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Post by samjane92 on Apr 6, 2017 16:58:16 GMT
I used to always use LastMinute as the allocate on the day procedure always used to put me in a higher band than purchased, at the risk of not knowing where the seat is. My past few experiences have got my exactly what I would have got at the theatre, with an additional booking fee of course. The other method I used to use was see what upgrades are available on the day at a reduced rate right before the show starts, worked with Motown but didn't at Milton Keynes or 42nd Street despite a fair amount of other seats being available.
As a result I now tend to try and book directly as far in advance as I can for seats I know are good, for example side stalls at Wicked, pillar views at Phantom. Couldn't do it without TheatreMonkey. I occasionally day seat, but the popularity of lotteries means there is less choice so the ones I would go for are busier resulting in a very long day by the time I travel down. I never seem to have much luck with the lotteries either. I am lucky in the fact my age just about gets me entry pass and student rates for certain shows but that won't last forever either.
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Post by samjane92 on Mar 8, 2017 17:47:10 GMT
Mark Rylance and Ben Chaplin from Apple Tree Yard in the Young Vic on Saturday. See Me Now or A Mudsummer Night's Dream? Can't be sure, I think Midsummer they appeared in the bar at about the same time as me and that's what I had seen. Ben Chaplin was chatting to Leo Bill who plays Bottom.
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Post by samjane92 on Mar 6, 2017 9:50:38 GMT
Mark Rylance and Ben Chaplin from Apple Tree Yard in the Young Vic on Saturday.
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Post by samjane92 on Mar 3, 2017 12:49:06 GMT
I was intending to see this when it gets to Cambridge later this month but that trailer is a bit offputting. It looks rather, well, tacky. Is it deliberately focusing on the most OTT bits or is the whole show like that? Also badly priced in Cambridge...Same top price £36 to sit at the front as half way back in the balcony. At sister act the sides of the back stalls were not top price either. It has so many tickets left shame really but the price has definitely put me off booking. I paid £18 for a seat in the circle over the road at the arts for full monty and the view is much better than the balcony in the Corn exchange. Shame it isn't going to Milton Keynes, I saw funny girl twice yesterday for the same amount and the difference in parking costs cancelled out the petrol difference! £3.60 for the day rather than £26. I am sure I will give in on the day for another chance to see Jon Robyns, I also really enjoyed Ray Quinn in the Judy tour a couple of years back.
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Post by samjane92 on Feb 13, 2017 16:17:56 GMT
Ben Forster to extend to September 2nd.
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Post by samjane92 on Feb 8, 2017 11:04:08 GMT
Including Olivier award winner John Dagleish...certainly a transformation as Peter 'Scouse' Brown.
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Post by samjane92 on Jan 18, 2017 17:44:38 GMT
Hello,
Techy question here, no amount of google searching can give me an answer so really hoping someone can help!
I really want to watch the Broadway version of She Loves Me to compare to the menier production. I know it was streamed on Broadway HD a while back but when you go to rent it it says may not work in all regions...but doesn't specify which ones. There are a few other productions that I would happily pay the monthly fee to watch such as Oklahoma, Memphis, Jekyll and Hyde to name a few but I obviously don't want to pay and then not be able to watch them. The iOS apps are only available in the US store also so I presume it will be on the computer only.
Anyway does anyone have experience of using this in the UK?
Thanks!
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Post by samjane92 on Jan 17, 2017 20:58:38 GMT
Also (and absolutely no shade to Willemijn, she is a legend, I love her!) but are we going with the assumption that this will be the final time we can see her as Elphaba? Considering, lets face it, she is really a little too old now to be playing the role. She loks amazing and is vocally insane, but the woman is knocking on 42 in June! Considering she plays a teenager/young adult at the start of the show... That sounds ruder/harsher than I mean it to be, but you get my point. I thought the same about Kerry when I saw her a couple of years back, certainly in comparison to Emma. I have seen the show 4 times (next week will be my 5th) Kerry once and Emma 3 times. The first time I saw Emma she was the understudy and she blew me away. I was expecting Kerry to be so much better having seen her in concert but as amazing as she was I preferred Emma's version. Very intrigued to hopefully see Rachel. Have seen Savannah twice and Sophie Linder Lee twice and I much preferred Sophie out of the two, she really made me laugh.
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Post by samjane92 on Jan 16, 2017 14:56:27 GMT
I had a question about the ticket limit (sorry if this is a silly question!) - "There is a strict ticket limit of 4 tickets per person, per booking period during priority on-sale. At general on-sale from noon on 30th January, the ticket limit rises to 6." Does this mean if we buy all 4 during the pre-sale, we can only buy 2 more in the general sale? Does anybody have an idea whether the limit is per ticketmaster account, card used or name on the card out of interest?
