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Post by jgblunners on Sept 11, 2023 22:17:35 GMT
I was also at the first performance this evening. For context, between Regent’s Park and the Barbican I’ve seen this production 4 times, and I think it is superlative. The work that Tim Sheader, Drew McOnie, Tom Scutt, and Tom Deering have done on this production is phenomenal and I can’t imagine a better version of the show. So perhaps it’s unsurprising that I thought this evening’s performance was fantastic 😂
I agree with other posters that there were a few minor hiccups tonight, which are probably down to it being the first performance and will hopefully be ironed out as the show beds in. Otherwise, I thought that this was an excellent re-working of the production. The design keeps the essence of the Regent’s Park/Barbican set while adapting it for touring venues, the direction and choreography have been recreated faithfully, and mixing issues aside it sounds great.
What’s more, the cast is largely excellent. Ian Mcintosh is sensational in the title role - on a par with Declan Bennett and Rob Tripolino before him. His voice suits the score well and he knows how to use it, picking his moments to really let rip with the rock belt for maximum effect. Likewise, Hannah Richardson brings a personal vocal touch to Mary, as has been the case with the previous actresses who have taken on the role in this production. The supporting cast are all strong, although less distinctive than their predecessors. Perhaps that will come with time.
Shem Omari James clearly has the voice for Judas, but tonight I felt that his performance was not very assured, and I struggled to get much emotion from him. Perhaps that’s just first night nerves and his performance will deepen once the tour has settled in, but I felt that among the leading cast he was the weakest link. Julian Clary plays Julian Clary, as expected, and while he need only walk on stage to get a laugh from the audience, his droll style doesn’t quite fit here. I can’t help but wonder whether the actor who is playing the role in Mr Clary’s absence will play it along the same lines, or if he’ll revert to the more crazed and flamboyant version of the character as embodied by e.g. Peter Caulfield and Sam Buttery. I think the latter is probably more effective.
Anyway, I would thoroughly recommend seeing this tour if it’s coming near you. If I wasn’t so busy over the next two weeks I would return multiple times. Based on his performance as Simon this evening, I think the alternate Judas might be one to watch, so if anyone sees him in the role please do post your thoughts!
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Post by richey on Sept 12, 2023 18:12:32 GMT
I was also at the first performance this evening. For context, between Regent’s Park and the Barbican I’ve seen this production 4 times, and I think it is superlative. The work that Tim Sheader, Drew McOnie, Tom Scutt, and Tom Deering have done on this production is phenomenal and I can’t imagine a better version of the show. So perhaps it’s unsurprising that I thought this evening’s performance was fantastic 😂 I agree with other posters that there were a few minor hiccups tonight, which are probably down to it being the first performance and will hopefully be ironed out as the show beds in. Otherwise, I thought that this was an excellent re-working of the production. The design keeps the essence of the Regent’s Park/Barbican set while adapting it for touring venues, the direction and choreography have been recreated faithfully, and mixing issues aside it sounds great. What’s more, the cast is largely excellent. Ian Mcintosh is sensational in the title role - on a par with Declan Bennett and Rob Tripolino before him. His voice suits the score well and he knows how to use it, picking his moments to really let rip with the rock belt for maximum effect. Likewise, Hannah Richardson brings a personal vocal touch to Mary, as has been the case with the previous actresses who have taken on the role in this production. The supporting cast are all strong, although less distinctive than their predecessors. Perhaps that will come with time. Shem Omari James clearly has the voice for Judas, but tonight I felt that his performance was not very assured, and I struggled to get much emotion from him. Perhaps that’s just first night nerves and his performance will deepen once the tour has settled in, but I felt that among the leading cast he was the weakest link. Julian Clary plays Julian Clary, as expected, and while he need only walk on stage to get a laugh from the audience, his droll style doesn’t quite fit here. I can’t help but wonder whether the actor who is playing the role in Mr Clary’s absence will play it along the same lines, or if he’ll revert to the more crazed and flamboyant version of the character as embodied by e.g. Peter Caulfield and Sam Buttery. I think the latter is probably more effective. Anyway, I would thoroughly recommend seeing this tour if it’s coming near you. If I wasn’t so busy over the next two weeks I would return multiple times. Based on his performance as Simon this evening, I think the alternate Judas might be one to watch, so if anyone sees him in the role please do post your thoughts! I'd seen it at The Barbican and then OAT when it returned post-covid. One thing that struck me last night was the final few seconds (sorry not sure how to post spoiler via my mobile) which wasn't how I remembered it at The Barbican. Do you remember if it is the same or has this moment been added?
