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Post by clair on Apr 23, 2020 10:57:21 GMT
Have heard from several friends today and so good to know that they're all safe and well, when all's said and done that's the most important thing in my life - missing theatre, work, seeing people, travel etc but if all those I love stay safe then I'm happy and positive
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Post by clair on Apr 21, 2020 11:57:46 GMT
I'm not sure about enhanced as I've seen many things with no-one I've heard of in and loved them. However there are always going to be roles you associate with someone in particular so I would say seeing them rather than someone else could become key - my personal example would be Lyn Paul as Mrs J, I've seen others in the role and they never quite do it for me. For me it's more a case of there are some shows I've really enjoyed that I just wouldn't have seen had a performer I really like not been in them, partly down to finances and occasionally as the show, be it musical or play, just wasn't something that appealed but that performer got me there.
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Post by clair on Apr 21, 2020 11:08:06 GMT
I've ticked something off the 'to do' list that's been there for years! Finally got all the things I'd like framed together, photographed and measured them so that next time I'm in a shop with odd sized frames I know what I need to get as very few of them are 'normal' sizes. Of course, i now need some extra walls and to find someone who makes frames and sells them at lovely low prices but still a sterp in the right direction
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Post by clair on Apr 20, 2020 8:47:23 GMT
It's Monday morning, the sun is shining and I'm tired of all the doom and gloom so thought I'd set this thread up. Only good, happy and positive thoughts allowed - let's have one thread that is an oasis amongst the chaos for those struggling to come to and leave with a smile. My first positives this week are:
It's wonderful having the windows open and fresh air through the house all day
I'm finally going through all my theatre programmes to streamline them and list what I've seen and who was in them
I've had a lovely long letter from a friend, also filled with good thoughts, which has made me smile
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Post by clair on Apr 20, 2020 8:41:44 GMT
Maybe compelled is a better word. EDIT: Actually, the dictionary says the meaning is similar. I'm trying to say that it could be outside forces that are being placed on you, such as being threatened with the sack or losing access to support. I'd say that losing your job is better than contracting a potentially fatal disease. But I guess I'm lucky that as a temp I was able to resign with immediate effect last month rather than having a notice period. Ah, I didn't think about jobseekers' allowance, I guess that could be an issue if the online option is withdrawn. Losing my job would also mean losing my home as I wouldn't be able to cover the mortgage etc so once my place of work is able to open I'll be there. After all, around 170,000 people die from cancer and suicide in this country every year not to mention the thousands who die from general flu/pneumonia so I have a higher chance of those killing me and have never allowed that to rule my life. I work for a good company who I know will put in place all the appropriate measures to protect staff and will be supportive should I fall ill and I won't be taking unnecessary risks but I do have to pay the bills. Plus I love my job, I enjoy what I do and admit to missing it.
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Post by clair on Apr 17, 2020 13:58:38 GMT
Think Josie Lawrence would be fabulous, possibly Tracie Bennett as she was brilliant as Mame although I'd prefer them simply to transfer Mame in as I'd love to see it again. Of course, this is all assumption and Imelda may well be able to fit new dates in around other projects
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Post by clair on Apr 17, 2020 12:47:56 GMT
Personally I'd be happy to see Samantha Spiro reprise the role, she was fabulous in the open air production. Would be happy with EP myself, not sure why such a nasty comment was made though - plenty of performers I'm not keen on but others like them so I stay quiet, would be a tad boring if we all liked the same people
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Post by clair on Apr 17, 2020 8:06:08 GMT
Suddenly quarantine just got brighter - I'm in with the Kids from Fame!
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Post by clair on Apr 16, 2020 18:38:14 GMT
Wait until they've cancelled the flight and then ring them, you're only entitled to a refund if THEY cancel the flight otherwise they can say it'll just be a credit voucher. Phone number is 0800 727 800 if that's helpful , had to go through the site to find it!
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Post by clair on Apr 16, 2020 16:45:57 GMT
Just keep trying, really - or you could tweet them saying you've been calling for days which I did in desperation. Although I finally got through about 5.15 pm yesterday (be prepared as I was on hold 25 minutes but so relieved not to get the automated message saying they couldn't take my call I just stayed and waited!) I had tweeted them asking if anyone was actually there and I recieved a reply on that today with a link to dm them so they could deal with it that way.
