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Post by foxa on Mar 11, 2018 10:23:05 GMT
We used the £10 deal and were in Row P, so quite far back but very clear view and particularly good for the film sections.
As soon as you arrive at the Empire Haymarket, the mood is set. Roses frame the doorways, mirrors and box office. 1930s ushers guide you in, then pick up instruments and begin singing. It is a perfect Valentine of an evening.
The two leads, Isobel Pollen and Jim Sturgeon, play it absolutely straight, and Emma Rice (who we caught sight of before the play began) underscores their relationship with water imagery to express their underlying and overwhelming passion. As Steve mentioned, Jos Slovick (Stanley) raises every scene in which he sings. There are some incredible effects and one or two that don't quite come off (the flying looked awkward last night - hardly matching their poster image.) But I would highly recommend. It's an evening to which you could confidently take anyone, your mum, your lover, a school group. All would find something to enjoy.
Theatrebass- I think front row might be fun as there are some bits of action that take place down there. You will be looking up a bit - particularly for the sections that take place on the bridge.
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Post by fiyero on Mar 17, 2018 21:30:33 GMT
I caught the show this afternoon. I had never seen the film (I have a habit of seeing adaptations without seeing the source - Lord of the Rings, The Bodyguard, From Here to Eternity, Hairspray). I really liked it but as others have said I wasn't sure if the slapstick matched the story, luckily I didn't think it was overdone and am not sure how it would have worked straight. The actors were all brilliant and I liked the little interactions before the start (though a lot of people filmed the little songs and even with the announcement thought it was OK to take photos in the play!) I'm glad I braved the snow for it
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Post by showgirl on Mar 17, 2018 23:24:37 GMT
I had high hopes of this but less of everything would have added up to more: too much business, too many similar scenes and too long a running time for the material. Everything was fine at first, but before too long I developed a fidgety sense of deja vu and was sorely tempted to check my watch. Yes, the performers were great and multi-talented and the staging was inventive but with hindsight, I prefer the straightforward story without the frills and furbelows.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2018 9:53:29 GMT
Well I saw this last night and really enjoyed it. Was front row so felt amongst the action with the actors walking past and interacting with other people. I have never seen the film so went in quite blind but really love Emma Rice as a director and this did not disappoint. It was just filled with her theatrical magic and joy. All the performances were very good espidally Isabelle Pollen and Jim Sturgeon who had great chemistry and supporting cast were all very good at doubling and delivering the comedy. Liked the set a lot as well and the use of projections interweaved with the on stage action. Loved the Noel Coward songs as well and just personally loved everything about it all.
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Post by Dr Tom on Mar 18, 2018 10:40:13 GMT
I caught the show this afternoon. I had never seen the film (I have a habit of seeing adaptations without seeing the source - Lord of the Rings, The Bodyguard, From Here to Eternity, Hairspray). I really liked it but as others have said I wasn't sure if the slapstick matched the story, luckily I didn't think it was overdone and am not sure how it would have worked straight. The actors were all brilliant and I liked the little interactions before the start (though a lot of people filmed the little songs and even with the announcement thought it was OK to take photos in the play!) I'm glad I braved the snow for it I feel compelled to mentioned that the source for The Lord Of The Rings wasn't a film. And the photos, filming, checking phones, continually on Snapchat type behaviour is becoming a big problem. I think people are understanding they shouldn't have conversations on their phone, but have no clue the phone screen lights up and everyone behind them can see it (and I won't even get into a rant that people have no idea their screen doesn't have to be on maximum brightness all of the time).
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Post by fiyero on Mar 18, 2018 12:36:19 GMT
I feel compelled to mentioned that the source for The Lord Of The Rings wasn't a film. And the photos, filming, checking phones, continually on Snapchat type behaviour is becoming a big problem. I think people are understanding they shouldn't have conversations on their phone, but have no clue the phone screen lights up and everyone behind them can see it (and I won't even get into a rant that people have no idea their screen doesn't have to be on maximum brightness all of the time). I haven't read the books either Some of the stuff was certainly going straight on social media - it is tricky when shows want social media to promote them (School of Rock encourage at the end I believe) but this was specifically after an in character announcement!
