An Evening at the Theatre
Just because I’ve been binging on tennis, it doesn’t mean I’ve been doing nothing cultural. One of the first things I did upon arriving in Madrid was follow a couple of Madrid-centered pages on Facebook to keep me informed on all the events and activities in the city. I was not disappointed. Daily I get a list of upcoming shows and other happenings so it’s no surprise that a couple caught my eye. The first first one was a play at one of the many (and I mean many!) theatres here: ¿Quién mató a Sherlock Holmes? – A Musical. Yes, a musical about someone killing Sherlock Holmes. It sounded so absurd, I just had to see it.
On this cool Sunday late afternoon, I went to find Teatro EDP Gran Vía, located within walking distance of my place on the famous Gran Vía, Madrid’s main artery. Since it threatened to rain all day, I was prepared, my trusty little umbrella in my bag. When going alone, I prefer shows that start earlier in the evening, or, better yet, a matinée, so this one starting at 6pm was perfect. I had no trouble finding the place though it didn’t look like much from the outside. I don’t know why that surprised me, however, Spanish cities have many hidden gems with plain façades, after all. Although I got a seat fairly close to the centre aisle, I opted to move away to one side, mainly because the audience tends to bunch up in the middle and I have an aversion to too many people close together. The view from the side was certainly just as good, if not better, and I didn’t have to worry about anyone breathing down my neck.
The play, sorry, the musical itself was pretty good: the singing was great, the acting decent, the scenery and costumes very well designed. The story itself was a little convoluted, but in the end it made sense. I enjoyed myself and felt satisfied when I stepped out of the theatre to a very wet outside. While I was being entertained the rains came and cleansed Madrid centre a little. Now, the evening sun, or what was left of it, was bathing Gran Vía in beautiful hues; it was time for the Golden Hour. As I walked back to my neighbourhood, I couldn’t be more in awe of the vibrancy of this city: the people, the buildings, the colours, the lights … it all looked so alive. And as I walked up from Gran Vía through the windy (and hilly) streets of Malasaña, I was gifted even more glorious views. I do love it here; I can see myself coming back here over and over again.
