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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 21, 2016 23:56:42 GMT
Just in from seeing it Saturday night. I wasn't familiar with the story so it was all new to me. It IS a lovely story and I agree that the second act is better than the first. The ending is very uplifting and I can't deny I had a lump in my throat. Woman next to me had the tissues out. It's pretty much sung through, a bit of dialogue but not much and virtually none in Act 1. All the cast ar great, the book is good but I found the score forgettable. Im not a Sondheim expert by any stretch, I've seen very little of his stuff, but I did think there were similarities. Semi ovation, comments from punters on the way out ranged from "I loved it" (female) to "that was sh*t" (male). Three stars from me.
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Post by ptwest on May 22, 2016 18:07:43 GMT
I'm going on Friday night, it will be interesting to see this as I know none of the music and don't know the story at all other than the synopsis on the booking page. Have been tempted by the cast, but really pleased to read the positive comments on this thread.
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Post by westendwendy on May 23, 2016 10:51:41 GMT
I saw this on Saturday. It is a beautiful production with an excellent cast and yes everyone is right, it's a "real tissues at the end" type of show (but not for the reason you think).
The orchestra was too loud, Richard Taylor's discordant recitative music is Sondheimesque. It is often amazing and melodic but also misses the mark a few times. It all sounds the same and the first act needs less speak singing and more dialogue - the second act works much better because of it. It shouldn't be a sung through show. The text needs to breathe and doesn't always need music.
The set features a backdrop of London and a Les mis type cobbled black floor. The first act set in London and the second mostly in Paris. The revolve was used far too much - less is more. Mrs Harris's kitchen pops up under the floor.
It is a real balled heavy show and needs more humour. Sad to say none of the chorus numbers worked, really odd music and all over the place. Most cast members play two or three roles apart from Mrs Harris. That worked well enough. Strange to have some chorus/models only appear in the second act! Are they paid actors I wonder?
That said, Clare Burt is sensational and will win awards for this, it is a gorgeous story, thrilling performances and a killer ending. It has the potential of transferring to the West End I think and being a real winner. I'd love a CD of it, it is beautiful and very much on the same lines as Taylors NYMT Whistle Down The Wind.. Anna Jane Casey wasn't used a much as I thought she would be.
It is a gorgeous show overall. Creative yes - commercial no. Yes it needs work but the real, raw and heartfelt performances won me over and what an ending.
I give it 8/10. Hope it has a future! |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 23, 2016 11:13:47 GMT
Can't argue with any of that Wendy, although it sounds like it chimed with you a bit more than me.
Glad it's not just me who heard a bit of Sondheimy influence!
I rather enjoyed how the main actors played different characters in the second act, although it was like the French version of the original character they played.
Agree about the sound mix, I heard others commenting on this too. Hopefully they'll sort it by the end of the previews.
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Post by westendwendy on May 23, 2016 12:26:59 GMT
Some of the music is just gorgeous - like this clip here. Soaring tunes and beautiful orchestrations.
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Post by westendwendy on May 24, 2016 12:53:01 GMT
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Post by notmymuse on May 25, 2016 16:46:46 GMT
Just finished drying my eyes and recovering from the matinee. Didn't see the ending coming, along with most of the theatre!
I really liked this. For those who won't get to see it (and without spoiling it for those who will) the action in the first act takes place around (literally, because there's a partial revolve) Mrs Harris' kitchen, which she returns to regularly from meeting different characters on the revolve which spins around her kitchen.
She spends the first act spending time with various characters who help her in her quest to go to Paris (for reasons I won't divulge...).
The second act is set in Paris mainly, and again she meets characters there who cleverly echo those she knows in London.
She then returns to London for the finale, which is not at all as I remember from the film years ago.
Lots of things strike me about this production. First off, the cast are amazing, and any production that can afford to cast Rebecca Caine and Laura Pitt-Pulford in supporting roles (not even main supporting roles) is doing well. They all work very effectively and get to play a nice range of characters (nice to see LPP in her London character playing someone a bit different to what I've usually seen her as). My only doubt was Louis Maskell who has such a lovely voice and didn't really get to show it off and I was less convinced by.
Claire Burt is very believable, as is Anna-Jane Casey as her sidekick (who I didn't even recognise for ages). She is very warm and genuine and sweet. Quite an interesting role.
The strong thing for me here is the story. I was thinking about this compared to seeing Mrs Henderson in Bath, and this is in far better shape. The story hangs together very well and really builds to a climax with some lovely moments en route, and without being predictable. One of the moments near the end I didn't see coming and really was quite overwhelming. For me, a really really strong book overall.
The music does have echoes of Sondheim but if I described it as Sondheim mixed with Jason Robert-Brown (perhaps some of his older stuff like Parade or The Last 5 Years) you wouldn't be far off. I loved it, and would love a CD of it but doubt that's likely. I think it would reward repeated listens but, as one Sheffield resident said on the way out, "there's nothing I'd tap my toe to or sing tomorrow."
