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Post by nicolaa on Nov 17, 2022 9:23:50 GMT
Too many storylines across all of the characters make this exceptionally bitty. You feel like you are getting into something and then we forget it for 20 minuets and move on before circling back for a few seconds just when you'd probably forgotten about the previous plot advancement.
The Muriel and sweeper story comes from a small moment, takes centre stage and then is forgotten about until we need everyone to come together at the end to save the hotel.
I suppose you'd say its sedate, what with the age of the cast, and it has a definite end point 15 minutes before it actually ends. I had my coat up ready to put it on BUT they carried on and on and on and eventually it's got a downbeat ending despite the curtain call dance.
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Post by mkb on Feb 23, 2023 2:13:06 GMT
The first of the two Marigold films was so-so, while the sequel was poor. It was therefore a pleasant surprise tonight at the Birmingham Alex to thoroughly enjoy the stage adaption of the book on which the first film was based.
I echo what has already been said about the effective set design, lighting and sound. I've stayed in a few hotels in India that could best be described as faded grandeur, and the production design took me right back.
The cast are on fine form all round, and Lucy Bailey's assured direction has the right balance between seriousness (in contemplating our mortality and purpose) and light-hearted drama. It is poignant without ever becoming mawkish.
The final came a little too soon for me. There are some loose ends not properly dealt with, and the unexpected fade-out followed by a Bollywood-style dance routine jars with its emotional gear-change.
Four stars.
Act 1: 19:31-20:29 Act 2: 20:50-22:03
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1,482 posts
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Post by mkb on Feb 23, 2023 17:45:07 GMT
I forgot to say there was standing ovation from many in the stalls, which is very unusual for a non-musical at this venue.
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Post by Steve on Feb 23, 2023 18:32:13 GMT
It was therefore a pleasant surprise tonight at the Birmingham Alex to thoroughly enjoy the stage adaption of the book on which the first film was based. What were the new cast members like?
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Post by princeton on Feb 23, 2023 23:10:31 GMT
I think the new cast members start next week - at the Everyman, Cheltenham.
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