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Post by hairspray57 on Nov 27, 2021 11:09:37 GMT
Hi all - I just got my tickets through and the blurb about lateral flow / PCR tests. How rigorous are the FOH staff on checking? Not a problem to do it but just wondering as other shows simply ask for proof of vaccination / no symptoms. I saw someone on another website say the seats in front of them were empty as the people sitting there were refused entry. How long until you go? |
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Post by sleepflower on Nov 27, 2021 11:09:54 GMT
I really loved this. I haven't seen the show before but I was gripped the whole way through. Loved the use of the revolve/trapdoor.
Not sure of the purpose of the big curtain across the top of the stage though, I assume it makes sense if you're seated lower than I was.
I was made up with my upper circle ticket which only cost £25 and had a brilliant view. Definitely recommend if you want to see this but not pay huge prices.
I did have a thought whilst looking down on everyone eating in the seats at the front - after this and seeing Moulin Rouge last week, everyone in these seats seems to be...old rich men. Which seems pretty sad considering theatre is supposed to be getting more accessible not less. Is it possible to win the lottery for any of these seats for either MR or Cabaret, or shall I just resign myself to never getting to sit that close to the stage, because I can't afford it?!
On the same topic, it was depressing to see a couple leave their front row seats carelessly halfway through the first act. Hopefully they had a good reason to not leave at the interval instead of being rude enough to walk out in full view of the cast in a scene.
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Post by sleepflower on Nov 27, 2021 11:11:10 GMT
Hi all - I just got my tickets through and the blurb about lateral flow / PCR tests. How rigorous are the FOH staff on checking? Not a problem to do it but just wondering as other shows simply ask for proof of vaccination / no symptoms. They checked my lateral flow test result text but not the vaccine passport app weirdly enough. |
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Post by alece10 on Nov 27, 2021 11:11:39 GMT
Hi all - I just got my tickets through and the blurb about lateral flow / PCR tests. How rigorous are the FOH staff on checking? Not a problem to do it but just wondering as other shows simply ask for proof of vaccination / no symptoms. I went to 2nd preview and they checked every person whilst you were in the queue to get into the venue. We had to show the test result on our phone. This was before they even checked the tickets. |
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Post by alece10 on Nov 27, 2021 11:18:10 GMT
I really loved this. I haven't seen the show before but I was gripped the whole way through. Loved the use of the revolve/trapdoor. Not sure of the purpose of the big curtain across the top of the stage though, I assume it makes sense if you're seated lower than I was. I was made up with my upper circle ticket which only cost £25 and had a brilliant view. Definitely recommend if you want to see this but not pay huge prices. I did have a thought whilst looking down on everyone eating in the seats at the front - after this and seeing Moulin Rouge last week, everyone in these seats seems to be...old rich men. Which seems pretty sad considering theatre is supposed to be getting more accessible not less. Is it possible to win the lottery for any of these seats for either MR or Cabaret, or shall I just resign myself to never getting to sit that close to the stage, because I can't afford it?! On the same topic, it was depressing to see a couple leave their front row seats carelessly halfway through the first act. Hopefully they had a good reason to not leave at the interval instead of being rude enough to walk out in full view of the cast in a scene. I sat in one of those front seats you mention and although I am "old" I am certainly not rich. The night I went there was a real mixture of people sitting in those seats. Quite a few male/female couples (I was sitting with my friend who is female) and, as you would expect, quite a few gay men. But I would certainly say they were not "old rich men". How does someone look rich? Just because they are sitting in one of the more expensive seats does not make them rich. They could have saved up for the seat, could have been a special occasion (as it was for me) or could have won the lottery as, I believe, about 4 of those seats can be used for lottery winners. |
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Post by ceebee on Nov 27, 2021 11:26:27 GMT
Hi all - I just got my tickets through and the blurb about lateral flow / PCR tests. How rigorous are the FOH staff on checking? Not a problem to do it but just wondering as other shows simply ask for proof of vaccination / no symptoms. I saw someone on another website say the seats in front of them were empty as the people sitting there were refused entry. How long until you go? Three weeks, so plenty of time. Am taking (rich/old) parents so just want to make sure they do what is required. |
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Post by Peter on Nov 27, 2021 11:27:53 GMT
