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Post by bimse on Jan 26, 2018 23:12:31 GMT
I'm visiting Prague in March. You have visited some interesting places in Europe that I haven't been to yet. I would like to visit Scandinavia, Dublin and Prague too. Please tell us about Praque after your trip. 😊 I visited Prague in December and absolutely loved it @eldermillan and Elle. I still can’t get over how cheap it was to travel from the airport to the city, by bus then metro, £1.10 equivalent . I’m just back from Lisbon, my third visit. I never tire of exploring this beautiful city. Last year , apart from Prague, I visited Porto , Budapest, Madrid and Granada . I’m going to India (for the second time) in March . Other countries I’ve visited over the years, include the USA several times, Thailand , Cambodia , and several other countries in Europe. I’ve been about 6 times to Munich to see opera productions , Zurich 3 times , and Berlin once .
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Post by bimse on Jan 17, 2018 23:29:37 GMT
Andrew Flintoff was (in my opinion) embarrassingly poor on the tv series “Love, Lies and Records”. I hadn’t realised it was him , but I remember thinking it was strange they’d engaged this person for his looks (he was supposed to be a professional footballer getting married) rather than his acting ability, which was non existent. I felt sorry for the excellent actors in the series he was ruining , and for the professional actors who could and should have been given the role. I haven’t seen Fat Friends, The Musical, but I’ve read his poor reviews and I just can’t understand why Kay Mellor persists with Mr Flintoff.
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Post by bimse on Jan 10, 2018 15:13:34 GMT
tonyloco : "Oh no" says the boy, "I can't move. I've been lit by Robert Nesbitt!" That’s hilarious, Priceless ! I love anecdotes like this , thanks for posting !
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Post by bimse on Jan 10, 2018 7:37:42 GMT
Interesting that you have brought up this subject tonyloco as I am presently trying to find a home or homes for the bulk of a theatre collection (posters, programmes, flyers, from plays, musical theatre, variety, pantomime, circus) which I inherited from my late brother. The collection is mainly 1960s to 2002, I saved everything (despite family members wanting to throw out these thousands of lovely items) but (for several reasons) I have only recently got round to sorting through it all . I have been warned against donating to certain national collections , which have a lot of this kind of thing which never sees the light of day again , until the items are eventually auctioned off. The Australian guy’s attitude is appalling , but this seems to be the attitude of a few archives. I’m struggling to find any interest . Any help with where I can donate items from the collection will be gratefully accepted. I have successfully ebayed duplicates and taken holidays with the proceeds. My brother would have liked that . Maybe I’ve answered my own question . Actually, I think you have indeed answered your own question. For now, just keep anything that specially appeals to you then flog the rest on ebay and enjoy the proceeds. You are probably right about the main national archives (Mander and Mitchenson at Bristol University and the Theatre Museum at the V&A for example) but I wonder whether the British Music Hall Society might be interested in receiving that part of the collection that comes into their orbit. Check out the Archives section on their website where you will find the email address of the archivist David Reed, unless you have already contacted them. Thank you so much tonyloco, that’s much appreciated, I haven’t contacted the British Music Hall Society , but will now do so. The local history archive at the Blackpool library has a big theatre and entertainment collection and is currently busy absorbing the Blackpool Tower Company’s collection into its archive . I have lots of interesting Blackpool items but doubt I can add anything they won’t already have, but I’ll see .
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Post by bimse on Jan 10, 2018 7:22:38 GMT
My working life in the West End! I had been working FoH on and off from age 17 and in the middle of my A levels! My fist LX job, which has continued through the good, the bad and the bizarre! Congratulations @supertrooper , have you been exclusively a follow spot operator all this time? Always at the Prince of Wales Theatre? What were your favourite shows to work on ? Incidentally I saw that South Pacific production at the Prince of Wales, plus I can appreciate the skill and effort that goes into your work , having had a very brief experience myself at follow spot operating , at the heritage open day at the Plaza Theatre in Stockport . I hadn’t realised that you not only follow the action on stage, but written directions as well .