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Post by ceebee on Sept 12, 2023 18:38:45 GMT
I was also at the first performance this evening. For context, between Regent’s Park and the Barbican I’ve seen this production 4 times, and I think it is superlative. The work that Tim Sheader, Drew McOnie, Tom Scutt, and Tom Deering have done on this production is phenomenal and I can’t imagine a better version of the show. So perhaps it’s unsurprising that I thought this evening’s performance was fantastic 😂 I agree with other posters that there were a few minor hiccups tonight, which are probably down to it being the first performance and will hopefully be ironed out as the show beds in. Otherwise, I thought that this was an excellent re-working of the production. The design keeps the essence of the Regent’s Park/Barbican set while adapting it for touring venues, the direction and choreography have been recreated faithfully, and mixing issues aside it sounds great. What’s more, the cast is largely excellent. Ian Mcintosh is sensational in the title role - on a par with Declan Bennett and Rob Tripolino before him. His voice suits the score well and he knows how to use it, picking his moments to really let rip with the rock belt for maximum effect. Likewise, Hannah Richardson brings a personal vocal touch to Mary, as has been the case with the previous actresses who have taken on the role in this production. The supporting cast are all strong, although less distinctive than their predecessors. Perhaps that will come with time. Shem Omari James clearly has the voice for Judas, but tonight I felt that his performance was not very assured, and I struggled to get much emotion from him. Perhaps that’s just first night nerves and his performance will deepen once the tour has settled in, but I felt that among the leading cast he was the weakest link. Julian Clary plays Julian Clary, as expected, and while he need only walk on stage to get a laugh from the audience, his droll style doesn’t quite fit here. I can’t help but wonder whether the actor who is playing the role in Mr Clary’s absence will play it along the same lines, or if he’ll revert to the more crazed and flamboyant version of the character as embodied by e.g. Peter Caulfield and Sam Buttery. I think the latter is probably more effective. Anyway, I would thoroughly recommend seeing this tour if it’s coming near you. If I wasn’t so busy over the next two weeks I would return multiple times. Based on his performance as Simon this evening, I think the alternate Judas might be one to watch, so if anyone sees him in the role please do post your thoughts! I'd seen it at The Barbican and then OAT when it returned post-covid. One thing that struck me last night was the final few seconds (sorry not sure how to post spoiler via my mobile) which wasn't how I remembered it at The Barbican. Do you remember if it is the same or has this moment been added? As I recall, this production has had three slightly different endings so far all centering around Jesus "returning to the fold" and sitting on the steps of the set.
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Post by jgblunners on Sept 12, 2023 20:56:09 GMT
I'd seen it at The Barbican and then OAT when it returned post-covid. One thing that struck me last night was the final few seconds (sorry not sure how to post spoiler via my mobile) which wasn't how I remembered it at The Barbican. Do you remember if it is the same or has this moment been added? I *think* this production does the same as at the Barbican, but I’m not sure. It’s definitely not a completely new moment, but I can’t remember exactly how it’s been done before - ceebee seems to remember better than I do.
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Post by ceebee on Sept 13, 2023 9:17:41 GMT
I haven't seen this one yet but the Barbican ending was subtly different to the OAT ending. Not in a huge way.
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Post by max on Sept 13, 2023 12:06:00 GMT
Has anyone seen stage versions that include the priests singing 'Then We Are Decided' (added for the film), near the beginning? I first saw JCS when the original London production toured after it had closed in the West End - 1980. It wasn't used then.
