To Wong Foo - Hope Mill

A few thoughts from tonight’s first preview viewing. Despite the late start (8pm) we had a run time of around 2.5hrs tonight with an interval. As a first preview I haven’t got any complaints about the pacing with the show. It zipped along very nicely and we didn’t have any stops during the show. 

Cast wise, I really enjoyed watching them. Peter Caulfield as Vida and Gregory Haney as Noxeema were the standouts for me. Brilliant comic delivery from them both. Christine Maitland as Carol Anne gets a great solo number in Act 2. Vocally, again no issues from any of the cast and good sound mixing for a first run.

The score is a nice mix of upbeat tempo, ballads and country. The music is delivered by a band of 3 (keyboard, bass guitar and drums). Although not very big, I didn’t feel this was an issue tonight.

As for the set, there really isn’t that much to be honest. A few bits and pieces like chairs and tables and the car that is just a basic frame with a few neon lights ( no wheels, 4 cast members are dressed in black). There is a lot of use of projections and video to help set different scenes. 

For the costumes, particularly Vida, Noxeema and Chi Chi were ok, but nothing I would rave about. I was after a bit more glitz and glamour, but apart from one scene at the start with a lot of drag queens, I just felt it didn’t materialise. 

I think ultimately whilst a fun show, I just didn’t get that wow factor tonight to make me want to book for a revisit. 

I think if the Hope Mill can’t find an adequate balance between set and costumes (both being sub par isn’t acceptable certainly for the ticket price of around £40) then they have made the right decision to stop staging musicals.

I have to agree sadly. The last musical I saw there was Head over Heels and was very underwhelmed, especially as their ticket prices have rocketed in recent years. I'm there to see Woo Fong on Tuesday so will be interested to see what it's like.
On a related note, there is another ticket discount offer on this weekend

I wonder which other venues in Manchester they’re looking at using in the future? The Dancehouse has 400 seats and seems to be under used (or maybe I’m just not aware of what’s going on there), RNCM has a lovely 600 seat modern theatre. I wonder what the plan is.

Merchandise -

Never had complaints about direction, choreo, casts etc but it’s always been a bit touch and go when it comes to the look of the shows. They’ve had some fantastic and classy ones, Spring Awakening, Mame, Parade come to mind but there have been some that have pushed the boundaries of what is acceptable for professional theatre. Jerry Springer was the one that really made me start backing away from the HM because it genuinely was like a piss take.

There is a level of goodwill you can build up from an audience who love the venue (and it is indeed beautiful) but there’s a limit. I’ve seen am dram at the Hope Mill that had better costumes and sets than fully pro productions. That cannot be right and there’s a limit to how much they can rely on the goodwill of a sympathetic audience to carry it on.

I’m actually pleased they’re not doing it any more after this season because it’s getting embarrassing. If I can attend a HM musical at a bigger venue in Manchester that allows them to generate more revenue and doesn’t have me sat in a conference room chair I’ll be delighted to give them my money. 

Totally agree. It’s 130 seats. 100 less than the Southwark Large. I don’t know how they’ve done it for so long to be honest. 

Oh dear. I was not impressed.
Clichèd with dreadful songs and poor acting.
Very brief first act (about 45 mins following a very late start)
The majority of the budget has clearly gone on the drag costumes. The car is just embarrassing and the song with actors playing the wheels was just cringy.
The set was ok, some good use of projection but hadn't been designed well as there's an archway that they make a lot of entrances through and it was too low for the actors to fit through when in drag and they had to bend over to get through.
I think Hope Mill are facing pretty tough times ahead, there was a plea for donations afterwards, to help them get through the next year.

They've kept this in. It was the best part of the show

HM are giving away tickets to Manchester drag queens to see a special performance. Possibly a high risk strategy if the guests turn up better dressed than the cast.

So having driven from Leicestershire straight to the theatre and then straight back home after it here’s my thoughts.

I was blown away by it tbh

It follows the film pretty much exactly lots of dialogue is straight from it in parts, but the delivery of the jokes is so spot on that they pretty much all land. Glad the usage of the N word has been dropped between screen and stage.
Thought there wasn’t a weak link on stage, great performances and vocals. The car is pretty tacky but the usage of four singers as the tyres is inspired.
Costumes were all great, whoever played Rupaul’s role in the opening scene was amazing.
Having seen the film at the cinema, I rewatched my dvd on Friday night and it’s just sluggish with a distinct lack of sass, but for me it was delivered in spades today. All three leads were convincing as drag queens for me.
Found the show had great flair and the transitions moved smoothly, big cast etc
Loved it.
Intending to see it again.
Genuinely feel good entertainment.
Also I had a front row seat the £54 including a program and a £9.50 cocktail, for me it was a lovely treat to be front and centre