122 posts
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Post by kirstylovesmusicals on Aug 16, 2021 21:49:04 GMT
Thinking of making the trip up to Newcastle. It’s years since I was was last at Theatre Royal - availability is limited on the nights I can attend where would people reccomend sitting- rear of Stalls or Rear of Upper Circle? Back of the stalls. The overhang isn’t that bad at all!!
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325 posts
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Post by Figaro on Aug 16, 2021 21:51:42 GMT
One thing I want to know is: Is the King being turned into a rabbit in the show and if so, how it is done as an effect I don’t know how to do spoilers but the answer is no, but it happens a couple of times to other characters.
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Post by Mark on Aug 16, 2021 21:52:43 GMT
Agree that the back of the stalls at Newcastle Theatre Royal is pretty good. Quite an intimate theatre.
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Post by ronnette on Aug 16, 2021 22:13:56 GMT
Can’t get booked at Newcastle this year but it’s at the Sunderland Empire next year so will book there. Still quite pricey mind.
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Post by Boob on Aug 17, 2021 9:04:14 GMT
For those that have seen it, what are your thoughts on that ending? I saw someone somewhere say “please change the ending”. Does it not work?
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396 posts
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Post by maggiem on Aug 17, 2021 12:38:14 GMT
Can’t get booked at Newcastle this year but it’s at the Sunderland Empire next year so will book there. Still quite pricey mind. I've booked for The Palace, Manchester using an ATG voucher. Well, if they ever do "Sunday in the Park with George" in London, I can always re-book it!
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Post by danb on Aug 17, 2021 12:41:31 GMT
For those that have seen it, what are your thoughts on that ending? I saw someone somewhere say “please change the ending”. Does it not work? No, the bed moves downstage left and then flies out over the audience as if by magic. Unfortunately there is nowhere big enough to land it so patrons in rows A-D of the upper have to catch it. Apparently it takes you out of the moment. 😬
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Post by dennisthemenace on Aug 17, 2021 14:18:34 GMT
For those that have seen it, what are your thoughts on that ending? I saw someone somewhere say “please change the ending”. Does it not work? Yes it certainly does and it’s magical and mysterious. Oooo! Different to the film which was errrm!!
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Post by fluxcapacitor on Aug 17, 2021 15:16:38 GMT
Can we get a spoiler (in spoiler tags) for those of us who want to know? Don't tell me the Nazis win?!
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Post by 821mrjamie on Aug 18, 2021 8:10:54 GMT
For those that have seen it, what are your thoughts on that ending? SO SPOILERS AHEAD... So regarding that ending, it kind of made sense with the way the whole show was staged. The show starts with one small room that breaks apart as if its being blown up in the blitz. The setup of the rest of the show is a back wall that's black in the bottom and white in the top, with shilluetts of the landscape moving up and down to show where they are, the blackout backdrop at the bottom of the stage dose alot to cover the flying effects. The only other consistent set peices are the 3 big wings shaped like collapsing bombed buildings. The 3 big wings are in every scene, almost reminding everyone that there's a war on, it was a very deliberate choice to have them there. And the nazis are refered to as shadows. The costumes are all black millinery uniforms and hidden faces. So at the end of the show when the shadows have them cornerd the oldest child shouts your not real and the shadows just walk of and then you find out the whole show has been imaginary from basicly the point they entered the museum in act 1, it makes sense, almost like its the big brother trying to entertain his scared younger siblings. The final scene if the show is a redo on the first in the museum, miss price once again comes back to pick up her delivery and it once again is a broom, hinting that the magic might just be real. And that kind of links to miss price saying all the way through the show that magic dosnt work if you don't belive in it, so maybe it's hinting that the children believed her ability to do magic into existence, or we as the audience are looking at it through the eyes of a child, meeting this person for the first time thinking she might be a witch. Like dose it make sence, no. Was it a cute and heartwarming and magical and entertaining show, definatly. Other than the ending, I loved that the bed not only flew but lit up. It looked like the gold tubes of the bed wernt gold tubes but neon lights painted gold so that when the lights switched on they looked enchanted. The other brilliant effect was miss price flying through the window and her first song were so wrestles her new broom, simple but really funny and the kids loved it. The puppets were very well designed and the underwater stuff is established with movement and puppets and a big curtain between act one and two that looks like water. One very good moment was one of the children being turned into a rabit, they use the ensemble to hide parts of him and he grows ears and a nose and rabit legs (his own are hidden in a table, then he just flips down behind the table and is replaces with a puppet in a matching jumper. My favorite song was probably the quintet in act 2, it was sad but dreamy and beautiful sung. It's probably not my favorite show I've every seen, but it was my first show back to the theatre since the pandemic and im so glad I went to see it. Sorry for the very long spoilers comment but I saw not many people had put any big posts about the sets and effects on and thought I'd encourage people so see the show a little as it was really worth seeing.
