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Post by Someone in a tree on Aug 21, 2021 8:37:57 GMT
Has anyone sat in the dress circle slips here? I'm looking to go, but because of COVID (I'm more vulnerable, but have had both vaccines) I would ideally not like to be surrounded by people, so thought these would be good as there's minimal people surrounding me. Can you see the stage from them? Thanks for any help. For other shows yes and the view is great although you are not square on to the stage. For Rain I was the stalls slips, furthest away from the stage and view was great |
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Post by showoff on Aug 21, 2021 10:02:02 GMT
Yes, you'll see (almost?) everything from there. Nearly all the action happens in the area that fills with water and you'll definitely see all of that from there. You should be fine there. Thanks for the reply, I'm definitely going to book them then. Thanks. |
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Post by showoff on Aug 21, 2021 10:03:43 GMT
Has anyone sat in the dress circle slips here? I'm looking to go, but because of COVID (I'm more vulnerable, but have had both vaccines) I would ideally not like to be surrounded by people, so thought these would be good as there's minimal people surrounding me. Can you see the stage from them? Thanks for any help. For other shows yes and the view is great although you are not square on to the stage. For Rain I was the stalls slips, furthest away from the stage and view was great Thanks, I'm fine not being square on, so long as the view is OK. Thanks again. |
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Post by FrontrowverPaul on Aug 22, 2021 21:08:45 GMT
We were in the centre of the second stalls row this afternoon, the £30 seats released a few weeks ago. I'd previously booked a £15 seat in the second circle because most of the stalls was originally priced at £90, decided not to use that ticket and very glad to get so close to the stage. Son accompanied me.
The look up to the stage was less than I expected though I'm 6 foot and my son three inches taller. No children in the front row, a couple in the second. The highlight is always the title number and I delighted in getting absolutely soaked. It seemed Adam Cooper kicked water directly at us, not once but twice. The people in the front row got a bit less water than the second but nobody minded of course.
My son hurried to the toilet to use the dryer as he's a bit precious about his hair; it took most of the second act for me to dry out and I got a nice top up at the encore/reprise.
First visit to Sadlers Wells, beautiful theatre, very comfortable seats and great legroom, hope they do more musicals and of this standard. Would be an ideal home for Chichester's South Pacific next summer. Unusually no bag checks or ticket scanning, not much mask wearing. There are bus stops outside and opposite with direct services to Waterloo and Victoria, the Angel tube station is 8-10 minutes walk away.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2021 11:48:00 GMT
We were in the centre of the second stalls row this afternoon, the £30 seats released a few weeks ago. I'd previously booked a £15 seat in the second circle because most of the stalls was originally priced at £90, decided not to use that ticket and very glad to get so close to the stage. Son accompanied me. The look up to the stage was less than I expected though I'm 6 foot and my son three inches taller. No children in the front row, a couple in the second. The highlight is always the title number and I delighted in getting absolutely soaked. It seemed Adam Cooper kicked water directly at us, not once but twice. The people in the front row got a bit less water than the second but nobody minded of course. My son hurried to the toilet to use the dryer as he's a bit precious about his hair; it took most of the second act for me to dry out and I got a nice top up at the encore/reprise. First visit to Sadlers Wells, beautiful theatre, very comfortable seats and great legroom, hope they do more musicals and of this standard. Would be an ideal home for Chichester's South Pacific next summer. Unusually no bag checks or ticket scanning, not much mask wearing. There are bus stops outside and opposite with direct services to Waterloo and Victoria, the Angel tube station is 8-10 minutes walk away. I am seeing this bang centre front row, is there much difference with the look up, do you reckon? My mother is average height. Will she be able to see most things? Very excited about the rain. I take it you sat towards stage left because I've seen that's the way Adam likes to do his big kicks. |
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Post by FrontrowverPaul on Aug 23, 2021 12:29:27 GMT
I think the look up is slightly more from the front row and it is one of the highest stages I've experienced, but that's why seats there were sold for £30 compared with £90 a few rows further back. You
mostly just miss feet and some of the tap dancing and will soon get used to it.
We were also bang centre though second row. and Adam seemed to aim two water kicks right at us, We didn't just get wet, we were as if a bucket of water had been thrown over us, nobody nearby was as wet though a fair few were prepared with ponchos. No complaints though, it was just what we wanted to happen!
I only wish I'd booked earlier in the run so I could have fitted in a second visit in a similar seat, still wouldn't wear a poncho though, that spoils the fun.
