|
Post by Deleted on Oct 23, 2019 17:52:31 GMT
Wish I could have seen this Same here. I was free as well but there no tickets available.
|
|
13 posts
|
Post by Daytripper on Oct 23, 2019 19:03:04 GMT
Wish I could have seen this I was at the matinee today. Understudies were on for Jean Valjean, Javert, Eponine, Cosette, Enjolras and Marius. I was surprised to see so many covers on. It was a great show, only spoiled by the chap behind me who seemed to think it was OK to sing along.
|
|
372 posts
|
Post by hitmewithurbethshot on Oct 23, 2019 21:29:35 GMT
The swings must have been having a collective aneurism at all those covers
|
|
4,361 posts
|
Post by shady23 on Oct 23, 2019 22:09:38 GMT
|
|
874 posts
|
Post by daisy24601 on Oct 24, 2019 0:38:04 GMT
Wow, sickness going round? I wonder how it works with only two, the student scenes must look very bare.
|
|
|
Post by justfran on Oct 25, 2019 12:39:32 GMT
On tonight’s episode of Mastermind someone’s specialist subject is the musical Les Mis according to my TV guide.
|
|
4,361 posts
|
Post by shady23 on Oct 25, 2019 14:31:52 GMT
Yes! Sounds fun
|
|
874 posts
|
Post by daisy24601 on Oct 25, 2019 20:42:25 GMT
I watched it, got most of them but some were very easy. Certainly didn't know that producer one.
|
|
236 posts
|
Post by undeuxtrois on Oct 27, 2019 14:15:40 GMT
Saw this once more last night and had a few covers on. Got a cute little tote bag for a tenner too. Killian, Katie and Harry were pretty faultless as usual. Helen Aylott and Lee Ormsby worked so well together, loved their energy. Jessie hart has a lovely powerful voice so really enjoyed her. Emma Warren's voice seems a bit stronger than Bronwen Hanson's but theyre quite similar IMO.
I didn't mind Brian as Javert, but he seemed weak especially having seen Nic twice. I wouldn't jump at the chance to see him again though.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2019 12:42:07 GMT
Went a couple of Saturdays ago in Liverpool.
First thing - what an extraordinary theatre the Empire is. Just vast on two enormous sweeping levels (googled after and turns out is the largest two tier theatre in the UK). Architecturally imposing and atmospheric but the epitome of faded splendour, desperately in need of a complete restoration that it probably won't get from ATG. Had been there once before for Starlight but had forgotten what an amazing theatre it is. Deffo worth a visit for any theatre architecture geeks.
Interestingly as I sat down between all the Scousers holding their pints of beer and ATG rip off Prosecco I was worried about audience behaviour - but the lights went down and there were no problems at all. Was reflecting to a friend I rarely have audience problems in Manchester (where I go a lot more) and nearly all my bad experience are in London.
Stage is vast. I did wonder how smaller tours would not be totally lost in there. But Les Mis was fantastic. Think I've already said everything I have to say about this tour. Say what you will about Cam Mack, but he can absolutely be relied upon for quality. Lights, sets, sound, orchestra, and a fabulous cast. A great Les Mis.
Looking fwd to seeing the new cast in Southampton!
