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Post by Dr Tom on Jan 7, 2022 11:07:54 GMT
I attended the matinee yesterday and got a bargain £20 seat in the middle of the Upper Circle. Just looked again to try and book this for future weeks and it looks like they've taken the Upper Circle off sale for future weekday matinees (it definitely wasn't sold out).
You are a fair way back, but there's an excellent view of the stage.
There is no cast board at the Upper Circle and my ability to recognise faces at a distance isn't what it used to be so I'm not certain who was on. But it was definitely Giles Terera in his second performance back and he was in fine form. I hope to get the chance to see him again during his very short run.
I think it was Aaron Lee Lambert on as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison and Lydia Fraser as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds. All good.
A nice pleasant audience too, with very little whooping. A perfect way to spend a relaxed Thursday afternoon. Do catch Giles while he's back - and maybe they'll even open the Upper Circle back up at a discount nearer next Thursday.
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Post by Dr Tom on Jan 1, 2022 15:20:11 GMT
I had a booking for the Thursday matinee at Oxford plus, unfortunately now, non-refundable rail travel tickets between Paddington and Oxford. Hold fire for now. They have had an easement on the advance conditions allowing a fee free exchange up to 6pm the day before travel. Officially speaking, this ended yesterday but I think there's a good chance of this being extended. Alternatively, a lot of trains are being cancelled due to staff shortages. If your journey is cancelled, you'll be entitled to a refund.
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 31, 2021 22:50:31 GMT
Along with & Juliet, the matinee for the Book of Mormon was my other end of 2021 show. One of the front row £20 tickets on sale on the day, which are an absolute bargain (especially as this show continues toot quietly sell out - or get very close).
I have Anything Goes playing in the background and I'm reminder how odd it is how odd it is to have Haydn Oakley in such a small role here (even though he is fantastic in everything he does).
Pleasantly surprised to have all the leads on in these Covid times, including the perfect pairing of Tom Xander and Dom Simpson.
I overheard a conversation near me about how the Mormon boys were perfectly cast as they looked autistic and the person speaking worked with a Mormon who was autistic. The bizarre way some people think (no offence intended to the cast, I just find myself distracted by how they manage to find so many good looking people to fill the roles).
And that is almost it for 2021. Roll on 2022!
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 31, 2021 19:59:32 GMT
Here tonight for my final 2021 show. Interval time. All the leads are on. When did they get rid of Romeo being lowered in for his entrance? Now he just runs on, which is much less impressive.
Not too full unfortunately, but I presume they’re continuing with a replacement cast.
Having to hold my tongue with the girls near me telling their friends how great Alex Thomas-Smith was as the lead in Jamie!
Very good so far and just what’s needed to end the year.
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 30, 2021 22:56:20 GMT
Nipped back this evening to catch this again and enjoyed this very much again. The theatre was much fuller than last time too.
I sat at the end of the front row, which is a far superior view (and angle) to the centre of the row, which I had last time. Two empty seats next to me too, so I had plenty of room.
Several covers on. Marina Tavolieri was on as Val Clarke (there were signs, but not too obviously placed). Eamonn Cox was on as Richie Walters (no evidence of this in the theatre or on social media, but it certainly wasn’t Andre Fabien Francis). Everyone was on form again.
On the train back to London now. I do have a ticket for the closing performance at 2:15pm tomorrow, but with all the train cancellations and the strike I can’t risk staying over. So if it’s of use to anyone, let me know and I’ll send you the e-ticket (free to a good home). Front row aisle seat, but the opposite side to where I sat tonight.
A great run of this musical and well done to everyone concerned.
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 30, 2021 9:11:57 GMT
That was the same image from the poster ? In that case, I didn't look at the poster closely enough, but it's a pity they couldn't have included photos of different members of the cast, rather than using so many of the same faces twice. I watched (and enjoyed) the first half last night. This is definitely better as a live show. It is just that the spectacle and size of the production doesn't come across. Without the pauses for laughs and applause, it also came across as sped up. Still glad this was captured.
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 29, 2021 23:27:53 GMT
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 29, 2021 15:30:34 GMT
Then which role is Les Dennis taking? Standby for Mrs Higgins for Michael Ball's scheduled days off.
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 23, 2021 22:26:48 GMT
Enjoyed this tonight from the cheap side seats (didn’t feel like I missed anything with staging). Alex Young continues to combine fantastic comedy timing with perfect vocals and was made for the lead role.
They have a simple and effective set for the shop, which folds out. Lots of nice period touches.
The theatre was only about one third full, which is a shame, but people did move seats and fill the space out. I stayed in my second row seat and had a perfect view.
