184 posts
|
Post by argon on Jan 8, 2019 20:52:27 GMT
I think that it's a frightful shame that we're losing the revolve! Having seen both iterations, and whilst there are some moments in the 25th staging I enjoy, I just find it to be lacking without the revolve and I think one moment really shows that: {Spoiler - click to view} The revolve turning to reveal Enjolras' body on the barricade as the music swells is far more powerful than the cart he's sans revolve. Exemplified by David Thaxton's last night as Enjolras
|
|
5,274 posts
|
Post by mrbarnaby on Jan 8, 2019 20:55:11 GMT
The original production is being scrapped because of the royalties that go to original creatives. And presumably losing the revolve means savings in the weekly running cost Nope. It’s all automated so someone literally presses a button and it goes round. That revolve isn’t a cost issue.
|
|
241 posts
|
Post by justafan on Jan 8, 2019 21:01:39 GMT
Can't see any tickets avalaible for the month of July, has the booking period been shortened ? I can't even get on to the booking page to book for July - saying it's taking too long to load. Has there been a surge in ticket sales since this news was announced? I got a ticket for July earlier using this link www.lesmis.com/london/tickets but it seems to have ground to a halt probably due to overload
|
|
23 posts
|
Post by crunchemhall on Jan 8, 2019 21:05:50 GMT
Jan 8, 2019 22:01:39 GMT 1 justafan said: I got a ticket for July earlier using this link www.lesmis.com/london/tickets but it seems to have ground to a halt probably due to overload It is said on that particular page : WE ARE CURRENTLY BOOKING UNTIL SATURDAY 29 JUNE 2019 I don't get it ?!
|
|
833 posts
|
Post by Steffi on Jan 8, 2019 21:09:05 GMT
It showed me a website maintenance info earlier saying booking requests would be redirected during that time. I guess whichever agency they are linking to atm doesn’t have the July dates on sale yet.
|
|
2,041 posts
|
Post by 49thand8th on Jan 8, 2019 21:27:49 GMT
And presumably losing the revolve means savings in the weekly running cost Nope. It’s all automated so someone literally presses a button and it goes round. That revolve isn’t a cost issue. Except for the WD40.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 8, 2019 21:31:27 GMT
Can't see any tickets avalaible for the month of July, has the booking period been shortened ? I can't even get on to the booking page to book for July - saying it's taking too long to load. Has there been a surge in ticket sales since this news was announced? I'm having the same issues. I hope i dont miss out on the final performance. Its a show that has been in my life for many many years
|
|
1,002 posts
|
Post by David J on Jan 8, 2019 21:44:13 GMT
Okay so I've had time to mull it over... I still remember as a kid being introduced to the musical via the 10th Anniversary Concert and watching entranced at the hulking wooden structures slowly swung and joined like two monstrous hands amidst the ominous music and billowing smoke as the barricades appeared. Nothing in the newer version tops that, along with the mentioned moment the barricades turn to reveal Enjorlas and the flag. Same for Gavorches' death. The newer barricades look titchy in comparison with obvious steps and places to stand, whilst the original ones you actually have to climb over. Then again Javert's suicide and the sewers are certainly superior in the newer version and the projections have their moments On the other hand, the start of the At the End of the Day is pathetic in comparison to the original's, with the silhouetted figures of the beggars. That said, I'd take the bombastic music in the newer version over the tinny orchestrations in the London production. This really divides me. It makes me wish I saw the musical when it was at the Palace Theatre. Of course, I'd like to see a fresh coat of paint to a production or a new direction. But at the end of the day, all I can say is...
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 8, 2019 22:10:26 GMT
I listened to vinyl album for a year before I saw it and my first immediate thought was, Oh my god, At The End Of The Day wasn't the first number!!
|
|
442 posts
|
Post by theatreliker on Jan 8, 2019 22:12:02 GMT
Bring back Blood Brothers.
|
|
874 posts
|
Post by daisy24601 on Jan 8, 2019 22:17:13 GMT
Empty Chairs is also not as good without their shadows against the back wall. I could probably write a list of "this is better in this one and that is better in that one". Wish they could keep the revolve and add some elements of the new.
|
|
776 posts
|
Post by latefortheoverture on Jan 8, 2019 22:34:02 GMT
Gavroche's death of which is revealed by the revolve is a standout moment of the show for me- I will miss it; although I'm excited to see it get a new life and hopefully get rid of that pesky and cheap looking yellow screen which wraps around the front of the Queen's. I've hated it for as long as I can remember. I imagine they'll put a big screen on the front show video from the show- seeing as you can see this straight through Chinatown.
I imagine this 'new production' if you will bring a lot more people to see it. It's near enough a different show altogether and they'll be able to market this to their favour extremely well I imagine.
|
|
4,631 posts
|
Post by Phantom of London on Jan 8, 2019 23:35:05 GMT
I was rather looking forward to the Paul Matthews Transport lorries round the back to move it next door, now my dream isn’t going to come true.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2019 7:41:33 GMT
So Phantom will become the longest running musical. You can't (although he will) redesign and redirect a show, make a fuss over how it's a new production then slot it in and claim it's the same show that's been running for 30 years. I've always had a little issue with the Les Mis "longest running musical" claim. On a technicality it has not had a continuous run. It's bounced between the Barbican, The Palace, The Queens and soon The Gielgud with breaks to allow for the movement. Phantom has been one continuous run at a single venue and as such I think it deserves the longest running accolade. I am biased towards Phantom though.
|
|
821 posts
|
Post by ensembleswings on Jan 9, 2019 7:50:32 GMT
The move is what is going to final push me into booking this show. It’s one that I’ve still not seen (I know, I know, I’ve just prioritised everything else cause I didn’t see this closing anytime soon) but I do really want to see this version with the revolve, so I’ll be booking in for a show between now and the move.