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Post by samjane92 on Jan 16, 2017 10:10:23 GMT
OK that was a stressful 8 minutes. Horrible website. First date the timer just kept spinning so have plenty of dates open once it loads then you put in code. On PC you can choose seats but you have to make a selection so it doesn't just show premium. Not so easy on the phone. I went with best available in the end but I HAVE 4 TICKETS!!!
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Post by samjane92 on Jan 7, 2017 10:21:23 GMT
Ruths twitter last night had an interesting post about people taking what's hers but she says in a separate tweet she will be on soon.
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Post by samjane92 on Jan 2, 2017 23:46:25 GMT
Anyone who gets the understudy Deena is very lucky indeed. Cover for Amber- not so lucky. We went to the matinee on the 27th and had understudies for Effie, Deena and Lorell. Karen was Effie and she had a great voice but then I haven't seen Amber. Deena definitely wasn't Lily as she was on for Michelle. Our party agreed that she was the weakest of the group. Lorell was also good. I also thought the world of Joe in ITH but I didn't enjoy his voice half as much in this. Tyrone stole the show for me. Sadly I found the whole show to be underwhelming, nice enough costumes and sets and 'I am telling you' was great, but nothing to shout home about as a whole. Having seen school of rock, half a sixpence and she loves me in the days around this it came in 4th place for me.
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Post by samjane92 on Oct 11, 2016 19:50:48 GMT
I was there for my 4th time at the show. I do think Celinde is a great Christine and she was on top form last night but having never heard Sierra live before it made me wish I had seen her perform the role. I thought it sounded beautiful in French too. I have seen Geronimo, JOJ, Scott and now Ben. I was looking forward to seeing him having seen him in various concerts but he just didn't have the same power as JOJ. There was too much of an age gap between JOJ and Celinde when I saw it however and I didnt enjoy Scott's performance at all (too menacing, no way Christine could fall in love, not charming at all and no goosebumps). Geronimo was very good but JOJ tops it for me. Also thought the managers stood out for me tonight I certainly laughed more than last time. Nadim was very good but I actually preferred his previous understudy Ashley Stilburn who I managed to see twice, I couldn't tell you who I saw the first time so I guess they weren't that memorable. The finale was good fun and it was lovely hearing Michael Ball sing. Having been at the Les Mis 30th I think I preferred Phantom. There was more of a special feel about this one maybe that was just the atmosphere in the theatre.
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Post by samjane92 on Oct 2, 2016 10:09:40 GMT
So I was told box office opens at ten, my dad goes down to check not sold yet...no worries dad said 50 people in queue. Others returning tickets at same time. Almost an hour later he goes back they haven't even opened the queue yet! Crazy they have seats to sell people wanting to buy them who have been waiting for hours, seems so illogical not sure who benefits by making people queue longer...just got to hope someone wants a front row seat...
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Post by samjane92 on Oct 1, 2016 9:04:18 GMT
I returned a front row seat yesterday for both parts this Sunday. Literally just walked into the box office and asked last Friday. They had 1 for the Saturday and three for Sunday together. I got three tickets for two friends and I but decided as I have already seen it I would do the sensible thing and let someone else have a chance. Just goes to show the box office do have tickets if you go and ask. But the only way I can find out if it has sold is if I go to the box office on Sunday...I live in cambridge so it would cost me around £25 for the privilege of finding out the ticket has probably gone already. But if it hasn't I would rather return and see the show than lose the ticket money. Anybody know a direct number for the box office so I can check or is going to the box office today and would ask if the seat is available by any chance?
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Post by samjane92 on Sept 29, 2016 8:31:20 GMT
I love this place, however they have changed it so you can only get the menu up until 5, not 6. If I am going to the theatre its generally from work or between a matinee and evening show so it no longer works. Real shame but there are lots of other options in the area as mentioned so only a loss to Big Easy. Andalucia on panton street does a great pre theatre meal also.
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Post by samjane92 on Sept 29, 2016 7:48:11 GMT
Yes. Maybe she feels she has to. She was sensational today. I was in awe. I hope Joel does the tour. He is a real stand out for me. The ensemble are also divine. This really is the most incredible show. Joel is going into School of Rock so highly unlikely. I definitely agree that he was the standout for me too.
