3,067 posts
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Post by Dr Tom on Mar 24, 2024 15:50:50 GMT
This is perfectly watchable.
I saw the film close to 30 years ago, and have never seen this on stage, so I don’t remember the plot very well, but as there isn’t much of a plot, that doesn’t matter too much.
I would say it’s a highlights type show, with a “looking back” feel wrapped around it, adding modern jokes (although consistent with the show, as all are broad and cheesy).
Large floor area so you don’t feel trapped like at Guys and Dolls. Seating feels very different for anyone who paid extra.
The audience is basically some people dressed up, some drunk women, a group standing by the bar and chatting loudly presumably attracted by the cheap drink.. Mostly respectful, apart from the people who don’t look before stepping backwards (often wearing backpacks as it costs too much to check them in).
The breaks are too long (and not needed to sell alcohol, the bar never closes). It’s a short show, 2 hours 10 minutes (despite being advertised as much longer). The ending does just fizzle out before a DJ takes over. There’s a sweet touch where they use an audience member in place of an actor. Reece Kerridge steals the show.
I did enjoy this, but very glad I went for a matinee. Can’t imagine what the evening performances will be like!
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Post by erik24601 on Mar 24, 2024 17:08:25 GMT
Reece Kerridge steals the show. Reece is a real star that deserves all the accolades he gets. Too long in the shadows - this is his time to shine.
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28 posts
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Post by meisner on Mar 25, 2024 0:07:07 GMT
This is perfectly watchable. I saw the film close to 30 years ago, and have never seen this on stage, so I don’t remember the plot very well, but as there isn’t much of a plot, that doesn’t matter too much. I would say it’s a highlights type show, with a “looking back” feel wrapped around it, adding modern jokes (although consistent with the show, as all are broad and cheesy). Large floor area so you don’t feel trapped like at Guys and Dolls. Seating feels very different for anyone who paid extra. The audience is basically some people dressed up, some drunk women, a group standing by the bar and chatting loudly presumably attracted by the cheap drink.. Mostly respectful, apart from the people who don’t look before stepping backwards (often wearing backpacks as it costs too much to check them in). The breaks are too long (and not needed to sell alcohol, the bar never closes). It’s a short show, 2 hours 10 minutes (despite being advertised as much longer). The ending does just fizzle out before a DJ takes over. There’s a sweet touch where they use an audience member in place of an actor. Reece Kerridge steals the show. I did enjoy this, but very glad I went for a matinee. Can’t imagine what the evening performances will be like! So i have waited and digested the show that i saw on Saturday Matinee and wanted to now put my thoughts on here. I agree with alot of what Dr Tom has said. It is a fun and watchable show. You are not going to see an Ibsen play or the new Jason Robert Brown show and if you think you are then this show is definitely not for you. What you see on the tin is what yr gonna get. For anyone who remembers the full show it is an abridged version of that. Very camp, sing a long songs and you can judge each act and the raucousness by the levels of alcohol that have been consumed! I quite liked the immersive elements. The place is modern and spacious and i came prepared due to comments on here and friends who had seen it. I agree, there should not be 2 intervals. The bar is open all the time so why say go and get a drink when u can do it during the acts? The style is a mix of Cabaret, Theatre and Drag Act. It works for what it is. It is appealing to the hen, Birthday and night out demographic and for that it'll work very well. Some good performances in my opinion. Liked Owain Williams Tick and Steven Serlin stood out as Bob. He was quite poignant in a world of campery. If you know what Priscilla is and want a fun, entertaining light and frothy night out then go for this new immersive version. If you want something deeper with some deeper meaning and after thought then pick something else. 3 and a half stars for me.
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523 posts
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Post by vabbian on Mar 25, 2024 17:50:21 GMT
3 stars
The moving around of the set was v annoying - takes you out of the performance when you are being pushed around
Got this very discounted I would say it's worth it if you can pay £30ish - not more than that
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Post by thomast on Mar 25, 2024 21:25:30 GMT
The moving around of the set was v annoying - takes you out of the performance when you are being pushed around Agreed. I just didn't understand why it had so much movement. I felt it added next to nothing to the performance in honesty.
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Post by hannechalk on Apr 6, 2024 16:04:33 GMT
Just had a look at the site - not a single sold out show marked.
There a few 'Selling Fast'-dates in April and May.
Tickets priced £45-55.
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Post by bigredapple on Apr 29, 2024 17:49:22 GMT
No surprise, this is closing early next month
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Post by bigredapple on Apr 29, 2024 17:52:10 GMT
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Post by ShoreditchTom on Apr 30, 2024 10:21:47 GMT
This is a shame, as it was actually much better than I thought it would be and reawakened my nostalgia for the original Priscilla (unlike the last tour version which I was not a fan of at all as it seemed to have removed many of the elements that made Priscilla Priscilla!)
There are some great lines and lots of heart in Priscilla and the updates in this Outernet version were mostly good (although a shame they took out "We Belong") but I suspect they didn't sell enough of the expensive tickets to make this version work financially.
I did see elsewhere mention of a possible new Priscilla UK Tour, it would be good if this company could be moved across to that, anyone know if that is a possibility?
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3,793 posts
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Post by anthony40 on Apr 30, 2024 10:29:39 GMT
Yes I read about the early closure this morning.
This is a shame.
It is something that I would never have seen but it does indeed seem a shame.
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Post by esteveyb on Apr 30, 2024 15:18:38 GMT
This was so overpriced, sadly - they tried to trade on the success of Mamma Mia The Party... but that is in such a different league!
