The English National Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty

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By Leah Gabriella Cardenas

On June 25-28, at the Royal Albert Hall, the English National Ballet performed Kenneth MacMillan’s The Sleeping Beauty. 

I went to the 7pm show on Sunday, the last show of this run. My seat was in Rausing Circle R row 5. I purchased my tickets a week before for a slight discount on TodayTix. However, when I got to my seats, I realized we had an obstructed view that was not noted on the website. Because of the shape of the stage and the way the seating section curves, we could not see part of stage right.

Still, the Royal Albert Hall was absolutely breathtaking both inside and out. The mostly red interior and the arches above the Rausing Circle section conveyed the venue’s grandness. Hanging from the ceiling were acoustic diffusers that look like mushrooms, adding to the fairytale whimsy of the ballet. Outside, the dome-shaped roof and detailed facade looked especially gorgeous as the sun was setting. 

On top of it being in an iconic venue, I was excited to see a performance here in London because I grew up doing ballet. Aside from The Nutcracker, I’ve only seen one other ballet by a professional company and that was American Ballet Theatre’s The Sleeping Beauty when I was nine years old. Then at 13, I learned the Aurora Act 3 wedding variation. Being familiar with this particular ballet, I was interested in seeing the English National Ballet’s take on it.

The Sleeping Beauty was originally choreographed by Marius Petipa to music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. After debuting in 1890 at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, it took several decades before the ballet became recognized and praised outside of Russia. Now, it is one of the most famous ballets of all time known for its classic choreography and musicality.

Emma Hawes as Aurora and Aitor Arrieta as the Prince in Kenneth MacMillan’s <i>Sleeping Beauty</i> &copy; Photography by ASH

Photography by ASH

The storyline differs from the version that many are familiar with. In the ballet, baby Princess Aurora is cursed by the evil fairy Carabosse to prick her finger and die on her sixteenth birthday. However, the Lilac Fairy changes the curse so that Aurora will sleep for 100 years and then be awoken by a kiss. Act 1 is Aurora’s sixteenth birthday where she pricks her finger. In Act 2, we meet Prince Désiré who then wakes Aurora. Lastly, Act 3 is their royal wedding.

The English National Ballet performed Kenneth MacMillan’s version which was first done in 1986 by the American Ballet Theatre. It is shorter than the original version with only two acts. I found that the pacing was tighter as well, making it feel like it went by even faster. As for the choreography itself, I only really noticed a few differences though I’m no expert on the original. I do know that much of the hunting and court scenes were cut. I’m just glad that the Bluebird and Princess Florine were kept as their pas de deux is one of my favorite parts.

James Streeter as Carabosse in Kenneth MacMillan’s <i>Sleeping Beauty</i> &copy; Photography by ASH

Photography by ASH

As for the music, it was performed by the English National Ballet Philharmonic. Their partnership with the dancers was evident as musicality is important to this ballet and it did not disappoint that night. I was sad that we couldn’t see the orchestra at all during the performance given the way the Royal Albert Hall is set up, but after bows they were shown on the screen.

Costumes, props and set design also make up a big part of a ballet’s storytelling. Some of the costumes were the originals by Nicholas Georgiadis, while others were recreations. They were all gorgeous, though my favorites were the Lilac Fairy attendants and Aurora’s wedding dress. As for the set design, it was unique because they were in the Royal Albert Hall. The floor and digital backdrop had illustrations by Charlotte MacMillan, Kenneth MacMillan’s daughter. It would change with the action of each scene, bringing the set to life. Because of this, the dancers actually came down the steps of the stall sections closest to the stage and from doors that opened in the backdrop. The props were also only seating or handheld items. I thought it was effective in storytelling, however, sometimes the stage felt empty.

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Photography by ASH

My favorite part of the entire ballet was Aurora’s wedding variation as it always has been. Maybe I’m partial to it because I remember the choreography, but the music itself is iconic. Sangeun Lee danced Aurora so beautifully and made everything look effortless. Her partnership with Gareth Haw, Prince Désiré, also advanced the story. It did not feel weird to me that we see them meet and get married in the same act because the dancers portrayed their connection well.

