1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on May 13, 2023 23:28:28 GMT
Why the love for Finland? It wasn’t a song, it was just shouting. Always extra points from me if it's done in the language of the Country rather than go the populist sung in English route. And I like to imagine it in a European club on a summer evening with people having a bop .... Cha-Cha-Cha-Cha-Cha-Cha!
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on May 13, 2023 23:10:28 GMT
Well I enjoyed that - although I couldn't watch it without a laptop and twitter to divert from some of the meh songs. Hannah Waddingham is getting big love on Twitter, isn't she stunning. And Sam Ryder ... all those years of UK Nil Points and it wasn't because the rest of Europe hated us (well, not entirely) but because it needed a sweetie like Sam Ryder up front.
Oh gawd, don't think I can watch Sweden again. Should have been Finland, mad entertaining.
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on May 12, 2023 13:32:30 GMT
I'd booked for the last matinee and last evening performance, so my Row C are up for sale on the Old Vic site ..
(I do love me a last night).
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on May 12, 2023 11:48:07 GMT
Ditto, wasn't he simply lovely! Changed (ahem) three performance tickets for me. I've got another 3 in Row C so I might give them a call.... (don't judge, I flipping loved this show)...
Apparently Jack (the lovely man) has changed all of mine. 6. Well, 6 visits, taking a friend to two of the shows too....
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on May 8, 2023 17:55:38 GMT
Ramin Karimloo as "Pirate / Policeman" in Pirates of Penzance, Wimbledon, running Tuesday 12th to Saturday 16th March, 2002. Pirate King was Gary Wilmot, Ruth was ... Su Pollard. Ramin is 13th listed in my programme.
Ditto to the Anna Maxwell Martin in His Dark Materials, NT Ditto to Hugh Jackman in Oklahoma, NT Ditto to Hannah Waddingham in Spamalot I have a programme from La Cava but Gawd I hated that show so I'm not digging it out.
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on May 8, 2023 17:37:54 GMT
I had a very enjoyable evening last night. Agree with all previous comments re sound, and I'm seeing other similar comments on social media.
My notes from seeing this at the Cadogan were performers were excellent, music good, book needed work. Honestly, if you didn't know the story from the book or the film, I don't know how you'd understand what the heck was going on, even with the Narrator at the side covering the main plotline.
For me it was all about watching Ramin, who performed so well last night. Love to see an orchestra, the ARTSED performers, Nadim Naaman!! Haven't seen him in anything for an age.
(and a big shout-out to the 6pm start from me too ... gives time for drinks before/after).
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Mar 19, 2023 12:22:03 GMT
Daniel Mays on C4 Sunday Brunch this morning enthusing over the show. He seems like such a nice guy and is so excited by the show. Asked "how long are you in it for" Said he is "presently til July but there are talks of extensions" ...
It's a great interview, if you can find it on catch-up, he's on throughout the show eating and drinking, but the interview is 2 and a half hours in / 30 mins from the end of the broadcast.
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Mar 16, 2023 12:10:40 GMT
Finally dragged my weary bones to see this - booked ages ago on an offer before the tube and train strikes were announced so it really was a toss of a coin if I'd just cut my losses. Involved a train and two buses in rain to get there, hotel and a "severe delays" standing on the Jub line back to my London Bridge office this morning. Proper blooming weary now!
The movement throughout the show is the star for me, in my opinion the dancing is far superior to the singing, the staging is really terrific. I was 2nd row in Richmond, great seat for the price paid, very much enjoyed my evening. My goodness, those young guys can really deliver on dance! Is it Ross Dorrington that does those impressive flips? Honestly, such a great cast.
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Mar 14, 2023 20:16:56 GMT
The PWC tickets had all gone, there were still some singles at usual cost dotted around when I got in just before 5pm.
I've used a couple of different browsers before in booking tickets for stuff (not just Old Vic, and not today) to see what gets me a quicker result. I had a good poke around for tickets today before giving up,so I was on the site for maybe 20 minutes .. I don't know if that would cause delays for those further down the queue.
I'm so looking forward to this, I really am.
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Mar 14, 2023 16:19:44 GMT
Didn't see the email until 12.11, and (at 16.20) am 948 in the queue, with over 30 mins to go. However, I bloody loved this show last time (was it 5 or 6 visits?) and had already booked, booked, booked etc ...
