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Post by Mr Snow on Aug 1, 2022 21:25:20 GMT
Wii be there for both shows Saturday.
I'm in two minds about this. I've championed 'reduced' Opera performances before, some can be incredibly intense - probably because they are performed in a small space.
But having seen the first two parts of this Ring at Hackney Empire, I'm not convinced that it works with Wagner, whose Orchestrations are just the most sublime.
But on the other hand how often do we get a chance to experience these masterpieces?
Will report back next week.
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Post by Mr Snow on Jul 26, 2022 14:12:48 GMT
I would love to offer an opinion but I've learnt my lesson.
Last time round I was so sure that they'd never even let Boris through to the final pair, that I went to two different bookies and asked for the odds on "anyone but Boris"? Neither would give me a price.
Only money he's ever saved me.
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Post by Mr Snow on May 10, 2022 15:24:19 GMT
Anyone know if Mr Ovendon is doing Sat Mats?
For some reason Mrs Snow is rather keen he is....
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Post by Mr Snow on Mar 8, 2022 16:34:27 GMT
Well done jumping in I wish you well keeping up the habit for the rest of your life.
Swimming is amazing exercise, as its non load bearing(can't think of correct term) injuries and pain are rare and the aerobic benefits are huge.
It doesn't have to be just up and down the lanes. As others have said set challenges to improve, learn more strokes and keep interested.
Some have waterproof ear headphones to splash along to. (I'll just say that's not for me!)
Google you local Open Water Centre - its another exciting challenge.
I'd just add that one of my top 10 books of all time is a history of Swimming. Haunts of The Black Masseur by Charles Sprawson. Read it and feel kinship with some very special individuals, Byron (an excellent swimmer), Swinburne, Scott and Zelda etc. etc. etc. The Greeks and Romans loved it and yet it became a minority, eccentric interest. Navies refused to teach Sailors to swim, lest they disserted! Surprises on every page and beautifully written. Available cheap on eBay,
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Post by Mr Snow on Jan 15, 2022 10:05:19 GMT
Although I'm old enough for a free Oyster Card, I can't recall ever first seeing a 'tragic' musical in a Cinema? Loved Moulin Rouge and Chicago and La La Land but...Everything I've seen was viewed first on TV, VHS, DVD...
Anyway despite the 4 kids who got up and back past us 3x and the guy behind who laughed loudly at the strangest times, this had moments so intense I could have been in first row of a great live production. The colour, the movement and the great score beautifully realised at times overwhelmed me. Go before this leaves the cinema.
Yes theres way to much dialogue but my head has been full of intense memories since.
Sadly the poor box office means it will likely be a long time before another such opportunity comes along.
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Post by Mr Snow on Dec 13, 2021 16:57:23 GMT
I'm very partial to these.
Quite a few could have filled his Chelsea boots as a Chimp, but later he found his voice. RIP
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Post by Mr Snow on Nov 22, 2021 14:52:45 GMT
I didn’t like the look of it from that WEL clip. It all looked a bit boozy/laddish/silly. Tell me I’m wrong. Well it certainly was in Edinburgh a couple of years ago. I may well just be a musical snob, but now I know that if you introduce a character as having a voice like Pavarotti, I will laugh out loud when it runs out he's a baritone. At least in Edinburgh it was short.
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Post by Mr Snow on Nov 22, 2021 14:44:33 GMT
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Post by Mr Snow on Nov 21, 2021 21:53:47 GMT
Did they adapt the stage version to be identical to the film, or was the film identical to the show? Because I’m watching it and it’s pretty much scene for scene the same. And Chris Cazenove seems to be doing a direct impersonation of Rex Harrison! It’s good though! The film Pretty much replicated the show with only a few changes. Wasn't Cecil Beaton involved with both? I think Alan Lerner wrote about what a learning experience working on the stage show had been. How he was shown that the bright lights meant his original subtle colour ideas wouldn't work. You would therefore have thought he'd revise things for the film? Apparently not...
