The Anglophile Channel

The Hobbit: The Battle of The Five Armies TRAILER

Posted on July 28, 2014 by The Anglophile Channel

The moment Hobbit fans have been waiting AGES for! The Trailer for the final installment of Peter Jackson’s masterpiece Hobbit trilogy! Enjoy!

In cinemas December 17th…I’m camping out starting NOW!

THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES in select theaters on December 17

(New Line Cinema/Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures)

Director: Peter Jackson Screenplay: by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson & Guillermo del Toro Based on the Novel by J.R.R. Tolkien Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner, Fran Walsh, Peter Jackson

Producers: Executive Producers: Alan Horn, Toby Emmerich, Ken Kamins, Carolyn Blackwood

Brilliant Cast:

Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Evangeline Lilly, Lee Pace, Luke Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ken Stott, James Nesbitt, Cate Blanchett, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving and Orlando Bloom. Also starring (in alphabetical order) John Bell, Manu Bennett, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Billy Connolly, Stephen Fry, Ryan Gage, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Stephen Hunter, William Kircher, Sylvester McCoy, Graham McTavish, Dean O’Gorman, Mikael Persbrandt, Aidan Turner

The End Of An Epic Journey! “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) and the Company of Dwarves. Having reclaimed their homeland from the Dragon Smaug, the Company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world. Enraged, Smaug rains his fiery wrath down upon the defenseless men, women and children of Lake-town. Obsessed above all else with his reclaimed treasure, Thorin sacrifices friendship and honor to hoard it as Bilbo’s frantic attempts to make him see reason drive the Hobbit towards a desperate and dangerous choice. But there are even greater dangers ahead. Unseen by any but the Wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen), the great enemy Sauron has sent forth legions of Orcs in a stealth attack upon the Lonely Mountain. As darkness converges on their escalating conflict, the races of Dwarves, Elves and Men must decide – unite or be destroyed. Bilbo finds himself fighting for his life and the lives of his friends in the epic Battle of the Five Armies, as the future of Middle-earth hangs in the balance.

For more visit: http://www.thehobbit.com

Lady Anglophile…already in tears!

Posted in Home Page Posts, Lady Anglophile Reviews & Other Bits and Bobs | Tagged Peter Jackson, Richard Armitage, The Hobbit, The Hobbit The Battle of the Five Armies | Leave a comment

Happy FIRST Birthday Prince George Alexander Louis! A Look Back on His First Year!

Posted on July 22, 2014 by The Anglophile Channel

Birthday cake will be eaten at Kensington Palace today in celebration of baby Prince George’s first birthday! And, he’s already walking…and apparently “charging around” Apartment 1A…according to his daddy Prince William. Let’s take a look at Prince George’s amazing first year….

Charging about the palace….Baby George is ONE today!

Prince George Alexander Louis was born at 4.24pm on 22nd July 2013 at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London. The first child of William and Catherine, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Baby George is third in line to the throne.

One can hardly believe a whole year has gone by since the world’s media pitched their tents and camped out for days in front of the Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s waiting Prince George to be born. And when he finally emerged from the hospital, swaddled in his baby blanket, in his mummy’s arms…the whole world rejoiced!

First glimpse of Baby Prince George and a cheer heard around the world!

Swaddled in his baby blanket, Prince George seems to be waving to the world.

The next glimpse we got of him was this lovely family photo taken by Grandpa Middleton himself, in the garden of the Middleton family home in Bucklebury, Berkshire, with their dog, Lupo.

First family photo!

Prince George was christened on Wednesday, 23rd October 2013 at The Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace by The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby.

Prince George’s Christening on October 23, 2013

In keeping with Royal tradition, Prince George wore the hand-made replica of the Royal Christening Robe originally made for Queen Victoria‘s eldest daughter Victoria, The Princess Royal in 1841. George’s gown of delicate Honiton lace and ivory satin was made by Angela Kelly, Dressmaker to The Queen. The Lily Font and water from the River Jordan were also used during the baptism.

He was such a jolly baby at his Christening.

Historic photo! Current and Future Monarchs!

