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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2017 11:14:02 GMT
I have seen the show twice now and have been adamant I wasn't going to the NT live showing as it has only been 2 weeks since I last saw it, but I have succumbed and am taking the mother-in-law to see it
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Follies
Nov 14, 2017 11:47:50 GMT
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Post by couldileaveyou on Nov 14, 2017 11:47:50 GMT
I'm surprised by how many empty seats there are for the talk with Imelda Staunton and Peter Forbes on 11 Dec
Most people are at work, I would have thought.
Ooh right. Work. It makes sense.
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Post by Stephen on Nov 15, 2017 0:55:02 GMT
I saw Follies this evening as an exchange for Part two of Angels in America which I couldn't attend. I went in with very high expectations and, although parts of the evening were enjoyable, I left feeling a little uneasy about the piece.
To keep my thoughts fairly concise and summed up I though overall the whole piece felt disjointed, slow and at times dull. This was, I have to say, no fault of the cast who were committed and performed well. I was especially taken by Tracie Bennett's number 'I'm Still Here' and as a fan of Philip Quast he did not disappoint. Ms Staunton gave her best Gypsy...It's captivating even if we've seen it before. I would also enjoy seeing Di Botcher in another musical!
I am glad to report that the orchestra sounds wonderful and plays out the detail in Sondheim's score well.
During the 'Loveland" sequence towards the end the "nd" in Loveland were backwards on the costume, this got one of the biggest laughs of the night...
It is lovely that the National is having successful sold out runs under its fairly new artistic directorship and long may this continue!
Half of the audience ovated, and half, along with myself, did not. I went into the Olivier ready to feel things and I didn't. Maybe next time!
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Post by frontrowcentre on Nov 15, 2017 13:41:28 GMT
I was there last night also and I agree with you that some parts felt a bit slow. It did, however, picked up from "Mirror, mirror" and ended up being a very enjoyable evening for me.
I was most looking forward to Janie Dee and she didn't disappoint, very impressed with her dancing skills also, had never seeing her dancing before. Peter Forbers as Buddy does an incredible work as Buddy. When It comes to Sondheim there are certain songs, like "The right Girl" that I think must be a bit of a challenge for actors to play so the audience actually can enjoy what they seeing a listening to, the way in which Peter Forbes manages to accomplish this was outstanding.
I was never happy with Imelda being cast as Sally, but I enjoyed her performance more than what I thought I was going to, at the end of the day she is a terrific actress and although I could think of more suitable ladies for that role it was nice to see someone acted the hell out of a role although I agree that someone should tell her that she's not playing Mama Rose anymore.
It was nice also to finally see Zizi Strallen in an important part more along the lines of the roles her sisters tend to get.
I'm not sure weather it has being mentioned before here but "One More Kiss" was done so simple but so beautifully at the same time, It got one the biggest round of applause of the night. Oh! And THANKS to the respectful audience members who in unison waited fort the actresses to finish the song before starting clapping, YES!!
Tracey Bennet she knows how to make the most of "I'm still here" and it also a pleasure to watch every time she's on stage.
The orchestra sounds terrific one of the highlights of the night.
Overal I'm very happy to have paid full price to see this production, tickets still available at my local cinema to see the screening tomorrow, it may be a bit early to see again, or maybe not... tempted.
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Follies
Nov 15, 2017 18:25:09 GMT
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Post by Stephen on Nov 15, 2017 18:25:09 GMT
I thought “one more Kiss” was excellent and really captured the fading beauty.
I agree too that for me it picked up a bit as it went along and the plot thickened!
I’m still pondering how I feel about musicals in the Olivier though. Like I said maybe next time I’ll change my mind on it!
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Post by tysilio2 on Nov 16, 2017 11:20:46 GMT
The NT Live broadcast tonight is listed at starting at 7pm in our local cinema. I presume the performance will start at 7:30?
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Post by theatregeek on Nov 16, 2017 11:25:52 GMT
The NT Live broadcast tonight is listed at starting at 7pm in our local cinema. I presume the performance will start at 7:30?
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Post by theatregeek on Nov 16, 2017 11:28:02 GMT
Whoops! What happened there?? I didn't touch it your honour!! Anyway, what I was trying to say was that I have been trying to find out the same for tonight because I need to get a train home, but last time I attended a live event - Company perhaps? - it really did start on time and a lot of people were late. I wish cinemas were more open about actual start times.
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Post by shady23 on Nov 16, 2017 11:41:21 GMT
It is my sister's birthday today and she wants to go to the cinema. I was pushing for Follies but while you are all watching that I will be watching Paddington 2.