I really loved this. I haven't seen the show before but I was gripped the whole way through. Loved the use of the revolve/trapdoor. Not sure of the purpose of the big curtain across the top of the stage though, I assume it makes sense if you're seated lower than I was. I was made up with my upper circle ticket which only cost £25 and had a brilliant view. Definitely recommend if you want to see this but not pay huge prices. Good to know - it’s not previously been a ‘must see’ for me, but this would move it onto my list of possibles…  |
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Post by sleepflower on Nov 27, 2021 11:33:46 GMT
I really loved this. I haven't seen the show before but I was gripped the whole way through. Loved the use of the revolve/trapdoor. Not sure of the purpose of the big curtain across the top of the stage though, I assume it makes sense if you're seated lower than I was. I was made up with my upper circle ticket which only cost £25 and had a brilliant view. Definitely recommend if you want to see this but not pay huge prices. I did have a thought whilst looking down on everyone eating in the seats at the front - after this and seeing Moulin Rouge last week, everyone in these seats seems to be...old rich men. Which seems pretty sad considering theatre is supposed to be getting more accessible not less. Is it possible to win the lottery for any of these seats for either MR or Cabaret, or shall I just resign myself to never getting to sit that close to the stage, because I can't afford it?! On the same topic, it was depressing to see a couple leave their front row seats carelessly halfway through the first act. Hopefully they had a good reason to not leave at the interval instead of being rude enough to walk out in full view of the cast in a scene. I sat in one of those front seats you mention and although I am "old" I am certainly not rich. The night I went there was a real mixture of people sitting in those seats. Quite a few male/female couples (I was sitting with my friend who is female) and, as you would expect, quite a few gay men. But I would certainly say they were not "old rich men". How does someone look rich? Just because they are sitting in one of the more expensive seats does not make them rich. They could have saved up for the seat, could have been a special occasion (as it was for me) or could have won the lottery as, I believe, about 4 of those seats can be used for lottery winners. Maybe rich wasn't the right word, but even if they saved up/splashed out, you have to have a certain amount of disposable income to be able to afford to spend that much on one night out, not considering extras like refreshments and travel. I have friends around my age (late 20s) who would love to go to the theatre more, but simply can't because it is out of their price range entirely. I am lucky in that I live in London and can get to shows last minute and scope out the cheap seats, but most people aren't like me. It might not be a fault of this production alone but it's sad to see so much space given over to 'premium seats' that most can't access, I guess that's my point. But back to Cabaret! |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Nov 27, 2021 11:39:34 GMT
I did have a thought whilst looking down on everyone eating in the seats at the front - after this and seeing Moulin Rouge last week, everyone in these seats seems to be...old rich men. Which seems pretty sad considering theatre is supposed to be getting more accessible not less. Is it possible to win the lottery for any of these seats for either MR or Cabaret, or shall I just resign myself to never getting to sit that close to the stage, because I can't afford it?! Lots of people don’t have the option of sitting in the cheaper seats upstairs. Physical disability, vertigo, height/legroom restrictions etc so they have to pay top whack for stalls seats. Many would say that the people paying these higher prices are subsidising the cheaper seats and the discounts which will inevitably come along at some point in the run. So anyone who can slip into any seat in a theatre, and who can even get to a west end theatre at short notice to take advantage of last minute deals is to be envied perhaps even more than the rich old man at the front. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 27, 2021 11:56:11 GMT
Saw this from the front row (female, not yet 50, rich, so that those who care about these things can categorise me.)
Some logistical things…no entrance without a negative test, which makes sense because very few people wore masks inside and it’s pretty intimate. I can imagine how much people will complain if Eddie Redmayne is out for a week with Covid, so this is the only way to reduce the cast’s risk.
Very easy to order champagne if you are sat on the tables. Too easy…
Very lovely to see people dressed up for the theatre. If you are dressed up and sat near the front, they will call you and ask if you want to dance onstage with them. They are very polite if you say no.
Very little interaction with the cast although I did have prolonged eye-contact with the Emcee and will probably never wash my eyes again.
The pre-show entertainment felt quite different in choreo and tone to the actual show. Their movement felt very modern, very Tik Tok, while the actual show wasn’t.
