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Post by c4ndyc4ne on Mar 16, 2024 23:34:16 GMT
do we know where this is transferring to?
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Post by punxsutawney on Mar 17, 2024 10:33:51 GMT
do we know where this is transferring to? My suspicion is that, considering nobody involved with the production has said anything after Davina's comment on Friday, they might still be looking for a theatre?
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Post by theatrefan62 on Mar 17, 2024 10:40:02 GMT
If this is actually transferring and not just at the idealistic stage, then the Shaftesbury would make a lot of sense with the producers involved and the agreement with the shaftsbury owners. Plus Mrs Doubtfire is lining up a UK tour.
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Post by Paulw on Mar 17, 2024 17:56:37 GMT
If this is actually transferring and not just at the idealistic stage, then the Shaftesbury would make a lot of sense with the producers involved and the agreement with the shaftsbury owners. Plus Mrs Doubtfire is lining up a UK tour. I thought that had extended, my thoughts were possibly the Aldwych, I think Tina will close at the end of the summer and that could open the door to it in late September early October!
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Post by manchestertheatrefan on Mar 17, 2024 18:35:33 GMT
If this is actually transferring and not just at the idealistic stage, then the Shaftesbury would make a lot of sense with the producers involved and the agreement with the shaftsbury owners. Plus Mrs Doubtfire is lining up a UK tour. I thought that had extended, my thoughts were possibly the Aldwych, I think Tina will close at the end of the summer and that could open the door to it in late September early October! It has, Mrs Doubtfire is booking into 2025 now
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Post by greenandbrownandblue on Mar 17, 2024 18:55:05 GMT
do we know where this is transferring to? My suspicion is that, considering nobody involved with the production has said anything after Davina's comment on Friday, they might still be looking for a theatre? Or they have a theatre lined up but have to wait for a closing announcement (speculation, I don't know)
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Post by sophia on Mar 18, 2024 22:12:32 GMT
On the latest episode of John O’Farrell’s podcast, We Are History, he says that Just For One Day is “probably transferring to the West End in the autumn.”
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Post by david on Mar 19, 2024 0:00:02 GMT
My London theatre week kicked off with a trip to the OV for tonight’s performance. Having originally booked on the basis that Luke Sheppard was directing and I haven’t been disappointed by any of his shows so far, I booked the fantastic stalls Q35 seat for the bargain price of £22 and based on tonight’s viewing it was worth every penny. With the full cast on tonight, for fun, a fantastic lighting/vide/sound design along with a brilliant cast and the 6 piece band providing the music this was a 5⭐️ night out that got the Old Vic audience rocking it out for 2hrs 35 minutes. The show was big, loud and bright so in that respect, Luke Sheppard and his team nailed it for me.
As someone who as a 6 year old at the time that Live Aid was on, I certainly had a vague memory of seeing it on TV and those harrowing BBC reports from Ethiopia, the show provided a nice look back to the history of the concert and what it was trying to achieve. I don’t think the book by John O’Farrell was particularly great in all honesty and lacked the emotional depth that the subject matter required. I did think the lack of using the original BBC news footage within the show was a big miss to really send over the message of what BG was wanting to do with Live Aid. There was plenty of telling but not much showing to give that emotional punch. Overall, I just wasn’t invested enough emotionally in the book. Though I will say there was some nice bits of comedy in the writing. In the end like a lot of jukebox shows I just decided not to think too hard about the book and sit back and enjoy the music and performances which more than made up it.
As for the cast, all were total stars for me. Craig Els as Bob was superb. He came across brilliantly as Geldof and the voice and mannerisms were spot on. Julie Atherton as Maggie was just a joy to watch and her scenes with Craig were just pure fun. It was great that all the cast got a chance to be front and centre with their individual numbers.
A great mix of songs in the show and thankfully no issues with sing alongs tonight with a very respectful audience. Despite the issues with book, I certainly didn’t hear any complaints about the show from people either during the interval or at the end so the show must be hitting the mark for people watching it judging by their really positive response at cast bows.
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Post by stuart on Mar 19, 2024 10:32:51 GMT
I really think they should just change the name to Live Aid for the West End transfer.
When I think of Live Aid, Heroes wouldn’t even come up in the top 10 songs I’d first go to that were performed that day. Even ‘Rockin All Over the World’ would be a more descriptive title, especially since the story also covers Band Aid and therefore, not just one day.
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Post by Dr Tom on Mar 19, 2024 11:03:00 GMT
Having not seen this since previews, I made a return visit last night. An excellent front row view through the Rush tickets. I always enjoy everything more from the front, but this came across as so much tighter than during previews. You are very close to the stage, so much that you can see the performers scanning who is in the audience. Lots of eye contact too.
There was also a helpful lady behind who wanted to make sure that everyone knew the words to the songs, although unfortunately she didn't know as many as I did. She also helped keep us amused during the boring bits (like when they were talking about the famine) by having a chat with her friend. I do know it was her birthday treat.
Without that, this would have been a perfect performance. I'll certainly see this in the inevitable transfer.
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Post by stuart on Mar 19, 2024 12:29:37 GMT
Could this be going into the Trafalgar Theatre in the Autumn? Simple staging and band on stage could lend itself to here.
