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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2018 22:38:48 GMT
I did buy a programme. Still doesn't stop me just reading Bat Out of Hell haha. I know the name but I don't know who he is. Sorry. I'm sure he's a lovely guy tho Sometimes to pays to *read* the programme too! ;-) Sorry, just taking out many years of frustration about Jim Steinman not getting the credit he deserves for his songs, because Meat Loaf took all the limelight. Shouldn’t have been aimed at you. No I didn't feel you were aiming at me haha. As I said, I know the name but I don't know anything about him.
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Post by steve10086 on Apr 28, 2018 22:40:43 GMT
Sometimes to pays to *read* the programme too! ;-) Sorry, just taking out many years of frustration about Jim Steinman not getting the credit he deserves for his songs, because Meat Loaf took all the limelight. Shouldn’t have been aimed at you. No I didn't feel you were aiming at me haha. As I said, I know the name but I don't know anything about him. Check out the piece in the programme, just before the song list. Will explain the history of the show.
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Post by timothyd on Apr 29, 2018 7:46:08 GMT
I have tickets for the last show in October. Forgive me if what Im asking is dumb but is there a chance that, when the show isnt selling good, that date gets canceled? If so Im gonna trade them for an earlier date.
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Post by steve10086 on Apr 29, 2018 7:48:56 GMT
I have tickets for the last show in October. Forgive me if what Im asking is dumb but is there a chance that, when the show isnt selling good, that date gets canceled? If so Im gonna trade them for an earlier date. Yes, it’s possible that could happen, though I really hope it doesn’t.
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Post by ceebee on Apr 29, 2018 8:54:59 GMT
Oooooo another thing I will add. As much as I appreciate to see both parents and the male Ensemble strip down to their underpants, the weird dance the waiters did in the background was possibly one of the worst choreographed moments I have ever seen on stage. It was a total mess. But otherwise, they all at least looked great (though the men need some, ahem, adjustments in their fittings). Totally agree - the waiters dance was a complete distraction and a bit of a disaaaaaaster. I'm not in a position to comment on their fittings of choice of pants, but glad you appreciated it!
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Post by ceebee on Apr 29, 2018 8:56:12 GMT
I think Bat will run the course at the Dominion - and I don't think money is an issue for the producers. They are committed to this beast.
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Post by theatremadness on Apr 29, 2018 10:40:35 GMT
I heard that the plan is to do a cast change come October, sending the 2 leads to Broadway with the show. Apparently it's Hillsong that pay the large majority of the fees that cover the rent for the Dominion, so it actually doesn't matter a great deal how Bat sells. Of course none of that may happen. Does anyone with more knowledge know whether that rent part is true? Surely it would've also been true for American in Paris? But maybe explains how WWRY ran 12 years (yes it was a fantastic night out! But stil...)
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Post by martello736 on Apr 29, 2018 10:49:34 GMT
I heard that the plan is to do a cast change come October, sending the 2 leads to Broadway with the show. Apparently it's Hillsong that pay the large majority of the fees that cover the rent for the Dominion, so it actually doesn't matter a great deal how Bat sells. Of course none of that may happen. Does anyone with more knowledge know whether that rent part is true? Surely it would've also been true for American in Paris? But maybe explains how WWRY ran 12 years (yes it was a fantastic night out! But stil...) What's Hillsong? Is that the Sunday church group? I haven't yet had the chance to see Bat during its Dominion run but it sounds like there've been a few questionable post-Coliseum changes implemented. My recollection of Christina's performance which may well be completely different by now is that, yes it is VERY hammy, but the bizarre storyline kind of necessitates it. Interesting to see that Andrew Polec is down to 5 shows a week now, I wonder if it was his choice or the producer's. I guess it is quite a tough sing, but then again so is Raven, and Christina does all 8 and rarely misses one.
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Post by martello736 on Apr 29, 2018 10:51:35 GMT
Saw on Twitter that somebody celebrated their 150th time seeing Bat last night. Considering the fact that when you add up Manchester, London x2 and Toronto it's only just passed 300, that's astonishing.
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Post by theatremadness on Apr 29, 2018 12:25:10 GMT
I heard that the plan is to do a cast change come October, sending the 2 leads to Broadway with the show. Apparently it's Hillsong that pay the large majority of the fees that cover the rent for the Dominion, so it actually doesn't matter a great deal how Bat sells. Of course none of that may happen. Does anyone with more knowledge know whether that rent part is true? Surely it would've also been true for American in Paris? But maybe explains how WWRY ran 12 years (yes it was a fantastic night out! But stil...) What's Hillsong? Is that the Sunday church group? Yes, that's them!
