5,062 posts
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Post by Phantom of London on Oct 18, 2016 8:38:59 GMT
Saw on What's On Stage that Half A Sixpence gave Cameron a nice surprise, when he thought he was just going to see the loading in, absolutely beautiful. I wouldn't write this shows obituary just yet, I expect it to get good reviews and word of mouth, it is a feel good show and how couldn't crash, bang, wallop send any audience members' out on St Martins Lane with a big grin. This will out run Mrs Henderson Presents, we had the same doom merchants for Singin' in the Rain.
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Post by theunderstudy on Oct 18, 2016 9:23:22 GMT
Saw on What's On Stage that Half A Sixpence gave Cameron a nice surprise, when he thought he was just going to see the loading in, absolutely beautiful. If slightly weird with the Shea Stadium audience.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2016 11:43:20 GMT
Saw on What's On Stage that Half A Sixpence gave Cameron a nice surprise, when he thought he was just going to see the loading in, absolutely beautiful. Agree... Brought a tear to my eye! 70?! He doesn't look anything like 70! Thanks for sharing.
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275 posts
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Post by emsworthian on Oct 18, 2016 11:43:23 GMT
When I saw the show in Chichester I concurred with mrmusicals' view that it was a five star production of a three star musical; it was entertaining and frothy but lacked dramatic tension.
Since then I've been amazed by how many local people said they loved it and it was the best thing they have seen at the theatre for ages. Before anyone goes on about the geriatric audience at Chichester, several people said that they went in a family group representing various generations and all loved it.
I agree with Phantom of the Opera that it could do reasonably well; I can see it appealing to those who want to combine seeing a show with pre-Christmas West End shopping.
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5,062 posts
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Post by Phantom of London on Oct 18, 2016 12:44:46 GMT
When I saw the show in Chichester I concurred with mrmusicals' view that it was a five star production of a three star musical; it was entertaining and frothy but lacked dramatic tension. Since then I've been amazed by how many local people said they loved it and it was the best thing they have seen at the theatre for ages. Before anyone goes on about the geriatric audience at Chichester, several people said that they went in a family group representing various generations and all loved it. I agree with Phantom of the Opera that it could do reasonably well; I can see it appealing to those who want to combine seeing a show with pre-Christmas West End shopping. Cough, cough, who is Phantom of the Opera? I have the same lawyers as Cliff Richards you understand. But I also agree it is a fluffy 5 star production of a 3 star musical, but that is no bad thing and is a compliment, also the West End love fluff.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2016 12:51:50 GMT
Cough, cough, who is Phantom of the Opera? I have the same lawyers as Cliff Richards you understand. Cough, cough, who is Cliff Richards? A friend of Una Stubb?
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275 posts
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Post by emsworthian on Oct 18, 2016 13:52:32 GMT
Apologies to Phantom of London. A Freudian slip - or mistype rather.
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5,062 posts
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Post by Phantom of London on Oct 18, 2016 20:32:32 GMT
Saw on What's On Stage that Half A Sixpence gave Cameron a nice surprise, when he thought he was just going to see the loading in, absolutely beautiful. Agree... Brought a tear to my eye! 70?! He doesn't look anything like 70! Thanks for sharing. Agree with you on that, youth has been very kind to him. A all round decent egg I think.
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543 posts
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Post by freckles on Oct 29, 2016 10:15:48 GMT
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1,243 posts
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Post by nash16 on Oct 29, 2016 11:23:52 GMT
I think they've mucked up the wording of their statement too. Free refunds for all and a free show. Don't show up, and no refund?? "The performance will still go ahead but you will be offered a full refund should you decide to attend."
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1,936 posts
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Post by wickedgrin on Oct 29, 2016 13:37:58 GMT
I don't understand why they are not up to speed with this first preview. The show ran at Chichester, it has been re-rehearsed for London largely, I think, with the original cast. It is not that technically demanding a show either....
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Post by Deleted on Oct 29, 2016 14:51:31 GMT
Don't show up, and no refund?? That is correct. You'll be refunded if you attend the dress rehearsal. The alternative option is to exchange your original ticket for another preview performance.
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5,910 posts
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Post by mrbarnaby on Oct 29, 2016 18:51:44 GMT
I wish they'd refunded me when I saw it in Chichester.. for it being so bloody awful.
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1,243 posts
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Post by nash16 on Oct 29, 2016 23:00:08 GMT
I don't understand why they are not up to speed with this first preview. The show ran at Chichester, it has been re-rehearsed for London largely, I think, with the original cast. It is not that technically demanding a show either.... Cameron. Mackintosh. (If you saw The Sound of Musicals on Channel 4 (available still on 4oD), you'll understand why he is a very strong reason for today's/tonight's fiasco.)
