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Post by zahidf on Dec 26, 2023 21:21:47 GMT
Going by the poll, more people like it (3 stars or more) than dislike it. Even if your benchmark is 4 stars or more, a majority of people on the forum liked it
Baz seems to say it's transferring after some work has been done on the second act
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Post by toomasj on Dec 27, 2023 3:25:55 GMT
Going by the poll, more people like it (3 stars or more) than dislike it. Even if your benchmark is 4 stars or more, a majority of people on the forum liked it Baz seems to say it's transferring after some work has been done on the second act In such small samples, with no controls, it’s impossible to tell what the public think. The only measure of success worth a damn is box office takings. The only use for ratings on Theatreboard is to find an overwhelming consensus - when it happens. Even then, there’s no guarantee an individual person will find a show to their personal tastes. The show ratings are a consensus of generally like-minded people (in that they have an above-average interest in theatre) who have actively signed up to this forum, read the Musicals forum and then chosen specifically this thread, and then seen the show in question and given an arbitrary star rating (often without explanation or justification in the thread itself about how that rating was reached - be it a bad experience at the theatre, a poor cast on the night, the show reminding them of their ex - etc etc etc). Oh and this… Well, 8 people have rated it 5 stars so far at the time of writing, and 12 people have rated it two stars or less. This would mean by the above logic that 60% more voters believe this is a poor or very poor show than a brilliant one. |
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Post by ceebee on Dec 27, 2023 6:33:54 GMT
If this show transfers, it'll lose money. It's just not very good.
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Post by jr on Dec 27, 2023 7:41:49 GMT
I haven't seen it yet but will go before it ends, mostly because it's written by Lucy Kirkwood.
Whatever your taste/issues with the National, you need to be accurate. Right now positive reviews (5+4) at 37 trump negative ones (1+2) at 12. Leaving 3* as neutral
Simple maths.
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Post by zahidf on Dec 27, 2023 8:28:02 GMT
Going by the poll, more people like it (3 stars or more) than dislike it. Even if your benchmark is 4 stars or more, a majority of people on the forum liked it Baz seems to say it's transferring after some work has been done on the second act In such small samples, with no controls, it’s impossible to tell what the public think. The only measure of success worth a damn is box office takings. The only use for ratings on Theatreboard is to find an overwhelming consensus - when it happens. Even then, there’s no guarantee an individual person will find a show to their personal tastes. The show ratings are a consensus of generally like-minded people (in that they have an above-average interest in theatre) who have actively signed up to this forum, read the Musicals forum and then chosen specifically this thread, and then seen the show in question and given an arbitrary star rating (often without explanation or justification in the thread itself about how that rating was reached - be it a bad experience at the theatre, a poor cast on the night, the show reminding them of their ex - etc etc etc). Oh and this… Well, 8 people have rated it 5 stars so far at the time of writing, and 12 people have rated it two stars or less. This would mean by the above logic that 60% more voters believe this is a poor or very poor show than a brilliant one. It's pretty much sold out, so seems like the public has spoken! The reviewers have raved about it for the most part as well Not sure why you're comparing the 5 stars to 1 and 2 star reviews. I'm seeing it next week so will review it then. But by most metrics, it objectively seems popular. |
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Post by Mark on Dec 27, 2023 9:16:54 GMT
I rated 3 stars but going back again to see it today. It’s the case of it being a fun show rather than a good musical. That and my sister wanted to go.
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Post by ThereWillBeSun on Jan 1, 2024 17:55:45 GMT
The Witches is about to be broadcast on BBC 1 (2020 with Anne Hathaway)
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Post by danb on Jan 1, 2024 20:24:55 GMT
The Witches is about to be broadcast on BBC 1 (2020 with Anne Hathaway) And very enjoyable it was too! |
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Post by ThereWillBeSun on Jan 1, 2024 21:02:55 GMT
Never seen The Witches before nor read the book ... and I'm booked for the NT. I actually felt quite scared of Anne Hathaway in that.  |
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Post by fluxcapacitor on Jan 2, 2024 10:15:43 GMT
Never seen The Witches before nor read the book ... and I'm booked for the NT. I actually felt quite scared of Anne Hathaway in that. Treat yourself and watch the first movie adaptation with Anjelica Huston. She (and, in fact, the tone of the whole movie) makes Anne Hathaway look like Mary Poppins! |
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Post by dan on Jan 2, 2024 20:58:44 GMT
I am so thrilled to have seen this yesterday. I was very close to not going just based on much of the narrative in this thread, but I’m so glad I did because I thought it was incredibly well done. The two lead boys were outstanding, the songs were a delight, the staging and theatrics were wonderful. It felt so magical while not having or needing much actual magic (illusions etc), because imagination is what is needed and what the story and staging decisions evoke. The creativity here is just beautiful, and I really hope this has a future life. It’s definitely taught me to go and see shows and not be deterred by whatever narrative might be forming here… I love coming here and reading different experiences and opinions and views, I just need to remember that’s what they are, and that I can still be blown away and fall in love with something that might not be others’ taste. It was such a long drive there and back yesterday, but 100% worth it and a joyful way to start 2024  |
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Post by vickyg on Jan 2, 2024 22:56:53 GMT
I’ve just seen from her Instagram that Tiffany Graves went on as the Grand High Witch on 29th and 30th December and from the picture it looks like Sally Ann Triplett was off for at least one show during that time too. Did anyone get to see these shows?
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Post by tal on Jan 2, 2024 23:09:16 GMT
I saw it on the 30th. Tiffany Graves was playing Grand High Witch and Danielle Coombe was playing Gran. Both were great!