As for the Lilac Fairy and Carabosse, I appreciated their interactions. The contrast was obvious between Anri Sugiura’s gentleness and Fabian Reimair’s dramatics, making for good entertainment. However, the confrontation before Prince Désiré wakes Aurora felt a little underwhelming as I wasn’t always convinced that the Lilac Fairy could defeat Carabosse.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the English National Ballet’s production of The Sleeping Beauty. The dancers, musicians, costumes, and set all worked gracefully in telling the story I know so well. I even teared up during the bows because as a former dancer I recognized their passion and realized I missed that feeling of performing on stage. And I like to say that a great performance is one that can make you feel something. I would definitely see the English National Ballet perform again.

Tasting Matcha Across London

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By Leah Gabriella Cardenas

As a self-proclaimed matcha enthusiast, upon landing in the UK, I was immediately curious to see how the more recent matcha craze hit London and how it compares to my personal taste. Back in Seattle, Washington, my favorite matcha spots are Nana’s Green Tea, Grean Matcha and Phê. However, I most often make my own matcha at home with powder that my roommate bought in Japan. I like my matcha lattes best with oat milk and maple syrup as a sweetener. Some people claim matcha tastes like grass, but I think you just have to find the right place for it. So, I went on a mission to try matcha from different places around London in search of a new favorite.

The very first matcha I had in London was from Costa Coffee, the largest coffee chain in the UK. I ordered a medium iced matcha latte with vanilla syrup because the barista asked if I wanted to add any sweetener. I couldn’t see how it was made behind the counter, but it came out pretty quickly. The color was a pale green which is often telling of a not-so-good matcha. Still, I gave it a try. It mostly tasted like vanilla which may be my fault for getting the added syrup. However, if I hadn’t, then I imagine it would have been like drinking a glass of milk.

I had high expectations going into Blank Street because a friend of mine recently visited London and absolutely raved about this place, suggesting I give it a try. It actually first opened in New York, but I haven’t been before. Of the many locations across London, I stopped by the one in Notting Hill Gate. I ordered a classic iced matcha latte. The vibrant color was deceiving because when I gave it a sip, the matcha taste was very subtle. It wasn’t a bad matcha per se, just not what I was looking forward to based on things I’ve heard. However, I will go back to try the blueberry and white chocolate matchas with lower expectations.

Molly Tea in Chinatown was my next stop. As a Chinese tea chain specializing in jasmine tea, they offer two kinds of matchas. I tried the premium jasmine matcha with a regular sweetness level. It was fairly crowded in the tiny shop, but my drink was ready within five minutes. The color and texture looked immediately promising. I personally enjoy jasmine tea and didn’t mind that this drink’s flavor profile leaned more to jasmine than matcha. It was a little sweeter than I was expecting so I should have gotten 70% sweetness instead of regular. Still, it was a delicious matcha.

Then, I went to Matchado in Bloomsbury but they have four different locations. On top of the variety of drink options, Matchado offers many matcha flavored sweets like brownies and Japanese pancakes. I ordered a regular iced matcha latte with brown sugar syrup. It was ready almost immediately, so I’m assuming a matcha concentrate was pre-made. Still, it looked like good quality matcha. The brown sugar part was not overpowering as I could still taste the umami of the matcha.

On my first day in London, I heard someone say that Pret a Manger is the “Starbucks of the UK” so I had to give it a try. I wanted a guava iced matcha latte because I was intrigued by the flavor combination, however, the location I went to was out of guava. I settled for an iced blueberry matcha latte which comes with coconut milk. The blueberry syrup was quite nice and not too sweet, but it was somehow still overpowering. I couldn’t taste even a hint of matcha. I tried drinking from the top or mixing it better, but it was all blueberry. 