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Post by bimse on Jan 8, 2018 17:29:22 GMT
Programmes, huh, who needs em? I had to get rid of our roomful when we moved, keeping just a few specials. Don’t buy them now. ( except for ones with good essays..Em, that's you and Angels) But isn’t it lovely to see a young 'un' clutching a programme on the tube on the way home? That reminder of magic stored and inspiring for years. Going off on a Tonyloco tandem...my programme collection started seriously in London in March 1960 and also included some Australian programmes from 1947 onwards that I collected myself and some earlier ones given to me by a friend of my parents. Some years ago on a visit to Sydney I went to the Opera House where at that time there was a general theatrical archive being started and asked whether I might leave my collection to them on my death. A rather prissy young man looked disdainfully at me and said: 'Oh well, if you must! But we have loads of stuff like that and we really don't want any more.' I heard later that the archive had been closed down! I then heard from an Australian friend that the Adelaide University's Barr Smith Library had an extensive collection of British theatre programme which ended at 1960. I contacted the library and they said they would be thrilled to get my collection when I died but as they were already filling my house, I arranged to ship the bulk of the collection to Adelaide there and then, keeping back just a few special early Australian ones. A few years later I shipped off a second load, by which time programmes were generally getting bigger and bulkier. Anyway, I know that the library is slowly digitising my collection, but this is a slow and labour-intensive process and, to be honest, some of the results online are disappointing, such as with opera programmes the person inputting just lists singers' names without specifying the voice type or the role being sung, which is useless. I am talking about this because it raises the subject of whether collections of theatre programmes from recent times are of any archival value or should they just be dumped. From the era I am talking about (the 1950s in Sydney and the 1960s in London) there was not a lot of archiving going on apart from a few specialised organisations like the Theatre Museum (now part of the V&A) and the Royal Opera House. But I suspect that the programmes people like us have collected over the past couple of decades are already safely archived in various places, including digitally, and there will be no real loss to posterity if they are eventually scrapped, unless our families and descendants are interested enough to want to take and keep them for future reference. Does anybody have any thoughts on this? Interesting that you have brought up this subject tonyloco as I am presently trying to find a home or homes for the bulk of a theatre collection (posters, programmes, flyers, from plays, musical theatre, variety, pantomime, circus) which I inherited from my late brother. The collection is mainly 1960s to 2002, I saved everything (despite family members wanting to throw out these thousands of lovely items) but (for several reasons) I have only recently got round to sorting through it all . I have been warned against donating to certain national collections , which have a lot of this kind of thing which never sees the light of day again , until the items are eventually auctioned off. The Australian guy’s attitude is appalling , but this seems to be the attitude of a few archives. I’m struggling to find any interest . Any help with where I can donate items from the collection will be gratefully accepted. I have successfully ebayed duplicates and taken holidays with the proceeds. My brother would have liked that . Maybe I’ve answered my own question .
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Post by bimse on Jan 2, 2018 20:55:34 GMT
The tix are being offered on ShowFilmFirst.com Essentially, these are free with a £2 booking fee. Thanks hulmeman , that’s interesting. I wonder if Mr Barrowman is still on a percentage of the box office ? I read somewhere that was the case a few years back in Birmingham .
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Post by bimse on Jan 2, 2018 19:52:57 GMT
Amazingly cheap, hulmeman. I’d be interested to hear where those tickets are selling for £2. Not that I have any intention of witnessing Barrowman essaying his Dick . Having said that, I was walking along Quay Street (Manchester) a few years back when Priscilla Presley was appearing in Snow White at the Opera House. Free tickets were being handed out on the street . I refused , so maybe I can say they couldn’t even give tickets away?
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Post by bimse on Jan 2, 2018 7:08:04 GMT
Love a good flounce me, even more poignant at Christmas/New Year... Isn't that exactly the kind of remark that theatremad was meaning?
That’s my point exactly. I agree grannyjx6.