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Post by Mr Snow on Nov 21, 2021 21:46:36 GMT
I saw the opening night of The Valkyrie. Ok staging (i.e. not to offensive) and much fine singing and diction.
But there was problems with the production. Apparently at the last minute Westminster Council said the final act ring of fire was unsafe. The artistic director announced this beforehand and encouraged us to use our imagination. No attempt to suggest the effect with lighting was made. Strano.
Overall I was underwhelmed. Perhaps I've been spoilt, but it seemed to me the orchestra was unfocussed and possibly under-reheresed. The initial storm wasn't stormy and the violins refused to soar. It did improve a bit over the evening and the music in the final scene did at least get off the ground but was hardly on a higher plane. (sic)
Since then I've heard the original Conductor (who has lineage to Goodall) was let go only days before and a royal row occurred, with the result that he is being reinstated for one of the nights only? At present I have no desire to pay for subsequent Operas in the series unless they can get the music right. It's what I most enjoy in Wagner's Operas.
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Post by Mr Snow on Nov 21, 2021 21:29:45 GMT
Les Dennis didn't work for me and the production was generally far too busy.
No sure I really like Pinafore. The tunes aren't as good as the later ones.e.g could give a toss about Buttercup and the early songs are a bit dull. Nevermind the why and wherefore and When I was a lad seem the real highpoints to me.
Saw a tremendous 4 handed production at the Kings Head Islington about 5 years ago and will see the Sasha Reagan to restore my faith.
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Post by Mr Snow on Sept 28, 2021 19:34:09 GMT
BUMP
Strange times indeed: somehow this one slipped my increasingly fallible memory and I now need tickets! There are limited seats at top pricing in January, then big improvements in both heading into March. (also weds matinees are cheap)
I've tried Mr Google but can find nothing to suggest there are cast changes for those dates. Have Mr R and Ms. B confirmed they will still be there come March?
Thanks in advance.
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Post by Mr Snow on Sept 28, 2021 13:41:22 GMT
Interested in dipping my toes in Opera, tempted by the standing tickets, is this wise? Last seat I bought in the Slips was £12. The sound is excellent and it's quite the experience. The singers always move to the front of stage for the big nos so you rarely miss much! Les Enfants du Paradis.
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Post by Mr Snow on Sept 28, 2021 13:38:04 GMT
Agrre with most of above except....
Last Tuesday the "protracted death scene" really worked for me - many times it has seemed an anticlimax.
And whilst I'll be happy to hear Oropesa any time she wants to show up, I seem alone in thinking she lacks something of light and shade or touch? This was a forceful young lady who vocally dominated her (been around a while and no longer such a force?) Father. I hope she develops this because whilst I admired every note, I wasn't completely convinced by the way they were used to portray the drama. Quibbling maybe...
Will look for Slips tickets for her upcoming Violetta. Still very excited by the prospect.
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Post by Mr Snow on Jul 31, 2021 11:32:44 GMT
Web has the Matinee on Sunday 17th October as last performance (matinee really?).
Did I read somewhere that Ms Sutton was then headed back (on a liner?) across the pond to rehearse a new show? I.e. can I book the above with confidence that it will be her last performance? Thanks for any heads up in advance.
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Post by Mr Snow on Jul 23, 2021 20:09:57 GMT
Levels of excitement not seen since the closing night of 42nd street. A veritable storm in the Barbican.
Will be buying more tickets in the morning.
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Post by Mr Snow on Mar 9, 2021 14:29:44 GMT
Am I the only one who see this as another reason for saying goodbye to the whole Royal Family? In Britain you cant really separate racism from snobbery, just takes many forms. All snobbery flows downwards from the rotten head of this state.
Why do we allow this to continue?
This storm really is about The Royal Family. They emigrated to get away from racism? In that case why choose the USA which has even bigger problems with this.
