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Post by daisy24601 on Mar 31, 2018 13:49:09 GMT
Well. I just loved it. Loved loved loved it. It still makes me laugh out loud now thinking about it. I think the kids nowadays call it 'LOL'. It's a campalicious, frothy delight. In a strange way it reminds me of a slightly lighter showbiz mother/child version of the film 'Serial Mom'. The songs are catchy, the jokes come thick and fast and I just loved all the references to old films and Broadway musicals and the cast are sensational PLUS there's some tap dancing. Jason Gardiner camps it up a storm (as do they all) and has a strange look of Dame Diana Rigg in the second act (AND there's a turban!) and Kim Maresca who plays the mother is simply fabulous. Tracie Bennett pretty much steals the show with her drunk acting and big 'I Hate Musicals' number but she's challenged pretty strongly in the second act by Lara Denning as the assistant Eve who . . {SPOILER!! DONT DO IT!!} . . . has quite possibly one of the best on stage deaths I have seen in a long time. The image of her grabbing the curtains still makes me scream.
It's OTT and has all the subtlety and depth of the cast of TOWIE in a puddle but oh, it's a joy. I will definitely go back again. If they charged me £75 to see it, I wouldn't begrudge a single pound of it. Even if the theatre needs burning down and starting again. I knew God would punish me for panning 'Fiddler'! Your spoiler was my biggest laugh moment in the show, so good I saw the show last night and loved it. So much fun, so over the top and stellar performances from all. Really glad I went. The theatre is quite grotty but I have been there 3 times now and sat in various places and been able to see well from all of them which, being short, is a big plus for me!
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Post by stageyqueen on Mar 31, 2018 19:05:14 GMT
So I popped along to the Arts Theatre this afternoon to see Ruthless. The theatre itself has see better days, would appear to being held together with Duct tape! As for the toilets my cats litter tray is bigger! The staff were friendly though and it had a nice atmosphere about it.
The show had me in fits of giggles from the off. Jason Gardiner was hilarious as was Tracie Bennett- as I watched her, I thought she would make a good Dorothy Brock when Lulu’s 42nd Street run ends ( The dates would seem to fit as well)
I won’t drop any spoiler but although Act 1 was funny, it was a bit slow getting going but by the time Act 2 came around there was no such issues. Had me laughing in fits for it’s entirety.
I probably would not return for a 2nd visit and was happy I got the seat (Stalls Row A) for £20
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Post by dlevi on Apr 3, 2018 8:04:34 GMT
I guess I was in a sour mood when I saw this because despite the lines themselves being funny and the lyrics very clever, this was one of the most amateurish pieces of theatre I've ever seen in the West End. Cheap sets ( I get the director's concept but the execution was haphazard) ill-fitting costumes ( but the wigs were swell) as well as sluggish direction and apathetic choreography. There really wasn't an aspect of this that I felt was "professional". Oh well.
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Post by Dr Tom on Apr 4, 2018 22:15:00 GMT
Saw this tonight not knowing what to expect and found it delightful and funny.
Grabbed one of the front row seats that appeared online at about 10:30am (don’t know if they were unsold day seats). Perfect view. The stage isn’t particularly high and, with it being a small stage, everything takes place close to the front anyway.
First half is really funny, very home sitcom setting like. Second half has a scene change and still funny but slightly less so. It is, of course, all very tongue in cheek. A huge number of lines are recycled from other musicals and songs are in the style of other more famous ones, but I think you’d have a great time whether you spot these or not (I picked up a few references but missed a load too).
Could have done without the series of loud gunshots, but at least they were recordings rather than live weapons.
All the cast were great and have quite a theatre pedigree between them. A good result for this small venue and also one of the few times I’ve been there with the temperature not being an issue.
One less desirable note. I’m sure someone in front grabbed some unattended programmes on the way out and put them under his newspaper. Probably should have said something but it happened too quickly. Just not the sort of thing I’d expect to see in a theatre.
Which reminds me that there is no security in place or bag checks at the Arts, unusual in this day and age.
Anyway, a recommended performance and go for the front seats if you can. Great fun.
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Post by anita on Apr 5, 2018 8:44:35 GMT
There were bag checks when I went.
