185 posts
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Post by harry on Nov 30, 2023 19:54:42 GMT
Jon yes that’s fair. I’ve conflated Jan’s line about RS receiving no subsidy, and being bankrupt, and created all sorts of noise and a very unclear train of thought.
I do stand by my feeling that the government do not value the arts but I also promise not to comment any more on the general state of the arts on a thread that is not about that!
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1,338 posts
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Post by Dave B on Dec 6, 2023 10:55:24 GMT
Anyone been? I'm still very excited to see this, so hoping for some good early word!
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Post by coco on Dec 6, 2023 17:51:07 GMT
Anyone been? I'm still very excited to see this, so hoping for some good early word! I went to see it last night. I loved David Ireland's Cyprus Avenue at the Royal Court, so for this one, I was prepared for his unique style. But I have to say, I think this one is even more extreme. Pushing the audience to the limit, quite offensive. Especially in the second half of the show, I could hear gasps from the audience and the woman sitting behind me saying "My gosh" several times. In the first half, it was quite funny, and it's not just the lines, but also the acting part. Andy Serkis is so good in playing this role, Leigh, the English theatre director. Woody Harreleson and Louisa Harland are also quite good. In terms of directing, I could say that the director is quite loyal to the writer. During the standing ovation, ushers were holding signs that no photography allowed, because it would give away the ending. Before entering, I was told that the show would be 90 minutes, but I think for the second preview, they went a bit overtime, maybe around 100 minutes? As during the middle part of the show, I did feel a bit dragged. But maybe because it's a show about the words you choose to say and how it reflects you, and I normally find this type a bit slow. I really like this, and I recommend it to my friend who also liked Cyprus Avenue. But I don't think Ireland's play is for everyone.
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Post by parsley1 on Dec 6, 2023 18:49:14 GMT
Anyone been? I'm still very excited to see this, so hoping for some good early word! I went to see it last night. I loved David Ireland's Cyprus Avenue at the Royal Court, so for this one, I was prepared for his unique style. But I have to say, I think this one is even more extreme. Pushing the audience to the limit, quite offensive. Especially in the second half of the show, I could hear gasps from the audience and the woman sitting behind me saying "My gosh" several times. In the first half, it was quite funny, and it's not just the lines, but also the acting part. Andy Serkis is so good in playing this role, Leigh, the English theatre director. Woody Harreleson and Louisa Harland are also quite good. In terms of directing, I could say that the director is quite loyal to the writer. During the standing ovation, ushers were holding signs that no photography allowed, because it would give away the ending. Before entering, I was told that the show would be 90 minutes, but I think for the second preview, they went a bit overtime, maybe around 100 minutes? As during the middle part of the show, I did feel a bit dragged. But maybe because it's a show about the words you choose to say and how it reflects you, and I normally find this type a bit slow. I really like this, and I recommend it to my friend who also liked Cyprus Avenue. But I don't think Ireland's play is for everyone. Thanks for your interesting and insightful comments I am looking forward to this How is the seating please? Raked or all flat? Much appreciated
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Post by coco on Dec 6, 2023 19:19:48 GMT
I went to see it last night. I loved David Ireland's Cyprus Avenue at the Royal Court, so for this one, I was prepared for his unique style. But I have to say, I think this one is even more extreme. Pushing the audience to the limit, quite offensive. Especially in the second half of the show, I could hear gasps from the audience and the woman sitting behind me saying "My gosh" several times. In the first half, it was quite funny, and it's not just the lines, but also the acting part. Andy Serkis is so good in playing this role, Leigh, the English theatre director. Woody Harreleson and Louisa Harland are also quite good. In terms of directing, I could say that the director is quite loyal to the writer. During the standing ovation, ushers were holding signs that no photography allowed, because it would give away the ending. Before entering, I was told that the show would be 90 minutes, but I think for the second preview, they went a bit overtime, maybe around 100 minutes? As during the middle part of the show, I did feel a bit dragged. But maybe because it's a show about the words you choose to say and how it reflects you, and I normally find this type a bit slow. I really like this, and I recommend it to my friend who also liked Cyprus Avenue. But I don't think Ireland's play is for everyone. Thanks for your interesting and insightful comments I am looking forward to this How is the seating please? Raked or all flat? Much appreciated I sit in the front row so I‘m not quite sure how people sitting behind would view. But I think the rake is fine. The stage is a bit high because I couldn’t see the floor but I didn’t miss anything so it’s fine for me.
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Post by mattnyc on Dec 9, 2023 16:47:22 GMT
The seating is raked and raked very well, at that. Makes up for the awfully uncomfortable seats they have.
Just leaving the matinee and I’m going to have to think on this one. Very difficult to talk about it at all without giving away major spoilers for it.
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Post by coco on Dec 9, 2023 17:07:56 GMT
I went to see the matinee today because my friend won the lottery tickets. I sat in L row and I find the rake is not that good because the person sitting in front of me is a bit tall so I have his head blocking my view. Luckily, I didn’t miss much as most of the actions took place either in the left or in the right side of the stage.
