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Post by anita on Jun 7, 2018 9:08:34 GMT
I feel a bit underwhelmed by the line up/schedule, i must say. Certainly seems the least exciting in a good few years. I usually try to go both days but will deffinitely give the Sunday a miss this year & won't stay all day Saturday either. Will leave after Eugenius. really very disappointing.
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Post by robertb213 on Jun 7, 2018 9:30:43 GMT
Tina only gets 2 x 5 minute chunks while Thriller gets 2 x 20 minute chunks?!? The soloists are definitely underwhelming compared to previous years as well. I was originally gutted that I couldn't make it this year but I'm feeling alright about it now! 😁
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Post by robertb213 on Jun 7, 2018 9:32:53 GMT
As others have said, Saturday is best for big shows. On the Sunday, it’s usually only the shows that actually have performances that day I don't understand how they fit it in when most do a Saturday matinee! Most of the shows after 2pm aren't currently on in the West End, they're all upcoming ones 😁
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Post by ensembleswings on Jun 8, 2018 14:13:42 GMT
Giving it a miss this year, I'm working Saturday anyway and Sunday's line up just doesn't seem worth the coach fare. Rather use the money for the coach on another day and see a full show instead.
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Post by anthony40 on Jun 8, 2018 16:35:51 GMT
Did I read correct? Is this starting at 11am this year? Isn't this later than usual?
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Post by justfran on Jun 8, 2018 18:29:46 GMT
Does anyone know if all or part of this will be streamed/ shown live online on Facebook etc?
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Post by anita on Jun 9, 2018 9:39:44 GMT
Did I read correct? Is this starting at 11am this year? Isn't this later than usual? Yes.
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Post by daisy24601 on Jun 14, 2018 11:09:47 GMT
Once again I have to work Saturday morning so I will miss all the good stuff. One day!! I can go later that day and Sunday but I'm not sure how much of it I'm bothered about. Any idea who the Barricade Boys special guest will be?
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Post by anthony40 on Jun 15, 2018 19:30:43 GMT
If anyone see's me around tomorrow, feel free to say hello
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Post by Mr Wallacio on Jun 16, 2018 6:36:48 GMT
How I long for the days when Mastercard were the sponsor and you could blag your way into the VIP enclosure.
I thought I'd take a punt this year and email WEL asking how to get into the enclosure and they actually responded but said it was for sponsors and if I wanted to avoid the crowds I should stay outside in the overflow area and watch on the big screen. Not the response I was after.
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Post by indis on Jun 16, 2018 6:55:51 GMT
How I long for the days when Mastercard were the sponsor and you could blag your way into the VIP enclosure. I thought I'd take a punt this year and email WEL asking how to get into the enclosure and they actually responded but said it was for sponsors and if I wanted to avoid the crowds I should stay outside in the overflow area and watch on the big screen. Not the response I was after. got quite the same last year
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jun 16, 2018 7:19:51 GMT
There should be some TheatreBoard flyers in the SOLT tent. If you happen to see them please do pick one or two up, not for yourself (you already know how fabulous it is here) but DO pass it to someone else in the crowd. Just any random person, maybe one who looks slightly obsessive, will be just fine. Help us spread the word. Thank you! (Don’t pick the whole lot up and start distributing them, as that’s probably not allowed)
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Post by waybeyondblue on Jun 16, 2018 8:45:52 GMT
What’s a Theatreboard?
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Post by HereForTheatre on Jun 16, 2018 8:53:39 GMT
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Post by daisy24601 on Jun 16, 2018 10:10:41 GMT
I want to drop by later and catch some of the end if I can. Are there different areas to stand? I'm not that fussed about being able to see the stage well.
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Post by alece10 on Jun 16, 2018 10:11:49 GMT
There should be some TheatreBoard flyers in the SOLT tent. If you happen to see them please do pick one or two up, not for yourself (you already know how fabulous it is here) but DO pass it to someone else in the crowd. Just any random person, maybe one who looks slightly obsessive, will be just fine. Help us spread the word. Thank you! (Don’t pick the whole lot up and start distributing them, as that’s probably not allowed) View Attachment"Slightly obsessive?" What are you trying to say Burly? 😁
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Post by Stephen on Jun 16, 2018 11:08:02 GMT
Forgot this started today. I'm working both shows at Drury Lane so will have to miss. For tomorrow, just how early need I arrive? The queues today looked so long!
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Post by anthony40 on Jun 16, 2018 11:34:01 GMT
There should be some TheatreBoard flyers in the SOLT tent. If you happen to see them please do pick one or two up, not for yourself (you already know how fabulous it is here) but DO pass it to someone else in the crowd. Just any random person, maybe one who looks slightly obsessive, will be just fine. Help us spread the word. Thank you! (Don’t pick the whole lot up and start distributing them, as that’s probably not allowed) View AttachmentThey’re there. I tweeted a pic
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Post by indis on Jun 16, 2018 11:52:58 GMT
has Javert sung a Solo at WEL? saw an Instagram Video of the Cast of Les Mis walking down to Trafalgar Square with Javert wearing his uniform but on stage he wears his One day more student outfit? confused
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Post by Mr Wallacio on Jun 16, 2018 12:27:39 GMT
Javert sang Stars.
It feels weird this year. No fancy VIP enclosure, hardly any stalls and Councillor Robert Davis (well he's here but they aren't talking to him. Not being from London and paying no attention I didn't realise he'd stepped down while they investigate him for misconduct).
Shows are good as usual though.