|
|
3,078 posts
|
Post by david on Oct 31, 2019 13:00:03 GMT
Went a couple of Saturdays ago in Liverpool. First thing - what an extraordinary theatre the Empire is. Just vast on two enormous sweeping levels (googled after and turns out is the largest two tier theatre in the UK). Architecturally imposing and atmospheric but the epitome of faded splendour, desperately in need of a complete restoration that it probably won't get from ATG. Had been there once before for Starlight but had forgotten what an amazing theatre it is. Deffo worth a visit for any theatre architecture geeks. Interestingly as I sat down between all the Scousers holding their pints of beer and ATG rip off Prosecco I was worried about audience behaviour - but the lights went down and there were no problems at all. Was reflecting to a friend I rarely have audience problems in Manchester (where I go a lot more) and nearly all my bad experience are in London. Stage is vast. I did wonder how smaller tours would not be totally lost in there. But Les Mis was fantastic. Think I've already said everything I have to say about this tour. Say what you will about Cam Mack, but he can absolutely be relied upon for quality. Lights, sets, sound, orchestra, and a fabulous cast. A great Les Mis. Looking fwd to seeing the new cast in Southampton! Great to hear you had a great time at the Empire. Definitely agree with you 100% that it’s a great theatre, especially from an architectural point of view. I was there a few weeks ago to catch Les Mis myself. The new set really was something special and the orchestra sounded great. As the new version of this great show, it didn’t disappoint me in anyway. Certainly, I didn’t miss the revolve from the original at all and the set didn’t get swallowed up by the large stage. As a regular attendee at the Empire, this was one of the few times I been to the Empire when the audience was on their best behaviour for the entire show.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2019 13:07:52 GMT
Went a couple of Saturdays ago in Liverpool. First thing - what an extraordinary theatre the Empire is. Just vast on two enormous sweeping levels (googled after and turns out is the largest two tier theatre in the UK). Architecturally imposing and atmospheric but the epitome of faded splendour, desperately in need of a complete restoration that it probably won't get from ATG. Had been there once before for Starlight but had forgotten what an amazing theatre it is. Deffo worth a visit for any theatre architecture geeks. Interestingly as I sat down between all the Scousers holding their pints of beer and ATG rip off Prosecco I was worried about audience behaviour - but the lights went down and there were no problems at all. Was reflecting to a friend I rarely have audience problems in Manchester (where I go a lot more) and nearly all my bad experience are in London. Stage is vast. I did wonder how smaller tours would not be totally lost in there. But Les Mis was fantastic. Think I've already said everything I have to say about this tour. Say what you will about Cam Mack, but he can absolutely be relied upon for quality. Lights, sets, sound, orchestra, and a fabulous cast. A great Les Mis. Looking fwd to seeing the new cast in Southampton! Great to hear you had a great time at the Empire. Definitely agree with you 100% that it’s a great theatre, especially from an architectural point of view. I was there a few weeks ago to catch Les Mis myself. The new set really was something special and the orchestra sounded great. As the new version of this great show, it didn’t disappoint me in anyway. Certainly, I didn’t miss the revolve from the original at all and the set didn’t get swallowed up by the large stage. As a regular attendee at the Empire, this was one of the few times I been to the Empire when the audience was on their best behaviour for the entire show. Haha - I did wonder if the good behaviour was the norm or a Les Mis thing! Yup, deffo a theatre that suits the big shows well. Reminded me a bit of the Apollo Victoria (pre renovation) and did day dream that could see the original Starlight race tracks coursing through the auditorium hiding the peeling paintwork of the walls as they did there....
|
|
3,078 posts
|
Post by david on Oct 31, 2019 13:14:19 GMT
Great to hear you had a great time at the Empire. Definitely agree with you 100% that it’s a great theatre, especially from an architectural point of view. I was there a few weeks ago to catch Les Mis myself. The new set really was something special and the orchestra sounded great. As the new version of this great show, it didn’t disappoint me in anyway. Certainly, I didn’t miss the revolve from the original at all and the set didn’t get swallowed up by the large stage. As a regular attendee at the Empire, this was one of the few times I been to the Empire when the audience was on their best behaviour for the entire show. Haha - I did wonder if the good behaviour was the norm or a Les Mis thing! Yup, deffo a theatre that suits the big shows well. Reminded me a bit of the Apollo Victoria (pre renovation) and did day dream that could see the original Starlight race tracks coursing through the auditorium hiding the peeling paintwork of the walls as they did there.... My own experience, it that it was a Les Mis thing rather than the norm ( a Mamma Mia! audience would be the norm from when I’m at the Empire ). A SE revival at the Empire would be a good shout with the racing track weaving through the auditorium as it was at the AV. This needs to happen. Someone to speak to ALW to make it happen!