For the play, I found they made it even funnier so the audience didn’t gasp a lot compared with my first visit. Definitely better. Also, a lot of the lines that seem offensive in my first visit now are softened due to this vibe change.
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Post by mattnyc on Dec 9, 2023 17:52:41 GMT
Interesting because iI was a bit further back than you and had loads of room over peoples heads, who weren’t “short”.
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Post by coco on Dec 9, 2023 19:15:44 GMT
Interesting because iI was a bit further back than you and had loads of room over peoples heads, who weren’t “short”. It’s just the person sitting right in front of me causing the problem. Sitting right beside me was someone who might be the assistant director or else, she changed her seat ( around us there were a few seats they kept not on sale) because the person sitting in front of her was also blocking her view.
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Post by talkingheads on Dec 10, 2023 19:01:17 GMT
If anybody's interested, I'm selling my two Row B seats for £30 each, that's all I paid for them, on the 6th January at 19.45
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2 posts
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Post by gilbertchilvers on Dec 12, 2023 12:58:35 GMT
Do you still have these?
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Post by talkingheads on Dec 12, 2023 16:42:32 GMT
Are you asking about the tickets I'm selling? If so, yes they're still available.
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2 posts
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Post by gilbertchilvers on Dec 12, 2023 21:13:37 GMT
Yes please, how can i purchase them from you
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Post by talkingheads on Dec 12, 2023 21:46:47 GMT
Yes please, how can i purchase them from you Send me a private message on here and we can discuss it further.
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614 posts
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Post by jamb0r on Dec 12, 2023 21:55:24 GMT
Won the £30 lottery today, got an amazing seat in row E, rake is excellent and the people in front didn’t get in my way at all. I did also spot a few hours before the show that there were a bunch of seats left on the seating plan when trying to book regularly that had all been reduced to £30 including seats which are usually top price.
I thought this was fantastic, probably the most engrossed I’ve been in a play this year. The performances were outstanding. I’m glad I haven’t replied to the ‘top 5’ thread yet, this is definitely going to be in mine.
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Post by greatauntedna on Dec 14, 2023 22:36:59 GMT
Saw it tonight, don’t think it’s that good, but it’s good.
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Post by jr on Dec 18, 2023 23:21:44 GMT
Could we have a poll, please?
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Post by jr on Dec 19, 2023 10:30:17 GMT
I saw this last evening. It started a bit late and was longer than the 90 minutes stated. I haven´t seen any of Ireland´s plays before and I was not impressed with this one.
I don´t think it is a good play. If it wasn´t for the actors, the three of them really good, I don´t think I would have stayed until the end. Reading comments here I was expecting some wild, dark comedy and I didn´t find that. I laughed a few times but found the play going in circles and not advancing much.
I don´t want to say much so I don´t ruin for other people but with the friend I attended we could come up with a better ending and other alternatives that would make it far more interesting. To make it a better play they should cut some stuff and make bolder choices.
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2,348 posts
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Post by zahidf on Dec 22, 2023 13:26:09 GMT
I enjoyed this a lot last night. Cast were having a blast and a good view from the back seats
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Post by orchidman on Dec 22, 2023 14:52:53 GMT
It feels like they should be paying David Mamet royalties for this, it's pure Mamet straight through.
You wonder about the development of the project because it's a play which would only work with bona fide star power in the lead but it's not strong enough material to be confident it will attract that kind of star.
Not sure if it would be preferable to see Woody Harrelson in a proper play or in this one where he really gets to chew the scenery. It's a surprisingly thankless role for Andy Serkis, it's somewhat surprising he would take this on.
You will enjoy yourself if you go in expecting nothing more than a star vehicle, and Harrelson has tangible star power. I would say he's great value but I've seen the prices they are trying to charge.
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Post by jr on Dec 22, 2023 15:56:19 GMT
No poll?