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Post by sleepflower on Nov 27, 2021 12:07:15 GMT
I did have a thought whilst looking down on everyone eating in the seats at the front - after this and seeing Moulin Rouge last week, everyone in these seats seems to be...old rich men. Which seems pretty sad considering theatre is supposed to be getting more accessible not less. Is it possible to win the lottery for any of these seats for either MR or Cabaret, or shall I just resign myself to never getting to sit that close to the stage, because I can't afford it?! Lots of people don’t have the option of sitting in the cheaper seats upstairs. Physical disability, vertigo, height/legroom restrictions etc so they have to pay top whack for stalls seats. Many would say that the people paying these higher prices are subsidising the cheaper seats and the discounts which will inevitably come along at some point in the run. So anyone who can slip into any seat in a theatre, and who can even get to a west end theatre at short notice to take advantage of last minute deals is to be envied perhaps even more than the rich old man at the front. I mean sometimes I have been stuck in seats with a bad view because I can't afford better, so my sympathy for those who can afford their premium perfect view seats is limited! There are people who have those physical limitations but still can't afford good seats, so they just won't be able to go to the theatre at all. But I see your point, there are so many factors to the issue. |
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Post by alece10 on Nov 27, 2021 12:11:25 GMT
Saw this from the front row (female, not yet 50, rich, so that those who care about these things can categorise me.) Some logistical things…no entrance without a negative test, which makes sense because very few people wore masks inside and it’s pretty intimate. I can imagine how much people will complain if Eddie Redmayne is out for a week with Covid, so this is the only way to reduce the cast’s risk. Very easy to order champagne if you are sat on the tables. Too easy… Very lovely to see people dressed up for the theatre. If you are dressed up and sat near the front, they will call you and ask if you want to dance onstage with them. They are very polite if you say no. Very little interaction with the cast although I did have prolonged eye-contact with the Emcee and will probably never wash my eyes again. The pre-show entertainment felt quite different in choreo and tone to the actual show. Their movement felt very modern, very Tik Tok, while the actual show wasn’t. Agree on the champagne point. Even I bought a bottle and I don't drink. Had a terrible headache the next day (but it was my birthday). Also had the same Emcee experience and my friends are now getting fed up with me telling them about the eye contact incident. Also agree about people dressing up. Wasn't it lovely? Although we didn't get the e mail about wearing sparkly clothes the night we went so we looked like the poor cousins (in the dear seats!). |
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Post by hairspray57 on Nov 27, 2021 12:13:24 GMT
I imagine quite a few people show the test result on paper print outs being quite a few people are not technically strong enough to get an email shown on their phone.
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Post by ceebee on Nov 27, 2021 12:42:47 GMT
It's interesting, the debate about rich/poor/old/young. I'm neither old or young. I don't consider myself to be rich, though I am comfortable. However, similarly to another person in the thread, I have the luxury of being able to make spontaneous same day decisions to buy day/rush tickets, which makes theatre almost as affordable as cinema. I acknowledge my privilege and have given away countless full price tickets where I've been unable to attend. I don't like the thought of people being priced out of theatre as I disagree with elitism. Theatre should always be accessible to all, so, as Burly mentioned, perhaps the expensive seats subsidise the cheaper seats. My mum wouldn't be able to go into a gallery seat due to mobility, hence my parents opt for the expensive seats. It's a choice rather than a status symbol.
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Post by longinthetooth on Nov 27, 2021 15:51:18 GMT
I have an acquaintance who is booked to see this shortly. They are unvaccinated and will not take a test of any description. I would like to be a fly on the wall when they try to get in!
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Post by alece10 on Nov 27, 2021 15:55:18 GMT
I have an acquaintance who is booked to see this shortly. They are unvaccinated and will not take a test of any description. I would like to be a fly on the wall when they try to get in! Well they will be throwing their money away as they won't get in and won't get a refund which is clearly stated on the e mail they will receive in advance. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Nov 27, 2021 15:57:30 GMT
I have an acquaintance who is booked to see this shortly. They are unvaccinated and will not take a test of any description. I would like to be a fly on the wall when they try to get in! Are they expecting to “style it out” when they get there or something? Doesn’t sound like that’s going to work. Hope they’re not going to be too disappointed! |
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Post by partytentdown on Nov 27, 2021 16:02:15 GMT
I saw this last night, we had one of the tables that is behind the first level (i.e. not reachable by the cast). It was pricy, I got it when it first went on sale, but I love the show and so it was a treat. However I am fairly young and wouldn't describe myself as rich. Word of warning - these seats are actually quite restrictive in terms of space - they are right in front of a 'regular' row of seats so you have to squeeze past those people to get in and out, and once you're in, you're in. There is also a 'shelf' on the back of your seat for the people behind you to put drinks on, so a couple of champagne glasses were smashed near me as people shifted about. Everybody had their test emails checked in the queue while waiting to get in, without fail. A couple I saw left the queue ahead of me - they didn't seem angry so maybe they were off to do a test. Everyone was given a sticker to go over their phone camera - many didn't use it, but psychologically this seemed to have an effect as nobody was taking photos inside. Be warned, the FOH space is crowded. There are narrow corridors and staircases and people were pressed up against each other in a way I haven't seen since pre-Covid, presumably part of the reason for asking for test results. There also wasn't much mask wearing, possibly because people felt at ease knowing everyone had tested negatively recently. Thoughts on the show itself: {Spoiler - click to view}