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Post by ncbears on Jun 16, 2018 17:30:45 GMT
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Post by ensembleswings on Jun 16, 2018 17:45:25 GMT
I'm glad the videos have been uploaded quickly this year, meant I could watch the proper official (decent quality) clips when I got in from a hellish shift at work
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Post by learfan on Jun 16, 2018 18:02:38 GMT
Javert sang Stars. It feels weird this year. No fancy VIP enclosure, hardly any stalls and Councillor Robert Davis (well he's here but they aren't talking to him. Not being from London and paying no attention I didn't realise he'd stepped down while they investigate him for misconduct). Shows are good as usual though. Who he?
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Post by viserys on Jun 16, 2018 18:18:05 GMT
I'm glad the videos have been uploaded quickly this year, meant I could watch the proper official (decent quality) clips when I got in from a hellish shift at work
Agreed! Was nice to see (most) of them so quickly. Who was the impossibly pretty lady playing/singing Deena atm?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 16, 2018 18:34:20 GMT
Kinky Boots are always good value at WEL and their performance put a smile on my face.
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Post by ensembleswings on Jun 16, 2018 18:35:49 GMT
Brennyn Lark! Really need to get myself back to Dreamgirls and see her complete performance, she sounded great on that clip.
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Post by anthony40 on Jun 16, 2018 18:39:34 GMT
So today was fun!
Warning- Crowds are crazy busy. So you queue for ages for tow entrances and you nearly get in you snake though a roped off are before bag searched.
I was actually in this area when it started and consequently missed Everybody's Talking About Jame and saw everything up to Mamma Mia! and was (literally) fighting to get out during little Shop of Horrors.
Appreciate its at this point that all the main shows have performed and have then left in order to prepare for their matinee. But it still took me (for what seemed like) 10 minutes to get out and at this point and there were still loads of people queuing to get in.
(I think-well they mentioned something to this effect) they were working on the principle of one coming out, one coming it.
(In truth) I think they've outgrown the location. I remember when it used to be in Leicester Square but now I'm not too sure it's fit for purpose.
I mean security is good (great in fact) and the stage size is good, it's just the crowds. My feet are sore (nay throbbing) and I'm 48. I don't know how you would expect a less abled or much older person to stand all that time. They also had a guy visibly signing throughout.
All the usual stalls were there, however much more spread out. BTW, they're selling West End Live merchandise now- a T-sh*t, Tote Bag, Keyring and fridge magnet at a merchandise stall and by walking round.
Although it got grey and this with clouds, thank God it didn't rain.
As referred to by Mr Wallacio in his above post, previously this was sponsored by MasterCard and Heart FM. Now its sponsored by Magic FM and Ruthie Henshall was the co-host for the first half and then came on as Momma Morton in Chicago.
As usual and as expected, the performances were top notch and busting with energy.
As I saw, I missed Everybody's Talking About James, but Aladdin was good with several songs sung, as was Motown
Wicked- just one sone. Alice Fern singing Defying Gravity as a one-hander (no Glinda).
Kinky Boots- the understudy was on as Charlie- Soul of a Man and the full ensemble for the finale of the show Raise You Up.
One song only- Naughty- from Matilda
At least three songs for Bat out of Hell- I distinctly reneger Bat Out of Hell and Anything For Love. (I think) You Took The Word's Right Out Of My Mouth.
Phantom of the Opera- Wishing You Were Here Again and The Phantom of the Opera. Whereas previously either side of the stage were flanked by large melted candle waxed candelabras. Today there were projections.
Les Miserables- still as popular as ever and a croud pleaser. The first song was Stars, Bring Him Home and the full cast is costume for One Day More.
Tina-The Musical. Sounded really good, not in costume but enthusiastic.
Strictly Ballroom- Will Young and the full cast is costume. I've seen the show and think this has a lot of heart is a slow burner but not too sure how well it came across. It just didn't seem to flow. it was like there was (a bit) of a dead patch here and there. The flamenco dancer and the guy with the Spanish guitar got a big cheer from the crowd.
Dreamgirls- all in full costume and dancing was slick however there did appear to be one or two sound issues. They sang a song with the male ensemble- sorry, forgot what it was and Listen. But how could they not sing And I Am Telling You?
Chicago- No Cuba Gooding Jnr but they sang All That Jazz, When You're Good To Mamma, and Roxie
Mamma Mia!- As expected, in full costume, full of energy. Waterloo, (I Want To Know) The Name of The Game and Dancing Queen- F**k me I LOVE ABBA!
It was at this point I started my fight just to get out to meet my sister and her friend who too, could not get in.
For me, the two stand out performances were Kinky Boots and Les Miserables.
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Post by viserys on Jun 16, 2018 18:39:44 GMT
Thanks! And indeed, made me think I should try and catch Dreamgirls again before it closes, too.
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Post by daisy24601 on Jun 16, 2018 19:16:13 GMT
I caught the last hour, got there just in time to see Suzie Mathers smash her I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical song. I'm going back tomorrow, a bit worried about the queue as I saw people say they queued and didn't even get in for the start but hoping it'll be a bit less busy tomorrow 😬
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Post by HereForTheatre on Jun 16, 2018 19:27:17 GMT
Where could it go if it moved though? The thing about both Leicester Square and now Trafalgar Square is that it's within walking distance of most shows to easily get to and enables the line up they get every year. Move it to somewhere like Hyde Park and then that becomes a bit of an issue and, to add to that, does't feel like being at the centre of the West End, which i feel like adds to it.
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