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Post by Latecomer on Oct 11, 2023 12:34:31 GMT
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Post by Latecomer on Oct 7, 2023 20:52:39 GMT
I support JSO. I liked in the US tennis when Gauff’s match was interrupted and she just said that, yes it was a bit annoying, but she understood why they were doing it and respected their right to do it. It’s an emergency and no-one is listening. You have to inconvenience people to get publicity. We’ve all seen nice peaceful marches in London that haven’t been reported in the news. And yes, I have been held up once or twice going about London, and along with the irritation I just thought “respect, it’s a brave thing to do”
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Post by Latecomer on Aug 31, 2023 16:42:24 GMT
I saw the matinee yesterday and really enjoyed it for a good hour but after that it began to seem too long and quite an ordeal; not because of the play itself but being forced to sit in those cramped, uncomfortable seats for 2 hours with no interval was quite gruelling and definitely impacted my ability to concentrate and the overall experience. Plus I had a huge person on my right who impinged on my space and a leaner on my left (no doubt due to the pillars), so I had even less room than I should technically have done. In my opinion the play should and could have been a bit shorter - by at least 15 minutes - or should have included an interval. I'm sure others would argue against an interval on the basis that it would break the continuity, but in that case, edit it a little. Besides, though it was very clever and layered, I felt it became a little too intricate and could have lost some of its complexity, or the final stage could have been reached sooner with some pruning in the middle. Based on my initial reaction I would have enthused about it and said it was one of the best things I'd seen in ages; it was still very impressive but somewhat less could have been more. Framing would easily have allowed a “disco in the foyer” break in proceedings as an interval (and could have been quite fun!) ! I too was “taken out of the play” after a while…that chair at the front of the stage blocked my view for some of the time…and I always find that hard not to take personally!!!!! I wonder if there was a moment where the pacing just fell and we stopped being delighted and surprised? Maybe an interval would have helped and then a change of tone for the second half?
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Post by Latecomer on Aug 30, 2023 18:21:55 GMT
I agree with both sides on this one. I enjoyed it, mostly down to some good acting and it is funny, but at the same time I think it’s quite simplistic? I can think of a few ways I would have gone with this one, however, I did not write a play, so respect! And it’s great fun! I think I may just be a cynical old theatre-goer these days! Lovely to see JLM and thought all the cast were really good!
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Post by Latecomer on Jul 29, 2023 18:45:51 GMT
I didn’t think this was about football at all. Or necessarily about the state of England today. It was about what stops us trying do do things….that fear of failure. As such it can apply to anything and anyone. So it’s about therapy really and understanding ourselves. And being kind to others and the beauty of being vulnerable and how your background can stop you achieving your full potential.
Like This House was about friendship across the class divide and honourable ways of living and how far we will go before we actually stand firm to a good way of living? Not actually about politics. .
I think Graham is a very clever man!
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Post by Latecomer on Jul 29, 2023 14:55:16 GMT
It's been a really tough week, so I decided I needed a nice day out. I'm currently sitting just yards from David Mellor's magnificent Round Building in Hathersage, drinking coffee from a David Mellor cup sitting on a David Mellor saucer, poured from a David Mellor cafetiere and stirred with a David Mellor spoon, all brought to my David Mellor table on a David Mellor tray. Yes, I'm slightly obsessed with David Mellor*. (*Not that David Mellor, the other one.) Had to google….and glad I did! My mum is from Sheffield born 1934. How splendid! Sorry you’ve had a tough week. I hope the lovely design has soothed your soul!
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Post by Latecomer on Jul 14, 2023 8:20:05 GMT
I’m not the most tech person around here ( mods alert 😁) but I do find the email tix thing irritating. Sometimes you can’t see the tix on the email and sometimes you get a confirmation and then another email with the tix so do you have to keep both? Then they all lie there in my flagged in no particular order. So scroll scroll as you enter the venue. I often take a screenshot of the ticket and attach it to the event in my phones calendar, so I can easily pull it up on the day. For the NT you can use any email as your ticket, QR code or not. Also they’re still happy to print you a ticket at the box office. Wow! You can do that? Thanks for the tip….off to try it out!!!!!
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Post by Latecomer on Jul 2, 2023 17:23:55 GMT
I sort of enjoyed this but felt a bit dissatisfied. The ending was a bit of an anticlimax. I think there was a more interesting play in there waiting to come out…. Good day out though and everyone very professional, just a play that wasn’t really sure of what it wanted to say? Nice to be in London for Pride day and see it so busy and colourful.