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2,348 posts
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Post by zahidf on Dec 22, 2023 16:08:50 GMT
It feels like they should be paying David Mamet royalties for this, it's pure Mamet straight through. You wonder about the development of the project because it's a play which would only work with bona fide star power in the lead but it's not strong enough material to be confident it will attract that kind of star. Not sure if it would be preferable to see Woody Harrelson in a proper play or in this one where he really gets to chew the scenery. It's a surprisingly thankless role for Andy Serkis, it's somewhat surprising he would take this on. You will enjoy yourself if you go in expecting nothing more than a star vehicle, and Harrelson has tangible star power. I would say he's great value but I've seen the prices they are trying to charge. It was a hit at the Fringe 8 years ago without any name actors. It was a little more vicious then, but woody harrelson's role is enhanced by having an actual star in it for sure
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1,005 posts
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Post by David J on Dec 23, 2023 18:52:44 GMT
This was okay
Like Jr I found this play just went around in circles and you could have cut 20-30 minutes worth from it. I felt it came to its natural conclusion before woody harreslson showed his award. After that it limped along until David Ireland realised he hadn’t come up with a satisfactory ending and went all out instead
Louisa Harland and Woody Harrelson were the highlights. Her playing straight and him playing a character naturally, and the two of them worked off each other
Andy Serkis, I’m sorry to say, is not a great actor when he isn’t cgi’ed up. He pretty much “acting” through this production, telegraphing his reactions and not really working off the other two
So whilst I laughed at times i kept checking the time by the end
3.25 stars
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Post by parsley1 on Dec 28, 2023 19:32:17 GMT
Pity anyone who paid more than £30 to sit on the crappiest flip down seats with no arm rests and no incline
What a joke of a venue and venture
How funny they reduce all leftover seats to £30 on the day
I hope no one paid £130 for this 😮
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1,265 posts
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Post by mkb on Dec 30, 2023 2:08:30 GMT
Despite intensely disliking this poor excuse of a venue, despite the extortionate pricing, and despite attending the 12 December evening show feeling like death warmed up, I did actually enjoy myself. But for the £91.50 paid, this really should have been in a proper West End theatre with a comfortable seat.
The cast of three acquit themselves well, and Harrelson in particular makes the most of comic opportunities. The increasingly farcical script takes a few surprising turns, not least in puncturing preconceptions about the Northern Irish. In amongst the madness, there is a serious point being made about how we English are no more savvy than the dumb American we mock.
Solid entertainment: four stars.
One act: 19:50-21:38 23 minutes longer than advertised!
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Post by nottobe on Dec 30, 2023 10:56:51 GMT
Since this was announced I had been very excited to see this and it did not disappoint at all.
I would have to say this is one of the best casts I've seen all year as they all are so perfectly cast and give such great performances. Woody Harrelson was a delight to watch as eccentric and overbearing Hollywood actor. I personally loved his clowning and physical comedy, especially the various eating and drinking gags. I know it was written a few years ago but he just seems like such a perfect fit for the role that I can't imagine anyone else doing it.
Andy Serkis was also very believable as the director and I particularly thought his drunk acting was very funny, his cheeks seemed to go red in his drunken state. I have always thought he has been somewhat overlooked as an actor when he is not in CGI.
Louisa Harland is on the same level as these two Hollywood actors here really playing a believable writer who is blunt and sure of herself but also naked the more serious moments. All three had such a great chemistry and knew perfectly how to pitch their parts.
David Ireland's play itself is definitely not for the easily offended, even people who aren't easily offended might be in shock. There are so many laugh out loud moments and many others where I felt people laughing around me while I sat taking the shocking jokes in. I was truly invested in the world that was created even though for some the heightened situations and characters might not gel. I would say this is a great companion piece to Cyprus Avenue with many similar themes and a lot to think on. It is easily one of my highlights of the year!
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156 posts
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Post by bee on Dec 30, 2023 18:13:02 GMT
I'd pretty much agree with the last couple of reviews. I enjoyed this a lot. It starts pretty slowly but as soon as Louisa Harland appears it hits its stride. To some extent the other two actors, while both excellent, are playing easily recognisable stereotypes, but Harland's character provides a less often heard point of view as well as getting most of the funny one liners. Four stars from me.
I think some folks are being a bit hard on the venue, it was OK, other than the horribly uncomfortable seats.
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Post by alessia on Jan 2, 2024 12:27:01 GMT
I also enjoyed this a lot - I don't understand the criticism of this theatre, I felt the opposite and really liked it. the seat was no more uncomfortable than many West End venues, and I dare say, better because there is a decent rake and space between seats (unlike other theatres where I've felt squished on both sides and being short, I often to peer through people's heads to see the stage). The play itself was funny, the acting really convincing from all three of them. I was wondering what a Northern Irish person would think of some parts of this, as some of the jokes are quite shocking but I know it was on purpose. Overall I liked this and already recommended to people.
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Post by bigredapple on Jan 3, 2024 11:09:43 GMT
Went to enter the lottery today on TodayTix and it said it’s closed until next Tues. But it’s a daily lottery?
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Post by aspieandy on Jan 3, 2024 18:40:54 GMT
This was a riot this afternoon: came for David Ireland, stayed for the show.
Lovely ebb and flow between Serkis and Harrelson before Ruth arrives (Louisa Harland: familiar to some as Agnes in the NT’s recent Dancing at Lughnasa, or Derry Girls). Then the pace picks up seamlessly.
Very fun range of physical comedy, lashings of parody and satire to skewer all concerned (all three playing members of social tribes they won’t be unfamiliar with)
This is peak David Ireland, imo; broader, more layered, as hard as ever, using his brand of absurdism more surgically. Cast doing him full justice.
Amusement and laughter sprinkled throughout – some great one-liners - followed by fully deserved SO.
Wondered why this wasn’t at the Royal Court or similar. Maybe it will be ..
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