8,162 posts
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Post by alece10 on Jul 31, 2016 6:02:42 GMT
A thumbs up for me also. Went to see it yesterday afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought the new songs worked really well especially "pick out a simple tune" which is now stuck in my head. Loved the big production numbers. You can see money has gone into the show with a massive cast, fabulous costumes and a great set. I thought Charlie Stemp was perfect at Kipps and must have the biggest grin in theatre, and what a dancer. As others have said, not sure about how successful a west end run would be but I can see the show doing really well if it went on tour. Great afternoon out. |
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31 posts
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Post by stompboy on Jul 31, 2016 14:42:36 GMT
Seems like it was a bit of a board outing to Sixpence yesterday afternoon... I was there too!
I wasn't quite so keen as the other members... perfectly enjoyable (as with the otehrs I enjoyed Charlie Stemp as Kipps) but I just found it rather uninspired. It relised on the fab full company numbers for 'wow' moments - but I found that even those were predictable in the choreography and presentation. It's not one of the most popular musicals so a lot of the numbers dn't stick and I was gagging for Flash! Bang! Wallop! by the time came round for it... which was certainly the showstopping number of the show but still left me feeling like I wanted more.
It's not a show I wouldn't recommend (like Damsels in Distress) but it's definitley no Gypsy or Guys and Dolls, and I would think a West End transfer could be extremely risky!
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275 posts
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Post by emsworthian on Aug 4, 2016 6:34:16 GMT
Saw this at a packed matinee yesterday and a thumbs up from me. I wouldn't describe it as a great musical but a hugely enjoyable one (It lacks the emotional depth to be great). The Stiles and Drewe numbers I'd describe as "pleasant polyfilla" with the exception of "Pick Out A Simple Tune." That was definitely catchy and the routine where the starchy upper classes at a musical soiree let their hair down was hilarious. I'd watch the show again just to see that.
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1,102 posts
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Post by zak97 on Aug 5, 2016 11:27:37 GMT
Just listened to Flash Bang Whallop on Michael Ball's show, and on this basis I would like to see this in the West End. It just seems to have energy and fun, even if it's not the best musical.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 6, 2016 19:25:17 GMT
I really enjoyed it this afternoon. It's a five-star revival of a three-star show. It's the book that's the problem and even Julian Fellowes can't fix that.
Regardless, I really enjoyed myself and it reminded me of why I fell in love with those old school British musicals.
It's very dated. Will it sell? I don't think so, but it deserves to, if only for the star turn from Charlie Stemp.
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421 posts
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Post by Distant Dreamer... on Aug 9, 2016 12:31:22 GMT
I saw this again last night, it's a solid show held together with a strong cast. I adore Emma Williams but felt she was having an "off-night" yesterday. It was lovely seeing Gillian Lynne in the audience. {Spoiler - click to view}
I saw this again last night, it's a solid show held together with a strong cast. I adore Emma Williams but felt she was having an "off-night" yesterday. It was lovely seeing Gillian Lynne in the audience. A difference I noticed from a preview is that one of Lady Punnet's lines have been changed in Act 2 when Arthur has lost his money. She used to say something like "I'm really busy" and be cold to him, but this time she was warmer and said something like "You chose the right girl". I think I preferred her being cold to him as it implicated Helen as nasty, but I don't see her that way. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 9, 2016 13:10:54 GMT
Just listened to Flash Bang Whallop on Michael Ball's show. Two things that stand out and reminded me from Saturday.
William David Brohn's exquisite orchestrations.
And Gerard Carey's scene-stealing performance as the photographer in that scene.
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421 posts
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Post by Distant Dreamer... on Aug 9, 2016 15:09:54 GMT
And Gerard Carey's scene-stealing performance as the photographer in that scene. "I can't quite fit you in"  |
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1,936 posts
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Post by wickedgrin on Aug 9, 2016 16:37:32 GMT
I usually love a bit of innuendo (that's why I like Ryan's posts) but I thought the innuendo during this scene was quite out of keeping with the style and period of piece. Just a cheap laugh except the Chichester audience the night I was there didn't!
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571 posts
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Post by westendwendy on Aug 13, 2016 15:12:30 GMT
I really enjoyed it this afternoon. It's a five-star revival of a three-star show. It's the book that's the problem and even Julian Fellowes can't fix that. Regardless, I really enjoyed myself and it reminded me of why I fell in love with those old school British musicals. It's very dated. Will it sell? I don't think so, but it deserves to, if only for the star turn from Charlie Stemp. Watching the show now and completely agree. A five star production of a three star show. It's actually a little boring. Charlie Stemp is delightful though (as is Emma Williams as always). The new songs are just super but act one a little pedestrian... Thank goodness it makes up for it with two amazing numbers and a gorgeous ending in Act 2. One thing though.... With the photographer in Flash Bang Whallop - why does the musical theatre world want to portray gay men as comedy mincey over the top fruits that the audience laughs at? I found it rather offensive to the LGBTQI+ communities sorry. |
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5,910 posts
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Post by mrbarnaby on Aug 13, 2016 19:55:22 GMT
Saw it today. Wow what a dull afternoon in the theatre.
