Today we meet Clare, Sheridan and Amy at the ExCeL to visit the “Disney 100” exhibition together. It contains many drawings (albeit reproductions) from the early days, with Oswald the lucky Rabbit, Mickey Mouse and the many characters from all the fairytale films for which Disney is so well known. Many items are very interesting: for example, the Snow White costume from 1937, which was never seen: it was used to produce film footage with a real actress to serve as a reference for the drawings and animations for the film. One of the carousel horses from Mary Poppins, on which Dick van Dyke sat. Or the photos and drawings that Walt Disney took on his travels to South America, for example, in order to capture the culture and clothing of the people and later be able to reproduce them more authentically. And early plans and concept drawings for Disneyland.

I particularly like one piece: a costume from the third part of “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Not because it’s particularly beautiful, but because Keira Knightley wore it. On display are also some bought-in studios and franchises, such as BB-8, a lightsaber and a Porg from the Star Wars films. Or costume pieces from various Marvel superheroes. However, we are looking in vain for something from Doctor Strange, who is played by Benedict Cumberbatch. And there should also be more of Donald Duck! Sadly, while very popular in Europe, he has only ever played a minor role in the USA.

From here we drive to Spitalfields Market. The semi-open market always has lots of beautiful and sometimes bizarre items to offer. I bought a top hat here a year ago. We have a look around and also have lunch: Gabi has been looking forward to the Dan Dan beef noodles from the Dumpling Shack for a long time. I order a Philly Cheesesteak and suddenly find myself in the same queue as Clare, Sheridan and Amy, who had the same idea.

Recently a mural appeared in the neighbourhood that we really want to see. Gabi and I drove past it on the way here. I first scout out the situation on foot and am surprised: when we drove past, it looked as if it was hidden behind a construction site. But there’s an additional little road. So LucY can also be in the picture with the giant Benedict Cumberbatch Prada advert.

But now we really need to charge LucY. The cold weather is sapping his battery. We drive back to the Tesla Supercharger in Canary Wharf, where we had already charged after our outward journey. While charging, we visit the Asian supermarket again and come out with a nicely filled shopping bag. At John Lewis, we marvel at the plush Venus flytrap from their Christmas advert.

From here, we head into the city centre one last time. And LucY navigates us past the most beautiful sights: Tower Bridge and Tower (the traffic was moving at the time, so no photos), the London Eye ferris wheel, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace.

Finally, we arrive at the Royal Albert Hall to see “Letters Live”. It’s hard to believe that the show is celebrating its 10^th anniversary. And above all: how it has developed since then! We’ve been involved for nine and a half years, so probably since the second show ever. At the end of May 2014, we travelled to a literature festival in Wales for it. And the anniversary edition has a lot in store! Letters from or to famous people, particularly funny or sad letters, read – or rather: performed – by well-known personalities. First and foremost, of course, Benedict Cumberbatch, who has been involved since the beginning and who we are seeing for almost the third time today. He is joined by Gillian Anderson (The X-Files, Sex Education), Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who), Stephen Fry, Minnie Driver and several British celebrities who we don’t know but who, judging by the applause, are well known and loved.

As photography is not allowed during the show, here are a few official photos. On the Letters Live YouTube channel you can find individual letters that are read aloud if you are interested.

As we leave the Royal Albert Hall, we cross paths with Benedict’s parents and I’m sure Wanda has given us a nod. We meet Joke and other Twitter friends outside the building. Too bad we missed Janet from Hong Kong.