Next, I visited Jenki in Spitalfields. They emphasize how their matcha is sourced from Japan and whisked to order, so I was looking forward to both the taste and texture. I tried the iced matcha latte with maple syrup which would be the closest to how I make it myself. They do in fact whisk it to order and right in front of you, but they had an electric attachment to speed up the process. Though I got maple syrup, the matcha was still very bitter. I prefer a balance of sweet and umami so having paid the extra pound for syrup, I feel like it could have been better.

The last place I tried for this list is Tsujiri, a matcha dessert and tea house. I visited the Camden Market location and ordered a sweetened iced matcha latte. It was prepared quickly and the worker mixed it for me so I didn’t get to see the color of the matcha alone. Still, it tasted great. There was that balance of sweet and umami that I prefer. It also had a creamy texture, better than the rest of the matchas on this list. I definitely want to go back to try their matcha sundaes. 

Overall, the matcha scene in London is not all that different from what I’m used to in the states. There are some exceptional matcha places, some just ‘alright’ matcha, and some coffee shops with inconsistent matcha. I would also say the pricing is comparable to Los Angeles and Seattle with a few places here being slightly cheaper. My favorites from this list are by far Matchado and Tsuijiri. I would still try all of these places again as sometimes the quality depends on the location and barista. I suggest you give these places a visit too to see how you like the matcha for yourself.

One Week In As a London CIEE Intern

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By Leah Gabriella Cardenas

After at least 10 hours of travel and being in an airport, about 60 college students from across the United States arrived in London where for the next eight weeks they would be living and working. Some had been to the United Kingdom before while for many, this was their first time. Either way, it would be quite the adjustment with navigating the Tube to work everyday or simply learning how to start the washing machine.

Spread out across five different living accommodations in Central and South London, communicating on WhatsApp and using Citymapper to get around quickly became the norm for the interns. The CIEE center in Russell Square was then their home base for weekly classes and events.

Melissa Nowacki in Notting Hill.

After just a week of London living, interns’ experiences and expectations going forward varied. “I’ve never really left the United States, so I’m excited to see the different cultures and all the tourist parts,” said Melissa Nowacki, a business law major at Arizona State University.

Nowacki is working with The Death Penalty Project as their communications intern. “Even things like spelling, I’ve struggled with here,” said Nowacki. “I’m typing things and sending them out at work and I don’t even think about how there are differences in something like a ‘z’ to an ‘s’ or double letters.”

Though faced with challenges, many students felt welcomed. Jaymi Robinson, a strategic communications major at Howard University in Washington D.C., is interning with Cavendish Consulting. “Everyone in the office is very friendly and also just understanding of the position of an intern who comes from America. They know we might feel a little disoriented and they want to help you,” said Robinson.

Jaymi Robinson in Kensington Gardens.

In addition to making workplace and cultural adjustments, having all new flatmates and classmates was difficult in itself. “I’ve been doing a lot of introspection, like thinking about my personality and hoping that how I’m being perceived by all these new people is good,” said Robinson. “And I haven’t felt that way since freshman year of college.”

Still, the interns quickly formed close groups to get dinner together after work or do some sightseeing on the weekends. “The first week was probably the most social week of my life, we were just out every night either at a pub to watch a [World Cup] game or just exploring like when we went to Primrose Hill,” said Brayden Brafford, a computer science student at Purdue University.

Going forward, some have even greater plans for their time in London. “I want to go to Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Ireland. I also want to see shows like I’m seeing Phantom of the Opera and I want to see The Odyssey in IMAX 70mm,” said Brafford. “There’s just so much to do in the city.” 

The CIEE building in Russel Square.

Though some interns are used to living thousands of miles away from home or others have visited London before, working in a different country posed an entirely new challenge. From having an hour and a half commute to handling a heatwave without AC, the next few weeks will test the CIEE interns as they navigate being abroad. Still, most expect their time in London to be a unique and influential experience.