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Post by bellboard27 on Apr 5, 2018 8:51:51 GMT
There were bag checks when I went. My bag was checked last night. Oddly most theatres check as you enter the building, but I was checked as I showed my ticket to enter the auditorium.
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3,059 posts
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Post by Dr Tom on Apr 5, 2018 11:07:05 GMT
There were bag checks when I went. My bag was checked last night. Oddly most theatres check as you enter the building, but I was checked as I showed my ticket to enter the auditorium. Ok, thanks, must be the ushers checking downstairs. I didn't have a bag so didn't notice checks going on.
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Post by buckybear on Apr 7, 2018 23:58:18 GMT
Saw this today and thoroughly enjoyed it. Lots of laugh out loud, high camp fun with a terrific cast who were superb - and their timing was impeccable. I’m not sure how it would have come across with a different set of actors in the roles, but this cast are great. And Tracie Bennett, Drury Lane is just a short stroll down the road when this closes...
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Post by julian on Apr 14, 2018 18:56:51 GMT
I got to see this and I can’t recommend it enough. It is hilarious and not to be missed. Jason Gardiner is brilliant and what a fabulous voice he has. As usual Tracie Bennett is superb. The whole cast are good, it was a brilliant evening out
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18,811 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Apr 14, 2018 19:33:08 GMT
What’s the legroom like on the front row stalls?
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Post by julian on Apr 14, 2018 20:17:40 GMT
Its ok for deadlegs Burly
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18,811 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Apr 14, 2018 21:01:33 GMT
Do you mean my legs will be dead julian?
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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2018 21:04:06 GMT
What’s the legroom like on the front row stalls? Amazing! Sat there twice, at least a metre worth, and stage is low so no restriction at all.
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18,811 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Apr 14, 2018 21:06:35 GMT
Bingo. Thank you.
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Post by julian on Apr 14, 2018 22:29:17 GMT
Just joking Burly
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Post by SamB (was badoerfan) on Apr 15, 2018 13:41:44 GMT
Saw this on Friday night, and was very pleasantly surprised, I really quite enjoyed it. I honestly wasn't expecting much from it, but it has great performances, it's genuinely very funny and - most importantly - it has good songs!
It's certainly not flawless - it's unfortunately impossible to do a parody of a horrible screechy stage brat without having some horrible screechy stage brat songs. That's not a criticism against the young actress who was playing Tina, who was excellent (with the exception of one song, it does have to be said), playing the role to an absolute tee, and with great comic timing. But it does mean some of the songs can be quite wearing, and the whole show is very 'full on' in general.
The audience seemed to really enjoy it too, despite for the most part not getting a lot of the references (I laughed very loudly at 'Sing out Louise' before realising I was the only one laughing), so I think it can be enjoyed on different levels. It's a good show for the Friday night party crowd, but there's plenty there for the more discerning musicals fan too.
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Post by buckybear on Apr 16, 2018 9:08:50 GMT
Saw this again on Saturday and enjoyed it even more than I did the first time. The cast really seemed to be on.fire, particularly in the second half - perhaps because the evening house really seemed to ‘get’ and laugh out loud at the references and were having such a good time. A lively, enthusiastic audience makes such a difference to the overall atmosphere - and Sat night it was just fab!.
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Post by ellie1981 on Apr 21, 2018 21:56:43 GMT
Just saw this tonight and I am floored. I loved this so much, particularly the young actress playing Tina, who reminded me of a young Kate Hudson. Kim Maresca however and her facial reactions just stole the show.
I think this is definitely one for repeat visits and I have a few more friends who I know will adore it.
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Post by JJShaw on Apr 24, 2018 10:02:38 GMT
But it does mean some of the songs can be quite wearing, and the whole show is very 'full on' in general. I saw the show last night and this point is something I agreed with. While I enjoyed all the songs it did almost a little same-y in the score and a little difficult to distinguish them, but I did enjoy all the songs! I enjoyed the show but its quite a tightrope walk between being campy, over the top, and trying to not let that schtick be too grating. It didn't quite sit right with me and I think it might have been to do with the length. Before I checked i assumed it would be a one act musical around 90 mins - 1hr 45mins (Which upon research post show they did adapt it to that in 2015) and I think I would have preferred that. As the plot doesn't quite demand the length it is. All the performances were good everyone's vocals were wonderful! I think the Arts is a great venue for the show, a good size for it. The set was good and I enjoyed the lighting particularly the final moments.
