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Post by anthem on Jan 14, 2022 17:28:36 GMT
This is the kind of snobbish Tory elitist attitude that keeps plenty of people out of the theatre. No it is common courtesy to the performers on stage and to the audience who have paid good money to see the show. Audience members who are obviously drunk should not be allowed in in my opinion. Pretty sure they were taking exception to the use of "plebs" and "chavs" - I don't think anyone will argue with the idea that people should behave in theatre.
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Post by ceebee on Jan 14, 2022 22:42:03 GMT
No it is common courtesy to the performers on stage and to the audience who have paid good money to see the show. Audience members who are obviously drunk should not be allowed in in my opinion. Pretty sure they were taking exception to the use of "plebs" and "chavs" - I don't think anyone will argue with the idea that people should behave in theatre. Using words like "plebs" and "chavs" is hardly Tory elitism; only a right-on liberal leftie would suggest such a thing. ;-)
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Post by greeny11 on Feb 22, 2022 14:55:14 GMT
I saw this on Saturday night - perfect audience, enthusiastic but no singalongs and no drunken fights! I'd say it's a reasonably good show elevated by an excellent cast. We had 2 understudies - Ethan Davis on for Tarinn, and Michael James Stewart on for Matt Henry (though based on their headshots, thought they were the other way round as Ethan has a beard in his headshot, but not in this, and vice versa for Michael!). Ethan and Michael were both excellent in their respective roles - I definitely wouldn't have thought that was Michael's 2nd cover as he gave a very accomplished performance. The only thing I could pick out was he was quite badly out of tune in a section where his character joined the army, but otherwise excellent. Tosh Wanogho-Maud was fantastic, hilarious in some of his cameos, dangerous in others, and heartbreaking in one particular role - and his delivery of Stand By Me was fabulous. Beverley Knight delivered as per usual, great vocals and her acting was fantastic.
As for the show as a whole, it is at it's best when the 4 lads are singing as a quartet. The harmonies are excellent and the choreography was very slick. It loses traction when it reaches the dialogue scenes. I'm not sure how it can solved, but the book scenes really slow the show down.
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Post by vickyg on Feb 23, 2022 9:33:49 GMT
I saw this last night after seeing the performance on the night of musicals (or a similar name!) a few weeks ago. I had no idea that I knew the Drifters' music but obviously we all do! I agree with greeny11 that the cast is excellent and really elevates the show. I can't think of another show I've seen with voices universally of such calibre. It was a full house which I feel is a bit of an achievement for a Tuesday night these days? But I also think it's half term in some parts of the country, not that there were many children there. The audience did get increasingly leathered as the show went on, but it was more like a 'really happy to be there, having a great time' drunkenness than the standing up, singing or fighting type. At points I thought it might get rowdy though and that did put me off the idea of a Saturday night there. Anyway, I had a great time and the show far exceeded my expectations. I felt really lucky to be able to pop out after work to see a show that people around me had travelled from all over the country for. One couple was there for their ruby wedding anniversary and had come from Carlisle and another woman was there for her 60th birthday (I could tell because of the not subtle sash saying '60 and fabulous' and the tiara...), and it was my Tuesday night. All in all a great night with fantastic performances that I felt very lucky to see. I will definitely be going back! Oh and I sat in the stalls U7 which I paid £23 for. There was a pillar in the vicinity but the restriction was so marginal I felt the seat was great value and I would definitely sit there again. The overhang from the above tiers is a bit imposing but in no way restricts the view of the performances.
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Post by fiyero on Feb 23, 2022 22:43:11 GMT
I’ve heard from a friend who knows a cast member that they’ve recorded the cast album and it will be on sale at the theatre soon.
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Post by shady23 on Mar 8, 2022 15:49:55 GMT
Beverley Knight will play her final performance on 2nd July.
Booking has just been extended to 12th February 2023.
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Post by Mark on Mar 8, 2022 15:52:28 GMT
I always assumed this would close when Beverley left but it does seem to be doing amazing business. Curious to see what route they take for the replacement casting.
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Post by A.Ham on Mar 8, 2022 16:17:49 GMT
Ah, that’s a shame Beverley is leaving so soon as she’s so bloomin’ good in this, but guess she may have other commitments given the amount of time this had to be pushed back for thanks to the pandemic.
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Post by Being Alive on Mar 8, 2022 16:23:41 GMT
Ah, that’s a shame Beverley is leaving so soon as she’s so bloomin’ good in this, but guess she may have other commitments given the amount of time this had to be pushed back for thanks to the pandemic. She'll have been doing the show for 9 months by the time that she does finish, so she's done a good stretch!
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Post by A.Ham on Mar 8, 2022 16:55:46 GMT
Yes of course, I guess I’d assumed it would be a year that’s all. Wonder what she’s doing next?!
Editing to say I’ve just seen the Sister Act thread… fingers crossed!
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Post by venoose on Mar 9, 2022 9:05:16 GMT
I hope Matt, Tosh, Adam and Tarinn stick around a bit longer. Any more news about a cast recording? Magic at the Musicals radio are still having to play actual Drifters songs to represent the show!
