If you had bought yourself as a special treat an expensive theatre ticket for tomorrow…

[CurlewKate]

…and you have just discovered that what would usually be a 1 hour 12 minute train journey and a 10 minute walk each way will now, because of train problems, will be at least 3 hours each way,much of it on a non air conditioned bus, would you still go?

Nope

You don't have to tell the venue why you cant go but you could contact them to find out if they have a waiting list and could resell your ticket.

Not a chance!

Of it’s Hamilton, then yes, absolutely. If not, then no.

What are you going to see, OP?

Hamilton rarely sells out these days (I go once a month as MY special treat!) - my guess is Evita.

And yes, I’d go. But I’d look at driving to the nearest station on another line, as OP’s route sounds like it will be crowded and no fun at all.

Which show? I’ve seen loads recently so I might be able to tell you if it’s worth it

It's a real shame no one can attend to your pets, as going tonight and booking a hotel to extend the treat is the best solution. Is there no one else to ask?

Did 5 hours each way for a NIN gig in O2 last week 😁. But that, to me, was a much bigger 'thing' than theatre. And we did stay over and went home the next evening. Spent a bit of time sightseeing the day after the gig.

In your case, without a possibility of staying over, I'd go only if I'd really REALLY wanted to. But most probably it would be a no.

I would ring around some taxi companies and see how much they would charge to drive you.

It would depend how much I'd paid for the ticket, what the show was, and how desperate I was to see it.

I'm struggling to think of anything I'd want to do a 6-hour same-day roundtrip for, regardless of aircon.

Absolutely! But I might book a hotel room for after the show, and come back the following day.
I would have to be on my deathbed to miss such a lovely treat as this (and even then, I'd make an effort)!

Probably not. I love the theatre but not enough for a minimum 6 hour round trip on the same day!

I know I would not be able to handle that physically as I have medical issues. I can drive though so I would use that option, even if parking was expensive.

Well yes if I really wanted to see the show. You have to balance it in your own mind OP as whether it's doable and if you want to do it.

Is driving an option?

Not a chance. I’d stay in with a good book and a bar of chocolate instead x

It’s Nicholas Hytner’s Midsummer Nights Dream. And yes, I’m pretty sure I’m going to go for it!

How far is it by car? Is taxi do-able, at least on the journey back? It may not cost as much as you'd think.

is it unpleasant tiring journey for me or am I going to be a ruin physically next day at work?

If it's an evening performance it hopefully won't be too hot and they should have windows open on the bus. All you need is an ice-chilled drink in a metal bottle, a fully charged phone and a battery-powered hand fan 🙂

Reframe it - make the journey part of the experience🙂
I had to do that a few years ago - train replaced by loooong bus journey, but I took a good book ( on my phone kindle), a small bottle of wine, cheeses and crackers, posh chocs.
I had a double seat to myself, and it was actually really relaxed and a lovely start and end to the day.

Just a shift in mindset needed😉

^ this. Barbican & NT are generous in this way IME

Is it the Kent trains? It looks like they might be ok tomorrow?

Definitely! I only have a cheap seat but I also have a ticket for tomorrow!