The private service was attended by close family. The guests were The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry, Mr and Mrs Michael Middleton, Mr James Middleton and Miss Pippa Middleton, along with Prince George’s Godparents and their spouses.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge chose the following people to be Godparents to Prince George: Mr Oliver Baker, Mrs David Jardine-Paterson, Earl Grosvenor (Hugh), Mr Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, The Hon Mrs Michael Samuel, Mrs Michael Tindall and Mr William van Cutsem.

Following the service, a private tea was held at Clarence House. Guests were served slices of christening cake, which was a tier taken from The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding cake. I think that’s a lovely tradition!

After the christening, the family gathered at Clarence House for tea.

To be sure Prince George gave us a year filled with wonderful photo ops and lovely memories especially on his first overseas trip! In April 2014, Prince George accompanied his parents on their official three week tour of New Zealand and Australia, and received a warm welcome in both countries.

Family photo released ahead of the Royal Tour to New Zealand and Australia.

Here are some of our favorites featuring those trademark chubby cheeks photographers around the world have fallen in love with!

Arriving New Zealand where he was about to steal everyone’s hearts!

In New Zealand, Prince George enjoyed a play date with other babies the same age at Government House in Wellington when the Royal New Zealand Plunket Society arranged a special family gathering.

Lucky little girl that gets to play with Prince George!

Prince George shares his toys at royal playdate.

In Australia, Prince George enjoyed an Easter Sunday trip to Taronga Zoo in Sydney, where he met a Bilby named George. Taronga Zoo had named the Bilby enclosure in honor of Prince George’s birth, as part of a conservation program.

Baby George gets a toy bilby at the zoo.

“All better Mummy” Baby George fixing his mummy’s hair. I absolutely adore this photo!

It was a big trip for such a young child but he handled it all with adorable grace. Catherine is said to have been ‘relieved’ that he behaved so well in public as he is a bit of a live wire behind the scenes. And we’d expect nothing less of this future monarch!

Another favorite…cuddled up to his mummy.

On Prince Willliam’s first Father’s Day, Baby George and The Duchess of Cambridge went to cheer on his daddy at a charity polo match…and showed the world his emerging walking skills!

Showing off his walking skills and perhaps a future football enthusiast?

A Happy First Father’s Day for Prince William at this charity polo match watched by his son.

And now we celebrate Prince George’s 1st birthday. What an amazing first year he had. To mark the event, a collection of photographs have been released of Prince George visiting the “Sensational Butterflies” exhibition at the Natural History Museum with The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The Duchess of Cambridge is Patron of the Natural History Museum. These are so beautiful:

Baby George is said to have a fascination with nature.

Can this family be any more beautiful? The future of the monarchy in this lovely photo.

A small Peter Rabbit themed birthday party was said to have been thrown at Grandma and Grandpa Middleton’s home. Another private party will be held at Kensington Palace where The Queen is expected to be in attendance.

Can you imagine the Peter Rabbit party that Grandma Middleton can pull together?

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge released this statement for their son’s first birthday: “We would like to take this opportunity on George’s first birthday to thank everyone over the last year, wherever we have met them, both at home and overseas, for their warm and generous good wishes to George and our family.”

Happy First Birthday Prince George!

And we wish them all the joy and love in the world and here’s wishing darling Prince George many happy returns!

Lady “Auntie” Anglophile

Source: http://www.dukeandduchessofcambridge.org/focus-0/prince-george

Posted in Home Page Posts, Rule Britannia! | 1 Comment

Benedict Cumberbatch To Be Immortalized In Wax at Tussauds

Posted on July 21, 2014 by The Anglophile Channel

In Hollywood you know you’ve “made it” when you get your star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame or your hand and footprints immortalized in cement at The Chinese Theatre. The UK equivalent, in my estimation, has to be getting your wax figure done at the famous Madame Tussauds in London, and that is exactly what Benedict Cumberbatch is getting for his 38th birthday!

Two lucky Tussauds craftsmen measure up Cumberbatch.

Madame Tussauds just announced that the Cumberbabe will be getting his very own wax figure installed at the popular London attraction. He was recently measured for his waxwork which will be unveiled later this year and knowing the artists and craftsmen at this UK institution….the details will be uncanny!

Get those gorgeous eyes right or there will be hell to pay!

