106 posts
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Post by helso1 on Mar 1, 2023 15:45:33 GMT
Does Earl perform every performance? Just booked day seats. I'm on strike today, so figured I may as well do something. Would love to see Paige as Christine, but I think she performs Tuesday evenings, right? Earls only scheduled day off was Saturday so unless he is unwell he should be doing every show until 1st April Oh how I wish I had known that before I went. Oh well! Hopefully I’ll be back before the 1st April x |
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Post by 141920grm on Mar 1, 2023 16:04:24 GMT
Earls only scheduled day off was Saturday so unless he is unwell he should be doing every show until 1st April Oh how I wish I had known that before I went. Oh well! Hopefully I’ll be back before the 1st April x kinda jealous you caught James Hume! He's so so good (and rarely on) |
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Post by littlefan on Mar 1, 2023 16:43:40 GMT
Does Earl perform every performance? Just booked day seats. I'm on strike today, so figured I may as well do something. Would love to see Paige as Christine, but I think she performs Tuesday evenings, right? Earls only scheduled day off was Saturday so unless he is unwell he should be doing every show until 1st April This is great to know as I've booked matinee tickets for Sat 1st. Figured Earl was unlikely to miss his last day of shows. 😬🤞🏻 |
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Post by bobbievanhusen on Mar 1, 2023 17:17:54 GMT
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Post by anthony on Mar 1, 2023 22:51:54 GMT
Will post full feelings tomorrow.
But Earl… wow. I don’t want to sound dramatic, but I genuinely feel like I’ve just witnessed the best theatrical performance I’ve ever seen. My watch literally alerted me because my heart rate spiked so much during his final lair.
Go and see him before he leaves.
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Post by sukhavati on Mar 2, 2023 7:51:21 GMT
Fascinating interview. Well worth 30 minutes of your time. Interesting hearing his take on the current state of theatre in the UK. |
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Post by 141920grm on Mar 2, 2023 11:03:04 GMT
Fascinating interview. Well worth 30 minutes of your time. Interesting hearing his take on the current state of theatre in the UK. He's being very diplomatic about the orchestra! 😂 |
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Post by 141920grm on Mar 2, 2023 11:05:41 GMT
Speaking of interviews- at 15:12 in this one here he articulates really well how he approaches Phantom and presumably other roles also- after every incredible show I think back to this, makes me admire his work and professionalism that much more  |
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Post by theoracle on Mar 2, 2023 22:57:04 GMT
Well, this was interesting - it’s definitely different to the original but not necessarily in a bad way. It does feel hollow however. The orchestrations have lost a richness with the reduced players and it shows particularly in the Prima Donna sequence I think. The rising and crash of the chandelier aesthetically is flashier but there is something that is missed about the old chandelier still. Some of the other sets - particularly the Phantom’s lair felt reduced and one couldn’t help but feel somewhat removed from the action. It was strange considering all the renovations that the sense of immersion has seemed to have faded - I no longer felt transported into the story but simply in a theatre watching a musical…
Still after not seeing the show in a while, I definitely found myself noticing new things about the show that I hadn’t noticed before. I was very impressed by Kelly Glyptis’ Carlotta - she’s not quite nailed the comedy elements but wow she can sing. The way Carlotta and Piangi sort of poke fun at opera, the double meaning of “notes”, little things that made me go oh that is clever!
Casting wise, Earl carpenter more than lives up to expectations. His final “it’s over now, the music of the night!” gave me goosebumps for sure. It was only in the interval when I remembered how little the phantom is actually on stage so i savoured every moment we get to see and hear him. Holly felt a little plain to me - I didn’t connect to her Christine and I was hoping for more clarity during the performance…
It was strange at the ending not seeing the show get the full standing ovation in the stalls I was expecting. About 40% we’re standing. Lots of tourists and foreigners which I hope can help keep the show going. Whether it’s still the west end phenomenon it once was continues to be debated but I was glad to have been there tonight. I just hope it won’t be another 12 years before Earl plays Phantom in the West End again…
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520 posts
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Post by anthony on Mar 2, 2023 23:37:51 GMT
I'm honestly struggling to put into words how great last night was.
So, I love Earl anyway - he was my first Phantom and I've always enjoyed watching him perform. Genuinely, though, his Phantom is out of this world. It's shockingly good, to the point my smart watch genuinely alerted me because my heart rate had risen so much during his final lair.
