395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on May 3, 2018 6:57:51 GMT
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on May 3, 2018 6:57:10 GMT
I agree Elanor, that play was called Doktor Glas and Krister Henriksson gave a spectacular performance. Shame he's not a very nice man in real life.
I saw that play near from the front and I had no problems with the surtitles (I think they had some on the sides too?).
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on May 3, 2018 6:55:12 GMT
I'd LOVE to see Sutton Foster make her UK debut in this...not that it will happen, just thought I'd share my thoughts with you!
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on May 3, 2018 6:54:12 GMT
Not sure if it is the case here but shows really seem to be stopping performers tweeting when they are on these days and it's becoming more and more common. Very sad. Yes...I have seen some wonderful performances from understudies over the years. It's a shamefully poor policy that is enforced on performers.
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on May 3, 2018 6:52:03 GMT
I love the idea that lots of you have mentioned about the "magic" and "smells" when you enter an auditorium. I can also "feel" the energy of performances past in these spaces.
I have to disagree about the Barbican...yuck! Whilst we are on the topic of most hated theatres, Victoria Palace I detest...knock it down for all I care!!!
The Stoll Theatre on Kingsway looks beautiful, I wonder if there are any more photos about?
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on May 1, 2018 17:19:34 GMT
So who are your children theatres then Monkey? All in the West End, I guess. I mean, some trigger more wonderful memories than others, but all are special. Share some of those memories with us.
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on Apr 30, 2018 21:26:00 GMT
So who are your children theatres then Monkey?
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on Apr 29, 2018 18:46:42 GMT
I think the Dominion is rather classy, it's definitely a big showcase theatre. Granted in a different way to the Palladium or Drury Lane. I like the word choice..I don't find it classy at all BUT a showcase theatre, for sure. I think if they just get rid of that godawful brown and the horribly depressing carpet it might work. It just needs a touch of elegance. Hand it over the Cameron Mackintosh. His theatre refurbs are gorgeous. Are you any good an interior design?
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on Apr 29, 2018 18:43:08 GMT
I think the Dominion is rather classy, it's definitely a big showcase theatre. Granted in a different way to the Palladium or Drury Lane.
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on Apr 29, 2018 18:38:37 GMT
Or The Dominion?
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on Apr 29, 2018 17:56:11 GMT
The New London...or The Gillian Lynne as it is now called? Certainly won't win awards for asthetics, but in it's day it must have been quite something. I do admire the flexible seating arrangements as well as the very spacious audience areas, something sadly lacking in most west end venues.
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on Apr 29, 2018 17:32:51 GMT
*sigh*
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on Apr 29, 2018 17:21:01 GMT
You're very welcome @serial Shusher and I did not know that about Her Majesty's Theatre...with it's matching partner it looks like a true palace. I suppose it was a very lucky escape for the theatre (The Queen's Theatre was not so lucky and had a hideous exterior renovation).
I'm sure you know, Maria Bjornson who designed the sets to Phantom incorporated lots of the original architectural features from the theatre into her set design which is exactly why you feel it fits well into the building.
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on Apr 29, 2018 17:01:08 GMT
Oh yes...I remember reading that somewhere.
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on Apr 29, 2018 16:47:25 GMT
Surely the Palladium isn't the only venue this could go to? When is 42nd street due to finis? Drury Lane as the venue of the original London production seems an amazing voice.
Even if some of the buzz is lost, Bette Midler would be box office gold.
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on Apr 29, 2018 16:30:51 GMT
I think it is 7th July. For some fans of the show that day cannot come too soon! Thanks Is her performance that disappointing? I mean, surely she can sing?
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on Apr 29, 2018 16:29:44 GMT
RADA in a roof? Who'd have thought.
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on Apr 29, 2018 16:26:04 GMT
We are kindred spirits caiaphas, I have always had a love of this venue as grotty and poky it can be at times. Having been in that rather steep balcony on numerous occasions I can say I agree with you it probably is the steepest, not that I minded. Your back stage experiences sound awesome...I'm not jealous at all! Hehe I was once there on a VERY hot day seeing Les Mis and one usher in the interval opened some windows to let the air into the auditorium. Who knew they were there? Not many auditoriums have external windows after all. In case anyone hasn't seen it, here is the famous stage door inscription: Does this refer to ghosts too?
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on Apr 29, 2018 16:08:29 GMT
Thank you caiaphas...I never would have guessed it looked like that inside now, such space! Don't you feel sorry for the actress playing Christine having to dash up all those stairs to grab her Hannibal costume? I wonder if in Tree's day there was an upper floor so he could look out of those Dome windows? If you look at one of those photos, what do you think "Reggie's Folly" is a reference to?
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on Apr 29, 2018 16:04:53 GMT
@distant Dreamer... I would recommend that you purchase the new “London Theatres” book my Michael Coveney. It’s a beautiful addition to any theatre lovers collection. Looks good on the coffee table too! Welcome to the discussion Steve...it's actually right next to me! Hehe. It's a lovely book to look at, I also like the older book by Mike Kilburn which is more visually appealing, but lighter on information. Matcham...not a fan of mine personally, then again I have a hatred of the London Palladium!