At the fitting Cumberbatch joked, “Finally I can photobomb myself! What a weird and wonderful compliment to be included in the ranks of talent already committed to wax. I’ve been accused of being wooden in my work but never waxy!”

Very funny!

He measures up quite nicely I think!

Tussauds announced that, “Benedict’s figure will be ‘premiere ready’, showing the actor looking impeccably groomed in a stylish dark suit. His immaculate red carpet style will be paired with a warm and relaxed expression, and his famous tousled hairstyle.”

I sort of wish he would be presented as Sherlock with those long, dark, wild and wavy locks flowing, scarf wrapped around his brilliant neck and wearing his trademark Belstaff ‘Milford’ Coat. But anything he wears is going to look fabulous!

I hope Tussauds is ready for the long queues of CumberFans that will be lining up around the block to get their photo with the Cumberbabe….and Lady Anglophile will be leading the way!

Lady Anglophile…pitching my tent in front of Tussauds now.

Posted in Home Page Posts, Lady Anglophile Reviews & Other Bits and Bobs | Tagged Benedict Cumberbatch, Madame Tussauds | 2 Comments

Ben Whishaw to Replace Colin Firth as the Voice of Paddington Bear!

Posted on July 17, 2014 by The Anglophile Channel

The cuddly bear from deepest darkest Peru has found a voice!

I have a voice…Yeay!

Ben Whishaw, who played “Q” in Skyfall, will replace Colin Firth as the voice of Paddington Bear in the Weinstein Company’s Paddington, based on the popular children’s literature character. Firth departed the project in June when he admitted he couldn’t ‘find the voice’.

The NEW Voice of Paddington!

Even Producer David Heyman admitted to the Daily Mail that Firth’s voice was “too mature” for the part; the film needed a slightly younger voice for the beloved bear who loves Marmalade sandwiches. (Augh, even Colin has to deal with ‘ageism’ in Hollywood!)

I’m sure Ben will make a fine Paddington. I remember him particularly from Brideshead Revisited but you really saw him stretch his acting chops as King Richard in The Hollow Crown!

Ben as King Richard in The Hollow Crown

Nicole Kidman, Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, and the new Doctor Who, Peter Capaldi will also lend their voices to the film which is due out this Christmas.

Lady Anglophile…hugging her Paddington Bear as we speak.

Posted in Home Page Posts, Lady Anglophile Reviews & Other Bits and Bobs | Leave a comment

Richard interviewed on “Breakfast Show.” Mr. Spacey, if you can film that much, why not . . .

Posted on July 14, 2014 by The Anglophile Channel

The Armitage Effect wonders aloud why The Crucible couldn’t be filmed in full as the clips from this morning’s Breakfast show looks fantastic. Read more!

the armitage effect

Richard appeared on the Breakfast Show on the Beeb and Marlise kindly posted it for the Anglophile Channel. He discusses The Crucible and the various elements attracting him to the production; they also touch on his work in The Hobbit and being directed by Andy Serkis, as well as Into the Storm and the challenges of an American accent. RA is thoughtful and gracious as always, and looked smashing, but what really intrigued me . . .

. . . was that snippet of video from the production itself. Because this got me thinking. If they can manage to shoot those scenes, why not shoot the whole thing? I know we are already asking for this–a DVD of the performance, that is-by petition and tweet and email and maybe by smoke signal, but seeing that footage really seals the deal for me. Thus far, from all I’ve seen and read…

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Adventures in England! Day #1

Posted on July 8, 2014 by The Anglophile Channel

Thanks for joining Marlise and The Anglophile Channel Team on our journey to England to shoot new content for TAC! Come along on our adventures by following our Adventures with The Anglophile Blog!

Travel Days Are Never Much Fun!

Travel days are never much fun. Before our journey to England we actually joined a cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, in St. Thomas for some contracted work prior to our trip to the UK. Disembarking in Ft. Lauderdale we had to make our way to Miami where we were to board a flight to Boston to catch our connection to London. So we knew a long travel day was in store for us.

In Miami we waited out the latest storm passing over us. A bit of a delay there but we still managed to arrive Boston on time, so that was impressive. Because we are Platinum members with American Airlines, we were able to get priority check-in for our British Airways flight in Miami.

