193 posts
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Post by groupbooker on Jun 9, 2016 23:29:47 GMT
After falling in love with the score after the Broadway production in '97, I thought it would come to the West End but no! Couldn't get to see it at Southwark but made sure of getting to see the show at long last. Found the Theatre quite easily and it is amazing place seeing as where it is placed. Pity it is not on the usual "visitors looking for a show" route. We had Premium Stalls (row G)for £39.50 plus a drink and a programme, not bad for that price!! Wish a few other theatres would think on that! There are always the pros and cons for a show but I thought the cast did a marvellous job in covering all the roles. The set worked well in a small area to much effect. Plus top marks to the orchestra - all seven of them for the full sound they gave out. Others may not enjoy it and that is their choice, but to make the journey to come up from Cornwall to see the show was 100% worth it and I hope I may be able to enjoy it again before it finishes. Look forward to Ragtime & Death takes a holiday as well.
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1,103 posts
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Post by mallardo on Jun 10, 2016 5:52:03 GMT
I saw it last night as well. If anything it has gotten better since the Southwark Playhouse and it's a great fit in this theatre. I had a lump in my throat from the opening moments, not because I was empathizing with the characters (although I was) but because it was all so damn wonderful!
This production of this show is a testament to the power of musical theatre. No wonder musicals produce Superfans. For two and a half hours one can be transfixed and transformed and utterly overwhelmed by what's taking place on that stage. It's a high like no other.
The entire cast is fabulous, as is the orchestra, but I would single out David Bardsley as Ismay, who opens the show so magnificently, setting the bar at a level from which it never descends. And Philip Rahm's deeply credible Captain Smith and James Gant's sympathetic Etches, the 1st Class Steward, and young Luke George's Hartley who led "Doing The Latest Rag" with such style and Rob Souchon's Fleet whose "No Moon" from the crow's nest was stunningly beautiful - what a voice he has! And, speaking of beautiful, I have to admit my heart skipped a beat every time Victoria Serra's Kate McGowan came on - and she's not just a pretty face, her lead vocals in "Lady's Maid" were perfection.
As always, though, the emotional centre of the show is in the radio room duet with Barrett (Niall Sheehy) and Bride (Matthew Crowe) and it did not disappoint last night.
I was sitting in row E and the view was just fine, everything played on the upper level was clearly visible. It was a great night. Thank you, Thom Southerland.
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1,013 posts
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Post by talkstageytome on Jun 10, 2016 15:38:27 GMT
It is just outstanding isn't it? I may have to go back before it closes. A wonderful story, and such a great cast. Hopefully this sets the bar for other shows at the Charing Cross Theatre in this season and beyond.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2016 15:43:54 GMT
Yes I definitely want to go back too.
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369 posts
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Post by Jonnyboy on Jun 10, 2016 18:06:55 GMT
Booked this over Show Boat. I just couldn't get interested enough in Show Boat to commit to booking it.
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369 posts
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Post by Jonnyboy on Jun 10, 2016 18:13:08 GMT
Booked this over Show Boat If I'm honest, if I were actually taking a trip on either of them, I'd prefer a ticket on the Cotton Blossom, though... Ha! While you're here, I need to thank you for your seating plans and seat information, INVALUABLE for all my theatre trips  |
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1,483 posts
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Post by steve10086 on Jun 10, 2016 21:57:57 GMT
I didn't have many expectations for this when it played in Southwark, except that I liked the Broadway Cast Recording and really hoped I'd like the show. I was incredibly impressed.
So I was worried that a return three years later might not live up to that memory, but it definitely has. It must be one of the classiest scaled down shows I've ever seen. It's crammed into a tiny stage, but like at Southwark, all that does is magnify the power of it.
It always impresses me how a relatively small cast, in a small theatre under a railway arch, with a simple (but very effective) set can make as much impact on me as a massive show like Aladdin, with its huge staging and far larger budget. I'm all for spectacle, but great voices singing great tunes can be all you really need for a great musical.
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98 posts
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Post by stanne on Jun 11, 2016 9:10:32 GMT
Just booked for this in a bit of a panic when I realised that there aren't many tickets left for next Saturday (evening) which is the only time I can make it.
I hope that this means that the good reviews are filtering through to people...maybe a bit of a buzz starting about this??
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270 posts
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Post by littlesally on Jun 11, 2016 12:00:54 GMT
It is buzzing, which is good. BTW, don't know if others noticed, but when they tear up their boarding passes and throw them, if you look at the bits of paper, they have actually gone to the trouble of printing them as "White Star" boarding passes, rather than blank bits of paper. Impressive little detail. We had a 12 year old with us last Saturday and she collected them all up to try to piece one together! |
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642 posts
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Post by Stasia on Jun 11, 2016 17:10:39 GMT
Just booked for this in a bit of a panic when I realised that there aren't many tickets left for next Saturday (evening) which is the only time I can make it. I hope that this means that the good reviews are filtering through to people...maybe a bit of a buzz starting about this?? Also there next Sat, feel free to say hi! |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 11, 2016 17:37:37 GMT
OMGOSH. You HAVE to see this. I spent the first half with goosebumps all over and the second half in tears.
