I personally didn't like the view from the front row and found the stage a little high, though I was also on the far right side. I think the dance numbers lose a lot of impact from the front row and for some of the songs, including the intimate solos towards the end it seemed like the actors used the left side of the stage more so it gave the impression they were singing past you. Having said that this is quite an expensive show and the front row represents better value than you'd get for similarly priced seats in for example the back row of the upper circle
Whereas I generally hate being on the front row but enjoyed it for this one. Think they work hard to make the front couple of rows feel involved. Plenty of winking out at the audience, and dance numbers were ridiculously infectious that close up. And like I say I'm normally a sit well back and take it all in kind of guy. Also found the height to be relatively comfortable. Definitely nowhere near the highest stage I've seen.
Wow - top seats at the NT now up to £65 for some plays and dates; Fri and Sat nights cost more and they're playing the premium seats game with the centre stalls in the Olivier more expensive than other front stall seats - all feels very mercenary. Will be doing Friday rush for most things, I think.
Really expected better from the NT than this - again, it's hard not to feel that any hole in their finances is their own fault and that this wouldn't be happening under Starr/Hytner, who managed to reduce the dependence on Arts Council funding.
Yes I was pretty appalled at this, and then even more so after seeing about dynamic in the post further up. Sad times indeed! I mean I get it, from a business point of view, but still...
1st preview - 1 fainter (house lights had to be turned on but actors continued) and a good 20 walk outs. 1hr 53 but will get quicker no doubt Doesn't stick rigidly with the text. No mechanical rats and added guns. So much nudity I read play this morning otherwise think I'd have been lost Didn't find it shocking with violence thou lot did Think I hated it for the majority but think I loved it at the end
So, all in all, should make for an interesting trip to the theatre with my sister on Saturday night then...
Sorry if a thread already exists for this but I couldn't see one...
Just spotted that, for anyone interested in going to see this, there's availability over the next few days. Looks from the positioning that they have sorted out the sight lines and released those seats on each level nearest the stage.
Surely Palladium has to be in the running for this one? Or wouldn't it fit the stage? Drury Lane a possibility if not? Listening to the cast recording for the first time now.
Report back on your thoughts on the cast album Ade………I was sold on the first listen and got teary eyed at the final number (I was on the DLR!!)
Teary on public transport. I normally reserve that for episodes of Grey's Anatomy had a listen and enjoyed it. Need another though as couldn't listen to it all properly because was working at the same time
Surely Palladium has to be in the running for this one? Or wouldn't it fit the stage? Drury Lane a possibility if not? Listening to the cast recording for the first time now.
So it's coming back to London then with Bev. Six months from July at the Dominion. While I'm sure many will be less than excited by it I'm pleased as missed it the first time around and was always intrigued to hear her sing those songs
Have to say I'm way more excited by these announcements than I was by last year's. Not perfect but definitely enough to have me making more return trips than I have over the past 12 months.
Thanks Ade, for that insightful review. I look forward to reading your thoughts after War horse. Shame they are not doing a live screening of Ma Rainey. And on a side note, what a handsome chap you look to be too, Ade.
I'm seeing this tonight. A really good blog, Ade - you intelligently cover the various elements: performances, set, view from your seat (though no mention of ice cream prices, programme value for money or dogs ;-)) without giving away too much!
Unfortunately didn't have an ice cream, programme has an interesting few articles in that we're interesting enough, and no dogs I don't like to disappoint.
Went to see this last night! Absolutely loved it. The casting is just absolutely spot on. I'm pleased as I have seen such a bunch of duds at the National just lately so this has restored my faith somewhat. Posted my review up on the blog if anyone is interested.
Sat there 3 times: Speaking in Tongues and Posh were OK, Constellations was a nightmare!
Ha! I'll never forget Constellations. It was like looking straight up a cliff - a cliff with a protruding overhang. Luckily, the entire show was played right downstage so the actors were mostly visible from the thighs up.
I went for the front row too. Hoping it's ok but decided I would rather gamble with the height of the stage than have a cut off view with the curvature of the upper circle.
Have caved and bought a ticket up in the Balcony for this. Part of me wonders if being up close would work much better for it and wonder if it was the best venue choice but the buzz on here (and the old forum...) has me intrigued.
Was ajl on the old forum but rarely posted. Newly based in Gillingham, Kent so now have more chance than ever to visit London for theatre trips. Lurk to post ratio is more like 200:1 for me but going to try and change that on the new forum.
Personally I'd be surprised if this doesn't sell very well. I can completely see that his casting probably means nothing to many but to anyone who has seen Game of Thrones, this will be a massive pull - regardless of whether he is the right man for the role.