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Post by d'James on Sept 15, 2023 1:07:50 GMT
The Nun II Deliciously bad plot, but the cinematography and imagery are exquisite. There are genuinely hair-raising scares, and it's great fun. Part Da Vinci Code, part Exorcist. I don’t regret having seen it but I won’t rush to watch it again. Spoiler alert: close up, The Nun’s not scary and that’s where it fails.
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Post by d'James on Sept 4, 2023 5:43:31 GMT
It does amuse me when people slag off the country they live in, if you hate it so much, why not move abroad? The grass isn’t always greener. If only it were that simple. It involves a lot of planning, time money and resources which many people don’t have. I did it, but it’s much more difficult now, especially within the EU.
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Post by d'James on Sept 2, 2023 10:53:03 GMT
The ending of the Australian version is brutal! I've never wanted to reach into the TV and hug someone as much as in that finale. Overall not as good as our series, but worth it for the finale. Absolutely savage 🤣 I disagree. I think Australia Series One was better than the UK.
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Post by d'James on Aug 31, 2023 22:21:15 GMT
I saw this tonight. The first half is better than the second - which was a bit of a mess.
I love Mel and she was funny, but I thought she’d do more improv with the audience; there didn’t seem to be any.
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Post by d'James on Jun 15, 2023 7:11:14 GMT
I just got back from seeing Carrie in Edinburgh at the Festival Theatre tonight, I really enjoyed myself…but I also have some thoughts - I’ve never actually been to the Festival theatre before and I was worried about going with a bagpack full of rubbish as I had done my own gig during the day, but I was pleasantly surprised to find all of the staff really lovely and welcoming, with no one asking to see inside my bag - just a really nice experience overall! First of all I’ve read some of the rumours of her shows being papered, but the hall seemed to be pretty full tonight…except for the particular part of the stalls that I was sat in, which was almost empty. We were sat within the first three rows on the far left and very close to the stage, so my only explanation could be is that the empty seats were listed as restricted view and not on sale? Our seats were also listed as restricted, but we actually had a great view and to be honest I enjoyed having an almost completely empty row in front of us as there were no annoying heads! Overall the hall was probably about 85% sold with all sections open (Assumption just from looking up), so I’d be pretty chuffed if I were Carrie to be honest! The line for stage door was also humongous! I’ve met Carrie several times in passing so I had no intention of joining, but I can imagine it must be exhausting to get through after a 2 hour show. I always find it funny whenever I see CHF in anything, how so many of her female fans dress exactly like her though - it’s almost as if they’re cosplaying! I hadn’t read anything about this show so was going in completely new to it, and was quite surprised by how it was set up to feel like she was playing CHF in a show, rather than just being herself. I have mixed feelings about this to be honest, as although a lot of the script was really funny and she came across well, I would definitely had preferred for her to have been a bit more natural and off the cuff. The fact that she didn’t actually acknowledge the name of the city she was in made it feel like she was just going through the same script a bit at the beginning, but she definitely opened up a bit and interacted with the audience more as the show went on. I kind of hate to say this as well because I really like Carrie, but I’ve heard her sound much stronger vocally than she did tonight to be completely honest. I’m not dragging her down because I know she’s doing a very gruelling tour, but the thing that frustrates me a bit is I often feel that it’s her vocal technique that tires her out a bit more than she should. Carrie’s default setting is always pulling her chest belt to the limits of its volume and range, which I felt made her top notes in I Say No a bit underwhelming tonight. Don’t get me wrong, she obviously has a great voice, but I really wish she would work with a coach to utilise her mix voice more rather than just full chesting it all the time! It would greatly increase her range and agility, and being so naturally talented I imagine that she could pick it up very quickly if she put in the work. (Thanks for coming to my vocal technique TED talk…). I thought the set list was pretty good with on my own being a highlight for me, although I found starting the second act with a story about she had finally found love, and then just a few minutes later dedicating a whole song to subtly putting down her ex boyfriend a bit misjudged. Oliver isn’t some kind of monster and sometimes relationships break down for all kinds of reasons, so I kind of feel for him constantly being dragged through the mud to be honest. There’s also a chance that I totally misunderstood this part as she obviously didn’t name names though, so please correct me if I’m wrong! Overall I’d say it’s a pretty good show and if I were Carrie I’d have more confidence in just being herself on stage, as the best parts were when she went off script and just went with the flow! I actually found her to be really funny and she came across as very warm and down to earth. I like it when staff ask to look in bags.
