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Post by bimse on Jun 15, 2024 6:49:00 GMT
Stunning performances, from all principals and chorus, and of course the wonderful Opera North Orchestra. A truly memorable production, nicely different to the only other production of My Fair Lady I’ve seen, many years ago, this was darker, not as pretty, but great to watch, witty, inspired, entertaining. I absolutely loved it . John Hopkins and Katie Bird were amazing . How was it darker? Give us a detailed report. Literally darker in terms of subdued colours for costumes and set, it’s not presented as the colourful, spectacular musical I remember (Denis Quilley, Liz Robertson, Manchester Opera House 1988) but rather as I expect the play Pygmalion might be presented . It worked for me, especially since the music and singing were allowed to take centre stage and be so memorable .
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Post by bimse on Jun 14, 2024 15:57:16 GMT
Stunning performances, from all principals and chorus, and of course the wonderful Opera North Orchestra. A truly memorable production, nicely different to the only other production of My Fair Lady I’ve seen, many years ago, this was darker, not as pretty, but great to watch, witty, inspired, entertaining. I absolutely loved it . John Hopkins and Katie Bird were amazing .
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Post by bimse on Jun 7, 2024 6:22:10 GMT
Count Arthur Strong at the sold out King’s Hall in Ilkley, Friday 31st May. Hilarious, exhaustingly so, bizarre, surreal, a real tour de force by Steve Delaney. It was worth the price of admission to witness Count Arthur’s take on Laurence Olivier’s Richard III. His next tour, Count Arthur Strong as Charles Dickens in A Christmas Carol, in November- December, looks inspired, and will suit Count Arthur very well. Sadly for me, all nearby venues are sold out already .
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Post by bimse on Jun 4, 2024 6:59:47 GMT
Good for you alece10! Any special plans for your retirement? JP Thanks. I will celebrate in some way for sure. Not sure if I can afford retirement or if I will get bored. My plan is to try it for a few months and then if I need to or want to work then maybe a little part time job and ideally theatre related. Possible usher or FOH somewhere 2-3 days a week. I was a volunteer for 10 years at the Menier and loved it more than my proper job. So will see how it goes. Good for you ! I took early retirement and like most of us I worried about the financial side of things. But I’ve never looked back, I manage incredibly well, I don’t deny myself theatre trips or holidays, I don’t get bored, don’t have to request time off work before I buy theatre tickets (only to then get my request overturned after I’ve got the tickets), I do voluntary work but not to the point where it’s full time. I’ve been told I’m lucky, but for me it’s not luck because I planned this, and paid for my pension. I wish you much happiness !
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Post by bimse on May 19, 2024 16:46:41 GMT
The ones shown don’t look too bad, to be fair. Restricted view seats at the ends of the front rows for the pantomime were shocking, facing a piece of false proscenium which you had no way of seeing round .
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Post by bimse on Apr 21, 2024 21:34:11 GMT
Massive shame that Gary Wilmot isn’t in it this year! I am quite gutted that he isn’t in it but at least we still have Julian!! Maybe Gary might be back next year. I’ve read in an earlier post and elsewhere that Gary is retiring from panto , whether that’s just this year or permanently isn’t clear . The Dame role in Robin Hood (or Babes in the Wood as it used to be called) is usually the nurse to the Babes, maybe they’re going for a different Robin Hood story that doesn’t involve the Babes , so no need for a Dame at all.
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Post by bimse on Apr 15, 2024 7:58:52 GMT
I do find the world confusing. Most people on Twitter saying Waddingham best thing since sliced bread. Loads of people on here dragging her. Anyway. She’s clearly popular with TV producers! People here are miserable and hate everything tbh Immature comment. No one is ever going to like “everything” , yourself included .
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Post by bimse on Apr 14, 2024 21:29:42 GMT
Hannah Waddingham, annoying as hell, what a massive show off. Her opening speech was toe curling, fell flat a few times there.
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Post by bimse on Mar 20, 2024 12:00:18 GMT
Maybe the creatives should have done a week in Richmond to knock out any kinks. ...........or Bradford! Not sure quite how to read your comment, but it’s a great theatre, the Bradford Alhambra, very popular, with an excellent audience base, who are invariably attentive and appreciative. I’ve always loved going .