An early Kenwright tour did include it - which is the only time I've seen it on stage. I think it's useful - for political context.
I'd even say that during the Overture it might be useful to hear fragments of Jesus's teachings - rather than just see him mouthing to an engaged and loving crowd.
I suppose I'm asking - is Jesus still a 'superstar' in 2023 UK? Or could audiences do with a bit more information?
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Post by BVM on Sept 14, 2023 13:56:39 GMT
Is the set from this much reduced from the Barbican? I’d kind of expected it to be the same.
Fairly sure the “scaffolding” that made up most of the set was 2 “L” shapes covering sides and back of stage with a gap in the middle for fake trees/foliage and the cross.
From the Manchester pics I’ve seen it looks like it’s just in a line at back of stage rather than L shaped?!
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Post by danb on Sept 14, 2023 16:02:44 GMT
Has anyone seen stage versions that include the priests singing 'Then We Are Decided' (added for the film), near the beginning? I first saw JCS when the original London production toured after it had closed in the West End - 1980. It wasn't used then. An early Kenwright tour did include it - which is the only time I've seen it on stage. I think it's useful - for political context. I'd even say that during the Overture it might be useful to hear fragments of Jesus's teachings - rather than just see him mouthing to an engaged and loving crowd. I suppose I'm asking - is Jesus still a 'superstar' in 2023 UK? Or could audiences do with a bit more information? The Lyceum version made the Priests machinations & pov perfectly clear wIthout the need for an additional song. I think that by the fact that this show is still performed, inspired by ‘the greatest story ever told’ people have more than enough background material. The piece certainly shouldn’t be dumbed down to appease those who require spoon feeding.
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Post by jgblunners on Sept 14, 2023 22:02:59 GMT
Is the set from this much reduced from the Barbican? I’d kind of expected it to be the same. Fairly sure the “scaffolding” that made up most of the set was 2 “L” shapes covering sides and back of stage with a gap in the middle for fake trees/foliage and the cross. From the Manchester pics I’ve seen it looks like it’s just in a line at back of stage rather than L shaped?! You’re right that the two structures are just rectangular rather than L-shaped. They fill the width of the stage though, with only a small gap between. Compared to the Barbican/Open Air - yes, it’s reduced. However there’s no way those sets would have fitted into many touring venues. I think what they’ve got is a good balance between preserving the look of the set and making it adaptable to stages of various sizes.
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Post by BVM on Sept 15, 2023 7:48:48 GMT
Is the set from this much reduced from the Barbican? I’d kind of expected it to be the same. Fairly sure the “scaffolding” that made up most of the set was 2 “L” shapes covering sides and back of stage with a gap in the middle for fake trees/foliage and the cross. From the Manchester pics I’ve seen it looks like it’s just in a line at back of stage rather than L shaped?! You’re right that the two structures are just rectangular rather than L-shaped. They fill the width of the stage though, with only a small gap between. Compared to the Barbican/Open Air - yes, it’s reduced. However there’s no way those sets would have fitted into many touring venues. I think what they’ve got is a good balance between preserving the look of the set and making it adaptable to stages of various sizes. Thanks very much! Good to hear it's a good balance. Yes for some reason thought would be exactly the same as Barbican as thought that set would be floating around somewhere (though perhaps it went to USA for their national tour?!). I thought Barbican would be pretty straightforward to tour. Though in retrospect that Barbican stage is huge, and that set was simple but big so guess in terms of one week sit downs in smaller theatres that was never going to work. Anyway, going tomorrow in Manchester and can't wait :-)
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Post by richey on Sept 19, 2023 21:59:11 GMT
Saw it again tonight. Brilliant performances from all concerned (except Clary who was still dreadful). Last week's niggles were obviously first night nerves. Shem was far more confident from the start and could hear all his lines this time. Ian is really growing into the role, he gave an incredible performance of Gethsemane which was definitely up there with some of the best I've seen.
