148 posts
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Post by FJ on Apr 7, 2022 21:25:20 GMT
I was there this evening and it came out at about 22.04. Was a few minutes late starting and then was a few minutes later starting post interval, too.
Differing from the usual marmite opinion, I didn’t love it but I didn’t hate it.
As everyone has said, it is knowingly nuts.
Some great performances, especially from Alex Young, but I have to admit compared to some things I’ve seen at the Southwark, it at times felt a bit amateur.
The book didn’t make much sense, and most of the songs were fairly forgettable, but I still actually enjoyed the show and am glad I went.
One thing that was really interesting was with the traverse staging, you can obviously see the audience on the opposite side, throughout, and with this type of show you get to watch the real mix of people with some having the time of their lives and some clearly regretting coming.
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Post by Deal J on Apr 8, 2022 7:27:15 GMT
One thing that was really interesting was with the traverse staging, you can obviously see the audience on the opposite side, throughout, and with this type of show you get to watch the real mix of people with some having the time of their lives and some clearly regretting coming. If they haven't numbered the traverse seating as "Side A" and "Side 1", they've missed a trick! |
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Post by theoracle on Apr 8, 2022 7:31:15 GMT
I think this really appealed to the crazy side of me so found myself very much engaged with this. Alex Young is clearly a superstar and owns the stage whenever she’s on. I wanted to add that I was also really impressed by George Ranckom’s direction; having only directed a handful of shows before, this is really promising to see. The songs are beautifully performed and well-choreographed too. The traverse audience was a nice touch as well, especially for group 1/group a scene. Lastly, I think Jordan Broatch is the actor to watch - his portrayal of Hapgood really tickled me and I think he’s going to have a very exciting CV over the next few years. As others have said, it’s not going to appeal to everyone but if you go, go with an open mind.
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Post by juicy_but_terribly_drab on Apr 8, 2022 9:20:59 GMT
I think this really appealed to the crazy side of me so found myself very much engaged with this. Alex Young is clearly a superstar and owns the stage whenever she’s on. I wanted to add that I was also really impressed by George Ranckom’s direction; having only directed a handful of shows before, this is really promising to see. The songs are beautifully performed and well-choreographed too. The traverse audience was a nice touch as well, especially for group 1/group a scene. Lastly, I think Jordan Broatch is the actor to watch - his portrayal of Hapgood really tickled me and I think he’s going to have a very exciting CV over the next few years. As others have said, it’s not going to appeal to everyone but if you go, go with an open mind. Hey just fyi Jordan uses they/them pronouns. So happy with all these positive write-ups on here, very excited to see this and knock another Sondheim off the list! |
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Post by Mark on Apr 8, 2022 22:55:36 GMT
Loved it! Great score, great production and as others have mentioned - totally bonkers.
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Post by Someone in a tree on Apr 9, 2022 7:24:35 GMT
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Post by Phantom of London on Apr 9, 2022 11:55:06 GMT
Did I see sitting with your partner sitting on the aisle last night?
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Post by Someone in a tree on Apr 10, 2022 9:02:29 GMT
Did I see sitting with your partner sitting on the aisle last night? Row row B on the band side of the aisle? That was me. |
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Post by Phantom of London on Apr 10, 2022 10:38:56 GMT
Oh I thought that was you. I was the other side virtually underneath the band!
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Post by theoracle on Apr 11, 2022 10:57:14 GMT
I think this really appealed to the crazy side of me so found myself very much engaged with this. Alex Young is clearly a superstar and owns the stage whenever she’s on. I wanted to add that I was also really impressed by George Ranckom’s direction; having only directed a handful of shows before, this is really promising to see. The songs are beautifully performed and well-choreographed too. The traverse audience was a nice touch as well, especially for group 1/group a scene. Lastly, I think Jordan Broatch is the actor to watch - his portrayal of Hapgood really tickled me and I think he’s going to have a very exciting CV over the next few years. As others have said, it’s not going to appeal to everyone but if you go, go with an open mind. Hey just fyi Jordan uses they/them pronouns. So happy with all these positive write-ups on here, very excited to see this and knock another Sondheim off the list! You’re absolutely right. They are a star and I can’t wait to see them in Lift and in more shows going forwards. |
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Post by anthony40 on Apr 12, 2022 12:01:24 GMT
Am there tonight. If anyone else is there, feel free to say hello
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Post by Dr Tom on Apr 19, 2022 18:49:19 GMT
Attended this afternoon, managed to pick up a late front row seat, but thankfully spared most of the interactive elements.
