3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on May 2, 2024 11:10:34 GMT
I thought this was absolutely delightful. Pippin is an excellent musical anyway, but almost exclusively now performed in small-scale and stripped back productions, with little in the way of a set, so this concert version fits right in. Even better, it didn't suffer from the cuts that so many productions have. The concert vibe also suits much of the abstraction and ambiguity in the show. Sound on Tuesday was fantastic. Yes there was the odd missed sound cue, yes there were some annoying screamers in the audience, yes not every song was perfect for every performer, but as an overall package for a show only performed for two nights, this was as good as you're likely to get. Those of you raving about being Amonik Melaco should have been a Heathers' fan! We got him first. This is the type of concert production that I wish could have a future life, but I know the demand isn't there. Well done to everyone involved.
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on May 2, 2024 11:02:18 GMT
Almost every seat in the building is £25 for the preview performances, so if you're an ATG+ member, go now. If you're not, don't worry, as the general sale is at 13:00! I've booked for the first preview.
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on May 2, 2024 8:48:18 GMT
It was an excellent concert. I knew nothing about the source material.
I think it will find an audience. The important thing (to me) is to target it at the general theatre audience, rather than to make it look as if it's just for someone who follows the manga.
I didn't get to see Death Note, but with Your Lie In April being a show about music, it is perfectly suited to be a musical.
Looking forward to seeing the fully staged version.
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 30, 2024 23:38:26 GMT
Stopping audio recording is a lost battle. It’s rare I’m at a show and I don’t spot someone pushing start/stop on their phone at the appropriate times. No value judgement here, but if someone is messing around with Bluetooth microphones, they should expect to get caught.
Video recording is a different matter. I’ve no idea how people have the concentration to do this, but there are sometimes subtle people I have suspicions about but nothing more, but there have been blatant filmers as well.
If anything, I’m surprised no one has moved onto live streaming yet!
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 30, 2024 19:54:24 GMT
Mason is definitely here tonight (Tuesday). I saw them on the way in.
Someone else spotted superstar Bonnie Langford, but I couldn’t see her.
I’m at the back of the Dress though, so not in prime star spotting territory. There are a few vaguely familiar looking people on this level, but I can’t immediately give names.
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 30, 2024 18:30:18 GMT
Just caused a lot of confusion at Theatre Royal Drury Lane by saying I was in the Dress Circle, when actually I was in the Royal Circle!
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 20, 2024 16:10:41 GMT
Sunday - Mountview
Beautiful
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 19, 2024 13:48:35 GMT
No such luck for today tho. Maybe later in the afternoon... I think table deals on a Friday or Saturday are unlikely. The Stalls look practically sold out already on the main site. The odds are much better earlier in the week, especially the Wednesday matinee. One thing I have noticed is they move tickets between the main group (i.e. available from the theatre) and the TKTs allocation, so this can change during the day.
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 18, 2024 14:40:27 GMT
In central third row Stalls through Rush this afternoon, despite the TodayTix app being exceptionally slow to confirm tickets. First attempt stalled for about two minutes then offered a horrible seat, thankfully the second attempt was much better. The little girl in front of me has spent most of the first half asleep, so I’ve had a clear view.
Of more interest, there’s a little boy in the row behind called Sven. I’m not quite brave enough to ask the parents…
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 18, 2024 10:43:07 GMT
Does anyone have any ideas on a cast for this? Would they use the same cast for the West End run as the tour cast? It would make sense to surely because then they wouldn’t have to rehearse a new cast in.. but then again, they ran tour and The Other Palace runs respectively at the same time last year so nothing seems to be logical in the way that they’re doing things, therefore anything is possible. I have no insider information, but I'd think of this as a tour stop. Earlier in the thread, people were suggesting that previous cast members were returning, which makes sense as it reduces rehearsal time/cost (obviously, it would be those people who aren't currently working elsewhere).