The pre-show activity included wandering musicians and a short dance section around the bar in what is usually the main foyer, in which the cast climbed up and around the bar. There is also a basement bar, everyone entering this way was given a shot of schnapps or a beer. I loved the show. The venue transformation is staggering. There is certainly nothing else like it in the West End at the moment. I do agree some cast members were stronger than others, but I liked both of the leads and felt they managed to bring something to roles that have been performed in a certain way for quite a while now. I also really enjoyed the 'b-stories' of Schneider, Schultz and Kost, which can often end up dragging the pace down, but here were either very funny or very moving. There are some very striking visual moments throughout despite this essentially having a bare stage. I'm still thinking about Buckley's interpretation of the title number at the end - it's very different to all others and my visceral reaction was that I didn't like it, but in my mind I have grown to appreciate it. The final image is striking. For those concerned about audience interaction, there was some prolonged eye contact with people on the front rows, and during the interval three people were taken on stage to do a sort of conga style dance, but nobody seemed forced. For those with food and drink, it's OK but not mind blowing. It is served in a sort of three-tier tin, with the courses in descending order. A beetroot salad, followed by a fairly grim chicken and sweetcorn thing, then a nice chocolate/mango pud. They also bring you a brownie in the interval which was nice. The benefit really of these seats is being up close and level with the action, but I would happily see this again from a cheaper seat, as the view seems decent from everywhere. No programmes or merch, but you are given an A5 folding poster with a cast list on the back, and a badge as you leave. |
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Post by hairspray57 on Nov 27, 2021 16:12:45 GMT
I saw this last night, we had one of the tables that is behind the first level (i.e. not reachable by the cast). It was pricy, I got it when it first went on sale, but I love the show and so it was a treat. However I am fairly young and wouldn't describe myself as rich. Word of warning - these seats are actually quite restrictive in terms of space - they are right in front of a 'regular' row of seats so you have to squeeze past those people to get in and out, and once you're in, you're in. There is also a 'shelf' on the back of your seat for the people behind you to put drinks on, so a couple of champagne glasses were smashed near me as people shifted about. Everybody had their test emails checked in the queue while waiting to get in, without fail. A couple I saw left the queue ahead of me - they didn't seem angry so maybe they were off to do a test. Everyone was given a sticker to go over their phone camera - many didn't use it, but psychologically this seemed to have an effect as nobody was taking photos inside. Be warned, the FOH space is crowded. There are narrow corridors and staircases and people were pressed up against each other in a way I haven't seen since pre-Covid, presumably part of the reason for asking for test results. There also wasn't much mask wearing, possibly because people felt at ease knowing everyone had tested negatively recently. Thoughts on the show itself: {Spoiler - click to view}
The pre-show activity included wandering musicians and a short dance section around the bar in what is usually the main foyer, in which the cast climbed up and around the bar. There is also a basement bar, everyone entering this way was given a shot of schnapps or a beer. I loved the show. The venue transformation is staggering. There is certainly nothing else like it in the West End at the moment. I do agree some cast members were stronger than others, but I liked both of the leads and felt they managed to bring something to roles that have been performed in a certain way for quite a while now. I also really enjoyed the 'b-stories' of Schneider, Schultz and Kost, which can often end up dragging the pace down, but here were either very funny or very moving. There are some very striking visual moments throughout despite this essentially having a bare stage. I'm still thinking about Buckley's interpretation of the title number at the end - it's very different to all others and my visceral reaction was that I didn't like it, but in my mind I have grown to appreciate it. The final image is striking. For those concerned about audience interaction, there was some prolonged eye contact with people on the front rows, and during the interval three people were taken on stage to do a sort of conga style dance, but nobody seemed forced. For those with food and drink, it's OK but not mind blowing. It is served in a sort of three-tier tin, with the courses in descending order. A beetroot salad, followed by a fairly grim chicken and sweetcorn thing, then a nice chocolate/mango pud. They also bring you a brownie in the interval which was nice. The benefit really of these seats is being up close and level with the action, but I would happily see this again from a cheaper seat, as the view seems decent from everywhere. No programmes or merch, but you are given an A5 folding poster with a cast list on the back, and a badge as you leave. Did anyone bring their tests with them? As earlier in this thread posters said they saw people doing that? Or bringing their results as print outs? |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 27, 2021 16:14:52 GMT
