131 posts
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Big Fish
Nov 9, 2017 21:08:49 GMT
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Post by blobble84 on Nov 9, 2017 21:08:49 GMT
I saw this today and thought it was very average. The cast give their all, the band sound good, and the design is clever, but it's just not a particularly good show. The worst thing for me in a musical is a 10+ minute wait until the first song and then a very weak one at that.
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Big Fish
Nov 9, 2017 21:09:55 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 9, 2017 21:09:55 GMT
I saw this today and thought it was very average. The cast give their all, the band sound good, and the design is clever, but it's just not a particularly good show. The worst thing for me in a musical is a 10+ minute wait until the first song and then a very weak one at that. Oh but people were crying at the end It’s amazing We are wrong
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2,706 posts
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Post by Cardinal Pirelli on Nov 9, 2017 21:29:37 GMT
Whilst I’m on about reviewing, there is also no such thing as an objective review.
Take any review for what it is (someone’s opinion that emerges from their own experience, issues, hangups, desires and needs) but don't invest it with any sort of objective insight.
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665 posts
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Big Fish
Nov 9, 2017 23:49:57 GMT
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Post by westendcub on Nov 9, 2017 23:49:57 GMT
Saw this last night and agree with the reviews, it’s pretty poor! Lots of sniffling at the end but I’d be willing to bet they were just people who have lost their own fathers as the piece doesn’t earn it Wow really? Maybe you should you appreciate that a show could speak to you & make you remember the people in your life (family/friends) that you have lost?? Shocked by such a bitchy comment.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 10, 2017 0:05:21 GMT
Saw this last night and agree with the reviews, it’s pretty poor! Lots of sniffling at the end but I’d be willing to bet they were just people who have lost their own fathers as the piece doesn’t earn it Wow really? Maybe you should you appreciate that a show could speak to you & make you remember the people in your life (family/friends) that you have lost?? Shocked by such a bitchy comment. Agreed. I cried alot at this show, and not because I have lost anyone recently. Because it resonated with events in my life that have caused emotions thst this show once again brought out. I personally connected with the show, as many appear to as well. But my Dad didn't need to die the day before the first preview to gain that response from me. The performances, score and staging did all the work itself.
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168 posts
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Post by paplazaroo on Nov 10, 2017 0:06:44 GMT
Saw this last night and agree with the reviews, it’s pretty poor! Lots of sniffling at the end but I’d be willing to bet they were just people who have lost their own fathers as the piece doesn’t earn it Wow really? Maybe you should you appreciate that a show could speak to you & make you remember the people in your life (family/friends) that you have lost?? Shocked by such a bitchy comment. That’s exactly what I’m saying, I appreciate people are moved because they’re relating to it personally. If the show developed the journey of the characters with depth and not just on the nose sentiment then people who haven’t personally experienced this loss might also be moved because they feel involved in the story and characters.
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61 posts
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Post by junet on Nov 10, 2017 0:35:12 GMT
Just got home after seeing this show. It was certainly different to anything I have seen before but I really enjoyed it. I'm not sure if I will remember any of the songs but they were sung beautifully by a really strong cast. It is obviously a subject that touches everyone at some point in their life and I think most people found it very moving. A full house tonight with a very much deserved standing ovation at the end.
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Post by Phantom of London on Nov 10, 2017 1:08:34 GMT
Reviewers more often than not review potential advertising revenue than the show, I have seen them give big shows better than expected reviews, in the hope they will take adverts in their paper with their pull quotes on them. Apart from Michael Billington, it is the arts desk editor that allocates the stars, that is why sometimes you read reviews that don't tally with the Stars awarded.
On the opposite side I have seen many worthy fringe productions get an absolute unfair kicking, because they're not expected to take out advertising.
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1,199 posts
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Post by theatrefan77 on Nov 10, 2017 8:18:36 GMT
Saw this last night and overall and it was enjoyable but nothing to write home about. I was already familiar with the story because of the Tim Burton movie which I really like. Really glad that The Other Palace gives us the chance to see shows like this one, which will never have a run in a West End house.
