65 posts
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Post by dazzlair on Jun 1, 2018 13:01:02 GMT
It was very lavish, all sort of "Provincal" magnolia sets with sophisticated dappled lighting and a travelator that ate Ann Crumb's ankle. It was partly the over-staging that did for it. The Gale Edwards tour was simpler and when it arrived at the Prince Of Wales Theatre again it looked so much better. I loved the original set by Maria Bjornson. So atmospheric. It's sad to think that there's very little evidence of it to be found on the internet now.
The floor tumbled over the front of the stage, and the proscenium was built over with cream coloured bricks to evoke the town of Pau. It framed the stage so that we felt we were looking 'into' the action. This is the best picture I could find that gives you a flavour...
It had to serve as an onstage/backstage area of a theatre, a square outside a cafe, a train carriage, a country house, an artist's studio, a circus, a vineyard and even more... It created each beautifully and seamlessly which gave the piece a film quality... Yes, I remember the dappled lighting which created not only the mood but the time of day in the different seasons. A stunning moment came when the bricks on the back wall suddenly split horizontally, in slow motion, creating the view of the Pyrenees in the distance. Like this:
I must have seen the original production at least 6 times, including Sarah Brightman's stint which I enjoyed. And I still remember the first breathtaking moment the wall split just a little, letting the light through and then proceeding to transform into the Pyrenees mountains. Also, that was a time when Michael Ball in boxers was a sight I actually looked forward to. Happy memories. |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2018 13:05:03 GMT
^ Ah yes... Michael Ball in his pants...! With that sexy little tash... I do remember him getting a laugh when he sang the line about him being seventeen though!
Sarah Brightman- another gorgeous performance, yes...
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2018 18:10:52 GMT
Michael Ball in his pants...! With that sexy little tash Don't remember them being see-though or that tight, though? I forked out the extra 20p for the opera glasses...   |
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19,787 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jun 1, 2018 18:23:50 GMT
So glad Kimberley Blake has landed a main role; she's such a lovely girl and I hope she keeps on with her success. She's currently in Chess and was in Half a Sixpence. Hopefully this show transfers to Southwark Playhouse or something as I'd love to see it down here. I totally read that as Kimberley Clark for a second* Production Values at HM have been getting better and better since they opened and I think Spring Awakening was the most beautiful and cohesive set and lighting design so far. Yes they do stage productions with more basic designs (Little Women being a recent example) but I hope Aspects will get the full treatment. There will be a LOT of people attracted by the name recognition and ALW connection and expectations will be high. I don’t think they’ll risk doing it on the cheap. I have faith that this is going to be brilliant. *you know who 🙈🍌 is going to jump in with a gag about papering any minute now 😐 |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2018 16:53:40 GMT
It was very lavish, all sort of "Provincal" magnolia sets with sophisticated dappled lighting and a travelator that ate Ann Crumb's ankle. It was partly the over-staging that did for it. The Gale Edwards tour was simpler and when it arrived at the Prince Of Wales Theatre again it looked so much better. I loved the original set by Maria Bjornson. So atmospheric. It's sad to think that there's very little evidence of it to be found on the internet now.
The floor tumbled over the front of the stage, and the proscenium was built over with cream coloured bricks to evoke the town of Pau. It framed the stage so that we felt we were looking 'into' the action. This is the best picture I could find that gives you a flavour...
It had to serve as an onstage/backstage area of a theatre, a square outside a cafe, a train carriage, a country house, an artist's studio, a circus, a vineyard and even more... It created each beautifully and seamlessly which gave the piece a film quality... Yes, I remember the dappled lighting which created not only the mood but the time of day in the different seasons. A stunning moment came when the bricks on the back wall suddenly split horizontally, in slow motion, creating the view of the Pyrenees in the distance. Like this:
So I absolutely loved the original Aspects of Love set. It was extraordinary how it kept folding out for scene after scene (some very short) with new scenery but in a way that didn't interrupt the storytelling. Very much like a film as you say. Was one of those sets that you couldn't quite believe how they could store so much scenery in the wings and the fly tower - a bit like the original Miss Saigon or Sunset. And in a way I don't think it stopped it being a chamber piece as in spite of it's complexity it framed the action rather than distracting from it. Personally I massively preferred it to Bjornson's Phantom design (though am probably biased as I much prefer Aspects as a musical, truly some of ALW's most beautifully melodic music). Though indeed it did eat poor Ann Crumb's leg. Was Susannah Fellows when I saw it. Of course it wasn't a set that could tour and Gale Edward's version was a perfect solution. Different but also wonderful (can't remember who designed it?) Anyway, I digress. My second favourite ALW musical (after Starlight - strange but true) and I can't wait to see it in Manchesterford. |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 5, 2018 19:05:57 GMT
Don't think this has been mentioned yet, but in response to questions re: seating/staging, you can now buys seats "on stage" which gives a slight hint of an indication at how it will be staged...
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2,022 posts
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Post by distantcousin on Jun 5, 2018 19:20:46 GMT
I would LOVE to see this show again. Been years since I saw the David Essex tour.
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364 posts
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Post by dazzerlump on Jun 8, 2018 13:30:40 GMT
^ Ah yes... Michael Ball in his pants...! With that sexy little tash... I do remember him getting a laugh when he sang the line about him being seventeen though! Sarah Brightman- another gorgeous performance, yes... Haha, ive seen 3 different versions of the show and that 17 line gets a laugh every time |
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214 posts
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Post by BoOverall on Jun 8, 2018 18:57:33 GMT
Aspects is still one of my favourite ALW musicals and holds a very key place in my heart. Lost count of how many times I saw it, incl. the final performance. Oh I loved that original London production and the set: loved the back of the set splitting to reveal the mountains etc...