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Post by audreyii on Aug 18, 2021 10:06:12 GMT
Could someone post the song list please? Also, have any of the songs from the film been extended with new music/lyrics (like some of the songs in the stage version of MARY POPPINS were)?
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Post by 821mrjamie on Aug 18, 2021 11:29:12 GMT
Could someone post the song list please? Also, have any of the songs from the film been extended with new music/lyrics (like some of the songs in the stage version of MARY POPPINS were)? ACT 1 1. Nobody's problems, Charlie Carrie and Paul. 2. Miss price I belive, Charlie Carrie and Paul. 3. A step in the right direction, miss price and company. 4. Negotiality, Charlie. 5. Filigree apogee pedigree pedigree, miss price and comapny. 6. Bedknob spell, miss price and company. 7. The age of not believing, miss price. 8. Bedknob spell reprise 1, miss price and company. 9. Emelius the great, Emelius and company. 10. Filigree apogee pedigree pedigree reprise, miss price and comapny. 11. Bedknob spell reprise 2, miss price and company. 12. Eglantine, Emilius, Charlie, miss price, Carrie, Paul. 13. Bedknob spell reprise 3, miss price, Paul and company. 14. Portobello Road, full company. 15. Negotiapity reprise 1, Charlie. 16. Bedknob spell reprise 4, miss price, Carrie, paul and company. ACT 2 17. Nepeepo lagoon, Norton and comapny. 18. The beutiful briny, full company. 19. Fish fish, sherman. 20. Negotiality reprise 2, Charlie. 21. Emelius and eglantine, miss price, emilius, Charlie, Paul and Carrie. 22. Substitutiary locomotion, full company. 23. Nobody's problem quintete, miss price, emelius, Charlie, Carrie and Paul. 24. It's now, emelius. 25. The age of not believing reprise, Charlie. 26. Onward, full company. 27. Epilogue.
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Post by fluxcapacitor on Aug 18, 2021 16:55:00 GMT
So... {Spoiler - click to view}"it was all a dream"? Not a fan of that concept at all. It really tramples all over Miss Price's journey in the movie where she does exactly what she set out to do - she beats the Nazis - so can then sit back and enjoy her life with a new family and Mr Brown. It sounded like they had everything just right with this. I think that new ending is the first dud decision I've heard them make, but - IMO - it's quite a big one.