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Post by justafan on Aug 23, 2021 16:33:43 GMT
We were in the centre of the second stalls row this afternoon, the £30 seats released a few weeks ago. I'd previously booked a £15 seat in the second circle because most of the stalls was originally priced at £90, decided not to use that ticket and very glad to get so close to the stage. Son accompanied me. The look up to the stage was less than I expected though I'm 6 foot and my son three inches taller. No children in the front row, a couple in the second. The highlight is always the title number and I delighted in getting absolutely soaked. It seemed Adam Cooper kicked water directly at us, not once but twice. The people in the front row got a bit less water than the second but nobody minded of course. My son hurried to the toilet to use the dryer as he's a bit precious about his hair; it took most of the second act for me to dry out and I got a nice top up at the encore/reprise. First visit to Sadlers Wells, beautiful theatre, very comfortable seats and great legroom, hope they do more musicals and of this standard. Would be an ideal home for Chichester's South Pacific next summer. Unusually no bag checks or ticket scanning, not much mask wearing. There are bus stops outside and opposite with direct services to Waterloo and Victoria, the Angel tube station is 8-10 minutes walk away. I am seeing this bang centre front row, is there much difference with the look up, do you reckon? My mother is average height. Will she be able to see most things? Very excited about the rain. I take it you sat towards stage left because I've seen that's the way Adam likes to do his big kicks. I sat in CC19 and got pretty drenched but as paul26 says that’s part of the fun. Too close to see the tapping feet but they sounded wonderful - enjoy! |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Aug 24, 2021 19:29:02 GMT
Do they build the stage out over the orchestra pit?
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Post by dippy on Aug 24, 2021 21:58:07 GMT
Doesn't Sadler's Wells have many combinations of raising or lowering the first few rows to make a pit? I feel like the stage is as always but the front row is what changes? I'm pretty sure DD is the furthest row forwards you ever get there and I'm sure in the past for other productions I've sat in BB as the front row before when there's been a pit.
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19,786 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Aug 25, 2021 5:45:08 GMT
I was wondering how they’re going to do the splashy thing on the tour.
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Post by d'James on Aug 26, 2021 23:34:46 GMT
I saw this tonight, my only show if the year. Sadly Faye Tozer became ‘indisposed’ during the interval, which is a shame because I only went to see it for her. (Before anyone starts up, I know it’s always a risk, blah blah blah, but I am disappointed.)
Totally not my type of show.
Don (Adam Cooper) was the best in this. Kevin Clifton is good at the comedy side, I would’ve liked someone with a bit more oomph to their voice for his songs.
If you like tap dancing and the songs from the film, give it a go.
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Post by Jon on Aug 26, 2021 23:54:53 GMT
I was wondering how they’re going to do the splashy thing on the tour. It's toured before and I suspect the set being used for this production will be the one that'll be used on tour. |
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Post by showoff on Sept 1, 2021 7:04:48 GMT
I was here last night, just an utter joy of a show, pure entertainment and came away happy. The singing was a little lacking in some places, especially KC, his voice goes from weak to sometimes awful, but it really didn't matter overall. So funny, Faye was an absolute star and really nailed her part. It's feel good and fluffy and kind of what I'm in the mood for right now, we just had a lot of fun with it. A little boy came out trying to tap dance down the street, it was delightful! Dawnstar (I have no idea if this tags you) I said I would update you about the seating. I was in the slips, absolutely the best seats, great view and we were so,so lucky that nobody had bought the rest of them, so we had the whole section to ourselves, nobody was near us and we could also stretch out a lot. I love anywhere where you can move the seat to your liking, especially now. I said I'd tell you about the mask situation too, as I know you're worried, and not great news on that part. Thankfully we were so far away from everyone there, but the majority didn't wear them, and a lot of people seemed to be wearing them and then removing them (possible peer pressure/conformity issues with this) even though the announcer did ask people to wear them before the show. I'm sorry it's not great news on that front, I thought I'd be honest so you could decide what to do about going here with all the information. |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 1, 2021 9:40:26 GMT
I was wondering how they’re going to do the splashy thing on the tour. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I think there is a big tray that sits on top of the stage and presumably all of the stages that they will visit on tour. This collects the water, pumps it away and it's reused. I also have seen other shows where crew come on and vacuum up the water after. I presume that's in conjunction with the pump from the tray. As for all the water that ends up splashed out, the audience protect most of the chairs and any water in the wings is quickly mopped up? |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Sept 1, 2021 10:30:29 GMT
So is the orchestra pit covered? Is the stage extended out over the pit?
