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Post by Jon on Aug 27, 2021 15:42:53 GMT
I assume A Change in Me is still in the show so losing Maison des Lunes isn't a huge deal.
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Post by fiyerorocher on Aug 27, 2021 15:51:58 GMT
Why is it taking so long for them to add more venues to this?! I need something closer :')
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Post by jacob on Aug 27, 2021 17:18:46 GMT
I assume A Change in Me is still in the show so losing Maison des Lunes isn't a huge deal. It’s there, and Courtney does is beautifully, but still means Act 2 feels a little short
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Post by imstillhere on Aug 28, 2021 9:05:20 GMT
I took a trip to Bristol last night and caught the 4th (?) preview. This was my first large scale show back after the pandemic so in that regard it was rather wonderful to see. I saw the original on Broadway pretty young in it’s closing season. It’s always brilliant to hear Menken and Ashman’s incredible original score live is always a joy, it’s witty when it needs to be and moving when the story demands.
It was fascinating watching something in its early days which has West End and Broadway plans bubbling away. Echoing what a lot of users have said about the design. This isn’t decadent like the original. It doesn’t have the theatrical illusions, practical effects. (and the 900 million fireballs of the original.) I think what’s going to help form your opinion is how you subjectively feel about a design mainly made up of Projection/LED/Shaddows. I felt it worked best when it was supporting the dressing on stage, but not when it was the dominant thing. For me the projection design never quite felt *live* enough. It doesn’t feel theatrical. It feels by its very nature dead. (Creative decisions which were made months ago) Right now I don’t think the design is supporting and working with the actors enough, it needs to do better to support the storytelling more. For example the library scene which should be an image of wonder and awe and a major just feels like a powerpoint presentation. This should be a major changing image in Belle and Beast’s relationship and it just feels kinda flat. Comparing this to the brilliant projection used in Cursed Child which makes it look like the entire stage is shaking, that image feels theatrical and magical but here it doesn’t quite work yet. Projection works best when you don’t notice it’s projection. The beast makeup isn’t working yet, right now it’s both leaving a lot for the audience's imagination yet also attempting to make him look beastly. It needs to make a decision as it can’t do both.
Matt West’s production feels as its most confident during its dance numbers. This isn’t surprising considering his background. Gaston throws about a million comic ideas at the wall and not all of them stick but after covid it’s just a joy watching an ensemble work together again being playful. Be Our Guest really sticks the landing and it gives the audience exactly what they want. Oddly 27 years after the original complaints this STILL feels like a cruise production or a show you would catch at Disneyland. It’s never lost that feeling. I often wonder what this, Little Mermaid and Aladdin would have been like if Howard Ashman had lived? Would they have felt more like genuine Broadway musicals and not capitalist cash ins?
The performances are great. Gavin Lee is great fun. Courtney Stapleton is wonderful and Emmanuel Kojo has some funny playful moments. They do a good job at playing oddly underwritten lead characters. Angela Lansbry narrates the prologue!! The new cuts in the material work brilliantly. (Disney theatrical shows have an annoying habit of filler songs and this new production eliminates a lot of them)
Basically overall I really enjoyed it because I’m a Disney fangirl and my ticket was cheap but a great seat. I’m not sure if THIS is the production which can transfer to the West end and Broadway though? Surely it would have to be scaled up?