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Post by d'James on Jun 15, 2023 7:07:18 GMT
I can't imagine it'd be able to sustain an open ended run especially in Wembley. If it can sustain in Bochum, why not? It depends. There is nostalgia there, but I think they’re pushing it with the amount of time it’s been out of the public view in the UK. If it’s based on the current German score, with less dancing, I’m not sure how well it will do.
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Post by d'James on May 20, 2023 13:59:45 GMT
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Post by d'James on May 16, 2023 12:09:56 GMT
Here's a first look at Under The Sea It looks really good. The only thing I’d say is that Sebastian sounds a bit flat, not musically, but lacking oomph.
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Post by d'James on May 14, 2023 0:48:02 GMT
Watched the Spanish version. It was extremely flat:
Now UK. Mel Giedroyc forever.
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Post by d'James on May 14, 2023 0:17:32 GMT
Such a flat show.
Mel was amazing of course.
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Post by d'James on May 10, 2023 13:00:24 GMT
Interesting. Theatre is always a bit flat on-screen, but this makes me appreciate how much the London cast carried the show (no pun intended.) d’James something to do with them spreading safe sex messages after catching syphilis. OK. Interesting, thanks.
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Post by d'James on May 10, 2023 11:52:11 GMT
I liked the enthusiasm from the presenter, although, what’s a syphluencer?
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Post by d'James on May 6, 2023 5:24:33 GMT
Just catching up. Who was the In Memoriam meant to be about? It certainly didn’t seem to be about those who died…
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Post by d'James on Apr 29, 2023 16:01:18 GMT
I've probably seen a few over the years, but the first that springs to mind is Cynthia Erivo in the Sister Act tour. That was my first thought, too. I’ve also seen Hannah Waddingham. Good topic. It makes me wonder who else I’ve seen.
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Post by d'James on Apr 28, 2023 1:22:29 GMT
Another official clip from the show to help compare the 2 productions
What a bizarre clip to use! I love Carolee but I don’t think this is a good scene to film for promo. Very odd.
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Post by d'James on Apr 24, 2023 16:25:01 GMT
I might try and see it because Jennifer’s in it. However, I hope it nothing like the Peter Pan I saw a few years ago with Craig Revel Horwood as Captain Hook.
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Post by d'James on Apr 24, 2023 15:47:43 GMT
I think it would lose something not being on roller skates. Having said that, the ‘workshop’ at The Other Palace was OK, but I guess that was because we knew it was a one-off. I don’t know what you mean about ‘treading on eggshells’ though. The skating and movement looks second nature to the performers I’ve seen in Germany. I just mean that small movements - people in linking dialogue/conversation look a bit tentative and careful which makes it feel less physical - when the whole aim is how excitingly physical it is. That certainly takes off when they're being dynamic or in the races. I may be looking at old youtube videos though. I saw the original London cast and haven't seen it live since. As a variation I quite like the aesthetic when ice skaters come off the ice and wait for their marks - from gliding brilliantly, to stomping with skate guards on. It enhances the sense of latent energy that only takes off when tooled and fuelled. It's never been a favourite of mine but looking back I do rate: the title song, No Comeback, AC/DC, Wide Style Hight Style, Right Place Right Time, Female Rolling Stock Reprise; then from the first revision Engine Of Love (original 1970s version even more), Make Up My Heart, and Next Time You Fall In Love. That's a lot! There aren't many ALW musicals in recent years that have 8 or 9 such distinct songs. Now - could he get his friend Nile Rodgers to tell him what to keep and to rearrange it? All those songs and their many many versions need someone who really knows music (and particularly music of Black origin) to stop ALW jumping the wrong way. His own choosing ears are shot. I think over the years, they ironed out things like that. All characters had specific movements of their own. Having said that, I’ve heard that the newest version has cut down on the dancing which is a shame. They have done it on ice before, in America. They mimed, which would spoil it for me.