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Post by bellboard27 on Mar 18, 2018 13:26:42 GMT
There are some on this Board who, when they don’t like a production, get quite wound up about it. Most of the time, when a production does not click for me, I tend to feel bored and disengaged – deflated more than anything else.
Very rarely I have a different reaction. I saw this yesterday afternoon and gave myself time before posting to allow a bit of space to check my reaction.
After quiet reflection I have concluded that I hated it. I mean I really hated it. Viscerally hated it. I physically reacted to it - muscles clenching, heart rate rising. At some points I had to close my eyes and do breathing exercises to calm down (I could not leave without disturbing people).
Is it meant as a parody (only Jim Sturgeon managed an accent that was not a caricature)? A poor man’s 39 Steps? If so, even that doesn’t work. If it is not a parody, then it is a travesty.
I went in in a good mood and liked the build up before curtain up, so all was set for an enjoyable afternoon. But it was not to be. I think the initial trigger was when Beverly Rudd first opened her mouth as Beryl. Everything about her performance made me want to vomit. By the end, with her last scene, I ended up closing my eyes and putting my fingers in my ears to try to blot her out. But it is not just her.
Clearly, my reaction is different to many others (both in the audience and on this Board). And I am happy for that. Maybe I'm the only one!
Afterwards I wandered through the snow to The Great Wave. Not the greatest production, but at least I had a positive end to the day.
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Post by showgirl on Mar 18, 2018 13:55:00 GMT
So you and I saw these 2 productions on the same day but in the opposite order, bellboard27, but seem to have had a similar response to both. Like you, I was happy to have liked The Great Wave & though I didn't mention this earlier, the film with which I started didn't live up to my expectations (or the reviews), but 1 hit, 1 miss & 1 grey area isn't bad.
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Post by dippy on Mar 18, 2018 13:58:42 GMT
I saw this last time it was on in London and I don't remember anything about it other than cucumber sandwiches. I think if that's all I remember I can't have enjoyed it that much!
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Post by NeilVHughes on Mar 18, 2018 14:00:54 GMT
This is the magic of Theatre, how a production impacts us personally.
Mine was A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic last year, hated it and loved by nearly everyone else.
Seeing this in a couple of weeks because of the Emma Rice connection despite not being my usual fare.
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Post by JJShaw on Mar 21, 2018 23:51:36 GMT
I really enjoyed this show, felt like something unique and different with the staging in the beautiful empire cinema! it really is gorgeous!
I loved all the performances and really liked how t piece was put together, not 100% sure with them sometimes sitting in the audience before joining the action, didn't quite get the link or framing device behind that but it didn't detract (in fact I was sat right behind the two seats the actors use for that!)
speaking of seats I did the todatix rush (which wasn't a rush at all you could get tickets for the evening show at 6pm) and they are all in row B I think and if you get the centre block then its a fine view. Close but not too close.
TheatreMonkey, if there's an award for the worst ushering job this year it has to be for the poor girl who basically has to reseat the first three rows because "during the refurbishment, they put the seats back in the wrong place and haven't sorted it out so the numbers aren't in the right order" bless her!!
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Post by dazzerlump on Mar 25, 2018 21:54:14 GMT
Just looking at booking for this and the £20 tickets for front row seem a steal, but is it really a problem sitting there? will it be too close to appreciate it?
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Post by Deleted on Mar 25, 2018 22:05:48 GMT
Just looking at booking for this and the £20 tickets for front row seem a steal, but is it really a problem sitting there? will it be too close to appreciate it? The front row seats are good as the stage is a bit high but they are further back so you can see everything very well and feel very much part of it with actors walking around.Sometimes however you may not get the whole spectacle of the show and how they interweave the film for some scenesbut it did bit distract from my enjoyment at all.
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Post by bellboard27 on Mar 25, 2018 22:19:13 GMT
Just looking at booking for this and the £20 tickets for front row seem a steal, but is it really a problem sitting there? will it be too close to appreciate it? The front row seats are good as the stage is a bit high but they are further back so you can see everything very well and feel very much part of it with actors walking around.Sometimes however you may not get the whole spectacle of the show and how they interweave the film for some scenesbut it did bit distract from my enjoyment at all. I would recommend the centre block rather than the sides as the row is curved and the sides are a little closer to the stage as well as being a bit to one side for the view (especially the far ends of the rows).
