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Post by hannechalk on Sept 25, 2018 9:06:33 GMT
First of all, don't feed the trolls.
The picture on the wall of the house in Act II is of Sean Jones' eldest daughter. Does it really matter whose or which baby is on there, and how old she is now? Does it impact the show at all? No. In some shows his youngest daughter comes out with Donna Marie at the start of Act II (Our Donna Marie already has three, she's a bit like me that way) in her own contemporary clothes - a nice little touch, which doesn't affect the show either, whatever she's wearing or however old she is. But it's a little 'Aaaw'-moment when it happens.
Why would the set need changing? I don't get that. Blood Brothers has been performed with the set stripped to the bare minimum in small theatres, and the story is just as powerful, and received just as well.
As for the music - I like it as it is.
What would the point be of moving the setting? It's drawing full houses and standing ovations anyway.
As for the clothes - why would they need to be updated? They do the job, as long as they don't fall apart.
I will concur that looking only at the new pictures, and not knowing what it is about, I'd guess it's a story about a woman torn between two lovers. But when you're at the show you get taken in by the story and the acting.
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Post by Seriously on Sept 25, 2018 20:45:42 GMT
Well, I mentioned Sean putting the picture on the set as an example of how long he's been there. When he first put it there she was 3, she's now 18.
If you can't understand that, there's not much point answering your other questions.
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Post by theatreian on Sept 25, 2018 21:32:11 GMT
Going to Shrewsbury October 10th to catch the matinee and Linzi. Can't wait.
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Post by Jane Parfitt on Sept 26, 2018 5:17:01 GMT
People having different opinions to you does not make them a troll hannechalk and if that comment is aimed at me I'd like to know why?
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Post by hannechalk on Sept 26, 2018 8:20:50 GMT
People having different opinions to you does not make them a troll hannechalk and if that comment is aimed at me I'd like to know why? Well, someone is feeling paranoid. It wasn't.
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Post by Jane Parfitt on Sept 26, 2018 9:45:26 GMT
People having different opinions to you does not make them a troll hannechalk and if that comment is aimed at me I'd like to know why? Well, someone is feeling paranoid. It wasn't. Hanne, as your comment came directly after mine and you were not specific then it was not an unreasonable question to ask.
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Post by hannechalk on Sept 30, 2018 13:39:01 GMT
I went to see Blood Brothers last night at the Swansea Grand Theatre.
Linzi Hateley was indisposed, therefore Sarah Jane Buckley played Mrs Johnstone (she is normally Mrs Lyons) and Amy-Jane Ollies was Mrs Lyons (normally Donna Marie/Miss Jones). Which left Alison Crawford pull double duties as Donna Marie/Miss Jones as well as her own, wherever possible.
They were both brilliant in their different roles!
I looked at it with previous comments on this thread in mind, so the first thought was 'How will Mrs Lyons look when she is naturally half the age of her son?'. And it was fine. I still get swept up in the show and just follow the story.
I think I also saw some different lighting, clothes and thought I heard some different arrangements in some bits, but I could be totally wrong. I have problems with my memory, and I was in a different spot than usual.
I still loved it, and am looking forward to hopefully catching Linzi next month in Stoke.
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Post by MrsCondomine on Oct 3, 2018 15:45:36 GMT
"I wish I was our Sammy Our Sammy's nearly 50". Am sat at work valiantly trying to stop tears of laughter rolling down my face. Man I love Blood Brothers and all its weird casting.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Oct 3, 2018 17:32:24 GMT
It’s at the Lowry in April. Which means it will have done Manchester, St Helens, Salford, Preston, Wallasey, Liverpool and Blackpool by the end of the tour. That’s the North West pretty much covered in blood.
A couple of friends haven’t seen it and want to go. I’ll do it, just for Linzi but last time I said never again. That dreary music, geriatric Mrs J and middle aged men playing children is a right turn off. But seeing as I’ve inly ever seen a Nolan I will give it a chance.
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Post by theatreian on Oct 3, 2018 21:17:14 GMT
Hope to see Linzi next week. I love this show so Burly you must give it a chance. I am biased I know coming from Liverpool and seeing it from the first production, but it is a great show.
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Post by SageStageMgr on Oct 6, 2018 21:27:35 GMT
Not been the same since Keith Burns left. The definitive Narrator
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Post by Roxie on Oct 6, 2018 21:40:44 GMT
I haven’t seen this in YEARS! I was working at the local theatre when it came with one of the Nolan sisters. I thought it was great but as I watched it about 4 times in one week (ushering made me feel like I could have stepped in to some shows by the end of the run) I haven’t seen the need to watch it since. Looking forward to this in Stoke later in the month!
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Post by Seriously on Oct 6, 2018 21:56:37 GMT
Not been the same since Keith Burns left. The definitive Narrator I'm a Warwick Evans fan myself.
