614 posts
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Post by jamb0r on Jun 2, 2023 10:09:51 GMT
There was only a few of us in the queue when the box office opened at 11 this morning. Got row C in the stalls which is usually £85
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614 posts
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Post by jamb0r on Jun 2, 2023 9:30:24 GMT
Third time seeing this new run last night and noticing a few little changes they’ve been putting in throughout previews:
I love the new light up ‘PHIL’ top hats
At the beginning of each day when Phil looks out the window and you could faintly hear some announcements being played they now have 2 of the cast come on the sides with megaphones to say these lines which is much clearer
At the end of act 1 there are now some giant Gobblers Knob flags that drop from the ceiling that Phil rips down (I’m pretty sure these weren’t there before)
After a third viewing of this new iteration I am completely fine with all of the changes that have been made except for one - the top down car chase scene. It just isn’t working like it used to. There used to be completely different house puppets that were used for this section, and the actual car chase had a bit of jeopardy where you could see the car getting stuck in dead ends and then outsmarting the police. Now you just get a bit of wobbling about for a few seconds and that’s it. This was so imaginative when they first did it I feel like if they’re not going to do it properly it’s not really worth doing it at all.
Also missing a final bit of singing (there will be sun) at the bows like they did in the previous run, though I guess that’s something they could easily add at the end of previews
Tim was also in last night
Also asked the box office to change my closing night ticket to the new date, the same seat I had before is now in the next price band so had to pay more which I wasn’t thrilled about.
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614 posts
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Post by jamb0r on May 29, 2023 8:23:05 GMT
You’ve only just realised that the concept is ridiculous? 😁 I can get behind the plot for the sake of entertainment, but that means he would be around 70 odd hitting on a young woman. Does he not physically or literally age then? (Soz I’ve never seen the movie). No he doesn’t. It’s made very clear multiple times in the show that no matter what he does during the day everything resets back to how it was as soon as he wakes up again. Including not ageing, not gaining weight, not retaining cardio fitness etc. The only thing that doesn’t seem to reset is his memory
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614 posts
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Post by jamb0r on May 24, 2023 11:30:43 GMT
I saw this tonight and had an enjoyable time. It's a fun and imaginative show. I remember enjoying it the last time round too, but I have a terrible memory so can't particularly recall the revolves that everyone is discussing, but I can see how at least one would be useful to have. There were a couple of odd moments with presumably automated scenery going a bit wrong and stage managers pushing stuff on. Can someone tell me what's supposed to happen in the last moments? I think something went wrong - someone wheeled on a bench very quickly and then the scene ended fairly abruptly. There was also a 5 minute show stop when there was a commotion in the Stalls, did anyone see what happened? Was also there last night - this is the second time I've seen this new run and I don't think anything really went wrong? {Spoiler - click to view} The only thing that I noticed wasn't quite right was 'Phil' dropping the blanket from the top of the ladder during Hope, which then looked odd when he 'jumped' and a second blanket was seen falling behind the ladder Most of the scenery isn't automated and is pushed on and off by the cast. I didn't notice anything wrong with the last moments too {Spoiler - click to view} Phil takes Rita to watch the sunrise on a bench. That's all that is meant to happen Was sat a couple of rows behind the medical emergency - not sure what happened but the affected person was able to walk out after a few minutes so I hope they were OK.
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614 posts
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Post by jamb0r on May 22, 2023 21:59:24 GMT
I feel like I am being well and truly spoiled with exceptional theatre at the moment, with Groundhog Day on Saturday followed by seeing this tonight.
I absolutely adored the original run a few years ago and couldn’t wait to see how the show had evolved since that time, and I could not have been happier. This show is just magic and the increased cast numbers and budget have added so much. The score is gorgeous - I am DESPERATE for a cast recording! The entire cast are phenomenal and infuriatingly talented with each playing a number of different instruments throughout.
It’s a long one, I think we were out at almost 3 hours, but the time flew by and I really wouldn’t want them to cut anything.
Really slick for a first preview with just a couple of very minor stumbled lines and a stubborn trapdoor.
Can’t wait to come back again soon!
