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Post by notmymuse on Nov 6, 2023 0:25:37 GMT
So, I've decided today to give up going to London to go to the theatre. That's for a few reasons, but in part due to the stress of getting trains back due to running times. I've missed trains, had to run and had to leave early in the past and I haven't cut the train bookings that fine in the first place.
Recently the 3 London things I've seen have run over by 20 minutes, 15 minutes and 30 minutes. I say "run over" but I mean ran over the time on the website.
For example, Sunset's website still, weeks after opening, says the running time is 2 hours. That's just not correct at all. Why bother providing information if it's wrong?
So, why are so many shows running over? I can't recall any on time for ages. Are producers understating length not to put people off? Are they running later as theatres won't throw people out of bars to start each act on time? Surely the actors and other staff would start to moan? Why are so many websites totally wrong? I haven't had a single show stop in all of this, the shows have seemed to run fine.
Finally, if anyone reading this is in charge of a website please make sure it's accurate!
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Post by notmymuse on Nov 6, 2023 0:16:38 GMT
I'm very late to this party/thread, but in addition to the Coffin Works, the Pen Museum is surprisingly fascinating for a Brum off-beat museum. The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter is perhaps the best, but it's been shut for ages as the Council takes ages to repair the building. English Heritage have a similar museum nearby that's open some weekends. They are both old jewellery factories frozen in time so well worth a visit.
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Post by notmymuse on Oct 27, 2023 10:23:30 GMT
Am I alone in thinking this production is overwrought, over-indulgent and frequently incomprehensible to anyone unfamiliar to the original narrative. And as for that tour round the Strand at beginning of Act 2 - all very clever but WHY?? I felt similar, but I generally miss the point of anything even remotely arty, so assumed everyone else must understand why it's done. I was also mainly consumed by wondering if the vocal was live and being worried that a random member of the public would jump in front of the camera so found it a bit distracting. I felt it was innovative but actually distracted me/the audience from the plot/the point of the song, but the audience loved it.
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Post by notmymuse on Oct 16, 2023 22:18:24 GMT
Twerking, can confirm, if briefly. I haven't seen this with Nicole, it was my first time tonight, so I'll look forward to some comparison. It does sound like Rachel gives a less physical performance perhaps?
I won't go on much as there's been loads of commentary on the production in general. But in terms of Rachel, I'm 90% sure she fluffed the lyrics in With One Look and got a line of spoken dialogue mixed a short while later - which I'm sure most people didn't catch as she covered well, but it made me a little anxious in most scenes for the rest of the night as I really like her and wanted her to do well! It seemed to be catching as Betty called Dark Windows Blind Windows very soon after (which I'm sure was the name previously, at least in a couple of productions I've seen).
Obviously she sang the heck out of all her songs. For the staging of sunset boulevard at the start of act 2 in the dressing room of Max he was looking at a picture of Rachel in Wicked which was glued to his mirror. Lots of Rachel fans in tonight, and it was sold out.
4 stars from me. I've seen a few productions and this certainly is a new and interesting take but I think I enjoyed the actor musician one a few years ago more overall.
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Post by notmymuse on Oct 11, 2023 11:25:13 GMT
Just thought I'd jot down a quick review as no one else has from the new tour yet. At fairly high ticket prices for Coventry, this was sold out on a Tuesday night which is very good going and nice to see for a tour.
I saw the original production in London and I have to say, this cast stands up against it very well indeed. Lesley Joseph wasn't on, but I wouldn't have known the cover wasn't cast in the role. Landi Oshinowo is playing Deloris and was absolutely wonderful and sang really well. The staging is fairly minimal but works. Lizzie Bea almost stole the night with her big number and was really convincing in general.
It's nice to see a tour cast giving their all and the whole thing not seeming a bit tired, and I'd forgotten just what a joyful piece of theatre this is. There have been a few changes since London, which I'm sure have been discussed on this thread before so I won't dwell on them, but the new/changed song and changed lyrics worked well. Although you do kind of wish every song was given to Deloris and/or the nuns - and they clearly had to to work hard with the staging of the songs for the men to help them compete.
So if this is coming near you, I'd really recommend checking it out. A really good nice in the theatre.
