140 posts
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Post by FJ on Sept 10, 2023 14:04:51 GMT
Had the pleasure of seeing this a couple more times this past week. I've now sat on all three levels (including the front row and back row of the whole theatre) and while I think the first balcony offers the best view, there really does not seem to be a bad seat in this amazing theatre.
I've been able to appreciate the smaller details and notice a few minor changes they've made through the previews so far (though all very minor).
My biggest takeaway has been how well directed I think this is. Fran's song 'One to Seventeen' near the beginning, is a perfect example of how the cast play to all sides, all levels, all seats throughout the show. Even in the second balcony you can see the cast making eye contact with you and including the whole audience in the storytelling and that really helps to make this space seem perfect for this show.
There's been a couple of tweaks to the lighting design in 'Silence of the Sea' which makes it all the more impactful now and the whole way that song is staged means it's quickly becoming one of my highlights of the show.
I think from the off Jonny Amies has been amazing in the role of boy Henry, but I've really noticed a huge change in Ed Larkin really growing into his role, really brilliant performance from him.
Really hope this does well with the critics as I think it really deserves it.
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Post by nick91 on Sept 10, 2023 17:56:06 GMT
I love it so much, definitely one of the best musicals I've seen in many years. One simple story, very clever direction, beautiful staging, great music, awesome actors (Jonny Amies and Ed Larkin are brilliant and I believe they're gonna be even better during time) and the result is incredible. So beautiful, so touching. I can't wait to see it at least one more time and really hope it's gonna stay in West End for much longer (and we get more songs released).
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Post by eoghan31 on Sept 11, 2023 17:36:49 GMT
A stunningly designed production. Joyously uplifting storytelling. A sublimely talented cast. Theatre was buzzing with anticipation and once the house lights went down and the actors took to the stage you found yourself being pulled into the story of Henry Fraser. It never went down the route of mawkish sentimentality. Perhaps some liberties were taken with the characterisations but where it succeeded was how it maintained the bond of the family unit throughout and the steel within to make something positive from a tragic life changing accident. The two actors playing Henry Ed Larkin and Jonny Amies were exceptional. I simply do not have words to describe how their performances resonated and how they connected with a heartbreaking realism. Linzi Hateley illuminated the stage with the warmth she has always graced a stage with and this role gave her not only the opportunity to remind us of her glorious voice but the sheer scope of her acting. Equally Alasdair Harvey gave a wonderful interpretation of a father struggling in so many ways. Every production element which has gone into the musical could not be bettered. Direction has ensured all sides are played to a factor which only on occasion I have seen work. The music and lyrics do what so few new musicals do and that it to work with the book in advancing the story with lyrics providing humour, gritty realism and music which was punchy and melodious. The physical production of design, sound and lighting just stunning. Again though you keep going back to the actors and of the role of the casting director who has brought together 12 inclusive actors to premier one of the best new British musicals I have seen in years.
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Post by mrbluesky on Sept 11, 2023 17:39:44 GMT
Saw this on Saturday and loved it!
The show was in fine form already, and what a cast! Everyone fits their role perfectly, particularly the two Henrys - though Ed Larkin was really really good, and found Jonny Aimes incredibly moving, especially in his solo in Act Two where young Henry describes the accident. Linzi Hately and Alsidair Harvey as the parents were fantastic together, and I will be very surprised if they don't nab some nominations at the Oliviers next year.
The brothers could be cobranded into one, but I actually like that each of them gets their 'moment' with Henry, and their song in Act Two was great! Loved Malinda Parris and Amy Trigg, who got some proper laughs, and thought the ensemble were great.
All in all, loved it!!
In fact, loved it so much I did something I've never done - walked out at 10PM, hopped onto Nimax's website and rebooked for this Friday!
Suspect this will be a big hit!
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Post by mattnyc on Sept 11, 2023 17:50:38 GMT
Is the theatre still jumping on people to check bags etc?
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Post by alece10 on Sept 11, 2023 19:04:41 GMT
Is the theatre still jumping on people to check bags etc? I saw people with biggish bags in the auditorium and was quite surprised but it was the first preview and there were quite a lot of creatives and family in the audience so maybe we're turning a blind eye.
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Post by andypandy on Sept 12, 2023 8:48:20 GMT
I saw this last night.
I come to this piece with a unique angle that my father last year had an accident and also ended up permanently in a wheelchair. I have lived and breathed the entire process. It wasn’t a good one.
I’m afraid I thought this musical was a missed opportunity. I give it 3 stars because I sat there and enjoyed it and that was all. I liked some of the rip off Dear Even Hanson type songs and some scenes but apart from the female character in the wheelchair who I thought was wonderful - the rest of the material sugar coated the entire experience and journey.
It was a very American contemporary/folk/rock Pasek and Paul score for a very British show. Make sense?