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Post by bimse on Mar 10, 2024 18:16:07 GMT
Seeing has there’s a strand on theatres needing an overhaul, I thought it might be interesting to have one on good theatres. I went to the Theatre Royal, Dury Lane last week with a cheap ticket on the second circle. I wasn’t expecting much but it turned out to be a great seat. And the FOH felt very plush. I got lost going to the toilet but they seemed more than adequate. And I’ve always had a soft spot for the Royal Exchange, Manchester. Although it’s a few years since I went. I hope it’s not gone downhill. Finally Greenwich Theatre has a decent auditorium and I can’t fault the FOH staff. The bar gets busy and feels a little cheap. Toilets cheap and cheerful. I’ve always enjoyed the Manchester Royal Exchange too, the programming of late hasn’t been very interesting, but back in the day I saw many very imaginative productions there, in a unique and beautiful setting. My first being Patricia Routledge as Mrs Malaprop in the Rivals. My favourite theatre for facilities and design has to be the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff . A stunning design, inside and out.
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Post by bimse on Jan 29, 2024 23:02:51 GMT
I remember seeing that ‘Pirates’ in Manchester when it toured. Seem to remember Paul Nicholas being involved. Michael Ball as Frederick ?
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Post by bimse on Jan 28, 2024 13:52:35 GMT
You've missed out Pirates of Penzance, between Whorehouse & 42nd St! The website I used obviously not totally correct, apologies. Pirates:Opening May 26, 1982 Closing: October 29, 1983 Cast: Pirate King Tim Curry ... Samuel Sylvester McCoy ... Frederic Michael Praed ... Ruth Annie Ross ... Major-General Stanley's Daughters Carolyn Allen Jackie Downey Carol Duffy Gaynor Miles ... Edith Janet Shaw ... Kate Bonnie Langford ... Isabel Louise Gold ... Mabel Pamela Stephenson ... Major-General Stanley George Cole Barry Humphries did two short seasons at Drury Lane, An Evenings Intercourse (4th February -10th April 1982) and Back With A Vengeance, The Second Coming (9th March - 29th April 1989)
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Post by bimse on Jan 28, 2024 12:11:23 GMT
First time seeing a performance from Mrs Doubtfire. Christ that was dreadful Incredibly fussy and confusing excerpt, very difficult to follow what was going on at times. Didn’t make me want to see it, yet it’s having a good run. I wonder how many theatre goers or tv viewers outside the states would appreciate the reference to and representation of Julia Childs ? I know many more will now, given Sarah Lancashire’s brilliant performance , but I would think Julia Childs is still unknown to many .
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Post by bimse on Jan 28, 2024 12:00:12 GMT
Very underwhelmed by Ivano’s Jamie. Where is the heart and the strength? Looked like some weak pop performance. Looked the part, but his diction was poor , certainly on this showing, I’ve not seen him on stage , but then I found Layton to have poor diction in performance.
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Post by bimse on Dec 30, 2023 18:53:10 GMT
Also unless some newer stars start doing panto or come to the fore during panto we'll see less stars as a lot of the current panto stars are ageing and will gradually retire or want lesser roles. At one time a large number of TV stars and TV comedians would dominate panto. The traditional dame could become a bit of a lost art eventually although with the mainstream popularity of shows like Drag Race there will be ample high profile performers to filter into the more glamorous panto drag roles. I noticed a fair few are already doing panto and getting good billing. Also with Gladiators coming back we'll probably have them all in panto next year too! You’re probably right @original9. The last time Gladiators was on tv, many of them turned up in pantomime. I’ve read that many of the experienced panto performers were less than impressed with having to carry them through the shows.
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Post by bimse on Dec 30, 2023 18:42:55 GMT
Yes. I did the pre-show tour. Nothing majorly new to see, a few areas reserved for special guests usually (with some costumes from previous pantos). A nice experience though. I went on a Palladium tour, a few years ago when Oliver! had recently opened, we got to stand on the stage, and walk across it, which was a good experience, I couldn’t believe how small the stage is, in terms of depth and wing space, and I loved all the old posters throughout the theatre, I hope they’re all still there .