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Post by toomasj on Sept 19, 2023 22:00:35 GMT
Saw it again tonight. Brilliant performances from all concerned (except Clary who was still dreadful). Last week's niggles were obviously first night nerves. Shem was far more confident from the start and could hear all his lines this time. Ian is really growing into the role, he gave an incredible performance of Gethsemane which was definitely up there with some of the best I've seen. Were all of Clary’s “ad-libs” the same?
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Post by richey on Sept 19, 2023 22:25:11 GMT
Saw it again tonight. Brilliant performances from all concerned (except Clary who was still dreadful). Last week's niggles were obviously first night nerves. Shem was far more confident from the start and could hear all his lines this time. Ian is really growing into the role, he gave an incredible performance of Gethsemane which was definitely up there with some of the best I've seen. Were all of Clary’s “ad-libs” the same? Yes as far as I can remember. Didn't get many laughs.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Sept 21, 2023 11:56:50 GMT
I was supposed to go last night but I’m not well at the moment so had to dip out, however I thought I’d give you the feedback from my group… brace yourselves.
“Brutal editing on the dancing and reconfigured lighting could have made a massive difference”
”Mary - lame. Like something from Britain’s Got Talent”
”Julian Clary was an embarrassment though some audience members seemed to love it”
“Was trying to be ‘street’ but looked more like it was from the local comprehensive”
”Costumes from Primark hoodies and joggers department”
There’s more but that gives you the gist. I don’t think they were fully on board. Not disappointed that I couldn’t make it after that!
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Post by c4ndyc4ne on Sept 21, 2023 16:38:10 GMT
can we collectively decide to retire "lame" as a derogatory term?
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Post by BVM on Sept 21, 2023 16:44:42 GMT
I was supposed to go last night but I’m not well at the moment so had to dip out, however I thought I’d give you the feedback from my group… brace yourselves. “Brutal editing on the dancing and reconfigured lighting could have made a massive difference” ”Mary - lame. Like something from Britain’s Got Talent” ”Julian Clary was an embarrassment though some audience members seemed to love it” “Was trying to be ‘street’ but looked more like it was from the local comprehensive” ”Costumes from Primark hoodies and joggers department” There’s more but that gives you the gist. I don’t think they were fully on board. Not disappointed that I couldn’t make it after that! Had they (and indeed you) seen the OAT or Barbican versions out of interest?! As it’s a very faithful reproduction! And I thought excellent quality. Any idea if was a cover Mary (been lots of covers on this week!). FC Mary I thought had a gorgeous voice. LOL. I always like to think of the costume sponsor for this production as All Saints rather than Primark but see where they’re coming from. Agree re Clary. Unnecessary. (But the audience lapped it up).
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Post by alison on Sept 21, 2023 20:21:01 GMT
Has anyone who has been so far bought a programme by any chance and could please post the cover list?
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Post by jgblunners on Sept 21, 2023 20:31:50 GMT
Has anyone who has been so far bought a programme by any chance and could please post the cover list? Jesus - Charlie McCullagh (Alternate) / Timothy Roberts Judas - Luke Street (Alternate) / Matt Bateman Mary - Louise Francis / Cassandra Lee Pilate - Charlie McCullagh / Timothy Roberts Caiaphas - Francis Foreman / Daniel Bowskill Annas - Darius J James / Stephen Lewis-Johnston Herod - Timo Tatzber (alternate) / Jordan Michael Todd / Stephen Lewis-Johnston
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Post by intoanewlife on Sept 21, 2023 20:36:17 GMT
I was supposed to go last night but I’m not well at the moment so had to dip out, however I thought I’d give you the feedback from my group… brace yourselves. “Brutal editing on the dancing and reconfigured lighting could have made a massive difference” ”Mary - lame. Like something from Britain’s Got Talent” ”Julian Clary was an embarrassment though some audience members seemed to love it” “Was trying to be ‘street’ but looked more like it was from the local comprehensive” ”Costumes from Primark hoodies and joggers department” There’s more but that gives you the gist. I don’t think they were fully on board. Not disappointed that I couldn’t make it after that! So apart from Julian Clary it's exactly the same as the Barbican version?