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Post by Mr Snow on Feb 3, 2021 22:30:57 GMT
Interesting because in his prologue Shaw stated that class determined by accent, was an English thing. I believe Lerner used this thought to set up the drama. Perhaps they was wrong and it's success is because its a universal problem that we all can recognise. But Ascot etc are specifically English and key scenes written into the telling. Are there theatrical creations more English than Henry Higgins or Alfred P Doolittle?
“It is impossible for an Englishman to open his mouth without making some other Englishman hate or despise him”,
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Post by Mr Snow on Jan 26, 2021 17:36:08 GMT
Just to say great thread, thanks to all contributors. Love it when knowledge is shared on here.
Currently enjoying that BBC link.
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Post by Mr Snow on Jan 12, 2021 10:52:09 GMT
Don't like Boris but trying to put that aside...
We know very little about this ride.
It is possible/likely that he was driven there and he was able to Cycle with his security detail in a traffic light free (think risk for him every time he stops) environment. As it happened I was riding in the other direction round St James, Hyde and Regent Parks and stopping is inevitable. This is no distance for a regular Cyclist and I had no idea I was "7 miles" from what felt very close to home. He's a man who rarely seems to follow through, so lets at least admit he's showing a good example by taking public exercise?
One benefit was for him to see how poor social distancing is in practice. I live close to the Olympic Park and Victoria Parks. Go see for yourselves the gatherings around the open cafe's or the Pub on the Park - getting your dog into the Park past this is almost impossible Sunday Lunchtime. Now that's a real problem. Love my coffee, am on first name terms with some local Barista's, but I just can't see that these shops are "essential" at this time.
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Post by Mr Snow on Dec 29, 2020 20:14:28 GMT
It is a continuation of the vilification of Unions. It is a core belief since Thatcher and most probably long before that, Unions are an institution that holds back the country as it puts people before profit. Agree that Johnson and ideology are not good bedfellows but the demonisation of Unions in the Tory Party is a core value. The Teachers Unions are one of the last of the great Unions which can still put up a fight and hold the Government to account and whether Johnson is the driver, the destruction of the Teachers Unions would be great piece of opportunism in the the COVID crisis. Thank you for responding to what I wrote. However it seems to me you are making a straw man argument? Has any conservative manifesto or Queens bill in the last 30 years contained any significant proposed Union law reform? Today it seems its easier to attack your political opponents on the terms you describe them as than to present new ideas of your own. Even if I am to accept your definition of demonisation, current confused messaging hardly seems evidence of deliberately setting up a confrontation? How do you think the Teachers Unions are holding the government to account? Their response seems to me to be as ad hoc and confused as anyone elses. Challenging times at present, cant see how repeating old tropes help anyone. ..
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Post by Mr Snow on Dec 29, 2020 12:55:16 GMT
This risible Government saying they’re concerned for children’s education is just plain laughable, they are deliberately seeking a confrontation with the teaching unions, so it is all about ideology. Which is a shame as the teaching profession is one of the most hard working, considerate and caring careers. Funniest post ive ever read on here. Or Bojo has a track record of zero ideology. The reasons why hes making such a bad fist of things is that he AVOIDS confrontation and tough decisions- hence the constant flip flopping. The idea that in the middle of this Crisis, knowing that he's about to get another kicking from behind over the Brexit bill...and he's multitasking, preparing an assault on teachers...brilliant! Dont suppose you'd care to be a teensy weensy bit specific about what he's seeking to achieve? Any facts to support your sweeping allegation? At a time when we need clear thinking how does trotting out old cant help?
