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Post by theatrelover123 on Nov 10, 2021 20:52:41 GMT
www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/jenna-russell-and-david-ames-to-star-in-first-prod_55300.htmlwww.sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk/shows/steveThe Actor's Centre near Cambridge Circus is being rechristened, with Jenna Russell and David Ames to star in its first production. The pair will open the rebranded Seven Dials Playhouse with a European premiere production of Mark Gerrard's Steve, running from 8 February to 5 March 2022. Directed by Andrew Keates (Dark Sublime), the 2015 play follows a failed Broadway chorus boy who becomes a stay-at-home dad. Full cast and creatives are to be revealed. Amanda Davey, chief executive of Seven Dials Playhouse comments: "When I took over as chief executive of The Actors Centre in October 2019, I could never have imagined what was to come. These incredibly challenging 18 months have, ironically, provided us with the opportunity to radically rethink, refocus, and reshape our work. When the organisation first opened in 1978, it was conceived as a place for actors to hone their craft and create networks. Many see it as a safe space in the heart of the West End. "Talking to those same people, in recent months, and to those working in the industry I've heard a message – that we need to do more and to change in response to changes in the world and the industry." "Our renewed mission is to be the West End's creative home for the development of professional theatre and artists. But we'll do more. We'll make spaces for creatives from many disciplines to collaborate on bold theatre work. We'll create development opportunities for those who wish to keep learning. And we'll deliver high-quality on-stage productions. What makes this unique is the intersection between these elements, with the programming responding to emerging themes or the artist/company producing in the theatre. Our promise is that whatever we do, it will be dynamic, exciting, and challenging."
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Post by tmesis on Nov 11, 2021 10:23:30 GMT
Interesting...
When I walked past at the weekend I feared the worst as the place was all boarded up but pleased that it's only a re-branding and with a production I quite fancy seeing. When it was called The Tristan Bates Theatre they had a few enjoyable things I went to see but it was usually more miss than hit.
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Post by craig on Dec 26, 2021 17:04:49 GMT
My partner brought this to my attention just now and I really quite fancy it. We will try to get a date booked in soon.
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Post by theoracle on Jan 8, 2022 23:47:29 GMT
Walked past this tonight and saw the run's been extended "due to pheonomenal demand" until 19th March. Had a look at tickets and blimey £98 for a seat at the table... There are cheaper options though with £15 tickets on the back row, climbing to £26 for seats behind the tables. Will be interesting to see what the setup is like in person but from the description, it sounds like a show worth seeing and HURRAH for another new theatre opening in London.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2022 17:56:21 GMT
Isn't it 98 for the entire table? That's what my friend and I paid to go together...
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Post by dlevi on Feb 9, 2022 12:43:29 GMT
Went to this last night, it was the first preview and there were clearly a number of things that went wrong: a Sexting scene that only had one half of the Sexts for example.It seems that the actors have been told to shout almost the entire time and so everything carries the same weight. Lots of witty showtune references. The piano underscoring is terrific and clever. It being the first preview it's not fair to comment on performances - I'll happily make a return visit when things have calmed down. One minor thing, the first scene takes place in Joe Allen's in NYC and there are projections on the walls of theatre posters of flops - except for one : the window card for Dracula starring Frank Langella shouldn't be there - it was a sizable hit. In Joe Allen 's here in London they mixed hits and flops - but not in New York. It's the sort of mistake that the central character in the play would be furious about. The Horror! The Horror!
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Post by hulmeman on Feb 12, 2022 11:19:27 GMT
Anyone able to do a review when this play settles down please?
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Post by Someone in a tree on Feb 17, 2022 8:52:11 GMT
Is the auditorium raked? Please and ta
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Post by dlevi on Feb 17, 2022 9:32:20 GMT
Is the auditorium raked? Please and ta Yes. Not sure about the first two rows - but the rest of it is. |
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Post by Someone in a tree on Feb 17, 2022 9:53:16 GMT
Is the auditorium raked? Please and ta Yes. Not sure about the first two rows - but the rest of it is. Brillopads! Thanks a lot that's really useful |
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Post by joem on Feb 17, 2022 10:03:52 GMT
Does anyone know why it was renamed?
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Post by andrew on Feb 17, 2022 11:09:35 GMT
Does anyone know why it was renamed? The venue? Based off the OP, I think it's to make it a more attractive sounding place to put on a play. The Actors Centre doesn't sound like a place Joe Public can book tickets to, the Seven Dials Playhouse does. |
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Post by joem on Feb 17, 2022 11:19:54 GMT
Does anyone know why it was renamed? The venue? Based off the OP, I think it's to make it a more attractive sounding place to put on a play. The Actors Centre doesn't sound like a place Joe Public can book tickets to, the Seven Dials Playhouse does. I see that. I was thinking of "Tristan Bates Theatre" though. Not sure I ever understood the relationship between the two names, I assume the theatre was part of the Centre? |
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Post by theoracle on Feb 17, 2022 21:44:54 GMT
I really enjoyed this personally. I loved the showbiz references and found many parts highly entertaining. I do think for a theatre novice, they may not appreciate this as much though. I loved each of the characters and found the ending very poignant indeed. Never seen David Ames before but will definitely try to see him do more stuff going forwards.
As to the new theatre, I have to say they had some of the friendliest FOH staff I’ve met in a long time - making you feel very welcome from when you walk in and a few members asking for feedback on the show when leaving. It’s so lovely to see new theatres popping up in London and hope audiences will make an effort to support this new venue going forwards.
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Post by stevemar on Feb 18, 2022 13:48:26 GMT
This was quite enjoyable but felt slight despite the central story of Steven (David Ames) and Carrie (Jenna Russell). Their acting was great, although only Steven’s character felt rounded, and most of the other characters were underdeveloped and I’m sorry to say with Brian/Matt quite stereotypical, whilst the scene with the text messages and calls was clunky. Still, it was a good evening.
I liked the use of live piano which really added to the atmosphere - I did think they might burst out in song at the end.
We sat in the regular seats which were fine. I see that they’re struggling to sell the table seats - they are a good idea but might need to be priced more competitively (£95.50 including fees is clearly too much as they’re not selling).
Nice new intimate theatre - it’s a tough market out there, and I wish them well.
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Post by joem on Feb 19, 2022 23:51:58 GMT
It looks like with this rebranding the Seven Dials Playhouse is upping its ambition. I did see some enjoyable plays in the old Tristan Bates - notably the Marie Corelli inspired "The Sorrows of Satan" - but it was hit-and-miss sometimes and some shows were clearly no-budget affairs.
Had no knowledge or expectations of this play, I vaguely assumed it might be a musical especially when I saw the piano waiting on stage, attended on impulse and only booked an hour before as wasn't sure if I'd have time to see anything tonight. Only seats left were on stage, premium prices which include a drink per ticket and a shared programme. I guess some might find it a bit steep for the fringe but I just look at it as doing my bit for the theatre. Sat next to the piano but my vocal services were not, unfortunately, called upon.
As the previous poster said it is a slight but enjoyable play with the character and acting of the part of Steven (David Ames) being the most interesting element. I think the moments when the characters reflected on mortality and ageing were more interesting than when they went on and on about sex, which felt more stereotypical, but the acting was decent and the production zipped along at a fair pace.
Hope the Seven Dials will build on this and flourish. We need more theatre like it.
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Post by Someone in a tree on Mar 12, 2022 22:01:56 GMT
I agree with all the raves for performers, play and staff. Ill be visiting again.
My mind was often trying to fit additional sondheim lyrics into the script - the 'joys' of knowing his work inside and out!
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