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Post by Dawnstar on Jan 8, 2018 18:15:15 GMT
I was at this performance too, and thought it was great, really funny and very inventive. I've had "Sexual Desire" in my head ever since. As it were. The songs are particularly clever; how they manage to come up with lyrics that rhyme, on the spot, is amazing. I've seen praise for "Sexual Desire" on Twitter too. I now really want to hear it, dammit! It's very funny and they all look to be really enjoying themselves, which is infectious. Jonathan's role as a commentator works well too, sometimes helping the others along and at other times having a bit of mischievious fun and winding them up completely! Is it always him doing this, or does he get to improvise too? Jonathan is doing the majority of the shows as Oscar but Henry Lewis is doing some too. Out of the 15 shows I've seen it's been Jonathan for 12 & Henry L for 3. I've really enjoyed seeing them swap over, having waited nearly 3 years for it. I would agree however, that I felt a little shortchanged having paid full price for such a short piece, brilliant though it was. I see prices have come down a bit now and would be much more comfortable paying those rates. Especially if I wanted to go as often as Dawnstar! I resigned myself to Mischief-related bankruptcy some time ago! And I personally would rather pay a few pounds more to sit at the front of the stalls than further back. I reckon my ticket bill for the whole run will top £600, which sounds a lot but is only the same as 3 premium Hamilton tickets!
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Post by rumbledoll on Jan 8, 2018 21:47:10 GMT
Talking about prices and lenght.. I never managed to understand that issue.. I believe that the quality of the show is the only thing that matters. Paying 30 pounds to see 8 hours of Angels in America and almost the same amount for 1 hour of MMN is okay with me 'cause I enjoyed both immensly. The experience counts, not money per minute rate.
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Post by freckles on Jan 8, 2018 22:24:21 GMT
Talking about prices and lenght.. I never managed to understand that issue.. I believe that the quality of the show is the only thing that matters. Paying 30 pounds to see 8 hours of Angels in America and almost the same amount for 1 hour of MMN is okay with me 'cause I enjoyed both immensly. The experience counts, not money per minute rate. Of course the experience counts, and the quality of MMN is excellent, but a trip to the theatre usually takes up much more of the day/evening. This is a rather brief experience in comparison to most things.
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Post by rumbledoll on Jan 9, 2018 7:45:28 GMT
A trip on its own - agree. But if you combine it with another matinee/evening or make a day out of three MMN shows (they discount for those eho come back on the same day) then it will be time well managed and spent.
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Post by Dawnstar on Jan 9, 2018 13:42:24 GMT
I wouldn't absolutely count on the discount either. This past Saturday they only announced it at the 7.45pm show for the 9.15pm one, not at the 4pm show, presumably because the 7.45pm show was almost sold out. Looking at the Arts' website for the next 3 Saturdays, the 7.45pm shows don't have many tickets left so I'm guessing it might be the same.
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Post by Dawnstar on Jan 9, 2018 18:10:38 GMT
When you find yourself featuring on @theatremonkey 's page for the Arts Theatre: At least, I think it refers to me. If there's another insane MMN fan around seeing it 20+ times then I haven't come across them yet! Oh and freckles & daniel, may I ask who sung the "Sexual Desire" song that your posts from Sunday mention?
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Post by freckles on Jan 9, 2018 20:52:20 GMT
When you find yourself featuring on @theatremonkey 's page for the Arts Theatre: At least, I think it refers to me. If there's another insane MMN fan around seeing it 20+ times then I haven't come across them yet! Oh and freckles & daniel, may I ask who sung the "Sexual Desire" song that your posts from Sunday mention? The song was started by Harry, but everyone joined in. I believe there was a reprise too!
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Post by PalelyLaura on Jan 11, 2018 11:27:44 GMT
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Post by Dawnstar on Jan 11, 2018 19:41:12 GMT
When you're booked for all 3 shows on Saturday but decide during the week that you just can't wait that long...
Post-show ETA: tonight was Henry L as Oscar & Laura Kirman in the ensemble, Jonathan not on. I'd been told Laura was covering in January but didn't know if she'd be going on so it was nice to see that she is. First time I've seen her doing improv with Mischief. (Anyone who can't place her, she was an u/s on the PPGW tour & then played Annie in the 2nd WE TPTGW cast.)