I. Am. A. Mess.
The cast are sensational, there really isn't a weak link amongst them. Strangely, knowing how it ends is the best thing about the show. You focus on the characters and it's just the most heartbreaking thing. I can feel myself welling up even just thinking about it. I want to blame the interval rose but I don't think I can.
This deserves to be on a bigger stage in London's glitzy west end and to run for years. I don't think I've ever jumped to my feet so quickly but it deserves every single ovation it gets.
I can't wait to go again. And again. And possibly again.
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1,483 posts
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Post by steve10086 on Jun 11, 2016 17:47:18 GMT
This deserves to be on a bigger stage in London's glitzy west end I agree with everything you said about the show, but being on a small stage has been one of the best things about it for me. Being so close to that cast, singing as powerfully as they do, is a highlight for me. |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 11, 2016 17:50:41 GMT
This deserves to be on a bigger stage in London's glitzy west end I agree with everything you said about the show, but being on a small stage has been one of the best things about it for me. Being so close to that cast, singing as powerfully as they do, is a highlight for me. I do agree about that. I meant that it deserves to be seen by more people I suppose. The sound the cast make is a thing of glory. One of the best ensembles I think I've seen in a long long time. |
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1,483 posts
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Post by steve10086 on Jun 11, 2016 18:06:48 GMT
I agree with everything you said about the show, but being on a small stage has been one of the best things about it for me. Being so close to that cast, singing as powerfully as they do, is a highlight for me. I do agree about that. I meant that it deserves to be seen by more people I suppose. The sound the cast make is a thing of glory. One of the best ensembles I think I've seen in a long long time. Exactly - amazing voices! And it does deserve to be seen by more people. Really glad this came around again. |
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171 posts
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Post by musicalfloozie on Jun 11, 2016 19:34:33 GMT
After reading the reviews and everyone's comments on here I'm kind of glad my Groundhog Day tickets got cancelled and we booked this as a replacement I can't wait to go and see if for myself. Roll on July
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Post by Deleted on Jun 11, 2016 20:06:43 GMT
Amazing how a raved about show
In a tiny venue
Is being papered
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Post by Deleted on Jun 11, 2016 20:44:28 GMT
Could do well in a small theatre like the Duchess maybe? (I know TPTGW isn't closing anytime soon)
What's the set like? Is it quite big? How do they simulate the sinking?
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Post by d'James on Jun 11, 2016 20:51:58 GMT
Whoever answers George's question, if they could put the answer in spoiler tags, that'd be great.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 11, 2016 21:06:09 GMT
Whoever answers George's question, if they could put the answer in spoiler tags, that'd be great. If someone answers it!! |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 12, 2016 16:25:30 GMT
Could do well in a small theatre like the Duchess maybe? (I know TPTGW isn't closing anytime soon) What's the set like? Is it quite big? How do they simulate the sinking? {Spoiler - click to view}
They don't really attempt it. There's one moment where the top of the set tips and another where they simulate a desk lifting and floating but that's about it. It's really done more with suggestion than "Oh my God, we're sinking" and throwing themselves all over the stage. There is a moment with a lifeboat which is a real heartbreaker but it's so simply done. |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 12, 2016 16:28:21 GMT
Amazing how a raved about show In a tiny venue Is being papered Well that's a real shame if so as it really doesn't deserve it. |
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396 posts
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Post by djp on Jun 13, 2016 23:37:26 GMT
I agree with everything you said about the show, but being on a small stage has been one of the best things about it for me. Being so close to that cast, singing as powerfully as they do, is a highlight for me. I do agree about that. I meant that it deserves to be seen by more people I suppose. The sound the cast make is a thing of glory. One of the best ensembles I think I've seen in a long long time. indeed, I thought Titanic sounded phenomenal. Some impressive vocals and some really good dramatic performances - particularly the whose fault was it trio. Who ever cast it did a great job , its got a lot of WE names you know are really good anyway , but reinforces that by finding some equally good beginners, or less known performers. The third class , Irish female trio being a case in point - some people to watch out for there. It looked about 85-90% full for the Saturday matinee - hope it stays that way or does better. Certainly deserves to . |
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571 posts
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Post by westendwendy on Jun 14, 2016 13:19:21 GMT
Amazing how a raved about show In a tiny venue Is being papered Well that's a real shame if so as it really doesn't deserve it.
Because the theatre is horrible that's why!!!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2016 13:21:38 GMT
Well that's a real shame if so as it really doesn't deserve it.
Because the theatre is horrible that's why!!!
Is it? What's wrong with it? |
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571 posts
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Post by westendwendy on Jun 14, 2016 13:46:20 GMT
Because the theatre is horrible that's why!!!
Is it? What's wrong with it?
It is sticky, next to ventilation shafts, has no air or light, is inside a sticky arch, part of a drunken pub, a smelly café and the theatre itself inside is the strangest shape (too long) of any theatre I've ever visited.
It's right in the middle of the West End but feels worse than many fringe venues.
That said the show is great.
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