and Benna, who invited us to sit with them. They had come in from Kent to visit with grandchildren and take in a show. We had a most delightful visit with them before the bell sounded. Thanks, Stephen and Benna for brightening our evening.

I was worried because we only had 15 minutes between the end of the show and our dinner reservation. Not to worry Grass Hopper! They had us out of that theatre and on the street in about two minutes. We were quickly around the corner and at the restaurant entrance where the hostess was busy telling couple after couple that they were totally booked for the evening; not a 20 minute wait, not an hour wait, not a two hour wait, don’t bother waiting at all we have no  room this evening!

The restaurant is long and narrow (actually has a back entrance across from the theatre which we could have used and saved some steps). The staff are all (or mostly) Italian and the noise and hand waving are all “ginormous.” We loved it! Elizabeth still had the piece of paper written by our bartender, Alejandro, recommending wine and food. So, we went with his recommendations and were not disappointed. It’s family style dining with many dishes ordered and many dishes shared.

It took us long enough to get to the theatre and the restaurant, but we now know the secrets. Book early – book often – book on line! We will no doubt do this again, as we both very much enjoyed the experience.