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2,452 posts
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Post by theatremadness on Oct 29, 2016 23:36:14 GMT
I don't understand why they are not up to speed with this first preview. The show ran at Chichester, it has been re-rehearsed for London largely, I think, with the original cast. It is not that technically demanding a show either.... Cameron. Mackintosh. (If you saw The Sound of Musicals on Channel 4 (available still on 4oD), you'll understand why he is a very strong reason for today's/tonight's fiasco.) Well it's a hardly a fiasco, really, is it? Extremely positive reports on twitter. Lots of "if this is just a dress rehearsal can't imagine what normal performances will be like" in various different guises. Even a mid-show standing ovation according to choreographer Andrew Wright.
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258 posts
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Post by notmymuse on Oct 29, 2016 23:47:02 GMT
Just booked stalls seat usually £75 for £18 thanks to TodayTix, dynamic pricing and preview prices for Wednesday evening, so hoping it's in good shape by then. I'd assumed being a transfer with most of the cast that our would already be in almost press worthy condition! I suspect there'll be much rehearsing between now and then so should be fine.
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543 posts
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Post by freckles on Oct 30, 2016 10:17:57 GMT
Cameron. Mackintosh. (If you saw The Sound of Musicals on Channel 4 (available still on 4oD), you'll understand why he is a very strong reason for today's/tonight's fiasco.) Well it's a hardly a fiasco, really, is it? Extremely positive reports on twitter. Lots of "if this is just a dress rehearsal can't imagine what normal performances will be like" in various different guises. Even a mid-show standing ovation according to choreographer Andrew Wright. Sounds like it was in perfect shape and this was perhaps a very clever marketing stunt? Lower expectations, give the audience free tix - and free interval wine - and a very positve atmosphere results. Just a thought. Clearly the show had to be enjoyable, which it sounds like it was. I look forward to finding out.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2016 15:43:59 GMT
I saw the first preview yesterday.I had front row seats. It was brilliant! Something went slightly wrong at the very start when what I think a small lightbulb fell on stage and there was someone from the crew cleaning it up while Charlie and Devon were doing the very first scene. Other than that everything ran very smoothly. The show has a great story and lots of funny moments. The score is wonderful too, with a few incredible ensemble songs. Outstanding performances by the entire cast. Charlie Stemp is a great leading man and I also liked Ian Bartholomew's performance a lot. I also adored Emma Williams' performance. It's just too bqd that she didn't have a song all for herself, but then again almost no one did. I'd definitely recommend everyone to see this show. It's a good old fashioned musical, but one that young as well as older people can enjoy. I hope this one stays around longer than Mrs Henderson Presents.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2016 15:59:55 GMT
The cast recording will be released on 18 November.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2016 17:18:19 GMT
I saw the first preview yesterday.I had front row seats. It was brilliant! Something went slightly wrong at the very start when what I think a small lightbulb fell on stage and there was someone from the crew cleaning it up while Charlie and Devon were doing the very first scene. Other than that everything ran very smoothly. The show has a great story and lots of funny moments. The score is wonderful too, with a few incredible ensemble songs. Outstanding performances by the entire cast. Charlie Stemp is a great leading man and I also liked Ian Bartholomew's performance a lot. I also adored Emma Williams' performance. It's just too bqd that she didn't have a song all for herself, but then again almost no one did. I'd definitely recommend everyone to see this show. It's a good old fashioned musical, but one that young as well as older people can enjoy. I hope this one stays around longer than Mrs Henderson Presents. Ticket sales are APPALLING And that's exactly what they deserve for those stupid ticket prices
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2016 19:05:14 GMT
I saw the first preview yesterday.I had front row seats. It was brilliant! Something went slightly wrong at the very start when what I think a small lightbulb fell on stage and there was someone from the crew cleaning it up while Charlie and Devon were doing the very first scene. Other than that everything ran very smoothly. The show has a great story and lots of funny moments. The score is wonderful too, with a few incredible ensemble songs. Outstanding performances by the entire cast. Charlie Stemp is a great leading man and I also liked Ian Bartholomew's performance a lot. I also adored Emma Williams' performance. It's just too bqd that she didn't have a song all for herself, but then again almost no one did. I'd definitely recommend everyone to see this show. It's a good old fashioned musical, but one that young as well as older people can enjoy. I hope this one stays around longer than Mrs Henderson Presents. Ticket sales are APPALLING And that's exactly what they deserve for those stupid ticket prices What do you mean? Are tickets too expensive. I got £20 tix for front row and the other tickets didn't seem to be more expensive than other West End shows
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2016 21:20:35 GMT
Ticket sales are APPALLING And that's exactly what they deserve for those stupid ticket prices What do you mean? Are tickets too expensive. I got £20 tix for front row and the other tickets didn't seem to be more expensive than other West End shows Dayseats? What time did you get there?