Totally lacking any spark at all. Anyone saying its a five star show clearly have not seen a truly great show. You think it's on a par with Gypsy? Or Showboat? No, didn't think so.
Emma Williams as lovely as ever but what a rubbish character. Vivienne party also good and Charlie stemp (?) was fine but slightly irritating in a 'just graduated drama school' way.. All tits and teeth - no real character. The new songs are totally unmemorable and great songs like "If the rains got to fall" are just thrown away.
It finally takes off at Flash bang Wollop (offensive gay photographer aside) but it's too little too late.
this must not transfer
Thanks Mr Mackintosh for ruining what was a charming show to begin with.
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5,910 posts
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Post by mrbarnaby on Aug 13, 2016 19:58:49 GMT
Yes that photographer was really offensive. A cheap attempt at laughs to wake the audience up. It shows a huge lapse in taste. I really enjoyed it this afternoon. It's a five-star revival of a three-star show. It's the book that's the problem and even Julian Fellowes can't fix that. Regardless, I really enjoyed myself and it reminded me of why I fell in love with those old school British musicals. It's very dated. Will it sell? I don't think so, but it deserves to, if only for the star turn from Charlie Stemp. Watching the show now and completely agree. A five star production of a three star show. It's actually a little boring. Charlie Stemp is delightful though (as is Emma Williams as always). The new songs are just super but act one a little pedestrian... Thank goodness it makes up for it with two amazing numbers and a gorgeous ending in Act 2. One thing though.... With the photographer in Flash Bang Whallop - why does the musical theatre world want to portray gay men as comedy mincey over the top fruits that the audience laughs at? I found it rather offensive to the LGBTQI+ communities sorry. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2016 20:14:49 GMT
Is it like that line in Les Mis... "This one's a queer, but what can you do?"
*Groan*
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2016 20:51:20 GMT
Thanks Mr Mackintosh for ruining what was a charming show to begin with. And Lord Fellowes of Downton. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2016 20:53:47 GMT
Is it like that line in Les Mis... "This one's a queer, but what can you do?" *Groan* Calm down. It takes place nearly two centuries ago. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2016 21:00:24 GMT
Nope. Still don't understand you...
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571 posts
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Post by westendwendy on Aug 14, 2016 12:57:26 GMT
I think this goes in the list with
Bend it like Beckham, Priscilla, Producers, Taboo, Avenue Q that has to camp up any mention of a gay man.
I have to say that very few I know are screaming Kylie queens with broken wrists and step ball changing along the street.
It's a horrible stereo type and amazes me because these shows are generally put together by the West End gay mafia!
In Half a Sixpence's case - 80 percent of the creative team and production team I believe is gay.
The photographer was a joke and lots of people were talking about it when they left the theatre.
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61 posts
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Post by junet on Aug 18, 2016 0:46:51 GMT
Just got back from seeing this and thought it was great. All singing, all dancing, a really high energy show. All the cast gave it their all and didn't seem to want to leave the stage at the end. I thought the photographer was hilarious, he certainly made the audience laugh tonight.
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1,102 posts
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Post by zak97 on Aug 19, 2016 15:03:29 GMT
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8BsysChKjsc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2016 16:54:17 GMT
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8BsysChKjsc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> I couldn't agree more. I feel this is the definitive comment on Half a Sixpence. Everyone can shut up now. |
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1,102 posts
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Post by zak97 on Aug 19, 2016 16:57:33 GMT
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8BsysChKjsc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> I couldn't agree more. I feel this is the definitive comment on Half a Sixpence. Everyone can shut up now. It was supposed to be the link to the EPK - I guess it didn't work... |
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736 posts
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Post by dippy on Aug 19, 2016 17:04:58 GMT
I couldn't agree more. I feel this is the definitive comment on Half a Sixpence. Everyone can shut up now. It was supposed to be the link to the EPK - I guess it didn't work... Copy and paste the right bit and it works perfectly! It's doing it's job though, that's made me want to see it more than before. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2016 17:20:19 GMT
Thank you. Rather looking forward to this.
(He's a dishy chap, isn't he?)
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Post by danb on Aug 19, 2016 17:20:30 GMT
Isn't this the only moment of vocal 'excitement' in the show or are there some soaring ballads too?
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1,102 posts
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Post by zak97 on Aug 19, 2016 17:26:32 GMT
Makes the show look really good fun. Personally I don't see how anybody could argue the show doesn't have the potential to be uplifting, and if that's what they want to sell the show as if it comes to London, I think they are on the right lines.
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