British Airways

Once in Boston we were welcomed to visit the British Airways private lounge for One World travelers. This was their Terraces Lounge…not to be confused with the much posher First Class Lounge, which I have visited on previous occasions and let me tell you…it’s nice! But as TAC does not have official sponsors on this trip…we turned left, instead of right 😉 (Note: Anytime British Airways would like to sponsor us…we would be more than happy to oblige!)

The Terraces Lounge at British Airways

The British Airways Terraces Lounge offered enough amenities for our brief visit to keep us happy. A casual spread which offered Crudités and tea sandwiches along with a nicely stocked bar, soft drinks, hot tea and coffee.

Crudités

Cookies always make me smile!

Sandwiches

Nicely stocked bar.

And…my favorite Pimm’s!

It wouldn’t be British if they didn’t offer Pimm’s Cup!

Now that’s the way to start our official journey to England!

NOW I’m happy!

The Flight

Its an interesting cultural time warp that happens when leaving Boston’s Logan airport and boarding a flight to England with an all British crew. The brash East Coast accent that moments before had admonished me for not having my passport opened to the right page at the gate….slowly morphs into the melodic tones of a proper English accent welcoming you aboard their flight, “So kind of you to join us, Welcome!” I can almost hear the opening strains of Pride and Prejudice being played as I board the flight. And I’m certain Mr. Darcy is flying the plane!

As we turn right toward our seats somewhere at the back of the plane…drooling as we sheepishly walk by the sleeper seats in Business class…its the dashing accent of some Colin Firth-esque voice that makes me believe my seat in Row 485 B (I jest of course…) is as good as anything in First. Placed on each seat is a “goodie pack” consisting of headphones, a travel toothbrush and paste, along with a blanket, pillow and a plethora of entertainment offered for our upcoming 6 hour flight to London. I’m sure in First they’re enjoying Afternoon Tea by now…I try to make light of the fact that I’m not in First Class:

The one thing I can say about British Airways is they can get a jumbo jet loaded in record time. No sooner had we boarded the plane and were belted…than we were pulling away from the gate and the beverage trolly was coming by. Red wine please!

A nice way to unwind over dinner before lights out!

And no sooner had I been poured my Merlot than I proved that I am seated exactly where I belong, away from the British aristocracy in First…..

Apparently I don’t belong at the grown-ups table…because this happened one-sip in.

Trying not to think of the steak and lobster I’m sure they’re enjoying in First Class…dinner was a rather tasty curry chicken! “Turkey curry…my favorite!” ~Bridget Jones

Chicken curry, salad and lemon cake for pudding.

And then it was time to select a movie to fall asleep to. But it’s going to be impossible to sleep if I’m watching Colin Firth’s Railway Man or Ralph Fiennes in The Grand Budapest Hotel. The problem with East Coast overnight flights to the UK is that it doesn’t get dark for very long. Before you know it the sun is rising and the trolly is coming by with croissants. So no rest for the weary on this flight. But the croissants and jam help. And tea of course! I wonder how many cups of tea I’ll have on this trip?

Tea and Croissants offered a few hours after dinner. I like the packaging.

There’s still an hour or so left to this flight. We’ll be landing soon…so I think I’ll try to squeeze in a few Zz’s before waking up in Jolly ‘Ol.

Thanks for following us on our journey!

Cheers!
Marlise

Posted in Adventures with The Anglophile | Tagged Adventures with The Anglophile, England, Travel to England | 1 Comment

Doctor Who Scripts Leaked Online! Would YOU Read Them?

Posted on July 7, 2014 by The Anglophile Channel

BBC issues apologies to fans as FIVE scripts for the new series of Doctor Who have been leaked online, seven weeks before the episodes are broadcast! Shame on whoever did that!

The new Doctor says, “Shh! Mums the word!”

BBC Worldwide said it was investigating “a security issue around Doctor Who Series Eight where unfinished material has inadvertently been made public”. The statement urged fans not to distribute the spoiler material.

Would YOU read the scripts if they fell into your hands? My personal answer to that is NO. Why would you want to spoil it for yourself? Half the fun is the excitement surrounding the anticipation of a new season’s premiere.