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Post by bimse on Dec 23, 2023 16:55:39 GMT
We've booked to see this between Christmas and New Year based on reviews here. Really looking forward to it, but could anyone share (in spoilers or by DM) if there are any sudden loud noises/bangs in this production please? Thanks in advance! Edit: thanks wanderingranger. I appreciate the message. I’m going to assume damaskanddark hasn’t a clue what they’re talking about. Our view was great, even what little action there was on London Bridge was perfectly visible! wanderingranger I messaged above, but probably was too late to allay your fears , I couldn’t imagine the view would be bad , I could see your seats from where I sat, and I’m glad you enjoyed .
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Post by bimse on Dec 23, 2023 10:35:54 GMT
Not an easy time for everyone, so again as usual, log in here if you want to chat/ have a moan/ reflect. I agree, I'm on another face book group where I live and several have commented how they dread Christmas and just want it to be over. I would urge anyone to chat to someone whether online or in person. It's only a day and chatting can make all the difference. Agreed, it can be an incredibly difficult time for many people who can’t, or don’t want to, meet the expectations and excesses of a “Christmas card Christmas”. I’ve been there a few times, and even though I’m not alone I still often find it difficult , remembering Christmases and people past. At the end of the day though, spiritual aspect aside, Christmas as the concept it’s become is a collection of parts , external to ourselves , brought together in the expectation they will make us happy. It can do, which is great, but only temporarily, and we should enjoy it with that understanding, managing our expectations (and budget). True and permanent peace and happiness can only be found within ourselves , not externally , and that’s what I’m aiming for , and depending on, peace of mind . I wish the same for all of you , peace and happiness, not just at Christmas, but always .
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Post by bimse on Dec 22, 2023 17:11:27 GMT
How so? I expected a good view since these seats aren’t marked restricted view and they are almost top price. I sat in row D 37 and 38, there’s a bridge which is permanently across the centre of the stage and it’s quite high , I could see the underneath of the bridge but also people on the bridge , but not too much happens up there, so I don’t feel I missed anything. From where you’re sitting I’d say you won’t miss anything at all, the whole performance is in the round , I’d say you’ll see everything , everything I saw anyway , and I loved it . Your tickets are a good price too. I hope you enjoy !
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Post by bimse on Dec 15, 2023 13:43:07 GMT
The Memorial Service for Barry Humphries, held on the 15th December at the Sydney Opera House, is available to view in full on YouTube. Very moving, some fine tributes, and of course some laughs as well. You are missed Barry !
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Post by bimse on Dec 10, 2023 11:40:52 GMT
This is a spectacular and atmospheric production, and although I initially had reservations , it really suits the “in the round” production, which I doubt could be replicated elsewhere. Superb and engaging performances all round, but Chris Bennett and Jenny Fitzpatrick are easily the finest Bill Sykes and Nancy I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen a few. I might have to return just to see them again.
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Post by bimse on Dec 10, 2023 9:05:57 GMT
Would never want to put anyone off but not only the £20 seats have a bad view,many around me paying 5 times as much weren’t happy either. I’ve put a temporary photo of the view from my seat B32 on Instagram! Timberladuk I checked out your photo, thanks for posting. Looks like more of a listening seat than severely restricted view.
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Post by bimse on Dec 6, 2023 11:15:56 GMT
Very expensive, and they seem to have let everyone on all at once. The site can no longer process payments as a result. I did think it odd that I went straight from waiting room to going in, never in an actual queue! Too pricy for me I think. I got through straight away, no queue, although it said I was in a queue , the prices are too high for decent seats, for me anyway. Then there’s the train fare to add in , if the trains are running. I’ll give it a miss for now, and see if there are any offers nearer the time (unlikely I know ).
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Post by bimse on Dec 5, 2023 19:34:37 GMT
It's Dolly day tomorrow. My link has just arrived. Mine came too! So the sign up worked. I’ll check out what’s on offer, and see if I’m tempted, but must admit I’m a bit reluctant to commit to too much if there’s still likely to be hassle with trains.
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Post by bimse on Nov 30, 2023 7:34:08 GMT
Seen at the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford. I thought this was superb, from singers to movement and production values, I can’t fault it . Standing ovation at a very full matinee .
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