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Post by liverpool54321 on Apr 13, 2017 16:15:48 GMT
Expect I wasn't the only one at the Other Palace Theatre today to see a concert performance of The Wicker Husband by Darren Clark and Rhys Jennings.
Really enjoyable. In its own way storyline reminded me of the Clockmaker's Daughter.
Pretty amazing cast pulled together for this one off performance with Tyrone Huntley, Rebecca Trehearn and Clive Rowe all having major roles. Star was Anne-Marie Piazza as "Ugly Girl" who does some amazing work in fringe theatre and has been in previous Darren Clark works.
I hope it gets to see an Off West End run as it clearly has potential and just needs some tightening up on some of the script.
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Post by liverpool54321 on Apr 12, 2017 12:47:43 GMT
Anyone seen this yet? I plan to do the matinee on Saturday. Ticket sales to date seem to be very very poor.
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Post by liverpool54321 on Apr 3, 2017 20:23:04 GMT
This seems to have had some very good reviews. Time to get cracking and book tickets.
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Post by liverpool54321 on Apr 3, 2017 18:35:14 GMT
Despite being in front row at matinee for The Life I must confess all this behaviour passed me by. Can we have a replay?
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Post by liverpool54321 on Apr 1, 2017 21:06:47 GMT
Saw the matinee today. Despite a very long first half I really enjoyed this show. I had no idea what to expect and had only got round to reading the storyline this morning. For me Sharon D Clark knocks it out of the park with that voice of hers.
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the music and lyrics, and the varied styles throughout. It's certainly not a dated piece. Couldn't fault any of the cast and I thought the portrayals of Memphis and Queenie were excellent.
Just wished this Forum had warned me of the Hooker's Ball at the start of the second half. Sat in the front row it was clearly bad timing on my part to start eating an ice cream with quite so much going on in front of my face.
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Post by liverpool54321 on Mar 25, 2017 18:18:53 GMT
Also at the matinee. Agree with everyone else. I couldn't imagine sitting anywhere but the front for this show. Given the size of the stage set and numbers in the cast you can still feel like you are half way back at any other production.
I'm glad they give Clare Halse her own post grand finale number with the rest of the ensemble as they are the real stars of the show. Off to paint the house pink, yellow, sky blue, purple .......
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Post by liverpool54321 on Mar 25, 2017 12:35:51 GMT
Too many good comments so took the plunge and picked up a last minute ticket for the matinee today in Row E. I guess I will miss out on the excitement of Row AA and Row A but hopefully any forumites in front of us will be small so we get clear view of stage!
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Post by liverpool54321 on Mar 23, 2017 21:54:38 GMT
So if given the choice of AA or row A in stalls which is the better to go for? Far too slow to pick up then£15 bargain seats but still like idea of being in front row. Also, any thoughts on leg room and seat comfort at the front?
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Post by liverpool54321 on Mar 20, 2017 12:54:43 GMT
Saw the matinee on Saturday. I think I would best describe it as a warm and cuddly kind of show. Well acted by all the cast. Yes, Amanda Holden was clearly the one most of the audience wanted to see, but everyone has a story to tell and I thought it was a good production, keeping itself firmly in the 80s. Stand out person for me was Anny-Jane Casey. For me this is ultimately a dark comedy rather than something that was designed to be a laugh a minute. Back in 1984 some of the subject matter might have seen more comedic. In the present day the audience possibly sees and hears it differently. When Vera talks about the time her older husband spends with their young daughter, the audience immediately reacted seeing this as some form of possible grooming. Back in 1984 grooming was a reference for Bee Gee haircuts.
Theatre almost full for matinee. Like the cast the men in the audience were very much in the minority. On the plus side it meant we didn't have to queue for the loos!
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Post by liverpool54321 on Mar 5, 2017 13:22:20 GMT
After the last 2 weeks of Whistle in the Wind and The Wild Party decided we needed something a bit more mellow. Finally managed to get wheelchair space at short notice for a Saturday matinee after 2 years of trying. We had Box E to ourselves which was nice although it's a good size so easily takes 5 advertised. Despite most action taking place on left side of stage the visibility was good with only one scene where unable to see everyone involved.
As for the show, I really liked it. For various reasons I didn't enjoy Dreamgirls as it felt more like a concert than a musical. Despite this show being made up of well known songs it still felt like a musical, with a decent story line and a nice level of humour throughout.
Full cast aside from understudy for Cynthia. I would say it was 98% full. Surprised how old the audience was but then I remembered we are talking about songs from 40-50 years ago so will attract an audience in 60-70 age bracket. I sometimes forget we all grow older. Was at a charity dinner a few years ago and was chatting to a charming old lady. When it came to discussing music I expected a conversation around opera, Mozart etc. She went on to explain she was a massive Deep Purple fan and never missed a gig when on tour.
