1,210 posts
|
Post by musicalmarge on Jan 13, 2018 13:13:38 GMT
Sure. And MAYBE if every show was a completely different show then MAYBE people would like it more but MAYBE they wouldn't. I think that people picked up on it was because every change mentioned was how to stage the Disney movie on stage. MAYBE Yes I’m aware that language and accents are different. I’m also not suggesting they plant the direct film on stage either. Fact is there were many things wrong with the current National production. Jiminiy Cricket created in the 1940’s has also appeared along with Mickey Mouse and his name is a play on the exclamation “Jesus Christ!” He is referenced in dozens of American movies/animations from Snow White to The Wizard of Oz. As such a strong American-centric figure I therefore simply and rationally question would he (and this National Production) have been better in an American accent. Oh and MAYBE remove the random ladders?.....
|
|
1,016 posts
|
Post by andrew on Jan 13, 2018 15:50:29 GMT
Being one of the most common criticisms levelled against it, why were there no additional songs added to this to make it more of a musical? Did Disney only agree to the songs use if they weren't accompanied by new creations?
|
|
112 posts
|
Post by MusicalTalk on Jan 13, 2018 18:25:58 GMT
There are; they wrote lyrics to Italian folk tunes, used cut songs from the musical and lots of underscore from the Disney film.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2018 18:31:52 GMT
I'm pretty sure I saw an interview with Julie Taymor where she talked about having discussions about directing a production of Pinocchio but she wanted to explore the original fairy tale but Disney had other ideas so it didn't go anywhere. I think it might have been Show People on Broadway.com.
|
|
1,210 posts
|
Post by musicalmarge on Jan 13, 2018 19:36:23 GMT
I'm pretty sure I saw an interview with Julie Taymor where she talked about having discussions about directing a production of Pinocchio but she wanted to explore the original fairy tale but Disney had other ideas so it didn't go anywhere. I think it might have been Show People on Broadway.com. www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/4726134/Disneys-pride-and-joy.html
|
|
|
Post by floorshow on Jan 14, 2018 20:13:24 GMT
Thought everyone did their best but don't understand how the giant puppets survived the first day of rehearsals - I just can't imagine them all looking at each other and saying "Yeah, this really works!" For every enjoyable bit, there's a baffling bit - none more baffling than the random ladders... Oh well, at least the songs are still good.
|
|
821 posts
|
Post by ensembleswings on Jan 15, 2018 12:49:30 GMT
After reading everyone's thoughts on here I'm sceptical but I've gone and booked myself a ticket anyway. Managed to get an entry pass ticket, so not like I'll have wasted a lot of money if I end up not liking it.
|
|
161 posts
|
Post by dan on Jan 15, 2018 13:40:22 GMT
On reflection, I think I’m quite happy my expectations were dragged down considerably based on views expressed here... because when I did see the show I really loved it. It soared about the expectations I went in with and it completely charmed me (& completely creeped me out). I’m not sure how receptive kids are or would be as it has some very dark themes and moments, but kids are much more open and engaged with darker material than a lot of adults and end up less disturbed by them too. I thought the puppets were a fantastic concept and the imagery worked well. I do wish there was more music and a few more songs. All worked really well for me. I hope anybody still to see it enjoys their experience too.
|
|
5,279 posts
|
Post by mrbarnaby on Jan 15, 2018 22:10:13 GMT
What a huge disappointment this was. I have hardly anything to say on it except the NT have just poured a lot of money down the drain.
Bring back Follies quick.
|
|
647 posts
|
Post by ptwest on Jan 16, 2018 21:00:33 GMT
Like others have said, it’s biggest problem is not knowing what it is. It’s not as lavish and colourful as we have come to expect from Disney shows - and yet isn’t strong enough to banish the thoughts that the traditional Disney approach isn’t needed. Even though it is not actually a Disney production, their name attached to it comes with certain expectations. Add to that the bizarre script and directorial choices it is hard to think of it as anything other than a disappointment.
It’s a shame because there is a great show trying to get out, some excellent moments and very imaginative sequences. Just too much that in my opinion didn’t work.
|
|
91 posts
|
Post by paddy72 on Jan 22, 2018 21:32:18 GMT
Just discovered the New York Times gave this a massive rave review - "A wondrous 'pinocchio' with that lion king magic". I guess they see something in it that I think a lot of us haven't. Interesting now to see if it gets a life on Broadway as most Brit shows that get a thumbs up from them seem to do.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2018 23:55:08 GMT
Was hoping the NT would release some video footage or trailer at some point, but here is an audience reaction trailer for the show...