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Post by Dr Tom on Sept 1, 2021 10:55:12 GMT
So is the orchestra pit covered? Is the stage extended out over the pit? There isn't an orchestra pit for this one. They're backstage somewhere. |
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Post by Dawnstar on Sept 1, 2021 11:18:51 GMT
Dawnstar (I have no idea if this tags you) I said I would update you about the seating. I was in the slips, absolutely the best seats, great view and we were so,so lucky that nobody had bought the rest of them, so we had the whole section to ourselves, nobody was near us and we could also stretch out a lot. I love anywhere where you can move the seat to your liking, especially now. I said I'd tell you about the mask situation too, as I know you're worried, and not great news on that part. Thankfully we were so far away from everyone there, but the majority didn't wear them, and a lot of people seemed to be wearing them and then removing them (possible peer pressure/conformity issues with this) even though the announcer did ask people to wear them before the show. I'm sorry it's not great news on that front, I thought I'd be honest so you could decide what to do about going here with all the information. I ended up booking yesterday for Thursday, as the Wednesday performances already had no slips setas left & I was worried if I left it any longer Thursday wouldn't either (don't want to go Friday or Saturday as the train home is likely to be busier those nights). I've booked at the end of the row of 6 seats & at the moment the next seat is empty, though I realise that may not be the case by tomorrow evening.
After seeing the almost entirely unmasked audience at Regent's Park on Sunday my hopes for much of the Sadler's Wells audience mask wearing are low. I can only hope that I'll be far away enough from the bulk of the audience that their germs won't get to me in sufficient quantites to get through my mask.
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Post by anthony40 on Sept 1, 2021 11:51:16 GMT
I am going tonight. Someone I know can't go and has a spare ticket.
Yay!
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Post by showoff on Sept 1, 2021 12:20:57 GMT
Dawnstar (I have no idea if this tags you) I said I would update you about the seating. I was in the slips, absolutely the best seats, great view and we were so,so lucky that nobody had bought the rest of them, so we had the whole section to ourselves, nobody was near us and we could also stretch out a lot. I love anywhere where you can move the seat to your liking, especially now. I said I'd tell you about the mask situation too, as I know you're worried, and not great news on that part. Thankfully we were so far away from everyone there, but the majority didn't wear them, and a lot of people seemed to be wearing them and then removing them (possible peer pressure/conformity issues with this) even though the announcer did ask people to wear them before the show. I'm sorry it's not great news on that front, I thought I'd be honest so you could decide what to do about going here with all the information. I ended up booking yesterday for Thursday, as the Wednesday performances already had no slips setas left & I was worried if I left it any longer Thursday wouldn't either (don't want to go Friday or Saturday as the train home is likely to be busier those nights). I've booked at the end of the row of 6 seats & at the moment the next seat is empty, though I realise that may not be the case by tomorrow evening.
After seeing the almost entirely unmasked audience at Regent's Park on Sunday my hopes for much of the Sadler's Wells audience mask wearing are low. I can only hope that I'll be far away enough from the bulk of the audience that their germs won't get to me in sufficient quantites to get through my mask.
Nest to the slips, there's stools that were unoccupied too, if it's too close in the section you're in, you could move over to those stools if they're free to get far away from other people. Also, another option that I've taken, is to double mask, I've worn a KN95 under a multi layered fabric one and a surgical one under a fabric one too and it adds more protection for you. I hope you enjoy it! It's a purely feel good show. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Sept 1, 2021 14:30:31 GMT
So is the orchestra pit covered? Is the stage extended out over the pit? There isn't an orchestra pit for this one. They're backstage somewhere. I mean on the tour! Grrr. Let me pose the question in full. When this goes out on tour, for example to the opera house manchester, there is an orchestra pit. So, how do they do the splashy splashy bit without drowning the orchestra? Is the stage built out over the pit and the orchestra placed somewhere else(or just down there but not visible?). And therefore is the edge of the stage and splashy dancing literally a couple of feet from the front row? This has toured before so someone must have seen it? |
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Post by Mark on Sept 1, 2021 14:31:38 GMT
The orchestra are at the back of the stage - you see them briefly during the top of act two. I imagine the pit is covered in the touring venues.