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Post by bimse on Jan 1, 2018 22:33:57 GMT
Maybe this is the sort of unkind and unnecessary comment that has upset theatremad . It’s hardly “lovely” , Someone’s so upset that they feel moved to write about it, they get referred to as “flouncing”, and this is encouraged by people actually “liking” this? I didn't say it was lovely though, I said I like a good flounce. I've not seen the evidence of the opening post, I wanted more details than a coded message that I am reading the wrong threads I didn’t make myself clear, my “lovely” reference related to your statement that you consider this to be the “loveliest” site in the internet , with intelligent and passionate posters . My opinion is that it’s unkind and unnecessary to suggest that the original poster is “flouncing” because he’s upset about something. In which case It’s hardly a “lovely” site is what I Intended to say . You seem to be mocking the original poster, suggesting he’s flouncing .
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Post by bimse on Jan 1, 2018 17:10:08 GMT
End of 2017 and I'm going to stop posting and visiting here for the foreseeable future. No great loss to the forum as I don't post all the time. However a loss to me as I used to love this site. And I wanted to say why and in a tiny way hopefully make a small ripple which may stir others to action. The site in the last few months has become at times nothing more than a place for people to be viscious and downright rude about theatres/theatre personnel and even occasionally people on the thread at the time. Posts to discuss plays just become slagging matches. This has happened to theatres I love and to one's I've never been too or even hate. To actors I love/indifferent about/hate. Though never directed to myself specific I have found peoples comments about others appalling to read and felt for those on the other end. I wish all on the site all the best and who knows we may cross paths in a theatre somewhere. And apologies for any offence I may have caused. The ignore function is a truly wonderful thing. You only have to use it a few times to make the board a much more pleasant experience. (Of course, everyone’s ignore list will be different.) Must admit I wasn’t aware there’s an ignore function kathryn. I’ve looked but can’t locate it, would you mind advising me please?
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476 posts
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Post by bimse on Jan 1, 2018 14:06:30 GMT
End of 2017 and I'm going to stop posting and visiting here for the foreseeable future. No great loss to the forum as I don't post all the time. However a loss to me as I used to love this site. And I wanted to say why and in a tiny way hopefully make a small ripple which may stir others to action. The site in the last few months has become at times nothing more than a place for people to be viscious and downright rude about theatres/theatre personnel and even occasionally people on the thread at the time. Posts to discuss plays just become slagging matches. This has happened to theatres I love and to one's I've never been too or even hate. To actors I love/indifferent about/hate. Though never directed to myself specific I have found peoples comments about others appalling to read and felt for those on the other end. I wish all on the site all the best and who knows we may cross paths in a theatre somewhere. And apologies for any offence I may have caused. Love a good flounce me, even more poignant at Christmas/New Year... Maybe this is the sort of unkind and unnecessary comment that has upset theatremad. It’s hardly “lovely” , Someone’s so upset that they feel moved to write about it, they get referred to as “flouncing”, and this is encouraged by people actually “liking” this?
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Post by bimse on Dec 31, 2017 16:44:19 GMT
Hardly any new ones for me this year, only (finally!) the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse which I had wanted to see for years. Biggest novelty was the Manchester Opera House and Manchester in general to catch "Bat out of Hell" there. New for 2018 will be the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff and if all goes according to plan the Takarazuka Theatre in Tokyo. The Wales Millenium Centre is one of the most beautiful theatres I’ve ever been in, both inside and out, quite stunning in my opinion.
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Post by bimse on Dec 31, 2017 10:38:13 GMT
Thoroughly enjoyed this production, the matinee on 30th December was just about full. I thought it was a good take on this musical, but not all of the ideas worked, the Cuba scene (I didn’t think the fluorescent costumes looked too good) and Miss Adelaide’s nightclub scenes , which fell a little flat somehow. That’s the direction, and no criticism of Lucy Vandi as Miss Adelaide, a terrific performance, with great comic timing, and superb singing, one of the best performances. Maybe I’m spoiled with memories of Julia McKenzie in this role. The set was good and interesting to look at without being too busy. I loved the jazzy Salvation Army band , and the wonderful comedy of this show came across very well.
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Post by bimse on Dec 25, 2017 19:49:07 GMT
London Theatres book, and theatre vouchers from two people, amazingly kind . I’m so pleased.
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Post by bimse on Dec 25, 2017 19:46:11 GMT
I did a tour of the Palladium, admittedly quite a few years ago , not sure if they still do them, but it was excellent . We got to actually walk across the stage , I was amazed how shallow the stage is, front to back , and there’s hardly any wing space. It’s amazing what scenic designers do with perspective . It was good seeing all the old posters in the corridors too . So not sure if this recommendation is any help , but it’s a good tour if they do it.
