Standing At The Sky’s Edge - Crucible/NT/Gillian Lynne

Whilst I am not familiar with the Sheffield references, still this story is relevant to any city - there are similar communities and stories. I don't need to know the story of those specific Sheffield buildings, there are many of those anywhere.

Really enjoyed it yesterday, the story and the songs. It does feel like a play with songs and for the better.

I had a few niggles, like hard to understand the initial accents & some of the choreography felt a little overdone & busy. But I had no issues with the sound system, title song (first after the break) sounded great and was my favourite.

You guys are making me so excited to fly in and see this in a few weeks!

I thought this was excellent. From someone who hardly ever goes to musicals, I loved it - the stories are interesting and the way they are interwoven into the space works really well. The acting is great and so is the music/singing. There is nothing negative I can think of, it is just really wonderful.

Sorry to all the above but whilst I liked the staging, this left me cold with no engagement with any of the characters. Songs felt like an addition and did not help what was there in the story. Too long and indulgent IMO. Not sure why the posting found the direction exciting when it was a unit set where nothing happened!

I would agree. Several of the book scenes were fine but the score was a stretch in terms of connection to the story (at least from where I was sitting) and the staging quite busy but not necessarily tied to the action.

Would have been far more impactful as a play imoho.

I see the songs in this as more of a sound track, which I can see why they say it makes it a play with songs. The songs often heighten a moment for the characters as opposed to moving the story on. I still reckon it will get Olivier nods for best musical though, and in my opinion it should win. Ive seen it twice and been thoroughly moved by it both times.

Question for anyone that remembers it when it originally ran in Sheffield a few years ago, did they change Poppy's first solo this time around? I recall the last version of her song being calmer and more reflective, and not laying her hurt out there as much as this one does.

I agree, I adored both of those too.  Best musical is a tough category this year.  Great performances worthy of awards in all three shows too. 

The cast recording has just been released on digital platforms, where ever you stream your music. Here is a link to it on Spotify

I have to say the more I think about this the more I am tempted to go again.

Tend not to go to the same productions more than once as a rule but having a spare night I used the excuse that I'd seen this in Sheffield so wanted to check out how it translated to the London stage.

Happy to report it hasn't lost any of the energy from the Crucible and the audience seem to have no problems with the Sheffieldisms which some forecast - never thought they would, audiences are cleverer and more adaptable than often given credit for. They hugely loved this tonight, it was press night, but bizarrely the National decided to cut the standing ovation very short by switching on the house lights. Mr Hawley was in attendance, beaming like Mr Punchinello whilst being congratulated by all and sundry.

Had the "privilege" of being the first person to buy the cd at the National shop apparently.

Definite hit. Love this.

This happened at the first preview as well, only one bow and that was it, they were gone. I thought they could have come back on for one more bow and to take in the ovation.

Surprised at 4 stars from the Standard and Stage. Thought it was easily bagging 5 stars!

A couple? When I was at school, admittedly a very long time ago, 'couple' meant two, rather than across the board.

I'd be interested to know what your industry pals thought about TOMMY FAYE.