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Post by sfsusan on Sept 1, 2021 16:24:07 GMT
I think there is a big tray that sits on top of the stage and presumably all of the stages that they will visit on tour. This collects the water, pumps it away and it's reused. I also have seen other shows where crew come on and vacuum up the water after. The tray looks like a painters' tray, and it looked like there were shallow channels* running down it so water would move toward the front (deeper) part. During the interval, there was much activity as stagehands squeegee'd any remaining water in that direction (where it disappeared). And squeegee'd and mopped up the water around the stage and steps. It was also someone's job to shut down the overhead rainmaking equipment with something on a long pole that had to be held up to every sprinkler head (the racks of which had been lowered). It made interesting entertainment for those who didn't leave their seats at the interval. *I originally thought they were boards with a slight space in between (I thought I was seeing light between them) but realized that would mean water WAS dripping on something below! |
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Post by Dawnstar on Sept 2, 2021 22:58:22 GMT
Tonight was my first time in an indoor theatre since 14th March 2020. This probably sounds strange but I actually felt safer during the performance than I did outdoors at Regent's Park on Sunday. I was very fortunate that the seat next to mine in the stalls slips remained unsold so the nearest person to me was over a metre away. Even though the seat was sold as restricted view I didn't miss a thing & didn't even find myself needing to lean forward. I really enjoyed the show - well, apart from the Broadway Melody number which reminded me while I fast forward through it when watching the film! Though I did like the lighting design. I loved Charlotte Gooch in Top Hat, I think I saw her something like 10 times, so it was great for me to see her again. It was great to finally see Adam Cooper as Don - a decade after he was off sick when I saw SITR at the Palace! He must have a portrait in the attic as he doean't look anywhere near 50 (though I did wonder if he dyes his hair). Kevin Clifton provided terrific comic relief as Cosmo. Also I'd managed to forget Michael Matus is in the show so that was a very pleasant surprise! Before anyone says why didn't I read the programme, when I tried to buy one my card was declined. Since it worked fine online when I booked my train tickets a few hours earlier, I can only assume it's because I haven't used it in person for nearly 18 months! That'll be another phone call to my bank then, after problems trying to book ROH tickets the other week when it said I needed a security code but no text with it ever turned up. It made interesting entertainment for those who didn't leave their seats at the interval Thanks for the heads-up on this. Usually I head out to the loo at the start of an interval but tonight I stayed to watch all the mopping up operations! |
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Post by daniel on Sept 3, 2021 0:46:39 GMT
There isn't an orchestra pit for this one. They're backstage somewhere. I mean on the tour! Grrr. Let me pose the question in full. When this goes out on tour, for example to the opera house manchester, there is an orchestra pit. So, how do they do the splashy splashy bit without drowning the orchestra? Is the stage built out over the pit and the orchestra placed somewhere else(or just down there but not visible?). And therefore is the edge of the stage and splashy dancing literally a couple of feet from the front row? This has toured before so someone must have seen it? I saw the last tour in Birmingham so can’t comment on Manchester but I assume it would have been a similar setup. The pit was in place, but empty. The band were off stage. So the empty pit took most of the splashes; me on the front row in the “splash zone” stayed dry. I suppose that some venues may add seats over the orchestra pit, but this wasn’t the case in Brum. |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2021 13:12:25 GMT
What a way to restart my theatre-goings! This was my first time back in a theatre since September last year. It's been too long.
Sadler's Wells is a really lovely venue and a great fit for this show. Singin' in the Rain is one of my favourite movie musicals of all time. I remember seeing this production being advertised at the Palace Theatre, I had no idea it was almost 10 years ago. I didn't see it then because I hadn't really got into seeing theatre regularly at that time. Also, you would have no idea that this production is 10 years old; its slick and fresh.
I didn't expect to laugh as much as I did, the film isn't as funny as this was. The highlight of the show is obviously the rain. I have never seen anything like it before, I know Bombay Dreams had water fountains but this rain is magic. I was front and centre, so I got very wet indeed. I did the smart thing and wore a poncho. I do wish I had sat further back to be able to enjoy the spectacle more, rather than being blasted with water but the tickets were very pricey, even the slips were £60! The ensemble are fantastic, there wasn't many of them but they really danced their hearts out and were a joy to watch.
Adam Cooper is a great dancer and his vocals are strong enough. He's perfect for this role. I hope I am as fit as him at 50. I cannot think of anyone else that could do this role as well as him. Alan Burkitt, maybe? You can see from the moment he starts dancing that he was a principal in the Royal Ballet. I don't want to say that he looked tired at times, more pacing himself. This has to be one of the most demanding lead male roles in musical theatre, surely? I loved the Broadway Melody ballet, it just kept coming and coming, so good! I don't need to mention the title number, it was perfect.
Charlotte Gooch, absolutely stunning. She would make a wonderful Reno Sweeney or Mary Poppins. Her voice is very Disneyesque and of course, a beautiful dancer.
Kevin Clifton has clearly worked very hard since I saw him in Rock of Ages. But there is just something that just doesn't click for me with him. His voice sounds strained throughout, his tap dancing is serviceable (his top line is a mess) and his acting is fine. As a pair, Clifton and Cooper are less Kelly and O'Connor and more Morecambe and Wise. Not unenjoyable but just not as polished as I had hoped.
Faye Tozer is absolutely fabulous. Really committed to the role and gets most of the laughs. I will definitely try and see other shows that she gets cast in.
Overall, this is a very good production and much better than some of the dirge that passes through the West End. If you can catch this on tour, you should. It is exactly what the doctor ordered following the rough times we have all had. 8/10
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