|
|
494 posts
|
Post by ellie1981 on Jan 9, 2019 8:08:10 GMT
The move is what is going to final push me into booking this show. It’s one that I’ve still not seen (I know, I know, I’ve just prioritised everything else cause I didn’t see this closing anytime soon) but I do really want to see this version with the revolve, so I’ll be booking in for a show between now and the move. I’ve never seen it either. I didn’t enjoy the film and overall don’t enjoy the music as I found the motifs incredibly repetitive, so I’m still in two minds whether to see it at all.
|
|
2,563 posts
|
Post by viserys on Jan 9, 2019 8:10:24 GMT
OH GOD I HATE ALL YOU DRAMA QUEENS
LOL, I can't believe y'all here got me swept up in this hype and I booked for early July when I'm in London anyway.
As some others here wrote, Les Mis has sort of been part of my musical life since the beginning of my musical fandom in the late 80s, so I guess it won't hurt to say goodbye.
|
|
|
Post by apubleed on Jan 9, 2019 8:22:51 GMT
Where are you booking tickets? I can only seem to find until late June?
|
|
23 posts
|
Post by crunchemhall on Jan 9, 2019 8:25:46 GMT
|
|
|
Post by apubleed on Jan 9, 2019 8:36:34 GMT
Working for me now, thanks! Got one for the 13th evening. I've (ironically?) only seen the production that is replacing it (the most recent Broadway revival).......would be good to catch the original iconic production before it is replaced with what I would describe as a rather tacky experience.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2019 8:40:02 GMT
I tried going through the website earlier but it only gave me tickets up to the end of June, so many thanks for the link above. worked for me too and now going again on 13th July!
|
|
874 posts
|
Post by daisy24601 on Jan 9, 2019 10:45:21 GMT
The reaction to this on twitter is full of anger about getting rid of the revolve.
|
|
4,960 posts
|
Post by TallPaul on Jan 9, 2019 10:47:36 GMT
I can't decide if the placing of the commas is significant, but this is the wording on the press release: "LES MISÉRABLES, the world's longest running musical produced by Cameron Mackintosh, continues its astounding success..."
It also includes some fascinating facts (well, fascinating for those of us with a financial bent): "LES MISÉRABLES and THE LION KING are the most financially successful productions in the history of the West End. Last year this production distributed a further 280% return of profit, giving the original investors a total return of over 3500% on their original investment - an unprecedented feat for any musical in its fourth decade."
|
|
494 posts
|
Post by ellie1981 on Jan 9, 2019 11:05:14 GMT
Well after reading this thread for the past day I’ve wimped out and bought my first ticket to Les Mis. Going alone on 13th July in the Dress Circle Row A as I suppose it’s one not to be missed.
|
|
1,639 posts
|
Post by fiyero on Jan 9, 2019 11:16:06 GMT
I agree with the earlier comment, just move the show (new or old version), don't worry about moving it back. I don't get that, unless they want the Gielgud for something specific later. Anyways, I have booked one of the super restricted pairs of tickets for 'closing' night. Just need to convince my nephew he wants to come!
|
|
1,639 posts
|
Post by fiyero on Jan 9, 2019 11:18:38 GMT
I can't decide if the placing of the commas is significant, but this is the wording on the press release: "LES MISÉRABLES, the world's longest running musical produced by Cameron Mackintosh, continues its astounding success..." Made me think of Hamilton:
I noticed a comma in the middle of a phrase It changed the meaning. Did you intend this? One stroke and you’ve consumed my waking days
|
|
241 posts
|
Post by justafan on Jan 9, 2019 11:21:56 GMT
Jan 8, 2019 22:01:39 GMT 1 justafan said: I got a ticket for July earlier using this link www.lesmis.com/london/tickets but it seems to have ground to a halt probably due to overload It is said on that particular page : WE ARE CURRENTLY BOOKING UNTIL SATURDAY 29 JUNE 2019 I don't get it ?! Neither do I cos I def have a confirmation from Delfont Mackintosh Theatres that I have a ticket in July
|
|
|
Post by scarpia on Jan 9, 2019 11:26:14 GMT
It wouldn't surprise me if Cameron Mackintosh tried to claim continuity between the two productions so the show retains the longest-running title but it would be farcical if he did, not to mention false advertising. Having the same producer is not nearly enough. Once you no longer have the same director, set designer, lighting designer etc then you no longer have the same production. Effectively this will be an unusual case of a revival immediately replacing the original. Cameron can't have it both ways. When the 25th anniversary production was originally rolled out, he claimed it was a brand new production. He can't now go back on his word and say actually only joking, it's the same just scaled down and made cheaper (well he could, but it wouldn't be right). What I don't get is why move the show to the Gielgud and then move it back to the Queen's? Isn't that rather costly? How much will the Royal Shakespeare Company lose from the ditching of the original production? I know they still get substantial royalties from it at the moment. I really wonder how Nunn, Caird, Napier and Hersey feel about this. Why don't we get a new producer as well?
|
|
|
Post by partytentdown on Jan 9, 2019 11:52:16 GMT
Trev Nunn was very vocal about the 25th anniversary one. I can't imagine he's delighted by this news. I bet he's had to cancel a cruise or a new conservatory in 2019.
|
|
4,591 posts
|
Post by Someone in a tree on Jan 9, 2019 12:13:22 GMT
Is it wrong of me to say change is good and I’m looking forward to seeing a newish take on it (I never got round to seeing the tour).
I also suspect the old production, which also changed over time will make a guest appearance at some point, perhaps at the Barbican for some anniversary or other.
|
|