It will be Mick's 60th birthday in August so I'm arranging little surprises for him throughout 2026, hopefully one each month.
The surprise for June happened last Thursday. We started off with a lovely lunch at a fabulous olde worlde pub in a nearby village. They serve really good food with an extensive menu.
The inn dates back to 1540 and still has a traditional interior, three small rooms and a lovely beer garden which we may have used had the weather been a little nicer.
It was home for a little rest before we set off on our journey, we were heading to Birmingham.
Les Miserables is one of Mick's favourite musicals, and my absolute favourite. When I saw there was going to be an Arena Concert Spectacular at the Utilita Arena, I had to get tickets. This was definitely something we were both going to enjoy.
We were seated in area B, right in front of the stage but not too far forward that we had to stretch our necks to look up. The atmosphere was electric and the production was amazing. The arena tour is more like a concert than a traditional theatre show as sets and props are replaced by lighting and projection screens and the orchestra is on a tiered balcony and can be seen, rather than in an orchestra pit, but all the songs are still there.
The cast were fantastic, they put on an amazing show. Samantha Barks who played the part of Éponine in the film took the part of Fantine, she was brilliant, as were Matt Lucas and Helen Walsh as the Thénardiers. I think Bradley Jaden who took the part of Inspector Javert stole the show though, he was incredible.
We both loved it and the arena setting works brilliantly for this musical, in fact Mick said he preferred it to the stage show. It was a wonderful night out.
What a wonderful show to see and experience. Les Miserables is a favourite of D and mines too.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the punctuation and language. My brain is clearly not awake properly.
DeleteI love Les Miserables, I could watch it over and over again.
DeleteI too love that show, a perfect surprise.
ReplyDeleteMick was over the moon that I'd booked it.
DeleteIt was nice that you could do something you both enjoyed. Mick is going to miss all these fun things when his year is over.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm going to miss them too, I'm enjoying both arranging them and experiencing them.
DeleteLove Les Mis! I've seen some video of the concert and it looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteAnd now stuck in my head is: "we will nip it in the bud"
DeleteIt was fantastic, I'd love to go again. The songs do get into your head, haha.
DeleteWhat a memorable year Mick is having! Such a lovely idea. Les Mis has some great songs.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
Ellie
I wanted to make his 60th memorable and I think I'm succeeding so far. I love the songs in Les Miserables.
DeleteAnother lovely birthday suprise, you are really spoiling him with all these treats :-)
ReplyDeleteI've only ever seen the film and I have to say that I wasn't a fan, (sorry, I know i'm probably in the minority with that). I think It was seeing this musical at the cinema that made me realise that I don't really like musicals, films or theatre, lol
Glad you had a great time.
It's a lot of fun organising something each month. Although I enjoyed the film, it's certainly not comparable to the stage show, I know people who love the show who didn't enjoy the film so I wouldn't rule out musical theatre on the basis of the film.
DeleteWhat a lovely treat! So glad you enjoyed it. I'm not a big fan of the show but that's probably because I've only heard snippets!
ReplyDeleteWe both loved it. I love the story, I've read the book which is a considerable length and goes into everything much more than the show does, and the music in Les Miserables is so emotional and moving, we're both big fans.
DeleteAnother fabulous 60th birthday event :)
ReplyDeleteA wonderful lunch and fantastic evening ...
Brilliant.
All the best Jan
This was definitely one for both of us, we enjoyed the meal and the evening too. A big success.
DeleteHow fun. Sounds like you both had a good time.
ReplyDeleteWe both had a wonderful time. This show is a particular favourite.
DeleteWhat a brilliant June surprise-- a cosy pub lunch and then Les Mis in Birmingham.
ReplyDeleteThe concert setting sounds amazing, and how lovely that Mick enjoyed it even more than the stage show.
We didn't really know what to expect from the concert setting but it was absolutely amazing. An arena is the perfect place to stage something like Les Miserables where the music is the focus.
DeleteClearly a most enjoyable day and evening for both of you. xx
ReplyDeleteWe both enjoyed it very much, such a great show.
DeleteWhat a wonderful birthday he'll have and every month too!!
ReplyDeleteI hope it will be a memorable year for him.
DeleteI love this idea of a treat each month, life should be celebrated. And June looks to have been a good one!
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
We've both enjoyed all the surprises so far, it's a great way to celebrate and extend the celebrations.
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