4,596 posts
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Post by Someone in a tree on Jul 5, 2023 9:10:21 GMT
I loved this many moons ago at a charing cross.
I do wonder how it scales up into big theatres though ?
Also, the band (if memory serves me right was only 6 - keys, percussion & strings) sounded great in a small venue. Again, is this too small for a big venue ?
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874 posts
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Post by BVM on Jul 5, 2023 9:56:59 GMT
I can't remember if I've commented yet. I saw it back in March or April. Really enjoyed it. Liked the characters and thought it was very well written. Moving and measured in tone. The music was the biggest letdown for me. Nary a hummable tune in the whole thing. But after reading up about the deliberate influences for the music (Britten, Elgar etc), it makes sense as to why there was little that felt like a showtune in the piece. I think it suffered a bit from lack of set - but apart from that I rated it. 3.5 out of 5! I felt very much the same when saw it at Charing Cross. Music was “pleasant” but samey and couldn’t remember a single song after the show. It was very enjoyable however. Still, felt like such an intimate show I really struggle to imagine it coming across in these big touring houses.
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1,117 posts
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Post by theatrefan62 on Jul 5, 2023 10:01:27 GMT
Just noticed there's no star ranking poll for this one?
And yeah for me its one of the best musicals. But I can see how its style isn't for everyone
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1,878 posts
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Post by distantcousin on Jul 5, 2023 10:38:38 GMT
I can't remember if I've commented yet. I saw it back in March or April. Really enjoyed it. Liked the characters and thought it was very well written. Moving and measured in tone. The music was the biggest letdown for me. Nary a hummable tune in the whole thing. But after reading up about the deliberate influences for the music (Britten, Elgar etc), it makes sense as to why there was little that felt like a showtune in the piece. I think it suffered a bit from lack of set - but apart from that I rated it. 3.5 out of 5! I felt very much the same when saw it at Charing Cross. Music was “pleasant” but samey and couldn’t remember a single song after the show. It was very enjoyable however. Still, felt like such an intimate show I really struggle to imagine it coming across in these big touring houses. Yes, I saw it at the Birmingham Hippodrome and really felt the physical production was too small/too "fringe" for a big stage like that. There needed more flying in, trucks etc.
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18,844 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 5, 2023 10:50:03 GMT
Just noticed there's no star ranking poll for this one? And yeah for me it’s one of the best musicals. But I can see how its style isn't for everyone Poll added.
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110 posts
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Post by Sotongal on Jul 5, 2023 11:38:37 GMT
I loved this many moons ago at a charing cross. I do wonder how it scales up into big theatres though ? Also, the band (if memory serves me right was only 6 - keys, percussion & strings) sounded great in a small venue. Again, is this too small for a big venue ? It was pretty good at The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, back in April, the anniversary week of the sinking of RMS Titanic, the city where the ship and sinking obviously has a strong local connection. (Would agree the musical numbers are a bit samey, though). The Mayflower is the biggest theatre on the south coast and has 2,300 seats. Apart from occasional plays it takes all the main musical touring productions (and is only five minutes from the main Southampton station, with car parks nearby!) www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-onThis tweet might give you an idea of the set in Southampton.
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213 posts
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Post by zsazsa on Jul 5, 2023 11:57:06 GMT
I saw this at Charing Cross and also on tour. It is the best singing I have heard in any touring show. The ensemble numbers are spine tingling.
I think it works well with minimalist set and helps focus the show on the characters and their stories.
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1,117 posts
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Post by theatrefan62 on Jul 5, 2023 12:06:53 GMT
I sort of see where people are coming from saying it's a bit samey. But I'd say the same about Sondheim and he is lauded by most
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213 posts
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Post by zsazsa on Jul 13, 2023 17:36:51 GMT
Looks like this has been filmed for some sort of future release.
