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Post by Jonnyboy on Sept 18, 2021 12:12:26 GMT
We were ASKED politely to wear a mask. 99% stuck two fingers up at the request. Isnt that the problem though? Politely asking demonstrates no sense of urgency or importance at all. I saw that sign tucked away on the stairs, it was a fairly small sign and despite visiting both bars in the venue it was the only one I saw. There were no announcements about mask wearing that I heard. Theatres understandably want patrons to feel relaxed and to get buying those drinks and ice creams and snacks. They don’t want to be putting the mockers on what is quite possibly people’s first night out at the theatre in 18 months by casting fear over everyone. I get it. Whether some of us here don’t agree with it or not isnt the point. It IS the way it is and unless we see another uncontrolled surge in cases then the genie is out of the bottle and staying out. I don't really know how a mask during a performance impacts on a person's night out. If they can't think or look beyond a face covering, then imagination is seriously lacking. I saw multiple signs and each announcement - fifteen minutes call, three minutes etc... - mentioned face coverings. The advance email explained the importance of face coverings. I feel the Lowry did what they could as far as asking each person to wear a mask. It's clear the public don't want them, though. Hell, no-one WANTS them, but... if they help an ounce... Anyway, it's an impossible job getting people to wear them in healthcare settings so the theatre is a lost cause. Let's hope everything stays open throughout the winter.
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Post by Jonnyboy on Sept 13, 2021 22:27:20 GMT
At a very full Lowry for ETAJ on Saturday night I saw 2 or 3 people in masks, tops. Saw one sign saying wearing masks was “highly recommended”. I was there Sunday matinee and it was the same. Packed and a handful of masks including myself. So virtually everyone had ignored the email sent beforehand and the signs up around the theatre. Do we want theatre fo continue? Or do we want more and more restrictions back? I loved being back at live theatre again. Did a mask spoil it? Did it hell. People have no discipline. People are selfish. And they’ll all be moaning again when restrictions are back in the winter. We were ASKED politely to wear a mask. 99% stuck two fingers up at the request. Kind of done with people now. I feel virtually no one is on my wavelength. As if I’m the odd one out wanting to do the right thing, what is asked of me. I think whatever horrors the human race has to face in the future, sadly it’s largely deserved.
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Post by Jonnyboy on Aug 28, 2021 23:22:23 GMT
I wear a mask eight hours a day every day for my job in healthcare. You get used to it.
If you think wearing a mask for a couple of hours at the theatre is problematic or a restriction in the grand scheme of things, you’re pathetic.
NHS premises are still stressing face masks are necessary but the number of people coming in without one and asking for service and advice from staff masked up for hours on end is astonishing.
It boils down to one plain fact. Too many people don’t give a flying **** about their fellow human beings. Look at what’s happening in Afghanistan right now. And you think being asked to wear a mask is a problem? Do us all a favour and grow up.
The attitude of some stinks. So if there’s an active shooter, it’s suddenly the victims’ responsibility to avoid bullets? Whether they survive or not is down to them and not the person firing the gun?
I’ve not yet heard an argument that doesn’t mask (ho-ho) the lazy selfishness beneath.
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Post by Jonnyboy on Aug 10, 2021 21:29:04 GMT
Can we just all agree that hanging about outside a stage door is totally not a good idea right now (if it ever was). And can we also take this opportunity to knock it on the head FOREVER? If you want to interact with your idol, tweet them. Can’t get a quick programme autograph or pic on Twitter! Agree not a good idea right now, of course.
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Post by Jonnyboy on Jul 28, 2021 22:06:19 GMT
What’s the betting the prices will be higher second time around?
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Post by Jonnyboy on Apr 7, 2021 4:30:46 GMT
Jeez reading this thread - like encountering people in real life - I never fail to be astonished at the want to live normally at the expense of others’ lives.
I want to get back to normal too but if my precautions, ie mask wearing, have an impact on others’ health I will take those precautions no matter how much I dislike them.
Sometimes doing the right thing isn’t about normality or freedom. It’s about doing the right thing.
