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Post by londonmzfitz on Jul 7, 2023 9:33:14 GMT
Young Marx at The Bridge Theatre (Rory Kinnear) Macbeth at The Barbican (Christopher Eccleston)
I think I gave both a good chance to capture my attention, but .... you know, when you find your head thinking about a nice cuppa tea and/or an early night during the first act, then why hang on in?
I can't think of any others, and I've been looking at stages for 40+ years. Maybe my tolerance level has changed.
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Post by londonmzfitz on Jul 2, 2023 13:52:55 GMT
I loved Alex Gaumond in Seven Brides/Seven Brothers at the Open Air ... He's been in my head as a "UK" Phil. Damian Humbley as Ned, please. He'd be a great Ned.
I'm *thrilled* at West End transfer.
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Post by londonmzfitz on Jul 1, 2023 15:25:21 GMT
I know this ticket thing happened in a time of extreme stress for me - new bathroom being fitted which was supposed to start on 6 Feb and actually finished on 6 May (awful workman, started day late, finished on the Friday at 8pm, new flooring hadn't arrived and was another 16 days .. with no bathroom sink - I could go on), but I was properly fed up of dealing with shoddy, shoddy workman and the blase office contact. A week after those works started I got home late from work - 9pm - to find this artist was touring and tickets were going on presale the next day .. checked the goss on facebook to find a friend had died really suddenly that day - had been reading her posts from her weekend away literally hours earlier. And. Boiler had stopped working a few weeks earlier and had a shocking quote from local plumber for new install (deemed existing boiler too old to repair, natch), which would mean new pipe work, flooring up, kitchen cupboards out etc - when my boss saw the quote he absolutely lost his mind (I adjusted the water pressure myself and old boiler started working again, and my boss is sorting a new for me).
I truthfully rolled my eyes at myself at Dave B's - why not use the @info email .. This week I've emailed two long-term contacts at clients to find they've gone. Perhaps my contact at STAR has gone, and there's a simple explanation and I'm not just the old bird shouting at clouds ....
For fairness the quotes from the RETAILER (excuse GIGANTIC ((hint to retailer)) text) in their emails:
1. Due to an administrative error your seats were mistakenly sold. You have now been moved to the correct seats for the Silver package.
(responded - Me having a moan)
2. If you wanted a guaranteed seat in the first 5 rows, you would have had to have purchased a Gold VIP package, Your seats are in the 6th row which is the best available in our allocation for the Silver VIP package, If you want to try to get better seats, please rebook through our website the new tickets you’d like. Once you have done this if you email us your new order number we can refund the original order at face value minus the booking fee. Apologies for the confusion (SMILEY FACE EMOJI)
(Me replying I don't want a refund and what the heck with your smiley face emoji).
3. Unfortunately, your seats were labelled incorrectly, those seats aren’t available as they belong to a customer who purchased the Gold VIP package, If you don’t want to take up the previous offer, we are happy to offer a full refund if you no longer want the seats you have been allocated, Would you like me to process this for you?
The phone call to them, I have notes and it really was condescending.
I've dithered about posting and I'm glad I did, thanks all. I'll keep the updates coming (if there are any). I did deal with one of the Directors of the retailer in a past employment - I used to run the office of London Flyposters until 2003 when Camden Council started issuing ASBO's (I still have my Court paperwork).
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Post by londonmzfitz on Jun 30, 2023 14:22:46 GMT
London theatre is fighting an uphill battle: - Anyone coming into London by train won't book except at short notice because of the risk of cancellations due to strike; - Even at short notice, operator incompetence (particularly the First Group franchises) means that trains often get cancelled for other reasons too; - Train services home from London after evening shows do not exist for much of the country, so you are looking at a hotel or matinee; - London hotel prices may be affordable to overseas tourists, but for those of us who still earn our living in Pounds Sterling whose value has tanked, we are often looking at £200+ just for a three-star hotel and often much more, which is crazy; - Energy costs had a big impact that hasn't entirely gone away; - Equity pay deals have matched inflation (rightly); - The resulting seat prices for a half-decent view are now unaffordable for many; - Those of us who are lucky enough to still have some disposable income left are being a lot pickier about where we spend it. It's a great pity for Aspects as it's very much worth seeing in my view, but I imagine many of Michael Ball's fans and casual listeners to his Radio 2 show will have checked out the inital pricing options and decided that it was not special enough to save up for and be unaware of later offers. This Aspects would sell much better on a tour where there are fewer obstacles in the way of actually getting to the theatre. A case in point - and not quoting the post above mine, but: I will admit to cancelling my Shirley Valentine for the very last show due to train strikes. Couldn't do it, drive in/drive home or overnight hotel - stress / mad expensive. ATG bless them refunded. I work in London 2 days a week and try to do an overnighter to incorporate a show on my night in London. Hotels are insane prices now, though - I'll Travelodge or Premier Inn out to Wembley (where I used to live) which can *sometimes* be the same cost as my train ticket + car park (Grantham). Re Equity/ticket prices - I'd actually not booked the Wiltons Mikado for Tuesday night after comments on this board about cast not being paid - went out to dinner instead after considering and rejecting costs for Op Mincemeat / Guys & Dolls. I had a bit of interest in seeing Aspects, as I hadn't seen it before. But reviews put me off - I'd rather spend my £ on another viewing of Groundhog Day which is a show that makes me very, very happy.