The Summer I Left My Heart in London

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By: Natalie Kreider

One could only imagine all the things that could happen living in London for three months. There were times that I approached with wonder and curiosity, while there were those where I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t want to go home. However, those moments forever changed me, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

To quote Jake Keller, Paddington Art’s intern before me, “London broke my bank account…” I knew that was going to happen, but not in the first month and a half. To be honest, I got caught up in the shopping and going out to London’s pubs with my new friends. It was easy to forget that I was an international student on a visa, living in one of the world’s most expensive cities without permission to receive public funding. Then, reality hit. For a moment, I just wanted to go home to leave the discomfort behind. But I wasn’t going to let that define the rest of my time here, so I decided I needed to get creative and make the best of the situation. I cooked more of my meals, spent my days in awe of the free art museums, and wandered through Hyde Park in my new clothes — small things that brought me joy. 

I’ve always been drawn to roles that support and uplift others, which is why I believe I was led to Paddington Arts—a not-for-profit that embodies those values and has made it its mission to empower youth through the arts. My role there was to write and post content for their blog, where I was given visionary freedom. That said, I had only ever written within a scholarly context, so this was a creative challenge. Initially, I was going to approach my articles by combining a journalistic and academic tone. That was more challenging than I anticipated, so I changed course and started writing about my interests, my reflections, and what was on my mind. These articles soon became another archive for my last six weeks here in London.

Looking back, my summer in London was far from perfect, but that’s what I needed. This was my first time living by myself and for myself. My mom told me that I wouldn’t be the same person when I came back home, and I know she’ll be right. Through every high, low, and quiet in-between, I’ve evolved more into who I’m meant to be. From navigating financial realities to finding my creative voice at Paddington Arts, each challenge shaped the experience into something I’ll carry with me long after leaving. And with that, London will always have a special place in my heart. 

Advice That Meant More Than I Knew

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By: Natalie Kreider

Before I left for my three-month study abroad here in London, I was given a lot of much-needed advice because this was my first time doing something this grand. However, there was one piece of advice that stuck with me, and that was to “go meet people and take chances.” To me, studying abroad, regardless of where you go, is the perfect opportunity to do this. However, it was easier said than done, but I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone, especially since I came by myself and didn’t know what to expect. Taking that advice to heart, I had one of the most adventurous and memorable summers of my undergraduate years. 

I’m someone who loves meeting new people, but initiating conversation to make that happen is nerve-wrecking to me. On my first day here, I challenged myself to do just that at my study abroad intro orientation. As I left that meeting with my roommate, now friend, Sandra, whom I had only met a few hours prior, I approached and complimented a girl’s heart-shaped Coach purse that I genuinely thought was cute. However, I remember that I was hesitant for a split second beforehand, not wanting to be awkward, but I reminded myself that’s what I came to do. Fortunately, Morgan, the one who had the purse, excitedly accepted it as she complimented me on my outfit afterwards.  Nonetheless, it just so happened that she was standing with another girl, Caroline, who was one of my Biology lab mates from a year ago at uni, but she recognized me before I recognized her. From there, the three of us struck up a conversation, and I invited them to join Sandra and me for dinner, where we all got to know each other. From that point forward, the four of us became inseparable and did almost everything together. Looking back, if I had not spoken up and let my anxieties get the best of me, I would’ve missed out on one of the most meaningful connections I made abroad. 

 I grew up always having company, as I have two older siblings and live near my extended family. Since this was the first time I had been this far away from them, I made it one of my goals to be more independent and be more comfortable being with myself. Through this opportunity, I was determined to cook for myself every week. Consequently, I think I became known as the “chef” in my flat since my three roommates would typically tell me that my food smells delicious, ask me what I’m cooking, or inquire about what ingredients I’m using. I’ve also taken it upon myself to go on solo adventures within the city. For instance, I attended a free meditation session at the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre, where I had the chance to meet local LGBTQ+ individuals and was welcomed with warmth. I have also gone on a solo day trip to Brighton on a very windy day, where a seagull tried to steal my sandwich at the beach, even though they were far in sight, and I couldn’t help but laugh about it. With that same spirit, I flew out to Amsterdam, and upon landing that night, I wandered through the lit-up neighborhood behind my hotel, happily eating gelato on a sprinkle cone and taking photos of a cat named Larry sleeping outside before meeting up with my friends the following day. Amid those solo experiences, I began to realize that being alone in a new place didn’t make me feel lonely, but rather freeing, as if I were building trust in myself and creating little joys in real time.  

