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Post by PineappleForYou on Apr 24, 2024 20:16:03 GMT
What merch have they got? I'm going on Saturday and am psyched having seen the Vaudeville concert in 2022!
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Post by mrmarmelstein on Apr 24, 2024 20:27:52 GMT
I think there’s some valid comments there about his motivation, and I also definitely found it more relatable through Carol’s eyes. I didn’t see the concert so can’t say how it compares.
Interesting comment on the “Lin-Manuel style” song - I keep vacillating between thinking it’s a little bit *too* similar to Hamilton vs accepting that it is a just a musical style that’s very identifiable with Hamilton but doesn’t need to be restricted to just that show. I had similar feelings about the rap number in Cable Street (which had more In The Heights vibes).
I didn’t see Sylvia, but with 42 Balloons, Cable Street, Operation Mincemeat and Benjamin Button, to name just a few, I think new British musical theatre is in really good shape at the moment. It also shows the value of nurturing new talent and developing works in progress, which historically has been done so much better on the other side of the pond.
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Post by mrmarmelstein on Apr 24, 2024 20:29:59 GMT
What merch have they got? I'm going on Saturday and am psyched having seen the Vaudeville concert in 2022! Can’t remember exactly, but there was certainly a mug, hoodies, t-shirts and lapel pins. Sadly no balloons for sale (although probably a good thing for the sake of the Bad Behaviour thread 🤣) but there is an excellent reproduction lawn chair for photo opportunities in the lobby.
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Post by richey on Apr 26, 2024 16:24:47 GMT
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Post by PineappleForYou on Apr 27, 2024 23:41:38 GMT
Saw the matinee of this today. Loved it as much as the concert version in 2022 and act two has definitely been fixed a lot. It's ready for bigger things but it felt like a little trim and tighten might be in order. This isn't a criticism; it's like a delicious cheesecake that it very tasty but leaves you a little stuffed!
I truly believe this one is another Mincemeat and will have the same tragedy and fans. Could be a harder sell though. It's also got one of the best soundtracks of any new musical in recent years. Release the full album!
Unfortunately, we had a 30 minute show stop after the opening number because the actor playing "The Kid" had a offstage injury. Luckily, the show ran with a un-rehearsed swing in the role with book in hand - she did fantastic!
Conclusion: This will be back in London.
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Post by david on Apr 28, 2024 15:04:03 GMT
Interval thoughts - Get a ticket for this one. I’m absolutely loving this so far. It’s so much fun.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Apr 28, 2024 16:56:34 GMT
I was there this afternoon too (looked for you but didn’t spot you david). Wasn’t going to book for this until I saw the feedback here. What a great show! I loved it! Performances all fantastic but Evelyn Hoskins as Carole stole it for me. She struck just the right note in every way. Loved the 80s pop/rock score (I think Cyndi Lauper might raise an eyebrow when she hears Give It Up). Act 1 is stronger for sure, it’s very hard to bring act 2 to a conclusion that’s more dramatic than the “flight” itself but I’m still giving it 🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈 because it would be churlish not to after such an enjoyable afternoon. Audience loved it, stalls full but tiers were sparse. I’ve recommended it to friends already and I hope it goes further after this run. It deserves it.
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Post by david on Apr 28, 2024 17:17:31 GMT
Sorry to have missed you BurlyBeaR. I was in the front row of the stalls (A5). I’ll post a full review later when I get home but that was a 5⭐️ afternoon at the Lowry.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Apr 28, 2024 17:38:08 GMT
Found this video of the real events. {Spoiler - click to view}
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Post by david on Apr 28, 2024 20:12:52 GMT
I hadn't planned on seeing this but with an discounted ticket email from Manchestertheatres.com and seeing that the show was doing Sunday performances, I took a punt on this one and the gamble certainly paid off big time with today's viewing at the Lowry's Quays theatre. From start to finish I absolutely loved this one and ticked all the boxes for me. I thought the entire cast were a great watch and I'd agree with BurlyBeaR that Everlyn Hoskins as Carole was the standout this afternoon. With a fantastic 80's vibe score from Jack Godfrey, I didn't think there were any weak songs in there that I would skip if a full OCR was available (hopefully the full score might be released later on rather than just the limited studio recording that is currently available). I certainly thought the sound mixing was well done at this show so you could hear both the cast and the band. There was some really good use of the projections / video, though I thought that the designers would of included some of the real footage of the balloon flight during those scenes. I bit of missed opportunity there I think. Tonally, I thought the show was spot on with a nice balance of comedy, drama and angst that was well paced for the entire show. Using the Quays theatre for me was masterstroke. The design and staging worked well on this smaller stage that would of been lost on the larger Lyric stage. The show certainly got a positive reception at cast bows and I was on my feet applauding this cast at the end which was thoroughly deserved. If you can make it up to Salford for its run here I would strongly recommend doing so. You won't regret it. Rating - 5 stars / balloons
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Post by capybara on Apr 29, 2024 9:26:36 GMT
The first time I saw 42 Balloons in concert at London’s Vaudeville Theatre, I had booked another ticket before I’d even got home. It’s felt like a bit of a wait to hear Jack Godfrey’s fantastic 80s power-pop inspired score but surely it stood to reason that I’d be making the long trip up north to see this show’s first full production.
