449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 22, 2018 22:03:09 GMT
English speaking? Bette Midler English? Ralph Fiennes Fiennes is a good shout. If we had a list of underrated actors going (someone should do that!) I’d go with Tom Goodman-Hill. He’s great in a Jonathan Creek - which I love, but was hilarious in the original London cast of Spamalot and fabulous in Enron (alongside Sam West actually!) - oh and he was brilliant in Darker Shores - again a while back.
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 22, 2018 17:31:03 GMT
Not a the “greatest living actor” but I’ve never seen Sam West give a bad turn.
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 22, 2018 17:26:53 GMT
Hell, Kevin Spacey wasn't even the best actor I saw playing Richard III *that weekend*, Richard Clothier smashed it into the GROUND. (Yes I saw two Richard IIIs in one weekend, and?) Fair enough!
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 22, 2018 17:26:20 GMT
Well, I’ve never found him hammy, personally. I’m happy to discuss the merits of his performances, but I don’t think speculating and discussing media reports about alleged crimes is really helpful until he has actually been charged with a crime. The whole concept of trial by media just makes me uneasy, regardless of my personal opinions about the cases involved (or rather, what I know of them). I'm not really talking about his alleged crimes. The fact is that when the Anthony Rapp allegations came out (and let's not forget that Anthony Rapp alleges he was 14 at the time), what did Spacey do? He tries to create a smokescreen by releasing a statement announcing he's gay, thereby reinforcing many bigoted people's views that homosexuality = paedophilia, something we face every day. For that reason alone, that man is going to Hell and I'd be happy to drive him to the gates. And I don't care how harsh that sounds. Well his homosexuality has been common knowledge in the industry - and to anyone with a working gaydar - for decades... I agree that was an extremely poor decision. I could argue about this a lot more, but I don’t want to go into definitions of paedophilia/age of consent stuff on a theatre board! The laws set our moral guidelines, they decide what is right or wrong in any given generation - not the actions/thoughts of the common people. Look at British history for proof of that. I think the whole of society works on rules, checks and balances. It used to be the rules, based on checks and balances - and the “people’s will” that homosexuality was illegal. I just think when making moral judgements we should all be careful about what standard we’re judging it to. An honest, law abiding 80 year old who lived heir whole lives without breaking a law might hold views which in 2018 are horribly dated to a millennial’s eyes. It’s all a thorny issue is what I’m saying 😂 we all have to believe in something and I believe in the “system” more than Twitter, the National Inquirer or Wikipedia
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 22, 2018 17:12:13 GMT
I’m sure they do!!! Just while we’re on Dame Judy, a colleague recently told me how he’d worked with her a long while back in the West End. He was depping a friend on a show for a few nights and La Dench came to the wing ready for her cue and said excitedly; “oooh, you’re new!”. She proceeded to introduce herself(!) and ask all about my colleague and his life, family etc. She interrupted and said “excuse me, that’s my cue, remember where we got to!”, went and did her scene, then came back and carried straight on where she left off with the chat. Absolute dignity and respect for everyone. I’ve only met her briefly once at a charity function and she was the picture of class and politeness. She's a class act. I've heard similar stories about her chatting to a member of the crew, hearing her cue, hitting her mark, exiting stage and continuing the conversation as though there hadn't been a break. I'd also heard a story that she had heard from a member of the crew that their mother was unwell and in hospital and that she was a fan of DJD. Without telling the crew member, she popped in to the hospital to visit his mother and check she was OK and even took her some flowers. She stayed for about half an hour and when she next saw the crew member, he thanked her and told her how thrilled his mother was but she just told him that she was passing by the hospital one day and thought of his mother so popped in as she had a spare half hour. What a Dame! Absolute class - thank you for that memory. It doesn’t surprise me. Theatre can be a small world, and personalities can clash - but it’s so heartwarming that I’ve earnestly never heard a bad word spoken about Dame Judi by anybody. Class to match the talent. Brilliant stuff
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 22, 2018 16:59:15 GMT
The “English” bit got me. My go to answer is Spacey, who is of course American. So mine would have to be Derek Jacobi. Absolutely phenomenal actor in the flesh. Jacobi it is then. Plus he's got the most lovely twinkly eyes. Spacey doesn't deserve to be remembered as anything but a disgusting, vile piece of sh*t but perhaps there's a forum in Hell that might consider his hammy talents worthy. Well, I’ve never found him hammy, personally. I’m happy to discuss the merits of his performances, but I don’t think speculating and discussing media reports about alleged crimes is really helpful until he has actually been charged with a crime. The whole concept of trial by media just makes me uneasy, regardless of my personal opinions about the cases involved (or rather, what I know of them).
