The Bridges of Madison County (Menier summer musical)

On the train home now and I really loved this. I didn't think the set was too cumbersome, barely any noise except sometimes the squeak of a wheel and I also enjoyed the projections. The view from the seats was mostly fine though the further in one was better (and luckily we were shifted up a seat or so as some people in our row didn't arrive), you only miss the centre projections really and a very very brief moment at the end before the cast moves forward slightly literally seconds later. Only other annoyance I'd that they don't have a door so the light from the corridor outside the entrance which you are right next to is a little distracting and caused my eyes to water in combination with the stage lights. In terms of the actual show I really loved it and although Edward Baker-Duly had a few bum notes and couldn't belt the highest one in It All Fades away I thought his acting was good enough and his singing was decent in every other circumstance. The real star is definitely Jenna Russell though and boy what a star she is. Just incredible acting that built and built and moved me to tears by the end (and I mean the very end, I think I only started crying once the applause began). However I definitely recognise this will not at all be everyone's cup of tea and I only loved it because I'm a big sap (and also because I knew and loved the score as with everything I've heard by JRB) and I think deep down in my soul I know I'm actually a dissatisfied housewife waiting for a charming man to land on my doorstep and sweep me off my feet so it obviously struck a chord with me haha.

DrTom,I too saw the discounted tickets this morning and I always foolishly think that this will mean it is a discount across the board on various dates but often it is a very limited offer with this site.My other problem is that if you do get offered the discounted seats,THEY choose the seats for you and as far as I know you cannot alter their choices yourself.

Got a TodayTix last minute solo ticket for this for last night whilst the fam were at SIX.
Wow!
My new favourite thing by a country mile...the two leads sang beautifully and their acting together was sublime...they seemed really comfortable together on stage with each other and I really believed in their story together(the repressed farmers’ wife meets the adventurous traveller and emotions stir).
Loved the use of projections,lovely set with two revolves and very authentic props,excellent supporting cast and a big thumbs up for Nunn’s direction.He never rushes anything and really lets the actors ’breathe’ in their roles.As a masterclass of truly great acting in MT,this is perfection.
Instant standing ovation and very well deserved.
What a score! Beautifully orchestrated.Trying to buy a version of the music today.
This MUST transfer!
I say again...This MUST transfer!

Also streamable on Spotify 😀

I'm pleased to see this is now getting a much more positive reaction from most people who have seen it. I absolutely loved it and thought it a triumph both acting/singingwise and also the production/design.
The earlier negative reactions baffled me somewhat.

Why would you want a badly sung production recorded when you have the sublime Broadway recording? Madness.

Is it on the side and not in the middle with the column? I think, both sides and even the other side of the column had much better angles

And you are perfect for the exit at interval and the end as right by the exit door.

Good to see that the Chocolate Starfish box office staff continue their policy of being rude to customers. Maybe it's on the application as an 'essential skill'. Probably the only theatre in London I've had this experience. One of the many reasons, I rarely frequent this place.

What happened?

Went back tonight. I'd bought a restricted view ticket as a backup in case work got in the way of the first one, ended up not returning it or giving it away because I fancied seeing it again. D31 was a bit pillary but you get away with it in the first act and I moved to a better seat for the second.

Both the leads are a lot more confident in the roles and in the score, I was much more comfortable listening to them now and had a great time as a result. "One Second and A Million Miles" really kicked along and the last couple of songs I felt deeply. During the rewatch, I think the first act ends up being too long and lacks a bit of drama. I get what people are saying about there being about 5 endings, I think this would feel like less of an issue if it weren't 10.35pm when they start happening. There's plenty in there to cut I thought.

Still a great show, Jenna Russell at the end was absolutely stunning.