Tonight's show was a psychic horror "Read My Mind" set in a crumbling library. I never knew Henry S, playing a child with telekinetic powers, could look so disturbingly weird! Also had Dave as a psychopathic serial stabber, so it was quite dark in places tonight. As I was leaving I saw a girl who couldn't have been more than about 7 or 8 so goodness knows what she made of it. I do wish parents would read age advice, it's 12+ for this show. Just because the Goes Wrong shows are suitable for all ages it doesn't mean all Mischief's output is.
Comedic highlights included the line dancing in a German expressionist nightclub led by Charlie, Dave & Laura's "levels" scene, & Harry accidentally hitting his glasses off his face into the audience (which got a rewind)! Only 1 song "We've Got So Much In Common" but it did get a rather sinister reprise later. The first time round it was a love duet between Charlie & Harry's characters but it was slightly difficult not to be distracted by the pelvic thrusting dancing Josh & Dave were doing in the background!
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Post by ellie1981 on Jan 11, 2018 22:27:00 GMT
Tonight's show was a psychic horror "Read My Mind" set in a crumbling library. I never knew Henry S, playing a child with telekinetic powers, could look so disturbingly weird! Also had Dave as a psychopathic serial stabber, so it was quite dark in places tonight. As I was leaving I saw a girl who couldn't have been more than about 7 or 8 so goodness knows what she made of it. I do wish parents would read age advice, it's 12+ for this show. Just because the Goes Wrong shows are suitable for all ages it doesn't mean all Mischief's output is. Comedic highlights included the line dancing in a German expressionist nightclub led by Charlie, Dave & Laura's "levels" scene, & Harry accidentally hitting his glasses off his face into the audience (which got a rewind)! Only 1 song "We've Got So Much In Common" but it did get a rather sinister reprise later. The first time round it was a love duet between Charlie & Harry's characters but it was slightly difficult not to be distracted by the pelvic thrusting dancing Josh & Dave were doing in the background! This was my first and only time seeing this tonight. Absolutely loved it. Henry S as the creepy kid Timmy had me in fits, as well as the rewinds - the "recruitment of books" deleted scene and the dad pretending to be in a coma so his daughter could learn about her powers on her own.
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Post by stuart on Jan 12, 2018 23:28:53 GMT
A raucous crowd for tonight’s 9:15pm show but that only made for a better performance.
A Russian crime drama based in a petting zoo called Gone Goat.
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Post by Dawnstar on Jan 13, 2018 15:42:01 GMT
The 9.15 audiences do tend to be rather vocal. I guess at that time people are more likely to have had drinks beforedhand.
Anyone else in today?
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Post by MrBunbury on Jan 13, 2018 17:34:32 GMT
The 9.15 audiences do tend to be rather vocal. I guess at that time people are more likely to have had drinks beforedhand. Anyone else in today? I will be there at 7,45
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Post by Dawnstar on Jan 13, 2018 17:51:02 GMT
MrBunbury If you're interested in saying hello I'll be in BB10 for that show. Always happy to meet people I can discuss Mischief Theatre with! 4pm today was a Disney movie "Gone With The Current" set on a canal boat. Great performance from Charlie as wicked, boat-destroying Princess Esmerelda whose only weakness was that she couldn't swim! We got a Wizard of Oz style melting scene after she got pushed into a swimming pool. Highlights included the group morris dance, Harry playing everyone at the wedding & falling in love with himself, & plethora of talking animals including Dave as Barry the silly bear, Henry L as a scary emu & Charlie as Nibbles the frog. The homoerotic boats, played by Josh & Henry S & complete with too many rudder jokes, may have been slightly less Disney appropriate!
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Post by Dawnstar on Jan 13, 2018 23:42:46 GMT
Particularly that persistent fan on the front row, once she's used the interval break to get a few carrot juices inside her (heavy on the gin). I would say "I'll have you know I only drink water" but you already know that. Also there would be no time for drinks between shows even if I wanted them. I went straight from exiting the theatre by one door to joining the queue to enter by another door. 7.45pm a rom-com set in a hairdressers "First Cut". On my 18th MMN show finally I get a rom-com, & one starring Charlie & Dave. So happy I nearly cried! And thanks to Henry L for falling out of a hot air balloon to enable the ending I wanted! Highlights included the song "A Lover Who Likes Cats" sung by Harry, other characters literally throwing themselves at Henry S (with 2 rewinds), & the reveal of the real names of Dave & Henry L's characters: Felicity & Lauretta! 9.15pm "Artichoke" a horror movie about vegetables with brains set in Kew Gardens. Actually one of the highlights was Henry L's face at the start (he was Oscar for this one) when he realised yes, the audience really were going to vote for vegetables with brains! Great characters included Jonathan as scientist Dr Z: "I am from an unspecified foreign country" - best ever way of avoiding accent criticism! - Dave & Charlie as the villains Mr & Mrs Tompkins, and of course all the sentient vegetables. Highlights included the cucumber confessions number, Jonathan apparently making up for 2 shows sat in a chair by being carried around dangerously at every opportunity, & Dave trying to make a dramatic exit & falling into the costume rail!
