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Post by Mr Snow on Apr 16, 2024 6:15:42 GMT
Whilst I agree this was another very disaPpointing evening at THE NATIONAL!, like 95% of the audience we stayed for the second act. Things improved (quite a bit from a really low standard) as the need to race through plot lessened.
The music puzzled me. At first I thought how did they find so many poor singers? Why were all the songs mid paced? Why was there no variety in style of singing or song? But the chorus's showed harmony and that the singer's could sing. Every song followed that format, with the only life being the "crowd" coming together. Was the director making some point that escaped me? In the end I was too bored to bother t o try figure it out.
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Post by Mr Snow on Mar 19, 2024 11:06:53 GMT
Reading this they seem to have tightened it ...a bit. Still too many extraneous scenes and other characters being underdevleoped. Although it's set up in Act 1, Act 11 is a clunkly change of style. And I'm still wondering why he wasn't told the full news of his condition at the end?
It also completely sidelines the other thoughts about a National Health Service going round at the time. The Citadel, The Beveridge Report etc. Yet simultaneously it fails to fully recognise what a revolutionary act this was. My father was a medical student at the time the NHS was set up, and his understanding of what his world would look like in the future, was rewritten in a flash! The NHS was not why HE went into medicine.
But was it really a Drama? I do wonder how it would play to someone who knew nothing about the NHS? The most dramtic scene, the showdown with the BMA relied on tape!!! As a "docudrama" it left as many questions unanswered as blanks filled in.
So with the actors and the NT displaying all their skills, the time passed relatively quickly but to little real effect. I'm sure there's an really interesting play to be written about Bevan, but sadly this isn't it. Felt like 3 stars on the night, but the material is really only 2 stars.
(The Singing Detective analogies are spot on, lets just say its something of a "homage".)
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Post by Mr Snow on Mar 17, 2024 21:15:05 GMT
Parsifal is by some way the No 1 on my desire list. I feel I will have to be patient, because I can't see it happening until after the new Ring is fully in place?
Tosca was in this season, surely a break before a new production?
Surprise from left field would be La Ciociara. Revised and given at last years Wexford Festival. Should be better known.
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Post by Mr Snow on Mar 17, 2024 20:39:37 GMT
As a proud holder of a green Passport may I wish everyone a Happy Day! (like most I don't believe he really existed.) After all why not celebrate when you can.
Even you Jan. I assure you we don’t take it at all seriously, it’s supposed to be a light-hearted occasion and I LOVED the surprise (to me) graphics. The legend may have become associated and indeed adopted with/by the Irish but Nationalism? Seriously. (Never mind. I'm moving on).
Cead mile failte.
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Post by Mr Snow on Mar 13, 2024 14:47:02 GMT
Hadn't heard a whisper... www.stagedoortheatre.co.uk/marry-me-a-little-28-feb-13-apr/New venue. Are seats allocated or is it a case of come early? Any poor seats in a small space? Did you try the food? Are they still serving during the show? Anything else? Questions, questinons, questions!!! PS thanks, I've booked.
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Post by Mr Snow on Mar 13, 2024 10:32:46 GMT
One of things Covid hit was Taylor Mac perfoming in London. We had caught 4 parts of his 24 decade History of popular music" and what a blast it was. Great subject uniqely tackled. Judy had hoped to build it over here.
Such a great performer, I hope its revived. This thread prompted me and I see it has been filmed. Will check it out.
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Post by Mr Snow on Mar 12, 2024 10:41:37 GMT
Whoever posted about The Merry Widow at the Royal College of Music I'd like to hug - you can opt for a free drink instead! Anyway Thank you.
MW is one of THE great shows. Technically an Operetta but if that puts you off I've heard ALW fits into that category too. It was once one of the most performed pieces in all of muscial theatr. Sparkles, dazzles, cheers you up. With We're going to Maxim's, Vilja and The Waltz it features 3 of the all time greatest melodies.
Our first visit to the Britten Theatre and its a peach. Featyred a large Orchestra and a strong production. Note this makes no (or litte) changes to refelect a more modern sensibilty and is gloriously traditional. As long as you are not easily offended by 'old fashioned' theatre, the story of the independent heroine Hanna, (spoiler alert) getting what she wants, still works well.
Some of the cast took a little time to warm up but Madeline Boreham as Valencienne and introducing Georgia Melville as Hanna stood out. Its surely not usual to cast someone in their first year as the lead but Ms Melville was ideal casting. Singing, acting and ready for a professional career now, she dominated the stage every time she appeared. If this was on for a month I'd go back twice.