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Post by freckles on Mar 26, 2018 7:26:38 GMT
Saw this on Sunday and loved it; really inventive staging and much more lighthearted than I was expecting. It’s a lovely experience all round, from the decorations in the lobby to the pre-show entertainment, right through the ‘play’. It’s hard to discuss without spoiling the very many surprises, but I did enjoy Jos Slovick’s music particularly. Laura’s children were also a highlight. I think Beverley Rudd overdid the comedy at times, which detracted a bit from the sophistication and style associated with the film, but only just - I found most of the humour fitting, especially when combined with creating on-stage effects. A really enjoyable experience. Unfortunately was on the end of a row at the extreme rhs, and we did miss some things, so choose to be central if you can. No interval.
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Post by londonmzfitz on Mar 28, 2018 21:05:26 GMT
Well. I thought it was just delightful. And so very funny too. The supporting cast are fabulous, Lucy Thackeray's voice is a thing of wonder and her chemistry with Dean Nolan is fabulous. Even better though are Beverly Rudd and Jos Slovick as Beryl and Stanley. They are HI-larious and Jos Slovick in particular has such a lovely voice when he's plucking on his ukulele. There are so many moments which are incredibly inventive and beautifully realised and I think that all of the slapstick going on around Alec and Laura makes their tale even sadder. Oh and there's a bit with a curtain and a train that I almost gave a standing ovation to it was so glorious. Don't turn up two minutes before the show is due to start though as you'll miss the cast all dressed as cinema ushers and giving us a few songs which is smashing. Go see it. Go see it. Go see it. All above echo my comments. Charming little thing with delightful comedy. Loved the music. Could have drunk a bucket of tea after. To go with my currant bun which was fresh, dontcha know. Loved my row A seat 18 centre block, one seat away from Alec. Loved "Fred" showing people to their seats "Let me torch you in"
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Post by NeilVHughes on Mar 28, 2018 22:04:36 GMT
Nothing more to add, feel good from the minute you enter in a way only Emma Rice can create, can go one better than londonmzfitz, sat in A14 next to Laura, a £20 bargain.
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Post by grannyjx6 on Mar 30, 2018 21:42:09 GMT
I've just looked at tickets for a Saturday matinee and they START at £51 so I think I'll give it a miss.
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Post by robertb213 on Mar 30, 2018 21:45:52 GMT
I've just looked at tickets for a Saturday matinee and they START at £51 so I think I'll give it a miss. Look on TodayTix, they have rush seats for £20, or advance seats from £23 and £42.50. If you use my referral code KGGMS you'll save another £10 off that as well 😁
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Post by grannyjx6 on Mar 30, 2018 22:12:39 GMT
I've just looked at tickets for a Saturday matinee and they START at £51 so I think I'll give it a miss. Look on TodayTix, they have rush seats for £20, or advance seats from £23 and £42.50. If you use my referral code KGGMS you'll save another £10 off that as well 😁
Thank you Robert.
