491 posts
|
Post by djdan14 on May 14, 2021 16:10:14 GMT
With the new ALW is putting the theatre up for sale and so far a lack of any reopening plans what do we think could be next for the Other Palace? As one of my favourite theatres (and seeing almost everything in the main house over the last few years) I hope it comes back soon!
|
|
|
|
Post by ThereWillBeSun on May 14, 2021 16:23:03 GMT
Can't say I am surprised.
Got an idea.
Let's fundraise on here and programme their seasons.
Who is game?
|
|
|
|
Post by partytentdown on May 14, 2021 16:28:40 GMT
This is a bit worrying, I can't imagine any of the big owners are keen to jump on this place, being a bit out of the way.
|
|
1,482 posts
|
Post by mkb on May 14, 2021 16:30:07 GMT
The "St James Theatre" was always a much more attractive name. For this venue to work under new owners, they'd need to sort out the very cramped leg-room. Given the rake and the fact that you can't tuck your feet under the seat in front, it could only be done by re-spacing the rows, which would be hugely expensive and reduce capacity.
|
|
19,778 posts
|
Post by BurlyBeaR on May 14, 2021 16:36:16 GMT
Isn’t this the place with the dangerous stairs too?
Wouldn’t touch with a barge pole!
|
|
|
|
Post by ThereWillBeSun on May 14, 2021 16:37:04 GMT
The frustrating thing is that this venue has so much potential. If I won the lottery - I would be buying it.
(I don't gamble so, make of that, what you will)
|
|
7,181 posts
Member is Online
|
Post by Jon on May 14, 2021 16:37:30 GMT
I imagine Trafalgar Entertainment will be looking at it as it would be a like for like replacement for the former Trafalgar Studios.
|
|
|
|
Post by ThereWillBeSun on May 14, 2021 16:38:15 GMT
I imagine Trafalgar Entertainment will be looking at it as it would be a like for like replacement for the former Trafalgar Studios. YES....! Good shout. I like this concept - they did showcase a lot of new writing. MANIFESTING. |
|
4,984 posts
Member is Online
|
Post by Someone in a tree on May 14, 2021 17:02:46 GMT
Please can it revert back to the original name?
Don't hate me, I find the seats comfortable
|
|
|
|
Post by marob on May 14, 2021 17:55:19 GMT
I thought his plan was to develop and showcase new musicals there, so it’s interesting he’s trying to get rid of the place just as Cinderella is finally about to open.
Did any other shows put on there get developed further?
|
|
|
|
Post by partytentdown on May 14, 2021 17:58:37 GMT
I thought his plan was to develop and showcase new musicals there, so it’s interesting he’s trying to get rid of the place just as Cinderella is finally about to open. Did any other shows put on there get developed further? I think they abandoned the 'new work' mission a while back. |
|
|
|
Post by firefingers on May 14, 2021 18:07:14 GMT
It got used as a well established and comfortable work shopping space for a lot of ALW stuff,not much translated to the West End but Starlight did public stuff and plenty was done in private. But as far as being a home for upcoming British musicals... well that just never really happened.
EDIT: Fun fact, the reason the theatre is so oddly proportioned, with only 3 small dressing rooms, steep rake, slightly thrust stage etc, is the property developers didnt want a theatre. They just had to build one as they had knocked the old one down. But they made it so, once the theatre went bankrupt, it could be easily turned into a gym and swimming pool. So now you know.
|
|
|
|
Post by ThereWillBeSun on May 14, 2021 18:14:54 GMT
It was a vanity project for PTM.
|
|
4,179 posts
|
Post by HereForTheatre on May 14, 2021 19:25:43 GMT
I quite enjoyed The Other Palace, I dunno it just had a different feel when you went to see a show there and with the types of shows they put on. I can't say I ever noticed it being uncomfortable and actually quite like the steep rake.
|
|
584 posts
|
Post by princeton on May 14, 2021 20:03:59 GMT
The location and the vertiginous seating in the main house have been issues since the theatre opened in 2102 , but they were small fry compared to the many mistakes which ALW made when he purchased it in 2016. The ridiculous name change, an idealistic artistic policy which it never adhered to and an artistic director whose undoubted talent for self promotion and ability to spend other people's money was not matched by creative vision. It was little wonder that after 18 months it simply became another not very popular venue for hire. I hope that someone with real talent can breathe new life into it - but I fear that its future as a performing arts venue may be in doubt.
The studio space is great though!
|
|
2,409 posts
|
Post by theatreian on May 14, 2021 22:18:34 GMT
Yes I also really the space and have seen several great shows here. I loved the fact that it felt new too. Some London theatres could do with a major refurb to make them more comfortable. It will be a shame if it doesn't come back. Never had an issue with seating either!
|
|
|
|
Post by ThereWillBeSun on May 14, 2021 22:51:00 GMT
I just feel frustrated as it has so much potential.
I would compare it to New World Stages - similar concept of shows running all at the same time. Such an inspiring building too, and it’s just been wasted.
(Still think we should do a TB takeover)
|
|
2,761 posts
|
Post by n1david on May 14, 2021 22:59:54 GMT
I love the studio space and have had many great nights there, I never warmed to the main theatre although I've seen good things there. Didn't have a problem with the rake, did have a problem with the legroom. Sorry that ALW is moving out of there but didn't think he made the most of it, but if someone with his background and cash can't make it work, who can?
|
|
5,158 posts
|
Post by TallPaul on May 15, 2021 10:19:37 GMT
|
|
328 posts
|
Post by barrowside on May 17, 2021 10:13:18 GMT
I'd imagine it could take a similar role to Trafalgar Studios now that The Whitehall/Trafalgar has been converted to a single house. Possibly a bit out of the way but could fill a role until the new smaller West End spaces come on stream. I wouldn't be surprised if Trafalgar Entertainment bought it.
Here's hoping what Lloyd Webber is hinting at is the restoration of the Saville.
|
|
7,181 posts
Member is Online
|
Post by Jon on May 17, 2021 18:53:53 GMT
I'd imagine it could take a similar role to Trafalgar Studios now that The Whitehall/Trafalgar has been converted to a single house. Possibly a bit out of the way but could fill a role until the new smaller West End spaces come on stream. I wouldn't be surprised if Trafalgar Entertainment bought it. Here's hoping what Lloyd Webber is hinting at is the restoration of the Saville. I would be pleasantly surprised if ALW bought what is the former Saville as it'll cost a lot to turn it back into a theatre as it's been a cinema for the last 52 years. |
|
491 posts
|
Post by djdan14 on Jul 6, 2021 18:02:00 GMT
So by my reckoning there are currently 3 former Other palace shows running in the west end. (4 if you count Cinderella’s workshop performances). I do hope it comes back sooner rather than later as a theatre .
|
|
14 posts
|
Post by george123 on Jul 15, 2021 22:34:51 GMT
One of my favorite theatres. Like the lounge area and the location is fine because there are no overpowering crowds. The area has Wicked and Hamilton a few blocks away. I've seen some fine shows there and hope to see many more.
|
|
491 posts
|
Post by djdan14 on Oct 8, 2021 18:52:39 GMT
It makes me sad that this place is still closed - definitely one of my favourite theatres. Wonder when we might hear something with regards to a sale etc.
|
|
8,154 posts
|
Post by alece10 on Oct 8, 2021 19:32:41 GMT
It makes me sad that this place is still closed - definitely one of my favourite theatres. Wonder when we might hear something with regards to a sale etc. I didnt realise that it still hasn't reopened. It's a lovely theatre but with the worst legroom ever unless you are 3 foot tall. |
|