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2,150 posts
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Post by richey on Jul 14, 2023 7:03:06 GMT
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583 posts
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Post by ncbears on Jul 14, 2023 18:39:25 GMT
Is this the Southwark/Charing Cross version that was filmed?
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583 posts
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Post by ncbears on Jul 14, 2023 23:44:56 GMT
Some details on the filming: "Filming of the musical took place using seven cameras placed at multiple locations within the New Victoria Theatre during regular performances, with the cast and crew also filming the show in an empty theater during the day. The release plans have been established with a well-known distributor, and an official announcement is expected in the next couple of months." Some DetailsIt appears it is both "live" and then some portions filmed on an empty stage - sort of like Miss Saigon?
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Post by theoracle on Jul 15, 2023 11:20:12 GMT
I was in Woking when the cameras were in. It does sound rather glorious but not sure how well this will translate onto the screen. There’s far too many storylines and the almost through-sung element makes it tricky to follow. Lovely to listen to of course and some nice performances too. Costumes and set filled the stage. A pity it didn’t seem particularly full, a number of empty seats around where I was
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Post by willjam39 on Jul 17, 2023 6:35:04 GMT
We saw it at Wycombe and thought the performances were some of the best in a touring show, especially vocally. Loved the use of set but i am a sucker for tight/multi use type sets. Also so glad they filmed it as really enjoyed it. Having mixed an amdram version I know its a tough one to put on so maybe a little biased.
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30 posts
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Post by cheri78 on Jul 19, 2023 23:01:31 GMT
What a worthwhile trip from France to Sheffield this has been to see Miss Saigon last night and Titanic tonight. Having seen it's original production at Southwark Playhouse then at Charing Cross, this tour surpassed both. That wall of sound from the ensemble was astounding and something you'd rarely hear in a touring production. Hard to single anyone out as it's such a tight ensemble piece, so in fairness I won't, but not one weak link. Such simple but effective staging with beautiful lighting design. And still has the power to move you to tears. Not many venues left but do book to see this. The Sheffield audience were ecstatic at the end and so good to see a theatre full of people watching a musical that they probably do not know the music to already and are prepared to listen and invest in the storytelling. 5* from me, look forward to seeing the filmed version at some future date. Congratulations to all involved, you can be very proud of your work
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3,088 posts
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Post by david on Jul 27, 2023 12:57:47 GMT
It was 5 years ago this week that I last watched the show in Liverpool and having a read of my original post at the time, I gave it a 5⭐️ rating so I was interested to see if after a repeat viewing if this would still be the case for this tour. After last nights trip to the Empire, this viewing was just as good as my last one and I’m still able to give this tour a 5⭐️ rating. What was great to see was that there where a couple of young lads (I’d say less than 13 yrs old) sat near me who were enthralled by the show and giving it rave reviews to their parents at the end of the show.
A really lovely and powerful score performed by a wonderful cast and orchestra. The big ensemble numbers are still the highlight with that wall of sound around the auditorium. The simple set backed up by a lovely lighting design was very effective in the telling of the different characters story arcs. Even though you know the outcome, the stories are still powerful and emotional ones that can bring a tear to the eye. The use of the large board to list the victims of the tragedy at the end still hits hard and a fitting tribute to them in the show.
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583 posts
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Post by ncbears on Nov 5, 2023 0:49:00 GMT
Just saw the filmed version. Barnaby Hughes was the standout for me in an excellent cast. Was not a fan of the camera moving constantly - I was getting seasick. This show, in my opinion, did not need such active camera work and lots of editing from mefiun to full to closeup. The sound mix seemed off at first so the vocals, I thought, did not seem to soar as much as I remember. Still, Zi swear it was my allergies acting up making my eyes watery and teary.
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3,791 posts
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Post by anthony40 on Feb 27, 2024 1:39:40 GMT
As this is getting cinema screenings, is there any update on a DVD/Blu-Ray release?
Moderators, feel free to merge thread if necessary.
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