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 18, 2024 10:40:00 GMT
I'm thinking about seeing this on Sat eve - can anyone share experience on how easy is it to get the immersive rush tickets currently? (it's for 3 people, so would need 2 separate orders which might complicate things) I could bite the bullet and pay for the standing tickets now if we're likely to be left without tickets... I'd suggest trying another day to see (you don't have to proceed with payment), but your odds will be close to 100% if you try at 10am. Failing that, you can usually get discounted standing tickets on TKTS, and if not, you can get them full priced ones on the website. This isn't a show you need to plan to book for well in advance any more.
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 17, 2024 12:05:01 GMT
2. I know this show has some dynamic pricing, but how heavily does it discount shortly prior to showtime? Don't think so. At least for the table seats, I've never seen them going for <£120 even as the show is about to start. They have second row table seats down to £73 on TKTS for the matinee today, which is as low as I’ve seen them go. In off work, so would be tempted, but they won’t sell a single and there’s no obvious workaround.
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 17, 2024 10:57:55 GMT
I saw the transfer from the front row yesterday. It took me a few tries with Rush to get front row as it kept offering me second row. Glad I held out.
This has transferred very well and is selling very well. I enjoyed this even more than at the Kiln. I thought they'd tightened this up a bit, and there seemed to be a bit more subtlety regarding the reasons why Robin is so submissive to her sister. That may also just be me misremembering.
The front row is a very good choice for many. The action is much more to audience right (which is where I was sat). I did feel the cast looking at me on multiple occasions, but this was most likely them really trying to avoid falling off the edge of the stage.
There isn't unlimited legroom as others have hinted. There's possibly less than in other rows as you're close to stage and you can't put your feet under the seat in front. The stage is also rather high as there's a revolve that raises everything. The real sweet spot for view and legroom is going to be the centre of Row B, which is also a front row (in that there are no seats in front - Row A is two blocks of 4 with a gap in between), but I don't think that's available as a Rush ticket. I'd certainly sit in Row A again, but I wouldn't recommend it for anyone below about 5'6".
Otherwise, the music has grown on me. I do prefer the style of the first half, but it's good that there's such variety, and all of this shows just how versatile Dujonna and Sam are. As a Heathers fan, I would like to see Ellis Kirk as Dougal, but I'd also be disappointed to not see Sam Tutty. Such problems!
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 15, 2024 21:20:11 GMT
Everyone on fine form tonight (apart from the singing of the woman behind - but thankfully her children largely refused the requests from her to join in).
Odd seeing this on such a small stage. A few weird changes with lines cut and changed etc, and with Those Magic Changes, but all holds together well. A very strong cast, especially Marley Fenton, who really rocked his slicked hair. Perfect sound quality too, far better than in London.
Hope to see the tour again before too long.
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 15, 2024 19:51:07 GMT
There’s already advertising out on the sides of buses with the Olivier results. Considering how well this is selling, I’m surprised that’s needed, but maybe it’s the end of the cheap ticket prices.
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 14, 2024 22:00:30 GMT
I had a near miss with Julian Lloyd Webber on the stairs at the NHS Concert earlier in the week. There again, it’s not the first time I’ve had a near miss with Julian (catch me at the right time and I’ll tell you about the Tesco wine incident) and it probably won’t be the last.
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 14, 2024 18:18:01 GMT
A tricky one really. I like the idea behind the play (couples have a smart speaker which listens to everything going on, reads their vocal tones, replays their discussions for them to analyse, predicts the future for them and provides relationship advice etc), but the implementation is very disjointed. Sometimes the speaker interjects to stop arguments. Sometimes it pretends it's not there and allows the debate to continue (the conflict is needed for theatrical reasons, but makes no logical sense).
It feels like this should be a play about two young couples, but a third one was added but only loosely connected to extend the running time and provide some star power. As such, this currently runs one hour 45 minutes without an interval, but would be much more comfortable at 85 to 90 minutes.