|
|
1,004 posts
|
Post by David J on Nov 19, 2019 21:24:52 GMT
Here at the Mayflower for the new cast’s second night
First of all everyone gave a huge applause for Nic Greenshields Stars and rightly so. What vocals does that man have
A shame Dean Chisnall doesn’t match that. I saw him at the last queens performance and his singing was fine but not strong. Enjoyed his acting but that was it. Here it’s exposed in this big venues overshadowed by Greensshields and Katie Hall. Maybe he’ll improve as time goes on but he sounded the same as back in July
The show however really picks up when the students come on. Felix Mosse was practically a kid as Marius and I was grinning watching him. It’s clear he’s having a great time. I can’t wait to see if he develops in the second act
It made the red and black scene more dynamic as he and grantaire were the troublemakers whilst the rest were the grown ups. Quite impressed by Barnaby Hughes as Enjolras
|
|
1,004 posts
|
Post by David J on Nov 19, 2019 23:52:14 GMT
Liked Ian Hughes as Thenardier. Keeps the clowning limited to the hand gestures. He and Helen Walsh makes a good pair
Barnaby Hughes is good vocally and he has a commanding presence as Enjorlas. Hopefully he will bring more as the tour continues
Frances Mayli McCann started off well as the teasing Eponine, but she lost me at On My Own. Plays it lightly with too many theatrical arm and hand gestures that it looks like she hasn’t got to grips with the emotion or story of the song. Early days, but considering where everyone is at I watch her performance and think “seriously”
Felix Mosse brings some sincerity to his Marius by empty chairs at empty tables. Certainly my favourite newcomer to the cast. Liked the dynamic between him, Enjorlas and Connor Jones as Grantaire, even if the latter is a bit OTT with a weird drunken walk
|
|
8 posts
|
Post by giovanni on Nov 20, 2019 8:54:10 GMT
I've seen the previous and the new cast. Both gave excellent performances. I was glad that the powerhouses, that are Katie and Nic, are still in the cast. Seeing it last night, I thought that Dean did well. I'd agree with David J - Felix impressed me too. Second act - an unfortunate break in the proceedings. A scene had just started when the actors were ushered offstage, as the auditorium lights came on. The announcement advised us that the performance had been halted due to a medical emergency in the auditorium. As to what happened - I don't know. The Mayflower staff responded promptly. We didn't have to wait too long for the show to be resumed. The audience didn't hesitate in giving cast and orchestra a standing ovation from the very start of the curtain call. Definitely deserved.
|
|
18,808 posts
|
Post by BurlyBeaR on Nov 20, 2019 11:17:42 GMT
Isn’t it a great shame that some people have decided to effectively “boycott” this version when it opens in the West End? There’s so much to love about it.
|
|
8 posts
|
Post by giovanni on Nov 20, 2019 12:34:51 GMT
Isn’t it a great shame that some people have decided to effectively “boycott” this version when it opens in the West End? There’s so much to love about it. Really?
Unbelievable. This 'version' is the best interpretation of LesMis I've seen. Stunning animated backdrops, great costumes, BIG cast - and talented, to boot. Oh, and the orchestra's pretty good too. I spent £135 to see two performances. Worth it!
|
|
18,808 posts
|
Post by BurlyBeaR on Nov 20, 2019 12:55:56 GMT
Isn’t it a great shame that some people have decided to effectively “boycott” this version when it opens in the West End? There’s so much to love about it. Really?
Unbelievable. This 'version' is the best interpretation of LesMis I've seen. Stunning animated backdrops, great costumes, BIG cast - and talented, to boot. Oh, and the orchestra's pretty good too. I spent £135 to see two performances. Worth it!
Yes, I think it’s people who are long standing fans of the original and have reacted badly to the idea of it being changed. Several comments of the “I won’t be going” type in the main les mis thread. It’s a shame and I hope they change their minds.
|
|
|
Post by miz on Nov 30, 2019 16:28:48 GMT
Here at the Mayflower for the new cast’s second night First of all everyone gave a huge applause for Nic Greenshields Stars and rightly so. What vocals does that man have A shame Dean Chisnall doesn’t match that. I saw him at the last queens performance and his singing was fine but not strong. Enjoyed his acting but that was it. Here it’s exposed in this big venues overshadowed by Greensshields and Katie Hall. Maybe he’ll improve as time goes on but he sounded the same as back in July The show however really picks up when the students come on. Felix Mosse was practically a kid as Marius and I was grinning watching him. It’s clear he’s having a great time. I can’t wait to see if he develops in the second act It made the red and black scene more dynamic as he and grantaire were the troublemakers whilst the rest were the grown ups. Quite impressed by Barnaby Hughes as Enjolras ↑ Has Dean improved since? I am thinking of catching the tour at one point and I don't really want a weak JVJ.
