42nd Street at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane

But then folks love a good train wreck.  And public executions were the hotest ticket in town!

I saw this, I'm actually rather tempted! He's a great performer and a really lovely guy.

And he has a real little fan base of middle-aged women. Every time I went to stage door there was a small group outside to chat to him after the show, and he knew them all. It's really cute, and he takes real time to talk to everyone.

That said, I prefer Tom to Norman as Julin, and I'll have to go again, but I think I prefer Matthew as Pat. Not to say Norman is bad of course haha.

Wouldn't Cruella DeVil be a fabulous Dorothy following Lulu's departure tho?!

They've already had their press night/opening night. Ashley face-planted at his curtain call. That said, ive seen no offical reviews.

Lulu is awful, the only weak link in an otherwise flawless production. If they’re going to do more ‘stunt casting’ when Lulu leaves, let’s hope it’s someone who can actually sing the role properly§!.

I loved this last night! The dancing is incredible!

Lulu’s role isn’t a big one. It doesn’t make all that much difference whether she’s good or not. The true stars of the show still shine brightly.

And I met Ashley Day afterwards. He’s delightful.

My future husband. Ahem.

Saw this tonight for the first time with the new cast after multiple visits with the originals.

A few thoughts....it is still a FABULOUS show with the ensemble being the true stars - the new members seem to have joined seamlessly! The sets are still great and the spectacle of the Dames number when the girls keep appearing from the double doors and of course the STAIRCASE is still INCREDIBLE.

I loved Ashley Day as Billy ( perhaps even more than Stuart) great dancing and singing with a lovely smile and lots of charisma.

Clare Halse is still INCREDIBLE - another seemingly flawless, effortless performance. It is utterly disgraceful she didn't at least get nominated for an Olivier Award for this performance.

Matthew Goodgame is totally wasted in the thankless part of Pat Denning. No doubt he will get his chance to shine as Julian as and when, although Tom Lister is still excellent.

The audience was rather sparse - certainly a lot quieter than my previous visits. Swathes of empty seats in the Stalls and Dress Circle, so if the casting of Lulu was meant to give sales a boost - it does not seem to be working.

SO.... we come to Lulu! What can I say? In all my years of theatre going in the West End have I rarely seen such a risible performance which quite frankly is not up to standard. She cannot act (lets not mention the accent)stumbling over several lines, and her voice, to be kind, is simply not suited to this material. Frankly her voice sounded shot - gravelly and husky - she really, really struggled vocally with it, despite taking huge liberties with the score! I truly have no idea why she was cast. Like Dorothy Brock she clearly refused to "audition"! Her costumes too, for some reason were dreadful and didn't seem to fit and she kept fiddling with them - hugely annoying.

Thankfully the part is not big enough to wreck the show but it IS a part that can make the show, and be a HUGE star turn in the right hands. Patti LuPone, for example, would be sensational!!!

So, thanks to Lulu this was my least favourite visit to my favourite show.

I nipped back in on Tuesday, needed a happy show for a change. Great TodayTix seat as usual.

The current cast are well into their roles now and I think they're as good as they're going to get.

Two covers on, which I'll mention as the dates don't seem to get posted anywhere any more (and they may well be on all week).

Martin McCarthy was on as Andy Lee. I've seen him before and thought he was excellent again.

Jasmine Kerr was on as Phyllis. I got the impression she hadn't been on much in the role as she seemed a little nervous, although that might just be how she was playing the character.

Lulu was on. I always appreciate the way she makes it look as if the standing ovation is only for her.

It wasn't full, but it was a Tuesday night. And it still managed to attract the usual bad behaviour (French tourists deciding to regularly translate the show for their child - and a couple close to me who exchanged lots of barbed comments about Lulu in easy ear shot of the orchestra and whooped and clapped continually during the final number so you couldn't hear the magic moment where the music stops and everyone taps in unison).

Hope the weekend ticket sales are enough to keep this going until the end of the year. I think a lot will depend on if they get a big name to replace Lulu or not.

Oh, yes indeed! She looked very pleased with herself at the curtain call!

Bless her.