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Post by SageStageMgr on Oct 6, 2018 22:48:13 GMT
Not been the same since Keith Burns left. The definitive Narrator I'm a Warwick Evans fan myself. I did actually see Warwick Evans. I love him on the 1995 cast recording. Was a little disappointed in him live, I booked specifically to see his return to the show in the tour quite a few years back. Thought he was quite wooden but vocals were good. The main thing I remember was his magnificent, bouffant 80’s hair, which was spectacular and stole the show.
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Post by MrsCondomine on Oct 8, 2018 12:13:40 GMT
The main thing I remember was his magnificent, bouffant 80’s hair, which was spectacular and stole the show. NOW Y'KNOW THE DEVIL'S GOT YOUR HAIRSPRAY YOU KNOW HE'S GONNA STYLE YOU
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2018 15:52:20 GMT
I'm a Warwick Evans fan myself. I did actually see Warwick Evans. I love him on the 1995 cast recording. Was a little disappointed in him live, I booked specifically to see his return to the show in the tour quite a few years back. Thought he was quite wooden but vocals were good. The main thing I remember was his magnificent, bouffant 80’s hair, which was spectacular and stole the show. Temporarily got Warwick Evans and Warwick Davies confused!.. ha Quite surprised Davies had been the narrator in Blood Brothers but Googled 'Warwick Evans' to see "his magnificent, bouffant 80’s hair" only to be completely disappointed and realise I was mixing up the two!
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Post by hannechalk on Oct 9, 2018 9:53:24 GMT
I did actually see Warwick Evans. I love him on the 1995 cast recording. Was a little disappointed in him live, I booked specifically to see his return to the show in the tour quite a few years back. Thought he was quite wooden but vocals were good. The main thing I remember was his magnificent, bouffant 80’s hair, which was spectacular and stole the show. Temporarily got Warwick Evans and Warwick Davies confused!.. ha Quite surprised Davies had been the narrator in Blood Brothers but Googled 'Warwick Evans' to see "his magnificent, bouffant 80’s hair" only to be completely disappointed and realise I was mixing up the two! You wouldn't be the first! People congratulated Warwick Davis with his new role when Warwick Evans reprised the role, and he found it very amusing.
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Post by theatreian on Oct 10, 2018 21:27:31 GMT
A fantastic performance from Linzi this afternoon in what was one of my favourite performances overall of this wonderful show .The theatre was packed, a lot of school parties in (I wish I had been able to study Blood Brothers!) who were all well behaved. Linzi really acted the part as well as sung it so very well.
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Post by hannechalk on Oct 27, 2018 22:15:53 GMT
I have just seen Linzi Hateley as Mrs Johnstone and she was phenomenal! Alison Crawford was on as Linda, and I love her in that role too. The whole cast and band were amazing, it was a top-performance!
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Post by Roxie on Oct 31, 2018 0:36:25 GMT
I saw this last week in Stoke and it was brilliant! I’ve seen Linzi in many things and I think this is my favourite performance of hers to date. She sings it brilliantly, which is pretty much a guarantee but her acting is astonishing! She is warm and rueful and optimistic and downtrodden all at the same time, and the ending - well I have never seen such heartbreaking grief on stage. She must be exhausted, pulling that out of the bag 8 times a week. I thought the show was throught provoking, tragic and funny. Not seen it for years and of course been humming the songs for the last few days.
Incredible performance (maybe even the best in the show, sorry Linzi!) from Sean Jones as Mickey. How he goes from 7 year old boy to downtrodden man in just over an hour is nothing short of remarkable. I also enjoyed Sarah Jane Buckley as Mrs Lyons and Robbie Scotcher as narrator. ALL the cast were fab, but they were the standout performances for me!
Maybe I’ll go see it again when it winds it’s way back to Stoke (I’m sure it’ll be back) wishing the cast best of luck with the rest of the tour!
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Post by Dr Tom on Nov 1, 2018 8:47:32 GMT
Saw this last night in Wimbledon for the first time ever (excluding one of the YouTube bootlegs from about 20 years ago, which I'm sure had many of the same cast).
Back row of the Stalls. A clear view of the bottom half of the stage, which I think is all you need and even better in the second half when a tall chap didn't return.
The seating was strange. Full for the first half of the Stalls, then about 6 completely empty rows, then a party of school children, then the back row (which also had some school children). I'm not sure why people weren't moved forward, or why the theatre didn't proactively consider reseating people who might be disturbed by the children.
To their credit, the children were mostly well behaved. A bit of talking, some rattles, checks of phones etc, but not much worse than any other audience. And the group did say "Excuse me" and "Thank you" when they left during the interval.
You also got the usual laughter from them every time someone swore, and (unfortunately) just before the climatic moment.
As for the show itself. Very good, particularly for Linzi Hateley. The whole plot resolves a bit too much around waving around guns for my liking, but I was relieved when there were only five gunshots fired during the show (and even more so to be near the back). Don't think I'll rush back, but I can see why people like it.