There is social commentary here on the rapid adoption of AI, but you have to suspend disbelief a lot. The problem is, the product listed just couldn't be sold. There are a lot of safeguards in place within the UK surrounding AI. It's also not scientifically possible that it could work as listed, even with all the technological advances we're seeing. I do talk about this subject regularly as part of my main job and AI is not a form of magic.
A few people in the audience clearly found this very funny, although some of them were associated with the show. I did find this interesting and watchable, but I wouldn't consider it a comedy. The cast is good, and I think the way they scripted Jake Mavis to keep having to take his shirt off will be appreciated by many.
Hats off to Aaron Thakar for a promising debut play, and also for playing the most believable character (an out-of-work actor). There are plenty of ticket deals about for this and there's enough to appreciate to make this worth the trip to Hammersmith, but if you do want to see this, see it now. I wouldn't anticipate a transfer without some rework.
Seating is unallocated, so do get in the queue early if you have a preferred place to sit (tiered seating in Studio 3).
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 14, 2024 0:21:49 GMT
I’m easily amused tonight. The Melancholy Chocolate Bar suno.com/song/5da8ab8b-fc84-4602-8bfe-3655eea90fd8“Write a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical theatre style song about an upset chocolate bar” Lyrics [Verse] Once upon a candy shelf In a chocolate land so sweet There lived a chocolate bar that no one could ever beat But deep inside this bar of joy A bitter taste did reside For it longed to be chosen But the shelves It had to bide (oh-yeah) [Verse] The other treats would come and go Whisked away on a ride But the chocolate bar stayed behind Feeling lost and left aside Its caramel dreams were melting away As it cried out in despair "Pick me Pick me!" it pleaded But no one seemed to care (oh-no-no) [Chorus] Oh Upset chocolate bar Don't you lose hope (no-no) Your day to shine will come Just wait and see In this theatre of sweets You'll be the star Turn that frown upside down Little chocolate bar (woo!) The challenge is to craft everything into a coherent musical with a plot, progression, harmonies, real actors and musicians etc. A lot of it is possible, but not with a single tool, and you need human refinement and ingenuity. We will see a few novelty musicals like that produced, but funding and support will soon dry up. AI generated plays are easier and there have been a few already, but they’re more there as a talking point than as any serious illustration of quality. Everyone still wants to put their own stamp on things.
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 13, 2024 23:54:58 GMT
I saw this at Charing Cross many years ago, then again at the Arts Theatre when they were doing late night performances. Quite a fun show if I remember. Just seen this new version has both Cleve September and Luke Bayer in, so I’m sure I’ll make a visit sometime soon.
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 13, 2024 22:33:50 GMT
Thanks, found a front row seat going spare for £20, so have booked that. There are a lot of decent single seats about. It just takes a bit of clicking through dates.
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 13, 2024 22:21:55 GMT
17:00 and 20:30 shows on a Friday. That's a very tight schedule. Sensible though, as I'm sure fans will stay for both performances. Then two shows on a Saturday. Surprised they aren't running on a Sunday though.
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 13, 2024 21:50:46 GMT
I saw this in Dartford recently with Sarah Jane Buckley as Mrs Johnstone. She was excellent. I was in the front row and the lovely lady next to me was clearly very happy she was getting a SJB show.
I hadn't realised, but the Orchard Theatre in Dartford is still closed and they have a temporary theatre a few minutes walk down the road. It may well be the old Troubadour White City theatre. If not, it is very similar in layout. A long flat floor of seats, then a tiered section at the back. I'm very glad I was sat at the front as this isn't a theatre designed for sight lines.
Not too much else to say about the show as this hasn't changed all that much in recent years. I hadn't realised that Danny Knott had joined, so spotting him was a bonus. There has to be some suspension of disbelief with the ages of some of the cast, but no one looked bored. I hadn't expected so many guns to be fired at the end (I'm sure there was only one policeman last time I saw this).
Still, this is doing good business. I'm in Leicester for work in a couple of weeks and I looked to see what shows I could see. Blood Brothers is on at the Curve, but already sold out. It's a pity that it can't play in central London as it would do far better as a filler show than many of the other options.