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Post by Latecomer on Jun 29, 2023 19:32:06 GMT
Being an old bird I went to the matinee yesterday - £33! - thank you very much! 3rd time this run, and I'm still finding little gems. The lighting made an impact on me this visit - it's so important to get the stage dark for the change/repeat scenes, but the falling snow too. I can't tell you just how much I'm loving this show. As BVM above, I can't find a weak spot, and for me the music, the lyrics, are in my head (and I was "1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8" stepping to the tube for ages after). Busy matinee too, saw a bunch of school children heading towards the theatre but didn't hear a thing from them (would a few of those lines would be 15+ rating)? Love it. I was there too! The £33 seats are a steal for a new 60yr old! It was fab wasn’t it! And well behaved crowd. So much energy from the cast (How does she just leap up onto those park benches!) and the changing of clothes skills are right up there! Loved the car chase. And second half songs genuinely moving.
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Post by Latecomer on Jun 17, 2023 14:59:29 GMT
Way back they had musical performances in the foyer, just outside the Lyttleton, which at least gave some vibrancy to the atmosphere. The elimination of the Olivier cloakroom is an odd choice as it effectively means a whole level is dead space. The whole thing needs a rethink. Plus there was good “canteen style” food outside the Lyttelton….at a decent price, nice, not like the terrible offerings now. I always used to eat at the National. I don’t now.
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Post by Latecomer on Jun 16, 2023 21:29:40 GMT
Lynette for the job. That is it. She has my vote!
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Post by Latecomer on Jun 13, 2023 20:15:51 GMT
Not sure whether we should have a moratorium on swear words in play titles or if it should be allowed to continue as a strong signal to potential ticketbuyers that the writer is neither big nor clever. I quite like use of the F word. Am prepared to admit it may be only me. Plus they haven’t used it. There’s some *s in there….!!!!
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Post by Latecomer on May 31, 2023 14:11:26 GMT
I guess you’d need to ask somebody going specifically to that performance exactly why they are going. And yes, agreed.
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Post by Latecomer on May 31, 2023 14:09:09 GMT
When you go to a show by a black writer or team, dealing with subjects that may resonate more with black people's lived experience, you tend to see far more black people in the audience, wether that's in London or Manchester or wherever in the UK. Britain seems to be doing pretty well, much better than the USA - many of my friends & some relatives - most of them, in London, are themselves of or in mixed heritage relationships, with parents and children the same. We have very diverse faces on TV, film and stage (and politics!) - and are now remaking classic period dramas to be more inclusive. So is there a need to import an initiative from the far more toxically divided USA, one that's based on the idea that all and any white people have an oppressive 'white gaze' that black people need to be segregated away from to feel safe when watching a play? Is that theory true or helpful in bringing people together or making people feel confident interacting with each other in society? It's the language behind this, the blanket idea of whiteness as some sort of original sin or inherently oppressive and scary, rather than viewing people as individual human beings with their own distinct stories and attitudes and relationships. But I’m not sure that is what they are saying when you say “oppressed “white gaze””…..etc. I think it’s about making people actually Not think they are “different” and even need to notice the difference……when audiences and plays accurately reflect society then fine, don’t bother, but as you have mentioned this isn’t the case yet (in fact you had noticed that you “tend to see more black people” at productions that may resonate with black people, so by definition the rest of the time it isn’t the case!) It’s the same when people moan about positive discrimination in the workplace for women/people of colour….I say when we are at the same % as society I’m fine to ditch it!!!!
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Post by Latecomer on May 30, 2023 18:29:37 GMT
I got the books used in research for this play by Jack Thorne from my trusty library….and it defies belief how Richard L Sterne (who had a minor part in the play) got his information to write his book!
He basically hid a portable tape recorder in a large briefcase and put it in the rehearsal room recording for 3 hour chunks. When Gielgud and Burton had a closed rehearsal Sterne got there early, hid himself and his tape reorder under the rehearsal platform and recorded it all secretly. When they left he was about to emerge when the stage manager came into the room to do some sound tapes for the show…so he ended up having to stay hidden for 6 hours! “In later weeks I told Gielgud and Burton of the tapes I had made. Both reacted favourably and amused such a project had been carried out”
Well!
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Post by Latecomer on May 29, 2023 15:05:07 GMT
When I look around theatre audiences i definitely see elderly white people as most of the audience. I cannot imagine what it feels like to be in an audience that seems “unfamiliar” to me (I am white). I do know that I have no “history” in my family of theatre, and that it took some courage to start watching theatre and feel that I “belonged” there. So…..if this is an attempt at making black people feel comfortable and to perhaps have the confidence to see theatre, when they haven’t before, then I’m fine with this. And to those who object and say “where will it all end”, I’d say, put yourself in others shoes and be open to encourage people who don’t currently go to theatre, by all means possible. It’s only 1 performance and you can still go if you want to! It’s about removing barriers and creating confidence for a section of people not fully represented in current audiences.