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614 posts
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Post by jamb0r on May 22, 2023 17:43:09 GMT
Does anyone know if Day Seats are continuing for this week ? I emailed them a few days ago to ask about this and this was their reply: “Our day seats have stopped for the time being. Please keep an eye on our website and social media channels for any updates.”
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Post by jamb0r on May 20, 2023 20:12:49 GMT
Brief interval thoughts: the show is just as incredible as I remember. Andy is still absolutely perfect in the role. Quite a few costume, lyric and book changes but all are fine. They’re managing really well without the revolve - it’s a shame it’s gone but nothing major so far has been lost. The new choreography is great. Running very smoothly for a first preview.
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614 posts
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Post by jamb0r on May 19, 2023 13:30:15 GMT
Loads of really good seats for tonight for £25 on TodayTix. Just picked up a premium seat in row H of the stalls for £25
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Post by jamb0r on May 19, 2023 11:14:28 GMT
A tiny part of me has been expecting to get a notification at some point this week that the first preview is cancelled, just because of the nightmare there was with the preview period in the original run (though I expect removing the revolves has reduced the chances of that needing to happen significantly!).
I’ve just received the ‘we are looking forward to seeing you tomorrow’ email from the old vic so it’s pretty safe to say it’s happening!
I’ve been going on about this show for so long and have always promised everyone I told about it that if it ever came back I’d take them to see it. I’ve now ended up having to shell out to take 10+ friends and family members throughout the run. My wallet isn’t happy, but I am so excited to share this show with them all, starting tomorrow with my niece who is a current MT student - I just know she is going to love it!
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Post by jamb0r on May 16, 2023 8:30:10 GMT
On the broadwayworlduk Instagram takeover yesterday there was a long series of interviews with the cast and some crew which was pretty fascinating. The couple of cast members (including Andy) that were involved with the show since the original run seem pleased that the revolves are gone and are confident the show is even better then it was previously, so I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt!
(Also they confirmed that Playing Nancy is still in!)
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614 posts
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Post by jamb0r on May 11, 2023 17:43:46 GMT
I am beyond excited!
They’ve released some rehearsal footage today and can already spot a few minor changes. Looks like there’s some new choreography involving flags which I don’t remember from the original run.
They definitely still have the car chase scene as in the rehearsal footage there was the moving car prop - I wasn’t sure if they were going to be able to do that without the revolve. Also someone was holding a house puppet.
Also Andy posted a long video on Instagram the other day talking about the show and mentioned that the ‘magic tricks’ (I’m presuming during ‘Hope’) will all be included plus some new additions.
The main thing I need to be confirmed is that they haven’t cut Playing Nancy!
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614 posts
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Post by jamb0r on Apr 19, 2023 13:49:12 GMT
There's an FAQ for the onstage seating on the play's website, including an image of how it is laid out (though the image doesn't include the additional few rows they've added for the Savoy, but gives you an idea). My £25 on stage seat in Richmond is now £45 at the Savoy!
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Post by jamb0r on Apr 19, 2023 11:19:07 GMT
Such a shame this isn’t selling well - am going for a second visit this evening and just had an email to say the balcony and grand circle are both closed so my seats have been upgraded to the stalls.
If anyone wants to risk it it could be worth booking a cheap balcony ticket for a midweek performance with the hope that you’ll very likely get upgraded!
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614 posts
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Post by jamb0r on Apr 19, 2023 10:14:23 GMT
Another 5 stars from me! Echo everything everyone has already said. Caught this at Southwark and Riverside Studios previously and this has now turned into a truly perfect show. A fantastic night out!
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614 posts
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Post by jamb0r on Apr 17, 2023 9:25:18 GMT
I didn’t think I’d was the worst thing I’ve ever seen, but also have no desire to ever see it again if it has further life.
Was nice to be entertained by a full orchestra and those amazing voices on a Sunday evening, but other than that I thought the plot was pretty boring and only a couple of stand out songs (however as mentioned before, I could have sworn I’d heard some of them already because they sound so similar to songs from other musicals)
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614 posts
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Post by jamb0r on Apr 4, 2023 11:27:29 GMT
£7.50 for the first preview is an absolute bargain! So much so that I had to register for a new account to buy a ticket as I didn't want to use one of my PAYG tickets on such a great deal and couldn't work out how to remove it when booking online. I had to do exactly the same thing! Thankfully already had a backup email address I could use for the second account. Manage to get front row centre for the first performance and will definitely be booking a few other times!
