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Post by Snciole on Aug 11, 2019 12:37:29 GMT
The circle right side seats are awful. I was not upgraded, along with a restless row of audience members who could only see a third of the stage. I enjoyed the performances but I found the lack of story to be engaged in really frustrating along with not being able to see so I left at the interval.
It is a shame but I have written a stinking email to Kiln and tagged them on Twitter. Their front of house staff seemed terrified to move people despite it being quite empty. Just awful service from a theatre that boasts of its cheap tickets.
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Post by Snciole on Aug 1, 2019 23:12:16 GMT
I enjoyed it. It is nice to see a story about an older, morally corrupt woman and I loved the costumes and live band but it will be a hard sell. I can see why Charing Cross saw something in this but without big names in a theatre without the support similar to other spaces in the West End I worry for its future. viewfromthecheapseat.com/2019/04/12/queen-of-the-mist-brockley-jack-studio/
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Post by Snciole on Jul 25, 2019 16:12:19 GMT
Question: is it stunt casting if you cast a lead role with an acclaimed actor no longer at their best? It sounds like Dunaway wasn't right for this role but she would have got audiences in.
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Post by Snciole on Jul 16, 2019 13:44:00 GMT
I am both shocked and not shocked at how bad it was. I knew it wouldn't be great when it was announced, the reviews are fair in how misjudged and empty it is. The biggest factor, as much as I disliked it, is just how forgettable it will be in the long run. Everyone is clearly willing 21 September to hurry up. It is a real disservice to these actors and a real disservice to the power of theatre viewfromthecheapseat.com/2019/07/16/bitter-wheat-garrick-theatre/
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Post by Snciole on Jul 15, 2019 13:59:37 GMT
I hope it is shorter, there are things I would cut or I would ensure it had more pace (Lia Williams's slow delivery works in certain plays, not sure it is working here)
It would have been fine if it started at 7 but it will die a death if it doesn't get to sub 3 hours.
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Post by Snciole on Jul 15, 2019 9:39:28 GMT
Caught a matinee of this today. Quite glad to have seen it, but can totally understand the lukewarm reactions. I liked the amusing teaching scenes and Jim Norton and Sinead Matthews (in a smallish role) were good. But it was a not entirely unfamiliar take on male menopause with a rather improbable and rapid wrapping up. At the interval people were commenting on how slow they were finding it. The people next to me left - and didn't take their programme, so got that - yay!. I can usually tune out coughing but one woman coughed pretty constantly and very loudly throughout the play. I thought she might leave at the interval (I certainly would have), but she was hacking away through key scenes all the way to the end. On occasion, the actors seemed to momentarily pause to accommodate her and people began to look around a bit. So I felt sorry for her, but a bit annoyed too. I get people abandoning a show but those programmes are pricey (I got a free Night of the Iguana programme as people bolted at the end as it was 11:45)
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Post by Snciole on Jul 12, 2019 9:20:41 GMT
They also fiddled with the ending. It worked to drive an emotional point home, but was then left with a sour taste in my mouth with aggressive collecting for LGBTQ charities right in the exit doorway from the venue, left feeling very guilty when I didn't have any change to put in. Many of the audience here were gay men (and couples), already very aware of the wider political issues. The bar is card only which caused havoc on press night because there is one card machine, I now wonder if it is to get change for the buckets.
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Post by Snciole on Jul 11, 2019 9:59:49 GMT
Ooh that’s very business like isn’t it? Break it down, line by line. Makes the two women sound like delusional chancers. Maybe they are! I tell you what though, I am tired of hearing reference after reference to Idris Elba’s “very busy schedule” as if people are supposed to be grateful for him granting them an audience. What with that and his THE TRUTH statement he sounds completely up himself. Exactly. We are ALL busy and important, darling. Most of us manage to get through life without being dicks about it. It is such a shame, I think the Idris who got these women on board and supported them was a different man 4 years ago but KKA's attitude seems to be the catalyst here.
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Post by Snciole on Jul 11, 2019 7:56:22 GMT
Also now I've seen it. I love Alfred Molina but how was he cast in that role. Even 20+ years ago I cannot imagine he exuding the sexual charm needed for the role. Frustratingly Owen on paper should have but I hope that will come to him as the run continues.
