Chess

So this was a fantasy arena concert version of Chess that I created (using the set from a previous Eurovision Song Contest) it seems a lot of the elements made their way into the ENO production! If there had just been a bit more direction and some decent dialogue in the ENO production, it would have been my ultimate fantasy production. Spot the similarities

Just got 2 dress circle for tonight from Today Tix.
Excited about seeing it from a different angle as in stalls last time.

I've been trying every day for 2 weeks and this is the first time I've found dress circle so consider myself very lucky.

We might be sitting near each other

Yes indeed - I'm high numbers stage right!

Since Fridays and Saturdays are more expensive, maybe those with a choice are avoiding those days, and those travelling to London are dodging the wedding weekend? Stalls were certainly full enough last night, couldn't see to the back of the dress. And an immediate standing ovation which didn't seem unduly linked to any specific performer. I really enjoyed it, faults and all, though I went in loving the score and prepared for any casting issues! Visually a bit much and of course it's a bit bonkers but overall strong performances, and the orchestra..

I loved the staging & all the cast but couldn``tt makeout any of the words. Not sure how much was due to my bad hearing.

I would doubt it's a bad sound system at fault. Practically every show I've been to in the West End tends to have some of the best sound equipment available.

Sadly having some of the best sound equipment doesn't mean the show will sound amazing (as you've noticed with Chess - I haven't seen the show yet so am not commenting specifically on the sound for this show, more my observations from other shows), it's all down to the sound design, use of the speaker system and skill of the sound operator (and how much control they have over the show in a live environment). Nearly all shows these days have line array stacks that have speakers angled to hit different sections of the theatre with sound. No speaker system can cover every area of an old theatre perfectly, so there is always a slight compromise in some areas (this is when infill speakers are usually used - to bridge the gaps in sound, but when sound is noticeably 'bad' to the extent where even the general public are making comments you have to wonder why. Sonically speaking, musicals are some of the hardest jobs to do sound for as there are so many variables that the sound operator needs to be aware of - even a small thing like an actor with a bit of a cold, not having as strong a vocal performance can often get lost in the sound mix if the sound operator isn't careful. Also the sound operator mixes the sound from the back of the stalls and should have a good idea how certain tweaks to the sound will effect the overall sound throughout the theatre, but what they hear from their position can be quite different to what someone at the back of the balcony will be hearing.

Unfortunately poor diction and actors relying too much on their microphones instead of good old fashioned projecting is something I've also noticed these days.

I finally saw this in the week. I loved the staging and that orchestra were simply gorgeous. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would, but the book was terrible! As much as I really enjoyed the performances from the main leads, I don’t think I’ll be making a return visit in this run.

Yes! I thought he was amazing in Endgame especially. Proper, controlled strong singing. 

He does sing Anthem so very well but, by that point in the show (end of Act 1), I was too busy picking my jaw up off the floor and preparing for a swift exit homewards to reallly appreciate it.

I am hoping to catch a performance for this some time in the upcoming week