Two two boys playing Henry were superb (though I didn’t like they had different hair cuts!) For such subject material The Little Big Things was not harrowing, it wasn’t raw or deep or desperate enough - especially in act 1. It was rarely still. I had deep heartbreaking texts from my father saying he wanted to kill himself - last night he said “I had some dark moments” and the show moved on. It could have been so much more….
I really longed for some heartbreaking mix that “Jamie” the musical delivered and it didn’t reach that peak. When I watched Jamie I laughed and cried so much, last night I chuckled just a few times. I also don’t like such swearing in productions.
I thought the flying was clunky, some of the songs like “sh*t happens” pretty average and need to be cut and the whole show needs a few more earworms and stand out ballads that drama school students can sing in assessments for the next 50 years. I sadly didn’t like the mothers act 1 song - though it was directly well at every angle it wasn’t memorable and missed the mark.
I loved the references to colours and the boat and the staging in this wonderful new space we have in London BUT the whole show - score, script, songs, casting all seemed 7.5 out of 10
I’m really proud that we have a new British musical that’s a success - because it is. But it should have pushed the boat out the water a little more. Why make one of his brothers BAME if that isn’t the case in real life? The show is diverse and inclusive enough?
Ps the costumes were all HORRIBLE! The ugliest clothes I’ve seen in a show! (Sorry)
3 stars from me. (The wheelchair girl gets 5)
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268 posts
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Post by jm25 on Sept 12, 2023 21:24:18 GMT
Really enjoyed this! Funny, moving, great songs, a wonderful cast and a story with real heart. There were loads of people in tears at the end too!
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Post by shownut on Sept 12, 2023 21:40:55 GMT
Saw this tonight.
A reluctant 3 stars from me.
Overwrought, sitcom level writing and a score that was derivative and forgettable.
Mostly good cast but what a shame they didn’t have better material to work with.
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Post by andypandy on Sept 12, 2023 23:55:31 GMT
Saw this tonight. A reluctant 3 stars from me. Overwrought, sitcom level writing and a score that was derivative and forgettable. Mostly good cast but what a shame they didn’t have better material to work with. Totally agree - sitcom level writing and a forgettable score.
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Post by Being Alive on Sept 13, 2023 12:28:42 GMT
Some of the score is forgettable sure, but there's some undeniable bangers in there (The World Is Waiting For You, title song, The Things We Shouldn't Do to name just three)
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Post by shownut on Sept 13, 2023 13:19:46 GMT
Some of the score is forgettable sure, but there's some undeniable bangers in there (The World Is Waiting For You, title song, The Things We Shouldn't Do to name just three) But I just saw the show less than 24 hours ago and I couldn't hum either of them if I tried....and some of them were just plain bad/misplaced, especially Linsey's first number. When an audience has barely met the character you can't really expect them to care about their trauma/deepest emotions over a 5 minute aria. It would be like putting Rose's Turn towards the beginning of GYPSY. I wish the writers could have figured out a way to make their songs inform/move the action forward with it stopping the action cold through clichés (those lyrics) and cloying attempts to grab the emotions again and again. It became irritating rather than engaging. Lots of passion from the authors but an abysmal lack of musical theatre craft.
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Post by intoanewlife on Sept 13, 2023 14:20:35 GMT
Some of the score is forgettable sure, but there's some undeniable bangers in there (The World Is Waiting For You, title song, The Things We Shouldn't Do to name just three) I wish the writers could have figured out a way to make their songs inform/move the action forward with it stopping the action cold through clichés (those lyrics) and cloying attempts to grab the emotions again and again. It became irritating rather than engaging. Lots of passion from the authors but an abysmal lack of musical theatre craft. Seriously, you could remove well over half of the songs as they do absolutely nothing except bring everything to a screeching halt. They are thrown in for no other reason other than to have a musical number. The entire book needs re-writing to resemble reality, dump 10 songs, the horrendous flying (seriously WTH!) and give Henry something to do other than fight with himself for 90 minutes. He feels like a side character in his own show and all he does is have the same argument with himself over and over again, before being hoisted to the ceiling. Oh and can we teach the brothers how to walk properly instead of like braindead neanderthals...
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Post by alece10 on Sept 13, 2023 14:22:17 GMT
I rather liked the songs and if I heard them 2 or 3 times more then some would certainly stick in my head.
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Post by jamb0r on Sept 13, 2023 14:23:54 GMT
Conversely I saw the show over a week ago and haven't been able to get the songs out of my head. Hoping they'll release the rest of the cast recording in time for opening night tomorrow!
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Post by anthony40 on Sept 13, 2023 14:28:01 GMT
Conversely I saw the show over a week ago and haven't been able to get the songs out of my head. Hoping they'll release the rest of the cast recording in time for opening night tomorrow! I was at the same performance as jamb0r and similarly, cannot get The Little Big Things song out of my head!
