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Post by oxfordsimon on Apr 9, 2023 21:07:55 GMT
GBNews are talking about whether lockdown has resulted in a reduction in etiquette now (Don't judge me, my parents have it on) It has been an issue from well before 2020. But it does seem that reports are more frequent since things reopened
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Post by oxfordsimon on Apr 9, 2023 20:34:54 GMT
Singing at the theatre of course shouldn’t be done, but the twitter pile on Alison Hammond rubs me the wrong way. It feels like everyone who’s ever stepped foot on a stage is getting involved, all tweeting the same thing and patting each other on the back. I think she probably was just trying (and yes, failing) to be funny, let everyone know she loves Wicked enough to know the words and create a bit of light-hearted discussion. Anyone demanding an on-air apology needs to give their head a wobble, it’s not that serious. it has been on the BBC news pages for a couple of days. ITV won't like that sort of negative publicity. They will do something to try to draw a line under it and distance themselves.
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Post by oxfordsimon on Apr 9, 2023 20:32:42 GMT
This Morning has to address this given how prominent the reaction has been.
The pressure is going to go away because of the Twitter comments. Indeed O'Leary's ill advised attempt to distance himself has made it worse
The theatre community is going to carry on raising the issues and that is only right.
Wishing won't make this go away. Each week we are seeing disruption in theatres round the country. The press will keep linking back to ITV
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Post by oxfordsimon on Apr 9, 2023 20:07:38 GMT
Dermot has judged that very badly
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Post by oxfordsimon on Apr 9, 2023 16:58:08 GMT
Still needs to be said on TV.
That is there the damage was done.
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Post by oxfordsimon on Apr 9, 2023 16:56:38 GMT
She needs to do the same on screen. And do a feature to explain how audiences should behave. Twitter apologies aren't enough
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Post by oxfordsimon on Apr 9, 2023 16:51:30 GMT
I was threatened with violence during a performance of Bombay Dreams because I politely asked the couple behind me to stop talking through the first half.
'We've paid for our tickets, we can do what we like'
Rude, disruptive audience members are sadly nothing new
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Post by oxfordsimon on Apr 9, 2023 16:46:03 GMT
I watched this on Sky Arts today for the first time.
It did what Les Miserables should do but in a few different places. I have never once died at Javert's Suicide. But today I did.
Boe was woeful for most of it. Houchen was doing some strange things with vowel sounds which I had never noticed him do before.
Katie Secombe was joyous but the rest of the women failed to really grasp their opportunities.
I enjoyed but probably not as much as the 10th anniversary concert
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Post by oxfordsimon on Apr 8, 2023 23:57:53 GMT
This is done very well and it's a real treat if you enjoy tap dancing, although some people near me were complaining they'd ruined it as it was nothing like the film. On paper, it has a lot of things going for it, but I'm not sure it would sell well in London. the previous version with the score by Jules Style did ok. So this shouldn't be a hugely difficult sell with the right cast
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Post by oxfordsimon on Apr 8, 2023 23:52:20 GMT
Top of my list is always Kiss of the Spiderwoman. I want a lavish large scale production. I'd quite like to see Parade appear again too. Who would be your dream casting for Aurora? Having seen Chita, it is hard to imagine anyone else having that same allure and danger
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Post by oxfordsimon on Apr 7, 2023 21:50:46 GMT
I love me a classic.
A full Showboat would be a joy. I remember the Opera North tour 30 years ago with huge fondness and the score is a joy.
A big production of Kiss Me, Kate would be very welcome. Great score, once again and plenty of cracking dialogue.
A more modern choice for me would still be Kiss of the Spiderwoman. Brilliant and heartbreaking show.
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Post by oxfordsimon on Apr 6, 2023 12:30:52 GMT
I didn't have a problem with the Yorkshire accents, but I didn't understand why the male lead was scouse(-ish) and some characters accent-light. There did not seem to be a narrative consistency to choice of accent. He was an outsider who had moved to Quality Street so there is nothing inconsistent with him having a different northern accent. The factory workers had a range of accents to reflect their real life experiences. There was nothing that jarred at all.
