3,107 posts
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Post by Dr Tom on Jun 16, 2024 0:06:03 GMT
Big Fish - Mountview
Loved this! Seen at the first matinee performance in one of the nicest small theatres in London.
For some reason, I had the whole of the front row to myself. The second row was not so well populated either, but some people moved down after the interval. The rest of the theatre was pretty full. Lots of friends and family of the students in and I know they don't always like to sit in a conspicuous spot.
The band is in the wings, so the front row has plenty of leg room, and there are scenes played out on the floor, right in front.
I've only seen Big Fish once before, which was the Kelsey Grammar starring production. I remember enjoying it, but hoping for more. Going into this version, which is performed on a set made up mostly of cardboard boxes, I could see all the charm of the show. The lady behind me was sobbing uncontrollable at the end.
This is an MA production, so you also get the advantage of having students of a variety of ages, some with wider experience, some who have specialised more in music or have studied elsewhere and are there to take the next step. This shows in the standard of students on stage, even more so than with the undergraduates.
I hesitate to single people out, but Daniel Chettoe (who played Will Bloom) has a beautiful voice. His role is not double cast, but otherwise, I saw the Hero cast. There were several people in the cast who I believe deserve to have careers in the industry and, as always, I wish everyone success.
My only regret is this is only on for six performances and I'm struggling to work in a repeat viewing. All top class.
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Post by Talisman on Jun 16, 2024 13:27:35 GMT
Lamda are doing Into the Woods in July prior to taking it to Edinburgh festival
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Post by capybara on Jun 19, 2024 12:19:52 GMT
Big Fish (Mountview)
Another excellent student production as the talented Dragon cast at Mountview take on Andrew Lippa’s spirited adaptation of the 1998 novel. Although the film released five years later is perhaps better known, I have never seen it so went into this totally blind.
This was a really enjoyable piece, genuinely moving at times and a compelling story to see unfold. Oliver Lidert’s direction, in collaboration with Tara Young’s choreography, is vibrant and energetic, while the cast is stacked with talent.
Frankie Bounds puts in a masterful performance as dad Edward Bloom to the point that you forget he is portraying a character presumably about three decades his junior. His delivery of the dialogue is perfect and he gives a strong vocal performance to complement that also.
Meanwhile, Daniel Chettoe makes for an excellent Will, covering a range of ages across his father’s life. Guro Elethon is great as mum Sandra and a special mention ought to go to Nida Savage who brought the house down during the Witch’s Act One number.
Overall, with no knowledge of the source material or Broadway production, I thought this was a really strong production with excellent individual performances.
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Post by Talisman on Jun 19, 2024 13:01:36 GMT
Booking open for Into Woods at Lamda in July . They have lovely well raked theatre and productions are usually of a very high standard
Also at Southwark Playhouse by National Youth Music Theatre in Aug. Again usually very impressive.
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Post by topaz on Jun 19, 2024 13:28:40 GMT
Booked for Into The Woods at both RAM and LAMDA, but think that may be my limit for the summer - especially as they were both under £15 and the NYMT one is £35!
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Post by Talisman on Jun 19, 2024 13:36:23 GMT
Pleased to hear that I really enjoyed Spring Awakening at RAM but I feel the play is far more powerful
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Post by thistimetomorrow on Jun 19, 2024 14:57:33 GMT
does lambda do a musical theatre course now? or is it still their straight acting students doing a musical?
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Post by Talisman on Jun 20, 2024 9:54:37 GMT
They are doing a Master of Fine Arts course in musical theatre
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