1,015 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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106 posts
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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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501 posts
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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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252 posts
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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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2,155 posts
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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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501 posts
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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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501 posts
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Post by anthony on Apr 13, 2023 22:24:56 GMT
Her Majesty’s will officially become His Majesty’s on 6th May.
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Post by PhantomLesmisSaigon on Apr 14, 2023 10:16:35 GMT
Her Majesty’s will officially become His Majesty’s on 6th May. That's going to be so strange, has it always done that with the monarch? Also, has anyone seen Jon Robyns yet? I want to know if he's worth booking for or whether to wait for the next Gant show.
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2,818 posts
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Post by couldileaveyou on Apr 14, 2023 12:39:09 GMT
Her Majesty’s will officially become His Majesty’s on 6th May. That's going to be so strange, has it always done that with the monarch? Yes, since Victoria was crowned. And ever earlier it changed from Queen's Theatre to King's Theatre when George I became king
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Post by westendboy on Apr 14, 2023 15:52:18 GMT
That's going to be so strange, has it always done that with the monarch? Yes, since Victoria was crowned. And ever earlier it changed from Queen's Theatre to King's Theatre when George I became king I assume when you say the 'Queen's Theatre', you're referring to what is now the 'Sondheim'?
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2,818 posts
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Post by couldileaveyou on Apr 14, 2023 15:56:37 GMT
Yes, since Victoria was crowned. And ever earlier it changed from Queen's Theatre to King's Theatre when George I became king I assume when you say the 'Queen's Theatre', you're referring to what is now the 'Sondheim'? Nope, the theatre that was on the spot of Her Majesty's Theatre was called Queen's Theatre when it opened in the 18th century
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600 posts
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Post by AddisonMizner on Apr 14, 2023 22:10:44 GMT
I saw this at Her Majesty’s for the first time in years tonight. It was very much on a whim - I was in town with nothing to see as the Carmen at the Royal Albert Hall I was meant to be seeing had been cancelled. After trying and failing to get day seats for other shows, I picked up a cheap £40 ticket for this.
Overall, really enjoyed it - a solid 3 star production. I thought the leads were good, including Jon Robyns as the Phantom. The voice is maybe a bit too ‘pop’ for me for Phantom, but that is a personal preference. Paige was Christine, and I enjoyed her also.
Last time I saw this here, it was old, creaky and in need of an update. Obviously, this has happened now, but I actually think it has lost something. There are set pieces that clearly impressed the audience - ‘Masquerade’ at the top of Act 2 made people gasp tonight, the horse was impressive, as was the chandelier (actually falling at speed and giving that sense of peril), but otherwise it is just missing the something that gives it that ‘wow’ factor, that extra oomph that really lifts it.
The reduced orchestra actually sounded okay, but the music doesn’t have the shivers down the spine reaction that it used to. Whether that is just because I have slightly outgrown Phantom though it is hard to say.
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1,207 posts
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Post by theatrefan77 on Apr 14, 2023 22:50:15 GMT
I agree there's something missing. For me reduced orchestra doesn't sound as good as the full one in the previous production, and the show in general doesn't move me the way it used to.
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18,919 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Apr 18, 2023 19:39:39 GMT
🙂
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501 posts
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Post by anthony on Apr 20, 2023 18:50:44 GMT
Probably Barbour. Whilst I love Earl and he's probably my favourite English-speaking Phantom, my ultimate favourite Phantom is Thomas Borchert: . At around 3:15!
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501 posts
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Post by anthony on Apr 20, 2023 18:52:25 GMT
As a side note, incredibly jealous of anyone there tonight. Ashley Stillburn (who left Phantom to start teacher training) is back as emergency cover to play Phantom tonight. He was 3rd cover last year and I think only actually performed the role twice.
Anyone know if he'll be there tomorrow too?!
