Gypsy - REX Manchester

Tonight’s show cancelled due to cast illness.

Made the trip to Manchester last night. Not the best night to go as there were various train delays and cancellations, but got to the Royal Exchange with about five minutes to spare. And I had booked well in advance.

Turned out I didn't need to book well in advance as the theatre wasn't full (although the trains and hotel would have cost a lot more had I booked last minute). And I had a good second row seat with a space in front (although it is was also an entrance aisle so I couldn't stretch out too far).

This is a very good production, running just over three hours. The musicians are visible on the second level, which is good. It's impressive how they've staged this in the round. It's taken a bit of innovation to make some of the scenes work (I'm thinking when the Newsboys age into the Farmboys and during the second half, tastefully done, burlesque), but they manage it.

Ria Jones gives her usual star performance, hurt only slightly as her voice sounded strained, possibly as a result of the bug that caused the show to be cancelled earlier in the week. She really nailed Rose's Turn.

The highlight has to be Melissa James as Louise, showing the complete development of her character, from second fiddle to confident performer. Lots of potential for the future.

I won't get the chance to go back before this closes, but another in a line of strong musical productions from the REX.

I was in B49, but it will be a very similar seat. The main downside is some items lower right in your sight line including the window, but I’m sure there are small problems with all the seats.

I hadn’t realised until last night how low down the front row day seats were. I saw some taller people really struggling, it’s a really bad angle on your knees as you can’t stretch your legs.

I did feel for a middle aged somewhat plump lady who had to be helped out of her banquette seat by her friend and an usher at the interval on Thursday evening.

They moved for act two.

I thought this production was disappointing , and not up to the Royal Exchange’s usual standard. Nowhere near as good as The Producers or West Side Story. Ria Jones acts the part of Rose very well , but her singing was very strained (Ria and others in the cast have recently been ill, resulting in at least one cancelled performance) . I thought she was fantastic in Sunset Boulevard, but Gypsy didn’t seem to suit her at all, except for Rose’s Turn. The opening scene with the children was slow and not funny, it should set up the humour and pace of the show. Also I didn’t like the staging of Gypsy’s strip scene. It was messy and involved too many people . Overall , I was disappointed .

Been years since I sat upstairs so can’t remember, although I’m pretty sure the first row is a proper seat rather than stools which is a definite advantage. Generally speaking it’s a roomy theatre. 

The leg room isn’t fantastic, but I’d say not bad enough to forego the only seat left. The view is good, and it’s not a high seat that you have to lift yourself into, those are on the second row.

I did the front row seating for the The Producers in 2018. Well worth it. It’s a great theatre, both in its unique design and the Exchange building itself is lovely just to have a look around pre show. If they are available on your visit, the REX do tours both of the theatre and the backstage area. I’ve done one and was definitely worth the time.

Only just noticed but is Melissa James the woman on that Gumtree advert?

Ahhhh your so lucky to have seen Ria's understudy because it think Ria is the weakest link in this show unfortunately. Was it well posted that her understudy was on?

Saw this tonight, and have come out exhilarated - superbly adapted for the round, especially the famous take over from the kids to the adult performers. Lots of lovely detail (the train) and the final strip sequence is both tense and rather brilliant. Rebecca Thornhill sang with such clarity - not a monster at all. Please do go, as it was not full at all tonight. Some clever pieces of adaptable furniture and boxes......

Have heard Ria is off until Tuesday so you should get Rebecca