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 22, 2018 16:55:56 GMT
I loved Allam in La Cage Aux Folles! Thought he was incredible. Only thing I’ve seen him in live to be fair. Couldn’t sing well but the definition of acting through song. Amazing. I saw his Benedick with Susan Fleetwoods’ Beatrice in Stratford and he reduced the audience to hysterics with an amazing cigar puff. Mind you I’m sure Judy and Deborah know how handle a cheroot. I’m sure they do!!! Just while we’re on Dame Judi, a colleague recently told me how he’d worked with her a long while back in the West End. He was depping a friend on a show for a few nights and La Dench came to the wing ready for her cue and said excitedly; “oooh, you’re new!”. She proceeded to introduce herself(!) and ask all about my colleague and his life, family etc. She interrupted and said “excuse me, that’s my cue, remember where we got to!”, went and did her scene, then came back and carried straight on where she left off with the chat. Absolute dignity and respect for everyone. I’ve only met her briefly once at a charity function and she was the picture of class and politeness.
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 22, 2018 16:46:22 GMT
I’d make it a fight between Judi Dench , Deborah Findlay and Roger Allam. Whomsoever can give the best Lady Bracknell shall take the crown. I loved Allam in La Cage Aux Folles! Thought he was incredible. Only thing I’ve seen him in live to be fair. Couldn’t sing well but the definition of acting through song. Amazing.
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 22, 2018 16:45:10 GMT
If the ensemble is world class, like 42nd Street good, then I should enjoy this tonight. Don't hold your breath! The very reason I spent £25 from TKTS for a seat in the Grand Circle. I’ll give it a go with an open mind. I know it CAN be good... I hoped maybe closing and redirecting, recasting and a clean slate with a high bar might make this better than my previous visits. And yes, I do actually love the show. I just have only seen it done well once, the tour.
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 22, 2018 16:41:47 GMT
I can see the argument for listing Spacey as a great actor, but he's significantly better at screen than stage so even if this weren't nationality-based, I wouldn't even shortlist him for this debate. Also, it's extremely important to remember that he is a terrible human being and the Old Vic board still haven't resigned. Jacobi's pretty awesome, though I can't quite get past the fact he doesn't believe in Shakespeare, even though Jacobi's own father was a tobacconist (surely on a par with Shakespeare's own father's trade of glove-maker) and the anti-Stratfordian arguments are based on conspiracy, snobbery, and classism rather than anything legitimate. In answer to @ryan's earlier post in a different thread, I'm a BUNDLE of fun at parties. I think I’m uniquely fortunate, in that I truly am able to separate the performer from the scandal when these things happen. I’d consider Spacey’s Richard III remains the best performance in a play I’ve been lucky to see. I don’t really care too much for celebrity’s private lives outside of what I pay to see them do. If I loved Gary Glitter’s music - which I don’t, well before my time - then his being a criminal sex offender wouldn’t stop me enjoying his music. Incidentally, while I actually fully believe the allegations against him myself from the reports I’ve read - all hearsay and allegation mind you - nothing has been proven against him and I believe firmly in innocent until proven guilty. I’m not one to jump on bandwagons, to be fair. Not that I’m saying other people are, I just tend to err on the side of caution when assessing people’s character - not least people I’ve never known.
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 22, 2018 15:38:37 GMT
Several of the “children” in ensemble scenes in the original production are adult performers already though - I don’t think it’s a huge stretch. Michael isn’t a big or interesting role anyway, I was amazed Peter Howe took it - he has nothing to do but grunt!
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 22, 2018 15:29:48 GMT
The “English” bit got me. My go to answer is Spacey, who is of course American.
So mine would have to be Derek Jacobi. Absolutely phenomenal actor in the flesh.
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 22, 2018 15:24:28 GMT
The Far Pavilions - it made Hadley Fraser what he is today!
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 22, 2018 15:18:07 GMT
My issue when I’ve seen it has been that it’s all style and no substance. They seem to cast the prettiest chorus possible - with talent as an afterthought.
There’s so little to the show visually, it desperately needs extremely tight ensemble dancing and top singing from the principals - or what else is there apart from very beautiful people on a bare stage?
If the ensemble is world class, like 42nd Street good, then I should enjoy this tonight.
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 22, 2018 14:46:58 GMT
Seeing this tonight with due sense of trepidation. I’ve seen this three times previously in London and come away underwhelmed, irritated and horrified respectively. Once on tour which was superb with Tupele Dorgu.
Will report back.
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 22, 2018 9:37:07 GMT
I am being serious.
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 22, 2018 9:31:37 GMT
I understand Paul Chuckle is seeking solo opportunities?
|
|
449 posts
|
The Price
Aug 21, 2018 19:30:11 GMT
via mobile
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 21, 2018 19:30:11 GMT
Saw this at the Bolton Octagon some years ago - excellent, clever play.
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 19, 2018 12:27:37 GMT
Olivier on starring in “Inchon”;
“People ask me why I'm playing in this picture. The answer is simple. Money, dear boy.”
