Newsies, Wembly, travel? and take in another show?

[Mark]

For anyone who’s been recently - where’s the best (cheapest) place to park nearby? I remember a big flat car park when we went up for Sleepless (pray god this show is better than that), but can’t recall the name.

[Matt]

There’s also Boxpark next door which has got around 15 street food vendors in. But it gets super busy so give yourself at LEAST 2 hours in there.

[alece10]

Dec 5, 2022 8:53:19 GMT viserys said:

I stayed at the Premier Inn Wembley Stadium now because it would mean a short walk back after Newsies (although a longer slog back from the West End at other evenings...). The Designer Outlet next door really does have all the usual suspects like Pret, Costa, Nandos, Wagamama and so on.

A local friend took me to Wimpy (which I had last "encountered" around 30 years ago during my very first trip to England...!) and I thought the food was excellent - definitely much better than anything McDonalds next door would rustle up and the service was lovely. So would definitely recommend it as an alternative to McD or generally the ubiquitous chains. It was very empty that evening, though apparently that was because England was playing at the football world cup at the time.

I also recommend the Metropolitan line that rushes through from Wembley to Baker Street, then change there for the Bakerloo Line and Piccadiily Circus for the West End. What was killing this old lady was the LONG stair case up to Wembley Park Tube Station

Can you explain where Wimpey is please as I fancy a bit of nostalgia. Not been to a Wimpey in about 50 years.
Also there is a lift from street level to the ticket hall to avoid all those stairs.
It's to the left hand side of the stairs as you look at the station.

[hadeswasking]

Dec 5, 2022 9:35:29 GMT alece10 said:

Dec 5, 2022 8:53:19 GMT viserys said:

I stayed at the Premier Inn Wembley Stadium now because it would mean a short walk back after Newsies (although a longer slog back from the West End at other evenings...). The Designer Outlet next door really does have all the usual suspects like Pret, Costa, Nandos, Wagamama and so on.

A local friend took me to Wimpy (which I had last "encountered" around 30 years ago during my very first trip to England...!) and I thought the food was excellent - definitely much better than anything McDonalds next door would rustle up and the service was lovely. So would definitely recommend it as an alternative to McD or generally the ubiquitous chains. It was very empty that evening, though apparently that was because England was playing at the football world cup at the time.

I also recommend the Metropolitan line that rushes through from Wembley to Baker Street, then change there for the Bakerloo Line and Piccadiily Circus for the West End. What was killing this old lady was the LONG stair case up to Wembley Park Tube Station

Can you explain where Wimpey is please as I fancy a bit of nostalgia. Not been to a Wimpey in about 50 years.
Also there is a lift from street level to the ticket hall to avoid all those stairs.
It's to the left hand side of the stairs as you look at the station.

There's a mcdonalds right beside the theatre. Just across the road from there. Very near one of the tube station exits. From the actual theatre you have to go round but you can see the sign from there.

[alece10]

On Saturday I turned right out of the station and followed the road around past McDonalds and then around the side of the Fountain Studios to the theatre entrance.
Is it quicker to come out of the station and head up Wembley Way before turning right to the theatre?

[garjobo]

So much info coming back on this thread - mostly on food! Wimpy will get a look-in. 

Seeing as thread is still going, I thought I would ask a series of questions currently on my mind. Not being lazy!, I will be checking maps/ seating plans myself  / but asking in the hope someone out there in theatre land can see a better alternative / or a couple of hints/tips/suggestions.

Having now decided what we ( myself and daughter ) are doing, we are coming from the sticks so to speak, so London, Tubes, timetables....heck even mobile phone apps are new to me, a budget is very much on my mind, but equally want to make the short trip/flight worthwhile / spur of the moment thing.

Nothing is booked, but week around Christmas or so is the timescale.  Maybe not the most sensible, or maybe it is, looking into January prices, for flights, hotels, theatre seats appear even a little more expensive. Avoiding the shops etc

So, 3days ( maybe 4 )

Arriving Gatwick > train etc to Wembley > seeing 7.30 Newsies all be well / next day seeing &Juliet 2.30pm ( again, if that all works out ok ),  and then 7.30pm Newsies again.  Perhaps a 4th day needed ( was lookng at BacktoFuture - thoughts? )

 - Travel from Gatwick / Travel card / prebookin / Oyster?? / for tube..worth doing seeing as wont be using it much?
 
- Not direct to Wembley from Gatwick...ok you think..wont get 'lost'?  

- Flying back from Birmingham Airport ( i think, seems cheaper option ),  again no direct train...but...you think..be ok? from Wembley station..easy enough really?

- Hotel - It's been mentioned on here, Premire Inn, Wembley..their is also one nearer the station...much of a muchness...either / or?  anything else..along same quality/price? around area?

- Newsies - seats - aware been mentioned. Worth paying a little more - middle row...all ok? nothing to try and get? 
 