BBC released this statement:

“We deeply regret this and apologise to all the show’s fans, the BBC and the cast and crew who have worked tirelessly making the series.

“We would like to make a plea to anyone who might have any of this material and spoilers associated with it not to share it with a wider audience so that everyone can enjoy the show as it should be seen when it launches.

“We know only too well that Doctor Who fans are the best in the world and we thank them for their help with this and their continued loyalty.”

The scripts were apparently leaked via the BBC Worldwide office in the US.

Can’t WAIT for new Season of Doctor Who which I will watch on TV!

How heartbreaking it is for the Doctor Who creatives and cast who work tirelessly to create, not just another episode in another season of another television show…but to create an event that all of the fans look forward to experiencing. Why would someone want to spoil that by reading it first?

Hopefully Whovians will ban together and EXTERMINATE any outlets that leak the material publicly before the show airs. Slap them in the TARDIS and send them to another universe, I say!

Lady Anglophile…Sonic Screwdriver in hand!

Posted in Home Page Posts, Lady Anglophile Reviews & Other Bits and Bobs | Tagged BBC, Doctor Who, Doctor Who Scrips Leaked, Peter Capaldi | 2 Comments

Fans Ruining Martin Freeman’s Richard III? So Says The Telegraph!

Posted on July 7, 2014 by The Anglophile Channel

Oh boy, do I have something to say about this…and it’s the opposite of what you might think and many may not agree with me, but my opinion actually comes from 20 years of professional experience as a theatre actress and entertainer.

Apparently the Telegraph has said that Martin Freeman’s fans are “ruining” the performances of his show, Richard III, currently running at London’s Trafalgar Studios, because they do not have ‘proper theatre etiquette‘, yet when I go on to read the article, (unless I’m missing a second half), it only accuses fans of clapping during the show and giving standing ovations…(I assume, at the end of the show.) So far I see no crime against the thespian society committed here. But, it may be a cultural thing…

STOP applauding for me! No, I jest…keep going.

British Blogger Claire Dikecoglu said: “I was irritated when the audience interrupted the flow of the play to clap and cheer Martin’s first scene. I understand that Martin Freeman is popular, but I have no bigger pet peeve, than everything getting standing ovations these days.”

Oh dear…another reporter with issues, perhaps? First of all…given the accusatory headline, I thought Dikecoglu was going to say the fans were giggling, passing love notes, and throwing their panties and room keys up to Martin during his “Now is the winter of our discontent” speech. Instead, we find them applauding a well known, and clearly loved actor, at the completion of what is arguably one of the most famous soliloquies in the history of theatre. Sorry, but that DOES happen. That’s the beauty of LIVE theatre! The response is pure, visceral, immediate and emotion-fueled. It can be electrifying! Haven’t you EVER been to a play where the lead actor (yes, oftentimes famous) walks on stage and stops the show cold with applause before they even utter a single word?

Stopping the show cold before she even opens her mouth...in EACH of these shows!

Elaine Paige. Stopping the show cold before she even opened her mouth…in EACH of these shows!

“I have no bigger pet peeve than everything getting standing ovations these days.” Wow. Well that’s a pet peeve of mine because if this person walks into a theatre with that attitude before the curtain even rises…chances are these actors will not be receiving an ovation from this audience member no matter how great they are.

I’ve even seen a show’s SET receive applause when it’s first revealed. The original Broadway production of Les Miserables comes to mind, when the set is transformed into the barricades right before our eyes…I’ll never forget it! Dikecoglu would have been breathing into a paper bag at that point…

The set design that received applauds as it was revealed!

The Standing Ovation: I’ve definitely found that this is a custom not practiced by all cultures and it might be surprising to know that British audiences do not commonly enjoy giving standing ovations. I’ve been to brilliant performances in the West End and have found myself doing the “solo-standing O” at the end of the show and everyone sort of sneering at me as if to say, “Sit down…we don’t do that here!” But, American audiences do. They can’t WAIT to show their appreciation with applause and standing ovations. What is wrong with that? I see absolutely nothing wrong with that. (But then, to be fair…we’re also the one’s tossing up our panties and room keys at super sexy performers….)