The advice, to “go meet people and take chances,” came out of love and with the hope that I would follow through. At the time, it sounded almost obvious, but living it out this summer rendered something completely different. During my term here, I kept those words in the back of my mind, trying to grasp what they meant. What I noticed is that taking a chance doesn’t necessarily mean having to act upon a bold or grand gesture. Sometimes, it simply means initiating a conversation or showing up alone in a new space. Those small moments shaped my summer in ways that I couldn’t have imagined through friendships, unexpected adventures, and a greater trust in myself. Through it all, I learned how to feel more at peace and at home with who I am. 

The Value of the Arts within a City’s Culture

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By: Natalie Kreider

When I first arrived in London, I didn’t know what to expect from its art scene, except for the research I had done online and on social media. However, as a lover of the arts, that doesn’t nearly depict what I have discovered in the two months I have been here. From those unexpected artistic encounters to the start of my time here at Paddington Arts and exploring London’s many neighborhoods, I’ve come to recognize the value of the arts within a city’s culture.

Almost every week, I’ve found myself walking into London’s many free art museums, where I could stay for hours, which I have. However, I was not expecting to witness it so often in everyday life. Specifically, what’s enthralling is the deliberate nature of a crafted piece in the streets, but it’s placed in an unconventional setting. One sunny morning, while walking from the Westbourne Park Tube station to Paddington Arts, I slightly tilted my head and noticed the graffiti on some old cars in a small junkyard by the canal. The beauty behind this discovery was not just the art itself, but how one has to pay attention to the little details to discover this artistry.

As a study abroad student on a limited budget, not all the art that London has to offer is accessible to me. Starting my internship at Paddington Arts, a youth arts nonprofit that makes art an attainable, creative, and explorative outlet for all, has put into perspective what it means for art to be accessible. This organization provides young people, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, with the space to rewrite the narrative and share the untold stories of the arts. It also gives them the chance to express themselves and grow in ways that they probably never thought were possible. In the short time I’ve been here, it’s become clear that spaces like this are essential in providing art for all in this city and influence artistic culture.

From the street art in Shoreditch to the musical theater posters displayed throughout the Tube stations, London’s art reflects the character of its people and what matters to them.  As I’ve wandered throughout the different neighborhoods, I’ve come to recognize that the art depends on where you are in the city. In the artfully subversive East End neighborhoods of Shoreditch and Camden, the walls are adorned with graffiti and murals, some of which are political, while others are purely self-expressive. In other parts of the city, there’s a more subtle hint of art. Throughout the West End neighborhoods of Soho and Covent Garden, a more polished, theatrical environment emerges, mirroring its historical prestige, where the city is reflected in its baroque theater façades, curated gallery exhibitions, and illuminated posters for its many musicals. This contrast between the neighborhoods exemplifies how London’s art reflects the diversified identity and values of its people.

Over my past two months in London, I’ve become more aware that the means of art is not just for pure observation but something you experience, navigate, and learn from. It’s the subtle little details that I didn’t plan to discover, such as the hidden graffiti-covered car by a canal, that made me view the city through a broader artistic lens. This change in perspective has further expanded once I started my internship at Paddington Arts, where I’ve witnessed the significance of making creative expression accessible. Providing young people with the opportunity to express themselves through art, especially for those who are often overlooked, reinforces the value that art plays in contributing to London’s cultural identity. These experiences began to connect as I continued exploring London’s neighborhoods, where I’ve recognized how their distinctive artistic styles reveal a great deal about who they are and what they are about. In the weeks I’ve been in London, I’ve witnessed how the arts shape identity, create space for expression, and reflect the voices of its communities.