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Post by parsley1 on Jan 2, 2024 23:39:31 GMT
I am so thrilled to have seen this yesterday. I was very close to not going just based on much of the narrative in this thread, but I’m so glad I did because I thought it was incredibly well done. The two lead boys were outstanding, the songs were a delight, the staging and theatrics were wonderful. It felt so magical while not having or needing much actual magic (illusions etc), because imagination is what is needed and what the story and staging decisions evoke. The creativity here is just beautiful, and I really hope this has a future life. It’s definitely taught me to go and see shows and not be deterred by whatever narrative might be forming here… I love coming here and reading different experiences and opinions and views, I just need to remember that’s what they are, and that I can still be blown away and fall in love with something that might not be others’ taste. It was such a long drive there and back yesterday, but 100% worth it and a joyful way to start 2024 Your point is very valid And I agree with you and glad you enjoyed The fact remains this show was critically adored Probably more so than Sunset Boulevard The forum tends to fawn and obsesses over certain shows and genres and categories and many people see certain shows repeated times Always take with a pinch of salt Usually it’s a good platform along with wider critics but more often I use to see shows I might otherwise be on the fence about Rather than not see shows due to a narrow and specific selection of opinions |
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Post by ThereWillBeSun on Jan 3, 2024 10:40:06 GMT
I’ve just seen from her Instagram that Tiffany Graves went on as the Grand High Witch on 29th and 30th December and from the picture it looks like Sally Ann Triplett was off for at least one show during that time too. Did anyone get to see these shows? My friend saw the cover for Sally Ann Triplett on New Year's Day (eve) and said they were brilliant! Not sure who the cover is :-) |
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Post by dan on Jan 3, 2024 12:20:00 GMT
I’ve just seen from her Instagram that Tiffany Graves went on as the Grand High Witch on 29th and 30th December and from the picture it looks like Sally Ann Triplett was off for at least one show during that time too. Did anyone get to see these shows? My friend saw the cover for Sally Ann Triplett on New Year's Day (eve) and said they were brilliant! Not sure who the cover is :-) She was terrific. You’d never know she was a cover / understudy, as always really… but she was fantastic. |
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Post by francistheatreboard on Jan 3, 2024 23:24:43 GMT
My friend saw the cover for Sally Ann Triplett on New Year's Day (eve) and said they were brilliant! Not sure who the cover is :-) She was terrific. You’d never know she was a cover / understudy, as always really… but she was fantastic. I will say there were a few lines flubs but it made it all the more entertaining :-) |
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Post by zahidf on Jan 4, 2024 22:13:27 GMT
This was great I thought. Good performances, very funny. Really enjoyed Daniel Rigby in this, similar to his anarchist performance
Looked very sold out. I reckon if they want to rework some of it, it may be back at the NT end of this year
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Post by horton on Jan 5, 2024 9:25:15 GMT
My friend saw the cover for Sally Ann Triplett on New Year's Day (eve) and said they were brilliant! Not sure who the cover is :-) She was terrific. You’d never know she was a cover / understudy, as always really… but she was fantastic. Daniele Coombe- with a totally different characterisation. West End credits going back to Sunset Boulevard, Oliver! and Acorn Antiques. |
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Post by greatauntedna on Jan 5, 2024 13:24:29 GMT
Is there any rhyme or reason to which kids are on when?
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Post by toomasj on Jan 5, 2024 22:41:41 GMT
Is there any rhyme or reason to which kids are on when? In every professional show featuring young people I’ve done with cast doubling (kids not doing every show, like they generally do in panto for example) there is a set timetable obviously. There are allowances for sickness/absence. There are variations - Miss Saigon I remember had three sets of Tam’s available at each performance due to their age and unreliability. (Tantrums, nerves, sickness on site). These are young kids after all As for knowing which will be on - there is no way without knowing the families or working on the show. This is because of the safeguarding of children. |
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Post by horton on Jan 6, 2024 13:15:01 GMT
There are always 2 children present for each main role. Last week a Bruno had to be switched mid-show due to illness. Where an adult might choose to struggle through, there is no way a child will be shoved onstage if they are unwell!
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Post by dave on Jan 6, 2024 17:19:21 GMT
I've not seen it so I don't know, but have they installed a different revolve? Because classically they still used the drum revolve without the lifting function for their normal revolutionary needs on the Olivier stage. Fairly sure they must be using the drum revolve as you can hear it grinding around every so often during 'Infinite Life' in the Dorfman! |
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jan 6, 2024 20:47:41 GMT
I've not seen it so I don't know, but have they installed a different revolve? Because classically they still used the drum revolve without the lifting function for their normal revolutionary needs on the Olivier stage. Fairly sure they must be using the drum revolve as you can hear it grinding around every so often during 'Infinite Life' in the Dorfman! They aren’t. The Witches used a doughnut revolve and was built for the show |
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Post by elfie1984 on Jan 7, 2024 10:27:58 GMT
I saw this last night and absolutely loved it. I went with high expectations and they were exceeded. I thought each song was so well chosen and advanced the story, the set was excellent (the branch fingers framing the stage was genius) and the performances so strong. I know it is being compared to Matilda and whilst I do think it’s rougher round the edges, I think the Witches holds its’ own strongly.
I laughed, I felt genuinely scared at some points, smiled all the way through. Felt elated coming out the theatre.
Having seen Stranger Things the week previously where I felt impressed by the visuals but felt no emotion whatsoever, the Witches was very different - I felt all the emotions and my musical theatre fan went wild. Absolute triumph in my view. I’d see it again today straight away.
Surely this deserves a further life. It could be brought back to the NT next Christmas but could this have a transfer? I really hope so. It’s deserved.
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