I think a major problem with recent Phantoms is that they're scared to make the role their own. Really, the majority are carbon copies of each other, with little room for digression. Perhaps this has been a conscious choice, but we certainly don't get people portraying the role like Peter Karrie did anymore, for example. Earl seems to mark an end to this - his Phantom was genuinely different to any way I've seen it performed before. In fact, I'd say his portray was very Karrie-esque. It was just wonderful. I plan on booking in a couple of more times before the end of his run. I actually feel slightly bad for Jon Robyns having to follow Earl, if I'm honest.
Holly-Anne has grown a lot since I first saw her in the role. I actually think Holly-Anne's main problem is that she's too good - to the point it's effortless. The problem with this is that it looks like she's not trying at times, which is a shame. It did make me laugh, though - the people in front of me spent the entire time claiming she was miming because she was so good vocally. I still have *huge* problems with Greg's Piangi, though. I don't think it's his fault. I just don't understand the changes...
Kelly Glyptis is a *huge* improvement over the previous Carlotta. Comedic timing needs work, though. There were times when the comedy was just missed. Matt Harrop is genuinely amazing. He's really grown into Firmin and just embodies it. Just wonderful.
As a side note, I had the understudy Mme. Giry and it did make me laugh because she kept calling Carlotta 'Senor', rather than 'Senorita'.
It's actually amazing what a solid principal cast does for the show, even with the toned down set and orchestrations.
Edit: Not sure if they were struggling with numbers yesterday, but I noticed James Gant in Hannibal, after his auctioneer, in his auctioneer outfit taking part in the rehearsals? It was very odd because everyone else is in their Hannibal outfits and he's in his suit. Is this the norm since the changes? Genuinely can't recall.
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3,349 posts
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Post by Dr Tom on Mar 3, 2023 10:59:45 GMT
I saw this earlier in the week, mainly because I wanted to see Earl. He didn't disappoint. Paige Blankson was on as Christine and excellent always.
I don't follow the show as closely as many others, but it all held together very well to me, and sounded fantastic. I was also able to get a second row day seat, so had an excellent view.
The audience for this show is rather odd. This must survive based on the tourist market and there were plenty of people near me translating. I was also one of the only people to give Earl a (much deserved) standing ovation.
The front of house staff don't have it easy either. I witnessed a guy in the front row complaining that he hadn't expected the music to be so loud and he couldn't properly hear all the words. I know what I would want to say in that situation, but the theatre representative handled things very well.
Very glad I got to see Earl. I suspect it will be a while before I'm back.
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Post by sukhavati on Mar 4, 2023 6:33:33 GMT
Edit: Not sure if they were struggling with numbers yesterday, but I noticed James Gant in Hannibal, after his auctioneer, in his auctioneer outfit taking part in the rehearsals? It was very odd because everyone else is in their Hannibal outfits and he's in his suit. Is this the norm since the changes? Genuinely can't recall. I haven't been since before lockdown, since I didn't want to hear the stripped down orchestrations (among other reasons). Old school Phantom was Phillip Griffiths as the auctioneer/M Reyer, and in the prologue he wore very heavy white makeup, with a lot of thick black defining his features. Almost ghost-like, then he'd wipe it off and change out of his apron et al, before coming on the stage as Reyer. You also had M Lefevre, André, Firmin, Giry, and the seamstress in period daytime clothes, then parts of the ensemble in a mix of Hannibal costume pieces and Victorian pieces to emphasise that it is a rehearsal we're watching. Not sure if that scene is still looking the same or not. I saw the original production multiple times in four separate cities, including NY and Los Angeles, and have fond memories of many of the costumes, sets, and scenes and what was in which scene. The last several times I saw the show was at Her Majesty's from the stalls, close enough to remember details. |
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Post by sukhavati on Mar 4, 2023 6:40:37 GMT
Well, this was interesting - it’s definitely different to the original but not necessarily in a bad way. It does feel hollow however. The orchestrations have lost a richness with the reduced players and it shows particularly in the Prima Donna sequence I think. The rising and crash of the chandelier aesthetically is flashier but there is something that is missed about the old chandelier still. Some of the other sets - particularly the Phantom’s lair felt reduced and one couldn’t help but feel somewhat removed from the action. It was strange considering all the renovations that the sense of immersion has seemed to have faded - I no longer felt transported into the story but simply in a theatre watching a musical… I'm almost positive that these set pieces were almost all from the UK tour that had to be stopped due to lockdown. I remember my first time seeing a touring version and being dismayed that the set pieces seemed scaled down from the original sitting production. |
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Post by 141920grm on Mar 4, 2023 16:56:35 GMT
Edit: Not sure if they were struggling with numbers yesterday, but I noticed James Gant in Hannibal, after his auctioneer, in his auctioneer outfit taking part in the rehearsals? It was very odd because everyone else is in their Hannibal outfits and he's in his suit. Is this the norm since the changes? Genuinely can't recall. This also stood out to me! Can't say I ever paid close attention to this specific moment pre-2020 but Gant was very noticeable doing this first in Leicester then now in West End, it's a regular thing and not because of strange split tracks- doesn't really add much but they definitely play this moment up in this version |
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1,061 posts
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Post by David J on Mar 4, 2023 18:47:13 GMT
Well I decided to see the ‘new’ phantom this afternoon.
