Sorry to say that there will be no Brits in LA annual Christmas party for another year – thanks to Omicron. Sounds like a new character from Star Wars, amirite??
Speaking of Star Wars – we took an impromptu trip to Disneyland this week. I mean you really can’t beat anything Christmas when it comes to Regent Street or the massive tree in Trafalgar Square, but Disneyland comes a close second with 80 degree weather during the day before turning dark and misty at Sunset. A perfect dichotomy.
My infatuation with all things LA started by watching an episode of Wish You Were Here on ITV, seeing the effervescent Judith Chalmers walking down Main Street with Goofy and Donald. That planted in my seven year old mind a dream to go to Disney land – which celebrates 70 years this year. With limited capacity and the not-so-fast pass we thought we might be queuing up for hours – well not so fast.
Here are my four Disney hacks to help ease the wait time and add to the enjoyment:
• If you’re with a group of friends, remember the rides last about 45 seconds to 1 min tops – so split up and go to the single rider line. You can talk about how great or crap the ride was once you are all off – it saves tons of time and you can start lining up for another ride.
• Make a reservation for lunch or dinner at the Blue Bayou restaurant and ask your server if they can get you straight on to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Crossing their palms with silver will help sweeten the deal.
• Be nice to the staff – pay them a compliment and thank them for keeping you safe – it might get you to the front of the queue at the Nightmare Before Christmas attraction – it worked with my mate Nick.
• Save the expensive parking at the Disney lot by parking at a nearby hotel and just walk over – it’s closer anyhow.
Omicron may be roiling the stock market and prompting new travel bans, but here in Tinseltown we’re not letting anything stop Christmas.
Next Friday (Dec. 10th) see the annual BABC Christmas luncheon at the Fairmont Hotel in Santa Monica. This is always a highlight for the local British social and business community and with very good reason. This year’s guest of honor is Malcolm McDowell.
The Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol is playing at the Ahmanson theatre this month starring Bradley Whitfield (of West Wing fame) and Alex Newell (of Glee). Apply code BRITSINLA for discounted tickets
https://www.centertheatregroup.org/visit/ahmanson-theatre
Brits in LA members Sohm Kapila and Andrew Linfield star in a Very British Panto at the Laguna Playhouse – ROBIN HOOD – can’t wait for that. https://lagunaplayhouse.com/
Sandro Monetti celebrates his birthday at the Market Tavern in the original Farmer’s Maket on Tuesday 7th, which I’m sure will be plenty festive.
And finally Brits in LA member Nick Hardcastle is playing the one and only George Michael for a one-night-only performance of “I’m Your Man” on December 13th at the Marilyn Monroe Theatre, 7936 Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood.
Nick, who has appeared in Home and Away, Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical and Pure Genius, among other productions, is back in LA after a year in his native Australia and is totally ‘up for grabs’… so to speak! Join him and some special guests as he navigates his way around returning to life in LA and finding ‘true love’ in Hollywood. If you’re looking for ‘Fastlove’ or a ‘Father Figure’, then don’t miss this amazing performance, because ‘One More Try’ is all it should take right? Let Nick take you to The Edge of Heaven. Well, after all, you gotta have ‘Faith’.
Tickets are only $20 and available at sweet-tix.com
much love to all…..Craig Young
