42nd Street at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane

When I did this a few months ago we didn't go on stage but the tour was nicely timed for when the stage crew were testing the sets for the evening perfomance so we sat in the circle for a while as all the scenery came on and off the stage. 

I'm really looking forward to my last 2 visits on 28 Dec and 5 Jan, but I'm so sad at the same time. This year has been hard for me and my family and this show has provided the escapism and lift that I needed.
I have booked things next year which will be great, but I will sorely miss the joy and happiness that this show gives me from the first note to the last.

These past few months have been the toughest yet, possibly of my life with so much just continuously happening in my life. But this really has been a consistent good thing, I will miss it very much come closing.

Just received an email from BroadwayHD saying that 42nd Street is streaming soon.

Although they think Ashley Day is Billy Lawlor, so maybe they missed the memo?

I saw the schedule yesterday and thought it was gruelling.
I think they should cancel a couple so they on top form for the last night. Especially as there is a large contingent from here going.

When shows do that many shows in a short time each cast member usually swings out for a show to give them a break. It keeps it fresh, the understudies go on, etc.

I know casts usually aren;t allowed to take holiday during the festive period but they are usually given shows off, coupled with days off for the actual holidays.

Also 42nd Street isn't doing nine shows for the last weeks unlike some shows.

Visited tonight (hasn’t planned to be in London but needed cheering up). Report later but have an idea on the mystery man.

I notice that Paul Knight joined the Getting Out Of Town procession, which he doesn’t normally do. He’d fit the older gentleman description.

He plays Oscar, the pianist who is on stage for part of the show but isn’t all that visible.

I’m guessing they were slightly short of people. He didn’t do anything else other than the normal piano playing.

Could it have been him?

So, Rush tonight, central Row B. I’ve noticed the Rush tickets are getting further back although I still did quite well. Don’t know if it’s because the show is closing or because it’s the holidays, but best not to rely on great Rush seats or day seats being available for the last few weeks.

Not a perfect view due to heads blocking the centre stage (as well as the male couple in front sitting close together - one had the habit of turning his head to stare at his partner for a while - presumably to see if he was enjoying the show - but unfortunately the turned head kept blocking another big chunk of my view).

Luckily I know the show pretty well and could focus on the parts I could see.

The audience generally good. A few chatty people. Lots of people around who were obviously return visitors. Could hear one discussion about whether Bonnie or Lulu was better. Girl next to me quietly exclaimed her thanks when Clare Halse came on (didn’t like to tell her there’s a cast board). Someone else was asked if visit 26 was as good as their other visits.

Lots of covers:

Matthew Goodgame as Julian
Philip Bertioli as Pat
Mark McKerracher as Abner
Alyn Hawke as Mac/Doc/Thug
Lisa Dent as Annie

11 male ensemble, 22 female ensemble. Philip joined the ensemble for Plenty of Money and the first half of 42nd Street to make the numbers up.

And all 11 male ensemble got to bow, which is unusual. Luke George and Ryan Gover were away for those interested, so all three swings were on.

A good regular show anyway. Can’t be in London next week, but hoping to get back again before the mad rush of closing day.

I don't suppose there's any way to see the cast list for specific performances in the past?

I am getting so confused here it's driving me insane.

Only if people have taken a photo of the cast board for Twitter/Instagram etc.

I've seen Matthew and he's really good!