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Post by londonmzfitz on Jun 30, 2023 14:06:25 GMT
Gawd, do you know, with all the festering and sulking I've done on this ... that is such a reasonable and well balanced solution ... I'm on edge over this and am properly taking it personally; the bloke on the phone at the retailer was so condescending, and STAR blanking my original letter and now not answering my email from earlier this month ....
Deep breath. Thanks DaveB. Have emailed the info@, and copied in the other STAR email. Thanks!!
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Post by londonmzfitz on Jun 30, 2023 13:11:02 GMT
I have a ticket problem (gig, not theatre) - anyone had experience using STAR?
Purchased tickets from a retailer who is a member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) in a pre-sale back in Feb 2023, got 2nd blooming row, well chuffed, paid my £££ and got the email confirmation through. Two days later email from the retailer saying they'd had an admin error and I'm now 6th row, 2nd row has gone to people who'd paid more £ (tiered ticket thing, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Plebs). I've missed the pre-sale, general sale is now on and rows 80+ are up for sale ...
I've contacted the retailer by email in February and March, and was told "tough". On the advice of Citizens Advice Bureau (they quoted breach of contract, not the tickets I'd purchased in good faith etc, by retailers admission it's their admin error, seats haven't been shifted around) I wrote polite letter in April 2023 to the retailer with copies of relevant information, sent recorded delivery - no response. Phoned the retailer and was told over the phone "tough" (and they don't open letters, he'd worked there 18 months and they don't "do" letters).
I contacted STAR in end of April 2023, and May 2023. They confirmed they've received my emails and messages on 9 May 2023 and would respond within 14 days. I emailed again on 6 June 2023, no answer. Now, I know 6th row isn't row 80+ and I should be happy, I guess, but I'm peed off I wasn't given the option of spending the extra £ to keep my original tickets, and the attitude I've had off the retailer over - *by their own admission* - their admin error. And cherry on the cake from STAR by not responding to me since 9 May 2023.
Any advice? Thoughts? Gig is in December 2023, I'd already booked the non-refundable hotel (Birmingham) the evening before the pre-sale tickets went on sale, going with a friend who was utterly delighted at the prospect of 2nd row.
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Post by londonmzfitz on Jun 29, 2023 17:20:51 GMT
Being an old bird I went to the matinee yesterday - £33! - thank you very much! 3rd time this run, and I'm still finding little gems. The lighting made an impact on me this visit - it's so important to get the stage dark for the change/repeat scenes, but the falling snow too. I can't tell you just how much I'm loving this show. As BVM above, I can't find a weak spot, and for me the music, the lyrics, are in my head (and I was "1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8" stepping to the tube for ages after).
Busy matinee too, saw a bunch of school children heading towards the theatre but didn't hear a thing from them (would a few of those lines would be 15+ rating)?
Love it.
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Post by londonmzfitz on Jun 20, 2023 9:18:04 GMT
"Is it a real Groundhog"? Followed by "If they use real children at Matilda it should be a real Groundhog". Said several times to several people by a grown woman.
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Post by londonmzfitz on Jun 19, 2023 12:01:28 GMT
Adored this Tuesday night, and agree Owen Teale is a fabulous Scrooge, very good indeed. Was it always this ... short? Tuesday night I was out on the street by just gone 9.30pm ... And I also feel the staging has moved up - I might not have noticed but for the comment above. I've seen this every year, it moves me every time. Every single time. The staging, the superb lighting, it's all quite magical. Rhys Ifans will probably always be my favourite Scrooge as he was my first here at The Old Vic, but Owen Teale is a very, very close second. It's superb. I usually hold out for the PWC tickets but it's going to be manic with the new casting of Christopher Eccleston, so grabbed a couple of previews. Oh how I love this show. Might pop a last night in the basket too .. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/christopher-eccleston-ebeneezer-scrooge-jack-thorne-rhys-ifans-andrew-lincoln-b2360163.html
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Post by londonmzfitz on Jun 16, 2023 14:27:54 GMT
Carl Mullaney was a favourite of mine at Les Mis (played the nasty snotty bloke after a prostitute and gets Fantine arrested). He was superb in the West End Eurovision 2014 - Flying The Flag Trolly Dolly!