I agree some of the sets look smaller or at least don’t fill the stage. The Ill muto bed with the black void around it for one, with piangi poking his head out at times.
Otherwise it’s generally the same show. The neon lightning bolt has gone but the wobbling manuquins remain. I miss the atmospheric lighting, though I must say I like the added shilouettes when the phantom and Christine are on the bridge.
I have no real attachment to the show compared to les Mis so I’m more accepting of the staging
But yeah, what is up with the auctioneer appearing as a chorus member but still in his previous costume. If this is permanent I’m just baffled. Just makes me want to ask, why would a chorus member rehearse dressed like he’s off to a night at the opera himself
To paraphrase a wise woman to go on without your right costume may be regarded as a misfortune; to go on twice looks like carelessness; to go on all the time looks like you’re trying to be funny but failing.
The added levity and reduced music diminishes the show for me but the audience enjoyed it. Also they’ve sped up the slow moments that feel jarring
Earl Carpenter is the reason to see this show. He makes the role sound effortless. He may not be not on JOJs level vocally but he sounds angelic and his acting sells this phantom. Fatherly but reclused and enjoys his moments of mania. The closest to a sympathetic phantom for me
Holly Anne Hull and Matt Blaker were second best. Not outstanding but I enjoyed their All I ask of you
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Post by helso1 on Mar 7, 2023 14:49:29 GMT
Hi! Just after some opinions. I have a choice between Stalls Row B Seat 9 or Stalls Row B Seat 30. Just wondered which side people think would be best? Both offer similar view, can’t decide if Music Of The Night side or Final Lair side is best being that close!
Thanks :-)
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Post by dan28 on Mar 7, 2023 22:54:36 GMT
Hi! Just after some opinions. I have a choice between Stalls Row B Seat 9 or Stalls Row B Seat 30. Just wondered which side people think would be best? Both offer similar view, can’t decide if Music Of The Night side or Final Lair side is best being that close! Thanks :-) I would prefer B 30, which is the seat on the far left or row B. B 9 would be the seat on the far right of row B. That is a personal preference, I like to see the show from the left side a bit more. When I look at the seating plan I see that B 30 is twice as expensive as B 9. I assume you will see more of the show too then. If it's half the price I would probably go for B 9. seatplan.com/london/her-majestys-theatre/seating-plan/ |
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Post by anthony on Mar 10, 2023 18:48:20 GMT
Extended to March 2024.
Was getting nervous...
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Post by spathzthecat on Mar 10, 2023 21:17:46 GMT
Hi
I quite like ANOUK VAN LAAKE as Christine HOLLY-ANNE HULL was okay when I saw her. Also getting to like KELLY GLYPTIS as Carlotta. There was a slight tech hitch when one of the drapes in the auction scene would not detach itself from the side of the auditorium. Mondays show had some swings in such as Anouk as so on but Thursdays show was the full cast i think.
Great show
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Post by spathzthecat on Mar 10, 2023 21:21:21 GMT
Who is going to stay on in when the cast changes in July?