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Post by shady23 on Mar 9, 2022 15:01:40 GMT
I'd imagine they'd be wanting to release it before Beverley leaves.
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Post by cartoonman on Mar 10, 2022 9:50:29 GMT
Saw this last night. great singing from all the cast and a really good band. A bit too loud. Very good movement. I think Beverley might be better off dropping the southern drawl. All in all a great show. The programme was £5 and not bad value. Again no cash only cards, this seems to be getting common at theatres.Found myself tapping my feet. No drunkeness but a few latecommers. Most of the audience were grey haired, like me. I recommend it.
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Post by fiyero on Mar 13, 2022 13:01:14 GMT
I hope Matt, Tosh, Adam and Tarinn stick around a bit longer. Any more news about a cast recording? Magic at the Musicals radio are still having to play actual Drifters songs to represent the show! One of the male cast told my friend they are doing a year contract so there until around November. No news on the recording. She’ll ask for us and give me an update to share
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Post by ilovewemusicals on Mar 14, 2022 19:19:59 GMT
Sharon D. Clarke and Matt Henry are doing an Olivier awards themed cruise together in May. I now want Sharon to be Beverley’s replacement in The Drifter’s Girl. It would definitely warrant a repeat visit.
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Post by poster J on Mar 14, 2022 21:48:50 GMT
Sharon D. Clarke and Matt Henry are doing an Olivier awards themed cruise together in May. I now want Sharon to be Beverley’s replacement in The Drifter’s Girl. It would definitely warrant a repeat visit. Is Sharon not heading back to Broadway to do Death of a Salesman?
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Post by fiyero on Mar 19, 2022 23:12:26 GMT
I hope Matt, Tosh, Adam and Tarinn stick around a bit longer. Any more news about a cast recording? Magic at the Musicals radio are still having to play actual Drifters songs to represent the show! One of the male cast told my friend they are doing a year contract so there until around November. No news on the recording. She’ll ask for us and give me an update to share Cast recording due April. I’m excited as it means I can listen to the cast rather than Bev and Gary in the row behind!
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Post by ilovewemusicals on Mar 19, 2022 23:18:50 GMT
Finally saw The Drifters Girl this afternoon. The two cast members that I really wanted to see going into it, Beverley Knight MBE and Matt Henry MBE, were both off (Bev due to illness and Matt on scheduled leave I presume).
Despite that, I really enjoyed this show, which is packed with The Drifters’ hit songs. The book of the musical tells of Faye Treadwell who fought against racism and misogyny to help The Drifters attain global success. The problem is that a lot of the plot is talking about record deals etc. and hence a lot of the dialogue heavy scenes, in act one especially, seemed to drag out. In act two, there are a few really funny scenes, especially when The Drifters come to the UK - and I was definitely more invested in the dialogue scenes then.
We had Vanessa Ela Young as Faye Treadwell (the part usually played by Beverley Knight). I have heard bad things about Beverley’s accent, well Vanessa’s was spot on and her acting was first rate. The only time I really missed Beverley was during Faye’s four songs where Bev’s growls and powerhouse vocals would have taken the roof off. Having said that, Vanessa seemed to grow in confidence with every song and her rendition of Harlem Child in act two got one audience member yelling with delight. What surprised me, considering that the role is usually played by (in my opinion) the greatest singer in the country, is that this is more of an acting role than a singing role. I hope to catch Beverley before she leaves and will be keen to see what it’s like with her in the role.
The star of the show by far, for me though, was Tosh Wanogho-Maud. Starting out as an hysterically funny bar worker, he goes on to play two iconic Drifters lead singers (Ben E. King and Rudy Lewis). His version of Stand By Me, as Ben, was simply breathtaking. Every word was meticulously thought about, to be delivered exactly as Ben would have delivered it. His portrayal of Rudy Lewis, a complete contrast, completely captivating and heart-wrenching. Honestly, I have no idea how Tosh is not nominated for an Olivier this year, as he completely stole the show and blew me away.
Tarrin Callendar is also incredible. He starts off singing all the low parts of songs and then transitions to singing all the high parts. I have no idea what his vocal range actually is but wow.
If you’re a fan of The Drifters and want a feel-good show then this is for you. If you’re expecting Faye to sing a lot of songs, you may come away disappointed. But the guys who play The Drifters are so talented that their performances stay with you long after the curtain comes down.
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Post by shady23 on Mar 19, 2022 23:36:01 GMT
Beverley's accent is pretty good but I have to agree that Tosh steals the show for me. An incredible performance or, more accurately, performances as he plays so many characters.
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Post by lonlad on Mar 20, 2022 0:44:09 GMT
Beverley's accent was embarrassing and to that extent so is this show's clumsy and clunky book. But when she sings, well, all is (almost) forgiven !