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5,280 posts
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Post by mrbarnaby on Aug 28, 2021 15:33:10 GMT
I took a trip to Bristol last night and caught the 4th (?) preview. This was my first large scale show back after the pandemic so in that regard it was rather wonderful to see. I saw the original on Broadway pretty young in it’s closing season. It’s always brilliant to hear Menken and Ashman’s incredible original score live is always a joy, it’s witty when it needs to be and moving when the story demands. It was fascinating watching something in its early days which has West End and Broadway plans bubbling away. Echoing what a lot of users have said about the design. This isn’t decadent like the original. It doesn’t have the theatrical illusions, practical effects. (and the 900 million fireballs of the original.) I think what’s going to help form your opinion is how you subjectively feel about a design mainly made up of Projection/LED/Shaddows. I felt it worked best when it was supporting the dressing on stage, but not when it was the dominant thing. For me the projection design never quite felt *live* enough. It doesn’t feel theatrical. It feels by its very nature dead. (Creative decisions which were made months ago) Right now I don’t think the design is supporting and working with the actors enough, it needs to do better to support the storytelling more. For example the library scene which should be an image of wonder and awe and a major just feels like a powerpoint presentation. This should be a major changing image in Belle and Beast’s relationship and it just feels kinda flat. Comparing this to the brilliant projection used in Cursed Child which makes it look like the entire stage is shaking, that image feels theatrical and magical but here it doesn’t quite work yet. Projection works best when you don’t notice it’s projection. The beast makeup isn’t working yet, right now it’s both leaving a lot for the audience's imagination yet also attempting to make him look beastly. It needs to make a decision as it can’t do both. Matt West’s production feels as its most confident during its dance numbers. This isn’t surprising considering his background. Gaston throws about a million comic ideas at the wall and not all of them stick but after covid it’s just a joy watching an ensemble work together again being playful. Be Our Guest really sticks the landing and it gives the audience exactly what they want. Oddly 27 years after the original complaints this STILL feels like a cruise production or a show you would catch at Disneyland. It’s never lost that feeling. I often wonder what this, Little Mermaid and Aladdin would have been like if Howard Ashman had lived? Would they have felt more like genuine Broadway musicals and not capitalist cash ins? The performances are great. Gavin Lee is great fun. Courtney Stapleton is wonderful and Emmanuel Kojo has some funny playful moments. They do a good job at playing oddly underwritten lead characters. Angela Lansbry narrates the prologue!! The new cuts in the material work brilliantly. (Disney theatrical shows have an annoying habit of filler songs and this new production eliminates a lot of them) Basically overall I really enjoyed it because I’m a Disney fangirl and my ticket was cheap but a great seat. I’m not sure if THIS is the production which can transfer to the West end and Broadway though? Surely it would have to be scaled up? Scaled up? You’re being too kind. Completely redesigned I’d say.
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Post by imstillhere on Aug 28, 2021 15:41:31 GMT
Probably yeah. Because it isn't the strongest musical I think truly to make it work it needs to be presented in the most lavish way possible.
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5,280 posts
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Post by mrbarnaby on Aug 28, 2021 15:45:46 GMT
They really should have employed a better design team. Wasted opportunity here.
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6,356 posts
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Post by danb on Aug 28, 2021 17:32:00 GMT
Can we get your review of the show Mr B?
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Post by 10642 on Aug 28, 2021 22:05:10 GMT
Saw this tonight. Overall I think a pretty good cast is let down by a poor production. The cast gave an excellent performance with what they were given. I feel like the show needs someone to take it by the scruff of the neck and decide if it’s aiming to be a panto-comedy or something deeper. If they do want to create something deeper, every aspect needs to be examined to see how/if it serves the story. I agree with the criticisms of the set design mentioned earlier in the thread. Maybe Disney have been busy with Frozen and Bedknobs and Broomsticks but i think this needs some serious attention if its going to get near the West End or Broadway
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Post by jacob on Aug 28, 2021 22:44:41 GMT
Saw this tonight. Overall I think a pretty good cast is let down by a poor production. The cast gave an excellent performance with what they were given. I feel like the show needs someone to take it by the scruff of the neck and decide if it’s aiming to be a panto-comedy or something deeper. If they do want to create something deeper, every aspect needs to be examined to see how/if it serves the story. I agree with the criticisms of the set design mentioned earlier in the thread. Maybe Disney have been busy with Frozen and Bedknobs and Broomsticks but i think this needs some serious attention if its going to get near the West End or Broadway Agreeing.. the team love to use the word “reimagined” yet the script is the same, and the costumes and set seem to be scaled down - why keep it all? I’m convinced the title “Beauty and the Beast” is what’s bringing those to see the show, as opposed to audience members wanting to see a form of the original production again
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Post by interval99 on Aug 29, 2021 13:18:42 GMT
At the Sunday 29th matinee and there are notices it's being filmed this afternoon. Still no brochure and the merchandise is horrendous high priced as other have said. Did like the Gaston's tavern fridge magnet in fake old bronze and antlers but will wait unit interval to find price expecting GBP 12. The tall coffee mugs normally 12 in West end are 22. Surprisingly lack of normal soft toys figures which normally get snapped up They seem to have asked most people to get here early so a lot of waiting around.