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Post by Latecomer on May 25, 2023 18:52:43 GMT
Well here I am with blooming Covid. Had to cancel 2 shows tomorrow. Thankfully one I could reschedule, but Sadly it doesn’t look like I’ll get to see Rose as I am fully booked up with other things until the end of the run Hope you feel better soon. Lots of it about at the moment. Daughter 1 (who also thought she was immune!) had for first time and daughter no 2 had it for 3rd time. 2 weeks recovery for son-in-law. Take it steady!
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Post by Latecomer on May 23, 2023 21:02:38 GMT
Went back to work after a week off. Lovely to be receipting new books again and always fascinating to see what books people reserve from our store of old library books…someone reserved 3 books on making Corn Dollies! And of course all the Martin Amis fiction books 😞
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Post by Latecomer on May 20, 2023 16:44:14 GMT
A friend of mine went night after me and totally hated it plays to ever gay cliche and stereotype dated and offensive … and said that 2 hours he will never get back … just goes to show how marmite shows can be 😊🎭 Saw the first half of this at the Oxford Playhouse and also hated it. I agree re cliche and stereotype and didn’t care a jot about any of the characters by half time. Soooo glad to leave. It did remind me how great Abba songs are! Also made me realise that my London theatre-going recently has been excellent!
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Post by Latecomer on May 16, 2023 9:19:19 GMT
Not much left for the public sale! I managed to get a couple of balcony seats for a Wednesday in Feb. Row B. Haven't sat up there before - how is it? Row B fine, sat there for Othello, back in the day and Private Lives a couple of weeks ago. Very close to the stage. You sometimes miss a bit or have to lean to see things directly below you, but they are great seats.
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Post by Latecomer on May 13, 2023 21:12:25 GMT
We knew from that opening scene which exuded bonhomie from the assembled lovies that things would fall apart into disharmony and by the end all would return with mutual warmth and love.. But isn't what happens in between the whole point? Why and how it falls apart and how and why it all comes back together? {Spoiler - click to view} Yes and it’s about vulnerability and what actors bring to the part of their personality and character and aging and celebrity. It’s got lots to say. And I, for one, was quite surprised by the take they finally decided on for why Hamlet did not act sooner and thought it was a “eureka moment”. I love it when someone subverts the words Shakespeare wrote and moulds it to their own ends! I thought it was quite touching re both main characters, one who seemed to have lived his best life early and the other who is striving to be “good enough” and not an imposter.
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Post by Latecomer on May 12, 2023 8:18:24 GMT
I thought this was fantastic. On the one hand it's a considered, nuanced examination of trauma and misogyny, but I'm hesitant to describe it exactly like that because it makes it sound heavier than it actually was. For all the seriousness of its subject matter, this is a story told with real heart - and it's genuinely very funny too. It's not necessarily perfect and it did veer towards the melodramatic at times, but I can forgive it those slight shortcomings because of how much I enjoyed it on the whole. I was concerned that there was going to be a lot of exposition with regard to the characters' backstories, however that wasn't the case at all. The slow revealing of the truth, layer by layer, was wonderful writing and I appreciated that the audience wasn't simply spoonfed. Like others have said on here, a couple of the staging elements in between scenes left me slightly perplexed, but I think I'd appreciate them more on a second viewing. There are lots of bright lights at various points, for example, but as the play goes on you can see that it uses light, and the language of lightness/darkness, in interesting ways. So, again, I'm willing to give it the benefit of the doubt on those points. The acting was universally excellent. Brid Brennan and Liz White were probably the two standouts, but I think Yazmin Kayani (who plays the granddaughter) has got a very bright future ahead. Quite the eventful performance tonight too. There was a talkback after the show which was very insightful, and there was a show stop right at the very end due to a medical incident. Not sure what happened but I do hope the person is okay. One of the conversations I heard during the show stop was quite something. Without wanting to get too much into the plot for those who haven't seen it, towards the end of the play there is a discussion about how the abuse of power must be called out at every level. Not just in the overt abuses that end up in courtrooms, but also the microaggressions we sadly see on a far more regular basis. One particular couple didn't seem to agree with that stance and bemoaned the fact that "everything has to be reported these days", even if "he didn't even do anything". ("He" in this instance being the unseen Mark Shaw character.) Not sure I've ever seen audience members miss the point quite so spectacularly before! But of course everyone is allowed their opinion... Needless to say, they didn't wait around for the play to resume! I’m glad at least that the audience are challenged, even if it doesn’t change the minds of some, and fascinating to see in person the reactions to it…..my quite sensitive husband (who I usually only take to quite lightweight funny theatre) was quite upset by it and said “I apologise for being part of the white male Patriarchy”….I’m glad I saw it and, as you say, very funny and holds attention really well.