In Salford’s Lowry theatre, this musical is just as wonderful as before. No, actually it’s even better as now we have Milla Clarke’s innovative set design, essentially set inside a giant weather balloon, to inject further life into the piece. The Lowry’s Quays space proved an inspired choice for this show.
Evelyn Hoskins is once again the star as Carol and ‘Helium’ provides the show-stopping moment that I feel West End audiences will truly appreciate. She is so endearing as Larry’s partner, ultimately you end up viewing his story almost entirely through her eyes. Hoskins really is an incredible watch.
But Charlie McCullagh makes for a very strong lead resuming the role of ‘Lawn Chair’ Larry. Acts one and two vary a lot in tone and McCullagh navigates that range of emotions with relative ease. Special mention for the cast’s new additions of Gillian Hardie (Carol’s mum) and Lejaun Sheppard (Ron), who stepped into their roles wonderfully.
The 80s vibe allows for the show’s ensemble to really feel part of it and, in many ways, they are part of the set. Ellie Coote’s direction keeps the energy high-octane but you do wonder if there are perhaps moments where less would be more, particularly during moments between Larry and Carol, and the wider ensemble would benefit from taking a slight step back.
I also think, prior to the show’s inevitable West End transfer, it needs to explore the possibility of giving Larry his Defying Gravity moment of flight at the end of act one. Both in terms of a slightly more triumphant number and for the audience to actually witness him taking flight.
However, Godfrey has used this full production tryout in Salford to solidify 42 Balloons’ status as Britain’s most exciting new musical. I can’t wait to see it again.
Five stars.
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Post by stevejohnson678 on Apr 29, 2024 9:34:33 GMT
I saw this on Thursday and have booked to see it again this coming weekend. It felt like there was almost too much to take in and fully appreciate in one viewing. I agree wholeheartedly with the rave reviews for the show and Evelyn Hoskins in particular. Kudos to The Lowry for supporting the development of this. There's no doubt their investment is going to be rewarded with a West End transfer.
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Post by benny20 on Apr 29, 2024 12:12:36 GMT
Does it have a press night? We go Saturday afternoon
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Post by stevejohnson678 on Apr 29, 2024 12:22:23 GMT
Does it have a press night? We go Saturday afternoon Thursday 2 May.
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Post by Jonnyboy on May 1, 2024 22:19:09 GMT
Saw tonight. Just brilliant!
The second act goes to places I did not expect but the show is all the stronger for it.
I’ll be seeing again!
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Post by stevejohnson678 on May 2, 2024 12:18:36 GMT
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 2, 2024 12:51:11 GMT
Makes me want to go see it again. I might do! I really liked the projections. I don’t know what they did for the concert but even now there’s really not a great deal of set. Most of the visuals come from the shape of the stage, the projections, some on stage video cameras for tv studio scenes (no syncing issues) and the band being visible through a crack in the balloon half way up. It was very cool.
Didn’t realise Jack Godfrey was so young! Seems very nice. I think he might have a hit on his hands here.
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Post by djdan14 on May 3, 2024 12:27:38 GMT
Going for my 2nd visit this evening - been listening to the sound track a lot and already pondering 3rd/4th visits before it finishes.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 3, 2024 12:42:03 GMT
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Times ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reviews Hub ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Guardian ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WoS
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Post by Jonnyboy on May 9, 2024 22:04:45 GMT
Just seen this for the second time tonight. Cover Larry was on, and he was just as good (if not better?!). Carol's mother was off too and oddly covered by someone way younger than Carol so it jarred slightly at first!
Stunning, stunning, stunning. Why is this show not selling out every night? I've just booked one final visit before it finishes. Have taken advantage of offers until now but paid full whack for the last time I'll be seeing it. This has quickly become one of my top musicals of all time. It's that good.
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Post by mmmbop on May 9, 2024 22:50:32 GMT
Just seen this for the second time tonight. Cover Larry was on, and he was just as good (if not better?!). Carol's mother was off too and oddly covered by someone way younger than Carol so it jarred slightly at first! Stunning, stunning, stunning. Why is this show not selling out every night? I've just booked one final visit before it finishes. Have taken advantage of offers until now but paid full whack for the last time I'll be seeing it. This has quickly become one of my top musicals of all time. It's that good. Saw it tonight as well, made the trip up from London! So happy I did, I loved the Vaudeville concert and it was so great to see it again. Not every production choice fully worked for me but I cried buckets in Act 2 (which I think has been significantly tightened since then) and really hope we get news of its future soon! There are some absolutely spine tingling moments in this score, really fantastic. Wish I’d sat a little further back, I was quite near the front and I think maybe the staging would have worked better for me a little more distance. I also do agree about Carol’s mother being covered by someone so young being jarring, think it did unfortunately take away from the impact of that character.