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Post by clair on Apr 16, 2020 15:54:14 GMT
So far I've had 14 things either rescheduled or cancelled through 13 different companies - all dealt with efficiently and professionally (well, BA was that when I finally got through on the phone after days of trying!). The only exception being ATG and I'm still waiting on that one, nothing but a vague, general email.
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Post by clair on Apr 14, 2020 16:38:45 GMT
Alexandra Silbur has posted several tweets saying she plans coming back to it so I'm really hoping it does get a run even if not until next year!
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Post by clair on Apr 14, 2020 9:52:29 GMT
Called Cadogan Hall today as I can't make the new Louise Dearman date - no problem, immediate refund back to my card, not even asked if I would donate/take credit to my account (which I would have as I go there often enough). Great service and nice to have one done so easily
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Post by clair on Apr 13, 2020 14:27:24 GMT
It could well be a case of theatres opening gradually, thus those who can afford to go immediately do so with just two or three open, then a month or so later another couple open with the first audience and others who have been back at work are able to go to the first ones and so on until we get to a point where most theatres are back open again. I don't know much about theatre finances but perhaps sensible ticket prices could prevail, at least for long enough to get the industry going again. At the moment we have insane prices for tourists/those well off, dynamic pricing, then deals/offers and finally papering - many regular theatre goers are the ones who wait for the deals/papering. If for a few years we simply had sensible prices and people all buying at those prices knowing the only deals likely would be day seats then the potential for survival would surely be greater than on the current pricing model.
I'm on furlough myself which means my basic bills are just about covered as my company are making up the extra 20% for me, however my theatre/fun money all came from overtime so I'll struggle to see things for a while, sensible prices for the lowest prices would enable me to see something each month, perhaps more if the overtime kicks in again by this time next year although I have a feeling it will take longer for that to happen.
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Post by clair on Apr 11, 2020 13:33:24 GMT
I have to say that most of the responses I've had from varying companies has been good and I've been impressed by how well places are dealing with all of this, particularly considering this is on a never seen before scale. Ticketmaster has actually been one of the best and quickest which I admit surprised me as it's certainly one of the biggest agencies out there dealing with goodness knows how many events. The one thing this will do is make me remember just who was on top of it and who wasn't when it comes to bookings in the future, where there's a choice of sites those who were on the ball will get my custom. Also those who had a set up where it was easy to choose refund/credit/transfer to new date/donation will be higher on my go to list than those making life difficult - not theatre as such but certainly looking at BA as last resort going forward.
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Post by clair on Mar 29, 2020 12:39:32 GMT
Feeling very grateful to the two lovely delivery guys from Currys who just delivered my new fridge freezer after the old one gave up on Thursday. They also took away the old one and a few other small appliances for recycling along with all the packaging. Very relieved as now is not the time to be without one, they were lovely and cheerful too which has helped the day nicely.
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Post by clair on Mar 27, 2020 17:30:47 GMT
I loved this - in fact of the three I managed to see, Louise Dearman and Cassidy Janson being the others, it's the one I enjoyed most. I did enjoy the other two but thought Danielle was the one who gave a performance as opposed to 'filmed in my home'. That said I'm so appreciative of all the people involved in this being able to do so, I wouldn't know where to start with the technology required and it must be incredibly difficult to do that at home with no audience reaction at all so good on all of them.
In fact on the back of these I've booked for Louise Dearman at Cadogan Hall (know it'll probably get postponed but still something to look forward to) and will probably do the same for Danielle's one at the Arts - all great for the performers as well as providing some much needed 'live' entertainment
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Post by clair on Mar 27, 2020 9:38:13 GMT
I'm not sure how many people would be booking for April if they have any sense anyway - what concerns me more is that if they encourage people to buy for shows they know are likely to be cancelled that's an awful lot of extra strain to be putting on their staff who are already facing a nightmare situation as it is.