It could probably do with playing some more of the lines or laughs (the one about there being no tea could have been very funny if done with real shock and disbelief for example) but still some funny bits.
I'm not sure where this will go from here. It's a limited run for such a stellar cast, and after recent British musicals struggling in the West End and as it's not a well-known film really and lacks catchy songs, I don't see it having a home there. I could see this going to one of the larger off West End theatres though (Southwark or the new Union once opened?).
It's also a testament to the strength of theatre in Sheffield that this got to see the light of day at all. Audiences here have really come to trust the Crucible and Daniel Evans and so are more willing to give new work a try and support them than would happen in many places, which enables new musicals and work to happen here. This is My Family was another great musical that I think started here. He will be missed in Sheffield, and let's hope they can continue their reputation without him.
My biggest gripe was 5 mobile phones going off early on in Act 2, so some announcements about that could really help...
But, overall, if you can possibly get to see this you should. It will stay with me for a long time. There is a lot to think about and process from the story, which doesn't go where you think it will. It was beautifully performed and very moving indeed. 4.5/5.
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Post by westendwendy on May 25, 2016 17:07:53 GMT
Just finished drying my eyes and recovering from the matinee. Didn't see the ending coming, along with most of the theatre! I really liked this. For those who won't get to see it (and without spoiling it for those who will) the action in the first act takes place around (literally, because there's a partial revolve) Mrs Harris' kitchen, which she returns to regularly from meeting different characters on the revolve which spins around her kitchen. She spends the first act spending time with various characters who help her in her quest to go to Paris (for reasons I won't divulge...). The second act is set in Paris mainly, and again she meets characters there who cleverly echo those she knows in London. She then returns to London for the finale, which is not at all as I remember from the film years ago. Lots of things strike me about this production. First off, the cast are amazing, and any production that can afford to cast Rebecca Caine and Laura Pitt-Pulford in supporting roles (not even main supporting roles) is doing well. They all work very effectively and get to play a nice range of characters (nice to see LPP in her London character playing someone a bit different to what I've usually seen her as). My only doubt was Louis Maskell who has such a lovely voice and didn't really get to show it off and I was less convinced by. Claire Burt is very believable, as is Anna-Jane Casey as her sidekick (who I didn't even recognise for ages). She is very warm and genuine and sweet. Quite an interesting role. The strong thing for me here is the story. I was thinking about this compared to seeing Mrs Henderson in Bath, and this is in far better shape. The story hangs together very well and really builds to a climax with some lovely moments en route, and without being predictable. One of the moments near the end I didn't see coming and really was quite overwhelming. For me, a really really strong book overall. The music does have echoes of Sondheim but if I described it as Sondheim mixed with Jason Robert-Brown (perhaps some of his older stuff like Parade or The Last 5 Years) you wouldn't be far off. I loved it, and would love a CD of it but doubt that's likely. I think it would reward repeated listens but, as one Sheffield resident said on the way out, "there's nothing I'd tap my toe to or sing tomorrow." It could probably do with playing some more of the lines or laughs (the one about there being no tea could have been very funny if done with real shock and disbelief for example) but still some funny bits. I'm not sure where this will go from here. It's a limited run for such a stellar cast, and after recent British musicals struggling in the West End and as it's not a well-known film really and lacks catchy songs, I don't see it having a home there. I could see this going to one of the larger off West End theatres though (Southwark or the new Union once opened?). It's also a testament to the strength of theatre in Sheffield that this got to see the light of day at all. Audiences here have really come to trust the Crucible and Daniel Evans and so are more willing to give new work a try and support them than would happen in many places, which enables new musicals and work to happen here. This is My Family was another great musical that I think started here. He will be missed in Sheffield, and let's hope they can continue their reputation without him. My biggest gripe was 5 mobile phones going off early on in Act 2, so some announcements about that could really help... But, overall, if you can possibly get to see this you should. It will stay with me for a long time. There is a lot to think about and process from the story, which doesn't go where you think it will. It was beautifully performed and very moving indeed. 4.5/5.
I would LOVE a CD of this... Rain on Me is sublime as are other songs in the show. You are very right comparing this to Parade! Let's hope some theatre producer falls in love with it as we did (and the Guardian) and it has a limited 3 month run on the West End. More deserve to see this!!
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 26, 2016 11:54:29 GMT
And if it doesn't get a run elsewhere it's only a 2 hour train ride from London to Sheffield then 5 minutes walk to the theatre. Tickets £23.