Last time I saw a Merry Widow was in 1997, hope I don't have to wait so long again.
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Post by Mr Snow on Feb 23, 2024 13:22:31 GMT
Great review. Thanks for taking the time.
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Post by Mr Snow on Feb 6, 2024 9:39:03 GMT
Just caught up with this. There's a reason why businesses give preferential or free treatment. It (more offer than not) works.I
I'm on holiday or I'd find the article to back the following up, but I'm betting its in one on Malcolm Gladwell's books.
The pharma industry have been giving out "free lunches" and stuff for decades. It's effectiveness is proven and thoroughly researched. The really interesting thing is that the Doctors who considered themselves the most ethical, were the ones who's prescribing of branded drugs most closely aligned to the companies who'd handed them stuff. Beware any person who says these tactics don't influence them, they are the fools. And the perfect target for PR.
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Post by Mr Snow on Jan 27, 2024 12:09:12 GMT
Another vote for The Drowsy Chaperone.
Very high standards pretty much accross the boards! I saw the other, "Gin Martini", cast and Al Knott as Janet was tremendous singing, dancing, acting. Stevie Millington, Chaperone, has a lovely voice and I had tears of joy running down my face at the 'dropping cane' business. Emily Takman another fine comedienne.
Initally I felt it took a time to find the right tone but I'd frogotten there was no interval and the 2 hours sped by.
The theatre is excellent, good sight lines, comfortable and easy to get to.
will keep an eye out for more performances.
The Drowsy Chaperone is a delightfully frothy and silly confection and when played like this, a pure dellight. I read that Fred Schepsi was going to do a film that never happened. Shame because I think its at least in spirit also pastiching the silly plots of the Fred adn Ginger movies (which of course built on the shows of the 20's).
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Post by Mr Snow on Jan 21, 2024 11:03:51 GMT
Memory is a funny thing (and mine is hilarious) but I don't think its the same boat. It is a boat and it moves but its more of a Tugboat than the Ship (front only?) I recall from the Paladium?
Which sort of sums up the whole experience for me. Everything is in place and it IS a great show with some of my favourite melodies, but can I be fair in comparing anyone to Kelli O'Hara who I saw twice that summer? The governess isn't particularly prim and starchy and the King is often a loveable rogue rather than an menacing figure. The whole thing seems played more for broad laughs than I recall. So once we get to Shall we Dance there's about as much personal electricity as I expect we'll get in a debate between Starmer and Sunak. What should be a glorious release is a but a rather pleasant experience. I also thought the sound was better at the Paladium.
So if you've never seen the show or are a fan of Ms George, go, you'll have a really nice time. But if you saw the version I did, you might think twice...
At the matinee yesterday the place was packed and the audience seemed to love it, standing ovation etc - so what do I know?
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Post by Mr Snow on Jan 12, 2024 11:17:32 GMT
Wonderful thank you. Seeing the Drowsy Chaperone which I previously enjoyed in a cut versioni at the Ed Fringe a few years ago.
Also have never seen The Caucasian Chalk Circle and looking to change plasn to take my mum to the wonderful She Loves me.
Very happy I looked in and thanks for the updates.
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Post by Mr Snow on Jan 4, 2024 19:54:31 GMT
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Post by Mr Snow on Jan 3, 2024 16:06:22 GMT
I found this a curious experience.
The format seemd to be to keep switching between long periods which were very, very talky and then long perods of music. The performances were the very opposite of natural film acting (I get how large a personality he was). Bit naughty how some of the music heard wasn't written by him without it being made clear at the time.
YET it is unlike anything else I've seen Biopic or not. it is true to itself and loved the period details. it has some very strong moments.
I will watch agian on TV to decide; but I have a suspicion it will be best to leave it a year or so.
mmm yes a bit of a Vanity project but maybe it has something special???
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Post by Mr Snow on Dec 28, 2023 9:34:27 GMT
Of course I've now recalled that the exception to the rule was The Players Theatre annual bash. Talented performers singing mostly light Opera hits with rewritten words. They were fun and now long gone.
bah humbug.
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Post by Mr Snow on Dec 28, 2023 9:31:39 GMT
Have seen plenty and never one ive enjoyed. Hackney Empire is my local one, this year we're off to bBury St Edmonds (stunning Theatre btw).
They are silly but not in an absurd or quirky way. The ritual is set so its not even silly for sillys sake.
The music is dire and usually poorly performed.
Who's going to defend celebrity casting in an underrehearsed show?
Once youre out of love you cant ever see what the attraction was???