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Post by bimse on Dec 23, 2017 19:23:38 GMT
Not my taste. The sets look quite good though. Prices are horrific, for Salford , and looks like it’s selling well , hope this doesn’t become a trend .
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Post by bimse on Dec 21, 2017 10:39:01 GMT
I wasn’t going to go to the live show , I haven’t yet seen the new series, and I have such happy memories of the last tour . Then an old friend texted saying how much she was enjoying the new series and she’d like to see the live show, so I thought it’d be a good laugh together. The Blackpool opera house and Manchester Apollo are sold out and I’m not paying agency prices , but I got us seats at the Manchester arena , not the best venue for a comedy show, ok for a solo act maybe .
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Post by bimse on Dec 20, 2017 13:56:48 GMT
Not watched the new series yet, I will watch all of it together when I get chance . I was very surprised to see a live tour is planned, I saw the last one and it’s one of the funniest shows I’ve ever seen . The first half where the league of gentlemen did sketches as “themselves” was superb, and such a revelation . Glad to see them back together .
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Post by bimse on Dec 19, 2017 16:24:58 GMT
I've ended up with comps last minute and I'm taking my 72 year old nana to see the Manchester panto. I was a bit worried, given the reviews stroke complaints, so I called her up and asked her if she wanted to attend, now she's always been witty but this one killed me, she asked which panto it was, "It's Dick Whittington Nana, with The Krankies and John Barrowman who you like" a small pause and without missing a beat, "of course I'll come, I can't turn down dick at my age". I died. Somehow I think she'll be fine with whatever the script throws at her. If your gran ends up on stage with Barrowman she can use that line, and probably get a bigger laugh than Barrowman himself.... oh, but not if he’s already used it during his performance , chances are he will have!
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Post by bimse on Dec 18, 2017 17:46:47 GMT
Just to add that it was really helpful that BurlyBeaR had given me such good directions and that he and others had also given useful travel info. I was able to mark the location on my various maps in advance and had no difficulty finding the venue (I actually walked from our hotel at Salford Quays, via central Manchester but got the tram back from New Islington) as I found zero signage until I was on the point of turning off the road on which the theatre is situated, into the actual yard via which you gain access. I don't think I missed any signs as I was obviously looking out for some, but if I did overlook any, they're clearly not prominent enough. Hope the theatre and the local authority plan to address this. You actually walked all the way from Salford Quays to Ancoats? That’s quite a way , we’ll done you!
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Post by bimse on Dec 18, 2017 16:39:46 GMT
It sounds revolting, worse than I imagined. I’ve never heard a pantomime described as truly vile before wickedgrin, that must have been so unpleasant.
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Post by bimse on Dec 17, 2017 20:09:19 GMT
I thought Elaine was great but I think she was miscast. She wasn't a very good baddie. I'd have said perfect casting as a baddie. Just for the record that wasn’t my quote 🤭
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Post by bimse on Dec 17, 2017 18:27:50 GMT
Norman Lamont an actor? Since when? Well I suppose he has to be a bit careful with his drainpipe when Julian’s around... Well said @caiphas ! I’d forgotten about him , maybe that’s who they’d lined up 🤣
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Post by bimse on Dec 17, 2017 18:24:00 GMT
I believe Biggins is retiring from Panto after this season - so another seasoned pro leaves the stage. There are still traditional pantos round the country - Oxford and Chipping Norton being but two. No star names - though Oxford, at least, is trying to make things more 'relevant' these days which rather takes away from the traditions a bit. But star names in Panto have been around for well over a century - sports stars would often be seen taking the stage. It is still a genre that leaves me cold - but it is the way in to theatregoing for many children and long may that continue (as long it is good!) I’ve read somewhere online (can’t find the source) that Biggins has agreed to one more season after this , at a theatre that means a lot to him . I don’t know if that might refer to the Palladium , but I’ve seen a quote in the past that he has a great affection for the Theatre Royal in Plymouth .
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