A Love Letter to London and Paddington Arts

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By: Jake Keller

In the blink of an eye, my time here at Paddington Arts has come to a close. During my stay in London, I have learned countless lessons that will stick with me for the rest of my life. I am incredibly grateful to the people at Paddington Arts who have helped to make this experience better than I ever could have asked for, and I am sad to say goodbye. 

It shocks me to say this, but my short 6-week stay here is the most time I have ever spent outside of my hometown in the United States. I was born and raised in Bloomington, Indiana, and I reluctantly decided to stay there for university as well. Although I am excited to see my loved ones, I don’t want to leave London behind. 

London was not my first choice of a city to live in; it just happened to be the city that my program chose to send me to. I’m glad that this is where I ended up because if it were left to me, I may have never gotten the opportunity to fall in love with this city. I do have a few complaints: London broke my bank account, hayfever nearly killed me, and I have several qualms with the plumbing… However, the list of what I love about London is much longer. 

There’s no time to be bored here, and there are endless activities to do and sights to see. Even on days when I felt like sitting around and doing nothing in my flat, I’d opt instead to make my way to a new park, grab a bite to eat, and just sit and read.  The options for grub are endless here as well, and as a foodie, that spoke to my soul. I made a new best friend in Too Good To Go, scoring deals on Indian, Japanese, and Ethiopian cuisine. The variety of food in London is one of the many benefits of the city’s multicultural spirit. 

The mission of Paddington Arts spoke to me, and I feel like I was meant to find my way to this organization. The arts, particularly theatre, helped me navigate through many challenges growing up. Performing helped me to find myself, and it truly shaped me as a person. Paddington Arts gives children the same opportunity to find themselves and provides them with the support they need to grow. I feel as if working as an intern here has allowed me to give back to the arts what they gave to me, and to pass the baton on to future generations. 

One thing I immediately noticed about Paddington Arts is how dedicated the people here are to the organization. The time and dedication that they give to this cause are beyond admirable, and I’ve been able to see firsthand the impact their work has on the community. 

Looking back on the past six weeks, there is not a single thing I would change, and for that I am thankful. 

Retreating from the City: The Seven Sisters Cliffs

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By: Jake Keller

After a few weeks of getting lost in the bustling metropolis of London, I was ready to take a break from the city. The Seven Sisters offered me an idyllic escape along the southern coast of England. It only took around two hours to get there, and the sights were truly breathtaking.

I departed from Victoria Station around 12:30 p.m. with my travel companion, Simran, and we embarked on a train ride to Eastbourne. It was a charming town with a few shops and restaurants, but I only saw a small part of it as we rushed to catch our bus. There’s an option to take a 13-mile hike beginning at Eastbourne, but we opted for the 7–8 mile route from Birling Gap. The trip to Birling Gap requires a bus from Eastbourne. We accidentally got on a hop-on-hop-off bus, and although it was a little more expensive (£12), the upper deck’s open top offered us fantastic views.

Birling Gap has a visitor center and a café, which offers your last chance to purchase food; however, we had decided to pack our own. It was a little unclear where to go next, but we eventually found a gravel road that led us to the cliffs. A heavy shroud of fog made visibility limited; it felt as if we were in the clouds. I slowly walked toward the edge and peered down at the ocean as waves crashed onto the shore. It was stunning. 

The first half of the hike took us over the Seven Sisters themselves. As the name suggests, there are seven peaks. The trek is a pattern of walking uphill and then treading down a steep decline. The haze was thick, but we could still see the sisters’ faces protruding over the infinite sea below. An hour or so passed before we reached the halfway point: Cuckmere Haven.

The path dipped down and led us toward a rocky beach. The sky was gray, almost like a storm was near, but a few people still swam in the water. We were in a valley between the Seven Sisters and their neighboring cliffs, with a river dividing them. We explored the beach for a moment but decided to make our way forward in pursuit of a picnic spot. As we approached the river, we realized there was no bridge. I checked my map and saw that the nearest bridge was a mile down the Cuckmere River.