|
|
1,004 posts
|
Post by David J on Nov 30, 2019 17:59:29 GMT
Here at the Mayflower for the new cast’s second night First of all everyone gave a huge applause for Nic Greenshields Stars and rightly so. What vocals does that man have A shame Dean Chisnall doesn’t match that. I saw him at the last queens performance and his singing was fine but not strong. Enjoyed his acting but that was it. Here it’s exposed in this big venues overshadowed by Greensshields and Katie Hall. Maybe he’ll improve as time goes on but he sounded the same as back in July The show however really picks up when the students come on. Felix Mosse was practically a kid as Marius and I was grinning watching him. It’s clear he’s having a great time. I can’t wait to see if he develops in the second act It made the red and black scene more dynamic as he and grantaire were the troublemakers whilst the rest were the grown ups. Quite impressed by Barnaby Hughes as Enjolras ↑ Has Dean improved since? I am thinking of catching the tour at one point and I don't really want a weak JVJ. Dean is fine as JVJ. Sitting close to stage in the queens production I felt his his acting stood out than his singing, which has its limitations. I was in fact keen to see him again in this tour. He’s just exposed in this larger production, especially next to Nic and Katie. I felt the production kicked up a notch when the students arrived. He’s not going to spoil your night. You may enjoy him more than me
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2019 18:09:26 GMT
What is this new production actually like? Is it all projections with a few set pieces here? Are there still barricades? As far as I was aware the only that had really changed was the revolve and the AWFUL dummies?
|
|
|
Post by miz on Nov 30, 2019 18:50:23 GMT
Thank you, David J, for your quick reply. It's good to know Dean is a good actor. As my main purpose is to see Nic's Javert, I shall enjoy the show.
|
|
4,361 posts
|
Post by shady23 on Nov 30, 2019 19:29:41 GMT
What is this new production actually like? Is it all projections with a few set pieces here? Are there still barricades? As far as I was aware the only that had really changed was the revolve and the AWFUL dummies? There certainly is a barricade and full set staging, moving houses, big fences, balconies and everything else. It's a true spectacle to watch. No expense spared at all!
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2019 19:55:50 GMT
What is this new production actually like? Is it all projections with a few set pieces here? Are there still barricades? As far as I was aware the only that had really changed was the revolve and the AWFUL dummies? There certainly is a barricade and full set staging, moving houses, big fences, balconies and everything else. It's a true spectacle to watch. No expense spared at all! That makes me very happy because, believe it or not, I didn't actually enjoy the original production... I just found it tired. So I'm really looking forward to this new one.
|
|
4,361 posts
|
Post by shady23 on Nov 30, 2019 21:05:15 GMT
I haven't seen the new cast but if they are a patch on the last they will be outstanding and, let's be honest, Nic as Javert is worth the ticket money alone.
|
|
|
Post by justfran on Nov 30, 2019 22:29:30 GMT
I haven't seen the new cast but if they are a patch on the last they will be outstanding and, let's be honest, Nic as Javert is worth the ticket money alone. Totally agree. Nic is my favourite Javert that I have seen. Such a commanding stage presence and what a voice!
|
|
475 posts
|
Post by bimse on Dec 4, 2019 13:03:45 GMT
Les Miserables looked, and sounded stunning on Monday evening in the magnificent Wales Millenium Centre in Cardiff. Joseph Anthony was on as Jean Valjean, and Jordan Simon Pollard as Javert , both absolutely astonishing performances, even though I’d wanted to see Nic Greenshields again after seeing him in Manchester . Felix Mosse as Marius was, just in my opinion , quite disappointing as Marius , not convincing at all. I was surprised at this after reading positive reports on here .
|
|
|
Post by 10642 on Dec 8, 2019 7:49:08 GMT
Saw the tour for the third time yesterday (first with the new cast). Dean Chisnall acts the role brilliantly but didn’t feel quite as vocally powerful as i prefer in Valjeans. Jordan Simon Pollard is an outstanding Javert, his soliloquy was one of the best I’ve seen. Other stand outs were Ian Hughes as Thenardier and Katie Hall who just gets better and better as Fantine
|
|
396 posts
|
Post by djp on Dec 10, 2019 0:18:42 GMT
What is this new production actually like? Is it all projections with a few set pieces here? Are there still barricades? As far as I was aware the only that had really changed was the revolve and the AWFUL dummies? Yes, the barricade is a wacking looking thing now . Major difference is that they have lost some of the sense of motion/time the revolve brought and the two big reveal scenes involving Enjolras and Gavroche- both are now weaker in my umble view- as are the Paris crowd scenes .Master of the House has become more panto - probably too so - and gavroche has some panto lines too . Valjean, Javert and Fantine can still shine, and do on the tour.
The original was so good partly because the actors had their input into the long development process . the production team behind this version I don't think have as good a view of what should be going on in places, but there's no reason why good casts given the room to try a few things differently can't work on what they have. The trick is not to keep on adding adlibs- but to rearrange the furniture, lighting , and positioning a bit, and take out some of the panto. There's room for new ideas, but also watching what worked in the past and bringing back some of the old detail .
|
|