The main problem with this musical is that the score is totally unmemorable which is a pity since some cast members are really strong singers. The set and costumes are a bit meh, and the choreography just serviceable. The best thing to enjoy this is just to focus on the main story. The leads where all quite good. I thought Kelsey Grammer was excellent as the Old Ed and both Matthew Seadon-Young and Jamie Muscato were also quite good. Claire Burt is also perfectly cast as the mother.
It was a fairly good night out but not something I would see again.
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Post by Mr Snow on Nov 10, 2017 9:32:25 GMT
Saw this last night and overall and it was enjoyable but nothing to write home about. I was already familiar with the story because of the Tim Burton movie which I really like. Really glad that The Other Palace gives us the chance to see shows like this one, which will never have a run in a West End house. The main problem with this musical is that the score is totally unmemorable which is a pity since some cast members are really strong singers. The set and costumes are a bit meh, and the choreography just serviceable. The best thing to enjoy this is just to focus on the main story. The leads where all quite good. I thought Kelsey Grammer was excellent as the Old Ed and both Matthew Seadon-Young and Jamie Muscato were also quite good. Claire Burt is also perfectly cast as the mother. It was a fairly good night out but not something I would see again. You sum up my feelings pretty well. The standout no’s for me were the two which were pastiches, with the 3 ‘Andrews’ sisters harmony and the big production no at the start of act two. But I cant’ offer any objectivity here. I’ve watched Frazier as original broadcasts and as repeats more than any other TV ever. I saw the Film the year my father died and subsequently bought the book. Suffice to say, I’m pleased I saw it and it didn’t let me down in the way it handled material I love. But a really memorable night on its own merits? Not really. This has prompted me to get the DVD out for a Christmas treat.
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1,214 posts
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Post by Steve on Nov 10, 2017 23:05:27 GMT
Well, I saw the Broadway version and I don't recognize it from what you've written here, Steve. This must be one of the most comprehensive rewrites in MT history. I guess I have to see it now. Nobody’s opinion is of worth to anyone else other than in how it reveals things about the person holding the opinion. A poor review of something I liked (or vice versa) makes me realise how little I have in common with the reviewer, it doesn't change any opinion I hold. I haven't had time to read the reviews yet, but Cardinal Pirelli's point is well taken. We are all reviewing ourselves, as well as a show, when we write a review, exposing our values. I'm a cryer, and even if I know a show's sentimental, if I cry, I'll rate that show highly. Same goes for other emotions, as I want to FEEL something at a show. When a show makes me feel nothing, I usually don't bother writing about it at all. I remember that tedious show about climate change at the Royal Court, which said nothing a million tv documentaries haven't already said, but less concisely. Billington gave it 5 stars because it told the truth and said something important, even though it said nothing new, and said it in an unoriginal way. Billington's core review value was not related to how entertaining or engaging the show was, but how important it's message. And that's completely valid for him. For me, the show was 2 stars, because even though I thought the message true and important, I was bored (the cardinal sin, for me), and felt like I'd heard the message already from more engaging sources. For me that was 2 stars. But there was nothing "intrinsically 2 stars" or "intrinsically 5 stars" about that show. Those ratings are just a comment on the person giving them. This show moved me so much more than the film, which left me colder than a dry dead fish. For me, this show is a warm vibrant living fish, soppy but great company from start to finish. I never stopped smiling. As for reviews, whether I agree with him or not, the one I want to read is Mallardo's, because one of his core values is understanding storytelling, and I learn a LOT from what he has to say. Bring it on, Mallardo! Please.
