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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2016 10:11:51 GMT
I am glad they are giving Sheridan time to work back into the show rather than throw her straight into the 8 (well 7 now) show week for her. If I have it correct, her schedule for the next week is: • Jul 08, 2016 – Eve • Jul 09, 2016 – Eve • Jul 11, 2016 – Eve • Jul 12, 2016 – Eve • Jul 13, 2016 – Eve • Jul 15, 2016 – Eve • Jul 16, 2016 – Mat & Eve So that is plenty of time for her to get back into it before the full 7 show week begins for her once again.  |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2016 10:31:33 GMT
I am glad they are giving Sheridan time to work back into the show rather than throw her straight into the 8 (well 7 now) show week for her. If I have it correct, her schedule for the next week is: • Jul 08, 2016 – Eve • Jul 09, 2016 – Eve • Jul 11, 2016 – Eve • Jul 12, 2016 – Eve • Jul 13, 2016 – Eve • Jul 15, 2016 – Eve • Jul 16, 2016 – Mat & Eve So that is plenty of time for her to get back into it before the full 7 show week begins for her once again. I'm really not sure they should give her every show of the week again, even if it means they give the Tuesday evening to Natasha then at least she has it easier than last time. If for no other reason than it reduces the likelihood of history repeating, but also, as others have said, it gives Natasha the chance to continue to shine. I'm a big fan of Sheridan's, I just think it's a good idea that she continues to take care of herself. |
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Post by funnygirl90 on Jul 10, 2016 10:33:13 GMT
I had the pleasure of seeing Funny Girl twice this Saturday, at the matinee Natasha J Barnes was in the leading role and at the evening performance it was Sheridan Smith.
I've seen funny girl a number of times both at the Meiner with Natasha (her first show) and at the Savoy (also with Natasha) so was looking forward to seeing what Smith could bring to the role.
When Sheridan was announced as being on as Fanny there was an almighty roar from the audience, Sheridan clearly had the good will of the audience on her side.
I had made a conscious decision to try and not compare the performances and had been prepared for them to be different however I honestly was so disappointed with Sheridan's performance that I found myself as the show progressed thinking more in each scene about how Barnes was far superior in both her acting skills and outstanding vocals, I've read lots of articles about Sheridan's acting abilities and having seen Sheridan previously in Hedda Gabler at the Old Vic I was prepared for great things. . Sadly this didn't materialise
It may be that Sheridan is still getting back into the swing of things (this was only her second show back) however she seemed uncomfortable for the majority of the first half, fluffing a couple of lines and even appearing to forget names of her other cast members! The big final number of act one is Don't rain on my parade, Sheridan's vocals on this were quite weak to say the least and the only impressive part was when she belted out the last note.
One of the things I love most about the theatre is audience reaction and whilst Sheridan got a thunderous applause what was notably absent was the buzz about the theatre - the glowing reviews that had been present only a couple of hours prior at the matinee performance with Natasha.
The second half of the show Sheridan seemed more comfortable however her Rat-a-tat-tat scene was nowhere near as hilarious as Barnes and didn't get nearly as big a laugh - also Barnes by all accounts "made the character her own" which included her comic ability to trick the audience into thinking her fake moustache is falling off accidentally mid-scene, Sheridan also did this but it wasn't as natural or believable.
If you've survived that wall of text congrats! This is of course only my opinion (who's opinion should I have? Henry Houdini's ? 😉) ...
Anyway! you all post so much about funny girl I thought you might be interested. In short funny girl is a wonderful production and a show I enjoy immensely however hand on heart if I had seen Sheridan's performance from last night as my first performance of the show I genuinely wouldn't have returned for a second visit.