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Post by 141920grm on Mar 11, 2023 14:59:59 GMT
Hi I quite like ANOUK VAN LAAKE as Christine HOLLY-ANNE HULL was okay when I saw her. Also getting to like KELLY GLYPTIS as Carlotta. There was a slight tech hitch when one of the drapes in the auction scene would not detach itself from the side of the auditorium. Mondays show had some swings in such as Anouk as so on but Thursdays show was the full cast i think. Great show Anouk isn’t a swing, she has regular ensemble tracks. And I witnessed the drape struggle too, the stagehand was trying and failing to detach it throughout the whole overture it was quite funny. |
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Post by gmoneyoutlaw on Mar 11, 2023 16:15:17 GMT
Hi! Just after some opinions. I have a choice between Stalls Row B Seat 9 or Stalls Row B Seat 30. Just wondered which side people think would be best? Both offer similar view, can’t decide if Music Of The Night side or Final Lair side is best being that close! Thanks :-) I would prefer B 30, which is the seat on the far left or row B. B 9 would be the seat on the far right of row B. That is a personal preference, I like to see the show from the left side a bit more. When I look at the seating plan I see that B 30 is twice as expensive as B 9. I assume you will see more of the show too then. If it's half the price I would probably go for B 9. seatplan.com/london/her-majestys-theatre/seating-plan/I think both seats are too close to the stage. I would go with something I row G on the house left. |
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Post by richey on Mar 11, 2023 17:35:06 GMT
I would prefer B 30, which is the seat on the far left or row B. B 9 would be the seat on the far right of row B. That is a personal preference, I like to see the show from the left side a bit more. When I look at the seating plan I see that B 30 is twice as expensive as B 9. I assume you will see more of the show too then. If it's half the price I would probably go for B 9. seatplan.com/london/her-majestys-theatre/seating-plan/I think both seats are too close to the stage. I would go with something I row G on the house left. I found B30 to be a great view (my review is amongst the one's in the Seatplan link) There is no seat in front to spoil the view and I was so close I could see all the detail of the costumes. |
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Post by 141920grm on Mar 13, 2023 11:44:21 GMT
have been going through this 'sound' thread with interest theatreboard.co.uk/thread/10373/performers-hear-on-stage- does anyone who's been to HMT recently feel like the mix could be a lot better especially at the trio scenes, the performers' styles are so different making Earl quite difficult to hear above the others, or is it just me? |
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Post by anthony on Apr 1, 2023 13:38:02 GMT
Went again last night to see Earl again before he leaves. If you haven't seen him, there are still tickets left for his final performance this evening. Go and buy them!
I've changed my mind quite a bit about the changes, if I'm honest. Having a decent cast makes the world of difference for this show and I actually have changed my mind about quite a few things; the show is actually in pretty good shape. There are still some changes that annoy me greatly (such as the weird Mexican poncho Meg starts wearing?!?! The fact that Piangi is now seemingly having an affair with the slave master? The fact he hides behind the bed and takes all attention during Il Muto? and the weird lyric changes that make no sense and have genuinely left me baffled).
The horse: I actually think I might prefer this... once it has moved to the front of the stage, it is actually physically impressive. It looks huge. The audience gasp. I've also noticed they added some music to this when moving (I genuinely don't know the instrument, so it's hard for me to explain) which covers some of the noise of the set moving.
The audience still gasp at all the right moments (the chandelier, the start of masquerade, etc).
We had quite a few split tracks yesterday. No one would realise other than fans, but two really jumped out at me. Having Michael Robert-Lowe in Masquerade... now I've went back and looked at some bootlegs because I wouldn't take my eyes off him and wanted to make sure that this wasn't the norm. He was wearing some really odd executioners outfit that didn't fit with the aesthetic. It was like they realised they were low on numbers so sent someone down to the local Halloween store. Really quite bizarre, actually. Then after PONR, Meg was wearing a bright yellow dress. No idea why as it wasn't a costume from Don Juan - when I last saw it a few weeks ago, she was wearing her horrid Mexican poncho for this scene. I can't place where it is from or why she would be wearing it.
Adam Linstead and Matt Harrop I mentioned last time, but they have really grown into their roles. They are clearly having so much fun with it and are just magnificent.
Paige Blankson is *wonderful* as Christine. Genuinely amazing. Funnily, her weakest moment was the pre-recorded Phantom of the Opera. Perhaps in the few weeks she's been there, she's grown in confidence and is owning it? When I book to see Jon, I'll be making sure it's a Tuesday or Friday so that I get to see her Christine again.
Audience genuinely shocking though. The doors were revolving. People mid-aisle constantly getting up to the go to the toilet, etc, and the ushers letting them come back and sit down down whenever they wanted. Definitely felt like I got some exercise minutes in mid-show.
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