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258 posts
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Post by notmymuse on Nov 2, 2016 23:03:38 GMT
So, on the way back from tonight's performance. In general it ran smoothly, they need to sort out the lighting as two or three times an actor was almost in darkness when speaking lines. Scenery collided with curtains at one point, and at the end the show stopped after the final scene but before the bows as the scenery seemed to have collided with the pub bar... Not sure if the motorcycle broke and was supposed to be on stage or if there was just a funny pause before the line gets delivered and it's not supposed to arrive on stage?
Overall, it's fun. An entertaining way to spend an evening. As others have said, the new songs don't add much and are quitr easy to spot. I still don't get Mackintosh's love of Stiles and Drew.
The while thing reminded me of Mary Poppins, Oliver and Salad Days all rolled into one on reflection. I doubt this will run long but it seemed very busy tonight and was well received (maybe they are papering or maybe it's just selling better as the advertising pays off?).
I'm preparing to duck behind the sofa as I write this bit as everyone on here seems to love her (me usually included) but the one bit I didn't like very much was Emma Williams...
I know her character isn't very well fleshed out in the script but it's actually a really interesting character. Does she like Arthur? Or is she just going after him for the money? Or persuading herself she likes him as she had to marry him? And at the end she's really quite in a mess given the time the show is set in, but she didn't seem to care much... None of that really came across at all, and I felt she spoke her lines in a posh voice but not much more. To be fair, the show is screaming out for a song where she tells us all her inner turmoil or something. Maybe she'll explore some more as the show continues or maybe it's just me. Rest of the cast were pretty solid.
On a final note, not sure if Salad Days was written before or after this show, but as Look At Me I'm Dancing and A Simple Song from Salad Days are basically the same as the banjo song in this, someone needs to sue.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2016 23:36:18 GMT
What do you mean? Are tickets too expensive. I got £20 tix for front row and the other tickets didn't seem to be more expensive than other West End shows Dayseats? What time did you get there? Yeah. I got there about 10 past 10 and got the last 3 day seats
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2016 23:42:59 GMT
So, on the way back from tonight's performance. In general it ran smoothly, they need to sort out the lighting as two or three times an actor was almost in darkness when speaking lines. Scenery collided with curtains at one point, and at the end the show stopped after the final scene but before the bows as the scenery seemed to have collided with the pub bar... Not sure if the motorcycle broke and was supposed to be on stage or if there was just a funny pause before the line gets delivered and it's not supposed to arrive on stage? Overall, it's fun. An entertaining way to spend an evening. As others have said, the new songs don't add much and are quitr easy to spot. I still don't get Mackintosh's love of Stiles and Drew. The while thing reminded me of Mary Poppins, Oliver and Salad Days all rolled into one on reflection. I doubt this will run long but it seemed very busy tonight and was well received (maybe they are papering or maybe it's just selling better as the advertising pays off?). I'm preparing to duck behind the sofa as I write this bit as everyone on here seems to love her (me usually included) but the one bit I didn't like very much was Emma Williams... I know her character isn't very well fleshed out in the script but it's actually a really interesting character. Does she like Arthur? Or is she just going after him for the money? Or persuading herself she likes him as she had to marry him? And at the end she's really quite in a mess given the time the show is set in, but she didn't seem to care much... None of that really came across at all, and I felt she spoke her lines in a posh voice but not much more. To be fair, the show is screaming out for a song where she tells us all her inner turmoil or something. Maybe she'll explore some more as the show continues or maybe it's just me. Rest of the cast were pretty solid. On a final note, not sure if Salad Days was written before or after this show, but as Look At Me I'm Dancing and A Simple Song from Salad Days are basically the same as the banjo song in this, someone needs to sue. They're supposed to ride off on the motorcycle at the end of the show. At least that's what happened yesterday.
I agree that the character of Helen Walsingham could do with some further development, even though I liked Emma Williams in the role. But she could really do with a good song. My interpretation of the character was that she really liked Kipps. She specifically asked for him to serve her and there was chemistry between them in her class. That was all before he got rich. And once he got rich she was still trying to look out for him.
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