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Post by alece10 on Jul 9, 2017 16:47:12 GMT
I'm going to be a bit controversial now but I enjoyed it. I actually knew I would so wasn't really that surprised. Had a bit of a musical weekend with some family visiting and we had already done Matilda the night before and Kinky Boots in the afternoon. The Wind in the Willows ticket was a present from them and the show was their choice. They had actually booked in advance and paid full price so I kept quiet that there were offers on the show. I thought it was a very sweet, British musical to appeal to the target audience of families and children. There were certainly lots of children there who seemed to love it. They were so well behaved and the show kept their attention throughout. Sets and design were lovely as were the costumes. Good cast as well. OK Rufus Hound was OTT but got the biggest cheer from the audience so they obviously liked him. Stand out for me was Simon Lipkin who was very funny, but then I am a bit of a Lipkin fan anyway. Even Denise Walsh (who is no singer) put in a good performance. I always like Styles and Drew's music so knew exactly what to expect. No I cant really remember any of the songs but if I listed to them 2 or 3 times then several would remain in my head. However I did come away humming "messing about on a boat in the river". Now most of us on the theatre board go to the theatre a lot and see a huge variety of shows and, especially if you live in London, get the chance to see the biggest names and the best shows. But I would think that a high percentage of the audience here do not go the theatre often so this is a treat for them and a lot of them wouldn't know Sondheim if it bit them on the bum. My family is a perfect example. They live in Cornwall. A visit to the theatre in London is a treat, they are not newbies to the theatre as go a few times a year to Theatre Royal Plymouth so have seen great shows. Now they really enjoyed it and not in anyway disappointed. They had also not read any reviews so had not seen the negative comments. I think they are typical of the audience for this show. The very sad thing was how empty the theatre was. I would say the stall were not even half full, could not see how busy it was in the dress and I think the upper circle was closed and this was a Saturday night. Must be awful for the cast who work so hard. Its a shame to see any show not doing well. Just hope things pick up with the kids go on holiday. So all in all an enjoyable evening and if scoring then I would give it 3.5
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Post by TallPaul on Jul 13, 2017 13:15:11 GMT
It's taken me a while to get around to reading it, but there's a very interesting interview in last week's Stage with Jamie Hendry, one of the producers of Wind in the Willows. Although the interview must have been given before the opening night, and all those indifferent reviews, he's remarkably frank and open.
It was Julian Fellowes who recommended Stiles and Drew, over breakfast at Claridge's. (Where else?)
He thinks the show has been improved since Plymouth. "It's in a wonderful place at the moment."
The budget is £4.5 million, and can recoup at 70% capacity.
"This is just the start of the show's journey, not it's only destination"
More than 400 people have invested in the show via crowdfunding, putting in between £1,000 and £5,000.
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Post by TallPaul on Jul 14, 2017 13:09:44 GMT
I'd be interested to know @theatremonkey, do you think the problem is that this is a top-down production, rather than a bottom-up one? Perhaps I'm being naive, but don't composer usually write a show, or at least have an idea, then find a producer?
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Post by adrianics on Jul 14, 2017 13:18:47 GMT
This is just the start of the show's journey, not it's only destination We'll all rave about the Union's revival come 2027... I did say to the wife on the way back to the tube that I expected the amdram rights to be out within three years... Not an insult because I think it'll be very well suited to that arena!
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Post by tmesis on Jul 15, 2017 7:57:57 GMT
Love Quentin Letts's (not words often heard from me) damning with faint praise review in the Waitrose free rag (where else?) -
'The whole thing is easy enough to sit through...'
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Post by Mr Wallacio on Jul 25, 2017 9:00:29 GMT
Going to the matinee today. I like Stiles and Drewe, so we'll see how I find it.
I didn't have much choice in seeing this though as it's the only matinee this afternoon I could find that I haven't already seen.
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Post by Mr Wallacio on Jul 25, 2017 17:26:21 GMT
Didn't hate it.
Story is pants, but it's a kids show so forgiven. Plus I quite like Neil McDermott, I've a thing for a bad boy, even if he's playing a weasel.
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Post by fiyero on Jul 30, 2017 15:13:15 GMT
I saw this last night and as mentioned above I think it is worrying that the stalls are half full on a Saturday night. I had seen the show in Southampton and while it does have its faults it is still a good fun show and it is clear they have put a lot of effort in. I could tell from Seeing it in Southampton it wanted to be a big show, so the Palladium makes sense, but wonder if it could have done better if it was smaller. Also does anyone know how many children are supposed to be in the show, I'm sure at the start I saw at least one girl but then later on only 2 boys (the cast board showed a girl and a boy so maybe a mid show change?)
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2017 8:51:20 GMT
Well. I do love a small production of lesser known musical in a fringe venue but it's lovely to be reminded of a big splashy show with fancy sets and costumes and big casts and an orchestra every now and again. I really rather liked this one. Granted, the story is slight at best but it's all very well done and the cast are great. I loved the set (it's smashing) and it's got the best curtain in London's glitzy West End after the sparkly Dreamgirls one.
And what you also get for your money is one of the loveliest, cuddliest, warmest, sweetest duos around in Simon Lipkin as Rat ("oh, we're sticking with Ratty are we?") and especially Craig Mather as Mole. Although James Gant does almost steal the show as Mr Hedgehog.
It was very empty last night. Kids well behaved. Parents not so much. Where is your taser gun when you need it eh?