At first, I was annoyed by this unexpected detour, my stomach grumbling, but as we ventured into the countryside, my spirits shifted. There were pastures full of cows and sheep, backdropped by the distant cliffs. The rolling green hills seemed never-ending, and the sun began to peek through the clouds. On our way back toward the sea, after crossing the bridge, I stopped to photograph bunnies snacking on the grass.

When we finally made it back to the cliffs, the weather had turned. We continued our hike and looked back at a clear view of the peaks we had traversed. We found a spot above the cottages at Cuckmere Haven and settled in for our picnic. It was perfectly serene, and we had a stunning view of the Seven Sisters. We were in no rush as we tried to take it all in.

Onward we went to the town of Seaford, where our train home was set to depart. The conclusion of the hike was much flatter. I felt euphoric and continued to look back at the gorgeous cliffs now behind us. On the horizon, the sky was painted with shades of tangerine and cerulean, and we walked toward it. Our hike came to an end, and we took the train back to the city. The day was complete, and my heart was full.

A Journey Back in Time at Shakespeare’s Iconic Globe Theatre

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By: Jake Keller

Stepping into the Globe Theatre is like a waltz back into the 17th century. The exposed wooden beams and thatched roof work together to transport you to medieval times, and when the performers step foot on the stage, your place in the past is solidified. 

I visited Shakespeare’s Globe to watch the classic play “Romeo and Juliet“, but the performance differed slightly from the original. Although the script was largely the same, and the plot remained, the well-known tragedy was set in the Wild West. Actors spoke in American country accents, engaged in saloon brawls, and were adorned with cowboy hats and boots. The show maintained the integrity of William Shakespeare’s original script while offering an exciting modern twist. 

The Globe Theatre first opened in 1599, and surprisingly enough, it was constructed by Shakespeare’s own company of actors, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. It burned down in 1613 after a cannon misfired during a performance of “Henry VIII”, and it was rebuilt a year later. Unfortunately, the Globe only stood for another 30-odd years before it was demolished to make room for housing, as the Puritans who had obtained power in Parliament deemed theatrical performances “sinful”. 

In 1971, actor and director Sam Wanamaker embarked on a journey to fulfil his dream of reconstructing the Globe. While this endeavor took over 20 years of fundraising and research, construction of the new Globe Theatre was finalized in 1997. The theatre that stands now is merely a replica of the original. It’s about half the size of the Globe where Shakespeare set foot, and despite being near the original site, it was not built in the exact location. Nonetheless, these small details are obsolete in comparison to the work Wanamaker did to bring the magic of the original playhouse back to life in our time.  

The performances are raw. Rather than focusing on over-the-top set design and lighting, they focus on the play itself. The actors don’t wear microphones, but the emotion in their voices carries throughout the house. The audience interacted with the show like none I had ever seen before. There was endless laughter and audible gasping. The performers artfully broke the fourth wall, and at one point, Mercutio sat on the edge of the stage, bending down slowly to kiss a member of the audience right in front of my eyes. He pulled back sharply, and the audience roared with delight. 

If you’re visiting London, I strongly encourage a trip to the Globe. I found that even those who do not usually enjoy theatre found a deeper appreciation after the show’s conclusion. There is perhaps no more authentic a representation of what a Shakespearean play may have felt like circa 1613. We have added modern comforts, but when you dial in to the performance itself, coupled with the atmosphere of the gorgeous theatrical space, you are truly sent on a journey back in time. 



A Brief Guide to London’s Charity Shops

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By: Jake Keller

While wandering around the streets of London, you’ll likely stumble upon one of the many charity shops. Each of these unique stores sells second-hand apparel, and often more, in the pursuit of fundraising for a cause of their choice. 

This model is not uncommon outside of the UK, and as a student studying abroad, I’m most familiar with the “thrift stores” of the United States. Shops of this likeness have increased in popularity over the years, especially with members of Gen Z. “Thrifting”, the act of purchasing second-hand apparel, has become trendy. Not only does it open shoppers up to a more unique selection of clothing, but it is oftentimes cheaper than traditional retailers, and it is a more sustainable option. Marissa Finney, 19, added to this assertion, “I like that the charity shops don’t support overconsumption, and that the clothing is cyclical.” 

