4,177 posts
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Post by HereForTheatre on Sept 21, 2017 19:44:13 GMT
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the car or that scene. I thought that car and scene looked very good in the show, maybe the pictures don't give the right impression. In fact they defo don't as one it's an osbcure angle the car is not really meant to be see from, the lighting is not captured and and projections are not properly captured. Nor is the whole actual concept for the scene.
The set is not cheap. It's clunky. But it's not cheap. And there is quite a bit of it. I liked the costumes and they looked fine from the distance most people will see it from in reality.
A bigger issue is the car for paramount. Which actually i even complained about and the director told me that there has been some changing to the staging for the car and some changes made to the prop to highlight the "concept" more.
Maybe go, see the show, the concepts, the way that scenes are actually set up and portrayed, the way things and people physically look, before judging rather than having an opinion on a few quite badly taken pictures.
We are also talking about a regional theatre production. This isn't Cameron Mackintosh producing you know.
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4,177 posts
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Post by HereForTheatre on Sept 21, 2017 19:50:03 GMT
I’ve just looks at the pics, so it seems they’re sticking with what I saw. 🙄 This really isn’t helping itself at all, it looks cheap as it is, not a criticism of the show as such, I just don’t think you can stage it cheaply. The pics were taken at the dress rehearsal before the performance you saw. |
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Post by Seriously on Sept 21, 2017 20:06:56 GMT
I liked the costumes and they looked fine from the distance How wonderfully Victoria Wood. |
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Post by danb on Sept 21, 2017 20:31:31 GMT
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the car or that scene. I thought that car and scene looked very good in the show, maybe the pictures don't give the right impression. In fact they defo don't as one it's an osbcure angle the car is not really meant to be see from, the lighting is not captured and and projections are not properly captured. Nor is the whole actual concept for the scene. The set is not cheap. It's clunky. But it's not cheap. And there is quite a bit of it. I liked the costumes and they looked fine from the distance most people will see it from in reality. A bigger issue is the car for paramount. Which actually i even complained about and the director told me that there has been some changing to the staging for the car and some changes made to the prop to highlight the "concept" more. Maybe go, see the show, the concepts, the way that scenes are actually set up and portrayed, the way things and people physically look, before judging rather than having an opinion on a few quite badly taken pictures. We are also talking about a regional theatre production. This isn't Cameron Mackintosh producing you know. ...although Cameron probably has a spare one in his shed of wonders. |
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Post by mrsj on Sept 21, 2017 21:28:27 GMT
They really do need to rethink Ria's costumes - they don't work at all (even at a distance). The set is serviceable and looks a lot better in the flesh than in the photos.It is never gonna happen but I really wish they would do a full scale revival using the Napier/Anthony Powell designs.
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3 posts
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Post by muscials on Sept 21, 2017 22:19:25 GMT
Thinking about seeing this in Edinburgh. Are there any discout/promo codes for this production?
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60 posts
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Post by ruggerlad on Sept 21, 2017 22:51:12 GMT
"I was first out of my seat for a standing ovation at the end of the show." How inconsiderate of the people behind, who either have to miss seeing the performers take their bows or have to stand as well. Oh, dear; this modern fad--encouraged by those dreadful TV talent shows--for members of the audience feeling a need to be seen: "Look at me, expressing my appreciation." Sorry it might not have read clear to you. The comment was made in relation to Ria Jones, in fact under the header of Ria Jones in my post, who was the final person to come on stage. You know what you've rumbled me. Where you in the audience and spied my friend illuminating me with the torch function on his iPhone as I stood up so I could be clearly seen by other members of the audience. I'm being glib. I've exemplary manners as a member of the audience thank you. No sweets, no light from a watch etc. I don't think that if you've seen something thats moved you in a performance to show your appreciation once its concluded is inappropriate. But thanks for your perspective. |
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60 posts
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Post by ruggerlad on Sept 21, 2017 22:56:37 GMT
Just a few follow up points having read recent posts.
To the person who mentioned the lack of older cast members, my friend and I were discussing that on the way home after it. I guess you could argue that with the lighting man she was back in her heyday but certainly the guy on the gate should have been distinctly older than his colleague.
Norma's dresses didn't look cheap to me. Opulent and over the top yes but cheap no.
And Joe's car is given no justice in the photo's, they can't capture the great use of projections, the sterling efforts from the two men manipulating it and the acting from the person driving it.
For me two days later I'm chomping to catch it again while its on locally.
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449 posts
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Post by SageStageMgr on Sept 21, 2017 22:58:59 GMT
But you have to admit it looks crap in the pictures though. The pictures used to promote the show. Taken and released with their consent. Maybe they should remove them?
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4,177 posts
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Post by HereForTheatre on Sept 22, 2017 7:10:09 GMT
Is the idea her costumes look bad coming from comparisons to previous productions? Because honestly there seemed nothing wrong with them to me? As a first time seeing the show all her costumes to me seemed to suit the character, of the era and i didn't feel they looked cheap.