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Post by westendwendy on May 26, 2016 13:30:31 GMT
And if it doesn't get a run elsewhere it's only a 2 hour train ride from London to Sheffield then 5 minutes walk to the theatre. Tickets £23. Although sadly the cost of the train will be 4 times the cost of the theatre ticket... What has happened to the UK?  (( |
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Post by singularsensation on May 26, 2016 15:38:44 GMT
And if it doesn't get a run elsewhere it's only a 2 hour train ride from London to Sheffield then 5 minutes walk to the theatre. Tickets £23. Although sadly the cost of the train will be 4 times the cost of the theatre ticket... What has happened to the UK? (( If you can stomach an extra hour and half sat down, the Megabus to Sheffield from London is usually only £4-£7 quid and a return can usually be bought for £10. Then it's just a 15 minute tram from Meadowhall to Cathedral and a short walk! Hoping to see this on Saturday, if I can get all my stuff moved into the new house in time that is. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 26, 2016 15:48:46 GMT
London to Sheffield can be done for about £25 each way by train on a Saturday. It's about the same for Manchester. You just have to book ahead. And yes that does bump up the ticket price but this is what those of us who live outside the capital do without even thinking about it if we want to see something in London.
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Post by dazzerlump on May 26, 2016 18:18:34 GMT
seeing this on Wednesday matinee, the positive reviews on here aided my decision :-)
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Post by notmymuse on May 27, 2016 9:15:34 GMT
London to Sheffield can be done for about £25 each way by train on a Saturday. It's about the same for Manchester. You just have to book ahead. And yes that does bump up the ticket price but this is what those of us who live outside the capital do without even thinking about it if we want to see something in London. Or if you very a cheap national express bus ticket, the bus stop is pretty much outside the theatre! The brownies in the theatre cafe also deserve special mention... |
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Post by ptwest on May 27, 2016 22:27:05 GMT
Just back from this, what a lovely show, beautifully performed. The music is perhaps not the most memorable but the stroytelling is wonderful. Shame the crucible was at best two thirds full as this show deserves a wider audience.
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Post by littlesally on Jun 1, 2016 17:07:32 GMT
Can only echo what has already been said. This is absolutely beautiful and I'd be surprised if it didn't end up at Chichester. Another long journey to see it but one I'd gladly make.
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Post by CG on the loose on Jun 5, 2016 0:27:03 GMT
Absolutely adored this. Exquisite performance from Clare Burt, ably supported by an excellent cast. It both sounded and looked beautiful while the quirkiness of the story belied its emotional depth - tissues were required.
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Post by mallardo on Jun 5, 2016 9:12:50 GMT
Having just seen and loved another of Richard Taylor's shows, The Go-Between, I can well understand why so many people are so high on the score to Mrs. Harris. Taylor is already, clearly, a major British theatre composer.
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Post by notmymuse on Feb 15, 2018 9:09:16 GMT
Just announced for Chichester, with Clare Burt returning. I was so going Daniel Evans would bring this with him to Chichester from a Sheffield. Such a lovely piece. Hopefully this will result in West End transfer...
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Post by Someone in a tree on Feb 15, 2018 9:54:32 GMT
Looks like I will now get to see this
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Post by Oleanna on Feb 15, 2018 11:28:52 GMT
This is brilliant news. Such a wonderful, wonderful musical.
I had heard that Imelda Staunton was going to lead this production, but glad they’ve stuck with Clare Burt.
Shame that Anna-Jane Casey looks set not to return, but just glad we’re getting the show and wonderful production again. I wonder if Rebecca Caine will be able to do this after the run of Harold and Maude?
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Post by lewis on Feb 15, 2018 12:38:25 GMT
This is brilliant news. Such a wonderful, wonderful musical. I had heard that Imelda Staunton was going to lead this production, but glad they’ve stuck with Clare Burt. Shame that Anna-Jane Casey looks set not to return, but just glad we’re getting the show and wonderful production again. I wonder if Rebecca Caine will be able to do this after the run of Harold and Maude? looks like anna jane casey and jo riding are doing a part swap! She's replacing her in this, and AJC is off on the road in The Girls |
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Post by zak97 on Feb 15, 2018 12:47:35 GMT
This is brilliant news. Such a wonderful, wonderful musical. I had heard that Imelda Staunton was going to lead this production, but glad they’ve stuck with Clare Burt. Shame that Anna-Jane Casey looks set not to return, but just glad we’re getting the show and wonderful production again. I wonder if Rebecca Caine will be able to do this after the run of Harold and Maude? looks like anna jane casey and jo riding are doing a part swap! She's replacing her in this, and AJC is off on the road in The Girls Is Joanna not playing the part played by Rebecca Caine? |
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Post by musicalmarge on Feb 15, 2018 12:51:09 GMT
OMG I AM THRILLED!!! I saw it in Sheffield and thought it was one of the most beautiful and gorgeous new musicals I had seen in years. I am so so so glad Chichester is doing the show this September. You must ALL see it. So happy!  |
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Post by CG on the loose on Feb 15, 2018 13:44:24 GMT
LOVED this in Sheffield, delighted to be able to see it again  |
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