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Post by ceebee on Apr 29, 2018 12:28:02 GMT
I heard that the plan is to do a cast change come October, sending the 2 leads to Broadway with the show. Apparently it's Hillsong that pay the large majority of the fees that cover the rent for the Dominion, so it actually doesn't matter a great deal how Bat sells. Of course none of that may happen. Does anyone with more knowledge know whether that rent part is true? Surely it would've also been true for American in Paris? But maybe explains how WWRY ran 12 years (yes it was a fantastic night out! But stil...) What's Hillsong? Is that the Sunday church group? I haven't yet had the chance to see Bat during its Dominion run but it sounds like there've been a few questionable post-Coliseum changes implemented. My recollection of Christina's performance which may well be completely different by now is that, yes it is VERY hammy, but the bizarre storyline kind of necessitates it. Interesting to see that Andrew Polec is down to 5 shows a week now, I wonder if it was his choice or the producer's. I guess it is quite a tough sing, but then again so is Raven, and Christina does all 8 and rarely misses one. ------------ I think the criticism of Christina earlier in the thread is pretty unfair. I'd say her portrayal of a hormone fuelled frustrated teenage girl is pretty spot on. As someone with two daughters, I kind of sympathise with Falco's megalomania! :-)
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2018 13:01:15 GMT
What's Hillsong? Is that the Sunday church group? I haven't yet had the chance to see Bat during its Dominion run but it sounds like there've been a few questionable post-Coliseum changes implemented. My recollection of Christina's performance which may well be completely different by now is that, yes it is VERY hammy, but the bizarre storyline kind of necessitates it. Interesting to see that Andrew Polec is down to 5 shows a week now, I wonder if it was his choice or the producer's. I guess it is quite a tough sing, but then again so is Raven, and Christina does all 8 and rarely misses one. ------------ I think the criticism of Christina earlier in the thread is pretty unfair. I'd say her portrayal of a hormone fuelled frustrated teenage girl is pretty spot on. As someone with two daughters, I kind of sympathise with Falco's megalomania! :-) I don't personally think, for example, my comments on Christina are unfair. Purely because we have been spoilt in recent years with leading ladies and I would argue this is probably the worst written and performed leading lady role in the West End of recent memory. Its not all down to Christina, alot of it is how she was directed. But I spent a great amount of time going "what is she whining about now?!", "why is she rolling around on the floor again?!". Not gonna lie, toward the end I was hoping for a twist where: {Spoiler - click to view} Falco shoots Raven instead of Tink, just to get her off the stage.
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Post by samsam1985 on Apr 29, 2018 20:33:52 GMT
This show really grows on you !!
SO MUCH more improved than last year - they cut about 20 minutes from the show so its a lot slicker and doesn't stall anymore. New Tink is really energetic and passionate.
The voices are insanely good and the production is great. The guy who plays the dad is just incredible. I don't like Meatloaf but I have fallen head over heels in love with this show and i don't know why... thats the power of a good musical... I want to go again and again.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2018 22:04:39 GMT
Saw on Twitter that somebody celebrated their 150th time seeing Bat last night. Considering the fact that when you add up Manchester, London x2 and Toronto it's only just passed 300, that's astonishing. Crikey. Astonishing is one word for it!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 30, 2018 14:12:39 GMT
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Post by danb on Apr 30, 2018 14:45:02 GMT
A fantastic bit of cross branding!
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Post by Snciole on May 2, 2018 12:15:41 GMT
I am not sure I enjoyed it as much second time around. The production felt lacking in energy, space and very sadly an audience. The stalls were about 60/70% full. People left at the interval. They haven't improved on things like the Strat/Raven choreography and the poor sound was only tackled head-on by Danielle Steers and Sharon Sexton. Even Andrew Polec seemed to struggle to be heard.
It is still trashy fun and I hope the audience picks up but I am longing for an Arrested Development-style remix production where they get rid of the plot and just make it a rock opera.
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Post by Deleted on May 2, 2018 14:12:18 GMT
Get rid of the plot?
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... there was a plot?
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Post by Snciole on May 2, 2018 14:13:33 GMT
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Post by Dr Tom on May 3, 2018 13:59:26 GMT
I see the Rush seats for this are now into the front half of the Stalls, with plenty of availability. Good news if you're looking for a visit (or a return visit), but not a great sign for such a large theatre.
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Post by bellboard27 on May 8, 2018 20:41:31 GMT
Last week I paid a return visit. This time I was in the rear stalls. I was hoping that the sound would be better than when I visited for the second preview in the front stalls. It was not. Some individual solo voices were fine, but others not and once there was more than once voice, the words were indistinct. I'm sure the circle overhang is a challenge for the sound and I suspect things in the front stalls have improved. Anyway, if you go, I would recommend a front stalls area seat. You might also get the chance to make a collage like @theatremonkey.com
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Post by ensembleswings on May 9, 2018 8:00:47 GMT
Finally going to see this tonight, after missing it at the Coliseum last year. Booked a cheap ticket at the back of stalls starting to regret that slightly based off comments on here about the sound, hopefully it’s not too bad/bad enough to ruin the show, I’m mainly going for the songs (bad I know but ohh well)
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Post by Deleted on May 9, 2018 8:03:37 GMT
Finally going to see this tonight, after missing it at the Coliseum last year. Booked a cheap ticket at the back of stalls starting to regret that slightly based off comments on here about the sound, hopefully it’s not too bad/bad enough to ruin the show, I’m mainly going for the songs (bad I know but ohh well) Get to the box office 10-15mins before the curtain up and see if they can upgrade or move your seat, I’m sure from reports here there will be aviablability.
