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Post by Mark on Jul 15, 2022 11:08:05 GMT
October 1st seems to be the date of a massive cast change around. The only main cast staying on are Tom Bennett as Del Boy, Ryan Hutton as Rodney, and Nicola Munns as Cassandra and now Marlene. They’ve also combined more tracks, so Cassandra and Marlene are the same actress, as is Mickey Pearce and Danny Driscoll. They’ve merged tracks previously (merging the Dating Agent’s track with one of the Driscoll brothers) I don’t think they’d do that big of a change around and bring in Les Dennis as Grandad if they were planning this as the last extension. But it does indicate that Paul Whitehouse might not be returning as Grandad as previously hoped. It could mean they are getting it ready to tour (where it would do very well I would imagine).
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Post by Mark on Jul 13, 2022 21:43:48 GMT
Was at the first preview tonight. Let me start by saying that I saw the original production 6 times over the years (and the tour in Sydney in 2019) so fairly familiar with the show and the original staging.
Overall, I thought the new production in Leicester was excellent! Sounds fantastic, and it seemed to move at a much faster pace than the original in terms of tempos (indeed, the runtime was 2:30 including interval tonight). The performances are universally great, Samuel Newby was a fantastic Billy Elliot and in great voice. Sally Ann Triplett, Joe Caffrey, Jessica Daley - all brilliant.
Loved the staging, the set is quite industrial and four big yellow metal barriers are used throughout to great effect (especially in Solidarity), and there is a three tiered structure which has the house and also bathroom of the social club, and then lots of scaffolding at the back. Very impressive.
The main difference is that it certainly seemed less “dancy” than the original production. Most of the cut from the runtime seems to have come from dance elements, with what seemed to be a shorter Expressing Yourself, an abridged Angry Dance (no tap or riot shields), a good but less visually impressive dance with older self, and then the big dance following the bows, going straight into the reprise of Expressing Yourself/Shine. I’d guess this choice was probably due to this production overall feeling more industrial and gritty and less metaphorical and theatrical like the original. The choreography in general definitely lacked much ballet, with a much more contemporary feel to it. The only time I really missed it though was in the dance with older self and the end of Electricity.
In my opinion, still one of the best contemporary musicals and I would see it again in a heartbeat if it were to transfer to the West End.
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Post by Mark on Jul 13, 2022 9:21:24 GMT
Extended to and closing on 15th January 2023.
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Post by Mark on Jul 12, 2022 23:50:08 GMT
Managed to get three front row £12.50 tix for 7th Jan Mat (since I know I'll have it booked off work for Come From Away closing night).
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Post by Mark on Jul 12, 2022 23:49:12 GMT
Hadestown, Little Shop, Beetlejuice on the list of possibles. Beetlejuice is always on TKTS at 50% off, making it around the $80-$90 mark depending on the day. Hadestown is occasionally on there, moreso mid-week. Little Shop sometimes on TKTS, and also does offers on TodayTix in advance.
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Post by Mark on Jul 12, 2022 22:09:55 GMT
Well this was a great production and a good night out. As mentioned Charlie is outstanding and his dancing is a level above anything we’ve seen him do before with some fantastic choreography. Carly Anderson also very good and a great dancer.
I will agree that sitting at the side you lose a bit due to the angles, this has clearly been designed with a transfer in mind in a more traditional proscenium.
(No Moon)
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Post by Mark on Jul 12, 2022 20:13:10 GMT
Interval thoughts - Charlie Stemp is phenomenal. Wonderful and joyous production.
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Post by Mark on Jul 12, 2022 9:16:19 GMT
Going tonight! Actually quite grateful for an air conditioned car ride today because my apartment is sweltering.
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Post by Mark on Jul 11, 2022 21:34:29 GMT
Thinking of getting tickets for this at Sadler’s Wells, but never been to this venue before and it’s not on Theatre Monkey so after so after some seat advice! Would front row of the second circle be good if I’m tall enough to see over the rail? Not much else at a decent price that I could find but wondering if there’ll be offers if I hold out a bit longer?! I would wait for inevitable rush tickets. They had them last year for Singin' in the Rain and they were always readily available
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Post by Mark on Jul 10, 2022 20:21:12 GMT
Full cast announcement tomorrow at 11:45 on WOS. Anyone got any spoilers? Bring it on!
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Post by Mark on Jul 9, 2022 15:31:19 GMT
That will be a big loss, Olly is brilliant in the show. It's a spot-on replica of Michael J Fox's performance, he'll be hard to replace. If I’ve heard correctly, the replacement is direct from New Jersey and had universal raves for his debut role.
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Post by Mark on Jul 8, 2022 19:19:27 GMT
I’d definitely be assuming the start time is 7pm
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Post by Mark on Jul 6, 2022 15:30:05 GMT
So does anyone actually know the answer to this? There may not currently be an answer!
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Post by Mark on Jul 5, 2022 20:30:49 GMT
Very cute show, although I’ll agree it compared unfavourably to Six. The songs were fun, the book scenes a bit laboured. Great for school groups though!