Bad humbug....
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Post by Mr Snow on Dec 14, 2023 20:13:17 GMT
Excellent thanks for the heads up. Will diarise to book the Merry Widow. Love it and can only recall seeing it during the refurbishment of Covent Garden when the company became peripatetic. IIRC Felicity Lott and Thomas Allen were fantastic at The Shaftesbury Theatre (I'm going to wait a while before checking the details of that happy memory!). I don't think there's a more infectious and thoroughly tuneful tune, than the MW Waltz?
I see I previously made the comment about how buses arrive on this thread; but after waiting donkeys years Glyndebourne are also doing this next summer. They have a new Carmen, as does the ROH! One may be coincidence but two constitute a conspiracy agianst the fan.
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Post by Mr Snow on Dec 7, 2023 8:10:40 GMT
A mixed experience as others have said above,but worth the effort.
Just a note 're comfort. We were really packed in and sitting at the end of the row meant 1.45 with your head at 45 degrees and no ability to swivel at all. Also the a\c u it above was blasting down on us when it was 3degrees outside. Much shuffling to put coats back on. I
There's an explanation in the programme by John Weidman why he and Sondheim have decided to cut Chrysanthemum Tea. Although a"tour De force" it destroys the tone the authors want. I think you'll wait a long time to see a production with it included.
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Post by Mr Snow on Dec 6, 2023 11:57:06 GMT
Straight in and purchased for the first night. email recieved within a couple of minutes.
Christmas present sorted.
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Post by Mr Snow on Nov 13, 2023 20:10:46 GMT
This is now at Wiltons. It is very good and worth seeing. As is fashionable these days it is cut heavily to 2hrs which includes an interval. They have done this mostly by compressing scenes rather than cutting them although the character of Old Gobbo has been eliminated which is a big plus in my book. The reduced running time doesn't really detract from the play at all. Other than that it is a rather conventional almost old-fashioned production - it reminded me of Trevor Nunn's 1999 NT production set in 1930s Berlin. Shylock is presented as a sympathetic character and everyone else isn't and that is just an extreme case of the usual modern interpretation - the one production I remember where Shylock was presented as an out-and-out villain swiftly ran into problems. It is very well acted throughout with a good set and costumes. Personally I could have done without the framing device and curtain speech but I suppose as the theatre has had to employ visible extra security at the door for this one it is relevant in a way they couldn't have imagined when the production was conceived. Agreed. After seeing to many polite and reverential Shakespeare productions, this one had real punch to it. However As someone said above, the characters wearing Nazi armbands were dangerous and seductive, whereas the projected images were way to obvious. At Wiltons with the final curtain Ms Oberman made a speech which made several references to the "Battle of Cable Street and Oswold Mosley. Either the following guys are wrong podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oswald-mosley-fascist-leader/id1537788786?i=1000629007957or she was incorrect to say e.g. The battle was not the beginning of the end for the Blackshirts they had been in decline for a few years and indeed it gave them a sort of afterlife in the east end. Mosley and Hitler were not friends. The conceited Mosley rather looked down on Hitler. The fighting was between the anti-fascist protesters and the police (sound familiar/). The two rival marchers never met. Now, perhaps more than ever accuracy is important. Reservations above aside, a worthwhile night out. Congratulations on a brave production.
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Post by Mr Snow on Nov 7, 2023 21:23:52 GMT
After writing and complaining to the NT about the lack of readiness of the presentation, they have offered complimentary tickets to another show.
Shame you have to write in for this but...
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Post by Mr Snow on Oct 14, 2023 6:13:31 GMT
Awful just awful.
40 years living in East London and 35 working in the flower trade. I have never met anyone like Carly.
A total caricature of a goby, foul mouthed, stupid woman given to throwing out convoluted similes that would be awkward from the mouth of a 10 year old. It was lapped up by the audience who rushed back to Waterloo and their trains home to suburbia.
A play sold at full price where one of the two actors has not yet learnt their lines. Half the time glancing down at the script in their hand and the rest following the tv text? Postpone opening? Offer alternative date?
The audience were insulted in so many ways and get they seemed grateful.
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HS2
Oct 11, 2023 12:26:11 GMT
Post by Mr Snow on Oct 11, 2023 12:26:11 GMT
Cameron ( let’s be honest, both the big parties supported this) liked the Japanese bullet trains he saw. Give me strength. He had no understanding of how Japan got their infrastructure going, how UK lagged behind; his understanding of history and his arrogance has almost ruined this country. Good on you. I strongly feel that in the long term it will be understood how the very weak Cameron, has been worse for this country than the cumulative effects of Corbyn, Boris and Truss together.
