Sunset Boulevard (ENO)

I was there last night. I'll admit, on Thursday when Ria went on, I looked up the concert AIWNSG clip on YouTube and thought it was technically great but emotionally sterile. That wasn't the performance we had last night. There was nothing sterile about Ria as Norma (and of course, she sang it wonderfully).

Was I disappointed not to see Glenn? Of course. But I got to see a show I've never seen live on stage before with an all-round excellent cast, a glorious orchestra, and a wonderful atmosphere in the house come curtain call. I think Ria had won a lot of people round by the end of With One Look, judging by the applause - even the grumbler beside me was clapping enthusiastically.

I'm debating over trying to get a "cheap" upper circle ticket for later in the run to see Glenn if possible, but that would be naughty. And tbh, although obviously she has the "Glenn Close factor" I can't imagine enjoying the show any more than I did last night.

I think this is a case of "name tunnelvision", almost being blind for the real talent of people.

I have never been intimidated or impressed by "names". I purely look at the singing and the performance. I think that Ria has so much finesse in her performance, she just completely combines the singing with the acting, every note is craftmanship. To a level where she completely outshines Glenn. Ria is Norma.

This is a case of wonderful, true craftmanship versus an actress struggling with the material, the notes, the singing and this artform in general. That will never have the same impact as someone who completely masters the craft in every detail.

I remember you saying how you'd love to see Ria perform it way back on the other forum before it was even announced. 

Ria's doing both performances today. It's on ENO website

Really mad, flew over from Germany today just for this. :-(

My thought exactly... it is not just a causal theatre price people are paying to see Glenn, a lot of people are paying over £100 to see Glenn Close in Sunset Boulevard... we can argue that they should of known she may not be on etc, but it is not fair for those that have paid that much money to see her in this role.

Perhaps everyone needs my wife's approach to theatre. When I mentioned the Glenn Close saga she simply said ..which one was Glenn Close.

I'm not a lawyer but I spend most of my dealing with commercial law issues. My take on this is that the promotors are sailing very close to the wind, as they have with Funny Girl. Selling a show by promoting a name above that of the show itself, and allowing this to influence the ticket price, could constitute a contract that overrides any disclaimer about a no show, especially if a court determined insufficient messaging was made at the point of sale if the star fails to perform. Personally I would be happy with any good understudy. Loved Funny Girl with and without Sheridan. That said I'm fortunate that rarely have to pay the full price for these bigger shows.

ENO are really struggling and this could affect sales of whatever musical they have planned next year with a 'star'

Don't worry you'll be able to see her when it tours 

I've already logged a complaint with the advertising standards authority. As I was advised to by trading standards.
They have lost a lot of good will on this. Any producer that bases a whole marketing campaign on the star and expect to be able to get away with a understudy, is a con artist. If they were selling the production, advertise as such.

If anything can't come out of this it's more honest promotional material it they attempt another production in the future.

I have seen Glenn perform and she was incredible, but then again I really feel for people, who have shelled good money out, much more than the standard West End prices to see a understudy.

ENO cannot catch a break anywhere and this will rumble on.

However ENO were mad putting a 70 year old woman in for 8 shows a week, they should have had a 6 week run of only 6 performances a week.