213 posts
|
Post by frosty on Jul 16, 2021 9:40:13 GMT
I am tempted by a table, but maybe they'll do audience participation which I don't like. Just thinking of the Sam Mendes' production, I nearly ended up dancing with Alan Cummings on stage. Fortunately, he picked the person next to me, which was a relief I feel the same way, I normally like to sit as near the stage as possible, but I’m a bit hesitant having read this on the ATG site: “Before the show, guests are invited to enjoy the club with drinks, dining and pre-show entertainment all on offer. When booking, guests will receive a 'club entry time' and, for the richest experience and to immerse themselves fully in the club, we encourage people to arrive early.” Oh I didn't think of that...audience participation does not sound like fun to me. Perhaps a table in the 2nd row (assuming I won't need to re-mortgage the house to buy one). I read that on the site and assumed the subtext was "arrive early to spend as much on food and drink as possible cos this has cost us a fortune and we're gonna need to claw that back somehow"!
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on Jul 16, 2021 9:08:02 GMT
Thanks for sharing. The plan is not revolutionary but looking good nonetheless. ... Who do I need to sleep with to get one of the boxes? I'll be very happy with a table - I do love a table in the theatre!
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on Jul 16, 2021 7:30:16 GMT
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on Jul 15, 2021 7:39:16 GMT
I'm going to see the show this afternoon and very much looking forward to it. All the reviews I read yesterday were very good and didn't reflect the poster aboves view so going with an open mind. But we can't all like the same things. Only my 2nd trip outside of London since the start of Covid so will be nice to have an away day. And what a glorious day for it! Enjoy the sunshine and the show.
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on Jul 12, 2021 12:44:57 GMT
I saw this on Saturday evening and thoroughly enjoyed it. Talented young cast and loved the simple set dressing, it’s amazing what you can do with some tie dyed throws and fairy lights, very effective. I’d happily see this again.
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on Jul 9, 2021 8:37:57 GMT
So this is a traditional production? There was a promotional video a couple of weeks back that mentioned this being South Pacific “with a twist” or something similar. I want to see it either way, I just don’t get why they were talking up putting a new spin on it if they haven’t. It looked very traditional to me, I didn't notice any twists!
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on Jul 6, 2021 10:39:32 GMT
What time did this finish, please? I’m trying to work out if I can attend an evening performance and still make the last train back to London. I would say about 10:30, but it started a few mins late and Julian's speech at the end was about 5-10 mins, so it's probably going to be trimmed back from that.
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on Jul 6, 2021 10:35:40 GMT
First night last night and it was glorious. It was great to be back in that big space seeing a big musical - cast of 30. Julian Ovenden did a speech at the end talking about what a tough time it has been, everyone was very emotional. They also gave 150 tickets to NHS staff too, which got a massive round of applause. As Julian said - Theatre in Chichester is back! Thanks, Frosty. Would you be able to list the orchestra, please? Sure- from the programme: Musical Director - Cat Beveridge Keyboard 3/assist musical director - Jon Laird Keyboard 1 - Dan Jackson Keyboard 2/deputy conductor - Jill Farrow Double bass - Nicki Davenport Percussion and drums - Matt French Violin - Kathryn James Viola - Rachel Steadman Cello - Llinos Richards Harp - Cecelia de Maria Flute/piccolo/alto sax and ethnic flutes - Sue Phipps Clarinet and tenor sax - Duncan Ashby Bassoon - Lully Bathurst French Horn - Richard Bayliss Trumpet - Fraser Tannock Trombone - James Adams
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on Jul 6, 2021 10:25:20 GMT
First night last night and it was glorious. It was great to be back in that big space seeing a big musical - cast of 30. Julian Ovenden did a speech at the end talking about what a tough time it has been, everyone was very emotional. They also gave 150 tickets to NHS staff too, which got a massive round of applause. As Julian said - Theatre in Chichester is back! Thanks, Frosty. Would you be able to list the orchestra, please?
