The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - Southwark/Ambassadors

I thought Clare Foster was charming and perfect in this. I agree that the sound sometimes drowns the vocals.

Mr Barnaby - so glad you said that about the sound - I thought it was just me.

I must say (despite being rather down on it) that the company playing instruments whilst singing and dancing was really impressive. Even just remembering all their notes blew my mind- let alone everything else they had to do.

Must be a nightmare when someone goes off

I think it’s a major issue how unintelligible the lyrics are

Do you think it is down to the sound design, the writing, the pace, or actors articulation? I love the show but did experience "word crash" at times. I blamed the writer for trying to be too busy with the lyrics.

First time seeing the show (I’ve never watched the film either) this afternoon and wow, I absolutely loved it and an easy 5⭐️ for me.

A fantastic cast of actor-musicians delivering a wonderful and emotional score from Jethro Compton and Darren Clark for 2.5hrs. A show full of laughs and tears that was worth every penny of my ticket. I got a Circle row H (H6) from the TT London theatre week offer and taking my seat, I did have concerns about the sound based on earlier posts and my last visit to see Kathy and Stella. Thankfully, I didn’t have any major issues this afternoon and was able to fully enjoy their beautifully crafted show from the creative team and cast. Though I did find I really had to concentrate to really hear the lyrics. As a score, it would definitely get purchased to have a listen to again.

A wonderful set and lighting design makes full use of the stage and I’m just amazed with the cast with this show. What a brilliant group of people being able to bring this show to the stage. 

Purchasing programme, I did like the idea of instead of having head shots, there were baby photos instead to keep with the theme of the show.

I liked this at Southwark Playhouse last year but really loved it tonight. Was worried I would miss Jamie Parker but John Dalgleish is excellent. I wasn’t a fan of the ‘chain of events’ ensemble numbers last time, and they are still definitely my least favourite part of the show, but I did find them a lot easier to follow this time. Very enthusiastic response from the audience at the end.

Mildly enjoyable show tonight.

I agree that most songs do sound the same, a bit Irish folksy. The sound wasn’t that great, I wonder if it is to do with the acoustics as the Ambassador had a very large overhang, I wonder if the issue was for the people sitting in the stalls under the overhang, as I was? Obviously the cast playing instruments are very talented and has to be recognised, but also have to say that does playing instruments their really belong on stage? I guess I am old fashioned, as I find playing an instrument affects the quality of acting and is very distracting.

The show kind of reminded me of a second rate Come From Away.

3 Stars

I was there this eve in row A of the dress circle. Only sound issues was whenever John Dalgleish had a solo he was barely audible, otherwise the rest of the cast were crystal clear and great at projecting to the audience. Would like to go again if they iron out the sound issue as a lot of the key moments were lost.

Saw this earlier this week having enjoyed it at SP. Took a friend who was, as I was originally, very sceptical. However, she was enchanted by it. Hugely enjoyable with a great company rich in talent on various fronts. Definitely recommended - unless you are not a fan of the folky style of music, in which case you may struggle. But I'd be surprised if it wasn't a success. Re the transfer; my brain is not sufficiently laser focused on the minutiae to know what has changed to any great degree. And as for the sound, which has been highlighted by others, we were sat very centrally, Row K Stalls, and didn't experience any real sound issues at all. And the venue , although rather faded nowadays, is very well suited size wise, for this show which has a nicely intimate feel about it.

I saw the matinee of this today having seen the last Southwark run twice. I still love this show and it still works fantastically in the Ambassadors. I personally think that Act Two is stronger than Act One now (which I thought the opposite the last time I saw the show at Southwark). The second act doesn't miss the loss of the faith healer!

I'm not convinced by the 2 new songs in act one. I can see why the new opening song has been added in place of the first "Matter of Time" but I think it fails to introduce the theme of time early on. This is why I think new audiences members are finding it weird why they then start to bang on about timings later on in the show. It is also the most memorable melody of the show and so it's a shame this was cut. The new character work for the dad is a nice edition though.

I don't particularly like the new song in place of "Will you run away with me" (if that's what it was called), the moment where they are leaving home. The new song is just not as strong in my opinion and did seem a bit of a bland replacement compared to a song I can still sing after a year and half.

I have to admit, I loved John Dagleish and think his casting was inspired. As has been said, Clare Foster is very different and I think is better playing the mature version of her character than the younger one. The ensemble remain the backbone of this show and should get all the praise they deserve.

I also agree that the ending should be more. Give us the whole vocal version of "Home" like in the previous version because those voices are beautiful.

I had no trouble hearing my performance but there was a bit of feedback in the audio. That's what previews are for!

I loved it. I'll be back.

We don't.
I simply don't fit in seats in the Ambassadors that aren't on an aisle 😂