The Grinning Man - Bristol Old Vic & Trafalgar Studios

I found myself unsure of this show by the end of the first act, but by the end I was sold! The puppetry is excellent, particularly little Grinpayne’s head movements and Mojo the dog.

I think it’s just what London needs, dark yet incredibly moving. I asked about a cast recording but I’m still none the wiser. The FOH staff said there’s been a huge amount of interest for one, so to remain hopeful. The theatre was 2/3 full, and I was sat in BB against the wall. Whilst I did miss a few parts of action at the back of the stage I found the seat to be great value. I imagined watching head on I would have received a better idea of the staging but I guess I have an excuse to return

No no..... I did too! )))

Looks like this might be extending a further 3 weeks until Sat 5th May.

So yes, they did announce at least three more weeks of tickets today...I’d booked for 14 April thinking it’d be the last show, so hopefully I get to see it another time after that too!

I noticed it had extended and went on the website to book but thought I would check with theatremonkey first. Now I'm not sure as there seems to be very little leg/arm/seat room with some obstacles in the way. Then I looked on tripadvisor and was surprised by many negative reviews, saying it was grotesque in places, starting with the opening scene (which I won't say on here).

The show is reasonably grotesque, but in a very good way.

This has been on my list to things to see for a while and Im so glad I managed to get to see this, what a wonderfully unique and bizarre new show. For all the critics banging on about needing to support new BRITISH musicals and then not recognizing this one in the major awards its so silly because this is the quality of new musicals that we should be expecting from ourselves if we want to compete with America.

Its so cohesive as a piece, knows exactly what it is and doesn't shy away from it but uses it as a strength. The cast (bar one for me) was amazing, the set and visuals for the show were great, I loved how it all extended into the audience.

I saw Caroline or Change the day before, and I would have appreciated a break in the music in that show because lots of it was repeated motifs that went on for just a little too long, making it sometimes seem repetitive, the sung though piece here never bored me and flowed effortlessly.

Hugely impressed, might try and catch it before it goes because I cant see it transferring again or coming back anytime soon, tragically.

Was toying with the idea of re-booking and having seen this thread bump back up I've booked for a repeat viewing during the last week of the run.

Really hope this show gets a longer life at somewhere soon - it is such a great piece.

Also, Code: 'SMILE' gets significat reduction in tickets on ATG

Didn't make any difference when I checked, tried it without and with and nothing changed, does it only work on certain days? I was looking at the Thursday matinees.