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Post by Jonnyboy on Dec 2, 2020 8:12:08 GMT
What about those of us wishing to live our lives and contribute to society in a valuable way but without unnecessary increased risk? I work in healthcare. I have a lung condition. I have a bloody right to not have to shield because people are doing what the hell they want. Enough with the conspiracy theories. Let’s get to a safer place with the vaccine. This isn’t a mind game. It’s science. The rest of us have got a right to live our lives. We've spent the best part of a year sacrificing pretty much everything. Like it or not, maybe it is time for those who need to shield to actually shield, and for those who don't to carry on with life. In your own words, "I have a bloody right not to shield" just because you have a lung condition. Perhaps that is your own health issue to manage - why should everybody else face restricted movements just to accommodate the few with issues? That's ridiculous and a "race to the bottom". Harsh though it sounds, we need to get the hell back on with living and stop pandering to the minority who can (and should) shield. Well I won’t shield because I have a responsibility to all my patients. Perhaps I should just be a human sacrifice so everyone else can enjoy themselves. The point is that every person has the right to live their lives and no matter what proportions we’re considering, we all should be looking after our fellow man. I just can’t comprehend someone wanting to carry on, knowing that it’s likely a few more will die because of that. Shocking.
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Post by Jonnyboy on Dec 1, 2020 23:39:58 GMT
Yes selfish. With a capital S. It isn't about their lives, it's about the lives of everybody they could infect on the way down. We're a few months from a vaccine and people choose now to gather in winter? Its time for role reversal. Those willing to live their lives with increased risk, crack on with it. Those who are unwilling, live your lives in lockdown. This social experiment is nonsense and must stop. Time people stood up against this anti-arts philistine government and stick two fingers up to unenforceable rules. What about those of us wishing to live our lives and contribute to society in a valuable way but without unnecessary increased risk? I work in healthcare. I have a lung condition. I have a bloody right to not have to shield because people are doing what the hell they want. Enough with the conspiracy theories. Let’s get to a safer place with the vaccine. This isn’t a mind game. It’s science.
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Post by Jonnyboy on Apr 29, 2020 6:59:13 GMT
I’ve had an arena gig rescheduled for October. Seriously, how can they have Manchester Arena packed out by then?
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Post by Jonnyboy on Mar 15, 2020 1:09:45 GMT
When Sheridan Smith cancelled her tour I lost around £20 in fees from See. I queried it and explained I was happy for them to take a small fee for posting and sorting the tickets but £20 was ridiculous. Unfortunately it’s their policy. You lose all the fees if an event is cancelled. I can stomach a couple of quid but these fees are BIG in some cases.
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Post by Jonnyboy on Mar 12, 2020 15:09:05 GMT
To do what? Seems like making it into a different show to me. Eh? They haven’t broadcast a single episode with him yet... How can anyone possibly pass judgment?
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Post by Jonnyboy on Mar 11, 2020 20:49:57 GMT
Give him chance!
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Post by Jonnyboy on Feb 27, 2020 16:06:30 GMT
There’s no obligation to offer discounted seats, though, right?
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Post by Jonnyboy on Feb 21, 2020 10:34:42 GMT
Ooooooooo I love a good marmite show! Or you hate a good marmite show!
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Post by Jonnyboy on Feb 11, 2020 22:21:07 GMT
Ooooh when is Pride I might try and catch it that weekend? Pride is the bank holiday weekend so end of August.
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Post by Jonnyboy on Feb 9, 2020 15:13:14 GMT
There needs to be something humorous first.
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Post by Jonnyboy on Feb 8, 2020 21:20:38 GMT
Oh come on, it’s more complex than about getting laid. Okay it has its flaws when it comes to mental illness but to reduce it to sex with a girl is just stupid.
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Post by Jonnyboy on Jan 31, 2020 11:06:47 GMT
There’s a Spotify playlist for the music in this. I love it!
And I don’t ever dance round the kitchen imagining I’m Katherine Parkinson...
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Post by Jonnyboy on Jan 31, 2020 10:24:13 GMT
Not got a ticket but I love God Control, and that along with the rest of the first act is a pretty big omission!
And yes I’m *still* peeved she missed a chunk at the end of a Manchester concert.
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Post by Jonnyboy on Jan 13, 2020 20:08:08 GMT
Florence Pugh should be up for a best actress award for Midsommar too.