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Post by clair on Mar 26, 2020 20:34:15 GMT
So far the best and quickest reaction has been from the National Trust! I had a ticket booked with them at the Barn Theatre at Smallhythe, show was cancelled end of last week, email received letting me know that I would be refunded and the refund is already in my bank account. Slightly strange that the quickest reaction was from a non-theatre company, others have been in touch, some of which I've opted for credit on the account/moved to another date but this the only refund received as yet and still waiting on ATG getting to me. Theatre wise the smoothest has been the Garrick Theatre in Lichfield, simple email and easy process set up.
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Post by clair on Mar 25, 2020 19:37:07 GMT
Been lucky enough to see several good shows so far this year - Madonna, The Red Shoes, Blueberry Hill at Trafalgar Studios, Dog Walker at Jermyn Street, Blood Brothers, The Boy Friend and Mame along with a few others that were all enjoyable.
Think Madonna, The Boy Friend and Mame would be top 3 - seriously want Mame to have another life, the one word that was in my head leaving the theatre was 'joyous' which will be much needed once this is all over and theatres open up again and life goes back to some kind of normal!
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Post by clair on Mar 25, 2020 9:15:00 GMT
Being a technophobe I have no idea how possible this would be but I wonder if there's any way the Fringe could offer something like the Theatre Cafe concerts being streamed. I know it wouldn't work for all shows but perhaps some of them could do something along those lines with people buying a daily pass/show pass/whatever works so there's something out there for all those performers already preparing for it. As I say, no idea if it could be done but surely worth a thought
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Post by clair on Mar 20, 2020 8:08:24 GMT
Currently at normal place of work but last day in today then working from home. Doing all I can to remain positive, worrying won't change things and will just make me feel worse - difficult but doing the best I can so far
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Post by clair on Mar 17, 2020 11:08:47 GMT
All episodes of 'Fame' please, including the ones that didn't get aired in the UK first time around - but only if on freeview as I don't have anything else and now have even less money coming in so no way I can pay extra just for tv!
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Post by clair on Mar 4, 2020 8:00:40 GMT
Saw this last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. Great performances and I found it went at a really good pace. I took a chance on it going in with no preconceived ideas and came out having had a really good evening
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Post by clair on Feb 27, 2020 10:53:22 GMT
Ok, now I'm interested! I've seen it once and enjoyed it but they made it for me so wouldn't have bothered with different people in those roles, will have a look at ticket prices
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Post by clair on Feb 16, 2020 15:54:26 GMT
They were - but understandably only for about 45 minutes before the show. I get that, small venue, minimal income and not masses of staff - one reason I try to support it is that this really is a theatre existing for love of musical theatre and certainly not for profit! As someone who likes the cold I was quite happy waiting but a few comments were made so the opening of something like that for people arriving before the theatre opens will help I think - and hope
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Post by clair on Feb 16, 2020 12:24:08 GMT
Eurobeat was fun although more fitting as a cabaret show later at night in my opinion. I saw four of the shows - the Turbine is in a great location for me to get to from work and reasonable for getting home so works well for me. The one thing it needs is somewhere to get a tea/coffee before the theatre opens which I'm sure will come once the development moves forward.
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Post by clair on Feb 15, 2020 20:19:27 GMT
Tube will be ok - it's the roads that are closed with diversions - last time they did that some diversions took an hour!
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Post by clair on Feb 15, 2020 20:05:43 GMT
On that note - Knightsbridge is closed due to crane operations that weekend so buses will be diverted onto other roads in the area which may well be a nightmare! Bear that in mind when you look at routes so it's not a nasty surprise on the day
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Post by clair on Feb 3, 2020 23:38:46 GMT
Whilst I would, of course, be fully supportive if Madonna cancelled - her health must come first, rather more important than my wish to see the show - I do wonder whether doing the shows that she still has scheduled isn't just as important to her health. All the focus thus far has been on her physical health which is clearly a struggle for her but her mental health matters too. For someone like Madonna who is driven by performance it could be a real problem to cancel all the shows from that perspective. Performers loathe cancelling (well, most do anyway!) as they feel they've let fans down as well as themselves so this could be her way of getting through on both levels - who knows.
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