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on Jul 6, 2021 8:45:41 GMT
First night last night and it was glorious. It was great to be back in that big space seeing a big musical - cast of 30. Julian Ovenden did a speech at the end talking about what a tough time it has been, everyone was very emotional. They also gave 150 tickets to NHS staff too, which got a massive round of applause. As Julian said - Theatre in Chichester is back! I'm there next week. How did it look and sound? Really good. It was the first preview, but I didn't notice any mishaps. They make full use of the revolve, the whole stage spins and spins, they must get dizzy! This is a very traditional South Pacific, no massive gimmicks, just a good old classic musical. Bloody Mary is hilarious and Rob Houchen is an excellent, very earnest Cable. In fact, the whole cast are certainly in fine voice. The costume dept must be having a nightmare as Gina Beck is now very obviously pregnant. I hope they've included some elastic waistbands, she's still going to be there till 23rd Aug. I'm going back next Tuesday for press night, this time with a side stalls seat, so it will be interesting to see if anything has changed and how the view differs. I think this is going to do well.
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on Jul 6, 2021 8:11:06 GMT
First night last night and it was glorious. It was great to be back in that big space seeing a big musical - cast of 30. Julian Ovenden did a speech at the end talking about what a tough time it has been, everyone was very emotional. They also gave 150 tickets to NHS staff too, which got a massive round of applause. As Julian said - Theatre in Chichester is back!
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on Jul 2, 2021 8:28:21 GMT
Be More Chill on Sunday - assuming my day 5 'Test to Release' comes back negative.
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on Jun 21, 2021 11:36:31 GMT
Shame, I was looking forward to being back in the National, but given the previous comments, I have decided to get a credit voucher to use at a later date when there are less restrictions. Part of the whole theatre experience for me is to have a drink and chat in the foyer beforehand, and I feel very cheated if there isn't an interval! This all sounds very tedious for not much reward, so it's a no from me. So there is Llareggub chance of you going? Haha - had to google that reference, but no, giving this one a miss :-)
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on Jun 20, 2021 20:15:50 GMT
Shame, I was looking forward to being back in the National, but given the previous comments, I have decided to get a credit voucher to use at a later date when there are less restrictions. Part of the whole theatre experience for me is to have a drink and chat in the foyer beforehand, and I feel very cheated if there isn't an interval! This all sounds very tedious for not much reward, so it's a no from me.
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on Jun 14, 2021 14:25:24 GMT
Has anyone else tried Espana? not yet...is it subtitled?
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on Jun 14, 2021 13:49:42 GMT
Agree - the entire series has been very underwhelming. And the 'talent' section has made me realise I would never pay money to see any of them in a show. Coupled with the worst snatch game in the history of the franchise, it's not been great. Perhaps Ru and 'Chelle just fancied a break in NZ?
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on Jun 10, 2021 14:35:26 GMT
Just noticed there are 2 seats available in the pit for tomorrow's performance - be quick!
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on Jun 9, 2021 10:38:09 GMT
Booked! Love the TV show. This will either be genius or a bin fire :-)
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on Jun 3, 2021 14:46:29 GMT
Maybe the concept of "premium" seats will change and it won't be about the sightlines, but they will charge more for extra legroom and more space around you, like they do on aircraft. I know a few tall people that would happily pay a bit more for extra comfort.
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on Jun 2, 2021 10:41:42 GMT
.... I quite like socially distanced seating Me too - my trips to the Vaudeville and Duchess have been great. They have physically moved the seat rows, so plenty of legroom, so much so that you don't even need to stand up to let someone get past, plus there is an empty seat either side, so room for coats and bags. No queues at the bar, just a bit of a queue to the toilet. I know it's not viable in the long term, but I am enjoying the extra space for now. It feels like going to business class seats when you're used to economy! Back to bad behaviour now though. I don't know if 15 months of social distancing have made people healthier and not prone to the normal colds etc, but I don't think I have heard one single cough in the auditorium since theatre has returned.
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on Jun 1, 2021 13:45:40 GMT
I echo all of the above, loved it, and what a talent Jack Holden is. Definitely one to watch.
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on May 27, 2021 10:32:04 GMT
For me this week...
