Mick's 60th - June

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.