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Post by rhi on Oct 10, 2016 20:30:17 GMT
So I saw the Saturday evening show. Firstly, I have to say I don't really understand why people are being so negative about this. It's n attempt at something different and I like that. Yes, the songs aren't very memorable but I quite like a rockier sound, so despite that I enjoyed the show and never got bored. I agree with everything KevinUK and Mallardo have said above I have to stick up for Kerry Ellis here. After reading comments on this thread I was wondering what to expect but I thought she was a good fit for the role and acted it very well. Very different to anything I've seen her in before, including Rent. I just wish the cast had some big moments to show off their voices. The only person who really had the chance was Norman towards the end. I have to say that whilst I loved Victoria and understand why people are praising her acting, I don't understand the fuss about her voice. Her edgy/rock sound worked perfectly but I can't help feeling someone else with a stronger high part of their voice (afraid I don't know the technical term!) could have floored you with their singing in this role. Oh and the sexual content was fine, it looked very choreographed (not to criticise their acting). There also tended to be someone else singing on stage to distract, haha. Really enjoyed Kerry and Ramin - they were brilliant. I would actually see this again, especially with the offers about, unfortunately I live in Manchester so that's not going to happen. I do recommend seeing this whilst it's around. If you don't think it's your thing look for the offers, it's a great cast and only 90 minutes of your life! Also, thanks for the welcome TheatreMonkey - your site has always been right about seats for me
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185 posts
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Post by boybooshka on Oct 12, 2016 7:52:43 GMT
I have two spare tickets for tonight's performance of this, free to a good home, can meet outside theatre. Message me if interested.
Admin, apologies for doing this here not on the notice board, only found out this morning my friend couldn't use them, please delete if I'm breaking rules.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2016 8:04:06 GMT
Are there any offers that are valid on a Friday does anyone know? (I have looked and not found but asking on the off chance I've missed something)
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2,565 posts
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Post by viserys on Oct 12, 2016 8:21:53 GMT
lovetheatre.com offers a few pounds off on all performances including Fridays, but I'm not sure it qualifies as a proper discount really! Not enough for me to bite anyway. Maybe TKTS will be discounting on Friday (right now they're offering Friday at full price). Keeping an eye out myself as I could possibly squish the Friday matinee in on my next London trip in November, but would take a bit more than the £8-10 off Lovetheatre offers
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Post by anita on Oct 12, 2016 9:24:49 GMT
I have two spare tickets for tonight's performance of this, free to a good home, can meet outside theatre. Message me if interested. Admin, apologies for doing this here not on the notice board, only found out this morning my friend couldn't use them, please delete if I'm breaking rules. If I wasn't babysitting I'd have been glad to have one .
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185 posts
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Post by boybooshka on Oct 12, 2016 10:15:39 GMT
Can't help with a babysitter sorry
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Post by d'James on Oct 12, 2016 11:49:46 GMT
I have two spare tickets for tonight's performance of this, free to a good home, can meet outside theatre. Message me if interested. Admin, apologies for doing this here not on the notice board, only found out this morning my friend couldn't use them, please delete if I'm breaking rules. Drat. Am already going to the Theatre tonight. Would've snapped them up otherwise.
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185 posts
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Post by boybooshka on Oct 12, 2016 13:15:19 GMT
Still got one spare left for tonight if anyone wants it.
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1,510 posts
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Post by anita on Oct 12, 2016 15:19:11 GMT
Much rather be there than looking after the grandkids.
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2,452 posts
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Post by theatremadness on Oct 12, 2016 16:09:01 GMT
Much rather be there than looking after the grandkids. I'm sure your grandkids would be overjoyed to know that!!
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716 posts
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Post by theatre-turtle on Oct 12, 2016 18:57:25 GMT
Here tonight thanks to boybooshka 😀
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Post by Mr Wallacio on Oct 12, 2016 21:04:18 GMT
Day seats £15 at all performances, they tweeted. Ah, but a £5 reduction on the 'see nothing' front row, or something with a bit more of a view. I will hopefully pop by when I'm in London with a free slot before it closes and catch the show.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2016 21:17:14 GMT
Day seats £15 at all performances, they tweeted. Having sat in the second row, I was pleased it was only 9 minutes or my neck would of given out. If they are sellingthe front row as dayseats, honestly brace yourself for the front row ahesd of entering the theatre, it is really damn high, mainly because of the addition of more staging to accomodate the use of the revolve built inti the stage. You can see very clearly the usual black staging with the new part of the new part of the stage built on top on white and how much of a difference it makes.