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Post by Jonnyboy on Sept 21, 2023 22:06:13 GMT
I was supposed to go last night but I’m not well at the moment so had to dip out, however I thought I’d give you the feedback from my group… brace yourselves. “Brutal editing on the dancing and reconfigured lighting could have made a massive difference” ”Mary - lame. Like something from Britain’s Got Talent” ”Julian Clary was an embarrassment though some audience members seemed to love it” “Was trying to be ‘street’ but looked more like it was from the local comprehensive” ”Costumes from Primark hoodies and joggers department” There’s more but that gives you the gist. I don’t think they were fully on board. Not disappointed that I couldn’t make it after that! Were they expecting something totally old-fashioned and literal?! I’ve just seen this and it’s brilliant. So well done, powerful and some real spine-tingling moments. With respect to your group, they’re wrong! 😜
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Post by ronnette on Sept 26, 2023 23:34:31 GMT
I saw it tonight and hated it.
Hated the hand held mics. Hated the lack of storytelling or in fact any form of acting throughout the first act.
Either be a concert or be a musical. A hybrid didn’t work for me.
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Post by Rozzi Rainbow on Oct 1, 2023 16:46:49 GMT
I've seen this show a fair few times over the years, and with the exception of one they've all been the Kenwright version, or similar. The one exception being the OAT, which while I loved the outdoor setting, I found very strange.
As I love the music, I thought I'd give this another go, now I had more of an idea of what to expect. I still think it's strange, but Ian's Gethsemane was amazing and received a lot of cheers and applause. I've seen stronger Judases. I didn't mind Julian Clary too much - his scene was actually the least strange for me given how weird the Kenwright staging was for that bit.
I preferred the ending to the OAT version, it felt more defined. I see it's coming to Sunderland next summer, I'm note sure yet whether I'm planning a repeat visit or not. It will probably depend on whether there are any other options for local shows at that time.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 1, 2023 19:46:48 GMT
I preferred the ending to the OAT version, it felt more defined. I see it's coming to Sunderland next summer, I'm note sure yet whether I'm planning a repeat visit or not. It will probably depend on whether there are any other options for local shows at that time. What are the differences between the touring and OAT productions?
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Post by Rozzi Rainbow on Oct 1, 2023 20:39:49 GMT
I preferred the ending to the OAT version, it felt more defined. I see it's coming to Sunderland next summer, I'm note sure yet whether I'm planning a repeat visit or not. It will probably depend on whether there are any other options for local shows at that time. What are the differences between the touring and OAT productions? I wouldn't class this as a spoiler as such, but I'm attempting to use the tags in case anyone doesn't want to know. {Spoiler - click to view} From what I can remember of the OAT production, Jesus just got off the cross and sat down with the others.
This time, he is lifted off the cross and then walks to the front of the stage and stands opposite Judas. They both look at each other and it feels a bit significant, and like there is some closure to the story. There were a few gasps from the audience.
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Post by david on Oct 26, 2023 19:58:12 GMT
A few thoughts from Tuesday's visit to the Liverpool Empire. JCS at the OAT was one of the first shows I went to watch when theatre's started to reopen during COVID and was absolutely blown away by what director Tim Sheader and his team did with this ALW classic. A really good set design and fantastic cast. It worked really well in the open air with the light design lighting up the night sky.
When the tour was announced, I didn't have any hesitation in booking for this one and based on my visit on Tuesday, this touring version for me was just as good both in its stage design and cast. Ian Mcintosh as Jesus was sensational. Brilliant vocals from him all evening. His "Gethsemane" was the standout moment for me. Hannah Richardson as Mary was a joy to listen to. Overall, a really watchable cast has been assembled all giving strong performances. The only exception I would make would be for Juian Clary. Oh dear that was not good and thankfully he was only on for 5 minutes. I really didn't rate him in this show I'm afraid.