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Post by londonmzfitz on Jun 16, 2023 14:18:02 GMT
I have such happy memories of this (remember the old Leicester Square - can you imagine trying that now). Hailstones through Jersey Boys was a memory. It's usually the Trooping of the Colour day, Saturday, isn't it? I recall watching the Red Arrows zipping over before now. I'll pop by on Sunday (in town for Tim Minchin Sunday evening). But won't stop if there is queuing. It's the final Pretty Woman on Sunday too, so might put my feet up in there if there's a last min ticket.
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Post by londonmzfitz on Jun 9, 2023 14:43:07 GMT
5* Telegraph review by Dominic Cavendish is lovely though. 5* Time Out (Alice Saville) 4* Guardian 4* Evening Standard (Nick Curtis) 4* The Stage
I'm back tonight for my second on this run. Buzzing!
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Post by londonmzfitz on Jun 2, 2023 8:16:47 GMT
During its first run I had argued quite vehemently that Playing Nancy didn’t work where it was, happy to eat my words seeing this a few years down the line. Ditto. My comment at the time - you come buzzing back from the bar full of lols and then - *BAM* - Rita is there to shame you for sniggering at her .. If I was seeing it fresh I might feel the same, but knowing it's coming I am ready for it. Took a friend who quietly commented on the poignancy of that one song -
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Post by londonmzfitz on May 30, 2023 14:45:50 GMT
Went Saturday. Man, I'm overjoyed to be able to see this again. It is such a fun piece, love the music, love the staging, love the performers. I was in Stall B14 - had one of the flags flying past into the auditorium at the start, much to the consternation of the young man on stage. My son and his flatmate were in B18 & 19, said the view was great (I'm in one of those next week). The death scenes were very different to the 2016 staging, kinda miss it, having to properly stretch the imagination back then, but lots of gasps around me at a couple of the new scenes. Great buzz in the Theatre - I'm really hoping for big starry reviews when it opens next week. Saturday night was pretty much perfect, flying flag and one tiny glitch with the Sherriff's holster aside.
"Playing Nancy" - what a lovely song. But - in my head every time I woke through Saturday night/Sunday morning .. Nobody Cares. Argh! and - If I Had My Time Again - what riches! Can't wait for my next visit(s).
Great bar at The Old Vic too - cocktails after the show, "late-night basement bar is open after the show until 12am Mon–Wed and 2am Thu–Sat". Tequila Old Fashioned recommended. Fabulous evening.
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Post by londonmzfitz on May 26, 2023 10:30:34 GMT
With Love Never Dies topping the Musicals Forum today, an update from Adam Pearce (Squelch in the original London performances) yesterday on his recovery from the stroke he had last year (aged 38). Tim Rice has shoved £500 in this morning ... £53,000! www.londontheatredirect.com/actor/adam-pearcewww.gofundme.com/f/adam-pearce-stroke-recovery-fund?viewupdates=1&rcid=r01-168505092217-10cbaddcfb4511ed&utm_medium=email&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_email%2B1137-update-supporters-v5b>My progress has slowed down quite a bit, which is to be expected. It's all about motor skills, stamina and fine tuning now. I'm still walking (long or unknown) journeys with my foot lift brace. Lately on good days, I've been able to clock up over 14,000 steps throughout the day. It's so nice to be travelling into London and doing a number of things, including Auditions, coffee catch ups, going to hospital appointments and the start of Singing lessons all independently. Once again, a massive thank you to you for your donations. With this incredible amount I have been able to afford Physiotherapy Sessions, Occupational Therapy, Therapy equipment, Counselling, Travel expenses, Bills paid, singing lessons and helping my family and I live an as 'normal life' as possible at this moment in time. 6months ago, we didn't think that we would be able to make 'Happy Core Memories' which we have done which is wonderful.<
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Post by londonmzfitz on May 26, 2023 9:09:44 GMT
Row B for Monday. £125 ... but Row C etc £154 with signed programme. However, following the Row B link it asks if you want to pay £12.50 for a signed programme ... so, unless I've got that wrong .....
And it's 3 performances - Monday evening, Tuesday matinee (2.30) and Tuesday evening.
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Post by londonmzfitz on May 23, 2023 9:58:57 GMT
I've got this booked in July, very excited as I've heard such good things about it and LOVE Tim Minchin's work! I've never seen the film - should I watch the film before I watch the show? I'd suggest not, simply because I will forever have in my head the bloke sat behind me at Mama Mia saying to his partner "This is the bit in the film where such and such happens with so and so" ... over and over again. Not whispering either, I think he presumed he was there as a public announcement system for those around him that might think the thing being played out in person right in front of them bore no resemblance to the cinematic thing. Just enjoy it for itself, would be my thought.