I loved the changes over that run, especially turning the solo “There is more to love” into a duet (between Rose and Guilietta via letter). It’s a great song anyway as a solo but as a duet it was ravishing. That song, Hand me the wine and the dice; Anything but Lonely...oh I loved those particularly
And Sarah Brightman...loved her; my favourite Rose
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2,263 posts
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Post by richey on Jun 26, 2018 19:56:30 GMT
Some rehearsal pics. Alex looks awfully young.
Plus on stage tickets available- be part of a Parisian cafe!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2018 20:21:28 GMT
Booked for the first preview. Absolutely not an 'on-stage' seat though.
Wonder if the Lord will be visiting at any point.
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2,263 posts
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Post by richey on Jun 26, 2018 20:24:42 GMT
Booked for the first preview. Absolutely not an 'on-stage' seat though. Wonder if the Lord will be visiting at any point. I'm going the following night. Looking forward to it, Ive not been to Hope Mill yet |
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220 posts
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Post by benny20 on Jun 26, 2018 21:09:33 GMT
Booked for the first preview. Absolutely not an 'on-stage' seat though. Wonder if the Lord will be visiting at any point. I'm going the following night. Looking forward to it, Ive not been to Hope Mill yet Hope Mill is a fantastic venue with a great vibe....and all the staff are fabulous |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 3, 2018 18:45:14 GMT
Just watched the press launch. They will be using a 'condensed' orchestration of 'two keys and percussion' which apparently they are very excited about as it will suit the 'intimacy' of the production.
Naturally I'll keep an open mind but think I'd have preferred a non condensed version. Can still be intimate, was fine in Menier.
Cast unrealistically young, but sing beautifully and are very pretty so I am looking forward to being up close and personal with them. Lovely.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 4, 2018 10:03:01 GMT
Just had a minor panic attack when I saw the following on twitter.... Thinking that in the pursuit of an even more authentic atmosphere, the auditorium would be full of people eating breads, cheese and olives. Thankfully its pre-show! http://instagram.com/p/BkzcwswHuFw |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 5, 2018 8:11:50 GMT
Tonight's first preview has been cancelled, just had an email.
"Due to unforeseen circumstances regarding set delays and issues we have having to cancel this performance. The show will now open to Previews on Friday 6th June 7:30pm"
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2,263 posts
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Post by richey on Jul 6, 2018 12:24:02 GMT
All systems go for tonight by the looks of it. Just had an email asking if I'd like to order a nibble box
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Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2018 12:45:12 GMT
How delightful. It's been a long time since I've had my box nibbled on. They think of everything in Manchester don't they? Must be all that free time between pigeon races.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2018 13:29:18 GMT
All systems go for tonight by the looks of it. Just had an email asking if I'd like to order a nibble box Indeed. Same here. Managed to reschedule my tickets for this evening very easily, happy days. |
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19,787 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 6, 2018 14:20:17 GMT
How delightful. It's been a long time since I've had my box nibbled on. They think of everything in Manchester don't they? Must be all that free time between pigeon races. Err, no. In between fancying you’ll find me diligently grooming my whippet. It’s that busy I’ve hardly time for the pies. |
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2,263 posts
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Post by richey on Jul 6, 2018 17:39:19 GMT
How delightful. It's been a long time since I've had my box nibbled on. They think of everything in Manchester don't they? Must be all that free time between pigeon races. Err, no. In between fancying you’ll find me diligently grooming my whippet. It’s that busy I’ve hardly time for the pies. Wouldn't have thought you had time for t'whippet Burly. Haven't you got clinkers to riddle and pots to scythe? |
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2,263 posts
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Post by richey on Jul 6, 2018 18:27:30 GMT
Late start. We're all in the bar waiting to be let in to our seats and someone's still sweeping the stage.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2018 18:32:37 GMT
Late start. We're all in the bar waiting to be let in to our seats and someone's still sweeping the stage. They notoriously don’t open house until 5mins prior to ‘curtain up’ but did tell me they’d be opening late when I collected my ticket. I’m guessing if the set wasn’t ready yesterday then it’s been Tech and Dress today and everyone’s been in a flap. Theres been a lot of movement in/out the ‘auditorium’. One good sign is that horrid Clavinova piano is in the bar and not the ‘pit’. |
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19,787 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 6, 2018 18:34:29 GMT
Late start. We're all in the bar waiting to be let in to our seats and someone's still sweeping the stage. Gagging to hear all about it. Please include seat configuration, enjoy! |
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2,263 posts
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Post by richey on Jul 6, 2018 18:43:43 GMT
Late start. We're all in the bar waiting to be let in to our seats and someone's still sweeping the stage. They notoriously don’t open house until 5mins prior to ‘curtain up’ but did tell me they’d be opening late when I collected my ticket. I’m guessing if the set wasn’t ready yesterday then it’s been Tech and Dress today and everyone’s been in a flap. Theres been a lot of movement in/out the ‘auditorium’. One good sign is that horrid Clavinova piano is in the bar and not the ‘pit’. Yep, noticed the piano, almost used it to perch on. There's definitely a lot of flapping about! |
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