I've long thought Alex Young one of the UK's best actors and this view continued here. Real command of the stage.
The show itself benefits from a diverse cast, but there are good reasons this isn't performed often, not least that making fun of people with mental health problems could (and likely should) be considered highly offensive. Still, you can't fault the cast for giving it their all, and excellent work with the improvisations to cover things going wrong (or someone walking out midway through the first half).
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Post by mkb on Apr 20, 2022 14:26:12 GMT
Is it any closer to the 2:20 advertised running time, or still 2:34 as previously reported on here?
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Post by anthony40 on Apr 20, 2022 15:46:06 GMT
Saw this on Tuesday nigh.
I was fun- completely bonkers (but I expected that- but fun.
An incredibly hard working cast an ensemble.
Another sondheim that I can tick off the list.
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Post by apubleed on Apr 22, 2022 18:10:35 GMT
I saw the show at Encores with Donna Murphy (Cora), Raul Esparza (Hapgood) and Sutton Foster (Fay). I don't think much of the show but thought it was probably the best they'd ever get out of it. Until now! While there is no comparison in terms of vocal abilities of that Encores! cast, I just think the show works so much better with this production's tone of being somewhere between a child's cartoon and an improvised comedy skit as well as being in a small space. It's a bit cringe to think about well-seasoned broadway performers taking on this material - but with a young fresh cast it is completely different. I think the most interesting and unique choice was the casting and direction of the cheeky boyish meterosexual 'Hapgood' that is a cross somewhere between a Timothy Chalamet vibe and a young adult TV sitcom and the title character from Pippin (usually it's a middle aged man leading stereotype). On paper it sounds like it shouldn't work but actually I think it really changes the tone of the show and suddenly makes the character more interesting and compelling as well as provide a fabric for all of these silly characters to revolve around.
Example moments that I thought worked so much better compared to Encores:
* Having a scrappy ensemble with all different shapes and sizes but are very talented. Imagine Donna Murphy being flanked by the most professional, attractive and amazing NYC dancers you've ever seen - it's just so much less funny than Alex Young having these funny people on her side.
* The LGBTQ subtext of the ensemble added subtext to lines such as 'I was a manly little fellow' (or whatever it was) and the capturing of Cookies - they haven't added this but they really have managed to bring out layers that never existed
* The whole blending in with the audience and not being able to distinguish between us and them just works so well in this small space
There is also very complex choral work going on there and the ensemble just smashed it.
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Post by Someone in a tree on Apr 23, 2022 7:42:57 GMT
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Post by lonlad on Apr 23, 2022 10:28:07 GMT
Um, okay ... what about "To Life!", but that's from a different musical (!)
