Dreamgirls - Savoy / UK Tour

So I too was disappointed not to be seeing Amber after the hype on here. I didn't check online before the show so only found out when I went to buy merchandise that Amber was off (I was in the grand circle so no cast board or TV on just a sign on the bar).
I would have been less annoyed had Amber been ill but to know they just changed for whatever reason they're saying.
Anyway, Karen Mav has an incredible voice so don't be disappointed if you see her instead of Amber. The only thing was that she forgot her lines during 'Listen' and there was an awkward silence for a while unil it was Deena's turn to sing but they made up for it with the rest of the song - highlight of the show those 2 girls singing together!
I think Karen was very nervous because she was hitting some crazy high notes during the show but didn't go for any of the high notes in 'I Am Telling You' (which surely is written in the score?) and I was expecting more but she still sang it very well. Maybe when she's been on a few more times she'll sing them because she has the range for it.
From where I was sitting her acting was fine but in row D of the grand circle I couldn't exactly see all her facial expressions. Good view from there otherwise though!
The rest of the cast are brilliant! Particularly likes Liisi and agree with the comments on here that she starts off performing more timidly then grows with the character's progression and is fabulous
Whilst it's annoying that I saw an alternate's first show rather than someone more settled into the role this is my new favourite show.
I wish I could see it again soon but I live in Manchester. I plan on coming to Amber's last show to hopefully see her in this role whenever that will be so I guess I'll have to be patient.
Apologies if this is long I've typed it on my phone and usually just "observe" this forum haha
Edit: Karen's 'I am Changing' was also a highlight she hit all the notes there!

Saw the performance with Karen May on Friday and have to say was very underwhelmed. Her vocal on and I am telling you was one of the worst I have witnessed. No notes held, her voice was shrill and have to say was not impressed by what I saw. The audience was full of groups of women who I think thought Amber was on as it was not publicised at all well. One night only was also very poorly sung, Listen was a slight improvement apart from the missing section when lyrics were forgotten.
I do not see why audiences get so excited about what is a mediocre score at best. Yes there are several good songs when sung properly, but the rest is fairly unforgettable.

I was meaning on that specific song. I have heard it several times over the years, mostly in concerts etc and on tv but I expected much more from the show. The theatre staff did not seem to know on the night why Amber was not on and as I had booked the show in April it was really disappointing for Amber not to be on, particularly as the website says Wednesday is her night off. The theatre did have pre printed slips for complaints to the theatre company however.

Karen Mav will be on again tonight and tomorrow evening, not previously scheduled to be. Cue the usual rude tweets about it! I can understand people's frustrations but there's no need to tag the actress when you're ranting

I've now just seen its because Amber is performing at the Royal Variety show this evening

She wasn't scheduled to be off? That's terrible. They would have known about the Royal Variety ages ago!

I'd be furious. I get the whole 'you pay for the show, not the star' thing, but if I'm going to Dreamgirls, I'm going for Amber.

Some disappointed replies to the tweet.

Very sad for the person who came from Italy. I assume they haven't just thrown together the Royal Variety without any notice just today.

As soon as Dreamgirls were announced as a guest at the Royal Variety, they should've said Amber will not be performing

I was there tonight and I think she must have just been nervous the other day as she was really great tonight. The audience absolutely loved her.

Does this policy work in London as it does in the US in having the right to demand an exchange if the above-title performer doesn't show up?

Ummm...today's performance is canceled because the cast is ill.

And so we come to this discussion yet again - are you paying to see the show and/or the star. At least the staff at the Savoy will be well used to this having had to deal with the Sheridan Smith debacle earlier in the year.

Miss Paige started all the alternate casting in Evita back in the 70's. She declared she could only do 6 shows a week and a schedule was announced for the alternate. I remember praying she would be on (she was) when I saw the show as I lived a long way from London at the time and I had booked especially to see her. So I do understand completely people being disappointed especially when a particular star's performance has been praised to the skies.

Now, I am more laid back about it. I never pay top price anyway so if "the star" happens to be off I appreciate seeing the understudy and fortunately have the opportunity to book to see the show again if I choose.

But it will remain an issue. They must have known about the Royal Variety Show and should have announced her absence well in advance.