42nd Street at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane

I am gonna go on Saturday I think. I wanted to see the show this past Saturday but couldn't, so this week I wanna. Especially to see both Steph and Matthew. If I get to see Matthew, I've seen everyone who has understudied play Julian.

A really good show last night.

I had to wait until the second batch of rush seats to get something decent. The first batch were in the Circle. Ended up in one of the nice aisle seats in Row D with no one in front and a clear view (which is as good as they got yesterday).

There seemed to be some sort of mother and daughter group in, although the daughters were generally of the age 6 or 7 range and many looked bored. But I managed to stop their fidgeting from spoiling my enjoyment.

Lots of covers on:

Julian Marsh - Matthew Goodgame
Maggie Jones - CJ Johnson
Pat Denning - Philip Bertioli
Phylis - Jasmine Kerr
Oscar - Andy Massey

as well as the temporary summer role of:

Dorothy Brock - Steph Parry

With the exception of Andy Massey, I've seen all of those cast members cover those roles before, but the combination made this a unique show (and I've seen Andy Massey as the conductor).

A full ensemble of 12 boys for a change, which is always nice. Zac Watts was on as the thief, which I think is the first time I've seen him in that role.

The covers generally looked more relaxed than when I've seen them in the roles before, particularly Jasmine Kerr who displayed great vulnerability as Phylis.

Matthew Goodgame played Julian Marsh much more aggressively. Worked well.

Steph Parry was much more polished Dorothy Brock too and technically very good. I did miss the comedy elements that Sheena Easton and Lulu brought to the role. CJ Johnson is very good as Maggie Jones as well, displaying power and playing some parts differently to Jasna Ivir. Steph and CJ look quite similar when they're on stage together.

As someone else commented, the visual of Steph Parry with her younger toy boy and older sugar daddy works perfectly with this combination.

Clare Halse the highlight, as always.

When the stage started turning below the mirror, that got a round of applause, which is the first time I've seen. There was also an almost full standing ovation by the time the girls started their bows, which was nice. The young lady say next to me kept saying "oh my God" during the finale after the bows. I think she was enjoying it.

Well worth the trip this week if you get the chance.

Saw this again tonight for my 5th time. Ashley day TOOK MY BREATH away... oh my god.. He is extraordinary!!! Wooooow!!

I presumed that. I’ve never seen him perform before and he is very very polished and oozes style and sex but I can imagine it’s his trait BUT he’s BRILLIANT at it. He’s simply mesmerising to watch..

Visit number four yesterday afternoon, and my first with a day seat.

Clare Rickard was playing Maggie Jones, rather than Phyllis, which felt odd. Although more than capable, I suppose I've become used to Maggie being an older character, similar in age to Bert.

Philip Bertoli was playing Billy Lawlor. Absolutely flawless. Certainly less perspiration than Stuart Neal!

I would never normally complain that an actor is too good, but isn't Steph Parry too good to be a has-been? I will probably feel the same about Bonnie Langford. I didn't see Lulu, and I'm not suggesting Sheena is a has-been, but neither of them are known as musical theatre performers, so were probably an easier leap for the audience.

There was a premature ovation at the front. (Is there anything worse?) Christopher Howell mouthed that there was much more still to come, and indicated they should sit back down, which, to a man, they all did. Credit where it's due.

They’ve finally sorted out the sound issues with Billy - who can now be heard perfectly. It’s only taken 18 months.

Bonnie Langford

Thanks!

I booked the one at the opposite side back when it was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and I didn't think it was as bad as most people have made out over the years, it probably helps that I'm not particularly tall though!

I'm 5 7 and I squeezed myself in fine.