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614 posts
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Post by jamb0r on Apr 4, 2023 10:03:22 GMT
Looks like the cast has now expanded from 5 to 12 with 2 of the originals returning
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Post by jamb0r on Apr 3, 2023 17:11:11 GMT
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Post by jamb0r on Mar 30, 2023 14:38:06 GMT
When Bake Off is on telly I use it as an excuse to go and see my parents every week and watch it with them. I’ve taken them to be in the audience of the taping of An Extra Slice in the past and I knew I had to take them to see this.
We all LOVED it. My hopes were high based on some comments here but it was so much better than I was expecting. I fell in love with every character and presume everyone else did too as there was an audible cry of sadness from the entire audience every time someone was ‘sent home’. I was really just expecting a silly night at the theatre, but it was so much more than that.
Been listening to the few songs they’ve released from the cast recording so far on a loop and adore every one, and still find myself getting teary listening to ‘Grow’ and ‘My Dad’.
Already booked to go back again and take some more family members.
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Post by jamb0r on Mar 26, 2023 11:46:22 GMT
If they’re using those single use glow sticks that’s a hell of a lot of plastic being thrown away too. Some quick maths suggests almost 2,000 glow sticks being used for a few seconds and instantly thrown away. Doesn’t feel very responsible when something much more eco friendly could be used to give the same result?
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Post by jamb0r on Mar 21, 2023 10:23:30 GMT
Oh my, how exciting! Original cast too, please. Agree the original cast were so perfect! The facebook page that I saw last night where I signed up for further details looks to have been taken down now - I wonder if they jumped the gun and we'll see an announcement from Southwark Playhouse soon
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Post by jamb0r on Mar 20, 2023 22:59:04 GMT
Just seen an advert on Facebook for a new production of this coming to Southwark Playhouse Elephant in May.
Thrilled this is getting a further life!
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Post by jamb0r on Mar 18, 2023 12:16:12 GMT
Looks like the article has been taken off the Daily Mail website now. I imagine there would have been some angry phone calls from the producers office this morning!
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Post by jamb0r on Mar 18, 2023 8:19:44 GMT
Well I wasn’t expecting to be in the Daily Mail this morning, but you can very clearly see my face sat behind the cast in those photos! Who can I sue?
What an awful thing to do.
Not really sure if there is any way they could prevent that from happening. Even the pouches wouldn’t solve it, if someone was that determined to do it they could just take a second phone with them.
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Post by jamb0r on Mar 17, 2023 9:07:17 GMT
Well my experience of being on stage last night almost pushed this to being 5 stars for me - it was an incredible experience. Anyone who has on stage seats - you’re in for a treat! Getting to the seats was a bit like a military operation. We received an email the day before with a VERY long list of rules that had to be followed. What time did you have to get there for the on stage seats? I booked for an evening when I’m going to quite a long matinée, so would be good to know in advance whether I need to try and move that. Thanks for your report and glad you enjoyed. Generally, would people recommend reading the book beforehand? Or is it best to go in knowing nothing? And I don’t want to read this thread too much before going, but could someone please spoil if there are guns or gunshots in this? Thanks! Here is the part about timing from the email I received the day before, and this was pretty strictly adhered to: "Please then make sure you are at the front of the theatre outside the Box Office entrance for 6:30pm. A member of our Front of House staff will then escort you and the other onstage customers to your seats. Please do make sure that you are at this meeting point for 6:30pm to be taken through. No customers will be admitted after the pre-show starts at 6:50pm." It's also worth noting you only get 10 minutes for the interval before you have to be back in formation to be taken back on the stage. I would definitely recommend reading the book or listening to the audiobook before hand - I'm really glad I did. There are no gun shots but there is one part in the second act where the character of Willem walks towards the back of the stage and turns on some music which comes on very suddenly and is very loud and made me really jump both times it happened.