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Post by danb on May 9, 2018 9:26:19 GMT
Finally going to see this tonight, after missing it at the Coliseum last year. Booked a cheap ticket at the back of stalls starting to regret that slightly based off comments on here about the sound, hopefully it’s not too bad/bad enough to ruin the show, I’m mainly going for the songs (bad I know but ohh well) Get to the box office 10-15mins before the curtain up and see if they can upgrade or move your seat, I’m sure from reports here there will be aviablability. .....the matinee I went to a few weeks ago was pretty much full in the stalls (for reasons already discussed) with just a small block of central seats just under the overhang empty. The front blocks of the circle were also full give or take.
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Post by bellboard27 on May 9, 2018 10:20:27 GMT
Sound was fine in the front stalls, I must say. Strong enough in row A to vibrate the entire row of seats... I bet that brought back sensations you had long forgotten.
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Post by adrianics on May 9, 2018 13:09:53 GMT
We saw this last week.
I'll get the negative out of the way... It's been covered in this thread but oh my sweet god above the story and book are so, so bad. It's not that they're lacking, or underdeveloped, or boring or anything like that, it's that they're openly, outwardly bad. Completely inconsistent treatment of the villain (are we supposed to sympathise with him or not), more holes than a kitchen sponge, an incomprehensible world not based in any kind of logic and just presenting Meat Loaf's songs from beginning to end with no real effort made to give the songs new context or make them work within the story you're trying to tell; to give one example, I was given the impression that the story takes place in what was once Manhattan but Strat sings about "chilly California wind" in For Crying Out Loud. I am not the kind of person who can ignore all of this, musical theatre is a storytelling medium and if you're packing what you're doing as a 'musical' the story and book are fair game.
All of that being said... That cast. I was truly blown away by the huge amount of talent on that stage, for my money (with the possible exception of Hamilton) this has to be the most talented and consistent ensemble on the West End. You can tell that the cast was assembled with great care and attention, a wonderful collection of diverse and unique voices so you get a distinctive performance from everyone given the opportunity to sing. The acting amongst the ensemble is... Mixed, but the second any of them open their mouths to bust out those amazing songs all that goes away.
Andrew Polec's performance in particular is phenomenal and I've never seen anything like it in my life. His commitment, diction, intensity, stamina and energy is nothing short of superhuman and the West End is so lucky to have him. How he, multiple times a week, manages to belt out songs so demanding that even Meat Loaf at the peak of his powers refused to perform them is beyond me.
I'd say this show is more than worth seeing due to the staggering talent within the ensemble, one of the best leading performances in quite some time and some pretty great and effective staging (how did they do that effect with the pool??). The talent of everyone involved is enough to elevate some truly atrocious material into a wonderful show!
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Post by ensembleswings on May 9, 2018 13:25:20 GMT
Thanks all. My tickets are box office collection so I may ask them later on. Judging by the current seating plan online there’s lots of other available seats in blocks around the theatre
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Post by danb on May 9, 2018 13:52:48 GMT
Thanks all. My tickets are box office collection so I may ask them later on. Judging by the current seating plan online there’s lots of other available seats in blocks around the theatre Have a great time wherever you end up. 🦇🔥❤️
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Post by leanne23 on May 9, 2018 15:48:45 GMT
given the impression that the story takes place in what was once Manhattan but Strat sings about "chilly California wind" in For Crying Out Loud. I am not the kind of person who can ignore all of this, musical theatre is a storytelling medium and if you're packing what you're doing as a 'musical' the story and book are fair game Funny you should mention this! In the first London 2018 preview the line was changed to ‘chilly Coney Island wind’ to mantain consistency with the Manhattan setting. However, it sounded so clunky and jarring it was changed back! I am a huge bat fan and agree it doesn’t make entire sense but then I suppose there is also an argument for not wanting to tweak Steinman’s lyrics. The audience just need to suspend their disbelief...which is asked of them a lot already in the show anyway!
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Post by ensembleswings on May 9, 2018 22:45:21 GMT
Ended up staying in the seat I’d orginally booked, right at the back of stalls. I was considering asking for an upgrade but the woman in front of me in the box office queue also asked and was basically told no, so I didn’t bother even asking. The sound was fine, no issues with anything, could hear every word they said/sang and the band didn’t drown anyone out. I did get to sit next to an irritating couple who decided they could and would sing along to every song. I turned round and simple said ‘sorry do you mind not singing along please’ which seemed to do the trick, there was no way I was going to let them sing over Danielle Steers without saying something (death glares weren’t working). They happened to leave at the interval and not return for act 2, no idea if they moved or left for good but at least they couldn’t sing over and ruin Act 2 for me. Overall I really enjoyed the show, it’s not got the strongest of plots but I knew that going in. I’d happily go and see it again at some point, I saw one of the alternate Strat’s so I may return to try and catch either the other alternate or Andrew at some point.
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