Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder-Fringe / Tour / Ambassadors

Saw this tonight and had a good time. I’m glad others are commenting on the sound - there was a large part of the first half of act one I couldn’t understand anything at times. But this won me over and was a real fun time. Since there’s no 3 1/2 star options here I’ll bump it up to four.

From Hollywood to Hull completed my double show day tonight. Firstly I am really glad that this fantastic show finally got a home in the WE. Having loved in when I watched it in Manchester last year, it was a no brainier to rebook for it’s WE run. 

I originally booked one of the cheap front row stalls seats when they became available, so thanks to members who noted the higher stage early on, I ended up upgrading to a row E centre  seat in the circle for an extra £10. From where I was sat it looks to of been a wise decision as I don’t think I would if coped with the extra height. 

As for the show itself, it was still as funny and heart warming as my original visit and as a pairing Bronte and Rebekah are comedy gold on stage with fantastic voices to match. Along with the rest of the cast tonight (we had Sorelle as Felicia and Chelsea as the police officer) I have no complaints with the cast and the jokes still landed. 

What I did find disappointing was the sound design tonight. That Act 1 opener vocals was barely audible from my seat (the band overpowered them) and this was repeated for other numbers as well. I definitely say the balance between the band and vocals needs extra work. If we are all saying the same thing from different seats in that theatre then there is obviously a sound issue that needs sorting out. I can’t remember having that issue on my Manchester visit. 

I gave my Manchester viewing 5⭐️ but with the sound issues tonight it gets knocked down to 4⭐️

See you next murder!

Saw this last week and loved it, my only complaint is the sound design. We have Sorelle on who was wonderful but I couldn’t decipher a word of what she was saying in some of the songs!

Definitely enjoyed it more on the second outing.

I mostly love the fact the characters don't shove their issues in your face like Dear Evan Hansen, it's very gentle and I think makes you lean into them more as it's not constantly "poor me poor me..." You genuinely like them as people as it's so sincere.

Imelda Warren-Green as Erica is still my standout. Just so funny.

Brilliant cast, definitely a strong 4*. I'd be tempted to go for a 5* but I just can't understand those bloody Felicia Taylor songs...WHAT IS SHE SINGING? All the words just merge into one...

Anyway, will likely make a 3rd visit. See you next murder!

I'm envious, I can't wait to go back!

I saw a cover Felicia Taylor, and she was so much better, I could hear what she was saying.

I still think it could lose 20mins, and I find the role of Felicia Taylor the weakest part of the whole show.

I just love how unique it is, and the two main roles are perfect.

Saw this tonight. I did enjoy it, good music, songs, and comedy. Problem was as per other remarks, the diction is awful. It took me far too long to notice the subtitles at the top of the stage in order to keep up with key plot moments. (Although my head doesn't quite swivel the ninety degrees that would take to consistently read it)

I think it would be better if they dropped the 'ull accents whilst singing. I'm a southern softy so the spoken dialogue was fine, but the singing just turned into accented screeching at many points. I remember having the same trouble at the last Hairspray tour, they were so determined to do intense American accents any understandable dialogue was completely lost.

Stage is stupidly high, yes. I was in stalls row C and could see everything and everyone at worst from waist up. Very little happens at the back of the stage fortunately, but the front two rows really must be awful for neck pain.

I saw this over the weekend and LOVED IT.

The score is hilarious and performances superb.

Two things - the sound and diction and speed of the songs. You miss so many of the lyrics. Secondly I wasn’t the biggest fan of the role of Felicia (Hannah Jane Fox) the role makes the show more improv/fringe feeling - especially when the she plays 2 other roles. I wasn’t sure it worked.

That said I still give it 5 stars because the two leads and songs were just excellent. It’s a shame it’s finishing in September!

I do VERY much prefer the cover, Sorelle March, as Felicia.
I'm going again on Saturday, can't wait!

Which is a shame as when it was played by Jodie Jacobs, it was such a standout role. (Not sure why people would be confused though, it's very obviously spelt out for you)

This is exactly 100 per cent correct. It’s the main thing in the show I thought didn’t work. By this point in act two they had almost lost me. I would cut the third character.