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Post by Latecomer on May 11, 2023 20:10:29 GMT
Really enjoyed this. Interesting for it’s take on how different actors find different things to bring to a production and the role of a director. Also enjoyed the visual creation of the piece and thought all the actors were great. Enjoyed chatting over with forum member afterwards and am delighted to see that the two books from 60s mentioned in the Spectator article (earlier in the thread) are in our library stack still at our local authority, ready for me to borrow and see what some of the actors in the production chronicled about rehearsals! Thanks also for posting the video of the production. Fun time out was had.
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Post by Latecomer on May 8, 2023 21:00:30 GMT
Mainstream media trying to pretend the constitutional role of King's /Queen's Consent is some mysterious, hidden "vetting" power, is a little embarrassing. In the UK Parliamentary system, you cannot have Bills pass into laws until the HoS procedurally signs off: what chance Charles refusing the will of Parliament.
If you read this it suggests legislation is run past the crown first before they even contemplate a bill! They do have crown exemption from a lot of bits of law. Seems quite a coincidence! So no, they don’t turn down at the “consent” stage as they have already expressed opinions far earlier! www.theguardian.com/uk/2013/jan/14/secret-papers-royals-veto-bills
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Post by Latecomer on May 8, 2023 17:25:11 GMT
In a Parliamentary-style democracy, I do prefer to make the distinction between real power and symbolic. They can wave around 1000 year-old spoons and dress in ermine all day long, but they know - as we all know - the minute they try to exercise undemocratic power it's over (it will pretty much be over with evidence of corruption). Last I'm aware a monarch tried to exercise power was Easter 1916 (which, for context, was before working class adults had a vote, so no democracy as we understand it anyway). Seem to have largely kept their noses clean and out the way since universal suffrage.
Sure, the UK can put up random two-bob politicians, celebrities, academics every five years as a HoS but, if you're only in the job for 5 years .. who are you going to choose, some washed up political no name or Elton John and David. Hardly matters, all they're going to do for 5 years is smile and shake hands. Parliament is sovereign, etc.
The House of Lords is the real game, here.
I used to think this too, but I’m afraid it’s not really true is it. Turns out lots of our laws don’t apply to Crown Estates, specifically because the royals gave them the once over and suggested that they didn’t apply to them! Look up Guardian article “Royals vetted more than 1,000 laws via Queen’s consent”
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Post by Latecomer on May 1, 2023 12:25:17 GMT
I think the monarchy are being advised very badly. Air conditioned coach? Really? Bringing down magic stupid stone? Really? Let’s change the swearing of loyalty to everyone rather than just the important lords etc? Really?
What they ACTUALLY needed was a jolly procession a la Olympic opening ceremony, perhaps mixed up with Notting Hill festival (I’d like some Drag Queens too, just to show how inclusive we are and annoy all the right people!), followed by a trimmed down ceremony. Multi faith (I don’t care that he’s head of C of E, he can just decide to do it, after all Henry just made up his own church!)
Personally I think we should have a president elected by the people (non political, just like Ireland)and just keep a bit of ceremonial marching and open the palaces for the tourists etc.
But you do have to ask, do the current “advisors” want to see the back of the Monarchy, as their current decisions seem out of touch at best!
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Post by Latecomer on Apr 30, 2023 16:59:05 GMT
I quite liked this play, without loving it. Some great performances. Front row rush seats are great (not at all restricted) and set is good too. It did take me to another world….that feeling you get when you walk out of the theatre at the end and you aren't sure what time of day it is, and you are a bit too shaken to talk properly? I liked the spooky sound effects, think they could have taken that further. As an “amateur director” I’m not quite sure what could have just elevated it that tiny bit for me…..but I enjoyed it a lot and my husband was quite traumatised “I’m so sorry I’m white and male and part of the Patriarchy”. Bless! Well worth seeing!
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Post by Latecomer on Apr 30, 2023 14:45:51 GMT
Loved this. Still plenty of laughs, just more of the realistic, slightly dark knowing ones. The whole play, although obviously set in another time, has aged quite well. Basically exploring different ways of living life and different characters and how they react with each other. There are some classic lines and attitudes in there too and I thoroughly enjoyed the slightly updated take on it all. Couldn’t fault the acting throughout…sound effects and music all seemed fine to me (B8 upstairs). Husband (who doesn’t come to theatre much and generally likes lightweight comedy) also really enjoyed it.
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Post by Latecomer on Apr 27, 2023 20:14:13 GMT
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Post by Latecomer on Apr 22, 2023 19:11:14 GMT
I loved it, especially the speech at the end about the “feeling” of a time in your life….I felt like that about summers as a child, when we camped (a family of 6) on a field in Anglesey for weeks on end, caught and ate fish, just lived pretty much off grid, but listened to the shipping forecast every day (most accurate weather) and had 3 tapes for our tape player…Stylistics, Imagination and Backman Turner Overdrive! Memories we share that on-one else would understand. Like a common bond.
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