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 13, 2024 21:41:34 GMT
Has anyone seen the new cast yet? I'm booked for Bromley on Monday.
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 13, 2024 21:39:14 GMT
Late to the party with this one, I did go to the matinee on Thursday, using one of my PAYG tickets. They're no longer valid on the top ticket price, but I managed to get a second row ticket in a side block. There's a railing where it looks like there should be an aisle on the seating plan, but I was able to move across one seat for a clear view.
First time in the Elephant and it's a nice venue. Excellent sound quality, although some of the lyrics are impossible to make out over the band.
I believe we had four of the main leads, plus one cover, but that's only from looking at photos as there were no announcements.
It did take me a while to warm to this, but it came with several recommendations (outside TheatreBoard) and I can see why people like this. Very glad I wasn't sitting in the interaction seat. From what I can see, one guy had very much set up his partner, made even more amusing afterwards when I heard that the (non-participant) was a choreographer. I'm sure I've seen both men at shows before.
There are lots of parts of the show that look improvised, but I'd have to see this again to see how many of them happen at every performance. The microphones did always happen to be switched on at the right times.
This likely appeals to the same type of people who find Operation Mincemeat hilarious. There were several of those sat around me. It is all done very well. I don't feel the need to rush back before this closes, but I'd see it again in a future incarnation.
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 13, 2024 21:28:17 GMT
I missed the previous runs of this, but saw Albert Magashi listed in the new cast, so that was reason alone to book. It's very good that this has picked up an audience as I remember deals being regularly available before it found a West End home. I saw this Thursday evening. It was so nice to see a full audience, the most diverse audience I've seen in the West End for a while, and I must say the politest as I've never known so many people say thank you as they took their seat.
I got an excellent rush ticket on Thursday evening, a few rows back in the Stalls. The show started about 15 minutes late. One woman did leave before the show started and then there was a bit of a challenge to retrieve belongings from her seat. Frankly. the pre-show music volume was overpowering, but I have no idea if the leaving was related to this.
This is a very good play, with the cast playing a range of different characters almost documentary style with a minimal set, with some interaction between the actors. There are some funny moments, but ultimately there's a very serious message. There were people staying for quiet reflection afterwards. I wasn't as moved as many, which surprised me as so many of the themes resonate. A black friend of mine lost his battle with mental health during the pandemic at the age of just 31, so I have some experience of the struggles that people go through. This is an important play, very much of its time, and it deserves all of the attention.
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 13, 2024 21:12:32 GMT
For anyone curious, the OJ line got almost as much cheering and applause as the Nigel Farage line. A full and instant standing ovation at the end as well, which I haven't seen at BoM for a while.
I also saw Sam Tutty afterwards walking a little dog, along with a female friend. Impossible to say which of them was the cutest!
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 13, 2024 21:09:17 GMT
The ArtsEd version of this was one of the last things I saw before the theatrical pause of 2020. The performances were good and a lot of the cast have gone on to greater things, but the show itself did nothing for me. Still, I can tell there's a fanbase and perhaps there was a hidden depth I missed.
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 12, 2024 15:12:20 GMT
Did start about 15:10 (perfect sound). The show is having a religious effect on people near me. The woman behind keeps saying “Oh God”. The woman to the side is now doing the same, but with the odd “On Jesus” thrown in for good measure.
Super cast with most of the swings on, and an equally enthusiastic audience.
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 12, 2024 14:01:26 GMT
30 minutes in and the Associate Director has been on the stage to say there are sound issues, but they are working on it. His microphone worked. Mass exodus to the bar now. Still, more information than last time I was here with a show stop, which is appreciated.
|
|
3,065 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 12, 2024 13:45:19 GMT
Start of the matinee today delayed by a technical issue.
And there I was looking at the cast board and the unthinkable has happened. After 20 or so times in a row seeing Richard Lloyd-King as Mafala Hatimbi, Kirk Patterson is advertised as being on.
|
|