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Post by demonbarber on May 9, 2021 20:44:18 GMT
Odd question, but does anyone know if much of the drama in this play is likely to take place at the far sides of the stage? I want to book a ticket but I’d rather save a bit extra money & get a restricted view, but I’d rather be able to see most of the show unrestricted. If I remember correctly from the tour- I’m almost certain the entire show is played completely centre stage for the most part. So take a punt!
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Post by happytobehere on May 9, 2021 21:33:54 GMT
Thanks for the replies!
I’m a bit confused by the notice they put up when buying tickets, seems to be suggesting that they might contact you about potentially moving your seat to allow social distancing. Is that something they’re allowed to do if I’ve booked for a specific seat? Why would they even have seats available online if they might get moved anyway?
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Post by TallPaul on May 10, 2021 8:33:03 GMT
Depends how it's directed, but don't the actors spend much of the play sitting or lying on the stage? Whether that makes a difference at the Vaudeville, I couldn't say.
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Post by Being Alive on Jun 23, 2021 23:23:21 GMT
Anyone been to this yet? How is it ?
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Post by andrew on Jun 24, 2021 9:53:44 GMT
Anyone been to this yet? How is it ? I saw it last night with Capaldi and Wanamaker. I had not seen it with Rafe Spall etc previously so was new to the play. The concept (which if I'd read about it previously, I had forgotten) was easily picked up, and the blending of all these different timelines, different portions of their relationship, and their portrayal of all the small ways our entire lives are completely altered by every thing that can happen to us every single day was effectively conveyed. It was the right amount of funny, had just enough (but not too much) of the physics that underpins it's central idea, and probably was about the right length. I wondered if I maybe needed a little bit more of the stuff at the end of the play, needed that scene to play out a bit longer, to feel weight of the plays emotion. Maybe it was because it's a short piece, but I just wasn't quite into it enough to have my emotional core disrupted by the scenes on stage. I don't think being in the Grand Circle helped. The Vaudeville is obviously not a massive theatre but for tender, intimate plays like this one maybe I should have shelled out some more bananas. My view was unobstructed, but sometimes that isn't the point. Peter Capaldi was the real standout performance for me, I'd never seen him on stage and was suitably impressed. I've seen Zoe Wanamaker in lots of things before, and I'm not sure if this was her best work, I wonder if later in the run she'll have eased into it a bit more. Design, lighting, sound all excellent. It's played on a fairly small area towards the front of, and in the centre of the stage. Very friendly to those towards the back of circles and to the sides of rows, I would think. Me and my friend had a good chat afterwards about how we interpreted different elements and our different understandings of the mechanics of the play, which is always a positive thing. I enjoyed it more than either of the NTs offerings, so this is the winner of my post-lockdown theatrical selection so far.
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Post by Marwood on Jul 4, 2021 15:58:43 GMT
I saw the Peter Capaldi/Zoe Wanamaker version this afternoon and thought it was OK rather than outstanding (a little bit disappointing to be honest, even at 70 minutes it seemed like a bit of a slog at times): the idea seemed a lot brighter than the actual execution of it (Marvel seem to be very keen on the whole concept of multiverses at the moment so I don’t know if someone there has seen a previous version of this)
Well acted by both of them, there were a few moments when they started laughing and I don’t know if that was intentional or them just flubbing/cracking up but they seemed to be enjoying themselves.
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Post by Marwood on Jul 4, 2021 16:00:08 GMT
Odd question, but does anyone know if much of the drama in this play is likely to take place at the far sides of the stage? I want to book a ticket but I’d rather save a bit extra money & get a restricted view, but I’d rather be able to see most of the show unrestricted. All the ‘action’ was in the centre of the stage.
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Post by poster J on Jul 4, 2021 16:39:08 GMT
I saw the Peter Capaldi/Zoe Wanamaker version this afternoon and thought it was OK rather than outstanding (a little bit disappointing to be honest, even at 70 minutes it seemed like a bit of a slog at times): the idea seemed a lot brighter than the actual execution of it (Marvel seem to be very keen on the whole concept of multiverses at the moment so I don’t know if someone there has seen a previous version of this) Well acted by both of them, there were a few moments when they started laughing and I don’t know if that was intentional or them just flubbing/cracking up but they seemed to be enjoying themselves. Zoe Wanamaker flubbed a line at one point, the rest I think was just acting. I've seen this twice now. With Sheila Atim and Ivanno Jeremiah it works and is wonderful, with Peter Capaldi and Wanamaker it doesn't work and is a slog. The former had chemistry in spades, their awkwardness was really believable, and Marianne's fate is really heart-wrenching. Atim is in complete control and on top form and it makes for a really wonderful and engrossing 70 minutes, even with the multiple renderings of each scene. Whereas this afternoon I felt that Capaldi was largely in control of the material but Wanamaker sadly was walking a tightrope the whole time, and indeed did fluff a line. It was all tense and they didn't quite know who they were as a couple, or really have much chemistry. As a result, a lot of the heart of the piece wasn't quite there (plus it is clearly written for a younger pairing and they didn't edit the script). A shame, but they paled in comparison to the other two. So my advice to anyone thinking of seeing this would be to not be swayed by the big names and to get a ticket for Atim & Jeremiah before their run ends. They are well worth the ticket price.