 - Newsies - Can you wait backstage - get a photo/meet a few ?

- Newies - Merch - aware issues with booklet, i think a jacket..anything else / buy at the venue /  aware toliets maybe an issue.

- &Juliet - Grand Circle ok?

 -&Juliet - getting to Shaftsbury ok?  easy enough to get back to Wembley? again, Tubes new to me. So long as safe enough, bit of a short walk.

- Pic. Line and then Circle line...all quite easy then?


And finally, thoughts on..anything else..worth doing for an afternoon or so....any musical treats / hidden away  / musical musuem etc...worth taking in if have the time?  Heck, even visit Wembly Stadium no? no real interest..but anything closeby...missing out on ?  

Thoughts welcome. Bit of an adventure i suppose.  But would like to make the most out of it / even if pay more for 1 more show...to take in....again thoughts welcome.

[mrnutz]

garjobo - worth considering Mary Poppins. Has some large dance numbers, discounts daily via TKTS and closes 8th Jan.

[garjobo]

Discounts yes..i checked, but all a bit..confusing...like..not sure when actually going etc...but must take a better look into all that.

[fiyerorocher]

Wouldn't recommend Back to the Future unless you're a huge fan of the film. It's a terrible musical, although others will argue it's a good 'spectacle'.

You can't go backstage at Newsies, but could possibly wait at stage door (clearly signposted outside the theatre) however Covid still has some hold here and it's very possible they don't want people waiting to meet the cast. They could all go down quite quickly if one of them gets it!

Every view is decent, but those at the back of the theatre can feel quite far away. It's a huge set so even sitting mid-way back still feels like it has some distance. But there are performers throughout the auditorium at various points so you don't feel disconnected.

Merch wise, it's possible a lot will be selling out. The newsies thread has a list of what they, in theory, sell, but when I was there they didn't yet have the tote bag or the pin set. They're now sold out of the programme and other items may follow. Not sure when they'll be restocking (but they almost definitely will because they have a decently long run).

Everywhere you're walking will be safe. The Wembley area is well lit and the area around & Juliet is similarly safe and busy. Don't do anything foolish (walking around next to the road with your phone out, etc.) and you won't have any problems.

[viserys]

Dec 5, 2022 13:46:12 GMT garjobo said:

Nothing is booked, but week around Christmas or so is the timescale. 

I'm not even British, but if you plan to be in England around Christmas, make sure you keep an eye on the potential train strikes around that period, especially when coming from Gatwick Airport, where you pretty much have to rely on the Gatwick Express or if you want to take a flight back from Birmingham Airport rather than one of the London Airports. Also find it hard to believe it's the cheaper option once you factor the cost for the trains in??

Oyster Card is no longer necessary as you can tap in and out with your credit card.

Can only speak for myself, but I like Premier Inn as it's the only of the big chains that has bath tubs and I love me a good bath to chill between doing stuff during the day and going out to the theatre in the evening. Inside, the rooms all look pretty much the same. When I booked the "Wembley Stadium" one I didn't really pay attention to the location, if I'd choose Wembley again, I'd choose the "Wembley Park" one directly beside the tube station.

Otherwise, if you've never been to London, I wouldn't cram too much into a schedule... just take your time to wander around and enjoy the city itself. My favourite walk, after all these years, is still the one along the South Bank (where you'll also pass some famous theatres like the National Theatre and Shakespeare's Globe) with the view over the city.

[viserys]

Dec 5, 2022 12:37:03 GMT alece10 said:

On Saturday I turned right out of the station and followed the road around past McDonalds and then around the side of the Fountain Studios to the theatre entrance.
Is it quicker to come out of the station and head up Wembley Way before turning right to the theatre?

Probably around the same. Look at Google Maps/Earth to get an idea?

For me Wembley Way felt slightly shorter, but maybe that was because it was all neat angles and of course I didn't do the other walk "straight" but went to Wimpy from the tube station and then onwards. As a single female I also found the broad brightly lit and busy Wembley Way safer to walk after dark. 

[alece10]

I didnt stage door on Saturday but walked past as the cast were coming out and they were definately chatting to people and doing selfies. This was after the matinee so they were probably coming out to get some food before evening show. Not so sure after an evening performance as they probably will want to get to the tube ASAP.

[garjobo]

As usual thanks for the few bits of advice there. Ok, BackFuture, i admit might be a waste of our short time there ( although if it tours would be a welcome view ), Wicked perhaps then being the possibly 3rd show then..thinking something very WestEnd. daughter actually said, 42nd Street ( knows little about it , but any thoughts welcome? considering &Juliet/Newsies..would 42nd Street be a ...spectacle? )

[garjobo]

btw, now looking perhaps flying into Heathrow...closer than Gatwick? to Wembley? perhaps the best option?