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Post by A.Ham on Mar 20, 2022 11:03:54 GMT
Finally saw The Drifters Girl this afternoon. The two cast members that I really wanted to see going into it, Beverley Knight MBE and Matt Henry MBE, were both off (Bev due to illness and Matt on scheduled leave I presume). Despite that, I really enjoyed this show, which is packed with The Drifters’ hit songs. The book of the musical tells of Faye Treadwell who fought against racism and misogyny to help The Drifters attain global success. The problem is that a lot of the plot is talking about record deals etc. and hence a lot of the dialogue heavy scenes, in act one especially, seemed to drag out. In act two, there are a few really funny scenes, especially when The Drifters come to the UK - and I was definitely more invested in the dialogue scenes then. We had Vanessa Ela Young as Faye Treadwell (the part usually played by Beverley Knight). I have heard bad things about Beverley’s accent, well Vanessa’s was spot on and her acting was first rate. The only time I really missed Beverley was during Faye’s four songs where Bev’s growls and powerhouse vocals would have taken the roof off. Having said that, Vanessa seemed to grow in confidence with every song and her rendition of Harlem Child in act two got one audience member yelling with delight. What surprised me, considering that the role is usually played by (in my opinion) the greatest singer in the country, is that this is more of an acting role than a singing role. I hope to catch Beverley before she leaves and will be keen to see what it’s like with her in the role. The star of the show by far, for me though, was Tosh Wanogho-Maud. Starting out as an hysterically funny bar worker, he goes on to play two iconic Drifters lead singers (Ben E. King and Rudy Lewis). His version of Stand By Me, as Ben, was simply breathtaking. Every word was meticulously thought about, to be delivered exactly as Ben would have delivered it. His portrayal of Rudy Lewis, a complete contrast, completely captivating and heart-wrenching. Honestly, I have no idea how Tosh is not nominated for an Olivier this year, as he completely stole the show and blew me away. Tarrin Callendar is also incredible. He starts off singing all the low parts of songs and then transitions to singing all the high parts. I have no idea what his vocal range actually is but wow. If you’re a fan of The Drifters and want a feel-good show then this is for you. If you’re expecting Faye to sing a lot of songs, you may come away disappointed. But the guys who play The Drifters are so talented that their performances stay with you long after the curtain comes down. Great review! I’m sorry you missed Beverley and Matt, but I completely agree with everything you’ve said about Tosh - he’s just brilliant in it and both Stand By Me, and then later his portrayal of Rudy Lewis are really emotional moments. Glad to hear Vanessa did a good job too - I wonder if she’ll step up to lead once Beverley leaves in the summer? Do try to go back if you can - Beverley’s Harlem Child is worth the ticket price alone! I still have the hook from that, and You’re More Than A Number… running through my head on repeat at times!! Looking forward to the cast recording too, glad to hear we don’t have long to wait for that.
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Post by fiyero on Mar 20, 2022 11:22:57 GMT
I want to come back and say what a revelation Tosh was for me. He was out the first time I saw the show, I loved the show and all the performances and nobody was shortchanged that day but was so happy I got the opportunity to see him yesterday (caused by ocean at the end of the lane being cancelled while I was en-route and being keen to see Vanessa). He really takes it to another level. I already loved how the male cast played every other role than Faye and girl but he lived those parts. Such emotion. I’m back for Beverley’s last night but wouldn’t be surprised if I’m back again. The cast work so hard and I love that I saw the show twice but the only cast member I’ve seen twice is Tarinn!
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Post by galinda on Mar 23, 2022 16:14:45 GMT
Finally saw The Drifters Girl this afternoon. The two cast members that I really wanted to see going into it, Beverley Knight MBE and Matt Henry MBE, were both off (Bev due to illness and Matt on scheduled leave I presume). Does anyone know if they advertise when the leads are scheduled to be off and if so where can I find this info? Can't see anything on the official website. Keen to see Bev in the show so wanted to check before I book.
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Post by shady23 on Mar 25, 2022 19:21:18 GMT
Beverley is a guest on bbc radio 2 tomorrow from 12 to share some "exciting news". I assume the cast recording details?
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Post by anita on Mar 28, 2022 8:10:07 GMT
Beverley is a guest on bbc radio 2 tomorrow from 12 to share some "exciting news". I assume the cast recording details? What was it?
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Post by fiyero on Mar 28, 2022 12:13:36 GMT
Finally saw The Drifters Girl this afternoon. The two cast members that I really wanted to see going into it, Beverley Knight MBE and Matt Henry MBE, were both off (Bev due to illness and Matt on scheduled leave I presume). Does anyone know if they advertise when the leads are scheduled to be off and if so where can I find this info? Can't see anything on the official website. Keen to see Bev in the show so wanted to check before I book. Vanessa told a friend that she is due to be on April 12th. I'm not aware of any other dates.
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Post by ilovewemusicals on Mar 28, 2022 16:39:25 GMT
Recently added to Nimax Theatre website:
Beverley Knight will not perform from Tuesday 10 May – Saturday 14 May.
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Post by venoose on Mar 31, 2022 9:14:31 GMT
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Post by A.Ham on Mar 31, 2022 9:30:40 GMT
I just came on here to post this too! Signed CDs available as well so I’m very happy 😃
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Post by shady23 on Mar 31, 2022 11:57:56 GMT
So happy it will be an actual cd and signed as well. Brilliant. I've never ordered anything so fast.
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