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Post by david on Apr 23, 2022 17:39:07 GMT
A completely bonkers and thoroughly enjoyable 140 minutes spent in the Cookie Jar this afternoon. Having purchased a front row seat I’ve been covered in confetti, done an on stage conga with the cast ( TallPaul my dancing skills have finally been put to good use!) and had Alex Young sit next to me and lay across my lap. I am now questioning my own sanity and looking to book my self into the asylum along with all its residents. A really great cast here that goes non stop at 100 mph with the craziness Alex Young is fantastic and Christine Symone is singing the title number was worth the ticket price. It’s certainly the kind of show for me that you just have to surrender yourself to the lunacy. It certainly appealed to my sense of humour in its style though I certainly understand based on todays viewing why it doesn’t get much of an outing by theatre directors. Some nice little touches such as the smiley faced buttons on nurse apples uniform and the inclusion of the MD in one of the scenes near the end of Act 2. |
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Post by TallPaul on Apr 24, 2022 8:54:01 GMT
Most of us would be content with either an onstage conga OR having Alex Young draped across us. You're just greedy, our david. 🙂 Does anyone have a contact at Southwark? We need footage! |
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Post by david on Apr 24, 2022 9:03:41 GMT
Most of us would be content with either an onstage conga OR having Alex Young draped across us. You're just greedy, our david . 🙂 Does anyone have a contact at Southwark? We need footage! - I was tempted to stick myself in the bad behaviour thread last night! I certainly got my moneys worth from the the show. As for any footage, well I couldn’t possibly comment. I just hope my dancing yesterday is recognised in any awards coming up. |
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Post by distantcousin on Apr 24, 2022 19:30:44 GMT
Very much enjoyed my Saturday matinee viewing - it was just the diversion I needed.
Agree that elements of the show were a bit too amateur/uni drama club level, but I loved the actor playing Nurse Apple - lovely voice and charming performance.
But Cora Hoover Hooper - WOW - where has this camp icon been all my life?!! Played dazzlingly by Alex Young - utterly brilliant. I laughed so much!!
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Post by distantcousin on Apr 24, 2022 19:32:21 GMT
A completely bonkers and thoroughly enjoyable 140 minutes spent in the Cookie Jar this afternoon. Having purchased a front row seat I’ve been covered in confetti, done an on stage conga with the cast ( TallPaul my dancing skills have finally been put to good use!) and had Alex Young sit next to me and lay across my lap. I am now questioning my own sanity and looking to book my self into the asylum along with all its residents. A really great cast here that goes non stop at 100 mph with the craziness Alex Young is fantastic and Christine Symone is singing the title number was worth the ticket price. It’s certainly the kind of show for me that you just have to surrender yourself to the lunacy. It certainly appealed to my sense of humour in its style though I certainly understand based on todays viewing why it doesn’t get much of an outing by theatre directors. Some nice little touches such as the smiley faced buttons on nurse apples uniform and the inclusion of the MD in one of the scenes near the end of Act 2. We were at the same performance! Were you the one she was with when she was "hiding" and covering her face with a programme?! |
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Post by david on Apr 24, 2022 19:34:39 GMT
A completely bonkers and thoroughly enjoyable 140 minutes spent in the Cookie Jar this afternoon. Having purchased a front row seat I’ve been covered in confetti, done an on stage conga with the cast ( TallPaul my dancing skills have finally been put to good use!) and had Alex Young sit next to me and lay across my lap. I am now questioning my own sanity and looking to book my self into the asylum along with all its residents. A really great cast here that goes non stop at 100 mph with the craziness Alex Young is fantastic and Christine Symone is singing the title number was worth the ticket price. It’s certainly the kind of show for me that you just have to surrender yourself to the lunacy. It certainly appealed to my sense of humour in its style though I certainly understand based on todays viewing why it doesn’t get much of an outing by theatre directors. Some nice little touches such as the smiley faced buttons on nurse apples uniform and the inclusion of the MD in one of the scenes near the end of Act 2. We were at the same performance! Were you the one she was with when she was "hiding" and covering her face with a programme?! I was distantcousin! |
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Post by distantcousin on Apr 24, 2022 19:35:43 GMT
We were at the same performance! Were you the one she was with when she was "hiding" and covering her face with a programme?! I was distantcousin !
Lucky you! I was cackling when she pointed out her picture in the programme!! Was just a couple of rows behind you  |
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Post by david on Apr 24, 2022 19:40:39 GMT
Lucky you! I was cackling when she pointed out her picture in the programme!! Was just a couple of rows behind you It was a good laugh and a great experience. I should of got her to sign my programme while she was sat with me! |
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