Murder Ballad

I think it's going to be torn down like next year or so

Are the understudies, Natalie McQueen and Matthew Harvey, on stage for regular performances as well? I keep seeing photos of the 6 of them taking bows. And just today I saw this tweet saying there was someone else, Natalie Law, on as well. Do they also serve as ensemble then? I used to think this was just a 4 people show.

Already discounting on TKTS - as expected

Its been discounting at some performances but not others since the start

They bring props and stuff on throughout the show, and add vocals once or twice during the show and in the final number.

I saw it yesterday and liked it a lot. Director Sam Yates has provided a smart and efficient production entirely appropriate to the material. I thought the two revolves worked especially well and I loved the brief appearances of the band. The clever staging meant that the many short scenes transitioned perfectly.

I had no problem whatsoever with Kerry Ellis's Sara - I thought she was right for the role which, let's remember, has her as the mother of a young daughter and the wife of a uni lecturer for most of its length. Her scenes with Ramin felt authentic and genuinely passionate. And of course her voice is bliss. Ramin's Tom and Victoria's Narrator were both excellent, flawless.

My one cast reservation was with Norman Bowman's Michael. First, his voice is not up to the others - he seemed a bit underpowered and I had trouble hearing all his words. There's also his physical type. He is such a close match to Ramin, from height to style to facial hair, that I wondered if the director were making a point here. Are Tom and Michael to be seen as two versions of the same guy: one hot and free and irresponsible and the other solid and stable, a "good man", as Sara calls him? If so I'm not sure anything is gained from that. In the New York production Michael was played by John Ellison Conlee, grey haired and clearly older than the others, so that the contrast between Sara's two men was stark and her need for Tom could be seen as a desperate lunge to regain her lost youth.

My other issue with the show is Juliana Nash's score. The show is entirely sung through which puts a lot of pressure on the music to change with the story, reflecting what's going on. The four characters should be individually portrayed in the music which, honestly, they are not except in a generalized way. There is a heavy sameness to all of it; the Narrator's songs sound like Sara's songs sound like Tom's songs, etc. Perhaps I'm missing something, perhaps there are subtle motifs woven through the show that I'm not hearing. But I have the CD, I've played it a few times and, for me, it's all too much generic hard rock.

But, that said, I did enjoy it - as did the audience; a strong standing O at the conclusion of the inventive bow number that ends the proceedings. For all my quibbles I'd see it again.

Love theatre have some discounted seats for this at the minute. Booked some for half term!

So I saw the Saturday evening show. Firstly, I have to say I don't really understand why people are being so negative about this. It's n attempt at something different and I like that.

Yes, the songs aren't very memorable but I quite like a rockier sound, so despite that I enjoyed the show and never got bored.

I agree with everything KevinUK and Mallardo have said above
I have to stick up for Kerry Ellis here. After reading comments on this thread I was wondering what to expect but I thought she was a good fit for the role and acted it very well. Very different to anything I've seen her in before, including Rent.

I just wish the cast had some big moments to show off their voices. The only person who really had the chance was Norman towards the end.

I have to say that whilst I loved Victoria and understand why people are praising her acting, I don't understand the fuss about her voice. Her edgy/rock sound worked perfectly but I can't help feeling someone else with a stronger high part of their voice (afraid I don't know the technical term!) could have floored you with their singing in this role.

Oh and the sexual content was fine, it looked very choreographed (not to criticise their acting). There also tended to be someone else singing on stage to distract, haha.

Really enjoyed Kerry and Ramin - they were brilliant. I would actually see this again, especially with the offers about, unfortunately I live in Manchester so that's not going to happen.

I do recommend seeing this whilst it's around. If you don't think it's your thing look for the offers, it's a great cast and only 90 minutes of your life!

Also, thanks for the welcome TheatreMonkey - your site has always been right about seats for me

Are there any offers that are valid on a Friday does anyone know? (I have looked and not found but asking on the off chance I've missed something)

If I wasn't babysitting I'd have been glad to have one .

Drat. Am already going to the Theatre tonight. Would've snapped them up otherwise.

Much rather be there than looking after the grandkids.