[kyvai]

Dec 5, 2022 9:09:11 GMT Mark said:

For anyone who’s been recently - where’s the best (cheapest) place to park nearby? I remember a big flat car park when we went up for Sleepless (pray god this show is better than that), but can’t recall the name.

We went to the Guardians of the Galaxy Secret Cinema right by Wembley recently, and parked in the big Asda car park, you can book ahead on JustPark and it wasn’t expensive.

[alece10]

42nd Street isn't currently in London. It closed a few years ago and there is a production coming to Sadlers Wells but not until next year.

[garjobo]

Thanks regarding 42nd Street. So I'm aware this is not exactly musical question but is related to the thread and my initial query. Gatwick,Heathrow and now being told try Luton Airport to get to Wembley. What do you think. Newbie re tubes London. I think Heathrow is closer but been told its a nightmare,take ages to get to Wembley. Any thoughts. Coming from Ireland.

[garjobo]

Keep meaning to ask..dress code..for likes of Newsies and &Juliet and Wicked. Trainers Ok?

[Dr Tom]

City Airport is the easiest route if that's an option. Otherwise, there isn't much to choose between Heathrow and Gatwick, so go with whichever is the best value. All this is assuming you are taking public transport. Luton may be slightly nearer, but it is awkward as you have to take a shuttle bus to the local railway station.

Many (perhaps most) people at the theatre will be wearing trainers. I think it never hurts to dress reasonably, but you could go in a jogging suit if you wanted (and some do).

[alece10]

Dec 6, 2022 17:15:50 GMT garjobo said:

Keep meaning to ask..dress code..for likes of Newsies and &Juliet and Wicked. Trainers Ok?

Really no dress code for London Theatres. Go with whatever you are comfortable on

[garjobo]

Thanks Dr Tom for that reply, good to know. Sadly London City doesnt seem to be an option. May plum for Gatwick arrival and Depart Heathrow. Have to start the hassle of booking it all very verty soon, bit of a job..to say the least.

At least Heathrow isnt a total nightmare then..just heard..take ages to get anywhere as its like a 'city' itself! just to get out of the place.

[garjobo]

Tried looking for a Hamilton thread - best i could do.

So, question, Daughter 15, seen the tv musical version. We are coming to london to see Newsies, &Juliet...and..now looking for another one...cram it in, seeing as flying over. So, Hamilton?, Wicked? personally BackFuture and Les Mis. What would your choice be, a good London spectacle..seeing as seeing Newsies/&Juliet.....something big.

Something..involving and just really good. Thoughts more than welcome.

I assume easy enough to get to Hamilton in London, and seats..so a lot of working out needs done..but love to know recommendations - not really a muscial fan myself, thought Les Mis fantastic movie / good show?

[sukhavati]

Dec 6, 2022 18:46:23 GMT garjobo said:

Tried looking for a Hamilton thread - best i could do.

So, question, Daughter 15, seen the tv musical version. We are coming to london to see Newsies, &Juliet...and..now looking for another one...cram it in, seeing as flying over. So, Hamilton?, Wicked? personally BackFuture and Les Mis. What would your choice be, a good London spectacle..seeing as seeing Newsies/&Juliet.....something big.

Something..involving and just really good. Thoughts more than welcome.

I assume easy enough to get to Hamilton in London, and seats..so a lot of working out needs done..but love to know recommendations - not really a muscial fan myself, thought Les Mis fantastic movie / good show?

Les Mis isn't what it used to be, although I do feel as if everyone should see it at least once; I have seen the bus tours and class trips there. It's a popular choice, and I did like what they did with the sound effects in the second act. A friend whose theatrical opinions I trust just saw Wicked again within the past few weeks and was let down by the lack of charisma/so-so voices she heard, so you can decide whether or not that opinion makes a difference to you. Personally, if it were between Back to the Future and Hamilton, I'd go for Hamilton. It will only take you five minutes to cross the street from Victoria Station, so easy access to the tube or other rail services.

[fiyerorocher]

Hamilton and Wicked both have an appropriate level of spectacle - maybe Wicked a little bit more so. Les Mis is a must see in life at least once, but not necessarily the most interesting/attention-grabbing for someone young. Honestly, I'd suggest Come From Away. It's one of the absolute best shows in the West End at the moment and it's closing early January, so the chance to see it will soon be gone (although there are touring plans).

[BurlyBeaR]

CFA isn’t spectacle though, and it’s about an event that predates our OP’s daughter. I think the original idea of BTTF was the best one. It delivers in droves on spectacle and even if you haven’t seen the film (as was the case with me) it’s an entertaining story in its own right.
Hamilton - buy Disney+ for a month over Christmas period and watch it, and anything else for £7.99. Ts massively overhyped in my opinion.
Les Mis - not for a 15 year old who is new to musicals and is looking for pizazz. She’ll likely be bored. Watch the film.