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 19, 2018 12:11:00 GMT
The thing I don’t understand is why Matt Lucas would have wanted to be in a old war horse of a musical like this one. I get why he wanted to do Thenardier, especially in a big anniversary year for Les Mis, but not why MAMG would have been an attractive proposition for him. Money, dear boy. Actors gotta work. It’s not like he’s batting away Hollywood movie offers every day.
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 17, 2018 12:02:47 GMT
Thanks to knowing a bod in the know...... They've always planned to not have the physical helicopter in Norwich. As others have said it is a question of the stage / wing space and physical access to get the kit in. Even in all the venues where the helicopter has been used, how it is 'blocked' - whether it comes in & out from the rear or side, depending on the stage depth and wing space - is different for each venue. I would think the helicopter will definitely be used in Bradford, as the Alhambra is used to housing the very big tours. And prob Sunderland as well, as it rebuilt and increased it's stage / flytower in recent years. So looks like Norwich will be the only venue without! *cough* ;-)
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 17, 2018 11:08:49 GMT
Yes, you do. You can got to tkts.co.uk online to get some idea of what they MAY have in stock up to 7 days ahead, though. Also, I’ve noticed they’ve gotten a lot better at updating their “current” on sale tickets throughout the day. I did a few experiments and the prices and availability largely matched what they actually have. And as tickets/price bands sold out, they were up to date.
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 17, 2018 11:07:09 GMT
I much preferred Romeo Salazar to Chuck in the role in town.. shame he didn’t get the part!
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 17, 2018 7:57:13 GMT
As Long as You’re Mains?
I’ll get me coat.
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 17, 2018 2:19:40 GMT
When they use the projection, how does the scene pan out ? Chris hangs off the helicopter whilst shouting and looking for Kim. Does he stand on the fence instead ? Or stand on a platform in front of the projection ? Sorry, I don’t remember! I haven’t actually seen this tour despite some fleeting involvement in it.
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 17, 2018 1:45:49 GMT
You’re both right. The projections used in this production CAN be used in case of lift malfunction - AND are planned to be used for smaller venues which cannot receive the lift.
It comes down simply to stage dimensions and wing space. The original tour only played a handful of the largest venues, as it was the same helicopter lift from the recently closed West End production. It was enormous and cumbersome, due to its age and technology marching on. No problem at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, but certainly no good for your average mid-sized receiving house on the road.
This severely limited the booking potential of the tour, as it could play maybe 6-7 venues (e.g Bristol, Bradford, Edinburgh, Southampton), instead of 20+ with smaller stops (e.g Woking, Norwich).
Once these large venues had a long, successful run, it meant coming back 6-9 months later and trying to do another 2 months of business. There are only so many people willing to see it in any region. If a show comes every year on the dot, business can often suffer because audiences get saturated.
So Cameron designed the second, much cheaper tour, designed with much easier to transport sets, better to load and rig in venues with smaller access and/or stage dimensions. Hence a projected helicopter sequence instead of a physical set piece made it possible to go all over the country.
This production then basically went back as the West End revival, and with a larger theatre and audience expectation of a physical effect, was readded. Laurence Connor’s second tour basically WAS the West End revival.
This third touring production is basically the same as the second, with sets brought in from the near-replica Korean production. The difference this time is, thanks to a smaller, more economical lift and set piece, it can tour on an Arctic or two in its own right (out of the 16(!!) which tour this show) and can be used at most of the venues. It is broken down into four pieces and loaded in and rigged that way, like a Chitty can on the road. If it won’t fit, they can reuse the cheaper projection effect from last time around. Finally, a lot of the time it isn’t the size of the stage, it’s physical access getting a team in to load and rig the pieces from the loading dock to the stage.
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 16, 2018 22:22:40 GMT
Les Mis on the other hand... dress circle standing is normally all I can get on the day, even on a Monday night off-peak and there are no discounts/offers around at all for advance booking. It’s been like this for about 3 years. Used to stroll to TKTS even on a Saturday night and get a 50% discounted seat easily.
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 16, 2018 22:19:26 GMT
To add to the monkey’s comments, for the last few years Phantom has been at TKTS less. But it is still there most nights Mon-Thurs at 20-40% discount. I have bought day seats on Thursday matinees (outside of peak dates, school holidays etc) minutes before curtain up. Depending on sales that day, the box office will sell best available anywhere in the theatre for £25 until sold out. I’ve had row D, F and H in stalls and good dress circle seats for this price, all last minute.
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 16, 2018 15:51:33 GMT
Or Earl Carpenter
|
|
449 posts
|
Post by SageStageMgr on Aug 14, 2018 5:56:55 GMT
London Cast Album released on 5th November on digital and streaming formats. Get it down in your diaries people!!!
|
|