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Post by Mark on Jul 4, 2022 21:52:59 GMT
Thought this was good overall. As mentioned above it’s basically a history lesson of Russian politics post 1991. Act one took an age to really get going anywhere but pretty smooth after that. Act two was definitely stronger. A few stumbles over lines and some definite tightening to be done.
Loved the design, great use of the space.
Late letting people in tonight - was listed as 1:15 for each act, although both closer to 1:10, although with a 10 minute late start and a slightly extended interval meant we were out by 10:25
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Post by Mark on Jul 4, 2022 15:06:07 GMT
I thought this was good and lots of fun yesterday. What I will agree with is it starts quite slow, I really wasn’t sure at first, but it did pick up. If anything, I think a condensed 90 minute/hour 40 version may be better and they can trim round the edges.
Was very well sold, and there’s not much going in the way of discounts from what I could find (I paid full price and had a good view)
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Post by Mark on Jul 4, 2022 14:54:10 GMT
Busy one this week - saw Unfortunate yesterday.
Tonight - Patriots Tomorrow - Beauty and the Beast matinee (bought this morning through the Monday ticket scheme) and hoping to get Fantastically Great Wonen through Rush. Weds - booked for A Typical Rainbow evening, will either do rush for Southbury Child or see The Throne. Thursday - Got a friend visiting and been left to pick a show. First choice will be Rush for Come From Away
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Post by Mark on Jul 4, 2022 9:32:48 GMT
Sounds fun! And who doesn’t love Helen Hunt!
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Post by Mark on Jul 3, 2022 22:33:50 GMT
Made a return visit today before it closes next week (rush in row J stalls!) and it was just as good as the first time. I really love the score. The reaction was fantastic and the whole cast give it their all. Full standing ovation as soon as the final lights went down. It’s definitely developed a cult following. The queue for merchandise was huge! Will be surprised if this doesn’t have a future life. I think cult following is key here. It struggled at the start of its run after its initial week or two. It's now doing exceptionally well based on word of mouth. At Wildhorn and Friends, Wildhorn said he was keen to have a better relationship with the UK market, so I 100% see it going on tour... but I also can't see it doing well on tour... No, same here, but for a small venue like the Arts its idea. A Shame they didn't decide on a more ambitious run, because I'm almost certain it could have comfortably run through the summer.
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Post by Mark on Jul 3, 2022 12:45:51 GMT
I only ask as most shows are struggling to sell out at the moment, so if it was the theatre owner's decision, were sales so bad that they are confident that a new show will provide them greater audience numbers? *EDIT* I'm probably answering my own question here, but I've just remembered that both Dear Evan Hansen and Come From Away are also closing on Broadway, which suggests that the producers have decided to close. But still interested to hear if anyone knows differently. There is quite a long lead in time for both shows (6 months notice for Come From Away, for example), which means it pretty much generates buzz again around the final 6 months, and means those who have been holding off and those who want to see it again have a timeframe to rebook. I would guess particularly for Come From Away it will see very strong sales in its final few months.
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Post by Mark on Jul 2, 2022 21:30:44 GMT
All 6 of the above by end of next year I’d say for sure. I believe Only Fools is due to close at the end of current booking period if murmers are to be believed.
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Post by Mark on Jul 2, 2022 8:38:51 GMT
And I'll just throw this out there as a wish....as NEXT TO NORMAL has never played London it would be great if the current Barcelona production with Alice Ripley and Adam Pascal could make the Phoenix it's home for a limited engagement. Um, no thanks. Would much rather a full production than a one hour "immersive" version.
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Post by Mark on Jul 1, 2022 20:32:43 GMT
It’s a nice theatre inside, but sadly the outside is one of the worst in the west end. If only they could get rid of those awful shops under the marquee, they could sort that out. MrB any hints what we can expect here next?
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Post by Mark on Jul 1, 2022 20:12:46 GMT
It's a really great house. Bedknobs would be great in there for sure.
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Post by Mark on Jul 1, 2022 11:22:03 GMT
I’ve also booked closing night. What a loss for the West End but they should be super proud of the run they’ve had in some really challenging circumstances.
Either this tours, or if it’s licensed it’s going to be one of those shows produced for years to come by professional and amateur companies.
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Post by Mark on Jun 30, 2022 12:23:13 GMT
Baz has confirmed Shauns (Theatrefans) rumour that this is indeed getting a transfer.
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Post by Mark on Jun 29, 2022 21:49:05 GMT
I went tonight. It was good, especially Christina and Shobna, but as a play it is feeling extremely dated
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Post by Mark on Jun 29, 2022 21:27:01 GMT
Made a return visit today before it closes next week (rush in row J stalls!) and it was just as good as the first time. I really love the score. The reaction was fantastic and the whole cast give it their all. Full standing ovation as soon as the final lights went down.
It’s definitely developed a cult following. The queue for merchandise was huge! Will be surprised if this doesn’t have a future life.
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Post by Mark on Jun 28, 2022 22:15:23 GMT
Went in with fairly low expectations after reading the reviews on here but came out pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed it as much as last time, and in particular I thought act two was much stronger.
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Elvis
Jun 28, 2022 15:45:21 GMT
via mobile
Post by Mark on Jun 28, 2022 15:45:21 GMT
Just out from this. Austin Butler Is just incredible. Great film.
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