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Post by horton on Jul 11, 2016 7:19:10 GMT
I don't think the more old-school UK critics would be able to get past the opera being the "proper" version. It would get a very bumpy ride here.
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Post by theatrefan77 on Jul 11, 2016 12:26:44 GMT
Had a great time on Saturday afternoon. Not a perfect show but it's so much fun. And FOH staff were great, so nice and friendly. It really makes a difference when workers are so lovely. Pity about the horrible man in the middle window who was so miserable and obnoxious to people collecting people just for daring asking him a question eg 'what time is the house open? Oh well there's always one.
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Post by Jon on Jul 11, 2016 15:29:47 GMT
Who on earth projected ANY show could/would run at Drury lane for 10 years anymore? Those days are over. mrbarnaby, that is one of the most interesting things anyone has ever posted on this board. Is it true, I wonder, that those days are past? I know it's as strange as the possibility that we might one day vote to leave the E.U, but personally, I rather hold the idea that "everything goes in cycles." Already, there's a small but growing younger generation for whom "live / real" is something they now actively seek as a backlash against their screen culture. Who is to say that a new form of live theatrical entertainment, suited to a vast old house, won't emerge and capture their attention for that period? I'd be really interested to hear your thoughts, and everyone else's of course. A show running only 2-3 years shouldn't be considered a failure by any means just because there are shows that are 10 years plus. I personally think too many long runners are not a good thing because it means less new shows can come in. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2016 15:30:39 GMT
Theatre Royal Drury Lane - 2,196 seats.
Apollo Victoria - 2,500 seats.
Wicked - coming up to its 10th anniversary in the West End.
Yep, it sounds unlikely that anything could run in Drury Lane for 10 years, but "unlikely" is not the same as "those days are over". Just needs the right show.
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Post by lifewithkirsty on Jul 11, 2016 15:35:57 GMT
I saw this recently & left at the interval... To echo what a lot of you have said I found it very much too "panto" I also found the genie incredibly annoying & the vocals of the leads to be quite weak.
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Post by wickedgrin on Jul 11, 2016 16:49:56 GMT
On checking the Delfont Mackintosh website I was surprised to see that the show is far from sold out during the summer holidays. Is it (again) simply because of the prices - to take a family to this is hugely expensive, or is it because Aladdin in this counrty is so associated with panto and Christmas? Perhaps people do not book too far ahead any more?
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Post by longinthetooth on Jul 11, 2016 16:54:22 GMT
I saw this recently & left at the interval... To echo what a lot of you have said I found it very much too "panto" I also found the genie incredibly annoying & the vocals of the leads to be quite weak. Apart from the fact that I stuck it out until the bitter end, I concur totally. |
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Post by horton on Jul 11, 2016 22:48:28 GMT
Who on earth projected ANY show could/would run at Drury lane for 10 years anymore? Those days are over. mrbarnaby, that is one of the most interesting things anyone has ever posted on this board. Is it true, I wonder, that those days are past? I know it's as strange as the possibility that we might one day vote to leave the E.U, but personally, I rather hold the idea that "everything goes in cycles." Already, there's a small but growing younger generation for whom "live / real" is something they now actively seek as a backlash against their screen culture. Who is to say that a new form of live theatrical entertainment, suited to a vast old house, won't emerge and capture their attention for that period? I'd be really interested to hear your thoughts, and everyone else's of course. When Cameron was planning the Miss Saigon revival, he set a target of a minimum of 5 years run at the Prince Edward. Clearly that didn't pan out, but equally clearly, major producers still work towards mounting shows with a great deal of longevity built in. The producers of Matilda signed a 5-year lease with the Shuberts in New York to get the best deal, (and I know 'Bank Robbery' has signed a long lease at the Criterion, too). Maybe we are the product of the 80's but many producers still look very long term. |
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Post by musicalfloozie on Jul 13, 2016 22:21:57 GMT
Went to see Aladdin on Monday evening. I'd been reading a few posts on the board and was thinking I'll reserve my judgement we can't all like the same maybe I will enjoy it but I felt a little bit disappointed after seeing this.
It's Disney, it's the West End I was expecting to be blown away but it just felt like it fell a little bit short.
Yes it has some great points like the flying carpet and the cave of wonders but that just didn't carry through the rest of the show.
I really didn't want to say but as other posters have mentioned it did feel a little bit Panto and not in a good way. The costumes were wonderful, some of the scenery good, the leads were passable but not the strongest I've ever seen and the flow of the show felt a bit stilted and the second half seemed to drag. It made me I wish I'd not spent 6 weeks in my summer holidays aged 13 watching Aladdin over and over as may have enjoyed this show more, I think I went with high expectations that just could not be reached!! My husband said his fave bit was the curtain changed colour, which says a lot haha.