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Post by londonmzfitz on May 22, 2023 15:13:09 GMT
And the 18th, and 23 July. More on the Performers thread. And the lovely prices! The man is a gem. £30.50 and £51.75. 90 minute show, no interval.
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Post by londonmzfitz on May 22, 2023 15:11:39 GMT
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Post by londonmzfitz on May 22, 2023 12:44:53 GMT
Rather than derail the Groundhog Day thread, Tim Minchin is having a night (4 June 2023) - possibly more (11 June 2023 has come up on Ticketmaster but not on sale ?-yet-? at the Lyric Theatre.
God Bless the man (whatever God you profess to) and his clever, witty songs.
Adding - @timminchin - 2018 twee - Please remember everyone: DON’T buy tickets for inflated prices on secondary sales sites. I cap my ticket price because I think it’s ****y to charge too much, regardless of demand. These f***ers exploit this to make money for themselves. f*** those guys
2018 - I didn't go to Southend after all (date didn't work for me) but sold my ticket on Twickets, non profit site.
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Post by londonmzfitz on May 22, 2023 12:33:39 GMT
Ticketmaster now showing Friday 9 June *Not On Sale Yet?* for Tim Minchin (I will post on the Tim Minchin thread in Performers rather than derail this one). But Friday 9 June - says the Lyric but - it's Aspects night at the Lyric?
JUN 09 Friday 19:30Fri19:30 Open additional information forLondon Lyric Theatre An Unfunny Evening with Tim Minchin and His Piano 09/06/2023, 19:30 LondonLyric Theatre An Unfunny Evening with Tim Minchin and His Piano
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Post by londonmzfitz on May 22, 2023 11:49:10 GMT
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Post by londonmzfitz on May 22, 2023 11:47:56 GMT
Well, I looked .. at the spinning wheel for Nimax Theatres and the wait for Ticketmaster to kick in, and - well, lucky I didn't have my heart set on it, although still disappointed. Odd seats popped up here and there but it's a journey in on the train the day after a strike and a hotel .... Congrats Stephen on your front stalls and enjoy.
I had front row for Tim in Oxford, years ago, mad entertaining and utterly delightful bloke.
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Post by londonmzfitz on May 22, 2023 10:23:39 GMT
Saturday - Groundhog Day. Thursday - would love to see Dancing in Lughnasa (sold out) .. I'll leave it to the last minute in case of returns. Otherwise might be Guys & Dolls or Newsies, as I'm staying in Wembley overnight, both repeat visits.
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Post by londonmzfitz on May 21, 2023 14:28:48 GMT
Got to wait a week, g'dammit, having booked Lehman Trilogy final performance for last night ...
Tim Minchin is doing a one night show in London on 4 June (Sunday evening), tickets on sale tomorrow. Info via facebook, don't know what theatre or prices (or how high the stage is, etc).... Not his usual comedy show, he says, some Matilda and anything else that takes his fancy.
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Post by londonmzfitz on May 21, 2023 14:25:16 GMT
Made it to the last performance last night. Exceptional, I thought - beautifully paced and very well performed. Audience fully engaged.
Madly enthusiastic curtain call, Nigel Lindsey did a kind of gulp, sob, and then - tears. Lovely evening.
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Post by londonmzfitz on May 19, 2023 13:26:37 GMT
Blooming train strike on the last performance day, I've managed to change my evening stalls to a matinee stalls (driving home to Lincolnshire in daylight rather than midnight). It's a lovely Stalls Row C which might pop up soon, if anyone is looking.
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Post by londonmzfitz on May 19, 2023 13:18:58 GMT
I am beyond excited! They’ve released some rehearsal footage today and can already spot a few minor changes. Looks like there’s some new choreography involving *flags which I don’t remember from the original run*. I saw the first preview of the original Old Vic run. From memory. There were cast members walking through the revolve as "Phil" was singing to the audience, planting place name flags into holes in the revolve, which, as the revolve turned, dropped out and fell onto the stage, with a startled "Phil" stepping over them .. Unscripted comedy moment. Wasn't there on my next visit(s).
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Post by londonmzfitz on May 15, 2023 10:57:08 GMT
Cast in Conversation - Voices Off: Groundhog Day Cast in Conversation – In Person 10.30PM | TUE 20 JUN 2023 GENERAL ADMISSION A
Can't see this has already been mentioned, and I don't think I saw this on my (many) views of the Old Vic website.
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Post by londonmzfitz on May 13, 2023 23:28:28 GMT
Why the love for Finland? It wasn’t a song, it was just shouting. Always extra points from me if it's done in the language of the Country rather than go the populist sung in English route. And I like to imagine it in a European club on a summer evening with people having a bop .... Cha-Cha-Cha-Cha-Cha-Cha!
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