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Post by anthem on Apr 30, 2024 19:43:06 GMT
Sorry to say but the last touring version of Priscilla was one of the worst things I’ve seen on stage. Maybe the movie raised expectations too high…I didn’t see this but the tour alone would put me right off seeing it.
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157 posts
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Post by james1969 on May 1, 2024 11:58:53 GMT
Can anyone who has seen this advise if the seated tickets give you an allocated seat or is it first come first served ?
Also is there an onsite box office where cheap seated tickets can be purchased on the day as TodayTix seems to offer standing only ?
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Post by ShoreditchTom on May 1, 2024 13:19:50 GMT
Sorry to say but the last touring version of Priscilla was one of the worst things I’ve seen on stage. Maybe the movie raised expectations too high…I didn’t see this but the tour alone would put me right off seeing it. Yeah the last UK tour wasn't great and was atypical of all the other UK/USA/Aus&NZ Priscilla productions that had been before (West End, UK Tours, Broadway & US Tour etc etc) - Priscilla The Party returns to the trademark costumes, (elements of) the original staging and "look", original choreography and other original aspects like buff boys not wearing very much etc etc! I think the last tour changed all that to avoid paying royalties and (in my opinion) was awful as a result and really damaged the Priscilla "brand".
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1,647 posts
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Post by fiyero on May 1, 2024 14:36:35 GMT
I'm on the dancefloor for this on Saturday matinee as got a significantly cheaper price than with a seat! Not normally my style (theatre without a seat!) but moved Opening Night to the evening so have a spare slot but little money! Anyway, any tips to make the most of it? I'd rather be out of the way than in the middle of the action I think
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Post by hannechalk on May 2, 2024 6:29:41 GMT
Deleted when I realised the early closure is old news.
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Post by ladidah on May 2, 2024 7:36:06 GMT
I will admit I don't know a huge amount about this show, but was it trying to replicate the Mamma Mia the Party vibe?
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157 posts
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Post by james1969 on May 2, 2024 14:39:46 GMT
Can anyone who has seen this advise if the seated tickets give you an allocated seat or is it first come first served ? Also is there an onsite box office where cheap seated tickets can be purchased on the day as TodayTix seems to offer standing only ? Anyone ?
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Post by ShoreditchTom on May 2, 2024 15:02:32 GMT
I've only ever been standing but I'm pretty sure (and just checked and reviews on Google which seem to confirm!) seating is unreserved. No idea about box office, sorry!
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Post by theatre2023 on May 3, 2024 22:03:17 GMT
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543 posts
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Post by andrew on May 3, 2024 23:15:53 GMT
Enjoying Internet Explorer? I’ve heard is really user friendly!
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Post by d'James on May 4, 2024 1:13:20 GMT
A shame, I guess, but not a surprise. I did enjoy the original London production but sat in the stalls one day and they audience participation terrified me.
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1,647 posts
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Post by fiyero on May 4, 2024 13:55:34 GMT
I'm on the dancefloor for this on Saturday matinee as got a significantly cheaper price than with a seat! Not normally my style (theatre without a seat!) but moved Opening Night to the evening so have a spare slot but little money! Anyway, any tips to make the most of it? I'd rather be out of the way than in the middle of the action I think Interval one update. Got very stressed even getting in! Box office wasn't obvious due to all the barriers so went to ticket checker who showed me the way, but still a barrier in the way! Security got annoyed when I moved it. Box office basically said they don't set it up and I have to go back to get my ticket scanned. I opened up the barrier and let myself through. All minor in the grand scheme of things but by the time I'd got back to the ticket checker if had enough! Went for some fresh area. She was lovely and upgraded me to a seat. So glad she did as not sure I'd have coped with being herded around. Not sure what capacity is but we seem to have around 50 seated and maybe 70 standing. I'll do more of a review later but wanted to get that out! Cast great so far!!
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1,647 posts
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Post by fiyero on May 4, 2024 16:15:45 GMT
So onto my review. It's not often I give the venue it's own section but it gets one.
Like a previous show at the Eventim Apollo this is a musical in a gig venue. The main issues earlier were that they weren't theatre people I think. I understand theatres, I can tell where to go etc... in addition to my last post I bought a coke in the second interval and it was just a mini can smashed into a glass. It fizzed right up so was flat but I couldn't be bothered to argue. As has been mentioned sightlines aren't great from the seats, a lot is played to the back of the house, which is the bar and dining area above. I hope they got a good view! Mixed toilets which ruffled a few, 2 blocks so I assume traditionally gender segregated. I luckily found the masculine one!
Onto the show. I loved it. Not many props due to the nature but the costumes didn't disappoint. I have seen this show at The Palace and in Paris and enjoyed it every time. The updates worked well apart from one. Forgive me if I never noticed before but the butch woman who causes trouble in the pub was played in drag by our narrator. That didn't work for me. Felt a bit like Sheridan playing Jacob in Joseph.
The cast gave their all and I couldn't pick a weak link if I tried. The cast seemed age appropriate too which doesn't always happen and was a big enough cast. All the leads were great, I wouldn't want to pick any out for specific praise. The audience participation worked REALLY well this afternoon, don't panic if you don't like that kind of thing though, it is very optional.
Overall I think the economics of this bring it down, not the art. The venue is a bit out of the way, not sure what buzz there has been beyond papering sites but even at capacity the numbers must have been tough with that size cast and additional staff to usher. They too had a tricky job as it isn't as seamless as guys and Dolls. Show 4 stars Cast 5 stars Venue 2 stars
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