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Post by Honoured Guest on May 11, 2017 11:33:54 GMT
Ugly Lies the Bone is the one show that I've seen (or plan to see) at the NT this year (although I admit I've seen My Country on tour locally and have booked to see Jane Eyre locally). I was drawn to attend by the prospect of a new play from a new voice with interesting themes, the tantalising promise of innovative design technology in the Lyttelton which is open to spectacular design, several enticing cast members, and the Travelex pricing which is more affordable than the generally offputting NT prices for the good seats.
There are only four or five of these Travelex shows each year and it's an embarrassing failure if the NT can't manage to fill the theatre for all of them. There must be hordes of potential attenders who are completely unaware of reviews. And some of my listed reasons would surely also attract them.
Obviously my own comments posted in this thread when I'd seen the show were not entirely positive. (!) But it really seems like a calamitous abuse of the Travelex sponsorship to produce a show and be unable to fill it. It really isn't that bad! There must be groups who could have been reached out to who would have enjoyed their visit and wouldn't otherwise have attended.
"It's your national theatre" (if you're already a member).
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Post by altamont on May 11, 2017 12:25:24 GMT
^I think it was the subject matter and mediocre reviews that really did for it, HG. I mean, name me a single show - musical or play - about a physically deformed person, that has become a total box office smash hit... The Elephant Man (although Bradley Cooper might have had something to do with that)
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Post by Baemax on May 11, 2017 12:26:36 GMT
I assumed Monkey's winky face was his way of saying he's fully aware such shows exist, like Phantom of the Opera or Richard III...
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Post by Honoured Guest on May 11, 2017 12:46:17 GMT
^ Yes, he was deflecting the conversation with irrelevant comments about "total box office smash hit". That's hardly the aim of the NT with every production. But they should have a reason for doing every show, and that reason should include a notion of for whom in particular the show is intended. And the NT should engage with that potential audience to encourage it to attend. Particularly with Travelex shows, like this and Salome, which are sponsored for the purpose of increasing general accessibility to the NT and engaging with a wider public. It's just not good enough for the NT to programme random American plays because they give an opportunity to explore design technology developments, and just hope that enough of the members' club turns out.
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Post by altamont on May 11, 2017 13:03:47 GMT
I assumed Monkey's winky face was his way of saying he's fully aware such shows exist, like Phantom of the Opera or Richard III... Well, I feel very foolish now....
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Post by Latecomer on May 21, 2017 14:07:02 GMT
Really glad I saw this! Interesting story, fun set, great acting from everyone! I was immersed in both the real world and Jess's virtual world and Fleetwood was superb. Had me rather teary. Kris Marshall quite a surprise...excellent! Interesting questions about how you want to live your life and how big you want your world to be. Those front seats are quite tiny aren't they? I think there should be a LARGE wearing when you buy them....I had spread issues from person next to me!
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Post by Tibidabo on May 21, 2017 14:10:06 GMT
I had spread issues from person next to me! Ugh! But I'm giggling. I may steal that term. Glad you liked it by the way. I too thought it was great and was also very pleasantly surprised at Kris Marshall.
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Post by peggs on May 21, 2017 20:10:35 GMT
Tick from me. Booked on the strength of Kate Fleetwood and not disappointed, uncomfortable viewing though this was at times. Front row so great view, though yes either i'm getting bigger or those seats are shrinking or in fact my neighbour just took a dislike to me and so decided to elbow me a lot. I watched thinking i was probably enjoying more than most people as it was a very quiet audience but very positive at the end. Was put off by Kris Marshall casting but yes actually pleasantly surprised too and agree that the two handers between Fleetwood and Ralf Little really crackled at times. So a bit funny, bit thinking and bit emotional at the same time, can't complain.
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Post by peggs on May 31, 2017 19:05:31 GMT
Good review theatremonkey
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Post by theatre-turtle on Jun 5, 2017 16:40:09 GMT
Anyone know why tomorrow afternoon cancelled?
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Post by nash16 on Jun 5, 2017 16:46:54 GMT
Anyone know why tomorrow afternoon cancelled? I think because of the sales for the last performance in the evening, they are asking patrons to please attend that instead. It is nearly empty.
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