I really am in two minds about whether or not I want to see this. I was really looking forward to this initially but the reaction has just been so mixed.
|
|
2,565 posts
|
Post by viserys on Jan 25, 2018 5:26:29 GMT
Was hoping the NT would release some video footage or trailer at some point, but here is an audience reaction trailer for the show... I really am in two minds about whether or not I want to see this. I was really looking forward to this initially but the reaction has just been so mixed. I feel exactly the same, James. I have a ticket for tomorrow night, a cheapie for the front row. I'm still considering ditching it, but nothing else springs out atm which I'd much rather see. So I think I'll just go ahead and see this. Will let you know if I regret the decision
|
|
821 posts
|
Post by ensembleswings on Jan 25, 2018 18:40:50 GMT
All those that have seen this, what time were you out of the theatre by? Trying to work out whether I can get away with booking the early (and much cheaper) coach home
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2018 19:22:40 GMT
All of you doubting to go, just go! Sure the reaction has been mixed here, but if you already have a ticket why waste it? Every show gets different opinions. I enjoyed it.
|
|
2,379 posts
|
Post by robertb213 on Jan 25, 2018 19:49:18 GMT
Definitely still go. And if you hate it, just leave at the interval! That's what pubs are for 😁
|
|
5,279 posts
|
Post by mrbarnaby on Jan 25, 2018 21:32:37 GMT
Mentally I was out of the theatre by 7.42pm
|
|
3,062 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Jan 25, 2018 23:13:29 GMT
It's worth going, but try and get the £15 upper tickets.
They seem to go on sale at random times. I'd recommend sitting further back.
The first half is more interesting than the second, but the second half has more music. I think you have to plan to stay for the whole production (but there is time to indulge in a beverage during the interval if that helps).
|
|
364 posts
|
Post by dazzerlump on Jan 26, 2018 0:09:04 GMT
aww I'm actually looking forward to it, but now expecting the worst! so hopefully it will exceed my expectations....
|
|
193 posts
|
Post by groupbooker on Jan 26, 2018 1:04:34 GMT
Run time 2hrs 25
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2018 22:09:51 GMT
Just travelling home now from seeing this tonight. I was really pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this. I’m firmly in the loved it camp, the puppets worked fantastically for me, and as a result the final scene held more weight.
Audrey was fantastic as Jiminy, as was her co-puppeteer. I fell in love with that little quirky insect! I was in row A, and my goodness are those seats hard-going on the bum and legs. Suffice to say I was grateful to stand on the train after that experience, just to give my bum a break.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2018 22:34:51 GMT
Just travelling home now from seeing this tonight. I was really pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this. I’m firmly in the loved it camp, the puppets worked fantastically for me, and as a result the final scene held more weight. Audrey was fantastic as Jiminy, as was her co-puppeteer. I fell in love with that little quirky insect! I was in row A, and my goodness are those seats hard-going on the bum and legs. Suffice to say I was grateful to stand on the train after that experience, just to give my bum a break. I agree about the seats in this theatre. I was sat in Row B and along with the Balcony benches at the Haymarket, it is probably the most uncomfortable seat I have ever sat. Horrendous in that sense. A shame as the view is great. If the whole theatre was like that, I'd go as far as to not recommend this specific theatre all together. Was this theatre where Angels in America was? I sadly missed it but caught the NT Live Broadcast (which was incredible!). But I couldn't of sat through it in those seats.
|
|
1,908 posts
|
Post by sf on Jan 26, 2018 22:47:04 GMT
Just travelling home now from seeing this tonight. I was really pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this. I’m firmly in the loved it camp, the puppets worked fantastically for me, and as a result the final scene held more weight. Audrey was fantastic as Jiminy, as was her co-puppeteer. I fell in love with that little quirky insect! I was in row A, and my goodness are those seats hard-going on the bum and legs. Suffice to say I was grateful to stand on the train after that experience, just to give my bum a break. Glad you enjoyed it - and since I'm seeing it (for the first and only time) from row A myself in a couple of weeks, I consider myself duly warned. (It's a very long time - as in, a good two decades - since I sat in that row in the Lyttelton.)
