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Post by stanne on Jun 27, 2016 16:28:29 GMT
Has anyone heard anything about this extending, or is that just wishful thinking on my part?
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Post by theatremadness on Jun 27, 2016 16:33:26 GMT
I heard a serious but highly unsubstantiated rumour that this was looking into a possibility of transferring to the Vaudeville. I would be *hugely* surprised, though. It's not selling well at the Charing Cross. However, Danielle Tarento is making a lot of money with this show with what the ticket prices she is charging and the little amount she pays the cast. Not to mention what she will have made from the Toronto run, so maybe she can afford it.
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Post by theatre-turtle on Jun 27, 2016 17:10:21 GMT
Are wages significantly worse compared to west end? What about the trade union rules?
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Post by theatremadness on Jun 27, 2016 17:25:17 GMT
Are wages significantly worse compared to west end? What about the trade union rules? Few examples: usual Southwark Playhouse pay is £100 a week. I don't know for certain what wages are like at the Charing Cross theatre, I think it may be in the £300's, but it's still classed as a "non-Equity contract". Standard West End Equity contract should be £410 a week for rehearsals, £430 a week for performances. Though many West End contracts will be higher than this. There is a (forever) ongoing debate about "low pay/no pay" - for instance, doing a show at The Union Theatre would be "profit share", and quite often there isn't a profit, therefore an actor will have rehearsed and performed a run of a show for nothing, and will find themselves in a financially worse position after finishing the show than they would have been had they not done the show at all, and this angers a lot of industry professions, but not enough to stop it. What with The Union now moving, I think they will now have to move to paying at least something a week, maybe more along the lines of what the Southwark Playhouse pay. Some say self-respecting artists should refuse to work for anything less than Equity minimum and that producers should either pay Equity minimum or not produce shows, others say it's good exposure and the chance to expand one's CV with as many varied credits as possible, and it's a chance to work with up-and-coming directors/choreographers/MD's - or even current professionals, what with Andrew Wright doing a show at the new Union for just one example. But let's just say that Jenna Russell and Sheila Hancock will certainly not have been on £100 a week for Grey Gardens at Southwark Playhouse.
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Post by theatremadness on Jun 27, 2016 20:19:30 GMT
it's tricky, isn't it, theatremadness. In any profession, we all do a little "pro bono" work out of either goodwill or to enhance our careers. The difference with acting, in particular, is that there's no guarantee they'll get that investment back. You are right on all points there, TM! I think both sides of the "low pay/no pay" argument have valid points. I would say to an actor that if they can afford to live and do a show in a venue such as Southwark or Union *knowing* that there is not much money to be had, then do it. The fact of the matter is, is that shows at those 2 particular venues *do* generate exposure and public interest. I am also continuously astonished at the consistent high level of quality shows these venues produce. So if you have a good title and a good creative team and you can sustain your life working for peanuts, it could pay off in the long run. If the pay doesn't even cover your travel expenses and you wonder how you're going to make rent for the next few months, then maybe you should begin to question whether it's worth it - and indeed how they are getting away with paying so little! I don't mind admitting that I am lucky enough to have my family home in London, and when I graduated from drama school I moved back home. Therefore I have no substantial rent and bills hanging over my head, I am half an hour away from Leicester Square on the tube and there is no one dependent on me for money. Therefore I would carefully weigh up all options on whether to take a low pay/no pay fringe show. However, I have friends who have now found their own place in London, accepting fringe jobs because they're recent graduates and wanting to get credits, yet having to take up part-time bar work *whilst* in a show (i.e starting a shift after an evening performance and working until the early hours and then performing the next day), just to cover costs. Obviously, as a group of people, actors could have it a lot worse, and if they didn't entirely love performing with every fibre of their being, then they would stop (as other friends of mine have indeed decided to do!). 'Tricky' I think just about begins to cover it!
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Post by stanne on Jun 27, 2016 21:50:59 GMT
I heard a serious but highly unsubstantiated rumour that this was looking into a possibility of transferring to the Vaudeville. I would be *hugely* surprised, though. It's not selling well at the Charing Cross. However, Danielle Tarento is making a lot of money with this show with what the ticket prices she is charging and the little amount she pays the cast. Not to mention what she will have made from the Toronto run, so maybe she can afford it. Wow - that would be really exciting!
I can't help feeling that this could do really well, if only a bit more publicity and more "buzz" could be generated about it, because it is an excellent show.
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Post by westendwendy on Jun 28, 2016 13:53:39 GMT
I heard a serious but highly unsubstantiated rumour that this was looking into a possibility of transferring to the Vaudeville. I would be *hugely* surprised, though. It's not selling well at the Charing Cross. However, Danielle Tarento is making a lot of money with this show with what the ticket prices she is charging and the little amount she pays the cast. Not to mention what she will have made from the Toronto run, so maybe she can afford it. Wow - that would be really exciting!