?
Regarding Joe's car, no i don't even think it looks that bad in the pictures. It's basically the front and side of a car? I can't really see the issue. The reason it's on a base that kind of shape will become apparent if you see the show as it's rolled around.
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19,661 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Sept 22, 2017 7:17:08 GMT
I detect an element of snootiness around sets and costumes. I'm sure it can't possibly be anything to do the fact that this production didn't originate in the West End  |
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629 posts
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Post by christya on Sept 22, 2017 9:44:00 GMT
Just for anyone else booked onto the later stops on the tour that are (probably, though nobody will admit it) cancelled. I've been emailing ATG about the Sunderland date and they say they've been in touch with the venue and that Sunderland Empire are unaware of any cancellation.
Asked to explain why ATG's own website no longer shows the venue/event and the tour website shows it as ending in April when Sunderland was June, their response so far has amounted to "Uhhhh..."
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1,995 posts
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Post by distantcousin on Sept 22, 2017 12:35:20 GMT
I’m very interested to see how this tour turns out.
The English National Opera version is a very tough act to follow, even with it being a semi-staged concert.
My biggest concern for the integrity of the production is some of the casting. Having a DeMille and even worse Von Mayerling who are under the age of 40, to be smacks of a production doing the best with what it can get, rather than the most appropriate actors. Kinda playing at Sunset Boulevard rather than really doing it – I’m probably not making sense, but I can’t really express it more accurately.
The roles of Norma and Joe demand exceptional acting as much (or more than?) singing ability in order to truly convince. Ria Jones has not had a leading high profile role in the West End for as long as I can remember. She is neither a household name (that will put bums on seats) or
Trouble is the idea of UK touring has probably eliminated a huge amount of other actresses of the right age who would excel in the role, but would not consider doing it on tour – Ruthie Henshall and Maria Friedman spring to mind. As good as Ria Jones is, she is certainly not regarded in the calibre of these leading ladies. I hope that is just a perception though.
Sounds/looks like Danny Mac has huge potential though, and this could be where he has a chance to truly shine in a dramatic musical role.
Much of the set design and overall design looks conceptual and stylised rather than the naturalistic/authentic approach of most other productions. It’s an interesting new approach. The Norma costumes are a bit radical, but I’m not sure if they work or not without watching the production first.
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364 posts
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Post by dazzerlump on Sept 22, 2017 14:35:47 GMT
I think we have some great regional theatre productions. I live in Yorkshire and I consider myself to be really lucky that I can travel to Sheffield or Leeds and see fantastic productions produced in house, some of which do even make it to the West End
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449 posts
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Post by SageStageMgr on Sept 22, 2017 15:37:54 GMT
I think we have some great regional theatre productions. I live in Yorkshire and I consider myself to be really lucky that I can travel to Sheffield or Leeds and see fantastic productions produced in house, some of which do even make it to the West End I used to review everything at the Hull Truck and Bolton Octagon, brilliant rep venues! The Octagon in particular under David Thacker did some amazing work. |
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Post by drowseychap on Sept 23, 2017 8:47:51 GMT
I was by chance looking at tickets for when it comes to my local theatre the midweek performance has only sold around 40% if that but again prices are quite High ... and like people said although by all accounts Ria is very good ... I've seen her in concert and wasn't completely blown away as I was hoping ... not sure her name is a strong enough draw .... I hate stunt/soapstar casting etc but sadly it seems for tours these days it's the only thing that draws a large crowd .... unless it's a cam Mac poppins or a wicked with west end production values .... hope it does well but for my local 1000 seater seems travel zoo may have to be involved
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1,210 posts
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Post by musicalmarge on Sept 23, 2017 21:04:29 GMT
Costumes look so bad.....
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60 posts
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Post by ruggerlad on Sept 23, 2017 21:48:08 GMT
Folks saw the matinee today.
They loved it, very impressed by Ria. Said there was a full standing ovation for her.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 25, 2017 18:09:02 GMT
who is dannys understudy? wondering who im likely to see on the tour when he is in panto
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Post by danb on Sept 25, 2017 22:08:17 GMT
I believe that there are two; the first of which is Dougie Carter who was rather good in Les Mis a few years back...
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608 posts
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Post by chernjam on Sept 29, 2017 3:25:59 GMT
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608 posts
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Post by chernjam on Sept 29, 2017 3:28:02 GMT
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608 posts
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Post by chernjam on Sept 29, 2017 3:32:34 GMT
question for those who've seen the tour - did the note change that ALW made for ENO and broadway revival to the Overture stay for this tour? I know this must sound like a weird, nerdy question - but was shocked at the effect that one change had for me
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Post by lonlad on Sept 29, 2017 5:51:26 GMT
Dougie Carter looks like he's about 12 years old, which would certainly give the story a fresh spin .....
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Post by danb on Sept 29, 2017 8:27:41 GMT
I can't remember the other guys name but he looks even younger!
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