Closer to Heaven - Turbine Theatre

Gosh. Very clearly him. Consider my mind blown!

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?
They swapped out Positive Role Model?
But I want a Positive Role Model!

Very interesting, thanks n1david. I presume that means the same will happen for this production... at least I've been warned in advance now, that would have been quite the disappointment on the night!

That's a great find Deal J.  I saw the original production at the Arts Theatre, and it didn't quite gel yet; particularly the integration of Billie Trix.  The sense of time period felt off, but perhaps that will matter less now. 

So interesting to see they had such a well worked out back story for her.  Perhaps they had Marianne Faithful in mind to degree, whose voice certainly gained a new much-admired distinctiveness with age and tough life experiences (something they attribute to Billie Trix in that potted history). Plus their own promotion of a Dusty Springfield revival after a long period in the wilderness for her.

The early 70s was an odd one for British female pop singers - Cilla Black sang with Marc Bolan (cool) and did light entertainment shows for BBC1 (not so cool); Lulu was admired by Bowie for a while (they nearly recorded an album together) but did Eurovision in one of the periods when it was pretty naff. From memory only Suzi Quatro stood apart (American, but British based), but a rocker first more than the chanteuse that Billie Trix seems to be. 




 

They're posting that this is 75% sold which is not bad going this early. The dates don't work for me but very interested to see whether this production is one that captures the spirit and style of the original.

Just bought for a second night. Am hopefully this is gonna be amazing!

(Though remain traumatised at the thought of the unallocated seating!)

Saw this tonight. First preview.

Was slightly worried what I was letting myself into after seeing the promo shots. After seeing the show tonight, I don’t think the promo does it any justice. The photos showcase such a tiny part of it - but obviously they’ve chosen the elements they think will sell it. I just think the performances are worth more than just being reduced to topless bodies.

Some great performances on display. It’ll tighten up and develop along the run I’m sure so hope to see it again. But it was absolutely packed the rafters and the audiences were loving it.

Frances Ruffelle was a tour de force. Though seemed more in control of the show in act 1, than act 2 but again that will come. Audience went gaga for her performance of Friendly Fire. She can still really move. Glenn Adamson and Courtney Bowman were exceptional - both funny and heartbreaking. ‘For All of Us’ by Adamson, is particularly beautiful. David Muscat as ‘Bob’, was a standout. He managed to squeeze every possible laugh out of that script. Worth seeing it for him alone.

A few hairy moments with costumes, mics and lighting. A lot of malfunctions, mics falling off heads etc, but I quite like seeing a show in its infancy.

Despite loving the Pet Shop Boys I’m not a massive fan of the score. Needs a song to end act 1 and I’d love to get some of their back catalogue in there atleast. Finale should be ‘it’s a sin’. It would fit much better x

We were asked upon entry to the house if we wanted to sit in theatre style seating or table style. I opted for theatre style, but most wanted tables. Tables do put you right in the action / lots of time with Frances! Those of tables were also given cards and they could turn them to green if they were happy to have an immersive experience or red if they wanted to be left in peace. Basically red means - don’t come near me Frances. And if you’re on green - you might be lucky enough to have her sit at your table at points!

Ooh, I’m excited. The promo pics did surprise me a little in how lo-fi it all looked, given the pre-booking hype about it being a club setting. I’m at the Saturday matinee which I was a bit worried about seeing as it’s only the 2nd preview, but the comments here have reassured me.

I only saw the original production (twice), so I’m still shocked that “Positive Role Model” isn’t in it anymore, but thanks to you wonderful TB folks at least that won’t be a disappointing surprise!

My husband is new to the show, I’ve had the “Friendly Fire” promo on repeat several times lately, so at least I know we’ll both enjoy that!

No central aisle. The entire thing is thrust staging. I’d say maybe ten rows of theatre style. More choice if you opt for table.

I was worried about it being unallocated but it didn’t bother me on the night. It was nice to be able to decide based on how up for it I was once I’d arrived. It’s certainly an event regardless of where you sit. If I went again (which I will) I’d go for a table, you get a different show from every angle.

Thanks for the knowledge on the finale it’s a great ear worm finale it just fell abit flat in comparison to the previous two hours. Short run time. Was out by 10pm and that was with a late start for both Acts. Which is welcome in Battersea as it’s a bit of a shlep. X

Billie sings the first verse sat with Dave who joins in for a bit, and then Billie takes centre stage to take over the song proper.

Just out of the show now - it’s a good production, still a few teething issues but again it’s only 2nd preview. I’ll post my thoughts tomorrow, generally very good though and really glad to see the show again after 23 years!