Bananaman

I’m somewhat down the middle in my thoughts on this musical after attending last night.

I’d say my friend and I enjoyed our night, were entertained but not completely blown over or statisfied with the end result, it really is a mixed bag of a show and I don’t see the critics being too kind to this.

Being this was the first public Preview there are some sound mixing issues that I am sure will be resolved but it did mean some of the ensemble numbers (generally the songs that excel in this show) at times were inaudible and the 1st preview some lights cues were missed but that’s the point of previews to iron these out prior to opening.

The cast are all talented and clearly having a ball getting to ham it (by not being in a pantomime) and that chemistry does shine through and it’s a pleasure of a cast to spend a few hours with.

Act 2 feels more polished and I think the trimmings need to come in Act 1.

There’s some good songs but alas some unforgettable songs with a jarring score, it never levitates the material which is a shame with a game cast and a show that’s not meant to be taken too seriously.

I did enjoy as always Jodie Jacobs as ‘Crow’ and personally like the puppetry and enjoyed some in-jokes. A positive to mention is that this show does have genuine comedic laugh out loud moments.

As mentioned the score is so so but for me the let-down is the set. I see a good mix of Off West-End shows that use simple sets in small spaces (i.e Bridewell, Charing Cross, Upstaira at the Gatehouse, Pleasance, The Other Palace and Southwark Playhouse itself!) and sometimes less is more. The set is already cheap and wobbly but had they spent some time on a more creative set they wouldn’t fall into half the messy transitions they have made. All I need to say is ‘the stairs’!!!

It’s a fun night, I enjoyed elements of it and it’s cast. I do think it will improve but I don’t think it’s quite the camp professional fun that was ‘The Toxic Avenger’ and ‘Xanadu’ and that set is it’s biggest downfall.

I do however now have a big crush on tall ‘Bananaman’ - Matthew is so cute!

Fun but with many flaws!!

I'm starting to wish that I'd opted for the refund rather than reschedule following the cancellation.

*feverishly attempts to remain open minded*

I was also at today’s matinee.

This was well acted and had plenty of heart, but also it was pretty much terrible also.

This was a solid 1 Star from me, so therefore glad I only paid £12 on PAYG.

I'm in my 30s, used to watch the cartoon and read the Beano religiously (though the two didn't merge until I technically outgrew 'em), recognised all but maybe two of the kids TV themes from the '80s that were playing before and during the show, and I honestly loved it. Don't go in expecting art, go in committed to two and a half hours of silliness, a plot with the depth and sense of a comic strip, a cast of terrific voices, and just let it happen. Maybe I was helped by this miserable thread (high expectations are often disappointed, but low expectations are so often exceeded), maybe I was conveniently *exactly* the target audience, but I had a great time and was very happy with my decision to attend.

I was surprised that the show made little attempt to encourage audience interaction.

The afternoon I attended, half the audience were kids 5 to 9 years, and I would have expected much more enthusiasm from them. Instead many were restless and obviously not totally engaged.

A shame because the cast is talented and worked hard.

It will be a shame if it bombs because I like the idea of a steady supply of daft musicals of the Xanadu and Toxic Avenger ilk. This has been in the pipeline for an awful long time too. Was it on the old board that we first saw the “coming soon” artwork?

Of course it’s a fine line between bad and intentionally bad.

Waiting for this to start soon. Get there early - they play nothing but 1980s kids show theme tunes as people are taking their seats.

I don't suppose Mark likes it...

Well the 4-7 year olds liked it. Think panto without ugly men dressed as ugly women and someone who was something once in the eighties - plus  good singers.

The first act goes into a timeloop and takes about 3 songs too many to stagger to the interval. The book writer was overpaid.

But Act two is much better. More action, bigger bananas, better jokes, of true panto awfulness,  for the adults.

Its also got some really good performances - particularly by the baddies, and its got Jodie Jacobs singing, which is always a plus.

Impossible to rate, as some will find act one snooze inducing, but  kids of all ages may love it. And its less than a fifth the price of the Palladium rip off panto alternative.

What apeeling behaviour!

shady23, @baemax, taxi is on its way!