The audience clearly loved Beautiful with standing ovation at end. Not sure those in the stalls realised all the piano playing came from the orchestra, but as piano mime goes it was very realistic and clearly well rehearsed.
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Post by liverpool54321 on Feb 19, 2017 12:34:55 GMT
Saw this yesterday and it definitely goes down as one of the strangest musicals I've ever seen. Even more strange than the Landor's infamous musical on ice. Credit to the cast and especially the chorus line for doing a really good job with what is a terrible script. It really does bounce all over the place. For a brief while it feels a bit like West Side Story but then it suddenly jerks into something completely different.
2nd half was an improvement on first and with careful concentration I was able to follow the plot. Glad it was un mixed as the acoustics in the theatre meant some of the chorus Cookie moments were too loud for me.
Good use of the stage using limited props, supplementing this with a very good lighting set up. A number of the critics have rightly made reference to the relevancy of the show at the moment with comparisons to what is happening in America. Maybe one day Sondheim will re-visit his nightmare and update it to create an up to date paradoy on middle America.
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Post by liverpool54321 on Feb 7, 2017 17:03:53 GMT
Aside from being cheaper, I would suggest people try out the balcony seating - best around the mid way point back. Yes you cannot see the very near side of stage but you feel like you are almost on top of the actors and I find the sound better there compared to the stalls. OK you cannot sit next to someone as in single file, but you can relax more as you can lean against the side railings and no fears of being squashed. And if on the right side it is the quickest exit to the bar.
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Post by liverpool54321 on Feb 4, 2017 20:29:48 GMT
Apology accepted. And yes we did enjoy the show.
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Post by liverpool54321 on Feb 4, 2017 20:23:47 GMT
Since we're getting personal that was my wife you are referring to. Yes she has weak back muscles having had CFS for 25 years, and so cannot sit for long in normal chairs. And if you had paid a bit more attention you would see me as the person who carries it everywhere.
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Post by liverpool54321 on Jan 28, 2017 20:15:04 GMT
Saw the matinee today and really enjoyed it. Total run time was 2hr 45m. No idea where they shaved the time.
Gabriel Vick and Daisy Maywood we're fantastic in lead roles. Daisy ha such an effortless, yet very powerful and pure singing voice. Great supporting cast especially the other top leads playing the doctor and bar fly.
The audience seemed perfectly happy with the theme and at one point booed/hissed Sheldrake for his comments about commitment. Maybe they were all secretly booing Trump.
In some ways the story line works better today as we see through the male contingent. When it first came out some might have questioned why it appeared to put married men down out for a good time.
No wobbly doors just a wobbly plant that fell over and deposited its soil across the stage for most of first half despite best efforts of cast members to clear it up whilst performing.
My better half loved the show and two main leads. She would probably give it 5 stars. I'd give it 4.
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Post by liverpool54321 on Jan 21, 2017 21:47:36 GMT
Caught the matinee today and loved it. Such a strong cast. The only downside was the disruption from number of people suffering weak bladder syndrome in the first half. At one point they were virtually queuing out of the theatre. Theatre staff said they had never seen anything like it before. Seemed to all be part of a very large party there.
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Post by liverpool54321 on Jan 19, 2017 18:16:35 GMT
For noting, I had a call from the box office today (no idea where they are based at the moment) to sort out a wheelchair space in December. Looks like they have moved the wheelchair space to back row of stools which is a shame but I can't fault the way they managed the advance booking. Now need to decide if I go twice as I've also got seats for February in Row L. I suspect I will fall under the "acceptable reason" for cancelling these as could not guarantee access seats when booking.
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Post by liverpool54321 on Jan 16, 2017 13:05:12 GMT
Booked for 13 Feb, plus hopefully earlier date with wheelchair access to take the wife. Got Stalls Row L 39-40 - adjacent to where the £200 premium start in row so feels like a "bargain" at £89.
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Post by liverpool54321 on Jan 4, 2017 18:14:35 GMT
Nothing to compare with as not seen Amber playing Effie but certainly no complaints this afternoon about Marisha. I thought she was incredible. Very appreciative audience with full standing ovation at the end.
My only criticism was the volume in first half. Sat in Row F of Dress Curcle and it was deafening at times. Plenty of people commenting in interval that it was too loud. Given the sound system they have installed it seems a bit strange that the balance is so poor.
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Post by liverpool54321 on Jan 3, 2017 23:06:20 GMT
Does feel like Amber is on a planned holiday rather than off sick if the pictures and video of her celebrating New Years Eve are anything to go by. Seeing Dreamgirls tomorrow at the matinee. Not expecting her to be back.
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Post by liverpool54321 on Dec 21, 2016 15:10:41 GMT
I missed the announcement re delay for this production. Having booked originally for 24 Dec now trying to find last minute substitute but not much choice. Did others get notified by theatre tickets cancelled?