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Feb 16, 2023 17:07:47 GMT
I'm reminded of the Palladium's Pantoland (aka the Donny Osmond Show). When Donny entered and sang his first number, a woman in the front row defied all the efforts of the FOH staff to stop filming. As Donny worked his way across the stage, he saw her, stopped in front of her, waved and said 'hi there' - thus condoning her filming and giving her a virtually personalised video. What can you do? I had a front row for this, both for Donny's birthday (9th December, aka Opening Night) and the last performance (no camera, honest - I had an actual broken arm and couldn't do my own jeans up, but that might be another story for Bad Behaviour at a Show from someone else). It was a bit special for us UK fans of the feller to have him in here for a solid booking, albeit Panto. There is a lot of oneupmanship amongst the fans, UK and US, as to who can get the best videos, and it is disappointing some fans become blinkered when the bloke is in front of them. Claims from the group of women next to us at both shows, in the same seats, who'd seen it dozens of times by the end of the run, that "Donny would be disappointed if they were not there". Sense of entitlement sure. But seriously, if you were at the other end of a smile or a wave (and were a woman of a certain age) you'd feel that buzz right down to your toes. Donny is performing in Vegas, and cameras shots are shared widely. I guess he gets used to it.
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Feb 9, 2023 12:01:52 GMT
Not something I've encountered before .. Phantom on Tuesday evening, I'd pounced on a single Stalls - B21 seat, lovely central view. Couple next to me to the left, woman next to me, bloke the other side of her. Lots of wine and whispering, him with his arm around her, her with her head on his chest. Which must have become uncomfortable as she shuffled her bum across her seat and onto mine. We are now bum cheek to bum cheek.
I moved my coat. Carefully ensuring my hand didn't come into contact with the other party.
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Feb 8, 2023 13:15:35 GMT
Barring last minute changes, you'll get James Gant who is covering for the week between Killian leaving and Earl starting. edit: you'll get Anouk as Christine, too, who's on the Tuesdays-and-Fridays alternate schedule between January 23rd and February 13th. Thanks! Am annoyed with myself that I didn't go a week earlier or a week later - must polish up that crystal ball . I enjoyed Phantom enormously last night. It's been blooming years* since I've been but I swear Masquerade still gives me goosebumps. James Gant was vocally excellent! Nit-picking I thought him a bit young, but nevertheless an excellent performance. I had a great time. *Went to Leicester Curve to see Killian start the UK tour in 2020. Of course, 2020 had different plans.
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Jan 20, 2023 9:33:35 GMT
Adam had tweeted in November 2022 that he was going to be Harry The Horse in Guys & Dolls, adding "Lucky, lucky man". Just days before the stroke. That role been recast.
The GoFundMe is now £46,500 - update as of yesterday from Adam Yesterday by Team Pearce, Organiser AN UPDATE FROM ADAM:
Mind Blown (not another stroke) but I just can't believe it. Thank you so much for your kindness and your generosity over the past few days. When the page was launched and Molly told me what was raised in the first few hours, I started crying into my (awful) mushroom soup. Very overwhelming.
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Jan 18, 2023 17:49:32 GMT
I booked to see this in the Priceless discount offer - - - for 7th Feb. Can't quite figure out who I get as Phantom but peeved I'll miss Killian's last night. I do love me a last night ... Barring last minute changes, you'll get James Gant who is covering for the week between Killian leaving and Earl starting. edit: you'll get Anouk as Christine, too, who's on the Tuesdays-and-Fridays alternate schedule between January 23rd and February 13th. Thanks! Am annoyed with myself that I didn't go a week earlier or a week later - must polish up that crystal ball .
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Jan 18, 2023 16:44:29 GMT
I booked to see this in the Priceless discount offer - - - for 7th Feb. Can't quite figure out who I get as Phantom but peeved I'll miss Killian's last night. I do love me a last night ...
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Jan 18, 2023 16:42:01 GMT
Adam Pearce Stroke Recovery Fund www.gofundme.com/f/adam-pearce-stroke-recovery-fund?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_content=undefined&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_term=undefinedOn the 2nd December 2022, as he came off of stage after performing in Mandela the musical at The Young Vic, Adam had a bleed to the brain causing a Stroke. He was left paralysed on his left side and it was discovered that he had had a medium haemorrhage to the right lobar. In the early hours of the morning, Adam was admitted to Kings College Hospital and has been in hospital since. More on the link. Some good West End stars have been tweeting the link since yesterday. I think the first time I saw Adam Pearce was in Joseph (Lee Mead) playing one of the Brothers. Then saw him in Love Never Dies, which - don't shout me down - I loved after initially hating it after my first viewing. The link says The Young Vic are supporting Adam, and his family. And checking back it looks like Adam should have been Harry The Horse in The Bridge's Guys & Dolls before his stroke. Some big names sending £ on the GoFundMe. I hope Adam gets all the support he needs.
