Originally posted by Cockney Sparrow
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The Royal Albert Hall this Proms Season
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Originally posted by Cockney Sparrow View PostHere's a bit more information:
"As the Hall approaches its 150th anniversary in 2021, a two-storey, double-height basement is being excavated to provide much-needed space for artists, crew and promoters, and to provide more facilities for audiences within the Hall."
So the audience can expect facilities as well? Forgive my cynicism - it will probably prove to be more opportunities to experience their overpriced catering. Which I am sure contributes to propping up the building. I paid £2.50 last week for a paper cup of liquid which bore no resemblance to any form of coffee I've encountered. The staff exchanged it for tea (water+teabag - the rest under my control - more of a known quantity) with an air of familiarity and acceptance.
DIY catering is pretty much essential for the RAH - except - from the bag search signs - they confiscate food/drink in ones rucksacks or bags? Seems like the only way forward*** is allowing time for a meal (restaurant or other) in South Ken/somewhere, or picnic on Victoria memorial steps in summer weather, and taking clear liquids in under the heading of water - Elderflower?? Vodka?? (I must consult my twenty something children for the nightclub ruses....
*** or stay at home, I know the only option for many, and listen to the FLAC lossless stream!
I then usually find a Tesco Express after the concert (the one opposite Russell Square tube is handy for me) and fill up relatively cheaply."The sound is the handwriting of the conductor" - Bernard Haitink
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Originally posted by Cockney Sparrow View PostSo the audience can expect facilities as well?
No, I don't like rhubarb's prices either, and the coffee is indeed rubbish this year. But the facilities are much better than they were.
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Originally posted by PhilipT View PostI get the impression that someone thought it would be a good idea to have the promming queues go in earlier, to allow more time for bag-checking.
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Originally posted by alywin View PostWell, I grant you, it might have done, but what was the point of making you get in line by 5.45, only to stand there like lemons for 3/4 hour? I trust things have been improved since then - I haven't been back.
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Originally posted by PhilipT View Post.. and the coffee is indeed rubbish this year.
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Originally posted by PhilipT View PostAn update on the coffee: In a conversation over lunch yesterday I was advised by someone who has researched this that an acceptable coffee can be obtained in the Café Bar by asking for "A flat white with an extra shot". This will elicit the reply "It's already got two shots in it.", to which you reply that you still want an extra one. I've not tried this myself, but I have faith in my source. My lunchtime double espresso in the Verdi was fine - perhaps they use better beans up there.
Just noticed this exhibition on at the V&A - must call in and have a look:
Building the Royal Albert Hall
Discover the story behind the Hall as it marks its 150th anniversary.
Saturday, 6 May 2017 – Sunday, 7 January 2018
( I also noticed an exhibition about Opera and politics....)Last edited by Cockney Sparrow; 17-08-17, 09:44.
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Richard Tarleton
Richard Morrison in today's Times has a radical solution for the BBC to deal with scalping by the RAH seat owners.
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Originally posted by PhilipT View PostIt's my experience that things have improved. The last time I went we were lined up at 6:15 for a 6:30 go-in for a 7:30 Prom (although the Stewards hadn't quite grasped that it would be sensible to line up the Arena queues under the canopy given that it was raining).
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