I can't help feeling that this could do really well, if only a bit more publicity and more "buzz" could be generated about it, because it is an excellent show.
I've said it 24 times the theatre is horrible. Southwark shows I go see musicals twice. Titanic I wouldn't and the space is so horrible! Come on its true!!
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Post by stanne on Jun 28, 2016 20:45:59 GMT
Wow - that would be really exciting!
I can't help feeling that this could do really well, if only a bit more publicity and more "buzz" could be generated about it, because it is an excellent show.
I've said it 24 times the theatre is horrible. Southwark shows I go see musicals twice. Titanic I wouldn't and the space is so horrible! Come on its true!!
I thought the theatre was absolutely fine. I obviously have lower standards than you!!
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Post by stevejohnson678 on Jun 28, 2016 21:01:26 GMT
I heard a serious but highly unsubstantiated rumour that this was looking into a possibility of transferring to the Vaudeville. I would be *hugely* surprised, though. It's not selling well at the Charing Cross. However, Danielle Tarento is making a lot of money with this show with what the ticket prices she is charging and the little amount she pays the cast. Not to mention what she will have made from the Toronto run, so maybe she can afford it. Isn't part of the problem with the Charing Cross Theatre the complete absence of anything resembling promotion for what's on there, combined with the box office generally being closed, in addition to the venue's rather chequered track record in terms of quality, having given the world the likes of Dusty and Wag! The Musical. In some respects, it could actually be easier for Titanic to fill the Vaudeville than it currently is to get bums on seats under the Arches.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2016 21:20:06 GMT
Yes, I do think this show would be more successful in a different theatre, not sure if it would be successful enough for the West End though, as much as I'd love it to be.
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Post by longinthetooth on Jun 28, 2016 22:06:39 GMT
I saw Titanic at the weekend, and must admit that I went with some trepidation, having heard so many negative reports of the Charing Cross Theatre. I thought it was charming, easy to find and not nearly as hot as I had been led to believe. Oh, and I loved the show.
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Post by talkstageytome on Jun 28, 2016 22:12:49 GMT
Yes, I really like the space too actually. Could do with a lick of paint but not nearly as grimy and seedy as it's being made out to be. Can't wait to see something else there (probably Ragtime as the other two in this new season don;t really jump out at me.)
I'm so excited to see the future of the Charing Cross Theatre. Can't wait to see what comes next!
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Post by d'James on Jun 30, 2016 0:51:49 GMT
I really enjoyed the show. It was very simply but cleverly staged.
Would people recommend the Cast Recording? Basically, is it enough like the London show I've just seen or was Broadway a lot different?
The Theatre itself is fine and the temperature was good too. The bar area was much hotter.
A bit of drama as I left, an audience member having a go at one of the ushers. Will talk about it in the Bad Behaviour thread tomorrow as I'm not really sure whose side I'm on. (Actually, they were both a bit in the wrong.)
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Post by mallardo on Jun 30, 2016 13:32:29 GMT
I bought the OBC, and it sounds pretty much like the current show. If you can get it cheap, it's a good listen.
Except the OBCR features a cast of 43 and a 39 piece orchestra.
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Post by d'James on Jun 30, 2016 13:41:00 GMT
Thanks for the replies team. As long as the songs are mostly the same, that's all that matters.
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Post by d'James on Jun 30, 2016 16:53:03 GMT
What was the surprise ending? (Spoiler tags if poss for those who haven't seen it yet.)
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Post by Michael on Jun 30, 2016 17:51:07 GMT
And the next thing you're telling us is that they've also cut the Kate Winslet character singing My Heart Will Go On...
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Post by Michael on Jun 30, 2016 19:30:58 GMT
Erm, er, soz, Michael, but... But she's still flying on the bow during sunset, right?
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Post by d'James on Jun 30, 2016 20:05:00 GMT
Instead of making it to their new lives in America, the ship hits an iceberg and sinks, with most of the characters you've followed all night drowning. I do admire them not changing it in favour of a more upbeat outcome. Sorry. Didn't see the winky face.
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Post by Anniek on Jul 7, 2016 7:56:23 GMT
Thank you TheatreBoard for letting me win last months comp! I had such a good time First of all, I arrived at the theatre at 7.31 (thank you suspended piccadilly line) and felt so bad for being late. (in 20 years of going to the theatre A LOT, this was my first time being late..) But in the end it was the best thing that could happen, as we did miss the openingscene, but: -tiny spoiler-: they use the audience entrance for the actors to leave the auditorium during the opening. (That's all I can 'spoil' as I couldn't see what was going on on stage). So me and my friend were patiently waiting with an usher to be let in the auditorium, and cast members ran singing, half undressed to switch roles, and with a lot energy by us before re-appearing on stage again. Very funny to see a bit of backstage buzz. The show it self was amazing. Really strong ensemble, I personally love the score, and I thought the staging was very clever. Sometimes it did felt the show was a bit static though, maybe because the set never really changes or so, but in the end, everything worked out for me. -the last scene, I thought was very impressive- As said, the cast was really strong. The only thing -I don't mean this in an offensive way, but I just have to share it- is that two of the male-roles had a line something like 'I'm married to a woman' but they were portraying there roles in a pretty 'gay'-way. That was the only thing I really did not believe, haha! For a second I thought it might was a joke or so, but nothing happened with it story-wise, so I guess it just made that impression on me, and therefore I didn't believe him. But furthermore I believed it all, and felt like I was in a first, second, third- class, cold, dark sea and may or not be in a lifeboat. (lights off during dark-sea scenes, clever special effects with the collision etc) Sorry for this awful review,but thanks again TheatreBoard.
