Pennsylvania's largest city, Philadelphia stands along side Boston when it comes to discussing the most historically significant US cities. After all, this is where, at the Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, the "Declaration of Independence" and the Constitution were drafted, revised and signed. Both are part of Independence National Historic Park. Philadelphia also boasts some outstanding art museums. The Franklin Institute Science Museum is one of many attractions honouring the life and work of Benjamin Franklin, the city's most famous ambassador. After digesting all of that history, take a stroll in one of the many parks, head to the world class shops or go for a famous Philly cheese steak sandwich in one of the many wonderful restaurants. Yes we did it all in Philadelphia, the 'City of Brotherly Love'. It was quite an historical, cultural week for the Boyne cast.

The Philadelphia skyline

We were very lucky to be staying in fabulous apartments, that were ideally located downtown, easily accessible to all the major historical, tourist and cultural attractions. In fact the apartments overlooked the wonderfully architectural City Hall. We all love when we get to stay in apartments as it is always nice to make it 'home' for a week rather than just another hotel room.

It was a busy birthday week for the Boyne with the celebration of Lead dancer Marty Dowds, Percussionist Derek Tallon, Lead dancer Maria Buffini and Stage Manager Claire Semple's birthdays. Aside from those, there were also hello and goodbye parties. As we said goodbye to dancer Claire Doyle who left for the Foyle, we greeted new members to the company. This time we welcomed back former Boyne dancers Siobhan Burke and Jillian Farmer, singer Hayley Griffiths and former Lagan dancer Ciaran Connolly. To say it was a party week in the Boyne this week would be quite the understatement!

Mairead, Scott, Ryan and Jillian enjoying the festivities

We were performing this week in the recently renovated Academy of Music. All 8 shows were sold out and audiences were very enthusiastic. Philadelphia's Academy of Music is both a celebrated historical landmark and a current focus of cultural life in the city. Opened in 1857, the Academy is the oldest grand opera house in the United States still used for its original purpose.

The stunning interior of the Academy of Music

Now for some of the historical sights we got to visit in Philadelphia, we started with the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Both symbols give an interesting glimpse into the history of American freedom. In Independence Hall we saw the rooms where the Forefathers of America debated over how to gain Independence from England. The setting of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell is quite striking in Independence Park; beautiful weather, stunning landscapes and just a feeling that you are somehow back in this historic era.

The Liberty Bell, the symbol of American freedom

Probably the busiest, yet fun-filled day was our trip to the Franklin Institute Science Museum. This unique museum houses the world's largest artificial heart and biggest pinball machine and also includes a planetarium and Omniverse. A fascinating and intriguing stop in the Museum presently is the King Tutankhamun exhibit. Travelling worldwide from Egypt, it's been based in Philadelphia for the last few months. Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaoh's features 130 pieces of Egyptian antiquities, many outside of Egypt for the first time. The 18th Dynasty, also known as the "Golden Age", produced some of the most exquisite pieces of art for some of Egypt's most famous rulers. Within the exhibit we witnessed not only a child-sized throne made of wood, gold, ivory, and copper but also artefacts from the five other Pharaoh's tombs, which ruled during the "Golden Age". Although there are a few items from King Tut's coffin on view, the actual funerary mask is not on display which we all found very disappointing. It was very misleading as all the local advertisements and promotions led us to believe it was there. In saying that there was still so much to do at the Franklin Institute between the Science Museum, the Planetarium and King Tut, we had plenty to keep us occupied for the day!

Franklin Institute of Science

No trip to Philadelphia would be complete without a trip to the steps made famous in the Rocky movies. So the Hollywood stars in the making that we are, we took to the Philadelphia Museum of Art for a jog up the famous stairs. We finished off our historical week in Philly with a traditional Irish music session at Fergie's Irish bar where some of the Riverdance band kept us entertained for the night playing some great tunes. Until next time from Massachusetts and Virginia!

Production Stage Manager George Bernard and Crew member Dave Brooks enjoying the last night in Philly