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Post by pauln on Mar 19, 2024 12:56:03 GMT
Does anyone know how hard it is to get rush tickets for this? I was hoping to get a single ticket for the Saturday matinee.
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Post by lotster on Mar 19, 2024 13:01:02 GMT
On the Old Vic website there are hardly any tickets left for the whole run. Many shows sold out and generally only a few singles.
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Post by Dr Tom on Mar 19, 2024 14:18:05 GMT
Does anyone know how hard it is to get rush tickets for this? I was hoping to get a single ticket for the Saturday matinee. They have been selling out in seconds, and there is a lot of luck in the process. For the final matinee, I would expect demand to be high.
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Post by ceebee on Mar 20, 2024 11:11:36 GMT
Saw this again last night, this time from E34 restricted view seat. Barely noticed the pillar - this cast is on top form and yet another rapturous response from the audience. Going to praise Dyd Wynford again, who was on as cover in the role of Bernie. A seriously talented swing who I've seen in a number of different roles during this run, and really deserves to stay on for the transfer or land further work. Dyd has a knack of effortlessly shining, without dominating. Does anybody offer awards for swings/covers? Freddie Love was again magnificent as Skye; last night's audience seemed to get the "hello" reference by Olly Dobson for the Status Quo number; Tamara Tare smashes every number - absolutely love her sass. It's a shame that this show will end just as it has hit its stride. One more visit for me next Tuesday until it comes back whenever/wherever.
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Post by max on Mar 20, 2024 11:18:52 GMT
Saw this again last night, this time from E34 restricted view seat. Barely noticed the pillar - this cast is on top form and yet another rapturous response from the audience. Going to praise Dyd Wynford again, who was on as cover in the role of Bernie. A seriously talented swing who I've seen in a number of different roles during this run, and really deserves to stay on for the transfer or land further work. Dyd has a knack of effortlessly shining, without dominating. Does anybody offer awards for swings/covers? Freddie Love was again magnificent as Skye; last night's audience seemed to get the "hello" reference by Olly Dobson for the Status Quo number; Tamara Tare smashes every number - absolutely love her sass. It's a shame that this show will end just as it has hit its stride. One more visit for me next Tuesday until it comes back whenever/wherever. What's the 'Hello' reference re. Status Quo? I don't remember that.
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Post by ceebee on Mar 20, 2024 11:57:05 GMT
Saw this again last night, this time from E34 restricted view seat. Barely noticed the pillar - this cast is on top form and yet another rapturous response from the audience. Going to praise Dyd Wynford again, who was on as cover in the role of Bernie. A seriously talented swing who I've seen in a number of different roles during this run, and really deserves to stay on for the transfer or land further work. Dyd has a knack of effortlessly shining, without dominating. Does anybody offer awards for swings/covers? Freddie Love was again magnificent as Skye; last night's audience seemed to get the "hello" reference by Olly Dobson for the Status Quo number; Tamara Tare smashes every number - absolutely love her sass. It's a shame that this show will end just as it has hit its stride. One more visit for me next Tuesday until it comes back whenever/wherever. What's the 'Hello' reference re. Status Quo? I don't remember that. It's a bit of a niche/geeky one, but Francis Rossi opened the actual concert (after the coldstream guards obviously ) shouting "'Ello! How are you? Yawright?" With a "Gorwan san" thrown in - Olly Dobson has chucked in a few "Rossi'isms" through the run, which I've really enjoyed. No disrespect to Rossi, but Olly has a far better voice and absolutely smashes this song - particularly the rock scream at the end.
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Post by showgirl on Mar 21, 2024 3:35:10 GMT
Really enjoyed this at the matinee yesterday and thought some of the vocals were sublime, a la Girl From The North Country, ie someone with a wonderful voice could entrance me even with a song I'd never liked. But a Bob Geldof with a paunch? Surely they could have found someone who was a better physical match?
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Post by ceebee on Mar 21, 2024 8:51:37 GMT
Really enjoyed this at the matinee yesterday and thought some of the vocals were sublime, a la Girl From The North Country, ie someone with a wonderful voice could entrance me even with a song I'd never liked. But a Bob Geldof with a paunch? Surely they could have found someone who was a better physical match? This is something that both Bob and Craige joked about in the media round before the show opened, though I think it is a little unkind to make comparisons. If Craige Els has a 'paunch' then I'm carrying around a small country... Having seen them both side-to-side, I feel there is more that is similar than dissimilar about the two. It feels a bit personal to critique body shape or size - surely what matters is that the lead absolutely nails the passion, mannerisms and voice of Bob Geldof.
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Post by lotster on Mar 21, 2024 9:01:37 GMT
I didn't even notice the difference in Craige Els size/stature as I was just so impressed by his accent, mannerisms and intonation. He's an actor, not an impersonator, so for me, the physical similarities aren't a factor in a role like this. Maybe it was because I thought he was so good, that I didn't look for any negatives.
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Post by Paulw on Mar 22, 2024 21:43:03 GMT
Show stop tonight, the live Aid sign didn’t go back up during we will rock you! They got to the start of Vienna and then pulled the cast off
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Mar 22, 2024 21:49:56 GMT
Can we steer away from comments on performers weight/size please. Thank you.
