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Post by theatremadness on Apr 24, 2017 17:42:53 GMT
So Tim Rice has just let slip on twitter that his old 80's musical Blondel is being revived at the Union Theatre this summer. One for the musical theatre purists I should think! I know a revised version had been re-titled Lute! but not sure whether the Union production will follow suit or not.
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Post by Someone in a tree on Apr 24, 2017 18:24:59 GMT
Didn't a production open at the Shaw Theatre when Spamlot opened in Wendy's End ?
I seem to remember an interview with Rice saying I did the comedic mediavial musical first which backfired on him as Blondel got naff reviewes
Anyone see it? Would be interesting to know what people thought of it
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Post by theatremadness on Apr 24, 2017 18:32:34 GMT
Didn't a production open at the Shaw Theatre when Spamlot opened in Wendy's End ? I seem to remember an interview with Rice saying I did the comedic mediavial musical first which backfired on him as Blondel got naff reviewes Anyone see it? Would be interesting to know what people thought of it Yes - 2006 at the Pleasance! Was completely re-written by then and, of course, original composer Stephen Oliver had already passed away by then, too. Original production only lasted 8 months at the Aldwych, but that was after 11 months already at the Old Vic. Never saw the Pleasance production, but this exists: I would 100% see the Union production, though! |
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Post by wickedgrin on Apr 24, 2017 22:42:58 GMT
Being very old - I do remember seeing Blondel at the Palace Theatre Manchester back in the 80's before it transferred to London. I actually remember very little about it other than it starred Paul Nicholas in the title role and featured Cantabile - a close male harmony group of the time playing singing monks. I do remember it being funny with some good tunes.
Running Back for More was recorded by Elaine Paige I think in a more up beat tempo version - she was seeing Tim Rice at the time!
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Post by oxfordsimon on Apr 24, 2017 22:57:43 GMT
One of my favourites.
I only know it from my twin cassette cast recording. But the songs stuck with me.
No reason why it can't make a good return to the stage - with a decent cast and director.
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Post by viserys on Apr 25, 2017 6:27:21 GMT
I seem to remember that I saw Blondel somewhere in the... I wanna say, 90s? My old programmes live at Mum's, so I can't check, but I KNOW I saw it in London in one of the fringe theatres of the period. The Bridewell maybe?
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2017 13:41:59 GMT
Oooh fabulous. I love their stuff. "The tiiiiiiide is high but I'm hooooolding on" . . .
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Post by theatremadness on May 12, 2017 14:28:49 GMT
21st June - 15th July!
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Post by oxfordsimon on May 12, 2017 16:23:12 GMT
Just seen that the original LBC is being re-released at the end of the month. Just had to order it on Amazon. Yay!
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Post by alece10 on May 12, 2017 16:43:57 GMT
I remember seeing it at The Old Vic with Paul Nicholas. I had the cast recording but it was on cassette and lost it a long time ago. Be interesting to revisit it.
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Post by CG on the loose on May 12, 2017 18:08:53 GMT
Press everywhere about this today but can only see two shows on sale currently - the matinees on the first weekend... has anyone managed to book for other dates?
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Post by oxfordsimon on May 12, 2017 18:24:26 GMT
I remember seeing it at The Old Vic with Paul Nicholas. I had the cast recording but it was on cassette and lost it a long time ago. Be interesting to revisit it. You can hear Act 1 here: It does occasionally sound a bit 1980s Sitcom theme song like - but there is enough there to keep me interested and entertained. I must have listened to it so much growing up - the lyrics came back very quickly. I always fancied playing one of the monks! |
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Post by showgirl on May 13, 2017 4:37:46 GMT
Press everywhere about this today but can only see two shows on sale currently - the matinees on the first weekend... has anyone managed to book for other dates? I found the same and wondered if fans had already rushed in and booked up the other dates within hours of tix going on sale! |
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Post by CG on the loose on May 13, 2017 8:06:03 GMT
Press everywhere about this today but can only see two shows on sale currently - the matinees on the first weekend... has anyone managed to book for other dates? I found the same and wondered if fans had already rushed in and booked up the other dates within hours of tix going on sale! Exactly what I wondered, but a bit unusual not to list the other dates but show them as 'sold out' - can't make either of those, so really hoping it's a glitch! |
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Post by caa on May 13, 2017 10:26:04 GMT
I found the same and wondered if fans had already rushed in and booked up the other dates within hours of tix going on sale! Exactly what I wondered, but a bit unusual not to list the other dates but show them as 'sold out' - can't make either of those, so really hoping it's a glitch! All dates seem to be on sale now |
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Post by CG on the loose on May 13, 2017 10:44:38 GMT
Ooh fab, thanks caa  |
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Post by justafan on May 22, 2017 9:22:32 GMT
I've not visited the Union before - is it unreserved seating?
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Post by CG on the loose on May 22, 2017 9:28:32 GMT
I've not visited the Union before - is it unreserved seating? Yes - but when you collect your ticket you're given a number and they call you through in groups of 10 or 20, so there is SOME organisation to it, but not a lot! There's a bar and cafe at the theatre if you want to arrive a little earlier to get a good slot. |
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Post by theatregeek on May 22, 2017 16:07:41 GMT
I saw this at The Old Vic in the 80's too - I was a baby!
Queued round the block for Cats tickets and didn't get in so went to this.
I found the music catchy, bought the LP (vinyl - blush) and quite enjoyed it, but the night we were in there were many technical issues with quite a clunky set. There was definitely something there to play with and expand I thought at the time so maybe now is that time.
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Post by theatregeek on May 22, 2017 16:09:25 GMT
I've not visited the Union before - is it unreserved seating? Yes - but when you collect your ticket you're given a number and they call you through in groups of 10 or 20, so there is SOME organisation to it, but not a lot! There's a bar and cafe at the theatre if you want to arrive a little earlier to get a good slot. It's a strange little place but very atmospheric. I saw Out House there a couple of years ago, you are VERY close to the actors  |
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Post by CG on the loose on May 22, 2017 16:40:10 GMT
Yes - but when you collect your ticket you're given a number and they call you through in groups of 10 or 20, so there is SOME organisation to it, but not a lot! There's a bar and cafe at the theatre if you want to arrive a little earlier to get a good slot. It's a strange little place but very atmospheric. I saw Out House there a couple of years ago, you are VERY close to the actors They've moved across the road into their new, and slightly (not hugely!) more spacious premises since then. Front row is still to all intents and purposes on the stage, but the back is a little more distant than the third row it was in the old space! |
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Post by justafan on May 22, 2017 20:01:25 GMT
Thanks all for the comments 😀😀
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Post by Deleted on May 23, 2017 14:08:18 GMT
Well hello Connor Arnold!
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Post by oxfordsimon on May 27, 2017 18:18:52 GMT
My OLC recording arrived this morning - it still holds up as a good show
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Post by galinda on May 28, 2017 21:30:42 GMT
I fancy seeing this but have heard this theatre is unbearably hot? Is it that bad?
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