Friday - Cruise at the Duchess Saturday - The Lady in the Van at the Brighton Open Air Theatre (and the weather is looking good!) Sunday - Lola Lasagne at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on May 25, 2021 9:37:20 GMT
I’m all for a limited series though. Sometimes I look at stuff abd see there are 12 episodes or even worse more than one season and I just can’t summon up the enthusiasm for it. Limited series are the best. A story with a beginning and end. Not some endless multi season mess that gets worse and worse each year before being scrapped. Watched first 3 eps last night, enjoying very much, I didn't know anything about Halston before this, so I'm interested to see where it goes. Agree with the limited series views too (mini-series in my day!). They were huge back in the 80s and big TV events....I'm thinking of 'The Thorn Birds', 'Return to Eden', 'Lace', and 'V' etc. These days, if something is popular they seem to drag it on till the death. 'Pose' would have worked better as a mini-series perhaps and maybe we didn't need the 2nd series of 'Smash'.
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on May 24, 2021 12:27:09 GMT
Avoid using your phone/having it in your hand when you are waiting to cross/crossing. I was nearly ran over when mine was taken. I threw up my hands to stop him hitting me on his bike and he grabbed it. If you need it for directions while walking, move to part of the pavement furthest from the road. If you need to stop and use it, tuck in furthest from the road edge, consider turning your back to the road. Criminals steal phones as a way of levelling up in their gang. They aren’t looking for a specific type, you are no safer with a feature phone than the latest iPhone. It’s a numbers game to prove fealty to the gang (according to the police who helped me.) It’s absolutely everywhere in London. Oh that sounds horrible, but thanks for the useful tips. Compared to a lot of capitals, I think London is relatively safe, but it's still a very good idea to be aware of what can happen and take sensible precautions.
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on May 24, 2021 10:04:00 GMT
Louise Redknapp, Ashley Roberts, Myleen Klass and Lawrence Chaney were in the audience at Drag Queens of Pop at the Vaudeville last Tuesday - and Myleen also did a turn on the keys to accompany Veronica Green's 'Stars'
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on May 24, 2021 8:28:37 GMT
Whilst it's great that theatres are opening again and people are out and about enjoying themselves, it's also bringing out the thieves. On Saturday afternoon, we saw a guy checking his phone on the street in Soho and a cyclist zoomed by and snatched it out of his hand. He gave chase, but I doubt very much he caught him. Then in the evening, a lady was talking to the police because someone had grabbed her handbag. I'm always getting my phone out and checking directions or the time, so seeing that incident has made me more aware of what could happen - and I keep my cards/driving licence in my phone case too, so it would be a nightmare if it was taken.
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on May 24, 2021 7:44:25 GMT
I saw this on Saturday and enjoyed very much. It's nice for an older woman to be the focus, it's a (vaguely) similar vibe to Flowers for Mrs Harris and Shirley Valentine - middle aged woman realises she's getting older and hasn't done much in her life, so has a bit of a blowout! Wendi Peters is just lovely, and has a beautiful voice. There are a couple of standouts songs, but you won't come out humming along, however it is all very pleasant. Would recommend.
Lordy, those perspex screens they use to separate the seating 'bubbles' are tight! We're not particularly large, but it was squeeze for the 2 of us, and after 90 mins, I was glad to stand up. Shame, because there was plenty of room, I would guess that half of the seats were empty, so we could have been spread out a bit. But it was great to be back in a theatre, and we contrasted this one with 'Roles We'll Never Play' in the evening, so all in all, a fantastic day.
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on May 21, 2021 10:10:46 GMT
Great review - I'm seeing this next week, it is great to have theatre back again.
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on May 20, 2021 13:49:18 GMT
Me too - loved Wise Children
|
|
213 posts
|
Post by frosty on May 20, 2021 12:27:25 GMT
I can't find a thread for this one yet. I'm going to see it Saturday, anyone else been? The comments I've seen on Twitter are very positive. Is that the one with Cilla from Corrie in it? That's the one - Wendi Peters
|
|