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2018 23:08:42 GMT
Just travelling home now from seeing this tonight. I was really pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this. I’m firmly in the loved it camp, the puppets worked fantastically for me, and as a result the final scene held more weight. Audrey was fantastic as Jiminy, as was her co-puppeteer. I fell in love with that little quirky insect! I was in row A, and my goodness are those seats hard-going on the bum and legs. Suffice to say I was grateful to stand on the train after that experience, just to give my bum a break. I agree about the seats in this theatre. I was sat in Row B and along with the Balcony benches at the Haymarket, it is probably the most uncomfortable seat I have ever sat. Horrendous in that sense. A shame as the view is great. If the whole theatre was like that, I'd go as far as to not recommend this specific theatre all together. Was this theatre where Angels in America was? I sadly missed it but caught the NT Live Broadcast (which was incredible!). But I couldn't of sat through it in those seats. Thankfully most of the rest of the seats in the Lyttelton are considerably more comfortable that the first three rows of the stalls. I was in row E of the circle for Angels and they were noticeably rather comfy. It’s worth the extra payout for sure if you know the show is good.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2018 23:16:50 GMT
Out of the £15 seat rows, row A is definitely preferable to the rest. I sat in B for Ugly Lies the Bone and I experienced the same discomfort as A, except B has severely restricted legroom too. Fortunately for Pinocchio the stage doesn’t come out too far that row A suffers in this regard too.
|
|
4,596 posts
|
Post by Someone in a tree on Jan 27, 2018 10:04:37 GMT
The other seats are better but far from wonderful. Shame as I really like the design of this theatre
|
|
1,016 posts
|
Post by andrew on Jan 27, 2018 13:45:52 GMT
I have to say that I find the front seats in the Lyttleton a bit of a blessing, up close and person with great bits of theatre for £15. Row A is vastly preferable for the legroom reasons, but I saw Pinocchio from B and had no issues at all. Different sizes and shapes will have different experiences clearly, but I think if people take the £15 seats at the front, which I believe do pop up with some kind of warning, then it's a bit of a "get what you pay for" scenario. You're welcome to dish out more and let people like me nip into the front rows instead!
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 27, 2018 17:49:05 GMT
I have to say that I find the front seats in the Lyttleton a bit of a blessing, up close and person with great bits of theatre for £15. Row A is vastly preferable for the legroom reasons, but I saw Pinocchio from B and had no issues at all. Different sizes and shapes will have different experiences clearly, but I think if people take the £15 seats at the front, which I believe do pop up with some kind of warning, then it's a bit of a "get what you pay for" scenario. You're welcome to dish out more and let people like me nip into the front rows instead! Oh for the view and a short show I'd sit there again. It should be noted, I just did a little search the message says "seats are slightly narrower and may offer a slightly restricted view". So they fail to mention the discomfort of the actual chair even though that is the main issue haha.
|
|
4,462 posts
|
Post by Being Alive on Jan 27, 2018 22:08:29 GMT
Saw this tonight from the furthest seat in the circle slips (left) and at £15 that’s a good deal. Missed a very small portion of left hand side where barely anything happened.
I didn’t enjoy this. At no point did the show engage me in any way. I just found it difficult to understand what it was they were trying to achieve and who they were aiming it at? Is this an adult show? Or is it aimed at children/families with younger kids? I’m leaning towards the first option, because some of the puppetry (especially Stromboli) were pretty scary and at least four children were taken out when he came on. I quite liked the way they did the whale, but apart from that I didn’t feel any connection to any of the characters. Pinocchio was annoying and and I was rooting for him at all.
It’s a shame. The last two things I saw at the National (Follies and Angels in America) are some of the best theatre I’ve ever seen, but this wasn’t anywhere near that standard. 2.5 stars from me
|
|
81 posts
|
Post by jasper on Jan 28, 2018 8:40:01 GMT
I have to say that I find the front seats in the Lyttleton a bit of a blessing, up close and person with great bits of theatre for £15. Row A is vastly preferable for the legroom reasons, but I saw Pinocchio from B and had no issues at all. Different sizes and shapes will have different experiences clearly, but I think if people take the £15 seats at the front, which I believe do pop up with some kind of warning, then it's a bit of a "get what you pay for" scenario. You're welcome to dish out more and let people like me nip into the front rows instead! Oh for the view and a short show I'd sit there again. It should be noted, I just did a little search the message says "seats are slightly narrower and may offer a slightly restricted view". So they fail to mention the discomfort of the actual chair even though that is the main issue haha. I usually sit in the front row seats because I cannot afford the prices of the other seats. They are uncomfortable, but at the price the best in the house. The thing I find with them is not the comfort of the seat, but who you are sitting next to. If the person is of a larger size they tend to overflow onto my seat as there are no armrests to hold them in, so I sometimes end up sharing my seat with them. Fine if it is a cold night, otherwise not so good. I did read somewhere that the average size of the modern bottom has meant theatres have had to increase the width of seats and so there are less seats in the theatres now than in Victorian times. Maybe there were smaller bottoms to fit on the seats when the national was built a couple of generations ago.
|
|