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Post by michaell8 on Apr 20, 2023 21:34:55 GMT
I was there tonight and he was great I don't know if he will be there tomorrow. If I could have somehow swapped with you Anthony I would have gladly done it so that you could have watched it tonight I hope you get the chance to see him. Best wishes to you my friend
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2,155 posts
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Post by richey on Apr 21, 2023 19:30:01 GMT
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501 posts
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Post by anthony on Apr 22, 2023 10:17:19 GMT
I was there tonight and he was great I don't know if he will be there tomorrow. If I could have somehow swapped with you Anthony I would have gladly done it so that you could have watched it tonight I hope you get the chance to see him. Best wishes to you my friend Glad he was great! He performed last night too. I've just booked tickets for the matinee in the hope he'll be there again. If not, it's not the end of the world as it just means I'll see Jon, which I'd be happy with anyway (or Gant/Hume, which I also would be happy with!) Edit: They've just announced that he's doing today's performances!
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Post by michaell8 on Apr 22, 2023 10:52:16 GMT
I was there tonight and he was great I don't know if he will be there tomorrow. If I could have somehow swapped with you Anthony I would have gladly done it so that you could have watched it tonight I hope you get the chance to see him. Best wishes to you my friend Glad he was great! He performed last night too. I've just booked tickets for the matinee in the hope he'll be there again. If not, it's not the end of the world as it just means I'll see Jon, which I'd be happy with anyway (or Gant/Hume, which I also would be happy with!) Edit: They've just announced that he's doing today's performances! Good good ! Let us know what you think
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Post by Sven on Apr 22, 2023 15:47:34 GMT
Very interesting interview with former Phantom and resident director Jim Paterson, about the differences in direction between London and New York, about the tour and John Owen Jones' thoughts on that, and a lot more! The House Where Phantom Lived - The Theatre Times
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Post by michaell8 on Apr 22, 2023 19:25:09 GMT
Very interesting interview with former Phantom and resident director Jim Paterson, about the differences in direction between London and New York, about the tour and John Owen Jones' thoughts on that, and a lot more! The House Where Phantom Lived - The Theatre TimesSven that was very interesting Thanks for sharing!
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501 posts
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Post by anthony on Apr 23, 2023 10:24:29 GMT
So, Stillburn was great. His Final Lair was great. My other half isn't a Phantom fan and just has to put up with being dragged every so often. He complains that everyone plays the roles the same, so he doesn't understand why I want to see different people play the role. However, he teared up during Stillburn's "Christine, I love you".
Quite a few people off still - we had a lot of split tracks. It was interesting because so many people played the roles in such different (sometimes odd) ways. We had Michelle Cornelius, the 2nd u/s Mme Giry (I've seen the production 6 times whilst Francesca Ellis has been Mme Giry, but I haven't actually seen her! I've always had Emma Harris, the u/s! and I've genuinely never seen Mme Giry be played like this before. She played the role less cold (for example, she laughs when Meg says "Rehearsals, always rehearsal") she also came in throwing that cane around like Thor's hammer at times. Was interesting to see, but quite removed from the character we know.
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1,445 posts
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Post by steve10086 on Apr 29, 2023 12:41:16 GMT
My first sighting of the new (or old, or both!) theatre name:
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Post by A.Ham on Apr 29, 2023 16:54:22 GMT
With my rush visit for Ain’t Too Proud cancelled, I decided on a last minute reunion with an old faithful and caught this afternoon’s Phantom matinee. I’m a big Les Mis fan and have seen Jon Robyns in that multiple times so was keen to see his Phantom.
Definitely wasn’t disappointed, and he seemed more commanding than Killian if I’m comparing. He sounded great, and I loved Holly-Anne Hull as Christine. Was sat on the far side of the dress, probably the wrong side as a lot happens stage left and not much stage right, but as I got my ticket at 14.28 I can’t complain. Used a £25 lottery theatre token too so wasn’t bad value at all.
And can confirm they’ve already changed the name on the signage outside - noticed the ‘His’ on my way out after the show (no time to spot it on the way in!). Will upload some photos if someone can tell me how to do it on mobile.
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