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Post by tysilio2 on Nov 16, 2017 11:47:50 GMT
Whoops! What happened there?? I didn't touch it your honour!! Anyway, what I was trying to say was that I have been trying to find out the same for tonight because I need to get a train home, but last time I attended a live event - Company perhaps? - it really did start on time and a lot of people were late. I wish cinemas were more open about actual start times. I've just checked the NT website and tonight's performance is listed as starting at 7pm www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/follies-whats-on-listing
However, it states running time of 2hrs 10 mins (no interval) but the cinema show is listed as 2 hrs 40 mins suggesting the start time is later. In the few previous NT live broadcasts I have seen, most have been preceded with a talk about the production. Not sure as to what may be happening here.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 16, 2017 12:04:28 GMT
Yeah, comparing running times and previous NTLives, I would go on the assumption that Follies itself will be starting at 7:30pm. Worth getting in on time for the bonus content though, let the hype build and all that. shady23, Paddington 2 is an EXCELLENT substitute for Follies, for more reasons than one might initially suspect. Take tissues in with you though!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 16, 2017 12:25:01 GMT
I saw this at the National yesterday when they were doing the camera rehearsal for today’s live broadcast. All I can say is that you are I for an absolute treat. I hope you all enjoy it.
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Post by jampot on Nov 16, 2017 12:32:51 GMT
It is my sister's birthday today and she wants to go to the cinema. I was pushing for Follies but while you are all watching that I will be watching Paddington 2. Make sure you stay on for the end credits!😉
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Post by Cardinal Pirelli on Nov 16, 2017 20:47:35 GMT
Frustrating to see people tweeting about bad sync, awful sound, picture breakdowns and such again, the system they are using really isn't up to scratch if so many cinemas are having problems every screening. It wouldn't be live but surely it's better to have a delayed broadcast that a cinema can download rather than have a lot of angry punters complaining about poor streaming.
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Post by shady23 on Nov 16, 2017 21:59:49 GMT
With all those problems it sounds like we made the right choice, Paddington was excellent!
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Follies
Nov 16, 2017 22:10:16 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 16, 2017 22:10:16 GMT
My time to chip in. Never really been a Sondheim fan, but his works are growing on me as I edge through my 30’s. Great production, visually impressive, set and staging were genius. The broadcast picture was fine, but unfortunately this production was ruined - for me - by a terrible sound mix. A lot of really important sung lines completely lost by being far too quiet compared to the orchestra. The mix of the orchestra was great but throughout the whole production the whole vocal mix was too quiet and as a result completely overshadowed by the band. Such an injustice to the production.
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Post by Cardinal Pirelli on Nov 16, 2017 22:22:08 GMT
With all those problems it sounds like we made the right choice, Paddington was excellent! Most cinemas seem to get it right, as evidenced by later comments after it finished. Imagine if you went to a theatre and had this level of failure though, it wouldn’t be acceptable.
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Post by BoOverall on Nov 16, 2017 22:25:16 GMT
I seriously felt like crying so many times during the live broadcast at the seriously poor sound of the spoken dialogue and the barely audible sound of this sublime cast during the songs at our cinema.
None of the songs carried even close to the impact they should have had throughout the song: most of the voices were just swallowed up by the music.
But for a symphonic production it was stunning: I mean, that amazing score loud and clear...wow, a real treat. I just wish we could hear the words in the songs clearly.
I think it was our cinema (Vue) so we were just unlucky.
But what a joy to see that phenomenal cast and this exceptional production.
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Follies
Nov 16, 2017 22:27:34 GMT
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Post by robertb213 on Nov 16, 2017 22:27:34 GMT
No issues with the sync or picture but i agree that the sound wasn't great, I often couldn't make out lyrics when more than one person was singing and the orchestra was definitely drowning them out at times. Really enjoyed it though. And huge ❤❤❤ to Imelda, her Losing My Mind was incredible
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Follies
Nov 16, 2017 22:32:54 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 16, 2017 22:32:54 GMT
I seriously felt like crying so many times during the live broadcast at the seriously poor sound of the spoken dialogue and the barely audible sound of this sublime cast during the songs at our cinema. None of the songs carried even close to the impact they should have had throughout the song: most of the voices were just swallowed up by the music. But for a symphonic production it was stunning: I mean, that amazing score loud and clear...wow, a real treat. I just wish we could hear the words in the songs clearly. I think it was our cinema (Vue) so we were just unlucky. But what a joy to see that phenomenal cast and this exceptional production. I was at a Vue also, Salford Lowry. Spoke to staff during and after, they said not a cinema issue. It was the feed coming to them which they aren’t allowed to change.
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Post by Mr Snow on Nov 16, 2017 22:38:43 GMT
Hackney picture house had visual problems all through the first half. I went to "complain" after a total 3 sec blank screen and silence near the end of Mirror Mirror. Ordered a drink to sooth the nerves and on my return the picture was fine but sound lacked any base and was 'glitching'. Gave it two nos and went back to see the same lady who blamed atmospheric conditions and the satellite link and said "every cinema was experiencing the same problem".