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on Apr 29, 2018 16:00:34 GMT
Anywho...has anyone been to see An Ideal Husband yet? I'd be interested to hear views.
On the handbag note, does anyone else think they are leaving it rather late to make a casting announcement? I'd love to see an older actress as Miss Prism such as Shirley Ann Field.
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on Apr 29, 2018 15:55:32 GMT
I have to confess that whilst Željko Lučić gave a truly world class performance, Anna was quite disappointing. Her acting was thrilling and at times so was the voice, but all too often I felt her vocals were a bit lack-lustre. If anyone saw Liudmyla Monastyrska back in 2011 you will know what I mean...that was one of those nights I will never forget. Funnily enough she returns in the next season sharing the role of Leonora in La Forza Del Destino with Anna!
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on Apr 29, 2018 15:50:51 GMT
I'm a huge fan of 30s Art deco theatre like The Prince Edward, Prince of Wales and the Adelphi. They're certainly overload experiences for anyone adverse to colour hehe! I really admire the sleek design of Prince of Wales, although the routes to get to seats leaves little to be desired.
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on Apr 29, 2018 15:48:51 GMT
Do you think Bette will be convinced to transfer this to the West End?
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on Apr 29, 2018 15:47:00 GMT
My mum gets an honourable mention at this same performance. She kept on asking me questions about the show (e.g. when Nessarose died (SPOILERS) she asked me if Nessarose was dead, and if G(a)linda was the good witch.) I did answer but very quietly so as to not disturb anyone. haha that reminds me of the lady behind me in Ghost who asked really loudly 'IS HE DEAD?' I'm not putting that in spoiler tags, because like that lady you have to work really hard to miss the entire premise of the show before going in... That is quite some subversive thinking! Hehe
|
|
395 posts
|
Evita
Apr 29, 2018 15:45:59 GMT
Post by Distant Dreamer... on Apr 29, 2018 15:45:59 GMT
Is Kellie the main Evita for the whole planned Evita tour? She's 1st cover. Madalena's just been off quite a bit it seems. Thank you for clarifying. When is Madalena in the show until?
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on Apr 29, 2018 15:42:44 GMT
I thought this would be a really cool thread as it's always interested me and I hope it does with others too (who want to talk about it!). The architecture of the London theatres is simply stunning and what makes them even more interesting is that there are so many styles and examples with a concentrated radius...some even have contrasting examples next door to each other. In short, my experience of going to the theatre is that you are often visiting a piece of artwork in itself before the production has even started. We all have our favoured styles and venues i'm sure and it will be great to share them here, as well as famous stories or even our own personal stories in visiting these venues. Trust me, they all have quirks and funny features, but above all so much history. As tempting as it would have been to create a separate thread for each theatre venue in London...don't worry admin we will keep it into this topic. To all who share their comments/experiences please be clear which venue you are discussing though! Note we are here to discuss the performing spaces, so could I politely ask that any specific discussion of the shows be kept to the show threads on other pages...thanks Finally...if you have not already found it, I could not recommend more this website here which is an incredible wealth of free knowledge on theatre architecture not only in London, but countrywide. I'd like to start with Her Majesty's Theatre which has been home to Phantom since 1986 and sits on The Haymarket and this building has been there since 1897 This "Gothic as Hell" theatre was built for Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree (a rather cool name if I may say!) who was a famous actor. Look he even has a plaque on the corner of the building (on Charles II Street): Imagine how cool it must be having a theatre built for you?! As the plaque says, he was a very famous and respected actor who was knighted for his efforts. So...I was in London yesterday admiring the amazing dome and I remembered that this was where Herbert had his office. He actually lived and worked in this theatre! One thing i've never been able to find is if any early photographs exist of what this dome office/living space looked like. I'm also intrigued as to what it looks like today. Is it storage, is it a private office still, a function room? I look forward to sharing our experiences here.
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on Apr 29, 2018 15:10:53 GMT
How interesting...I saw Hadley go into the theatre before the matinee. Thats odd. I wonder if he got ill or had just booked the evening off? I guess they're both pretty good reasons...maybe he'd heard that you were in the audience?
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on Apr 29, 2018 15:09:44 GMT
Missed this thanks to British Airways - the world's favourite aspiring low-cost airline. I hope the production is revived at some point. Well the last revival before this was 2006...so you may have to wait a while and it's doubtful that John Tomlinson will return to the production if it takes that long! I was hopeful they had filmed this production, but I don't think it was on the schedule
|
|
395 posts
|
Post by Distant Dreamer... on Apr 29, 2018 11:16:33 GMT
You'd hope that some directorial sense was applied to it...as opposed to randomly swapping between the 2 languages whenever fancy requires.
|
|