Natasha is wonderful in the role and quite rightly now appears to have been given the position of alternate, I would encourage any fans of musical theatre (not just individual performers) to catch Natasha in the role whilst you can, you won't be disappointed.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2016 10:58:31 GMT
I am glad they are giving Sheridan time to work back into the show rather than throw her straight into the 8 (well 7 now) show week for her. If I have it correct, her schedule for the next week is: • Jul 08, 2016 – Eve • Jul 09, 2016 – Eve • Jul 11, 2016 – Eve • Jul 12, 2016 – Eve • Jul 13, 2016 – Eve • Jul 15, 2016 – Eve • Jul 16, 2016 – Mat & Eve So that is plenty of time for her to get back into it before the full 7 show week begins for her once again. I'm really not sure they should give her every show of the week again, even if it means they give the Tuesday evening to Natasha then at least she has it easier than last time. If for no other reason than it reduces the likelihood of history repeating, but also, as others have said, it gives Natasha the chance to continue to shine. I'm a big fan of Sheridan's, I just think it's a good idea that she continues to take care of herself. I completely agree. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2016 11:01:17 GMT
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Post by emilyrose on Jul 10, 2016 11:34:34 GMT
Funnygirl90, I am so pleased to read your review and how much you enjoyed the show under Natasha.
I saw her and absolutely loved her performance and voice, I wouldn't want to see Sheridan now so it doesn't spoil it for me as I just couldn't imagine a better or more complete performance of the role.
I'll see what days she is alternate and book tickets to see her again now, for sure, now I know she is doing more shows.
I agree, her performance is one not to be missed if you are a musical theatre fan.
I hope now she is bumped up to alternate that she may get a nomination at the Olivier's, her performance is worthy, in my opinion.
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Post by alece10 on Jul 10, 2016 11:38:21 GMT
I had the pleasure of seeing Funny Girl twice this Saturday, at the matinee Natasha J Barnes was in the leading role and at the evening performance it was Sheridan Smith. I've seen funny girl a number of times both at the Meiner with Natasha (her first show) and at the Savoy (also with Natasha) so was looking forward to seeing what Smith could bring to the role. When Sheridan was announced as being on as Fanny there was an almighty roar from the audience, Sheridan clearly had the good will of the audience on her side. I had made a conscious decision to try and notcompare the performances and had been prepared for them to be different however I honestly was so disappointed with Sheridan's performance that I found myself as the show progressed thinking more in each scene about how Barnes was far superior in both her acting skills and outstanding vocals, I've read lots of articles about Sheridan's acting abilities and having seen Sheridan previously in Hedda Gabler at the Old Vic I was prepared for great things. . Sadly this didn't materialise It may be that Sheridan is still getting back into the swing of things (this was only her second show back) however she seemed uncomfortable for the majority of the first half, fluffing a couple of lines and even appearing to forget names of her other cast members! The big final number of act one is Don't rain on my parade, Sheridan's vocals on this were quite weak to say the least and the only impressive part was when she belted out the last note. One of the things I love most about the theatre is audience reaction and whilst Sheridan got a thunderous applause what was notably absent was the buzz about the theatre - the glowing reviews that had been present only a couple of hours prior at the matinee performance with Natasha. The second half of the show Sheridan seemed more comfortable however her Rat-a-tat-tat scene was nowhere near as hilarious as Barnes and didn't get nearly as big a laugh - also Barnes by all accounts "made the character her own" which included her comic ability to trick the audience into thinking her fake moustache is falling off accidentally mid-scene, Sheridan also did this but it wasn't as natural or believable. If you've survived that wall of text congrats! This is of course only my opinion (who's opinion should I have? Henry Houdini's ? 😉) ... Anyway! you all post so much about funny girl I thought you might be interested. In short funny girl is a wonderful production and a show I enjoy immensely however hand on heart if I had seen Sheridan's performance from last night as my first performance of the show I genuinely wouldn't have returned for a second visit. Natasha is wonderful in the role and quite rightly now appears to have been given the position of alternate, I would encourage any fans of musical theatre (not just individual performers) to catch Natasha in the role whilst you can, you won't be disappointed.
It is always very interesting to read other views of shows and performers and just goes to show how different our opinions are. Having seen both Sheridan and Natasha perform the role many times I am totally in the other camp to you. Especially with regard to Rat-a-tat-tat. That number is probably my favourite song in the show and I find Sheridan absolutely hilarious in it. She also ad-libs in it and no two performances are the same. I saw Natasha a couple of weeks ago and remember thinking that the number was just not funny at all. But it would be a boring old world if we all thought the same.