Clearly this wasn't the case. I would be interested in hearing more and I will write to them.
Great pity as it was very revealing after previously seeing it live from the balcony.
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Post by Being Alive on Nov 16, 2017 22:44:38 GMT
Sad that the orchestra was on 10000000 decibels (despite it sounding glorious) and caused moments like the climax to I'm Still Here not to be as effective as they are in the theatre. But what a visual treat. So wonderful to see it on the big screen
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Post by couldileaveyou on Nov 16, 2017 22:49:30 GMT
I was at Vue in Piccadilly and Dominic Cook was sitting behind me! It translated quite well, no issue with sync. Neither Imelda mor Janie were in particularly fine voice, but Dee was absolutely sensational and really the winning card of this revival.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 16, 2017 22:54:20 GMT
I haven't seen it since previews so the real question is, does Tracie still walk away with the show?
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Post by Being Alive on Nov 16, 2017 22:59:13 GMT
I haven't seen it since previews so the real question is, does Tracie still walk away with the show? Yah, I'd say so. Totally magic still. (Although I have a soft spot for Lucy and Jessie as Janie is utterly fabulous in it - and TOTALLY keeps up with la Strallen)
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Post by karloscar on Nov 16, 2017 23:08:22 GMT
Just back from NTlive broadcast and there was no problem with synching or sound where I was. The orchestra overpowered the singers at the end of Who's That Woman?, but the balance was fine elsewhere. The audience were incredibly well behaved, not a sweet wrapper, toilet break or chatty patty during the overture even. They didn't clap either, but this was Edinburgh so no surprise there. On the whole I loved the production, choreography and cast. Tracie Bennett stole every scene she was in, but for the first time it became clear to me that Carlotta is the only one who is not deceiving herself, so it fitting that she makes that impression. The scene with Ben on his knees before her is both moving and funny. One More Kiss was made special by the physical and vocal similarities of young and old Heidi. Harmonies on the last line were stunning. Janie Dee was pretty faultless, but that costume is so hideous, I don't think someone as classy as Phyllis would have chosen it. I was doubtful about Imelda being cast as Sally, and most of her songs fell a little flat in the lower keys, but she was vocally far less distracting than Bernadette Peter's Sally. The main problem for me was that if Sally starts off so obviously unhinged, there is nowhere for the character to go. Losing My Mind didn't work as well as the other Follies because her character isn't really any different from earlier, while Ben Buddy and Phyllis are transformed. Not my favourite Sondheim but well worth a visit.
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Post by dlevi on Nov 16, 2017 23:27:58 GMT
I'm sorry to hear of so many sound and sync problems in the cinemas. I was at the Oliver tonight and it was all fine LIVE in the theatre. A great production of a great musical and I'm thrilled its been preserved and that so many people around the world will get to see it.
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Post by lonlad on Nov 17, 2017 0:15:11 GMT
The sound inside the theatre was fantastic, and I was in the very last row (which incidentally provides the most gorgeous overview of the remarkable design and also how cunningly deployed the space is -- busy when it needs to be and then eerily empty as well). Couldn't believe the growth in pretty well all the performances since September, though poor Geraldine Fitzgerald still seems lost with "Ah, Paris!" (Luckily, she soon vanishes from view.) Imelda infinitely better than 2-1/2 months ago, her brutal self-awareness at the end quite shocking. Janie on fire tonight, and Peter and Philip must as a pair be the best Buddy and Ben there have been since the 1971 original. Can't wait to see it one last time (one more kiss?)
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Post by tysilio2 on Nov 17, 2017 8:06:23 GMT
I loved the show. Never seen it before, thought all the leads were magnificent, wonderful book and score. An absolute treat. At the Odeon Wrexham, we lost sound twice for about a second each time. Synching was fine, balance was OK but some dialogue was overpowered occasionally. The highlight for me was hearing Phillip Quast's sumptuous vocal for the fist time for ages. I hadn't realised he was in it until I heard his unmistakable voice. Delightful.
We also had a famous face in the audience, Terry Hand ex-director of the RSC and more recently Theatre Clwyd.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 17, 2017 9:06:47 GMT
Saw the NT live screening last night, thoroughly enjoyed it, obviously not the same atmosphere as seeing it "live" as such. One thing that I noticed, (I saw the show in previews and approx. 3 weeks ago as well) was that in Buddy's Blues, they had replaced the guys as Margie and Sally with women. I actually thought it did work much better than having the men play them.
I was really worried my mother-in-law wasn't enjoying it, but it got to the end of I'm Still Here and she started applauding, literally the only one in the cinema to clap at any point....I was so proud!
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