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Post by notmymuse on Sept 30, 2023 22:32:06 GMT
That's really helpful, thanks
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Post by notmymuse on Sept 30, 2023 18:00:34 GMT
I've booked to see the November Cardigan Hall concert and just wondering if anyone has any idea how long it's likely to be? I'm trying to book trains home
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Post by notmymuse on Sept 29, 2023 12:55:21 GMT
Briefly. He kind of says all nightclubs are owned by the mafia so obviously he knows them. That's how they deal with most controversial things from his life, there's a line or two explaining it away/justifying it for those who may have heard about it but no exploration/admitting there were dark or controversial sides to him, which there certainly seem to have been.
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Post by notmymuse on Sept 29, 2023 8:52:33 GMT
I think the problem is they don't tell you much about anything that makes him look bad or controversial - which would make it far more interesting. I think the problem is it's co-produced (and licensed) by Frank Sinatra Enterprises (which includes his daughter), and all the interesting stuff (which, as wikipedia showed me since watching it there was plenty of) isn't there.
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Post by notmymuse on Sept 27, 2023 11:37:03 GMT
Hmmm. I think that sums up my reaction to this. Matt sang amazingly, but sadly we mainly got snippets of songs again and again and it wasn't really until the end of act 1 that he got a big number, which he smashed, obviously.
The main problem here is that it's all just a bit dull. Not a lot happens. I don't think it's a spoiler to say that man works his way up singing career, has lots of affairs, and is successful with some bumps in the road.
I think the problem may well be the fact it's got the blessing of his family, so it's very sanitised. There are even odd bits shoe-horned in where we get told nice things about him, e.g. that he gave loads of money away, and a really weird bit of dialogue using terms you wouldn't have heard back then about racial oppression where we are told, very quickly but very clearly, just how much an ahead-of-his-time Liberal good guy our Frank was. There are also slightly awkward attempts to show the women as emancipated and powerful when they really just revolve around Frank sleeping with them and don't serve much other function.
But in general, I didn't care about Frank, I was oddly unmoved and a bit bored really. I can't see this transferring - it's just not exciting or spectacular enough. The staging is pretty functional overall. The pluses are the band, who sound great, and Matt (although all the cast are fine, it's not their fault they aren't given much emotional depth to work with).
To rescue this I'd ditch the "snippets of songs" approach and give Matt some more big numbers to dazzle with. It needs more grit and more juicy incidences, and less Frank being self-pitious and being told how he needs to shape up for about 45 minutes. I don't think that'll happen in an authorised biopic though. I can't see some more previews solving the clear problems here.
But I've never worked in theatre and am generally wrong about all my predictions (apart from my prediction Lord of the Rings would resurface as actor-musician one day, which was a clear win) so who knows.
The person I went with agreed with my view, but many sitting around me were impressed. But we don't get many world premieres of musicals in Brum and my experience of regional theatre audiences is they are more forgiving than West End critics are. 3 stars, but not far off a 2.
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Post by notmymuse on Sept 25, 2023 14:58:28 GMT
I'm there tomorrow. I wasn't going to, but Matt Doyle... Looking forward to it.
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Post by notmymuse on Sept 14, 2023 20:57:09 GMT
Also
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Post by notmymuse on Sept 14, 2023 20:51:58 GMT
I'm trying to remember what the musical was that ran a year or 2 ago at this theatre and delayed press night again and again and then shut pretty quickly. I'm sure it was a biopic. I'm a bit worried this may not limp to opening night. I would have seen it but the English translations of their lyrics just sound too awkward for me to face. Hoping for all involved it at least competes the run.
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Post by notmymuse on Sept 3, 2023 22:27:31 GMT
The programme has just 2 roles with listed standbys, so I'm guessing maybe some planned absences for those 2 roles?