This week, I visited eight different charity shops around the London area to help compile a guide for those looking to boost their wardrobe while supporting a worthy cause. 

Interior of Barnardo’s, 7 George St, London W1U 3QH

The first shop that I visited was the Barnardo’s on George Street. A charity shop that aims to support children living in poverty in the UK, this shop has everything from clothing to books. There are items as low as £1 and as high as £800, depending on the brand. If you’re looking for a wide range of brands, including high-end fashion like Prada, this might be the shop for you, but be prepared to pay the price. 

Exterior of Cancer Research UK, 24 Marylebone High St, London W1U 4PQ

The second stop of my journey was Cancer Research UK, located in Marylebone. The mission of this particular shop is to raise funds for research that helps to prevent, diagnose, and treat the disease. In addition to a wide range of second-hand merchandise, Cancer Research UK also offers its own branded items such as tote bags and mugs. I found a baseball jersey that I couldn’t resist, and I ended up spending £24 in the shop. Much like Barnardo’s, the shop offers several designer options such as Hermes and Burberry, and as a result, it is a bit on the pricier side. 

Exterior of Oxfam, 91 Marylebone High St, London W1U 4RB

Next, I went to Oxfam, my final stop in the Marylebone area. Oxfam uses its proceeds to prevent poverty on a global scale, and it’s curated a brand that focuses on fighting climate instability. Oxfam sets itself apart with vintage clothing sections as well as an eco-friendly area. By now, I noticed that this area was prone to receiving higher-end donations and charging more as a result, and while that could be seen as a plus to those searching for Valentino, it is not ideal for bargain hunters. 

Exterior of Shop from Crisis, 74 Kingsland High St, London E8 2NS

After a few hours, I ventured out of Marylebone and made my way to Dalston, where my first stop was Shop from Crisis. The store has so much character and their mission is pasted on the front window: “This shop ends homelessness.” There’s a cafe inside, which is a unique touch, and the prices are much more consistent, ranging anywhere from £5 to £60. The brands are mostly generic, like Gap and Zara, but they are reasonably priced. This shop is well suited for those in search of a good deal in a trendy atmosphere. 

Interior of Traid, 106-108 Kingsland High St, London E8 2NS

Down the street from Shop from Crisis, I stumbled into Traid, a shop with the primary goal of encouraging the purchase of second-hand clothing to promote sustainability. They give back to fight global poverty and support the people who work to make our clothes. The store is much larger than the others, and prices remain consistently around £10 to £20. Traid seemed like the perfect spot for someone seeking out a hidden gem. 

Interior of Boutique by Shelter, 159 Upper St, London N1 1US

Eventually, I left Dalston and made my way to Islington, where I found Boutique by Shelter. Similar to Crisis, this store also seeks to fight homelessness, and it has a chic, modern feel. Most of the store consists of clothing, and there are various brands like Hollister and Tommy Hilfiger, with the average price being £10 to £20. The shop is small, but it’s reasonably priced and lives up to the boutique title. 

Exterior of Sue Ryder, 72 Essex Rd, London N1 8LT

Also in the Islington area, I found my way into Sue Ryder, a charity shop that uses their proceeds to help people who need end-of-life care. In addition to palliative care and hospice services, the organization helps to support those suffering grief. The shop is small, and they sell basic brands for reasonable prices, mostly less than £10 each. Although the selection is minimal, the prices make this shop worth a visit. 

Exterior of FARA, Angel House, 28 Pentonville Rd, London N1 9HJ

My final stop of the day was FARA, a charity that provides care and help for vulnerable children and families in Romania. They have kids’ clothing and books in carts outside for 50p a piece, and a medium-sized selection of clothing inside that rarely exceeds more than £10. There is also a small bookshelf where I bought an entire trilogy for £3. In my opinion, they offered some of the best prices on quality brands, and all in all, it was a great spot to end the day.