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Post by MrBunbury on Jan 14, 2018 9:38:32 GMT
MrBunbury If you're interested in saying hello I'll be in BB10 for that show. Always happy to meet people I can discuss Mischief Theatre with! 4pm today was a Disney movie "Gone With The Current" set on a canal boat. Great performance from Charlie as wicked, boat-destroying Princess Esmerelda whose only weakness was that she couldn't swim! We got a Wizard of Oz style melting scene after she got pushed into a swimming pool. Highlights included the group morris dance, Harry playing everyone at the wedding & falling in love with himself, & plethora of talking animals including Dave as Barry the silly bear, Henry L as a scary emu & Charlie as Nibbles the frog. The homoerotic boats, played by Josh & Henry S & complete with too many rudder jokes, may have been slightly less Disney appropriate! Sorry Dawnstar, I saw your post only after the show. I was in B11 so probably behind you (where is BB10?). It was great to see the actors on stage again. I wanted to go back to see the final show but being in a group of Italians, a discussion followed and having dinner was deemed the only actual option...
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Post by Dawnstar on Jan 14, 2018 10:50:36 GMT
MrBunbury BB is the front row then it starts with A, B, etc. That's the advantage of solo theatregoing. I wouldn't let any dinners get between me & a Mischief show!
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Post by MrBunbury on Jan 14, 2018 13:38:15 GMT
MrBunbury BB is the front row then it starts with A, B, etc. That's the advantage of solo theatregoing. I wouldn't let any dinners get between me & a Mischief show! Oh, so you were near the Shrek couple!
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Post by stuart on Jan 14, 2018 18:31:39 GMT
What’s the “script” for sale for £5? In true Mischief fashion, I fully expect it to be blank but I’m still intrigued.
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Post by Dawnstar on Jan 14, 2018 18:35:36 GMT
Oh, so you were near the Shrek couple! Yes, next to them. It's not the first time that's happened though, it's at least the 3rd time I've witnessed. And when it doesn't happen Jonathan usually refers to it anyway. Goodness knows why so many people seem to want to insult each other! What’s the “script” for sale for £5? In true Mischief fashion, I fully expect it to be blank but I’m still intrigued. It is indeed blank. The Times review gave that away at the start of the run. www.thetimes.co.uk/article/theatre-review-mischief-movie-night-at-the-arts-theatre-wc2-pc9jdmk8j
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Post by londonmzfitz on Jan 15, 2018 9:27:12 GMT
My first visit last night for Bambi Goes To Pluto ...
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Post by Dawnstar on Jan 15, 2018 13:49:51 GMT
londonmzfitz You did decide that one visit wasn't enough then! I'm guessing it would have been less tear-jerking than the original Bambi film, or at least tears of laughter instead.
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Post by londonmzfitz on Jan 15, 2018 16:07:05 GMT
londonmzfitz You did decide that one visit wasn't enough then! I'm guessing it would have been less tear-jerking than the original Bambi film, or at least tears of laughter instead. Captain Bambi flew to Pluto ... it was very funny, the progress through the story was so interesting to watch, Jonathan keeping it on track, and a little love story happy ending for Captain Bambi (the guy with the lovely blonde curls) and Dave Hearn, sharing a kiss at the end ... Took the kid and his girlfriend (both of whom you have met) - and they want to go again ....
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Post by Dawnstar on Jan 15, 2018 17:25:37 GMT
Captain Bambi flew to Pluto ... it was very funny, the progress through the story was so interesting to watch, Jonathan keeping it on track, and a little love story happy ending for Captain Bambi (the guy with the lovely blonde curls) and Dave Hearn, sharing a kiss at the end ... Took the kid and his girlfriend (both of whom you have met) - and they want to go again .... Sci-fi seems to be a popular genre this run. The guy with the curls is Josh Elliott. I guess you won't have seen him before as he only does the improv shows with Mischief. You'll have to bring them with you to the last show, if there are still tickets left.