When did Clive Owen come out? My friend wanted to hang around for the double whammy of Broderick in the Wyndhams and Owen in the Coward but we just got an awkward selfie encounter with Broderick instead.
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Post by Snciole on Jul 10, 2019 22:51:00 GMT
I agree with WannabeDirector. Too damn long. Why is Clive Owen playing it like he is Nicolas Cage? So OTT but probably the only thing I have enjoyed him in. I felt Williams was miscast. She didn't seem comfortable and her thoughtful performance style just didn't work here. Just too slow. Anna Gunn is probably the highlight but it just feels like a production past its best.
The real star is Rae Smith's set and costume design. Nice supporting performances too but this isn't special.
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Post by Snciole on Jul 9, 2019 14:29:55 GMT
You don't get a credit for creating dialogue, unless contractually agreed ahead of time. It's not uncommon for actors to come up with lines of dialogue in rehearsals and they'd never receive a credit for it. The threat of a lawsuit can absolutely scupper a production. I worked on a WIP at a major new writing theatre and a whole element had to be ditched because one audience member threatened to sue, even though the production was covered by disclaimers and would certainly have won in court. Legal action is so expensive it doesn't matter who's right or wrong. I supported the women and I still do, but this new twist is worth looking at. An audience member? Wow. Fascinating. Inspired to sue the Southbank Centre for not enough Alex Jennings at The Light in the Piazza.
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Post by Snciole on Jul 9, 2019 10:38:57 GMT
I doubt the Lottery grant would have got Gun/Knife Crime on tour very far.
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Post by Snciole on Jul 8, 2019 20:41:21 GMT
Loving the TWIST! Are there any true innocents in theatre?
Am I being unreasonable in thinking that Henley should have got a credit if she created dialogue? The most interesting point was that she apparently had money for days that she could have used to sue Giant Olive*
*Nearly called them Big Olive, which is a much better name. Don't @ me.
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Post by Snciole on Jul 5, 2019 16:34:01 GMT
I want to hear about you 'slut dropping' to this moving play about grief and loss...
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Post by Snciole on Jul 5, 2019 15:51:00 GMT
Exactly.
The focus needs to be on David getting down with the crowd tomorrow. We wants videos.
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Post by Snciole on Jul 5, 2019 12:43:06 GMT
I cannot believe someone put on the Berkoff Weinstein play. I genuinely thought any theatre would have too much pride to even meet with him.
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Post by Snciole on Jul 5, 2019 12:08:14 GMT
Did they make Billington dance!?
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Post by Snciole on Jul 5, 2019 10:15:21 GMT
I don't think happy is the right word and I am not policing anyone's Twitter (I may think actions are not right but I wouldn't demand Elba delete his tweet for example) but there is a time and place to being up his father's passing, his continued grief and lack of connection to his father's homeland. That statement was not it. It seems like don't get Twitter. Strangers, friends, enemies interact on there. If you put something in the public domain that might not be the end of the conversation. In combination with KKA's statement, which SF put much better than me, it looks calculated and not from the heart, I hope they are better advised next time.
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Post by Snciole on Jul 5, 2019 9:43:51 GMT
So, yes, you did tweet someone you have no connection with and tell them when and where they could mention their dead father. It's interesting what Twitter (and people) have become. In the context of the argument that he shouldn't be criticised because he has a dead dad and a lot of unresolved grief, which basically sums up his side of the story. Any points in his argument, including the discrepancies between KKA and his account are up for discussion. Even he acknowledged he shouldn't have mentioned his father in his response to me. The impression I get (I would like to see Tree to find out more) is that death and grief feature heavily. Grief lead to Mi Mandela (which is a good album), KKA's writing was influenced by his dying dad but that subject comes up in PR and other publicity. It shouldn't come up when trying to justify plagarism.
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Post by Snciole on Jul 5, 2019 4:18:56 GMT
He is very welcome to mention his late father, as is KKA but using their grief is not a Get Out of Jail Free card to be used against collective criticism. Idris mentioning never visiting his father's birthplace is waffle frankly in a statement that should be focused on the business decision. He seems to suggest two women, his former co-workers, voicing their upset impacts on his grief from many years ago. MIF nor YV in their statement with Green Door attribute their decision to the grief of KKA or IE. It a cheap and unnecessary tactic as they lose control of the situation and narrative.