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Post by jampot on Aug 3, 2017 9:27:14 GMT
I saw it in soton and enjoyed it up to a point...I thought Neil McDermott was the driving force in it...he was excellent...
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Post by TallPaul on Aug 3, 2017 12:38:57 GMT
I'm getting worried about Ryan. He's gone all serious again!
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Post by lynette on Aug 8, 2017 20:24:14 GMT
I'm not a musical maven as you know but I loved this. Took the grandkids and was expecting to be bored. "We're taking the Hall" a real number. I appreciated the attention to detail of the choreography and clarity of the sound of the speech. Yes, for kids but no compromises in quality I thought. And I was quite surprised and thrilled by the last entry of Toad. No idea who the actors were, but enjoyed them all. Perhaps a special mention for the horse.
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Post by benny20 on Aug 9, 2017 16:32:47 GMT
Closing in three weeks time....shame but I wasn't thrilled by it. Just did nt see who the target audience was
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Post by TallPaul on Aug 9, 2017 17:12:24 GMT
If it's as empty as everyone says it is, and closing early, why do the figures in The Stage have it as almost a sell out? I used to think they were reasonably reliable, but now I'm not so sure.
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Post by TallPaul on Aug 9, 2017 17:29:16 GMT
Two points: first, the run was shortened by one week on 19th July - if you read back the thread I mentioned that. Second, "The Stage" counts off seats from live online seating plans showing availability. Producers are well aware of this, and may well manage how those plans look, shall we say... I never look back TM, only forward!! I knew you'd know, but if you know, then surely The Stage also knows it's being manipulated, shall we say? Good figures are also being reported for Lady Day, but presumably only because the top half of the theatre is closed for many performances.
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Post by dan on Aug 23, 2017 20:09:17 GMT
Fell in love with this show a little bit yesterday. That may well be because my sister and I took my niece to her first west end show at the age of 5, so seeing it through her eyes was magical. She hasn't stopped singing the songs and dancing today! She adored it! As did we. I thought the songs were excellent and have been singing along today too. Some gorgeous and sweet harmonies and melodies. The cast was incredible and Rufus' energy was perfect for Toad! It was also being filmed for a cinema release during the show.
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Post by juliepb on Aug 23, 2017 21:20:12 GMT
Fell in love with this show a little bit yesterday. That may well be because my sister and I took my niece to her first west end show at the age of 5, so seeing it through her eyes was magical. She hasn't stopped singing the songs and dancing today! She adored it! As did we. I thought the songs were excellent and have been singing along today too. Some gorgeous and sweet harmonies and melodies. The cast was incredible and Rufus' energy was perfect for Toad! It was also being filmed for a cinema release during the show. I was there yesterday too!! I thought it was absolutely charming - lovely music with clever lyrics, inventive costumes and staging, and perfectly cast - a fab afternoon!!
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Post by mrbarnaby on Aug 23, 2017 22:32:39 GMT
Dear oh dear.
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Post by d'James on Aug 31, 2017 22:16:13 GMT
3 - 3.5 Stars.
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Post by Someone in a tree on Sept 1, 2017 5:51:13 GMT
Quite a pleasant way to spend an evening. More regional Crimbo show than Wendy's End and perhaps too many songs
3 stars
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Post by d'James on Sept 6, 2017 4:04:05 GMT
The problem is mainly the book, then the direction and finally the set (and maybe the costumes). There is a great show in there, but lay off the Fellowes!!!
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Post by Someone in a tree on Sept 6, 2017 6:38:13 GMT
The problem is mainly the book, then the direction and finally the set (and maybe the costumes). There is a great show in there, but lay off the Fellowes!!! Well JF is the darling of ITV! Since seeing it last week I have become quite drawn to the CD. Some great songs are in there but also some quite dull ones. I was amazed at how transfixed all the kiddies were, so it must be doing something right
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Post by Deleted on Sept 11, 2017 18:12:11 GMT
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Post by nash16 on Sept 12, 2017 0:51:05 GMT
Now they're just being cruel...on an International level.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2017 9:04:51 GMT
Now they're just being cruel...on an International level. Is it that bad? From the reviews here I was put off from a theatre visit, but think I'd do a cinema trip out of interest.
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Post by alece10 on Sept 12, 2017 10:58:02 GMT
Now they're just being cruel...on an International level. Is it that bad? From the reviews here I was put off from a theatre visit, but think I'd do a cinema trip out of interest. Some of us liked it including myself
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Post by TallPaul on Sept 12, 2017 12:38:58 GMT
I assume you've seen The Stage @theatremonkey.com. They finally acknowledge their figures are skewed by the closure of upper levels. They must have read our earlier posts. Nice to know we have influence over the industry bible!!!
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Post by adrianics on Sept 12, 2017 13:38:26 GMT
Now they're just being cruel...on an International level. Is it that bad? From the reviews here I was put off from a theatre visit, but think I'd do a cinema trip out of interest. As per my post I thought it was inoffensive and okay. Some were making it out to be a disaster but to me it was nowhere near that. I think you'll enjoy the cinema trip!
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Post by fiyero on Sept 12, 2017 14:01:06 GMT
I liked it, not world changing but nice enough. It was a shame seeing it in a half empty Palladium on a Saturday night as some of the atmosphere was lost.
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Post by anita on Jan 30, 2018 14:36:42 GMT
This is being shown at Showcase cinemas on 3rd April & 7th April . I wonder if we'll get a DVD?
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