Angel Flight - London 2007

25-29 Oct 2007 - Charlie appears in "Shadowlands" at The Wyndhams Theatre, London

Mez's Report

Pez and I had a fantastic time seeing everybody in London. A lovely dinner at Porters before the play was punctuated by a surprise visit by Charlie. (Pez thought of it before we left, and I asked Doc to see if Charlie was game.) Doc told me when we arrived at Porters that if he could manage it, he'd be there between 5.30 and 6.00, and she suggested I warn the Porters staff to be on the look out! We were all pleasantly thrilled when, a while later, Charlie suddenly appeared to say hello. He confided that he had a cold. His voice did sound a little gravelly, but he looked well and his performance that night was awesome. Really it's no wonder 'Shadowlands' is doing so well -- the entire cast are in it 100% and the talent on stage is in abundance!

After the play, Charlie gave us all some of his time. We made sure the Angels who hadn't met him before had the first go. At one point I was startled as the boy who played Joy Gresham's son came up to wish Charlie a good night -- and there was his twin right beside him! Evidently the two share the part? Well, they're cutie pies and quite talented for their tender age. Charlie said they're real pranksters who keep everybody smiling.

Pez and I had arranged to go with Margie & Joey to Churchill's War Rooms the next day -- incredible place! It rounded up our cultural experience, which had begun on Friday with a stroll through the National Gallery. Standing two feet from well-known paintings by Van Gogh, Monet and Rembrandt is pretty awe-inspiring. Then Margie & Joey had to head off as they were driving home, and we met some of the gang at Joe Allen for dinner, a spur of the moment decision made the previous night. Unfortunately we couldn't join them for another viewing of 'Shadowlands' afterwards because I was flying home Sunday morning and we had to get back and pack.

The time flew by for us and not a minute was wasted. I believe I even lost a few pounds walking around London with Pez and Margie & Joey, and in the sauna of the Underground! Seeing Charlie again, and meeting up with Angels old and new, was so very nice. We had a great time.

Ditte's Report

Hi everyone! Birthe, Merry, Sharlie and I just returned to our hotel for a little toes-up before supper. We went to the theatre both Friday and Saturday. The play was so good and the acting superb, not only by Charlie.

On Friday we went to Porters for dinner before the play and guess who turned up for a brief visit?!? We were a group of 17 Angels and choir boys and had a great time. After the play Charlie graciously signed our programs and was photographed together with us. A kind word for everyone and lots of patience although he had a cold.

On Saturday a smaller group including Mez and Pez who however didn't go to Wyndhams with us afterwards had dinner at Joe Allen. IMO it was very good to see the play a second time as you notice different things the second time. New autographs etc afterwards. Charlie seems to honestly appreciate his Angels - as we do him!

Today I went to the British Museum to watch the exhibition The First Emperor, i e the terracotta soldiers etc. Afterwsrds seven of us had lunch together at a very nice Italian restaurant and then it was time for five of us to take off to Queen's Gallery for an exhibition of Italian renaissance and baroque art.

This being my first Angel Flight, not counting the premiere of LiL which Chrissy and I attended, I am full of feelings and impressions I'm not ready to share yet. All I can say is I've had a marvellous time and look forward to the next one.

Charlie and Angels, I love you all!