Also surprised that the running time for this is a full three hours (including a couple of extra minutes for a charity talk at the end). Even longer than The King And I. So bear that in mind if you're planning travel.
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Post by hannechalk on Nov 6, 2018 10:32:31 GMT
The appeal continues - the tour is at the Floral Pavilion at New Brighton this week, and an extra show was added due to a high demand.
All 9 shows this week are completely sold out.
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Post by Roxie on Nov 6, 2018 23:23:34 GMT
Oh bloody hell! 9 shows a week! That’s gotta be exhausting especially for Linzi who goes through the emotional wringer at the end of every show. I hope they get paid extra for the extra shows. Not surprised it’s selling ŵell at New Brighton - it’s apparently not on the south coast - but on the Wirral!! Who knew! 😂
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Post by danielwhit on Dec 1, 2018 21:01:17 GMT
When did the tour get a new lighting design? I've not seen the touring production for several years but I'm sure it has had a serious revamp. And no, I'm not getting confused with the London production, before anyone asks
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Post by hannechalk on Dec 2, 2018 22:41:49 GMT
When did the tour get a new lighting design? I've not seen the touring production for several years but I'm sure it has had a serious revamp. And no, I'm not getting confused with the London production, before anyone asks They ramped it up for this leg, which has just finished in Oxford. Some people have commented on the same costumes and props being used for many years, but there have been various new items. I watched on Saturday-night, and it was amazing. Very good energy in the house. I had an aisle-seat on the far stage left, and realised after a while the two seats across the aisle more central stage were free. However, those seats were right in front of two teenage girls I got chatting to before the show, who had only seen (and one performed it) with school. They were so looking forward to it, and they were mesmerized, and on the edge of their seats. So I didn't move as it was a pleasure to watch them get immersed in the story and songs, and I would have ruined their view as I'm quite tall and broad. And after 52 times I kinda know the story anyway, I've been threatened by cast they're gonna put me on one night when they're low in numbers. Anyway, Josh Capper was on as Mickey, and he did a brilliant job! Of those 52 times I've seen it, I've seen Sean Jones as Mickey 50 times, so it was great to see a different take on the role. Linzi Hateley keeps drawing me in too, and I do hope she will be back on the next leg. The tour will start again on 29th January 2019 in Great Malvern. I add all tour dates I know of onto the events-section of the fan page on Facebook, and I run fanfeed @bloodbrostour on Twitter. www.facebook.com/groups/393979660775027/
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Post by macksennett on Dec 3, 2018 9:25:42 GMT
I hope Linzi continues as I’d like to see her, having missed her in Swansea. Malvern isn’t too far so am keeping my fingers crossed!
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Post by hannechalk on Dec 9, 2018 21:34:47 GMT
I hope Linzi continues as I’d like to see her, having missed her in Swansea. Malvern isn’t too far so am keeping my fingers crossed! And thanks to fellow boardie Roxie I can confirm she is! Linzi announced it on the radio this evening. I'm well pleased!
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Post by theatreian on Dec 9, 2018 22:59:15 GMT
Great news about Linzi. She was amazing as Mrs J, in what is one of my all time favourite shows.
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Post by macksennett on Dec 10, 2018 7:07:20 GMT
Fabulous! Is there a complete list of tour dates anywhere?
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Post by theatreian on Dec 10, 2018 8:52:26 GMT
Here are the dates to May: 29 Jan – 2 Feb MALVERN Festival Theatre 01684 892277 BOOK ONLINE 5 – 9 Feb SHEFFIELD Lyceum 0114 249 6000 BOOK ONLINE 12 – 16 Feb NOTTINGHAM Theatre Royal 0115 989 5555 BOOK ONLINE 19 – 23 Feb HIGH WYCOMBE Swan 01494 512000 BOOK ONLINE 26 Feb – 2 Mar BOURNEMOUTH Pavilion 0844 576 3000 BOOK ONLINE 12 – 16 Mar BILLINGHAM Forum 01642 552663 BOOK ONLINE 19 – 23 Mar KILLARNEY INEC 00 353 (0)64 66 7155 BOOK ONLINE 26 – 30 Mar CASTLEBAR Royal Theatre 00 353 (0)94 902 3111 BOOK ONLINE 2 – 6 Apr TORQUAY Princess 0844 871 3023 BOOK ONLINE 9 – 13 Apr SALFORD Lowry 0843 208 6000 BOOK ONLINE 15 – 20 Apr LLANDUDNO Venue Cymru 01492 872 000 BOOK ONLINE 23 – 27 Apr BLACKPOOL Opera House 0844 856 1111 BOOK ONLINE 30 Apr – 4 May SOUTHSEA Kings 023 9282 8282 BOOK ONLINE 7 – 18 May LEEDS Grand 0844 848 2700
There are other dates after that as I know it is on in Birmingham at the Hippodrome late September into October but not sure how long Linzi is extending for.
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