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Post by Jonnyboy on Jan 4, 2020 23:40:07 GMT
I adore Sondheim but for me this has always felt one of his weaker shows.
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Post by Jonnyboy on Jan 2, 2020 2:44:35 GMT
Just watched this in one go after intending to just start the first episode. Utterly chilling stuff and one of the most gripping things I’ve seen in a while. It’s hugely disturbing and upsetting though.
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Post by Jonnyboy on Dec 27, 2019 19:50:12 GMT
Saw this last Saturday from Row T (conventional stalls). I think it proves that WHERE YOU SIT influences your enjoyment of this sort of show.
Look, it’s a wonderful production. Patterson Joseph is superb as Scrooge. The music is sublime.
But from my seat in Row T? Something was missing. I didn’t FEEL it this time.
The reasons?
Too distant from the action. The stage stalls are the seats to choose for this production.
No interaction with the feast.
No snow. I can’t tell you how dismayed I was to see the snow JUST miss our row. Yes, it’s something akin to childlike wonder, but the snow blizzard is a vital part to this show. To watch others experience it but not yourself does not cut it.
It’s a great show, but choose your seats wisely.
Incidentally, I noticed a sign in the downstairs bar displaying the mince pie ingredients. Which is great. But why not around the stalls and foyer? They may contain nuts, and so my instinct to avoid them each year was indeed right.
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Post by Jonnyboy on Dec 27, 2019 19:43:35 GMT
Well, I saw this last Saturday matinee. I went in a tad wary given that a) it wasn’t the star lead, and b) some on here have found Evan’s apparent ‘getting away with it’ problematic.
I was blown away.
Marcus is sensational in the title role. He profoundly moved with me, and I totally bought what happened and why it happened. He is one messed up kid and I don’t think it’s an excuse for how he behaves but it’s at least a valid explanation. Even after all he did, I still felt deeply for him, and I feel this is largely down to Marcus’s superbly moving portrayal. And he hit those high notes and then some!
The whole cast are excellent, the set and lighting simple but right.
Yes, the ending is perhaps a little too neat. Would it be more effective if the community uniformly shuns him? I think so. But never mind, because by the end I felt I’d lived his journey and Evan has been changed by what he’s been through. That matters.
I’d like to see this again very much. And am intrigued to see Sam’s portrayal. But you know what? I’m half inclined to go for Marcus again. This guy is a star.
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Post by Jonnyboy on Dec 19, 2019 22:03:39 GMT
Good topic!
Will have to look back through my cinema tickets but number one is easily Midsommar.
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Post by Jonnyboy on Dec 16, 2019 22:01:41 GMT
Dangerous territory here. I’m reminded of the debate that stipulates only gay actors should play gay roles. Ridiculous suggestion. So no one gay can play a straight role by the same token?
The actor’s own gender and sexuality has NOTHING to do with the role they are playing.
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Post by Jonnyboy on Dec 14, 2019 0:52:15 GMT
I always enjoy Nick Abbott’s A to Z of the year which will be upon us soon!
Enjoying Tom Swarbrick lately.
Steve Allen I find entertaining when I can’t sleep but I reported him recently (to deaf ears) when his bitchiness tipped over into casual homophobia and transphobia. The irony of using ‘camp’ in a negative way when he comes across as not a million miles from camp himself...
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Post by Jonnyboy on Dec 10, 2019 21:19:40 GMT
It’s on Royal Variety now and what the holy hell is going on. It’s the least funny thing I’ve ever seen.
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Post by Jonnyboy on Dec 5, 2019 22:26:00 GMT
I see Ade Edmondson appears to have thrown some shade & Juliet's way while talking to WhatsOnStage about The Boy Friend. Referring to the show at the Menier, he said: Nastiness. It’s a different *type* of musical, that’s all, silly Ade.
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Post by Jonnyboy on Dec 5, 2019 22:24:30 GMT
The critics’ reviews I’ve seen so far from today are average. Is it not being received as ecstatically this time around or was it more the audience reaction trumping critics’ reviews in previous years?
I’m looking forward to seeing it again this year, introducing my sister to it.
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