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Post by Jonnyboy on May 9, 2024 23:26:17 GMT
Just seen this for the second time tonight. Cover Larry was on, and he was just as good (if not better?!). Carol's mother was off too and oddly covered by someone way younger than Carol so it jarred slightly at first! Stunning, stunning, stunning. Why is this show not selling out every night? I've just booked one final visit before it finishes. Have taken advantage of offers until now but paid full whack for the last time I'll be seeing it. This has quickly become one of my top musicals of all time. It's that good. Saw it tonight as well, made the trip up from London! So happy I did, I loved the Vaudeville concert and it was so great to see it again. Not every production choice fully worked for me but I cried buckets in Act 2 (which I think has been significantly tightened since then) and really hope we get news of its future soon! There are some absolutely spine tingling moments in this score, really fantastic. Wish I’d sat a little further back, I was quite near the front and I think maybe the staging would have worked better for me a little more distance. I also do agree about Carol’s mother being covered by someone so young being jarring, think it did unfortunately take away from the impact of that character. What row were you on? I was C!
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Post by mmmbop on May 10, 2024 7:42:03 GMT
Ooh I was in D 😁
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Post by thedrowsychaperone on May 10, 2024 8:32:22 GMT
I am SO desperate to see this show but just don't have the time to get to Manchester anytime soon... PRAYING for some London news 🤞
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Post by hoopoe on May 14, 2024 18:15:39 GMT
I'd been really looking forward to the show since first hearing 42 Balloons and a Lawn Chair, and got to see the matinee this past Saturday. Early on I found myself thinking, 'Oh, no, it's quite amateurish.' Thankfully that is absolutely not the case for the show as a whole, but I was initially surprised by just how minimalist the set is, and by the acting from a couple of ensemble members; for example their facial expressions often didn't seem suitable for what they were singing (so much grinning!), and the aforementioned song felt disappointingly just sung through rather than acted. I eventually got used to the minimalist set, but I do think there could be some improvements in the ensemble.
I think because of that initial thought it took me a little bit of time to really warm to it, but the songs and the story pulled me in. I really hope we get a full cast recording as some of the songs I most want to hear again aren't available yet, and I was very aware while watching it that as we moved straight from one good song to another, I wasn't getting chance to fully appreciate them. However, I do think it loses some of this flow towards the end and the songs become a bit more stop-and-start, so it's interesting to revisit previous comments and note andrew relaying that act 2 is almost entirely new songs post the concert, as it maybe does feel like some of the later ones are a bit added on. In addition to the overall strong score, some other highlights for me were the camera work and other ways the screen was used, and Maddison Bulleyment's performance as the kid.
It's a solid 4 for me, but with the lost balloon being in recognition that I think there are ways in which it could be tightened and has the potential to wow more at certain points and become even better than it is now. I don't think this is this show at the best it can be, and I mean that in a good way.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 14, 2024 18:19:23 GMT
I loved the way they used the altitude projections for his flight, I found it incredibly tense actually. But if he had been actually suspended in mid air at the same time it would have enhanced that effect hugely. Surely if/when it gets a transfer they will do that. It seems crazy that they wouldn’t?
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Post by hoopoe on May 14, 2024 19:10:24 GMT
I agree, I thought seeing the altitudes slip by was very effective. I'm actually unsure whether or not I think he should be suspended in the chair during the flight. It was what I thought or hoped would happen, but in the moment I remember thinking maybe the way they'd done it was better because being able to move about gave him the opportunity to be more expressive and emotive for the song than being suspended likely would, and was probably a more dynamic staging overall. So I'm not sure!
I was just discussing the show with my partner, and we're trying to remember whether Larry ever actually sits in the chair at all? Partner had commented that he liked the gag of the chair being oversized for when the kid sits in it because they're meant to be a kid, which I said I hadn't clocked, and led to me trying to remember if we ever get a point of comparison of an adult character sitting in the chair. Can someone confirm whether Lawn Chair Larry is ever seen in a lawn chair?
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Post by Jonnyboy on May 14, 2024 22:31:44 GMT
I think suspending him in the air would be too literal and clunky. I got enough of an impression that he was flying by the movements of Larry and the rest of the cast.
Larry is in the chair at the back of the stage near the end. That’s the only time he sits in it.
Looking forward to my third and final visit soon! I’ve listened to the available songs so much and really need a full album!
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Post by andypandy on May 15, 2024 0:08:47 GMT
I flew to the UK to see this in manchester tonight.
Oddly my flight cost less than my train to London tomorrow.
This show could be a huge fat hit. I loved it. It’s not perfect but with a West End standard set/effects. better sound and maybe some older ensemble members this really has a long future life ahead of it - including hitting America. Evelyn Hoskins is a star!
This will transfer to the West End and beyond but it needs a little work here or there, some songs cut, perhaps a pin drop ballad added? Plus I though it could be funnier and indeed, more sad/poignant.
It was SOOOO refreshing to see a new and original British musical!
4.5 stars from me but I’m going to still give it 5.
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Post by djdan14 on May 15, 2024 6:21:18 GMT
Third visit for me yesterday and 4th booked for closing - I really hope this has a strong future because I’ve really connected with this show in a way I’ve not done before.
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