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Post by jamb0r on Mar 17, 2023 8:24:19 GMT
Well my experience of being on stage last night almost pushed this to being 5 stars for me - it was an incredible experience. Anyone who has on stage seats - you’re in for a treat!
Getting to the seats was a bit like a military operation. We received an email the day before with a VERY long list of rules that had to be followed. We had to get there very early and line up in our row groups outside and have our phones locked in those Yondr pouches. Getting on stage was fascinating for any theatre nerd, having to walk through lots of the technical areas of backstage which I loved.
The actual action takes place literally inches from you. I was sat on the end of the front row on stage right which was £25 and had an incredible view with the cast regularly brushing my leg to get on and off stage. However a LOT of the more traumatic events happened within arms reach of where I was sat, so definitely not for the squeamish. Most scenes are played very well for those on stage with the actors mainly facing side on. I would say there was maybe 3 or 4 scenes totalling about 20 minutes where the actors were standing with their backs totally to us, but it really wasn’t that much of a problem.
These seats are a huge bargain - I would say the £25 ones had just as good a view as the £35 ones. I’d definitely recommend the seat I was in (which was AA14 in Richmond, not sure if they’ll have the same numbers elsewhere).
Now that I’ve seen this twice, there were a couple of flubbed lines from Norton last night, and one of the blood effects didn’t work at all later in the play, but everything still felt pretty polished and not preview-y at all.
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Post by jamb0r on Mar 16, 2023 15:07:21 GMT
Was also there last night. First thing I'll say is do NOT go to this show on an empty stomach {Spoiler - click to view} Entering the theatre to the smell of cooking bacon and the onstage kitchen being used to full effect throughout most of the show was torture! I hope the people next to me didn't hear my stomach growling!
Overall I would say this is 4 stars for me. The performances were excellent, highlight for me was Luke Thompson as Willem. They hit all of the points in the story pretty much exactly as I would have expected them to, and the parts they had to cut weren't really missed. I loved the sound design and having a small group of musicians wasn't something I was expecting, but added so much to the general feeling of unease and horror. There were a few weird noises happening throughout which sounded like the whining you hear sometimes when automated parts of set are moving, but nothing was moving so I am not sure if they were intentional? The star I knocked off is mainly down to some of the directing choices - this is very much a Van Hove production and I've never been the biggest fan of his work. Some of these weird choices have already been mentioned in this thread. If you aren't sat in the front stalls a lot of the stuff happening on stage can only be seen if you are sitting at the extreme sides of a row - for example i was sat house right (not in a restricted view seat) and I couldn't see at all anything that JB or Malcolm were doing on stage left, or any of the projections that were on that side. Heard a lot of people saying what a weird directing choice the ending was {Spoiler - click to view} Waited for the whole show for that giant box above the stage to do something and then at the end it just made a lot of noise, lowered then went back up again? Surely they could have got Jude off stage in another way to be just as effective. I'm really glad I'd listened to the audiobook in advance, some of the character switching could be a bit confusing if not familiar with the story. I'm also going again tonight and will be sat on the end of the front row of the on stage seats (because I am a nightmare for FOMO with these sorts of things). Slightly dreading it - the people sat on stage are VERY visibly lit, and getting to and from the seats looked like a military operation. Also noticed they were making those sat on stage put their phones in those locked pouches.
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Post by jamb0r on Mar 14, 2023 14:39:40 GMT
I got lucky with my queue number and was through the queue within a couple of minutes but the website was instantly broken. Wouldn't let me pay, and then after trying for a while eventually my account got flagged for 'suspicious activity' I guess because I was just repeatedly trying to book over and over again. I messaged the old vic on facebook with a screenshot of the error, they then passed my details to the box office team who secured a couple of seats for me (premium central seats for the first performance) and then they called me and allowed me to pay over the phone. VERY happy with the service from the old vic box office team!
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Post by jamb0r on Mar 11, 2023 22:56:30 GMT
Phaedra a couple of weeks ago I had row R stalls
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Post by jamb0r on Mar 11, 2023 13:51:12 GMT
I’ve managed to get Friday rush tickets for pretty much every production over the past year only failing a couple of times (the most recent being last Friday, seems like everyone is desperate to see Sky’s Edge before it closes).
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