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Post by drmaplewood on Jul 5, 2021 7:29:40 GMT
There's £25 day seats for this, not sure where they're placed though.
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Post by theatrefan77 on Jul 5, 2021 13:09:47 GMT
I'll be seeing this on August with Omari Douglas and Russell Tovey. It will be interesting to see the gay version.
Saw the original production with Rafe Spall and Sally Hawkins which I loved. I also catched the touring production in Richmond with Joe Armstrong and Louise Brealey, not as perfect as the original, but still pretty good.
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Post by andrew on Jul 5, 2021 15:36:16 GMT
There's £25 day seats for this, not sure where they're placed though. Are you talking about the TodayTix rush tickets, or are they doing in-person day seats too?
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Post by drmaplewood on Jul 6, 2021 8:22:12 GMT
There's £25 day seats for this, not sure where they're placed though. Are you talking about the TodayTix rush tickets, or are they doing in-person day seats too? In-person, I walked past the theatre the other day and there was a notice saying as much.
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Post by floorshow on Jul 7, 2021 16:41:27 GMT
Thanks for the replies! I’m a bit confused by the notice they put up when buying tickets, seems to be suggesting that they might contact you about potentially moving your seat to allow social distancing. Is that something they’re allowed to do if I’ve booked for a specific seat? Why would they even have seats available online if they might get moved anyway? It depends if things go back to normal on the 21st June and social distancing is not required in theatres.If not, social distancing will continue and theatres will need to revert to distancing.The Vaudeville are assuming social distancing will not be required for performances from 21st June and I guess wants to sell all their seats if possible.p.s Theatres do have the right to move audiences if need be for whatever reason even at the time of "non covid" and in the case of the Vaudeville they have covered themselves by the "pop up" that comes up before purchasing tickets and on Nimax General T&Cs I read this the other way, that the seating is currently being allocated on the basis of distancing and that the gaps may become available from 19th July - "Government guidance permitting, from 19th July 2021 seats currently held to allow for social distancing may be sold to other customers."
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Post by Dr Tom on Jul 8, 2021 21:29:44 GMT
I saw this tonight with Peter Capaldi and Zoe Wanamaker and enjoyed it much more than I expected. My first time seeing this, so I have no one to compare it with.
In a play about time, Peter Capaldi was in his element, as you might expect. He has the most expressive face for all of this.
Zoe Wanamaker was slightly more restrained, but both leads played off each other perfectly.
Some parts do get a bit repetitive, but it's needed to make the whole premise work. And it's all over in a speedy 70 minutes (actually less, as it started a few minutes late and I was out of the theatre by 8:40pm).
Very interested to see how another cast take to this. There are all kinds of scenes you could see played in different ways. I have tickets for the all male pairing and I imagine some changes will be needed, but I'm curious to see what route they take there.
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Post by lonlad on Jul 8, 2021 21:55:03 GMT
I was there tonight as well and wasn't at all impressed, but maybe that's because I'd seen it twice before and, really, Sally Hawkins was SO indelible as Marianne that Wanamaker can't help but seem fussy and actressy -- very odd, too, that they don't tweak the script to accommodate that duo's ages since you do think *what?" when she talks of taking a 20-something-year-old lover. It's odd, too, that a play so busy repeating itself textually is itself currently being repeated by four different casts textually.
Am looking forward to Sheila Atim, though, who is a formidable talent and probably will ground the material in a way Wanamaker couldn't. I liked Peter Capaldi but the blunt truth is that he, too, is way too old for the part AS WRITTEN. Hey ho.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2021 11:51:32 GMT
Are there any weird restrictions/processes for this? Eg do you have to arrive a certain time before curtain up, can you get to the toilet easily before the show starts, etc?