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Post by westendfan1 on Sept 13, 2023 14:41:01 GMT
I get what intoanewlife means about Henry feeling like a side character in his own show, but having read the programme notes/a few interviews, I think that was (almost) what the creatives were going for. It was always meant to be a show about family, about 'Team Fraser' in the aftermath of the horrific accident, rather than just about Henry himself.
As for the brothers walking like braindead neanderthals, I guess that's their perception of how rugby players walk!
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Post by theatreian on Sept 13, 2023 14:45:06 GMT
After the positive comments just booked for a matinee on our next London trip which includes Madonna and Sunset with Nicole.
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Post by shownut on Sept 13, 2023 15:00:49 GMT
I wish the writers could have figured out a way to make their songs inform/move the action forward with it stopping the action cold through clichés (those lyrics) and cloying attempts to grab the emotions again and again. It became irritating rather than engaging. Lots of passion from the authors but an abysmal lack of musical theatre craft. Seriously, you could remove well over half of the songs as they do absolutely nothing except bring everything to a screeching halt. They are thrown in for no other reason other than to have a musical number. The entire book needs re-writing to resemble reality, dump 10 songs, the horrendous flying (seriously WTH!) and give Henry something to do other than fight with himself for 90 minutes. He feels like a side character in his own show and all he does is have the same argument with himself over and over again, before being hoisted to the ceiling. Oh and can we teach the brothers how to walk properly instead of like braindead neanderthals... Completely agree. For such serious and potentially inspiring subject matter the material felt so twee with characters based on sitcomish stereotypes instead of real people. That said, I did enjoy Amy Trigg as Agnes. On a side note, someone should explain to the geniuses managing their webpage that musicals don't have 'soundtracks' unless they are working with pre-recorded material to lip-sync/perform to. If it is a recording of a musical that is performed live, it is a cast recording. Yes, we are STILL having to point that out, even to people working in the industry. FFS.
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Post by Being Alive on Sept 13, 2023 15:03:27 GMT
Love how theatre can make people have such different reactions.
I for sure thought this had it's issues, but the positives outweighed the negative considerably for me.
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Post by shownut on Sept 13, 2023 15:21:31 GMT
Love how theatre can make people have such different reactions. I for sure thought this had it's issues, but the positives outweighed the negative considerably for me. Well, with A STRANGE LOOP now gone, we have our new 'marmite'.....
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Post by Being Alive on Sept 13, 2023 16:02:23 GMT
I really struggle to see how this can be anywhere near as divisive as ASL was, but you may be right.
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Post by intoanewlife on Sept 13, 2023 16:15:03 GMT
I really struggle to see how this can be anywhere near as divisive as ASL was, but you may be right. Only ASL was an amazing experience and a ground-breaking show and this...well..isn't. This is Tyler Perry at his finest
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Post by Being Alive on Sept 13, 2023 16:16:07 GMT
I really struggle to see how this can be anywhere near as divisive as ASL was, but you may be right. Only ASL was an amazing experience and a ground-breaking show and this...well..isn't. This is Tyler Perry at his finest And I feel the exact opposite 😂 can't wait to see what the critic's think.
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Post by max on Sept 13, 2023 16:18:15 GMT
What does the flying represent in this show?
I've just deleted a longer post about 'magical disability' in case I'm being unfair to this show, having not seen it yet.
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Post by intoanewlife on Sept 13, 2023 16:24:27 GMT
Only ASL was an amazing experience and a ground-breaking show and this...well..isn't. This is Tyler Perry at his finest And I feel the exact opposite 😂 can't wait to see what the critic's think. This has about as much chance of getting 'bad' reviews as Legally Blonde did last year
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Post by intoanewlife on Sept 13, 2023 16:25:25 GMT
What does the flying represent in this show? I've just deleted a longer post about 'magical disability' in case I'm being unfair to this show, having not seen it yet. I don't know, I hid under my chair with embarrassment as soon as I saw the winch go on the chair...
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Post by FJ on Sept 13, 2023 16:34:04 GMT
Love how theatre can make people have such different reactions. I for sure thought this had it's issues, but the positives outweighed the negative considerably for me. Well, with A STRANGE LOOP now gone, we have our new 'marmite'..... Based on the current poll results here I don’t know if this qualifies for for a ‘marmite’ show yet 😂. Will be interesting to see the masses opinions though once it gets out of previews and officially opens.
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Post by alece10 on Sept 13, 2023 16:36:38 GMT
What does the flying represent in this show? I've just deleted a longer post about 'magical disability' in case I'm being unfair to this show, having not seen it yet. I don't know, I hid under my chair with embarrassment as soon as I saw the winch go on the chair... Blimey you must be really tiny if you managed to fit under one of those pull down seats.
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Post by intoanewlife on Sept 13, 2023 16:38:45 GMT
I don't know, I hid under my chair with embarrassment as soon as I saw the winch go on the chair... Blimey you must be really tiny if you managed to fit under one of those pull down seats. HA! They are also very uncomfortable, my back was killing me for days after!
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