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Post by notmymuse on Sept 3, 2023 20:59:46 GMT
Thanks for all the advice on this one ceebee. I went to the matinee today and it was blessed with the kind of weather they likely had in mind when designing the outside bits (which worked pretty well I thought overall). I saw the original 4 times at Drury Lane and have listened to the OCR many, many times so it was really interesting to see what they've done with it. I'm almost sure I said years ago (maybe on the old forum, or I may have dreamed it) that they should do an actor-musican version of this. Overall, it works really well and a solid 4 stars from me. It passes pretty quickly for the most part despite the long running time. It allows the score to shine, which I'm really glad about as it seemed a bit forgotten in the Drury Lane version, and it's very different. I was impressed by the standard of acting/singing/playing - we had an understudy on for Galadriel, but I wouldn't have guessed it. Particularly lovely singing from the actor who played Arwen, which I'm really glad about as that was the role that introduced me in the original to Rosalie Craig, who must have one of the West End's loveliest voices. It was interesting to see which bits worked and which less so compared with the original. Generally, things worked and worked really well. The start is less clunky and gets you into the world of LOTR far better. I didn't immediately take to Gandalf, but playing him less RSC Shakespeare-style worked very well indeed I thought. He could be a bit jarring in the original. The Shelob was as good, if not better, than the West End version (helped by great lighting design - the puppets in general were great and manipulated really well), but I was less impressed by the Balrog and the river rising which didn't really conjure up for me what they were supposed to and would have left me a bit confused had I not known what was going to happen. I'm not sure about the Mount Doom bit either and some of the people around me had to ask their friend what happened. Gollum is as good, if not better, than the original and some interesting acting choices for him changed the character a bit. The battles worked, but the epic scale of Drury Lane probably made them work a bit better there. Song for Moria, which I always thought was a bit dull and could be cut in the original, takes on a far greater meaning here and worked way better, and the themes of different races coming together etc. and their old emnities came out stronger. Overall the whole piece now feels more like an ensemble piece and less about Sam/Frodo which the original seemed more focussed on. Lewis Maskell has such a lovely voice and it's only today I realised how little Frodo gets to sing. In the original Sauron always seemed quite near and scary and ever-watchful, but less so here. Maybe a clearer "eye" projection would help. I had a good seat but the layout of the seats/theatre didn't do the design many favours - maybe the stage needs to be a bit higher as heads covered much of the detail down low, comparing what I saw to the brochure which looked really nice and evocative. The singing was often thrilling, just like the original, and I loved the arrangements - they worked really well. I doubt a new cast recording will appear, but I'd love to hear one. Lothloroien seemed a bit underwhelming, maybe just because the orignal was pretty spectacular, but it still works. On the other hand, Rivendell (and Arwen playing the harp) worked better for me. There are some minor changes to some lyrics and I think parts of the script, but nothing huge. Overall, it's a stunning achievement and such a bold choice for a theatre that can only sit about 220 people and for a long run. Reconceiving it for such a small space, making it actor-musician and re-orchestrating, and keeping the sense of wonder is really something remarkable. I'm so glad this piece has been revived and hasn't been lost to time as I was scared years ago it would. Hopefully this will see life again after the run here.
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Post by notmymuse on Sept 1, 2023 7:00:54 GMT
I'm going soon and have a quick question, does the show start at the start time or does the cast start milling about with the punters at the start time? If so, when's the actual kick off?
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Post by notmymuse on Aug 30, 2023 12:33:43 GMT
I don't think there are many left! Bath, Birmingham Rep, Nottingham? They all seem a little too small though.
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Post by notmymuse on Aug 1, 2023 21:17:43 GMT
Thanks so much for the info ceebee . I had a quick look at tickets and that made my mind up - even before reviews are out, the day I looked at going in September, there were all of 4 tickets left across 2 shows, all singles. So if anyone wants to go, looks like you need to buy now or miss out.
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Post by notmymuse on Jul 29, 2023 20:27:21 GMT
I especially want to know about the start/end but outside. I think I'll end up going alone to this one and if I have to sit with random strangers/stand alone awkwardly while actors occasionally try and talk to me, it'll all be a bit too much so I'd probably stay away...
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Post by notmymuse on Jul 28, 2023 15:38:28 GMT
Didn’t Emma Williams do this originally? Thought she was terrific She did. I remember a really interesting interview with her some time after where she spoke about what it was like to play to very small houses (I think they had about 60 in some nights) in a big theatre, and how it was harder still when she really loved the show. Someone needs to give her a major part in something again soon. Or maybe someone could write a new song for the Sound of Music if/when it transfers and give that to her...