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Post by robertb213 on Mar 30, 2018 22:14:30 GMT
You're welcome! I'm going myself on Sunday, really looking forward to it! 😁
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Post by robertb213 on Apr 1, 2018 17:02:20 GMT
I echo a lot of the opinions already posted, in that I mostly enjoyed this and thought it was great. The acting was strong, the projections worked really well, and Jos Slovick was in fantastic voice. The only bits that didn't work for me were the moments of physical which tip-toed into slapstick/farce and jarred with all the other good stuff going on. It was like sometimes it was trying to spoof the film rather than pay tritube to it. But, those few moments aside, I would definitely recommend it. Comfy seats too 😁
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Post by Boob on Apr 7, 2018 9:47:05 GMT
There are some on this Board who, when they don’t like a production, get quite wound up about it. Most of the time, when a production does not click for me, I tend to feel bored and disengaged – deflated more than anything else. Very rarely I have a different reaction. I saw this yesterday afternoon and gave myself time before posting to allow a bit of space to check my reaction. After quiet reflection I have concluded that I hated it. I mean I really hated it. Viscerally hated it. I physically reacted to it - muscles clenching, heart rate rising. At some points I had to close my eyes and do breathing exercises to calm down (I could not leave without disturbing people). Is it meant as a parody (only Jim Sturgeon managed an accent that was not a caricature)? A poor man’s 39 Steps? If so, even that doesn’t work. If it is not a parody, then it is a travesty. I went in in a good mood and liked the build up before curtain up, so all was set for an enjoyable afternoon. But it was not to be. I think the initial trigger was when Beverly Rudd first opened her mouth as Beryl. Everything about her performance made me want to vomit. By the end, with her last scene, I ended up closing my eyes and putting my fingers in my ears to try to blot her out. But it is not just her. Clearly, my reaction is different to many others (both in the audience and on this Board). And I am happy for that. Maybe I'm the only one! Afterwards I wandered through the snow to The Great Wave. Not the greatest production, but at least I had a positive end to the day. I have to confess, I had exactly the same reaction to this production. Had I been sat on an aisle, I would have left during the show as it got under my skin in the most excruciating way. Emma Rice's direction can be magical (I adored Romantics Anonymous, Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Tristan & Yseult) - here, I found it largely pointless, over-egged, self-indulgent and juvenile. Jos Slovick does have a wonderful voice, though. Also, am I the only one who thinks that the Empire is actually not the best venue for this show? Apart from being in a cinema and the lovely work they've done de-grotting the foyer, it's a bit of an atmosphere vacuum as a performance space - not helped by the fact the house felt about 40% empty.
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Post by bellboard27 on Apr 7, 2018 10:10:26 GMT
Boob I didn't really find the atmosphere lacking. Perhaps as when I went there was a reasonable crowd there. Personally I was happy to see one of London's historic theatres used as a theatre again and I suppose this production is appropriate given that the venue is now a cinema and the production draws on cinema and includes film within it. Anyone interested in the history of the old Carlton Theatre, its transformation as a cinema, etc. should have a look here: www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/CarltonHaymarket.htm
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Post by daisy24601 on Apr 14, 2018 21:40:12 GMT
Caught up with it on Sunday afternoon, and liked it enough to give it the full "Monkey treatment." So, there's listings, opinion and seating advice with plan and map on my site now.
Beverly Rudd I'd say is worth the ticket price alone, and the whole thing is a lovely bit of time-travelling nostalgia. True, some of the revolutionary techniques it used back in 2007 seem a bit passé now, but it's a load of fun, I think, and a very versatile cast.
Oh, and forgot to add, the central block row A £20 seats are a total steal. Low stage, only look up a couple of times, right in the action and unlimited legroom. Go for the low numbers side first, I think. Just came here to ask about row A, thanks, I will go for them! Better at the side section than the middle do you reckon?
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Post by jadnoop on Apr 17, 2018 1:48:38 GMT
To those that have been to this, are there programmes?
I went to a preview and there were none, but it wasn't clear if they had run out temporarily (or weren't quite ready), or if there was no plan for them. Cheers.
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Post by daisy24601 on Apr 19, 2018 15:09:06 GMT
Far better in the middle section than the sides. If you must go sides, go as close to the centre block as you can. Thanks, had to go for the side in the end because the middle section was all sold.
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Post by Stasia on Apr 24, 2018 17:15:52 GMT
Guys, I have a Brief Encounter ticket for May 3 19:30 to sell. Row A stalls, a bit to the side. Booked for £23, giving away for 18. Please message me or just send my way soneone who might need it! Thanks!
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Post by theatrelover123 on Apr 24, 2018 17:38:00 GMT
Guys, I have a Brief Encounter ticket for May 3 19:30 to sell. Row A stalls, a bit to the side. Booked for £23, giving away for 18. Please message me or just send my way soneone who might need it! Thanks! “Giving away.......for 18”. Worth putting this on the noticeboard where tickets sales should be posted.
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642 posts
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Post by Stasia on Apr 24, 2018 18:08:33 GMT
Guys, I have a Brief Encounter ticket for May 3 19:30 to sell. Row A stalls, a bit to the side. Booked for £23, giving away for 18. Please message me or just send my way soneone who might need it! Thanks! “Giving away.......for 18”. Worth putting this on the noticeboard where tickets sales should be posted. Will do, thanks for reminding me!
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