It’s not everyday you get a chance to tour private areas of one of London’s highest and oldest courts. Old Bailey is a historic court house where some of the highest criminal offenses are charged. Our day started off here and we were escorted to one of the back rooms where the judges gather (not available to the public). One of the judges came in and spoke to us for a little about her career as a judge and the history of the building. After this we were given a little tour before we would go sit in on a case. The building is practically split in half with a new side and the old side. We were brought into Court room #1 which is mostly used for ceremonial purposes now, and only on occasion for cases. We learned about a case at a presentation a few days later that was actually tried in Court room #1, so it was nice to be able to make that connection. We then sat in on a case (different court room). One thing I found interesting is they still practice the old tradition of wearing the white wigs during cases. At this point in the case evidence was being heard, so we actually got to see the multiple weapons that were used during the assault. After, we were brought downstairs to see old ruins from the building that are still up (also not something ever open to the public). Overall, the visit to the Old Bailey was a great learning experience and such a great privilege.

After a day at the Magistrates Court, we all went to see The Tina Turner Musical. As many already know, London is known for their theater performances, but I don’t think anyone expected a rock show to go with it. This was my first ever musical. I’ve been to high school plays, but never anything like this. This was an amazing performance with great acting, singing, dancing, and even a little concert as a finale. The storyline was very heartfelt at times, and I think every person in that audience felt the emotion being portrayed on that stage. As a bunch of young kids going who don’t really know Tina Turner’s story that well, I think I speak for all of us when I say we were shocked. Regardless of not knowing the back story as much as everyone else, I was still captured from the moment the play started until the very last line. The end of the show was practically like a little rock show. Almost everyone in that audience (even the 80 year olds) were up and dancing. The energy in the place was soaring. I loved the show, and can’t wait to attend another!