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Post by Mr Snow on Oct 2, 2023 8:08:11 GMT
No different than buying a jumper in M&S, paying full price and 6 weeks later its in the sale, or buying anything for that matter that's later reduced. It's the same with buying a flight or holiday and then find the price has gone down at a later point. Just the way it is. It is the same in that you have choices whether to spend or not but.. The person buying a jumper knows that the Sale starts in a few weeks and that their prefferred colour or size may not be available. No retailer that I know of has flash sales on quiet Tuesdays? This is not dynamic pricing. When booking flights you'll always be offered a reduction if you fly on a Tuesday. But if you hold off hoping for a better offer you may not be able to find anything available at dates that suit. Only those who can be extremely flexible can adopt such a policy. in terms of costs, a theatre ticket (as part of a night out?) normally falls somewhere between the two purchases above. These are early days for dynamic theater pricing and I expect it will evolve. As ever it suits some a lot more than others. if theatres feel it encourages people to wait they'll have to revise their offers as a delayed choice often leads to no purchase.
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Post by Mr Snow on Sept 28, 2023 17:17:44 GMT
It's the first time I've noticed that Todays Tix are offering seats for La Forza at a 35% discount. "From £147".
Whilst not cheap, that is a bargain offer. Has this been happening a lot?
We paid full price for opening night and it was pretty good, even though I didn't love any of the 3 main singers. Mark Elder conducting Verdi is always special and the production is pretty fine too. If they can't sell this out, then I assume more Carmen's and Traviata's are on their way.
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Post by Mr Snow on Sept 23, 2023 21:59:56 GMT
Cant rate this as it's either a 0 or a 6.
Bad/Brill/Bonkers in equal measures.
Like going to the Ed Fest for a week and all the players doing their parts in 2:hrs. You also got the good, the bad and the indifferent shows all mixed up together.
Great evening out. Just dont ever want to see it again.
Danni was great the rest less so.
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Post by Mr Snow on Aug 25, 2023 13:14:30 GMT
Is this a genuine young cast more in line with the original production? I'd be curious to see what that feels like as opposed to any production of Merrily now that typically use very much grown adults. Yes works well with the main characters - slightly 'less' well with parents! Yes Theo's Pizza. Huge size. Share a starter and a main course will fill most up.
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Post by Mr Snow on Aug 25, 2023 7:45:50 GMT
Apologies if this is covered elsewhere but "Search" came up blank....
First of 3 nights last night. Really enjoyed, more so than the version at the Menier. Great to see a large cast and an 11 piece orchestra in this new small space.
The ladies were particularly strong and if I see a better performance this year than Madeline Morgan as Mary Flynn, well I'll be stunned. The reprise of Not a day goes by will stick with me as a musical theatre highlight.
Direction fine but the pace of act 2 (don't know the piece well enough to say if it's always) made it less engaging generally. But overall it's a success.
New venue was a little warm last night but we'll suited to the job. Good leg room and access. Didn't think I'd ever recommend a Pizza joint but the one across the road was interesting and vfm.
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Post by Mr Snow on Aug 23, 2023 9:47:11 GMT
I see they have part for Mitch Miller who was Head of A&R at Columbia (IIRC) in the late 50's.
Sinatra's sales were down and Rock 'n Roll Sales were up. So Miller had Sinatra record novelty items. This was the one Frank hated most (Dagmar was a Swedish Starlet never heard of again.)
This was one of the factors that led to Sinatra setting up his own record company, Reprise.
Some years later Miller spots Sinatra accross a hotel lobby and sets off to greet him. As he gets close, Sinatra looks up and says "Keep walking assh*le".
Pantomine villain?
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Post by Mr Snow on Aug 16, 2023 6:40:14 GMT
I don't think it's stunt casting if they can act and sing the parts. It's only stunt casting (like in Chicago) when they would get a tv star who can't sing, dance or act for the lead role. (Melanie Griffith, Jerry Springer, George Hamilton). Jake did Kinky Boots on Broadway and we know that thye both can sing. I will reseve my judgement until I can see them perform. According to wiki she’s got two acting credits. One hasn’t even been seen yet, and for the other I can’t find her listed in the cast so it must have been a tiny part, possibly non speaking. There’s no evidence (so far) that she can act so I’d say she’s been cast for her name and ability to sing. Given that Sally requires a strong actor that’s stunt casting in my book. surely you have to see her performance before determining that? with my own eyes I saw Lily Allen in a play...
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