(I ordered my ticket ages ago and I can’t remember if it was emailed to me or if they were sending it nearer the time... if they’re emailing it they may send info about restrictions then, I suppose.)
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Post by zahidf on Jul 9, 2021 12:05:16 GMT
Are there any weird restrictions/processes for this? Eg do you have to arrive a certain time before curtain up, can you get to the toilet easily before the show starts, etc? (I ordered my ticket ages ago and I can’t remember if it was emailed to me or if they were sending it nearer the time... if they’re emailing it they may send info about restrictions then, I suppose.) They should have emailed it to you by now ( they have for me!) shoudl be within 48 hours of your show doesnt say anything about toliets. Its 75 minutes all the way through, no readmission once it starts I was told you can pick up your tickets at the box office with your reference if its not emailed to you.
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Post by NeilVHughes on Jul 9, 2021 12:16:31 GMT
Check your Junk folder, mine was in there and had to answer a few COVID infection questions before they sent me my ticket.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2021 13:05:58 GMT
Thank you zahidf and NeilVHughes - if it’s 48 hours before, they’ve got a couple of days yet to contact me, so I’ll keep an eye on junk mail!
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Post by talkingheads on Jul 9, 2021 19:25:00 GMT
Odd question, but does anyone know if much of the drama in this play is likely to take place at the far sides of the stage? I want to book a ticket but I’d rather save a bit extra money & get a restricted view, but I’d rather be able to see most of the show unrestricted. It's all centre stage, maybe the odd scene was further back. The stage is covered with balloons which could impede your view from the side.
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Post by david on Jul 11, 2021 18:54:21 GMT
Having supposed to be at a completely different show tonight which got cancelled a few days ago, I had a wander up to the Vauderville theatre this afternoon to see if any tickets remained for tonight’s show with Shelia Atim and Ivanno Jeremiah. Thanks to the box office staff, I managed to pick up a half price premium ticket in the stalls. Having only booked for PC and ZM for Tuesday night, based on board members really positive reviews who have seen the SA and IJ version, I grabbed the ticket and after the 70 minutes or so I am so glad I made the last minute decision.
The chemistry from the two actors really worked for me as the relationship of the two characters unfolded in its different forms. With a nice mix humour and more emotional depth at times, SA for me was just sensational and worth the ticket price alone.
With a fantastic lighting design Lee Curran and set design from Tom Scutt, this version really kept me entertained and it will be interesting to compare it with the PC/ZM version in a few days time to see if I get the same enjoyment that I got this evening.
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Post by david on Jul 13, 2021 20:36:15 GMT
One play with two different pairings and ultimately two completely different viewing experiences. Having seen the SA / IJ pairing Sunday night and throughly enjoyed the play and really engaged with the production, having now seen the PC/ZW version this evening, this pairing for me didn’t work and was a real slog to get through the same text. I just couldn’t engage with this version at all. I just didn’t get any sense of chemistry between PC and ZW’s characters and therefore wasn’t invested in the relationship or how it unfolded in the different time frames in the slightest.
PC, who I’ll admit I originally booked to see was great and came across well with plenty of humour and energy. However it was ZW who I couldn’t take to. Having seen her in other things (most recently in First Ladies at the Bridge) and enjoyed her performances previously, in this I just felt the performance lacked both the humour and emotional depth that the role required and came across with SA / IJ. As as been mentioned previously, I think having two older actors for me didn’t work without altering the original text to take the age difference into account.
Ultimately I think getting the last minute ticket for the SA / IJ version now was a good decision as if I hadn’t, I think just seeing the PC / ZM version would of left me feeling frustrated at knowing how much better a viewing experience the play could have been.
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Post by andrew on Jul 14, 2021 15:19:15 GMT
One play with two different pairings and ultimately two completely different viewing experiences. Having seen the SA / IJ pairing Sunday night and throughly enjoyed the play and really engaged with the production, having now seen the PC/ZW version this evening, this pairing for me didn’t work and was a real slog to get through the same text. I just couldn’t engage with this version at all. I just didn’t get any sense of chemistry between PC and ZW’s characters and therefore wasn’t invested in the relationship or how it unfolded in the different time frames in the slightest. PC, who I’ll admit I originally booked to see was great and came across well with plenty of humour and energy. However it was ZW who I couldn’t take to. Having seen her in other things (most recently in First Ladies at the Bridge) and enjoyed her performances previously, in this I just felt the performance lacked both the humour and emotional depth that the role required and came across with SA / IJ. As as been mentioned previously, I think having two older actors for me didn’t work without altering the original text to take the age difference into account. Ultimately I think getting the last minute ticket for the SA / IJ version now was a good decision as if I hadn’t, I think just seeing the PC / ZM version would of left me feeling frustrated at knowing how much better a viewing experience the play could have been. It's funny how Zoe Wanamaker just hasn't connected with this play at all. I hate going after actors as they're the most visible piece of a large group of peoples efforts to put on a play, but so many reviewers have commented on how she's the weak link in any of the pairings we've seen so far.