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4,361 posts
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Post by shady23 on Aug 29, 2021 13:33:45 GMT
At the Sunday 29th matinee and there are notices it's being filmed this afternoon. Still no brochure and the merchandise is horrendous high priced as other have said. Did like the Gaston's tavern fridge magnet in fake old bronze and antlers but will wait unit interval to find price expecting GBP 12. The tall coffee mugs normally 12 in West end are 22. Surprisingly lack of normal soft toys figures which normally get snapped up They seem to have asked most people to get here early so a lot of waiting around. The cup is a bit different to normal as it is one of those ones where the design changes when hot liquid is in it.
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Post by interval99 on Aug 29, 2021 15:06:39 GMT
Treacle toffee ice-cream is still available at the hippodrome. Wonderful. Surprisingly long first half but enjoying it, finding it more enjoyable as it's forging it's own identity rather than trying to copy the look of the animation film. The audience seem to be liking it and the big Gaston number getting as much love and noisy reaction as the be your guest number
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Post by enh2 on Aug 30, 2021 15:13:02 GMT
At the Sunday 29th matinee and there are notices it's being filmed this afternoon. Still no brochure and the merchandise is horrendous high priced as other have said. Did like the Gaston's tavern fridge magnet in fake old bronze and antlers but will wait unit interval to find price expecting GBP 12. The tall coffee mugs normally 12 in West end are 22. Surprisingly lack of normal soft toys figures which normally get snapped up They seem to have asked most people to get here early so a lot of waiting around. Reckon a brochure might be on sale once the production pics are out. I’m seeing it middle of Sep so hopefully they will have one by then.
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Post by FairyGodmother on Aug 30, 2021 16:35:35 GMT
I like the sound of treacle toffee ice cream! I didn't know that existed.
I keep getting adverts for relaxed performances of it. I think they're a great idea and I'm pleased they're advertising them, but I'd quite like to see the actual trailer rather than Mrs Potts talking to me again!
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6,356 posts
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Post by danb on Aug 30, 2021 20:37:16 GMT
Whats the run time for this? Thought I saw it further back but I can’t find it.
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Post by 10642 on Aug 30, 2021 20:43:05 GMT
Whats the run time for this? Thought I saw it further back but I can’t find it. Act 1: 1hr 25 Act 2: 45 min Approximately
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6,356 posts
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Post by danb on Aug 30, 2021 20:53:03 GMT
Thank you. So done just after ten…brilliant.
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Post by enh2 on Aug 31, 2021 9:33:50 GMT
When’s press night for Beauty and the Beast?
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Post by jacob on Aug 31, 2021 11:47:28 GMT
When’s press night for Beauty and the Beast? have heard it’s the 15th, but not entirely sure
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6,356 posts
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Post by danb on Aug 31, 2021 21:37:22 GMT
I think I quite enjoyed this tonight. Everything that everyone has already said is fair enough. It certainly isn’t ready for the Palladium if that is it’s intended destination. Too much of the stage is empty for too long. The giant curlicue things that descend from the ceiling to indicate the castle do a good job of filling the void at times but the right hand side of the stage needed an equivalent. Performances were all very good, although the beast seemed under rehearsed at times and stumbled over a whole scene. Vocals were excellent from Courtney Stapleton who made a feisty but feminine Belle and Gavin Lee shone despite his fugly costume. The two screens and surrounds worked really well to create depth and some great effects. It’s a bizarre combo of some amateurish scene design being elevated by technology. There are cringeworthy panto elements like all the coupling up at the end but the audience were lapping it up. For me it was a 3 star production with the potential to easily be a 4. Are we to believe it’s just disappearing on the 15th September or have further dates been announced?