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Post by Mr Snow on Dec 29, 2020 12:31:26 GMT
With regards to education, as an autistic young person (in Scots equivalent of year 13), online learning is so difficult for me as all my school does is email us powerpoints and expect us to teach ourselves everything. I need the routine and help from teachers to really do well academically. I do not have the focus to work at home where there are so many distractions. I only managed to submit a few pieces of work first time round because of this. On results day I got so lucky as my teachers realised it was unusual for me not to be engaging with work, so graded me based on my performance before the closure. Aingidh. Thank you for posting this. I wish I could offer more than my sympathy. Sadly it's those with the most disadvantages who will suffer most from missed time in education. That's why there are no easy decisions here. You teacher recognizes that,given the right opportunity you have the right attitude and this is what will help you get through this. Another school suspension seems inevitable. Don't despair it will be over. If you know you'll struggle with the assignments can you talk to that teacher about what is key and instead of beating yourself up about not getting everything done, do some of it really well? Also do you or your parents know any retired people of someone with the time to mentor you? Many people will be glad to help, don't be afraid to ask. Good luck and please keep posting on here.
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Post by Mr Snow on Dec 24, 2020 9:24:57 GMT
There is nobody more deserving to be caught breaking coronavirus rules (however minor) than Nicola Sturgeon. Maybe now she can get off her high horse and realise we are all human. I got an email Christmas Message from a wise old fella who asked us to suspend at least for a couple of days our condemnation of ALL the politicians involved. He asked us to honestly consider if we'd have made a better job of this unprecedented situation? Time for us to show some real understanding and compassion. Sturgeon has never been a favourite of mine but at least her apology was a proper one. She accepts she'd done wrong, been stupid and made no qualification of that. Such a change from the now standard "I apologise if...." Wife tested positive on Tuesday, I've been coughing and sleepless since and off for a test in 10 mins. The situation is still far from perfect, but some progress has been made.
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Post by Mr Snow on Dec 16, 2020 14:35:07 GMT
Mrs Snow loves Portrait Artist of the Year.
Annoyingly they only put programme info on guides (as available on our 10 Y.O. Sony) a couple of hours before and you can't record it as a series. Also seems to be broadcast at a lower band speed, so when we manage a recording it can be painful to wait for glitching to end.
Apologies for not knowing the right technical terms. If this is an attempt to hook us in, its having mixed results - although i have enjoyed a couple of the tall tales,
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Post by Mr Snow on Nov 5, 2020 12:14:29 GMT
This is getting personal.
Won't be at the ENO tomorrow and got this email. They are having to plan for this kind of development. Strange times to live in.
Following the Government's latest announcement, we are writing to confirm the cancellation of Mozart's Requiem. We are hoping that a recording or a rescheduling will be possible, however these live performances will not be happening.
We share your disappointment at this news, and we offer our heartfelt apologies for having to cancel the performances.
If you would like to take a credit note to the value of your tickets to use in 2021, please do let us know by emailing credit@eno.org.
Alternatively, we can fully refund your booking, to arrange a refund please contact us on Live Chat or email us at box.office@eno.org.
Once again please accept our apologies for having to cancel performances, and we look forward to being able to entertain you as soon as possible.
We’re not asking for donations to support these cancelled performances as we created contingency plans in case this happened. However, If you would like to support us, we’d love for you to enter the ENO Raffle, for just £2 per ticket. Our ENO Raffle is a fun and exciting way for you to win high-end experiences and luxury items. With every ticket you buy, you are helping us to continue our learning and outreach programmes.
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Post by Mr Snow on Sept 29, 2020 14:02:40 GMT
What is a saveloy? I don't like Frankfurters and they look like a deep fried painted Hot Dog. I've eaten many things, but I'm not at all curious.
PS For some reason Chicken and Mushroom Pies taste really good when they've been in the hot window of a chippy for several hours. It must intensify the...ermm... goodness!
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Post by Mr Snow on Sept 29, 2020 13:56:12 GMT
On our way to this last Friday evening and we get a phone call to say it's been cancelled because of high winds! Hard to see that as anything but an ill wind.
Went home and ate our picnic in the living room watching Pavrotti and Freni on youtube.
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Post by Mr Snow on Sept 29, 2020 13:52:13 GMT
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Post by Mr Snow on Jun 30, 2020 16:20:53 GMT
I am told that AEG don't anticipate any live shows at the O2 until at least March 2021.
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