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Post by samjane92 on Sept 14, 2016 21:04:20 GMT
Saw the matinee again today. I just adore this show! Little appearance from Sonia Freidman in the box also. Darius was off but Matthew Goodgame gave a brilliant performance, I would say I preferred Darius for the acting parts and Matthew for singing. His temporary arrangement gave me chills. I am a big sheridan fan so was thrilled to see her again and she was on top form, seemed really happy and thankful for the standing ovation, no tears like last time. And can confirm she sang 'my hearts a drummer'. Whether the recording is a mistake or on purpose we will never know I suppose. The absolute star of the show in my eyes is joel Montague. Definately one of my favourite discoveries this year. I was worried he would be rehearsing school of rock so thrilled I got to see his Eddie again. Can't wait to catch him as Dewey.
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Post by samjane92 on Aug 30, 2016 18:38:13 GMT
I find cruises outrageously pretentious, where you have to dress to go to dinner, I don't even dress to go to the theatre, so why would I dress for the theatre! I don't like the way how everything is organised, where you are off the boat at 9am and 'herded' back on the boat by 6pm. Where you get searched for alcohol before you get on, so that they can sell you inflated priced liquor, which they buy at duty free prizes and once inside you're hassled to spurned money like on the lottery or photo done with the captain. All a bit like a human zoo for me. Not for me, I guess I am one that will never sit at the captains table. I think it depends which cruise line you go on as to whether the above happens. P&O certainly don't confiscate any alcohol, I have never felt rushed to get back on board after a day in port and it is easy enough to say no thanks to a photographer. I personally enjoy dressing up for the theatre and then taking it to the next level with formal gowns etc on cruises. I can only compare it to something like a big press night where everyone makes the effort, feels very special. Generally on a week long cruise on Cunard/ P&O you have two formal nights (long dresses/ Tuxedo's) and the rest informal which is what I would wear to the theatre. Smart trousers and top/ normal day dresses for the ladies, chinos and shirt type outfits for the men. However other cruise lines do not have this requirement. It is like going to a play then moaning there is no songs in it when people book a cruise with a certain line then complain about having to dress up. When you book it is made clear what to expect. Generally P&O do two musical themed shows on a 2 week cruise, one of the early stuff my fair lady, half a sixpence and another more current with Wicked and the Jersey boys. But every other night is what I would refer to as a 'proper show' with an orchestra, singing and dancing. The alternate nights have cabaret acts like the Barricade boys, magicians, comedians and performers like Daniel Boys. I would say around half of the on board theatre company are good enough for the west end. Not a professional opinion just from someone who loves the theatre. Often performers do end up in the west end if you look closely at most programs. I believe Cunard run a similar program with 'speciality acts' like Ruthie being listed on their website beforehand. Theatre in general is also becoming more popular for full shows to be put on with Royal Caribbean as mentioned above. For me the theatre onboard is one of the reasons why I cruise. Waking up somewhere different every day, stay in a nice room every night without carrying your cases between cities, nice evening atmosphere, good shows and fantastic food. It may not be for everyone but neither is the theatre. If anybody knows of other acts like Daniel Boys that publish tour dates including cruise ships on their website I would be very interested. I know the producers of the Barricade boys have released details of a number of similar acts to cover a number of shows so it will be interesting to see if I have any on my upcoming cruises.
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Post by samjane92 on Aug 30, 2016 17:48:43 GMT
I think the album would have been better if they had done a live recording, it lacks something. Sheridans vocals are not 100% but let's remember this was recorded around the time she had the rumoured breakdown. Plus the production team clearly didn't care what it sounded like, since it's got a lyric mistake on it! They knew Sheridans name would be enough to sell it anyway! I am quite intrigued in this 'lyric mistake'. Before the album was released I had two versions saved on my spotify, one was Ruthie Henshall and the other '100 best songs from the musicals' artist listed as Bob Merrill. Both different. The latter is the same as the OLC 'Cos I'm a drummer', Ruthies as suggested 'My heart's a drummer'. Having looked more into it the majority of the other versions including Barbara and Michael Ball go with Ruthie but there are versions matching Sheridan also. So perhaps it isn't a mistake but a genuine variation.
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Post by samjane92 on Aug 15, 2016 8:30:16 GMT
Saw this last night for the 4th time, first time this year so a fair few cast changes. Had Emma Kingston not returned I probably wouldn't have gone again but I am glad I did, she was fantastic, Cleve, David and Josie also as good as always. Only difference was Camilla didn't have a long wig but short cropped bleached hair, looked so different! Her enough was great. Also loved the new Abuela, she was hilarious! Daniella stole the show, much more than when I had seen Philippa previously she was a force to be reckoned with and got the biggest laughs of the night. The only understudy on was Michael as Sam is on holiday, I have to say I much preferred Sam's take on the role. It just didnt seem to flow as well as usual. I also preferred Lily's Nina, she was by far my favourite at previous performances. Theatre was pretty full for an 8:30 Sunday show too which is always nice to see.