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Post by n1david on Mar 22, 2024 23:57:18 GMT
They got to the start of Vienna and then pulled the cast off Well that must have made for a rather different end to the show tonight...
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Post by scarletmood on Mar 23, 2024 0:41:51 GMT
Not sure what to make of the comments I've seen about this show and the bit I saw on Comic Relief. The most impressive thing which hit me was getting the rights to use songs by so many top artists as they are usually "off limits" for jukebox musicals.
I agree that discussing someone's size for a role isn't really fair and you need someone with a presence to play Bob and Craige certainly had that. Bob is well over 6ft himself so you needed an actor of decent height to play him as the visual of him and Midge who was more diminutive had to be maintained.
I could see this being a popular touring show especially for those who remember the event.
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Post by iantheknow on Mar 23, 2024 12:11:54 GMT
I don’t hold out much hope for a transfer. I hear this show has been plagued with problems, I heard the building can’t wait for it’s exit. It’s one of those shows that simply does not work if copious amounts of covers are on. It did itself no favours on comic relief, the only stand out number was dancing in the street.
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Post by scarletmood on Mar 23, 2024 13:17:44 GMT
I don’t hold out much hope for a transfer. I hear this show has been plagued with problems, I heard the building can’t wait for it’s exit. It’s one of those shows that simply does not work if copious amounts of covers are on. It did itself no favours on comic relief, the only stand out number was dancing in the street. What stood out to me there was that they did the end bit of Bohemian Rhapsody but during Queen's historic performance at Live Aid Freddie only teased the fans with part of the opening of the song.
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Post by lotster on Mar 23, 2024 13:32:00 GMT
I don’t hold out much hope for a transfer. I hear this show has been plagued with problems, I heard the building can’t wait for it’s exit. It’s one of those shows that simply does not work if copious amounts of covers are on. It did itself no favours on comic relief, the only stand out number was dancing in the street. What stood out to me there was that they did the end bit of Bohemian Rhapsody but during Queen's historic performance at Live Aid Freddie only teased the fans with part of the opening of the song. Surely the transfer plans would have to have been confirmed before they announced it live on Comic Relief? They definitely said it would have a West End transfer.
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Post by max on Mar 23, 2024 13:41:25 GMT
I don’t hold out much hope for a transfer. I hear this show has been plagued with problems, I heard the building can’t wait for it’s exit. It’s one of those shows that simply does not work if copious amounts of covers are on. It did itself no favours on comic relief, the only stand out number was dancing in the street. Interesting comment re. covers. Do you mean covers for principal characters? There's little characterisation for most of the 'knock it out of the park' singers, and they're sitting in full view on the equivalent of the football subs/squad bench, so almost anyone (with a good voice) could pop up and sing most of it. Nothing is an acting stretch for anyone - other than Bob, where an acceptable approximation of such a well known person is vital. Shouldn't the show be one of the safest re. maintaining quality when covers are on? I think the Old Vic Artistic Director would have been abroad during most of the rehearsal period and previews, supervising 'Groundhog Day' in Australia; I wonder what he made of 'Just For One Day' when he got back. With the number of glitterati it attracted, it must at least be good for the venue in terms of being on the map of some starry (and non starry) first timers.
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Post by ceebee on Mar 23, 2024 18:53:45 GMT
This show will transfer, though not perhaps immediately - it will go through some updates/improvements in the process. It has had a lot of money spent on it - rest assured it has a future life.
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Post by ceebee on Mar 24, 2024 12:37:17 GMT
I don’t hold out much hope for a transfer. I hear this show has been plagued with problems, I heard the building can’t wait for it’s exit. It’s one of those shows that simply does not work if copious amounts of covers are on. It did itself no favours on comic relief, the only stand out number was dancing in the street. Interesting comment re. covers. Do you mean covers for principal characters? There's little characterisation for most of the 'knock it out of the park' singers, and they're sitting in full view on the equivalent of the football subs/squad bench, so almost anyone (with a good voice) could pop up and sing most of it. Nothing is an acting stretch for anyone - other than Bob, where an acceptable approximation of such a well known person is vital. Shouldn't the show be one of the safest re. maintaining quality when covers are on? I think the Old Vic Artistic Director would have been abroad during most of the rehearsal period and previews, supervising 'Groundhog Day' in Australia; I wonder what he made of 'Just For One Day' when he got back. With the number of glitterati it attracted, it must at least be good for the venue in terms of being on the map of some starry (and non starry) first timers. Just to build on this point, I think the notion that the "building can't wait for its exit" is nonsense. It has attracted a new audience to the venue and has grossed higher than Groundhog Day (though is a more expensive production to stage). I agree 100% regarding the covers - Bob is the trickiest role of the lot; youthful energy is what carries this show along with brilliant vocals. I also agree that Warchus would have been focused on other work but his programme notes are effusive and this co-produced show probably needed a theatre like the Old Vic to test its viability before finding a more commercial home. I anticipate one or two tweaks and changes but expect to see this transfer this year.
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