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Post by oxfordsimon on Apr 6, 2023 9:23:18 GMT
The use of anachronisms such as the choreography and the nod to the factory setting element worked very well for me. I could see exactly why those choices were made and what they added to the production.
Bridgerton also doesn't stick strictly to period and millions accept and enjoy that.
Yes, the play is relatively slight but it is an entertaining confection with warmth and heart. It has engaging performances and I loved having sweet wrapper inspired costume colours. Indeed I would have felt cheated without them.
Chacun a son gout....
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Post by oxfordsimon on Apr 6, 2023 9:17:28 GMT
Complaining that Northern Broadsides use a range of Northern accents in their productions given that is a key part of their work seems unnecessary.
I very much enjoyed the relocation of the action to Halifax and hearing a range of accents that normally get smothered by drama school training.
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Post by oxfordsimon on Apr 5, 2023 12:24:59 GMT
It will always have a place in my heart. The score is filled with great numbers.
Watching the YouTube clips from rehearsals, it struck me how obsessive Lancelot sounded in If Ever I should Leave You. Almost Phantom like in his determination to hang on to Guinevere.
Certainly changed my perception of the role if, indeed, this is out it comes across on stage.
Casting younger for Arthur feels like a good choice.
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Post by oxfordsimon on Apr 4, 2023 22:43:15 GMT
Just home from opening night of the run in Northampton's lovely Royal Theatre. And I was utterly charmed by it.
Barrie's play, adapted by Laurie Sansom, is a romantic comedy with a lot of heart and a dash of silliness.
The production is elegantly delivered with some very well considered lighting and a brilliant costume design.
Cast is very able and engaged the audience throughout.
Not going to change your life. But it is entertaining and certain pays the occasional nod to Bridgerton which should broaden the appeal.
Keep an eye out if it is heading to a theatre near you
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Post by oxfordsimon on Apr 2, 2023 22:08:34 GMT
Quality Street for me this week
Northern Broadsides performing in Northampton's lovely Royal Theatre
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Post by oxfordsimon on Mar 31, 2023 23:40:00 GMT
I had never heard the full Marti Webb version before watching this.
I think I still prefer the Brightman Song and Dance version of the score. But then that is the cassette and video I had.
Any version without Unexpected Song isn't right!
It was good to see it on TV. It is still a show for which I have a lot of time.
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Post by oxfordsimon on Mar 31, 2023 17:23:15 GMT
Selling out doesn't make it a smash hit.
It makes it a welcome (and very rare) commercial success.
The quality of the production is what will make it a real hit or not. And we won't know that for some time given that press night is April 12th
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Post by oxfordsimon on Mar 31, 2023 16:24:25 GMT
The RSC has been bloated for years. You only have to look at the lists of names in each programme to see how they prefer job creation over creating truly memorable theatre.
It is time to refocus the RSC. Put quality theatre at the very heart of the mission.
Make Stratford the place to stage brilliant productions and audiences will return.
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Post by oxfordsimon on Mar 31, 2023 8:26:06 GMT
I do wish when they design posters with cast headshots, they would get them together for a dedicated shoot. This sort of Photoshop collage looks very amateur
Almost Billy K in awfulness
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Post by oxfordsimon on Mar 30, 2023 20:39:14 GMT
Lack of enthusiasm for any individual does not equal hate
She has done real harm to the RSC.
Doesn't mean I hate her. I just want her out of Stratford before that harm is permanently embedded.
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Post by oxfordsimon on Mar 30, 2023 17:05:23 GMT
She didn't have a huge reputation when she was appointed.
And has done nothing to enhance that over the past decade.
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Post by oxfordsimon on Mar 30, 2023 14:27:22 GMT
I thought exactly the same.
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Post by oxfordsimon on Mar 30, 2023 10:05:48 GMT
It was notable how little press was present on Tuesday. The interval drinks room had less than 20 people in it at most.
Mark Lawson was there. But no other familiar faces.
I did wonder why the press night was so close to the end of the run.
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