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Post by emilyrose on Jul 10, 2016 11:41:47 GMT
I'm really not sure they should give her every show of the week again, even if it means they give the Tuesday evening to Natasha then at least she has it easier than last time. If for no other reason than it reduces the likelihood of history repeating, but also, as others have said, it gives Natasha the chance to continue to shine. I'm a big fan of Sheridan's, I just think it's a good idea that she continues to take care of herself. I completely agree. I agree, I think she won't do every show and they will give her a rest to avoid the same situation. I believe it is Monday's she is missing though, not Tuesday's. I agree with others here, she looked very good at the stage door, her face looks much better then before she had the break, more fresh. |
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Post by funnygirl90 on Jul 10, 2016 11:43:04 GMT
Funnygirl90, I am so pleased to read your review and how much you enjoyed the show under Natasha. I saw her and absolutely loved her performance and voice, I wouldn't want to see Sheridan now so it doesn't spoil it for me as I just couldn't imagine a better or more complete performance of the role. I'll see what days she is alternate and book tickets to see her again now, for sure, now I know she is doing more shows. I agree, her performance is one not to be missed if you are a musical theatre fan. I hope now she is bumped up to alternate that she may get a nomination at the Olivier's, her performance is worthy, in my opinion. Hi Emily! Glad you enjoyed my review, you're entirely correct Natasha's performance is complete - everything the role of Fanny needs and should be. I'm glad your planning to go back and support Natasha - hope to catch her performance again at some point myself 😊 As for the Olivier nomination I couldn't agree more - she deserves it so much for her performance and in my opinion if Sherdan is nominated over her it would be a f*****g travesty. |
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Post by infofreako on Jul 10, 2016 12:17:09 GMT
Well, I can only echo what has just been said. I finally caught this on Sheridans first show back. I was disappointed when her name was announced as I had gone along based on the reviews for Natasha and I came away just as disappointed.
It could have been that it was her first show back but she didnt seem 100%. I'm not sure I can give full judgement until I go again to see Natasha on one of the shows she has guaranteed but I wasnt blown away. I enjoyed Sheridan in Legally Blonde but not this.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2016 12:24:35 GMT
Gossip!!
I know who is almost signed to doing the Funny Girl tour but I don't think I can share just yet!! It's not Sheridan though
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2016 12:30:36 GMT
I think both are equally deserving of it, and if Sheridan keeps the pace up like planned, I can see Sheridan's chances of getting the nod higher if she is able to continue the show now until the end of the run, as she would also of overcome her personal issues and been able to come back to the show.
The flipside, I would find it travesty if Sheridan is not nominated. Especially if Sheridan is going to be playing it for three months (longer than Natasha played it full time) and is doing so having just come back off a break due to exhaustion.
In regard to Sheridan not being as strong has Natasha on her first show or two back, I don't really know what people were expecting to happen? The reason they scheduled her to have a week of on/off performances was so she could ease back in and get her voice and acting back into the role. You could argue she should of been prepared before she stepped on stage, but things change once you are in front of an audience. The role is difficult to say the least, as you sing most of the songs, have to dance, go from comedy to drama at the drop of a hat, its not a surprise she hasn't come back as strong just yet. Give her a few weeks to get back into it.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2016 12:45:27 GMT
I hope they ask Natasha to do the tour (providing she wants to, that is).
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Post by funnygirl90 on Jul 10, 2016 12:46:33 GMT
Well, I can only echo what has just been said. I finally caught this on Sheridans first show back. I was disappointed when her name was announced as I had gone along based on the reviews for Natasha and I came away just as disappointed. It could have been that it was her first show back but she didnt seem 100%. I'm not sure I can give full judgement until I go again to see Natasha on one of the shows she has guaranteed but I wasnt blown away. I enjoyed Sheridan in Legally Blonde but not this. I'm sorry you didn't get to see Natasha! 😔 Hope you catch her Monday performance at some point, I'm sure you won't be disappointed. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2016 12:51:07 GMT
I hope they ask Natasha to do the tour (providing she wants to, that is). They might ask her but from what I've heard from producers I know is that it is someone different. Not 100% confirmed yet though. |
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Post by funnygirl90 on Jul 10, 2016 12:56:15 GMT
I think both are equally deserving of it, and if Sheridan keeps the pace up like planned, I can see Sheridan's chances of getting the nod higher if she is able to continue the show now until the end of the run, as she would also of overcome her personal issues and been able to come back to the show.