With a great sound mixing the band of 9 sounded great alongside the cast to bring the ALW / Tim Rice score to the stage, nobody I overheard post show had any complaints from what they had just watched.
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Post by marob on Oct 28, 2023 22:07:45 GMT
Sorry, long rambling post. Saw today’s matinee. Only booked the other day, so had a seat near the back of the stalls, which turned out to be both incredibly low and incredibly cramped. Virtually everything starts 5 minutes late at the Empire, but after 10 minutes a voice came on the tannoy and said that the show would start in 20 minutes and to remain in your seats, which of course prompted a mass exodus for the loos and bars. The show started about 35 minutes late, no reason given (maybe Norman Lamont was in?) meaning I’d have to hang around at least another hour instead of jumping straight on the train home like I’d planned.
So, not in the best mood. I’m not sure whether that coloured my perceptions of the first act or not, as I’m usually quite easily pleased, but I had very mixed feelings.
Heaven on Their Minds used to pop up on Spotify quite regularly. It’s not at all what I’d have thought an ALW song ‘should’ sound like. It’s the song that made me want to see the show. And it was disappointing TBH. It’s a big song to sing, and I don’t think the Judas was quite up to it. Good singer, but that role needs someone exceptional. Jesus and Mary were great however. I think all the main cast were on but not sure as the programmes had sold out.
I don’t mind modernising but, as mentioned above, it looked like they’d just raided the local Primark. Could have done without the few props there were turning into microphones all the time. And I really wasn’t keen on the dancing(/movement?) which at times wasn’t very well synchronised. I only vaguely remember learning the Easter story in school, so was a bit lost at times. Probably should have read a synopsis before going. It’s not as if the crucifixion is a shock plot twist that can be spoiled.
I’ve never left at the interval, but I very nearly did today. I only didn’t because I could see on my phone that the train home was delayed as well. So I stayed, and I’m glad I did. The songs I like are in act one, but I felt act two was a lot tighter. Gethsemane was stunning. Julian was, well, Julian and had a surprisingly warm reception. Smattering of entrance applause even.
3.5 stars. There’s elements I didn’t like but I wouldn’t mind seeing it again sometime, as I think I’d probably enjoy it more second time around.
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Post by distantcousin on Oct 31, 2023 10:16:31 GMT
Saw the opening night in Milton Keynes last night. My first time seeing this - my favourite version of JCS - since 2017 in the Park. Very much enjoyed it. The choreography remains thrilling, and I definitely picked up more on the "language" and metaphors incorporated. My biggest disappointment was just how cramped the show looked on the MK Theatre stage - which I assume is a decent sized stage. There never felt enough room for full out choreography. The ensemble seemed quite small too - has this also been reduced since Regents Park, to fit touring theatre spaces? Much of the reference to the Jews resonated strongly with me, given current geopolitical circumstances. I particularly found "Poor Jerusalem" quite affecting. The leads were superb and the vocals were glorious. (I felt the ensemble either weren't mic'd well, or their diction is slipping, as a lot of their lyrics were indecipherable - unless you know them well already, as I do)
The theatre was busy, and the show got a rapturous reception at curtain call.
Quite a few young people in, as well as the usual oldies. If younger people have been mainly raised on a diet of 21st century feel-good, "situational" etc musicals, I expect this level of drama and grandiose was quite something for them!!
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Post by ceebee on Oct 31, 2023 11:39:47 GMT
Looking forward to this on Saturday.
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Post by alison on Oct 31, 2023 14:12:19 GMT
A whole load of singles across the week for Milton Keynes have been reduced to £13 today. I've picked one up for Wednesday and Thursday evenings to see the two alternates.
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Post by distantcousin on Oct 31, 2023 14:30:44 GMT
A whole load of singles across the week for Milton Keynes have been reduced to £13 today. I've picked one up for Wednesday and Thursday evenings to see the two alternates.
Too late for me now, but where did you find this offer, please?
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