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Post by theatre-turtle on Oct 12, 2016 21:30:40 GMT
I thought it was just OK. The score did nothing for me, and the songs just blended into one generic mid-tempo rock song. The set was a little too minimalist I think and there were several parts (e.g. where Victoria HB was meant to be the child etc. ) totally took me out of the action. I don't think the book effectively fleshed out the characters in order for us to sympathise with them. The ending 'twist' was not shocking at all - you could tell from the lack of audience reaction.
The cast was the highlight, and it reminded me how great Kerry's voice is. VHB was also excellent - I think she was the strongest in her role. Ramin in leather trousers was rather nice too, and the view I had was VERY good. I didn't feel any chemistry between the leads at all though, and the 'sex' scenes were tragically lacking in passion. He's a bit shorter than I remember him to be.
There were parts where I couldn't help but think, wouldn't it be nice if Kerry suddenly burst into Defying Gravity or I Dreamed a Dream instead of this dreary 3 chord rock song.
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716 posts
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Post by theatre-turtle on Oct 12, 2016 21:48:34 GMT
Come to think of it, an easy way they could improve the show would be to introduce 'Defying Gravity' and 'I Dreamed a Dream' and cut out most of the rest of the 'songs'.
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4,631 posts
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Post by Phantom of London on Oct 13, 2016 13:10:37 GMT
I saw this yesterday evening, the theatre was half empty, I had a £25 seat behind a pillar in the stalls, the view from there is very good, however front of house staff upgraded me ***sigh***.
Victoria Hamilton Barritt was amazing in this.
Because of the subdued lighting, I had difficulties in telling Ramin Karimloo and Norman Bowman apart, but did manage eventually, they look alike.
This is a show you will either love or hate, I was ambivalent towards it.
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Post by Michael on Oct 13, 2016 13:16:15 GMT
This is a show you will either love or hate, I was ambivalent towards it. So actually, you either love it, hate it, or be ambivalent about it?
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Post by welsh_tenor on Oct 13, 2016 14:17:21 GMT
Seeing this Saturday - looking forward to loving it, hating it or being ambivalent to it!
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Post by welsh_tenor on Oct 16, 2016 17:42:34 GMT
Went into this with an open mind as I really knew nothing about it and I loved it. .
Quirky and edgy, not the usual thing I would go to see but being a populist and with Ms Ellis in a lead role I booked tickets.
The music is great and whilst I can't sing you any of the songs now, I loved how each of the leads had a slightly different theme. The themes all linked together and it was cleverly done.
I enjoyed all the performances especially Victoria H/B as the narrator, a slight raspiness/rock chick sound to her voice really suited the role. My only criticism was actually Kerry Ellis, where through no fault of her own I kept seeing "Kerry Ellis" and not the character she was playing. Don't get me wrong, I don't know her and I've only ever seen her in Wicked, but I struggled to connect with the naughty side and kept thinking she was a bit too "nice" for the role. I would go back and see Natalie McQueen if I lived closer as I think Natalie will portray the rock chick/naughtiness side of Sara better than Kerry. The male leads were so contrasting in their roles and really played the bad boy versus family man well - Ramin has a great set of pecks btw!
But me and the other half enjoyed it and it's worth seeing if you can - it's only 90 minutes after all.
The theatre itself though... what a hovel!
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Post by andrew on Oct 16, 2016 23:26:35 GMT
The theatre itself though... what a hovel! Is it the underwhelming cafe-cum-foyer, the thumping from the adjoining bar, the tiny disgusting toilets, the dank decoration of the auditorium or the seats not replaced since the 40s you're referring to? Where's Delfont Mackintosh when you need them?
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Post by madsonmelo on Oct 17, 2016 2:48:39 GMT
I'm still torn in what seat to buy, I really wanna see it because of Ramin, but it doesn't seems worth to pay £50 to see him this close lol god help me
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Post by Deleted on Oct 17, 2016 5:34:39 GMT
I'm still torn in what seat to buy, I really wanna see it because of Ramin, but it doesn't seems worth to pay £50 to see him this close lol god help me Based on people's comments about the theatre, it seems like you could actually buy a seat.