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Post by dennisthemenace on Aug 19, 2021 20:01:22 GMT
So... {Spoiler - click to view}"it was all a dream"? Not a fan of that concept at all. It really tramples all over Miss Price's journey in the movie where she does exactly what she set out to do - she beats the Nazis - so can then sit back and enjoy her life with a new family and Mr Brown. It sounded like they had everything just right with this. I think that new ending is the first dud decision I've heard them make, but - IMO - it's quite a big one. Or is it? The subtle hints and theme throughout the show appear to have been missed by you. Even the very last shot of Miss Price as the curtain comes down. 🤔🤔
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Post by fluxcapacitor on Aug 19, 2021 20:18:02 GMT
So... {Spoiler - click to view}"it was all a dream"? Not a fan of that concept at all. It really tramples all over Miss Price's journey in the movie where she does exactly what she set out to do - she beats the Nazis - so can then sit back and enjoy her life with a new family and Mr Brown. It sounded like they had everything just right with this. I think that new ending is the first dud decision I've heard them make, but - IMO - it's quite a big one. Or is it? The subtle hints and theme throughout the show appear to have been missed by you. Even the very last shot of Miss Price as the curtain comes down. 🤔🤔 Maybe I should clarify - I haven't seen the show. I was reacting to 821mrjamie's spoiler of the ending which evidently doesn't include any subtle hints, themes or the last shot of Miss Price as the curtain comes down
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4,358 posts
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Post by shady23 on Aug 19, 2021 21:31:31 GMT
The staging can’t be that complex if they move it every week that’s what I mean. Not saying it isn’t a brilliant show, with some wonderful magic in it, I very much hope it is and can’t wait to see it. I think they have very much undersold themselves and could have definitely done two week runs in each venue. The demand is there. We need cheering up after the pandemic and there's only so many times the same old tired tours can go round and round... Someone mentioned similarities to Mary Poppins. There are some. Eglantine and Mary are very similar characters in many ways. Maybe this show could have done with a bit more in the way of dance numbers like MP but the ensemble have so many other jobs to do that it could be a task too far. The "new" songs are absolute earworms especially Onward (I actually am not sure that's the name of it...) and step in the right direction. I actually visited the show for the third time today. You could say I quite like it
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4,358 posts
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Post by shady23 on Aug 20, 2021 17:18:00 GMT
Its the first press night tonight.
Looking forward to reading what the "important people" think about this show.
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5,203 posts
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Post by mrbarnaby on Aug 20, 2021 18:38:13 GMT
It’s very strange they aren’t doing more than a week in each venue I agree.
Desperate to see it. Probably will see it in Leeds
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Post by Deleted on Aug 20, 2021 18:57:41 GMT
I wonder if they, like some on here, underestimated the movies popularity a bit. People have said it isn't on tv much but it is on usually at least once a year, usually Xmas time but unlike Poppins it's less prime time. Often the morning or on bbc2.
As so often with disney fans, ask people their favourite and its not unusual to hear one of the lesser known ones (e.g. Robin hood)
The early reports sound promising, and I'm glad to hear the nazis and the final battle from the film seem to still be in it. That's one of my favourite moments from the movie
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4,305 posts
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Post by Being Alive on Aug 20, 2021 20:50:45 GMT
Booked to see it in Milton Keynes in a few weeks time!
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Post by sph on Aug 20, 2021 21:43:27 GMT
I wonder if they, like some on here, underestimated the movies popularity a bit. People have said it isn't on tv much but it is on usually at least once a year, usually Xmas time but unlike Poppins it's less prime time. Often the morning or on bbc2. Yes I think that too! It's a movie that everyone seems to know and fondly remember somewhat. It doesn't have the same huge presence as Poppins so often falls to the wayside as the "lesser" version, but as a standalone property it has always been a household name.
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Post by phantom1986 on Aug 20, 2021 22:33:26 GMT
Wish I could agree with all the positive reaction on here but came away rather disappointed by this last night. Yes some of the stage trickery is brilliantly done (the bed and Eglantines first flight in particular) but some of it is slap dash and a little cringe worthy. There were also lots of mistakes last night with missed cues, props being dropped and visible errors in some of the illusions. The ensemble work very hard with numerous bits of delightful puppetry but the constant pushing of the set around the small stage space was very distracting and clunky. Harry Potter this is not. The stage space also seemed to be cramped and when the whole company are on stage it becomes quickly overcrowded with many cast members bumping into set and each other.