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4,596 posts
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Big Fish
Nov 11, 2017 15:24:04 GMT
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Post by Someone in a tree on Nov 11, 2017 15:24:04 GMT
Loved Matthew S-Y and Claire Burt. ‘‘Twas nice to see KG on stage but the show is poor. I really didn’t care for the characters and score is a poor mans Jason Robert Brown. I am in agreement with the negative reviews
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5,288 posts
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Big Fish
Nov 11, 2017 16:29:08 GMT
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Post by mrbarnaby on Nov 11, 2017 16:29:08 GMT
Nothing I’m reading is making want to see this. So thanks for saving me some cash!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 11, 2017 17:09:57 GMT
I get that you are making that choice based on what you are reading on here, but it does make me sad that some will read the professional reviews, or just look at the star rating and not go. Because for those who liked it, they really liked it and I think for some, there is really something to gain from watching this show. Just my opinion of course, but it does make me sad.
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Post by Jon on Nov 11, 2017 17:21:21 GMT
I get that you are making that choice based on what you are reading on here, but it does make me sad that some will read the professional reviews, or just look at the star rating and not go. Because for those who liked it, they really liked it and I think for some, there is really something to gain from watching this show. Just my opinion of course, but it does make me sad. But it would be the same thing if a show got rave reviews and someone goes and absolutely hate it. Everyone has different opinions and reactions to shows so you can't say it's sad that someone disliked something you loved.
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Post by stevejohnson678 on Nov 11, 2017 17:30:49 GMT
Just out from the matinee which received a full standing ovation from a pretty much sold-out audience this afternoon.
It took me a little while to fully get into it but from when the story switched to the circus I was sold. Great zany fun and then an ending that packs quite a punch. I guess in that moment Kelsey Grammar represents someone different to each of us.
Not the greatest score in the world by any means but Little Lamb From Alabama and Red, White and True are worth the admission alone. Really nice performances from Matthew Seadon-Young, Jamie Muscato and Laura Baldwin too.
I'm not sure what show the reviewers went to see but despite a few flaws I thought Big Fish was quite the catch.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 11, 2017 17:35:12 GMT
I get that you are making that choice based on what you are reading on here, but it does make me sad that some will read the professional reviews, or just look at the star rating and not go. Because for those who liked it, they really liked it and I think for some, there is really something to gain from watching this show. Just my opinion of course, but it does make me sad. But it would be the same thing if a show got rave reviews and someone goes and absolutely hate it. Everyone has different opinions and reactions to shows so you can't say it's sad that someone disliked something you loved. I didn't say I was sad about their opinion, I said I was sad it would put people off going. This is why we need a wider variety of reviewers (in my opinion!).
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4,631 posts
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Post by Phantom of London on Nov 11, 2017 17:43:32 GMT
I was at the same performance, in fact I am just having soup and tea in M&S opposite.
It could be said this was gloppy or leaden, but I would also offer this is strangely very enjoyable. A big improvement then the version on Broadway several years ago, where all I recall from that is Norbet Leo Butz giving a tremendous performance, Daffodils and a big fish being hauled out of the orchestra pit. However this story is what it is and really it is a simple story of man loving his wife, but also a few tales on the way, if you said this is far fetched, then I would say "guilty as charged" - but what musical isn't, it wouldn't be a musical if it didn't stretch the truth?
Kelsey Grammar who I have seen several times before gives his best performance to date, with a touching and earnest performance, even Matthew Seyton Young who I started thinking wasn't that good, even grew on me.
4 Stars
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Post by Deleted on Nov 11, 2017 18:39:27 GMT
But it would be the same thing if a show got rave reviews and someone goes and absolutely hate it. Everyone has different opinions and reactions to shows so you can't say it's sad that someone disliked something you loved. I didn't say I was sad about their opinion, I said I was sad it would put people off going. This is why we need a wider variety of reviewers (in my opinion!). I haven’t seen it yet (my turn next weekend!) but I know what you are saying... But, do you know what? There’s something really special about “getting” something that a lot of others don’t. The Go-Between comes to mind. I loved that. The critics didn’t, not really, in London. But I couldn’t care less. But it is sad for the show, I agree, when the masses are put off by reviews.