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Post by chrismis on Oct 17, 2016 10:55:24 GMT
I'm still torn in what seat to buy, I really wanna see it because of Ramin, but it doesn't seems worth to pay £50 to see him this close lol god help me I sat in Slips seat L8,having chosen to move from the front row. Had an great view. So glad I moved as a lot of action takes place on the floor! Seats L9 or L10 or the equivalent on the opposite side would be even better as the lighting bar was slightly in the way. They are directly above the 3rd or 4th row in the stalls and you only miss a tiny corner of the stage. I paid £25. Hope this helps.
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Post by QueerTheatre on Oct 17, 2016 11:53:30 GMT
I went to the friday matinee and was torn. The performers were all great (if a little too 'MT' for my taste) and i've loved the score for years, but the production is just do boring. It feels like an a level piece or something with the awful projections and repetitive, stale staging.
The thing about the original productiont hat brought it to life was the energy, the excitement and the danger.... but the only thing i was in danger of doing was nodding off!
A waste of a great score and cast.
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4,361 posts
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Post by shady23 on Oct 17, 2016 12:13:07 GMT
I would have to say I agree with you.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 17, 2016 14:09:14 GMT
I enjoyed all the performances especially Victoria H/B as the narrator, a slight raspiness/rock chick sound to her voice really suited the role. My only criticism was actually Kerry Ellis, where through no fault of her own I kept seeing "Kerry Ellis" and not the character she was playing. Don't get me wrong, I don't know her and I've only ever seen her in Wicked, but I struggled to connect with the naughty side and kept thinking she was a bit too "nice" for the role. I would go back and see Natalie McQueen if I lived closer as I think Natalie will portray the rock chick/naughtiness side of Sara better than Kerry. The male leads were so contrasting in their roles and really played the bad boy versus family man well - Ramin has a great set of pecks btw! Kerry Ellis in this was about as naughty as a miniature dachshund chewing on a slipper.
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Post by PalelyLaura on Oct 18, 2016 8:54:41 GMT
Saw this last night as part of that cheap lastminute.com deal. I was in the back row of the stalls, but the theatre is so small I had a great view, all I missed was the top of some of the projections, which I don't have a problem with at all (how creepy were they? Why did they think it was a good idea to project a massive child's head onto the back of the stage?).
I sort-of-enjoyed this. I liked the music but it could have been better - I liked the rock style but the songs weren't different enough from one another. I loved Ramin, obviously, and I was impressed with Kerry Ellis too (this is the first thing I've ever seen her in). Victoria Hamilton-Barritt was amazing, but I wasn't that impressed with Norman Bowman. I didn't think his voice was very good, though his acting was fine.
I agree that the characters weren't really fleshed out enough for us to care about them. In particular I didn't see what was so "bad" about Tom that he was labelled the "bad boy". I mean, yes he broke Sara's heart, but does that make him "bad"? Really?
I also spent a lot of time wondering what Sara was supposed to do for a living. Okay, she was a housewife and mother with Michael, but what did she do when she was with Tom the first time around? How did she pay her rent? Having a job or a subject of study might have made her a more rounded character...
I didn't think there was much chemistry between the leads, but I put that down to the heavily choreographed movement. I liked the ending, but I thought it ended way too abruptly.
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Post by welsh_tenor on Oct 18, 2016 10:19:09 GMT
Did anyone else have zero applause the whole way through the show too?!
When I saw it Saturday night the only applause came at the curtain call along with a lot of standing ovations!
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Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2016 15:12:25 GMT
Did anyone else have zero applause the whole way through the show too?! When I saw it Saturday night the only applause came at the curtain call along with a lot of standing ovations! At the opening night, there was no applause unti, the end which was a full house standing ovation and loud cheers. There was gasps and the odd sniffle during the show though from audience membeŕs though. But I personally thought it worked tonot have applause during the show, as the songs all flow into one another anyway.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2016 18:03:45 GMT
We had a bit of a clap after the first song ended but when the audience realised that the cast moved straight into the next song with nary a breath, that soon put pay to the applause involvement until the end. There were whoops and cheers and standing ovations for a bit as far as I could tell from Ramin's dressing room. Then he came in and started shouting and calling the police so I couldn't hear a thing after that.
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