I have an acquaintance who is booked to see this shortly. They are unvaccinated and will not take a test of any description. I would like to be a fly on the wall when they try to get in! I hope they don't get in. Sorry, that may seem harsh but they shouldn't be allowed to put others at risk because of their own selfishness. |
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Post by partytentdown on Nov 27, 2021 16:23:34 GMT
I saw this last night, we had one of the tables that is behind the first level (i.e. not reachable by the cast). It was pricy, I got it when it first went on sale, but I love the show and so it was a treat. However I am fairly young and wouldn't describe myself as rich. Word of warning - these seats are actually quite restrictive in terms of space - they are right in front of a 'regular' row of seats so you have to squeeze past those people to get in and out, and once you're in, you're in. There is also a 'shelf' on the back of your seat for the people behind you to put drinks on, so a couple of champagne glasses were smashed near me as people shifted about. Everybody had their test emails checked in the queue while waiting to get in, without fail. A couple I saw left the queue ahead of me - they didn't seem angry so maybe they were off to do a test. Everyone was given a sticker to go over their phone camera - many didn't use it, but psychologically this seemed to have an effect as nobody was taking photos inside. Be warned, the FOH space is crowded. There are narrow corridors and staircases and people were pressed up against each other in a way I haven't seen since pre-Covid, presumably part of the reason for asking for test results. There also wasn't much mask wearing, possibly because people felt at ease knowing everyone had tested negatively recently. Thoughts on the show itself: {Spoiler - click to view}
The pre-show activity included wandering musicians and a short dance section around the bar in what is usually the main foyer, in which the cast climbed up and around the bar. There is also a basement bar, everyone entering this way was given a shot of schnapps or a beer. I loved the show. The venue transformation is staggering. There is certainly nothing else like it in the West End at the moment. I do agree some cast members were stronger than others, but I liked both of the leads and felt they managed to bring something to roles that have been performed in a certain way for quite a while now. I also really enjoyed the 'b-stories' of Schneider, Schultz and Kost, which can often end up dragging the pace down, but here were either very funny or very moving. There are some very striking visual moments throughout despite this essentially having a bare stage. I'm still thinking about Buckley's interpretation of the title number at the end - it's very different to all others and my visceral reaction was that I didn't like it, but in my mind I have grown to appreciate it. The final image is striking. For those concerned about audience interaction, there was some prolonged eye contact with people on the front rows, and during the interval three people were taken on stage to do a sort of conga style dance, but nobody seemed forced. For those with food and drink, it's OK but not mind blowing. It is served in a sort of three-tier tin, with the courses in descending order. A beetroot salad, followed by a fairly grim chicken and sweetcorn thing, then a nice chocolate/mango pud. They also bring you a brownie in the interval which was nice. The benefit really of these seats is being up close and level with the action, but I would happily see this again from a cheaper seat, as the view seems decent from everywhere. No programmes or merch, but you are given an A5 folding poster with a cast list on the back, and a badge as you leave. Did anyone bring their tests with them? As earlier in this thread posters said they saw people doing that? Or bringing their results as print outs? I didn't see anyone do this but also wasn't particularly looking. Someone did have some print-outs but they may just have been tickets. |
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Post by longinthetooth on Nov 27, 2021 16:25:31 GMT
I have an acquaintance who is booked to see this shortly. They are unvaccinated and will not take a test of any description. I would like to be a fly on the wall when they try to get in! Well they will be throwing their money away as they won't get in and won't get a refund which is clearly stated on the e mail they will receive in advance. I know! |
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Post by longinthetooth on Nov 27, 2021 16:26:18 GMT
I have an acquaintance who is booked to see this shortly. They are unvaccinated and will not take a test of any description. I would like to be a fly on the wall when they try to get in! Are they expecting to “style it out” when they get there or something? Doesn’t sound like that’s going to work. Hope they’re not going to be too disappointed! It will be interesting to find out! |
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Post by hairspray57 on Nov 27, 2021 16:26:38 GMT
Did anyone bring their tests with them? As earlier in this thread posters said they saw people doing that? Or bringing their results as print outs? I didn't see anyone do this but also wasn't particularly looking. Someone did have some print-outs but they may just have been tickets. Or vaccine details. From my experience a lot of people prefer to print out things to avoid the risk of their phone randomly refusing to work when at the door. |
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Post by fiyero on Nov 27, 2021 17:31:48 GMT
Be warned, the FOH space is crowded. There are narrow corridors and staircases and people were pressed up against each other in a way I haven't seen since pre-Covid, presumably part of the reason for asking for test results. There also wasn't much mask wearing, possibly because people felt at ease knowing everyone had tested negatively recently. I nearly couldn’t cope with the front of house. Upper circle isn’t signposted and I did 2 circuits up and down looking for it. Wonder if mask rules will change, I kept mine on! |
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