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Post by marob on Aug 31, 2021 22:11:57 GMT
danb The dates on the website so far are: Bristol Hippodrome 25 August – Saturday 18 September Liverpool Empire Thursday 23 September - Saturday 16 October 2021 Edinburgh Playhouse Thursday 21 October - Saturday 27 November 2021 Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre Thursday 9 December 2021 – Saturday 15 January 2022 Dublin Bord Gáis Energy Theatre November 2022 (rescheduled)
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Post by jacob on Sept 1, 2021 19:40:38 GMT
danb The dates on the website so far are: Bristol Hippodrome 25 August – Saturday 18 September Liverpool Empire Thursday 23 September - Saturday 16 October 2021 Edinburgh Playhouse Thursday 21 October - Saturday 27 November 2021 Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre Thursday 9 December 2021 – Saturday 15 January 2022 Dublin Bord Gáis Energy Theatre November 2022 (rescheduled) I worry for the Wales Millennium leg.. that theatre is huge!
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1,908 posts
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Post by LaLuPone on Sept 1, 2021 20:00:17 GMT
danb The dates on the website so far are: Bristol Hippodrome 25 August – Saturday 18 September Liverpool Empire Thursday 23 September - Saturday 16 October 2021 Edinburgh Playhouse Thursday 21 October - Saturday 27 November 2021 Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre Thursday 9 December 2021 – Saturday 15 January 2022 Dublin Bord Gáis Energy Theatre November 2022 (rescheduled) I worry for the Wales Millennium leg.. that theatre is huge! Not much bigger than the Hippodrome and the run has sold very well there. Plus it’s Christmas (and Christmas after nearly two years of no touring theatre at that) so I’m sure it will do just fine.
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Post by inthenose on Sept 1, 2021 20:23:18 GMT
I worry for the Wales Millennium leg.. that theatre is huge! Not much bigger than the Hippodrome and the run has sold very well there. Plus it’s Christmas (and Christmas after nearly two years of no touring theatre at that) so I’m sure it will do just fine. I could be wrong, but wasn't it about the set size filling the stage? That's what I thought it meant. The stage is huge.
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Post by sarissima on Sept 1, 2021 20:34:11 GMT
Is there an understudy list in the programme?
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1,908 posts
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Post by LaLuPone on Sept 1, 2021 21:26:22 GMT
Not much bigger than the Hippodrome and the run has sold very well there. Plus it’s Christmas (and Christmas after nearly two years of no touring theatre at that) so I’m sure it will do just fine. I could be wrong, but wasn't it about the set size filling the stage? That's what I thought it meant. The stage is huge. Oh maybe. But to that I say we’re also getting the Heathers tour so I guess they’ll try to make any set work on that stage!
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Post by ryhare on Sept 1, 2021 21:57:40 GMT
The Welsh National regularly use their New Theatre sets on the Millenium stage, so we’re used to dead space on that stage. Avenue Q felt lost when it toured there first. The NT stage was a much better home on later tours. Hopefully B&tB will use the space well.
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4,631 posts
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Post by Phantom of London on Sept 5, 2021 2:01:38 GMT
I took a trip down to Bristol as I’ve waited 16 years to see BATB again, after seeing it by accident on my first visit to New York and ended up loving it.
One problem with a tour is that the production has to design the show for the smallest stage, so venues with a bigger stage uses that dreaded masking to compensate. However with this set and it is complimented by brilliant use of projections, it is good enough to go into the West End, nothing looks cheap and you can see the money. However though I would say spend more money for the West End for the set surround, so masking doesn’t have to be used, as this looks uniformly terrible - Hairspray is a good example of this at the London Coliseum. The main set that is centre stage is where the money has been spent and doesn’t need changing.
Emanuel Kojo who played the Beast was well very enjoyable, but another thing - where has Courtney Stapleton, who played Belle has been hiding, she was utterly brilliant, she deserves to perform her role in the West End, where she will enchant the critics as she did me. She absolutely nailed it.
4 stars
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6,356 posts
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Post by danb on Sept 5, 2021 5:19:23 GMT
When we sat down I rolled my eyes thinking that the thick stripes of grey around the stage were masking, but was soon delighted to discover that it wasn’t. 😀
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