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Post by samjane92 on Aug 11, 2016 11:30:42 GMT
Doing this on Saturday have done the backstage tour twice so looking forward to it. Has anybody done this before?
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Post by samjane92 on Aug 9, 2016 19:02:24 GMT
Josie is on as Abuela tonight. Jocasta is on as Camila. Full cast is on other than that (Phillipa yayyyyy!) Enjoy! I hope I get the full cast on Sunday evening although as long as Emma Kingston and David Bedella are there I will be happy! Does anybody know the current running time of the show? Some websites say 2 hours, some 2 hours 30/35? Would be fantastic if I can get an 11:16 train from KGX after the 8:30 show.
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Post by samjane92 on Jul 18, 2016 11:54:34 GMT
Seeing both parts this Saturday can't wait! Would I be right to think the 4th film would be the most important to watch before going? I read all the books just under a year ago and have seen the films various times but won't manage to watch all of the films in order before I go as planned. Would hate to have forgotten a part of the story that is crucial to the play.
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Post by samjane92 on Jul 5, 2016 23:46:02 GMT
Thanks theatre monkey fingers crossed the day seat gods are kind. Just seen Ollie is also leaving on the 14th August on his twitter and he has put up holiday dates. Looking forward to seeing what's next.
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Post by samjane92 on Jul 5, 2016 15:09:21 GMT
Hoping to catch this tomorrow, looks like lots of seats left. Any ideas of whether there is a set number of day seats or if they discount whatever is left? We won't be able to get down until about midday but will happily take Upper Circle tickets if there are no deals available.
Such a fab cast, can't wait to see Ollie Tompsett and Simon Lipkin together as well as Memphis stars Momar Diagne and Jason Pennycooke (really miss that show!). Noticed that I have seen Lucy Jane Adcock in so many things having sorted old programs so it will be great to see her and of course Rebel Wilson. First time ever seeing Guys and Dolls, very excited!
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Post by samjane92 on Jun 27, 2016 11:57:22 GMT
Saw the matinee on Saturday. Good show overall with lots of shiny costumes, the cave was great, fun quick changes and of course the magic carpet.
I have seen Jade in In The Heights and Dean in Songs for a new world & Miss Atomic bomb (loved all three) but wasn't particularly wowed in this. They just didn't seem to have the chemistry you would expect and at no point did I get goosebumps as I did in their previous performances, it just felt a bit safe from both of them. The reprise of Proud of your boy and a whole new world were the best parts from them, such a shame as they definitely drew me to the show.
Jafar and his assistant were far too panto as were some of the fight scenes and corny lines, the Genie had some good moments and a nice voice but I wasn't wowed like most seem to be.
Stephen Rahman Hughes was by far my favorite performer and our group all agreed he should have been Aladdin, especially as he looks so great for his age! The number with the three friends was great fun.
I agree with what was said about the market place looking cheap in comparison, the buildings all looked too small for the scene, I am sure it was anything but cheap but it just stood out as a bit strange can't quite put my finger on it.
Couple of tech issues, at one point the genies entrance was aided by a stage hand running onto the stage to open a door, his flashy blue suit only one half came off on the first try and Babkak fluffed a line. Perhaps it was where I was sitting (Row H Dress to the left for the second half, right rear stalls first half as my family were separated) but it was distracting seeing a stage hand waving material under the magic carpet for the first part of a whole new world, surely they could have hid him better?
Overall it is a show worth seeing once (in the same way as the Lion King, great effects, big budget from disney) but I am in no rush to go back. Small standing ovation maximum a quarter stood up at the end. My mum actually preferred the tour of Chitty Chitty bang bang but our friends who maybe go to the theatre less than once a year thought it was brilliant so I guess it depends on what else you have seen recently.
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Post by samjane92 on Jun 23, 2016 9:44:58 GMT
Wow thanks everyone, will suggest to the other 7 and hope they can agree on one and we can get booked! Also the cursed child list will definitely come in handy when I go on the 23rd
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Post by samjane92 on Jun 21, 2016 16:43:59 GMT
Hello!
Looking for some help, off to see Aladdin on Saturday and looking for a restaurant nearby for dinner. I usually go midweek so my usuals of Big Easy, Planet Hollywood or most tastecard options are out and got Bistro 1 booked for lunch.
Hoping for any special offers, set menu's or just general recommendations for 7 people (one 15 year old) that we can book in advance. Somewhere that does cocktails would be a bonus.
Any ideas?
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Post by samjane92 on Jun 16, 2016 12:28:30 GMT
Just announced its closure 29th October. Real shame but fingers crossed for a good tour cast. Some of the original cast would be incredible although that is just wishful thinking.
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