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Post by alece10 on May 5, 2018 7:17:33 GMT
Had a second visit last night after seeing the first preview and this time it was even better. The cast have really settled into their roles and I think I laughed even more. The girl playing Tina was excellent. I really am surprised how good Jason Gardiner is, OTT performance and such a strong voice. Tracie Bennett hilarious in I Hate Musicals and once again a real highlight for me. Good audience who were very responsive but I think there were only a few of us who got some of the musical jokes. For example when Jason is doing his "Roses Turn" number and singing "for me, for me" I think that only myself as a few gays of a certain age actually knew what it was. But that didn't matter as most people were just enjoying the silliness of it all.
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494 posts
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Post by ellie1981 on May 5, 2018 8:59:06 GMT
I’ve already got two more bookings for this in the next couple of weeks. Having described it to other friends they are all now eager to come.
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Post by Deleted on May 6, 2018 12:22:10 GMT
Saw this last night and enjoyed it, a very fun and campy show with a great cast. Really liked Kim Maresca as Judy, had a great voice great comic timing and facial expression and would love to see her in other shows in London. Also really liked Harriet Thorpe as Miss Thorne and yet again Tracie Bennett stole the show with her cameo number. Also liked Lara Denning and Jason Gardiner. We had Charlotte Breen as Tina who was great. Nice set and costumes with enjoyable songs. It did take me a while to get into and it won’t be a show I think about in the future but if you want a fun and campy night I’m the theatre see this .
Also was my first time at the Arts theatre and I have to say these are probably the worst men’s toilets I have been to at a theatre. It was all very cramped and like they designed it not knowing people would actually want to use it. As others have mentioned on this board the theatre is also quite dated but I sort of liked the shabbiness and retro feel to be honest.
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Post by theatre-turtle on May 10, 2018 17:55:33 GMT
The young girl in this is incredible. Does she do all the shows?!
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Post by alece10 on May 10, 2018 18:42:09 GMT
The young girl in this is incredible. Does she do all the shows?! I believe there are 4 who alternate. I've seen 2 and they were both excellent.
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Post by tmesis on May 14, 2018 9:30:49 GMT
Stalls seats for £15 today on TodayTix!
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2018 12:47:06 GMT
I think three rotate and one of them is a Swing. Because I saw the show not long after opening night for the first time, and the performance I saw was the first performance of one of them. Because there was a week or two of previews you would assume if they fairly alternate, she would of been on at least four times. So I'm assuming she is the Swing of the four girls.
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Post by theatregeek1 on May 14, 2018 15:04:12 GMT
All 4 girls rotate in the role, but the performance schedule doesn’t seem to have any sort of pattern to it.
I still need to go and see it before it closes, it sounds like a good show from what I’ve heard!
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Post by musicalmarge on May 17, 2018 21:25:49 GMT
Saw this tonight. What a great show. We all loved it! Hilarious camp and bloody good fun. Gardener was brilliant!
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Post by tmesis on May 20, 2018 6:43:32 GMT
I saw this last night and thought it a terrific show. It's great because it can be enjoyed on two levels; if you're not particularly knowledgeable regarding the classic broadway musical you will enjoy it because it's extremely funny, with a great book, excellent songs and a top notch cast or if you like the classic musical you'll love the references and parodies. The music obviously pastiches Julie Styne but also I thought Kander and Ebb, Jerry Herman and Marvin Hamlish; but really it sounds most like Sondheim when referencing broadway, as in Follies or parts of Company.
It's off the scale on the campometer, the end is almost Shakespearian and the fabulously talented cast play it for all it's worth. Jason Gardiner is a revelation*
Thank you TodayTix. - I got a superb seat in the middle of the stalls for £15!
* He is 'In Conversation' tonight at 9.00 pm with Steve Allen on LBC
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Post by Stephen on May 22, 2018 17:02:04 GMT
Seeing this in a couple of hours. Any chance of a warning as to when the gunshots happen?
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