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Dec 29, 2022 22:54:14 GMT
Was forced to watch my first ever episode of Ghosts - the most unamusing 29 minutes I've ever spent. Panto acting and a mirth free script, baffled that this has lasted for a couple of series. Just reinforced why I've never paid the licence fee. My lad introduced me to the US version of Ghosts this week and it's great! Somehow I found myself watching one UK episode and the US version far superior.
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Dec 27, 2022 21:12:00 GMT
Glad you found your way around. Note for next time, Thameslink (the train you caught from Gatwick to Farringdon, I believe) also runs to Luton Airport (although there were strikes on Christmas Eve, Thameslink is usually a pretty well manned service) - from Wembley Park catch a Jubilee line to West Hampstead tube station, walk across the road to the Thameslink line (not the first station, the next one ..) literally 3 minute walk. Trains every 20 mins, from memory.
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Dec 27, 2022 19:18:35 GMT
One of the best things I've seen in the last few days is The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (Disney channel). Haven't seen this promo'd anywhere but thought it very good. Only 45mins (and not animated, only the first few mins). Made me laugh.
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Dec 12, 2022 15:59:04 GMT
It’s so worth joining at the lowest level just to avoid this inevitable stress of the public sale date. I had a hospital appointment the other side of London at 13.40, and reading through this site yesterday evening at 7.30pm I could feel my little heart pitter-patter at being in a queue and not being able to book, so bit the bullet and joined the £65 membership. Took about half hour of gnashing of teeth before the membership kicked in though. And! And! Advantage of being old, I can get a big discount on Wednesday matinee performances! So membership paid for on two afternoon treats! G'dammit I'm already booked elsewhere for the first Saturday night, but last night (and afternoon) is booked and am happy bunny. I loved this show so much when I saw it before - hopefully age hasn't made me all bitter and twisted.
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Dec 11, 2022 18:22:01 GMT
Sorry, been a busy weekend and only just thought to check this post! All as others have said and please remember, the station staff, at Gatwick, at Farringdon, at Wembley Park, are all there to help you! When you get to Wembley Park the staff are usually near the barriers and are very helpful. If that huge staircase down to the pavement concerns you there is a lift over to the right of the stairs by the ticket machines.
I really hope you = and your daughter - have a wonderful time. Don't worry about it all, just take things as they come, don't worry about travel, it will all sort itself out. You are having an adventure!
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Dec 9, 2022 21:00:09 GMT
Ah, you now have to look at coaches from Gatwick ... National Express, book a single so you have the option of trains back to Gatwick. You might want to book in advance rather than turn up and hope to get on - with train strikes the coaches will be busy! National Express from Gatwick will take you to London Victoria Coach Station, which is probably a 10 minute walk to Victoria tube station. Then it's a Victoria line tube to Green Park, then Green Park on the Jubilee Line to Wembley Park. You get to walk past the Theatres with Hamilton and Wicked! There are some better places to eat nearer the tube station than around the coach station in case you need food when you arrive in London.
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Dec 9, 2022 11:58:43 GMT
No problem at all. Just a thought, if you don't have luggage and want to sight see before checking into hotel, then the Thameslink from Gatwick also stops at London Bridge - a few steps to Tower Bridge and walk along the Thames, there are some Christmas Market stalls up around there, and Hays Galleria is pretty, few restaurants there too. And of course Borough Market looking pretty with Christmas lights. And the Jubilee line tube from London Bridge runs into Wembley Park too, so another option of travel.
Also, just to keep in mind, there is a multi screen cinema at the Designer Outlet in Wembley Park, Cineworld, so if your feet hurt and you can't face the journey into Central London, there's that ...