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Post by londonmzfitz on Jan 17, 2018 10:22:27 GMT
Josh Elliott, cute as a button! No, I hadn't seen him before. I'm trying to see if I can fit in another trip before the last night ...
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Post by Steve on Jan 18, 2018 0:03:26 GMT
We saw the 7.45 show on Saturday, and enjoyed it so much we're going back for the last performance of the run. I wish I could get there again, but sadly can't. We had a pirate movie, set on the Good Ship Jenny, called Jenny Goes Down, which was completely hilarious. My favourite characters were Pushing Jim and Shoo shaaa the Shoe Shine boy. Ha ha, yes, I was also at "Jenny Goes Down." I went this second time, since Dawnstar demonstrated that Mischief aren't actually just doing the same show every night. "Jenny Goes Down" was not in the same league as the previous show I saw, "T Vet," because the storytelling went "wrong". . . which was illuminating and sort of perfect in a way. Whereas T Vet was a perfect example of genre storytelling, "Jenny goes Down" involved copious preparations for a mutiny aboard a pirate ship that then was completely (and amusingly, in an Ed Wood inept storytelling way) forgotten about, as the story progressed to a search for treasure at the end of a rainbow instead. Once the Mischief Theatre storytelling went wrong, the Mischief Team hilariously seemed to lose their bearings entirely, as they briefly abandoned their usual family show schtick for something a little more pornographic, involving Henry Shields' pirate captain getting "splinters" in his member, which he mimed poking into through a "hole" in the good ship Jenny. Henry Lewis' Pushing Jim finally understood what was "dripping" through his "ceiling!" I love the way Henry Lewis' voice is so like an engine, booming and revving and constantly changing gears! I also love the shrieking Norman Wisdom-like enthusiasm, and faux shock, of Jonathan Sayers, as Oscar, when the story goes so heinously wrong like this. Josh Elliot was a scream, his wry matter of fact tone conveying a kind of bemusement at being trapped in a story of such unstoppable bizarreness! And as Shoeshaa, the pirate who gives everyone else shoeshines, but otherwise seems in a totally different story, Dave Hearns was his delightful loveable usual self. It was great to meet Dawnstar and learn a ton of things about the Mischief Troupe, and I thank her for chronicling this wonderful ensemble for us! 3 and a half stars for "Jenny Goes Down."
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Post by Dawnstar on Jan 18, 2018 17:52:31 GMT
It was great to meet Dawnstar and learn a ton of things about the Mischief Troupe, and I thank her for chronicling this wonderful ensemble for us! My pleasure. I'll happily talk about Mischief Theatre for hours - the problem is finding people prepared to listen! Currently on the train to London for tonight's MMN. Yes I may be seeing 4 out of 8 shows for the last 3 weeks of the run!
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Post by Dawnstar on Jan 18, 2018 21:29:29 GMT
Tonight's show was a mafia movie set (partly) on a bouncy castle: "The Bouncer". I now want all improv shows to include a bouncy castle scene! The sight of Henry S & Dave bouncing up & down for several minutes was priceless! The plot was R&J-esque: boy (Henry L) & girl (Charlie) fall in love but their fathers (Henry S & Josh) are rival bouncy castle company owners, one of who (Henry S) will do anything to have a business monopoly. Who knew the children's party business was so competative?! Highlights included the 6-person piggyback bouncy castle, the Hamiltonesque rap song, Charlie & Henry L dancing to Josh's Barry White number, & Ellie as a rabbit calling for back-up but none appearing as everyone was already in the scene! Lowlight: Dave gratuitously murdering a rabbit by stamping on it. He later tried to murder Charlie too but that got less of a reaction. None of this sort of stuff happened with Max!!
Annoying man in the audience who kept shouting stuff out during the show. I wish self-publicising people wouldn't take the request ro make suggestions at the start of a show as licence to then annoy everyone else for the rest of the show.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 19, 2018 21:16:40 GMT
Traveling to London again for the weekend. Yup, just decided. Seeing this tomorrow at 7.45pm so might see you there Dawnstar ? This time I will say hello, I promise haha.
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Post by Dawnstar on Jan 19, 2018 21:44:44 GMT
@eldermillan Yes, I should be there, assuming no flu or snow get in the way. Half my office seem to have been coughing & sneezing all week so I am praying that I don't catch anything for another 10 days. After 29th January I don't care what I go down with! (Before anyone corrects me, yes I know MMN finishes on 27th but there's Showstopper on 29th before I get an improv break.)
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