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Post by caa on Jul 14, 2021 21:29:13 GMT
Saw it last night with PC and ZW, good to see it again but sad to say I have to agree that it didn't quite connect with me in the same way that Sally Hawkins and Rafe Spall pairing did, the PC and ZW pairing were ok but it feels like a different play with them.
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Post by irisjeregenboog on Jul 24, 2021 11:12:38 GMT
I saw this last week with Sheila Atim and Ivanno Jeremiah and I feel like it should be talked about more, because it took my breath away! So this is me bumping the thread of this amazing play! I was on a theatre trip to London and saw 7 shows, but this was by far the standout. Basing myself on the comments of this board, I booked a last-minute, spontaneous ticket to this show with the SA/IJ pairing. Apart from the blurb, I didn't know anything about this show, BUT I am a scientist (yay! not quantum physics though :s ) and I have been wanting to get into 'science plays' for a long time. I love the idea of combining science and theatre (and still keeping it entertaining and not down-your-throat-educational), so I was really curious to see how this would play out. As I said: it took my breath away. What a delight. Sheila Atim is SO GOOD. And the chemistry between her and Ivanno worked really well. Some personal highlights (with some SPOILERS if you haven't seen it yet!): - licking elbow scene. Brilliant. Physical comedy in a straight science play. Of course! Why not combine it. - the proposal scenes: Roland's time to shine and shine he does. One of my favourite repeated scenes. I also loved the fact that the anticipation of the audience was slowly building - will she ever say yes?! Excellently done! - the sign language scene. This literally took my breath away and I just stared in awe with my mouth hanging open trying not to blink (thank god I had a mask on ) I am now 100% convinced that 'science' plays are in fact a thing I like and I want to go back and see the other pairings interpret the play in their own way. I am especially excited about the gay couple!! I also desperately want to buy and read the script (so I need to do that when I go next) and I would love to explore more of Nick Payne's plays. I am a new fan girl! Does anyone have any idea if/when/where some of his other plays are staged? 5/5 stars! PS: in my quest towards science plays, Oleanna is also on my list for later in the summer. Have already read that script and I am SO curious to see how it is done on stage!!
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Post by cavocado on Jul 24, 2021 14:38:19 GMT
I'm not a scientist but am also interested in seeing more science plays. Lucy Kirkwood has written at least a couple, The Children (about a nuclear power station disaster) and Mosquitoes (set at CERN). The latter is on NT@Home.
I really liked Nick Payne's Elegy, about the ethics of a technology to cure brain damage. There was radio version on a few months ago, unfortunately no longer on BBC Sounds, but perhaps it will be repeated sometime. I saw Constellations a few years ago (Louise Brealey and Joe Armstrong) and also heard it on the radio (double bill with Elegy), so was going to give the current production a miss, but I am very tempted by the great reviews for the Atim/Jeremiah pairing.
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Post by couldileaveyou on Jul 26, 2021 12:40:05 GMT
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Post by cavocado on Jul 30, 2021 8:13:01 GMT
I'm glad I took note of the recommendations here and saw Atim/Jeremiah while I had the chance. Outstanding performances from both of them - great chemistry, humour and emotional depth. I wasn't aware of either actor from previous work, but will look out for them in future. I saw the touring production a few years ago and enjoyed it a lot, but I don't remember the transitions between scenes being as cleverly done as this. I'm keen to see one of the remaining two pairings for comparison.
It's interesting, having been slightly bored by Under Milk Wood's lack of much visual appeal, that this is performed on a platform that takes up maybe a third of the area of the stage, with no scenery or props (apart from lots of balloons), just the actors moving together and apart, standing up, sitting down, occasionally touching, dancing, etc. But it was far more visually interesting and compelling than UMW and had so much more to offer than the radio version broadcast a few weeks ago.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 6, 2021 12:05:43 GMT
Any reports on Tovey and Douglas?
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Post by partytentdown on Aug 7, 2021 7:32:24 GMT
Any reports on Tovey and Douglas? Yes, both really great and very interesting to see with a same gender couple. Very little changed other than one of the character names.
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