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Dec 8, 2022 23:03:01 GMT
Londonmzfitz, thanks for the simply easy to follow guide re Gatwick to Wembley, very keen with daughter in hand, budget and timescale to keep it running smooth as possible - particulary as time going all these strikes are looming but i think will miss thankfully. I will be checking - but will also ask here, never been to Gatwick, easy enough to find the Thameslink ( thats definately the one to go for..no matter how busy? ), pay upfront ( cash on train / better get a card..as coming back to gatwick later in week? ), and then easy to walk to Metro tube North - spelled out for you? im a simple folk! - and again pay for that tube? do i have to exit and enter to pay..or..just pay when i get off a Wemberly..how will it know i crossed over at Farringdon? Too late re hotel, already booked, wasnt too bad. Its the flights for us that was bad really. There will be signposts at Gatwick for trains to London, you want the Thameslink (it's been a while since I flew into Gatwick but I think it's really easy to find) - costs - google Thameslink or www.trainline.com - shows as being £12.90 for a single journey for an adult, depending on time of day. You'll need to buy a ticket before you get on the train, there are automatic ticket machines at the station, you can't buy tickets on the train. I'd get a single rather than a return in case you find you want to go via Victoria on the way back. The Thameslink train will arrive at Platform 4 at Farringdon. At this part of the station there are only 4 platforms - there's signs directing you to the Metropolitan Line (District line tube trains run from the same platform) - you walk up a few steps and over a clear panel walkway to Platform 2 - Westbound trains - you need the Metropolitan line train running to Amersham, Chesham, Watford, Rickmansworth or Uxbridge; all of the Westbound Metropolitan tubes stop at Wembley Park Station. However you will need either your debit card or an Oyster Card for your onward journey here - you will see the touch-tap machines on the platform at Farringdon, you don't need to go through the barriers or anything. The Tube lines (East and West bound) and Thameslink (North and South) run side by side, so there's no maze of tunnels or anything like that, just have to walk up and over. I hope that's clear-? At your destination (Wembley Park) you "tap out" (the barriers will be closed and won't open unless you do)- there is a maximum limit for expenditure on the tube/buses so it's not an expensive way to travel at all! If you are concerned I'm travelling through Farringdon tomorrow and will take some pics - dm me your email and I'll send the pics to you. You'll enjoy the view from London Bridge into London Blackfriars especially if it's at night. Make sure you have a window seat.
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Dec 7, 2022 22:17:32 GMT
Whoops! forgot - car park. Wembley Park Station has a car park, £6 per day on a pay by phone (the cash ticket machine has been broken for ages). There are car parks for the Design Outlet but they are (I've found) much more expensive, they cater for the shoppers. The car park is usually full during the day but will empty from 6pm onwards as people head home after work. You can park in the street where the car park is to, if there is space and it's not an Event Day. There are a couple of spaces around the Wimpy/McDonalds area too but they fill quickly.
Absolutely Wimpy over McDonalds, which is practically opposite McD's on the other side of the petrol station. But it opens at 9am and shuts at 9pm. Now I live in Lincolnshire it's easier for me to stay in Wembley after a show - it's my local area after all. BUT please keep your belongings close to hand, be aware of those around you. And a big YES to the lift rather than the stairs - or walk out the other exit and walk down the slope next to the black taxi ramp.
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Dec 7, 2022 22:02:18 GMT
I used to live in Wembley - for 30+ years, so you're talking to a local here ...
Gatwick to Wembley is an easy journey (probably easier than Heathrow in truth). Gatwick onto Thameslink train into London (any destination). Get off at Farringdon Station and walk up the stairs and cross over to the Metropolitan tube platform heading North. It's that easy. Any northbound train will stop at Wembley Park - there are destination boards up and down the platforms. The benefit of the Thameslink is you get that amazing view as you go over London Blackfriars ....
From Heathrow you'd probably get a tube into London and have to change at Green Park which is hellish with luggage.
Hotels at Wembley Park - the Wembley International Hotel is probably 3*, basic but clean and I've found it much cheaper than the Premier Inn or Travelodge. The Designer Outlet, as others have said, has a variety of chain restaurants.
Enjoy your trip!
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Dec 6, 2022 10:34:26 GMT
I actually feel a bit teary. Andy Karl. Groundhog Day. I'm utterly thrilled.
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Dec 5, 2022 11:14:16 GMT
Are we expecting a new version or is it likely to be what we saw in Old Vic? I only saw it once and the automation and staging of the original blew me away. Really want the opportunity to bring a few people along who've listened to my ravings over the years about it, who missed such an incredible theatrical experience. It will be a more simplified staging. They had endless issues with the (many) revolves on Broadway and so they need a version which isn’t so temperamental - and easier to tour when the time comes. I saw the Old Vic first preview, and cast were putting place name flags (think like the things you see on a golf course) into holes in the revolve as "Phil" walked through - they'd tip sideways, fall over, "Phil" would be stepping over them while trying to sing (Andy Karl rolling his eyes). That was gone by my second visit - caused an unintentional laugh though.
|
|
1,253 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Nov 20, 2022 20:04:47 GMT
I was also in the audience that night, brilliant show. But the thing I remember most was it was cold and raining and they kept us waiting in the rain for hours before letting us in. I presume the venue was where Newsies is going to be? God yes, it was a wet wait. I don't remember why but we had priority tickets and went to the Wimpy Bar for a couple of hours .... Mylene Klass also did a very good Shakalaka Baby from Bombay Dreams but the ruby (?) in her bellybutton kept popping out. There's a memory ... I'd love to watch the whole thing again. Yes, it's the old TV Studios that is now the Troubadour Theatre in Wembley.
|
|