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Post by Snciole on Jul 4, 2019 23:43:41 GMT
He is now complaining that someone called them out for mentioning dead parents He really doesn't get that this is ALL making him look bad. Oh hai! That is me. I love Idris. He is my dream man but I am finding it very hard to reconcile the fantasy and reality of a man who has been so self-aware of his race, his place within British entertainment, as a father of a daughter to treat his friend, to treat women with such disrespect because at some point KKA and Idris lost a parent. It is disrespectful to their fathers, their mothers, anyone who has experienced grief without the privilege of their status and to Toni and Sarah, who have not blamed their struggles for why the relationship broke down I hit a nerve and maybe I should have been more considerant to Elba's loss but the arrogance of their statement is astounding. You might not be Weinstein but you are not the good guys.
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Post by Snciole on Jul 4, 2019 11:01:45 GMT
Theatre Monkey on the news of the upgrade
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Post by Snciole on Jul 2, 2019 21:20:51 GMT
I think race is key to this. Key to the production (Toni wrote it from personal experience), key to story Idris and Green Door wanted to tell and yes KKA as one of the leading BME faces of a large theatre.
The expectations on him as a black man in theatre are far greater than on him as a Black AD. If he doesn't play the game or in this case plays the game badly and get a caught that will be far harder to come back from than if he was a white man. I find his response disappointing. He speaks non-specifically about his record with female creatives but I am sure he treats his equals well. His disrespect for these women is apparent; even down to the disregard of their work in his statement.
Will this be his downfall. Not directly but if it causes the floodgates to open then expect a resignation. This is terrible for the YV's image
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Post by Snciole on Jul 2, 2019 21:10:30 GMT
I didn't understand the public debate suggestion at all. Sounded a bit macho and vaguely threatening to me tbh Exactly. His status means he will have the mental advantage and being a man gives him a physical advantage. He won't fight these women on the stage physically (imagine) but he certainly has more power than they do to get the right people on his side in. I respect his journey but this is a man who has gone out of his way to appear to more ethnic than he really is. I suspect he didn't want this African story told by a white woman and a mixed race woman despite it not being his story to tell either.
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Post by Snciole on Jun 30, 2019 22:16:25 GMT
Because ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ is a total bop and ‘Jam’ is derivative 90’s Teddy Riley produced pap? The version of Heartbreak Hotel is just noise though. Jam would work far better with the white poor sound design (and the basketball graphic suggests it was there and taken out or they forgot to put it in?)
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Post by Snciole on Jun 30, 2019 19:37:00 GMT
So I finally saw this earlier and well...
The cast are great, one was dripping with sweat and I enjoyed the routines but it is just mindless tourist fodder and there is nothing wrong with that but I did find bits of it baffling (Human Nature with a pyramid backdrop? Bob Geldof amongst the great leaders during Man in the Mirror)
I think it needs refreshing with some songs. Why is Heartbreak Hotel there but not Jam (even though a basketball clip is featured) for example.
Here's to another 10 years :/
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Post by Snciole on Jun 27, 2019 11:02:27 GMT
The seating is vile, the venue is vile and the production is overlong. It is a shame because the source material it is great; some lovely songs, the appalling fact it is still relevant but it just felt very amateur. From the awkward set to the awkward set changes. Also, I thought to cast two leads who are struggling vocally this early on was a mistake. One of the teenagers looked at least 35. If this was the end of year student production it would be cute, instead, it is just a bit messy and disappointing.
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Post by Snciole on Jun 26, 2019 13:16:36 GMT
After the horrific hard problem, I'll be wary of this. Will see casting/offers The Hard Problem was dreadful and forgettable. I think this has heavily discounted written all over it unless the casting is out of this world and you know not just Marber casting Debra Gillet.
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Post by Snciole on Jun 24, 2019 16:27:06 GMT
Was considering Bromley but the cheapest seat is £29!
Kendrick cancelled Blood Brothers on bloggers 2 hours before the show last year so not holding my breath for press tickets but is it cheeky to hope for discounts?
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Post by Snciole on Jun 22, 2019 19:47:26 GMT
Please someone tell me i'm not he only one who see's and hears Zayn from One Direction with this Emelio?! I fear i may be going mad because nobody has made that connection yet apart from me LOL I agree. I also, as with Zayn, wondered if he would make a better live action Aladdin...
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