“Unaware of theatre etiquette” the article says of Freeman’s fans. I’m sorry but this pro-performer says it’s actually GOOD etiquette to get up off your lazy butt…at the end of a long, emotion-filled performance where an actor has bared their soul on stage and left it there for you to feast on…and damn well give them a much deserved standing ovation! The performers appreciate it. They might not all admit it…(‘Oh I don’t do it for the accolades…’) but after 20-years of backstage dressing room conversations…I’m here to say, they LOVE it. Often times it’s the barometer of how well their performance went. Dead silent audience often translates to, “they hated me…”

If this blogger is annoyed by fan reaction to Martin Freeman…I would advise her to steer clear of the West End when Benedict Cumberbatch comes to town with Hamlet…because, even I will predict, there will be love notes and flying panties involved…and mostly from me.

Don’t judge me.

Richard III at The Trafalgar Studios. Stand and applaud!

Richard III runs at The Trafalgar Studios through September 27. For tickets and info visit: http://trafalgartransformed.com/whats-on/richard-iii

Lady Anglophile…standing, applauding with panties at the ready!

Posted in Home Page Posts, Lady Anglophile Reviews & Other Bits and Bobs | Tagged Benedict Cumberbatch, Hamlet, Martin Freeman, Richard III | 15 Comments

A Message from Peter Jackson Regarding The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Posted on July 4, 2014 by The Anglophile Channel

Oh the Brits do love a dramatic pause don’t they? Downton Abbey keeps us waiting nearly a year in between seasons, Sherlock likes to come around every quarter century (or at least it feels that way to this Sherlockian) and Hobbit fans have been waiting for, what seems like, ages for even the slightest peek of Peter Jackson’s grand finale in his Hobbit trilogy. The Hobbit: The Battle of The Five Armies is not due to be released until December but fans are chomping at the bit for any peek at the film. Productions stills, a poster or most importantly the TRAILER! Anything to whet our appetite!

Peter Jackson directs Martin Freeman in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Rumors have been swirling around Hobbiton for awhile on exactly when we might see something and now Peter Jackson is putting us out of our misery…sort of. Here is a message from Peter himself explaining where he is in post production and when we should expect the long awaited for trailer!

“…Many of you asked about the Hobbit Trailer. So, yes – there will be a Hobbit Trailer. But like the previous two years, it’s not going to be released until around Oct. The complex VFX work required to produce the battle shots we’re all wanting to see are simply not far enough along yet.

However … yesterday I finished work on a Teaser Trailer and that has just been delivered to Warner Bros. So no doubt this Teaser Trailer will be making it’s way into the world sometime soon…”

Cheers,

Peter J

OCTOBER? What? While that may be a blink in Hobbit years…it can be an eternity to humans! At least we have the ‘teaser’ trailer to look forward to. Fingers crossed it’s longer than 15 seconds.

Lady Anglophile….in Hobbit agony!

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NEW Wizarding World of Harry Potter Launches at Universal Orlando!

Posted on June 23, 2014 by The Anglophile Channel

Grab your wands and your broomsticks Potterheads…The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando has expanded and is launching July 8th!

The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley

With nary a new Harry Potter book or film in sight, Potterheads have had to work fairly hard to keep their passions alive…and relevant. Facebook pages and websites dedicate themselves to every aspect of JK Rowling‘s seven bestselling books about the boy wizard, but Potterheads need more! Thank God for Universal Orlando which not only created the new PotterCon this year but also gives US fans the opportunity to immerse themselves in the imaginary world of wizards and goblins via The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It’s sort of our consolation for not having the actual Harry Potter Studio tour in our backyard like the Brits have.

On Wednesday, June 18, members of the “Harry Potter” cast descended upon Universal Studios’ Wizarding World of Harry Potter to get a sneak peek at the theme park’s soon-opening Diagon Alley attraction, which is a “Phase 2” in their Harry Potter offering. Amongst the cast members that showed up were Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane and Tom Felton.

From left to right, the picture features: Bill Weasley (Domhnall Gleeson), Bellatrix LeStrange (Helena Bonham Carter), Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis), Professor Flitwick (Warwick Davis), Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane), the Weasley twins (Oliver and James Phelps), Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright), Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) and Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch).

