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Post by anxiousoctopus on Dec 1, 2022 19:20:11 GMT
I can kind of see it working on normal proscenium theatres like the Mayflower, but the boat-shaped stage was quite central to the staging with the tiger and zebras coming through the audience and up ramps onto the stage. Any staging in normal touring theatres would be far less immersive, which is a major draw for the puppets. When I was sat in the stalls the puppets were within touching distance. And as others said above the lifeboat rising up through the floor (and Pi diving underwater through a trapdoor in the floor) are huge effects and idk how they could recreate this
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Post by ceebee on Dec 1, 2022 22:37:48 GMT
The effects will utilise wingspace and lighting - it won't be as impactful as current production, though I expect the boat will still rise out of a false floor and animal entrances will still happen where possible from the auditorium. The key to this production is lighting, projection and sound. That's where the effort and energy will be spent.
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Post by anxiousoctopus on Dec 1, 2022 23:23:50 GMT
The effects will utilise wingspace and lighting - it won't be as impactful as current production, though I expect the boat will still rise out of a false floor and animal entrances will still happen where possible from the auditorium. The key to this production is lighting, projection and sound. That's where the effort and energy will be spent. I hope so! I’m glad it’s getting a tour, although I swear in interviews (or maybe the program?) they were talking about hoping it stayed in the West End for a long time with all the changes they made to the Wyndham stage - it still seems really popular, I wonder why they aren’t keeping it in London for a longer period
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Post by hadeswasking on Dec 1, 2022 23:31:29 GMT
The effects will utilise wingspace and lighting - it won't be as impactful as current production, though I expect the boat will still rise out of a false floor and animal entrances will still happen where possible from the auditorium. The key to this production is lighting, projection and sound. That's where the effort and energy will be spent. I hope so! I’m glad it’s getting a tour, although I swear in interviews (or maybe the program?) they were talking about hoping it stayed in the West End for a long time with all the changes they made to the Wyndham stage - it still seems really popular, I wonder why they aren’t keeping it in London for a longer period If the schools didn't arrive to today's matinee. It would've been less than half full. Which would've been a shame as this play was really something special. I had some problems with the start of the first act but the end of Act 1 and the whole of Act 2 were stunning! I do think it'll lose a bit of the magic on tour but hopefully they can keep a lot of elements that make it so special. Like you said the trapdoor bit is really gonna be missed.
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Post by Dr Tom on Jan 3, 2023 13:30:28 GMT
Finally saw this yesterday with an excellent Rush ticket in the Stalls. My only knowledge of the play is having tried to watch the film before on a plane and dozing off (which is very unusual, as I can't usually sleep on a plane).
Anyway, this is visually quite stunning and works well on stage. I was surprised how many people took in young children (one of whom kept asking questions of his parents). This isn't the easiest play for children to follow and it's quite gruesome at times.
Chirag Benedict Lobo who was on as Pi was excellent. Full of magic and excitement. The first half is stronger than the second, if nothing else because it's more varied.
It's not something I would rush to see again. The material just isn't strong enough. But definitely worth seeing once for the production quality alone.
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Post by thistimetomorrow on Jan 3, 2023 14:28:21 GMT
It's not something I would rush to see again. The material just isn't strong enough. But definitely worth seeing once for the production quality alone. agree. Glad I went to see this before it closed, but won't be rushing to see the tour.
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Post by mrmarmelstein on Jan 4, 2023 11:34:16 GMT
I really loved this, will be interesting to see how/if they adapt the theatres on the tour, but definitely worth seeing in its original West End staging before it closes next week.
It does feel like the pandemic delay lost some of the initial buzz from Sheffield and despite the Olivier win, it wasn’t high on anyone’s radar and was easy to come by tickets. Or is theatre just struggling generally?
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Post by edelweiss on Feb 24, 2023 18:18:09 GMT
According to the National Theatre website, this is coming to cinemas from 30th March (I didn't even realise they'd filmed it but there you are!) lifeofpi.ntlive.com/
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Post by viserys on Mar 30, 2023 20:32:32 GMT
Hi everyone. I'm just back from the cinema screening (loved it!) and I've been wondering something...
I know that some Pi understudies are female... do they still play the role as a boy or is Pi female then? I mean the name Pi(scine) isn't really gendered... I think it would be nice if Pi was truly female then. Does anyone know?
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Post by eua78 on Mar 30, 2023 20:53:57 GMT
Missed the cinema screening as was at work, anyone know if there’s any plans for this to go on NT at home ? If not i’ll give in and get a ticket for the tour later this year.
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Post by ntherooh on Oct 31, 2023 20:23:00 GMT
Has anyone seen the tour yet? I’m wondering how scaled back it is from the West End production.