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Post by d'James on Jul 7, 2016 9:55:47 GMT
Do you know what the problem with the Piccadilly Line was? I had a problem last night as well.
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Post by Anniek on Jul 7, 2016 10:20:06 GMT
nope. it was 'suspended'. That's all the info I was given by the 'lovely' underground staff. Oh well, it worked out quite well, although I sorta missed the boat
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Post by littlesally on Jul 7, 2016 10:57:28 GMT
Do you know what the problem with the Piccadilly Line was? I had a problem last night as well. Person under a train at Turnpike Lane.
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Post by ShoesForRent on Jul 7, 2016 11:08:45 GMT
Question- does this production have anything in common with the Titanic production in Southwark Playhouse a few years ago (2013 I think)- the one that had Nadim Naaman and Celia Graham in it? i.e. same producer/ director etc?
I saw that production, and while it was wonderful and i really enjoyed it (and the small house was full, some audience members were even Nadim's family- ha!) I wonder why they brought it back so soon to an off-west end house?
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Post by couldileaveyou on Jul 7, 2016 11:10:09 GMT
It's a transfer of that production, they did because it was very well received both in London and Toronto.
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Post by ShoesForRent on Jul 7, 2016 11:20:06 GMT
Oh thank you! Yes it was one of the highlights of my trip- one of the better shows i saw then (and sitting next to nadim's family was funny).
Have any of the cast continued? I can't say I recognize the names- but my memory isn't great...
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Post by couldileaveyou on Jul 7, 2016 20:18:46 GMT
Oh thank you! Yes it was one of the highlights of my trip- one of the better shows i saw then (and sitting next to nadim's family was funny). Have any of the cast continued? I can't say I recognize the names- but my memory isn't great... Scarlett Courtney, Matthew Crowe, Sion Lloyd, Philip Rham, Dudley Rogers, Victoria Serra, Judith Street are still in the cast.
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Post by westendwendy on Jul 8, 2016 0:52:55 GMT
Thank you TheatreBoard for letting me win last months comp! I had such a good time First of all, I arrived at the theatre at 7.31 (thank you suspended piccadilly line) and felt so bad for being late. (in 20 years of going to the theatre A LOT, this was my first time being late..) But in the end it was the best thing that could happen, as we did miss the openingscene, but: -tiny spoiler-: they use the audience entrance for the actors to leave the auditorium during the opening. (That's all I can 'spoil' as I couldn't see what was going on on stage). So me and my friend were patiently waiting with an usher to be let in the auditorium, and cast members ran singing, half undressed to switch roles, and with a lot energy by us before re-appearing on stage again. Very funny to see a bit of backstage buzz. The show it self was amazing. Really strong ensemble, I personally love the score, and I thought the staging was very clever. Sometimes it did felt the show was a bit static though, maybe because the set never really changes or so, but in the end, everything worked out for me. -the last scene, I thought was very impressive- As said, the cast was really strong. The only thing -I don't mean this in an offensive way, but I just have to share it- is that two of the male-roles had a line something like 'I'm married to a woman' but they were portraying there roles in a pretty 'gay'-way. That was the only thing I really did not believe, haha! For a second I thought it might was a joke or so, but nothing happened with it story-wise, so I guess it just made that impression on me, and therefore I didn't believe him. But furthermore I believed it all, and felt like I was in a first, second, third- class, cold, dark sea and may or not be in a lifeboat. (lights off during dark-sea scenes, clever special effects with the collision etc) Sorry for this awful review,but thanks again TheatreBoard. I loved this show but had great issues in the obvious gay performers playing straight roles. That's not homophobic - I love my gays galore - just play the roles as they are meant to be!! Straight!!! Mincey Priscilla Titanic just doesn't cut the mustard with me. The fact that so many people have mentioned it, says it all.
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Post by d'James on Jul 8, 2016 0:55:53 GMT
Which characters are people thinking of?
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Post by westendwendy on Jul 8, 2016 8:51:52 GMT
Which characters are people thinking of? I think the whole point of me/others not saying which roles they were is called being sensitive to others feelings. There was one guy in the cast who k thought was just dreadful, wooden, bad singer and bad actor and should not have been cast (his voice was click tracked in a major show and he had to mine over it) but alas it's not too fair to hang people out to dry..
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