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Post by d'James on Apr 23, 2023 15:58:31 GMT
Does the show have to be on roller skates, do you think? Does all of it? Despite some thrill in the skating, if anything the skates make more gentle moments look very tentative as characters move around gingerly like they're treading on egg shells. Much more tentative and less dynamic than characters on foot. Could they 'boot up' for when heading for the races. I think it needs a variation on the concept. The folks skateboarding down at the South Bank might be an inspiration. I think it would lose something not being on roller skates. Having said that, the ‘workshop’ at The Other Palace was OK, but I guess that was because we knew it was a one-off. I don’t know what you mean about ‘treading on eggshells’ though. The skating and movement looks second nature to the performers I’ve seen in Germany.
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Post by d'James on Apr 23, 2023 0:09:02 GMT
I would pay to see the Peter Griffin version of Starlight Express. I would pay good money not to.
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Post by d'James on Apr 22, 2023 23:13:18 GMT
Didn’t they change that on the 2012 tour? They could well have. I was only reminded of it today when I was listening to bits of it. I just meant about the (Girl(‘)s) Rolling Stock (Reprise) lyrics.
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Post by d'James on Apr 22, 2023 21:35:09 GMT
I'd love it to be the original, as unlikely as that is. Bring back CB as the real villain of the show, along with 'There's Me' I think people might have something to say about 'He Whistled At Me' and dodgy lyrics like 'You gotta make it so that he can't guess, when you are saying no, but meaning yes' Didn’t they change that on the 2012 tour?
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Post by d'James on Apr 22, 2023 15:44:49 GMT
Yes, exactly, and specifically the bit in the middle of the Jellicle Ball where everything slows right down before the music kicks off again.
Anyway, back to Starlight Express, one minor moment I wish they would bring back is when everyone tells Control to "Shut it" at the end. (Does this need spoilers for a 40 year old story?) I genuinely think it's an important turning point when the rest of the characters realise that Rusty can utterly disobey Control's instructions and make up his own rules by turning up for the final race that he's been disqualified from. The message that you can and should take control of your own life and not just play the role you're being railroaded into still has a very modern resonance, I think.
I absolutely agree. Also, with some of the changes they’ve made, I really think they should change Dinah and Greaseball’s ending: Dinah: Greaseball you’re hurt! GB: No, Dinah, please don’t cry….. I don’t know how to tell it. Dinah: Come on Greaseball, you can spell it. GB: OK, Dinah, I’m S-O-R-R-Y! Dinah: Go away you bast- Control: THIS IS CONTROL! …
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Post by d'James on Apr 22, 2023 12:49:59 GMT
Sad to hear Barry Humphries has died aged 89 from complications following a hip operation. Another great comic who could hold an audience in the palm of his hand. RIP. That picture is from the greatest episode of Bake Off ever. So glad I got to see him live at The Palladium.
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Post by d'James on Apr 18, 2023 15:17:27 GMT
Appalling behaviour at the world-famous Crucible Theatre last night. Most exciting thing ever to have happened at a Snooker game.
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Post by d'James on Apr 16, 2023 4:34:29 GMT
I can’t wait for this show to close for the goss to abound.
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Post by d'James on Apr 15, 2023 22:00:41 GMT
Isn’t it fabulous that we are still getting Maggie doing her thing at 88? I’ve been waiting so long for this. Any Maggie Smith is a blessing.
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Post by d'James on Apr 11, 2023 19:58:06 GMT
The most recent tour was my favourite because A Whole Lotta Locomotion was the best version. I preferred the earlier tours’ version of Only He to I Do.
I’m not sure I want to see the new version in the UK. I can’t stand I Got Me and it’s overkill. Some changes are fine like Momma and female engines but I think they need to go further. The choreography I’ve seen online reverts to the male/female roles they’re trying to break from.
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Post by d'James on Apr 4, 2023 1:58:46 GMT
Not sure I’ll be able to make Beverley, why do people not like Alexandra?!
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Post by d'James on Apr 1, 2023 15:03:25 GMT
Maybe it’s going back there for the summer. I think there’s a gap in the Tour schedule.
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Post by d'James on Apr 1, 2023 0:37:25 GMT
Went last night and I enjoyed the show, but as I said in another thread, the toilets were a disaster area. The seats are really uncomfortable (armrests falling apart too) and badly laid out. Not enough seating inside the foyer. Amazingly lovely staff, though.
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