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Post by greenandbrownandblue on Oct 31, 2023 20:43:41 GMT
I actually preferred the tour staging to the West End. Felt tighter. It's very similar - only major differences are there are 2 side walls as well as the back wall and the boat comes on from the wings in 2 parts, rather than rising from the floor. The only thing I really missed was there's no trap for Pi to dive into. Projections and lighting still brilliant.
As for the show, I felt much like I did in London - admired it hugely but never really cared for it.
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Post by ntherooh on Nov 2, 2023 15:55:40 GMT
I actually preferred the tour staging to the West End. Felt tighter. It's very similar - only major differences are there are 2 side walls as well as the back wall and the boat comes on from the wings in 2 parts, rather than rising from the floor. The only thing I really missed was there's no trap for Pi to dive into. Projections and lighting still brilliant. As for the show, I felt much like I did in London - admired it hugely but never really cared for it. Thanks! I'm living in the Netherlands and they're bringing the tour over here for a short stop in Amsterdam. I personally loved the West End production and thought it to be absolutely mesmerising. Unfortunate to miss out on the boat rising from the floor and that particular exciting trick with the dive, but thats to be expected of a touring production. I think the show still has enough wow factor to stand strong though? Do they also still project on the floor and side walls?
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Post by theatrenerd on Nov 15, 2023 22:14:53 GMT
Is this tour actually selling well?
Just noticed the week in Coventry has been removed, not sure if any other venues have been too.
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Post by theatrefan62 on Nov 15, 2023 22:36:50 GMT
Based on my local (Southampton) not especially well. But it's not on unti may next year so still time
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Post by curiouskc on Dec 9, 2023 17:50:12 GMT
Saw it in the Lowry last night with the female alternate on as Pi. The gender switch jarred me for all of 10 seconds and then found that it worked perfectly fine. The tiger is also female in this version (though still called Richard Parker naturally). I must say, having seen Hiran Abeysekera in the NT Live version and loved him so much in the part, it may have been best for me to see a girl Pi to avoid too much comparison.
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Post by drowseychap on Feb 6, 2024 1:01:36 GMT
I noticed this is in Birmingham next week not selling well at all they are advertising tickets from £25 …. But then have none on sale … rear circle off sale almost all week … but no ticket offer or discounts anywhere
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Post by theatrenerd on Feb 14, 2024 23:20:35 GMT
I noticed this is in Birmingham next week not selling well at all they are advertising tickets from £25 …. But then have none on sale … rear circle off sale almost all week … but no ticket offer or discounts anywhere Partially why I asked about the cancelled Coventry dates above as I reckon the prices would've been a bit cheaper there. It feels like this show would've been better off going to the Alexandra or even the Rep, which is a shame to see it struggle considering it had so much hype and won awards in the West End.
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Post by drowseychap on Feb 15, 2024 1:59:18 GMT
I noticed this is in Birmingham next week not selling well at all they are advertising tickets from £25 …. But then have none on sale … rear circle off sale almost all week … but no ticket offer or discounts anywhere Partially why I asked about the cancelled Coventry dates above as I reckon the prices would've been a bit cheaper there. It feels like this show would've been better off going to the Alexandra or even the Rep, which is a shame to see it struggle considering it had so much hype and won awards in the West End. I can see why they thought the hippodrome for this piece Edward scissorhands last week was almost sold out every night . I thought this would sell better but ticket prices are very high I do agree would have been a better fit at the rep and maybe would have been more fairly priced too …. It a shame I saw this in the west end and Loved it 🥰 really great theatre and staging was excellent . Can’t see why they thought taking rear circle off sale was a good idea without releasing cheaper tickets elsewhere ?? Or at least a travel zoo offer 🫤
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Post by david on May 1, 2024 20:27:55 GMT
A few thoughts from last nights viewing in Liverpool. Having loved the original Sheffield / WE production, this touring version still offers that wow factor for its use of the stunning floor and wall projections which alongside a wonderful sound and lighting design as well as those brilliant puppets made for a really good night out at the Empire theatre. Whilst some of the effects from the original show have had to be redesigned for the tour, I certainly didn't think that the final product was diminished in anyway for this show. I was talking to a couple of ladies who were seeing the show for the first time and they were totally won over by this tour and the cast and puppeteers got a massive cheer at cast bows for their efforts from the audience.
With all the cast on last night, making his professional debut Divesh Subaskaran as Pi was an enjoyable and engaging watch with a nice balance of comedy and emotional depth throughout the story. A special shoutout to the group of puppeteers who bring those animals to life on stage. I was sat up in one of the Monkey nest seats at Wyndhams but being a little closer to the stage from seat in the Circle at the Empire, I got a better appreciation of the craftmanship of the puppets and the intricate detail in their design. With the 2hr 10 minute run time, the piece was certainly well paced and filled the large Empire stage nicely. I would certainly recommend seeing this on tour if it comes to a venue near you.
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