The flipside, I would find it travesty if Sheridan is not nominated. Especially if Sheridan is going to be playing it for three months (longer than Natasha played it full time) and is doing so having just come back off a break due to exhaustion.
In regard to Sheridan not being as strong has Natasha on her first show or two back, I don't really know what people were expecting to happen? The reason they scheduled her to have a week of on/off performances was so she could ease back in and get her voice and acting back into the role. You could argue she should of been prepared before she stepped on stage, but things change once you are in front of an audience. The role is difficult to say the least, as you sing most of the songs, have to dance, go from comedy to drama at the drop of a hat, its not a surprise she hasn't come back as strong just yet. Give her a few weeks to get back into it.
Sorry to be a bitch but I don't see the correlation between Olivier worthiness and being able to continue in a role to the end of its run? I personally made great allowances for Sheridan due to it being her second show back but unless there's some sort of miraculous transformation my opinion won't change. |
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Post by lifewithkirsty on Jul 10, 2016 13:02:49 GMT
I hope they ask Natasha to do the tour (providing she wants to, that is). They might ask her but from what I've heard from producers I know is that it is someone different. Not 100% confirmed yet though. Did the producers phone you up to let you know George? |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 10, 2016 13:07:30 GMT
It seems highly unlikely that SS has walked in from her sick leave and gone straight into the stage. She knows the show backwards by now and has presumably been in rehearsal for the last couple of weeks. So what are we making allowances for exactly?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2016 13:20:23 GMT
Sheridan can do no wrong in many people's eyes it seems. Nevertheless, I'm happy that she feels well enough to be back.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2016 13:23:07 GMT
It seems highly unlikely that SS has walked in from her sick leave and gone straight into the stage. She knows the show backwards by now and has presumably been in rehearsal for the last couple of weeks. So what are we making allowances for exactly? I understand that completely, but what I am saying is everyone knows she hasn't been well mentally and physically judging by that collapse she had, so shouldn't be too surprised she is taking a few shows to get back into it properly. Even those who stay in their shows whilst going through personal problems can have slightly weaker performances because of it. I'm not saying we should allow her to be s**t (which I know those who are complaining are not saying she was) but if she is not as great vocally or physically etc, just remember that she has only just come back from a difficult time. If you return in a few weeks, I am sure she will be stronger in the role. When I saw her the day before her breakdown, she was phenomenal. |
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Post by shady23 on Jul 10, 2016 13:50:45 GMT
I am sure those complaining about performances now would be the same people complaining if they had seen her before she went off. Some like Sheridan. Some like Natasha. Some of us even like both!  |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2016 13:53:30 GMT
I am sure those complaining about performances now would be the same people complaining if they had seen her before she went off. Some like Sheridan. Some like Natasha. Some of us even like both! Me being one of those who like both as well, and thought both were equally phenomenal, despite what some seem to think of me.  |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2016 14:32:23 GMT
They might ask her but from what I've heard from producers I know is that it is someone different. Not 100% confirmed yet though. Did the producers phone you up to let you know George? Aha no. I'm friends with several producers due to me being an aspiring producer and planning shows. They emailed me if you must know without making sarky comments |
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Post by horton on Jul 10, 2016 14:46:59 GMT
Whatsonstage said "Sheridan Smith has made a triumphant return to Funny Girl at the Savoy Theatre"
What's the difference between a return and a triumphant return? Who can offer guidance?
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Post by infofreako on Jul 10, 2016 14:57:00 GMT
I am sure those complaining about performances now would be the same people complaining if they had seen her before she went off. Some like Sheridan. Some like Natasha. Some of us even like both! Not complaining thank you. Just saying it as I saw it. My opinion would have been the same had i witnessed that performance before she was off, had she been a complete unknown or if I had seen her in the show before and loved it. On the night it just didnt hit the spot and i was disappointed at that because having seen Sheridan in other things shes capable of far better. I will see Natasha in the role and perhaps Sheridan again once shes settled back in. I dont appreciate being labelled a hater just beecause a performance didnt wow me |
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