Groundhog Day the Musical - Old Vic

Didn't dig this at all.
It's almost impossible to create conflict and drama when only one character can change/knows what's going on. The film worked because of the force of BM. And it was short and incredibly well edited.
This gives random songs to random characters coz they have to give the lead character a break from singing
One character is named in the programme as 'chubby man'.
i liked the suicide song
I liked the staging initially (I counted 5 revolves? They where the best thing in this) but seemed to get more and more average as went on.
3/4 of my party hated it, 1/4 thought it was the best thing he had seen for ages.
I just can't see this on Broadway, not with all the inovating stuff on there at the moment.
I think a lot of the audience got carried away with the excitement as is usual with first nights.

Okay guys, just back from tonight's first run through and I have to say, this is excellent! Nay, outstanding and all very promising and exciting. I am simply buzzing!

I didn't buy a programme so apologise in advance that I don't know the name of the actors, or the creative team, other than Tim Minchin.

The creative team basically took up a row and a half with tables placed over the chairs to monitor the progress of the show.

Before the performance began the new Artistic Director, Tim Minchin and the guy who wrote the screenplay and has adapted it for the stage came on and made a sort speech eluding to the difficulties they'd had and so this was going to be the first run through and if they'd have to stop, the so be it.

Now for me, this was one of those late 80's/early 90's fils that is always talked about and referred to but I'd never seen as it had just 'slipped through the net' but I finally got to see it last year, so it was still pretty fresh in my mind and what I saw on stage tonight was fairly true to the original.

Sharp and cleverly written, witty and humerus lyrics that were well delivered. For me, some better than others, others showing real depth in character.

I don't want give too much away in terms of spoilers but there is an extremely amusing and well staged scene where the male lead seeks professional medical help for the fact that Groundhog Day keeps reoccurring. And another in a car being chased by police.

The sets are fairly basic, however effective. There are revolves within revolves- if that makes sense. So two smaller ones within a much larger one, meaning the actors can travel without moving, and yet still pass each other

Not a great deal choreography, however extremely clever movement, staged very well. That said, were is a massive tap number in the second act.

And these actors are working hard! Every single one of them, from the leads to the ensemble. And each ensemble member is a character.

For me, my favourite scene was literally, the final one. Simply beautiful.

The poster design may be a little dull and boring, but the show is not.

Faults; extremely minimal. This all flowed very smoothly tonight. No obvious technical glitches.

(Maybe) the sound levels were slightly off. The cast dragging parts of the set on and off could have been a little tighter, but this will all get fixed and run smoother in time.

The only glaring thing for me was that I felt Act 1 was too long. I'm sure they have their reasons for doing so but I felt it could have come about 10-20 mins earlier. But that's just me.

The show ends. And the audience clapped. Not only did they clapped, they cheered. Not only did the audience clap and cheer the gave a standing ovation that lasted for 5 minutes. And the cast appreciated it. The male lead did a fist pump. One of the male ensemble member actually laid down on his back and made a snow angel out of the fake snow on the ground.

Running time. Show was supposed to stated at 7:30pm but started approx 10 mins late and was finished by boy 10:10pm, with a 15 min interval.

A lot of hard work has gone into this and as I say, they're working hard.

If tonight's reaction to a first run through is anything to go by, there is another hit in London's theatre scene..

BTW Sorry for any typos. It's late and I'm tired.

Oh, also, the female lead sings about a prince coming to save her. Yes it is 2016 and women still desire being saved. This, laughing at fat people and one character whose sole characterisation is that he is gay.

Just reeked of a bygone age

I thought that lass singing the first song in act two was complete meta at first and thought she was referring to women being stereotyped in musical theatre! Then I realised that they needed some filler!!

I'm sure it will be a success here though. Obviously that producer guy jumped ship coz he knew it wouldn't cut the mustard on Broadway. Do Americans have mustard?

That's the point!! That's why it's brilliant! It completely subverts expectations and flips the perspective on the show,
It's a beautiful ballad too - I bet it ends up a popular audition song.

Who's says theatre is subjective?

They reckon if this does go to Broadway, it will be a small theatre and will cost $16m, which is bizarre as most of the costs have been met in London.

How? Genuinely, can u explain what u mean? (I'm pretty thick so keep it simple )

Out of interest, do you know who the ensemble girl was?

But I'm not a (reportedly) $16Million musical, I'm assuming.

So at present, there's about 2 hours 15 music, but they could cut 20 minutes.... which would bring it down to 1h 55?

Not the lengthiest show in town then!

Are there any rumours about a cast recording? Maybe in the programme or from some of the officials yesterday evening?

Yeah, apart from the programme, I saw no merchandise of any sort. To be fair though, it is extremely early days.