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Post by liverpool54321 on Sept 15, 2016 11:31:31 GMT
My advice is keep on refreshing at the moment as odd cheaper seats do keep appearing.
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Post by liverpool54321 on Sept 12, 2016 17:04:39 GMT
Caught the matinee today having swapped from Wednesday matinee. Also meant being in centre row E in stalls versus original front row dress circle. Really enjoyed the up and close view.
I thought it was brilliant from start to finish. Agree little to take away in terms of memorable tunes. There's only 2-3 strong solo numbers and the rest of songs keep the plot going and going and going and ...... My personal view is that this is exactly the way the writers approached this. So hard given the story line to keep a musical on constant repeat button. Instead they work lesser numbers into it in a way that you don't feel like you are in some kind of Groundhog Day, unlike Phil Connors, and instead it is constantly evolving and moving forward. Having a big tune constantly repeated might have detracted from the overall experience.
I thought song at start of 2nd half was perfect as it completely re-sets the scene after the break, reminding us that everything is becoming very predictable (in this case her looks and the men she attracts). It's a way of saying Phil Connors isn't the only one who experiences Groundhog Day.
As for Andy Karl, agree with all the other posters - totally brilliant. His timing, his singing, his emotions that he carries on stage - all worthy of an Olivier or two.
I can't see this failing in the West End so I hope they sort out a Broadway soon so we can get it back on a London stage.
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Post by liverpool54321 on Sept 9, 2016 16:06:23 GMT
12 seats for Monday matinee currently available, albeit £90 seats.
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Post by liverpool54321 on Sept 3, 2016 18:22:03 GMT
Does seem to be a hot ticket now with so few shows left. I had hoped to persuade Old Vic to take my 2 front row dress circle (which I bought at old price) for one decent seat at the Monday matinee but currently sold out.
Several very good seats appeared for sale at 7 Sept matinee.
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Post by liverpool54321 on Aug 11, 2016 13:28:02 GMT
Production shots have been released! Set looks quite good to be honest No expense spared if the nun's crosses are anything to go by. My friend supplied them - the genuine article. No wooden tac pinted silver.
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Post by liverpool54321 on Jun 27, 2016 12:41:14 GMT
I'd like to think the producers/promoters will not want to mis-lead those booking early as to who will be playing Fanny. If people think it might be Sheridan then it's bound to guarantee early bookings. If they already know for certain that it will not be Sheridan on tour they should be saying this now. There's only so big a hole they can keep on digging for themselves.
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Post by liverpool54321 on Jun 18, 2016 22:05:19 GMT
Overall I enjoyed the performance this afternoon. Some serious sound problems which proved too much for my wife who left at the interval.
The musical itself is primarily a series of 60s songs written for the show, sung by the fictitious group The Marionettes. As new musicals go I would say it's definitely got longevity in it and with some serious editing and extra material would work well in the likes of Southwark Playhouse.
Last show was tonight but it is then touring in Cornwall. The Marionettes are played as both younger version in their teens, and later version in their late 40s. Both were good but it was the teens that really shone and were very believable as a young girl group. The fact that the lead singer was spitting image of a singer I used to work with did confuse me a bit but they sang and danced as well as many in the West End.
Story line was strong. Where it let itself down was in the amateur nature of the production at times with some pantomine bits thrown in, in what felt like providing an opportunity for other members of the theatre company to make cameo appearances. The main characters were good and I felt it didn't need lots of add ons for cheap laughs. The run time was about 2hrs 45m and could easily lose 20-25m. Only two songs were not as part of the group performing and it could do with a few more as part of dialogue. A bit more focus on the relationship between George the manager and Mary the singer would be good. The other bit that could do with a solution is the role of George the manager. Same person plays George young and old. In part this was necessary from the way it was staged and him switching characters as he was often commentating on events. The trouble was he looked like he was in early twenties so not exactly the 50 year old on stage much of the time. Better to cast 2 Georges and use lighting effects to bring in 2nd George when switching.
First time I have been to Bridewell Theatre. I liked it as a venue and will try to get to more shows there in the future. We found the sound very confusing though. Sat in front row the quite large band was extremely loud through the speakers. The cast seemed to be coming through separate speakers hung above front row and I was left with hearing the sound of cast coming out behind me, often being drowned out by the band's speakers in front of me. It was a shame as a show like this needs to get the sound right as the singing is first class and needs to be heard.
Overall I would give this 3 stars. I hope someone takes a further look at it to see if it has the makings of a fringe performance over a longer run. Original material needs to be encouraged.
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Post by liverpool54321 on Jun 18, 2016 12:46:08 GMT
Going to see this afternoon. New British musical. Limited reviews to date have been good.
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Post by liverpool54321 on Jun 13, 2016 12:28:46 GMT
I would agree it lacks the comedy that certainly came across in the original film. From memory, I think in part the film was enhanced by the soundtrack by Malcolm Arnold which gave emphasis to each of the characters.
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