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134 posts
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Post by romeo94 on Nov 12, 2017 15:59:25 GMT
There's no TodayTix Rush/lottery or day seats for this - am I right?
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4,578 posts
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Post by Mark on Nov 12, 2017 16:32:03 GMT
There's no TodayTix Rush/lottery or day seats for this - am I right? Correct. Not seen any kind of discounts yet
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351 posts
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Big Fish
Nov 14, 2017 18:57:14 GMT
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Post by sam22 on Nov 14, 2017 18:57:14 GMT
There's no TodayTix Rush/lottery or day seats for this - am I right? Correct. Not seen any kind of discounts yet It is on the Todaytix app now with tickets from £45 so maybe keep checking back as other shows have had offers added at a later date. I'm off to see this on 25 November, looking forward to it now and not been to the Other Palace since it was the St James in 2014!
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4,578 posts
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Post by Mark on Nov 16, 2017 17:47:34 GMT
Dynamic pricing kicked in nicely for tonight and I was able to buy a fairly decent seat for £32 in row L. Cheapest I've seen them down to
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4,578 posts
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Post by Mark on Nov 16, 2017 22:39:54 GMT
A very different show to what I expected.
Having loved the movie I was glad when this was announced, although had never seen/heard any of the Broadway production other than a short trailer.
My favourite parts of the show were the "fantasy" sequences, which I thought worked really well. I found the show dragged for about the first half hour or so. Found the score to be a bit "generic musical theatre", although there were some good moments. It was the end the first act when it all started coming together for me, and act two became much stronger.
Cast excellent, glad to see Landi Oshinowo back on stage, just wish she'd had more to do! Loved Jamie Muscato as Young Edward.
Recommended, but I can see why this got 3*/average reviews. For me, it's a solid 7/10.
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Post by wickedgrin on Nov 18, 2017 0:47:59 GMT
This is hardly a sell out even with Kelsey Grammar in a small theatre. I would have thought, perhaps, that he would have sold it on his appearance alone - seemingly not.
I gave it a 3 star review from a preview performance before the press reviews came out, but generally I was in agreement with them for once. However, to be fair the audience around me LOVED it and it did receive a full spontaneous standing ovation the night I went. Clearly though word of mouth has not sold it either. There is LOTS of availability.
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868 posts
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Big Fish
Nov 18, 2017 14:28:04 GMT
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Post by karloscar on Nov 18, 2017 14:28:04 GMT
Kelsey Grammar was very funny promoting Big Fish on Graham Norton this morning, and the song they played made me want to check this out. I do like most Andrew Lippa scores, but they never quite hit the spot when it comes to show stopping hit songs.
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Post by loureviews on Nov 18, 2017 22:44:52 GMT
I thought it was fabulous, fantastic and touching. No sound issues.
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Post by ali973 on Nov 18, 2017 23:00:13 GMT
Cast excellent, glad to see Landi Oshinowo back on stage, just wish she'd had more to do! Loved Jamie Muscato as Young Edward. ^ This. I was very happy to see her name listed when they first announced the entire cast. Anyone recall her And I Am Telling You at the Dress Circle benefit gala (circa 2012?)?
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Post by sf on Nov 19, 2017 0:00:42 GMT
Was also there this afternoon, and also found it a mixed bag - although a lot of people seemed to like it more than I did. I didn't hate it, and the final scenes are genuinely moving, but the second act is better than the first and the book is (much) better than the very, very anaemic score. I loved Kelsey Grammer, Clare Burt, and Matthew Seadon-Young, and also most of the supporting performances; unfortunately Jamie Muscato's Story Edward is utterly charmless, and that's possibly an even bigger problem than the score.
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Big Fish
Nov 19, 2017 0:10:04 GMT
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Mark likes this
Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2017 0:10:04 GMT
The only scene I had an issue with is the first, which doesn't set up the show that well and goes on for like 20 minutes of an attempt at a wedding speech? That scene needed cutting down at first preview, is it still long now? It was pretty much the only "issue" I had with the show generally.
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