I think the show will do ok but doubt it'll be a long running show (will probably be eating my words on their 10th anniversary).
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Post by welsh_tenor on Jul 17, 2016 14:23:40 GMT
Leon Craig tweeted he was on as Genie last night, anyone in and catch the show?!
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Post by ribbon5 on Jul 17, 2016 15:45:05 GMT
Leon Craig tweeted he was on as Genie last night, anyone in and catch the show?! Yes. westendcovers twitter tweeted at lunchtime he would debut and be on for both shows. He was excellent and very funny |
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Post by partytentdown on Aug 1, 2016 10:35:02 GMT
Hi everyone, what are the chances of getting a decent sub £30 seat if I walk up an hour before the show (next Tuesday to be specific)?
Or better buying something in advance?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2016 22:29:33 GMT
Hi everyone, what are the chances of getting a decent sub £30 seat if I walk up an hour before the show (next Tuesday to be specific)? Or better buying something in advance? It's the summer holidays. I'd bet unlikely! |
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Post by Phantom of London on Aug 1, 2016 22:41:20 GMT
Try the lottery 2hrs before curtain.
But otherwise agree with the above.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 7, 2016 17:40:54 GMT
Tonight, the Broadway Production plays its 1000th performance!  |
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Post by theatremadhatter on Aug 8, 2016 9:38:17 GMT
Looks like Dean is on holiday for the next three days. Might be finally a good time to go and re-watch! Anthony Hewitt is stepping in, be interested to see someone else play it, might have to do the lottery!
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Post by Joseph Buquet on Aug 14, 2016 9:14:44 GMT
Saw this last night. Overall, I really enjoyed it and am a bit surprised by all of the criticism on here. Maybe people expect too much because it's Disney, but I thought the sets were beautiful. Yes, it was a bit panto (not panties as my auto-correct is insisting on) at times, but not overly-so and those bits were pretty self-contained. Excellent performances all round. Was particularly surprised afterwards to read that the guy playing Iago was an understudy, as he was a real highlight for me.
A couple of things. Ethan Le Phong was on as Aladdin, and did a great job. But his microphone REALLY needs to be turned up. Couldn't hear him at all at times during some of the songs.
Wasn't that convinced by Jade Ewen. She was ok, but I would've preferred a fuller, more traditional musical theatre voice.
I have no idea why the magic carpet would excite anyone. During A Whole New World it was dark, but you could still see traces of wire. In the final scene when it's light, a row of wires could very clearly be seen at each end.
Slight mishap with the carpet at the end of A Whole New World - as it landed, it got a bit caught on the scenery. It then became unstuck with a loud snap and quite a jolt. Great reaction from the audience to Aladdin's next line which was something about getting back safely.
Oh, and a poor woman in the front row suddenly threw up everywhere just before Friend Like Me. Not ideal!
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Post by lolli on Aug 14, 2016 18:46:49 GMT
Are they running the lottery everyday? Lots of people turning up for it?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2016 19:06:07 GMT
How's this doing at the box office?
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Post by andrew on Aug 14, 2016 21:19:23 GMT
A couple of things. Ethan Le Phong was on as Aladdin, and did a great job. But his microphone REALLY needs to be turned up. Couldn't hear him at all at times during some of the songs. Out of interest where were you sitting? I felt that Aladdin (the principle) was quiet when I saw it, but also that some other characters were on the quiet end as well, although not as bad as Al. I was in the front row though so I put that down to the lack of speakers on the edge of the stage and therefore the orchestra overpowering the actors. |
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Post by partytentdown on Aug 15, 2016 9:29:45 GMT
How's this doing at the box office? It was full to the rafters when I went last week, but it is the summer hols. |
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Post by westendwendy on Aug 15, 2016 11:12:26 GMT
I hate to say but this show is getting bad word of mouth. It will sell but everyone I know who saw it was disappointed.
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Post by Michael on Aug 15, 2016 12:34:39 GMT
Not from me, it isn't. Lost count of the numbers I've told to "go see" - and been thanked after  . Hope your recommendation included a "when the understudies are on"  |
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Post by westendwendy on Aug 15, 2016 13:17:20 GMT
Not from me, it isn't. Lost count of the numbers I've told to "go see" - and been thanked after . Sure it's worth seeing but there is a lot wrong with it. The old fashioned use of front cloths? The comedy baddie panto duo? The set? A whole new world arrangement? Casting? Text? The fact that the best part of the show is Friend Like Me? I could go on. Sure it's a good show, but that doesn't take away from the fact that it's had mixed reviews from people on here and most I know. For bubble gum fun sure it's great. |
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Post by danb on Aug 15, 2016 13:24:09 GMT
Not from me, it isn't. Lost count of the numbers I've told to "go see" - and been thanked after . As second cover Abu you have to say that Monkey! 😀 |
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