After an abrupt and shaky start - it really does takes a long time to get going - it finally sputters into life after the gloomy prologue, with the arrival of Ms Price. Diane Pilkington is clearly very talented but doesn't yet seem to know how to play the wit and eccentricities of the character... if anything she's a little dull. There's also a distinct lack of chemistry between her and Charles Brunton's Emellius Browne so you never buy their romantic relationship. Hopefully some more interesting choices will happen once they settle in and the tour progresses. The child actors are currently giving by far the best performances in the show and its a shame they disappear a bit in an overlong Act 2.
As has been mentioned earlier in the thread the ending is very dark and everyone around me was confused by it. This didn't stop an almost full standing ovation so maybe people won't care but it definitely needs work. A missed opportunity in my mind but will probably visit again as interested to see how it tightens up and improves over its tour.
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Post by Boob on Aug 21, 2021 22:25:59 GMT
I’ve noticed there is a ten day gap early in the tour (between Southend and Milton Keynes). I wonder if this is to give them a chance to go back into rehearsals?
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Post by shady23 on Aug 21, 2021 23:49:23 GMT
Folks I assume were the creators were in tonight taking note of the audience reaction at the end. It was a pretty loud reaction!
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Post by Mark on Aug 22, 2021 3:45:32 GMT
I’ve noticed there is a ten day gap early in the tour (between Southend and Milton Keynes). I wonder if this is to give them a chance to go back into rehearsals? Isn’t that due to the Dublin dates being moved as their restrictions didn’t ease?
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325 posts
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Post by Figaro on Aug 22, 2021 8:01:46 GMT
I’ve noticed there is a ten day gap early in the tour (between Southend and Milton Keynes). I wonder if this is to give them a chance to go back into rehearsals? Isn’t that due to the Dublin dates being moved as their restrictions didn’t ease? Yes
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576 posts
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Post by christya on Aug 23, 2021 19:22:41 GMT
I saw the last night of this in Newcastle. Mostly really enjoyed it, but there were some bits I just didn't like.
The ending. The ending is dreadful and sucked all the joy out of the room. I actually heard a few people protesting - someone about three rows behind me let out an audible "Noooo..."
Why rename the island? For the stupid peepee jokes? Not worth it, put it back, remove stupid jokes.
Charlie. He was very good, but way too old.
Paul not being the one to remember the spell? Why? Pointless change again.
All quite minor annoyances except for the ending. The music was glorious and Dianne Pilkington makes a great Miss Price. The magical effects were mostly excellent, and I loved the puppetry, especially the lion. The kids were excellent, if a little too posh, and the ensemble seemed to be having an absolute blast.
Overall it's a great night at the theatre and if they'd only sort out that dreadful ending it would be even better.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2021 20:59:32 GMT
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Post by dennisthemenace on Aug 24, 2021 14:36:11 GMT
My tuppenuth worth:
Although the show is fantastic anyway, Newcastle, I presume, was the review venue and the chance to iron out the niggles and bumps. This show will get even better, smoother and slicker as it settles down into it’s run. The tricks and illusions will become second nature and seamless.
The ending, in my opinion, is far superior than the film and quite clever really. The film is ‘huh’ and no way to end a live show. There are plenty of subtle messages throughout the show and if picked up along with the final shot of Miss Brown as the curtain drops it should leave you wondering ‘Was it?’ Or ‘Is it?’ Clever really.
Diane Pilkington is superb in the role of Miss Price.
The glue in this show, unsung hero is Charlie (Conor O’Hara). He does his own job superbly as well as working hard to shepherd, guide and look after the younger children. Undoubtedly prompting and picking up on dropped lines, not on just two children but all the sets of kids in individual performances. Rather him than me :-) Fantastic performance!
I suppose you’ll not please everyone but this show will be a huge success for 99.9% of audiences who so far appear to love the show which results in what appears to be standing ovations and many plaudits after each performance.
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Post by eggemann on Aug 26, 2021 12:22:42 GMT
I decided to book tickets for this in Bristol as it is one of my favourite films and it only appears to be playing for three days! Surprisingly short stints
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