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Post by notmymuse on Jul 22, 2023 18:19:09 GMT
Well, that was rather nice. I loved this at Drury Lane and have listened to the soundtrack to death. I predict critics will either say that the stripped back production either shows how lacking the book/music was originally now all the effects are gone, or they'll say stripping it back allows the book/music to shine. Hopefully the latter. Am considering making the journey but it's quite a trip...
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Post by notmymuse on Jun 10, 2023 16:56:04 GMT
I know I should ignore it but Arifa Akbar’s review makes me so irritated. Ever since I saw that empty soulless cash cow that is Frozen which she had given 5 stars I’ve known her taste and mine were not well matched, but still! To say of Tim Minchin’s extraordinary score (which for my money is probably the best of any 21st century musical so far, managing to be both sophisticated and populist) “fine if relentless… none of the tunes memorable… slightly better songs in the second half” beggars belief. I loved this all over again, and it’s absolutely (to me) still a 5 star show. It will never quite have the same impact as the first viewing (so lucky, lucky you if you’re coming to this fresh) and I think Andy Karl’s voice is sounding slightly less indestructible than 8 years ago, but it’s still non-stop brilliance and to me Tanisha Spring is stronger casting than last time. A solid gold hit. I feel like this is slightly unfair considering you cut out the part where she praises Minchin's lyrics. I love the show but I definitely think he's a stronger lyricist than composer and I wouldn't begrudge anyone for thinking the music is a little generic. Maybe she was a little too harsh in her wording but I was expecting a scathing review from your quote and it's a positive one. I saw this for the first time today and I went expecting and hoping to love it and I just... didn't. I'd totally agree with the reviewer about the music. I almost always listen to musicals on repeat after I see them and with this one I just don't fancy it. I'm so pleased so many people have loved this, but for some reason it just didn't connect to me. I'd likely give it 3 or 3.5, I realise this will be an unpopular opinion but I was a little bored and (putting the nails in my coffin here), like the reviewer, preferred Frozen. I guess that's the beauty of theatre and the arts in general, different people appreciate different things and each unique piece draws a unique reaction from each person.
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Post by notmymuse on May 13, 2023 8:27:50 GMT
What are the ticket prices like for this?
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Post by notmymuse on Apr 23, 2023 16:14:26 GMT
And also:
Trinity Laban has Amour (19-20 May), Our House (26-27 May) and Loserville (20-24 June), all at The Albany I think.
RAM are doing Jane Eyre 15-18 June
25 April - 3 May LSMT are doing SOMA (a new musical)
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Post by notmymuse on Apr 23, 2023 15:59:39 GMT
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Post by notmymuse on Apr 21, 2023 14:05:18 GMT
It'll most likely be the cast recording or the filmed release of the concert. It hasn't been selling well enough for it to transfer or tour. Cast recording it is.
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Post by notmymuse on Mar 2, 2023 18:39:13 GMT
Well, that wasn't news I ever expected to read. Oddly, I had wondered years ago if this would resurface in a purposefully small scale production one day, perhaps actor musician. Given how much spectacle was part of the original production, it'll be really interesting to see how this comes off. Quite the gamble for the Watermill given how the original production did - all my friends who like musicals basically dislike LOTR and vice versa so good luck to the Watermill but I'm a bit scared for them... If this tanks financially that could be disaster.
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Post by notmymuse on Feb 19, 2023 22:51:17 GMT
Can anybody advise where is best to sit for this? I’m seeing different versions of the seating plan and I’m slightly confused. Is the production along the lines of ‘in the round’? Thanks for any help. It's traverse seating, so two banks of tiered seating rising up with the stage between them at the bottom. There's a very small balcony too, either side of the stage, but only about 4 seats on each side with a terrible view so avoid them.
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Post by notmymuse on Feb 18, 2023 18:19:23 GMT
I really enjoyed this today. It's been a while since I saw a proper musical and I forgot how lovely good singing can be. I thought Aynrand Ferrer especially just sang beautifully and will definitely keep an eye out for her.
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Post by notmymuse on Feb 7, 2023 22:26:34 GMT
Saw this tonight in Coventry, can't really add much to the praise from others, this was just great. Well done to all involved, a great piece of theatre and lovely to see such high standards on tour.
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