The shiny new addition to Universal’s Wizarding World, Diagon Alley, is faithfully recreated from the films and features The Leaky Cauldron which serves up pints of Butterbeer (and it’s delicious, I’ve tried it!), Ollivander’s Wand Shop, Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour, Weasleys’ Wizarding Wheezes!

The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Diagon Alley At Universal Orlando Resort - Day 2

Grab your wand at Ollivander’s then go for a butterbeer at the Leaky Cauldron!

And, of course, the Hogwarts Express….which you can now actually board, which you couldn’t before….but wait, there’s a reason for that.

The Hogwarts Express…now taking passengers!

At the far end of Diagon Alley™ stands Gringotts™, the goblin-run bank. Inside is the newest attraction and one to surely make the lines wrap around the park this summer, “Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts”, a pulse-pounding adventure on a multi-dimensional thrill ride that puts you right in the middle of the action as you navigate your way through the perils of the Gringotts vaults – encountering Harry, Ron, and Hermione along the way!

Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts

Check out this behind the scenes look:

Looks pretty intense right? Can’t wait to try it out? Me too! Now here’s the kicker, which I didn’t know until now: Diagon Alley is part of “Phase 2” of Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World attraction, and is actually located in Universal Studios theme park…while “Phase 1” — the original Wizarding World offering, the one that features a re-creation of Hogwarts the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the magical shopping village, Hogsmeade — is housed over at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. That means fans who want to see BOTH parts of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (and who wouldn’t?) have to purchase a two-park ticket…which incidentally costs $136 per day for adults, $130 for kids! That’s before butterbeers, stuffed owls and designer wands, by the way. I honestly don’t know how families do it these days.

Greedy Goblins if you ask me.

And how do you get from one Wizarding World to the next? Silly question. Why the Hogwarts Express naturally! Thank goodness it’s included in the price of the ticket! Ya think they’d throw in a pack of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans and a pint of butterbeer for the journey, for what these ticket costs….but they don’t.

All aboard The Hogwarts Express…you paid for it!

Take a look at a ‘behind the scenes’ on The Hogwarts Express:

I wonder if the Honeydukes Hogwarts Express Tea Trolley goes by? Pack of droobles please!

If you’re a true Harry Potter fan you’re not going to care how much gold you need to withdraw from Gringotts Bank…you’re going to be in Hogwarts-heaven! If you’re not…its still a fun and exciting attraction to visit. Be warned, however…the lines are long! And by long, I mean…wrap-around-the-park long. When we last visited Harry’s Wizarding World (Phase 1 in the other zip code…) there was a line just to get into the area where ‘PotterLand’ was, let alone the ride! And it was crowded. So cast a patience charm on yourself and enjoy!

Incidentally there was no sign of the “Magical Three” Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson or Rupert Grint at this re-launch…one can only hope they’re saving their appearance for the opening of the West Coast version at Universal Studios Hollywood…where I’m fairly sure The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is going to be located all in ONE amusement park! …Unless the mouse down the road offers them additional housing.

California Here I Come!

But that’s not until 2016….I’m going to be an old witch by then.

Lady Anglophile…ready with wand in hand!

Posted in Home Page Posts, Lady Anglophile Reviews & Other Bits and Bobs | Tagged Harry Potter, Universal Orlando, Wizarding World of Harry Potter | 3 Comments

The Anglophile Channel

The Hobbit: The Battle of The Five Armies TRAILER

Happy FIRST Birthday Prince George Alexander Louis! A Look Back on His First Year!

Benedict Cumberbatch To Be Immortalized In Wax at Tussauds

Ben Whishaw to Replace Colin Firth as the Voice of Paddington Bear!

Richard interviewed on “Breakfast Show.” Mr. Spacey, if you can film that much, why not . . .

Adventures in England! Day #1

Doctor Who Scripts Leaked Online! Would YOU Read Them?

Fans Ruining Martin Freeman’s Richard III? So Says The Telegraph!

A Message from Peter Jackson Regarding The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

NEW Wizarding World of Harry Potter Launches at Universal Orlando!

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