The sound quality was appalling for the first 15 minutes or so. First we had an echo, then it seemed like all the side speakers were turned off, so you could only hear the lines near you. This did sort itself out, but they really should have restarted the show for people who don’t know the book.
I’ve seen a few productions of She Loves Me and this rates somewhere in the middle, but full of charm and performed by a much larger cast than usual. Can’t fault any of the acting, but it’s just hard to make this style of musical come alive in such a big space. Do go see it and don’t hesitate to book the cheap seats!
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 22, 2021 22:54:12 GMT
Just out of interest what time did you get out of the theatre? I am in Stratford in the afternoon, so might go in the evening, all depends if I can get home though? All done by 9:15pm. I’m staying over in Birmingham, on to Sheffield tomorrow, then onwards to see family.
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 22, 2021 21:47:44 GMT
Enjoyed this tonight, having not seen the original run.
A very witty script and a much more diverse audience than you see in London (although the house was not as full as it could have been). This is particularly strong on the visual gags.
Still Open All Hours star Sue Holderness was the special guest. Very ready to get involved and they had perfect gags for her (although I get the impression she’s been the guest turn a lot during the run so this is quite polished by now).
Surprised how short this is. The first half is only about 30 minutes, the second half 40 minutes, with a long interval.
The audience lapped it up, with several people near me keen to offer punch lines to their friends before they were announced (not normally with the same punchline). The refurbished Rep looks great too.
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 22, 2021 20:15:17 GMT
Perhaps they could go ahead with the planned second cast, then bring the originals back for a further run (schedules permitting)?
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 22, 2021 12:19:17 GMT
Nipped to see this last night with a rush ticket (great third row side seat). Even got the full cast, including Freddie King as JD (who really hasn't been on all that much). He's certainly the cutest person I've seen in this role by a mile.
A lot of fun as always and Vicki Lee Taylor was so sweet to the mortified looking gentleman who got picked out to be Steve (almost by default when they need someone front centre due to audience being 90% female).
Good that this one has survived the Covid-19 outbreaks so far and that I got in again before the possibility of theatre shutting down for a few weeks. But this is one of those shows I can see doing a winter season at the Other Palace for years to come.
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 22, 2021 12:13:33 GMT
I saw this on Monday. Not keen on the crammed seating in these times on Covid-19, but thankfully there was enough space for people to spread out along the row.
I found myself laughing, so there were definitely jokes that hit the spot, but this is also rather dated and the second half drags a bit. It is more farce than comedy and relies on the idea that everyone involved is sex mad.
All performed with a lot of energy by the talented cast. Ria Jones commands the stage as always and even gets to sing a bit. Great to see Dan Starkey as well who I mostly know as a Doctor Who voice actor.
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 22, 2021 12:08:17 GMT
I saw this on Sunday at the matinee. My first visit since this transferred.
Very little to add to my thoughts from Manchester. It is a real spectacle, if anything tighter than Manchester, but it is still a bit too long and could do with trimming in the first half.
My rush ticket (mid Stalls) was excellent value, but the rake is not good. I was lucky to have a young (and bored) child in front of me so the view was decent. Sunday wasn't sold out.
It was also cover central, with covers for Doc, George, Biff and Linda. All were very good, especially Mark Oxtoby with a mad take on Doc Brown. Great to see ArtsEd graduate Joshua Clemetson in the ensemble too.
Don't think I will rush back, but still a good fun afternoon.
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 20, 2021 16:46:00 GMT
Perhaps give everyone the food they ordered as a take away after the show to enjoy at home? It’s all cold food anyway.
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 19, 2021 14:26:53 GMT
To me, it depends mostly if it’s a style for clippers or scissors. Very little difference in pricing where I am in London, but that could be a consideration.
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 19, 2021 11:13:20 GMT
And the Arts Ed musicals for January and February are now advertised as well.
Lysistrata Jones and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Tickets aren't yet on sale, but I'm sure it will be usual scramble for tickets sometime in January when they do get released.
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 19, 2021 11:11:32 GMT
I'd be super surprised if performers bring their phones onto stage with them, so I should imagine you won't be pinged I hope not! I wonder how it works with the musicians in the pit (right by the front row)? Hopefully they don't have their phones with them either.
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 18, 2021 20:30:56 GMT
Bearing in mind many of those shows have two London performances on a Wednesday, it will be interesting if they're having the covers perform in London, or if Manchester will get the covers rather than the stars.
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 18, 2021 20:18:02 GMT
I have always wondered about the quick change to pink vests during Turn it Off in Book of Mormon. I couldn't tell you exactly, but you might notice they have two periods when the lights go out - and also two more people in the dance routine than before the lights out. It sounds like the tap dancing is going on while the change is happening, but I am sure that is pre-recorded. Heathers, if you know when it's coming you can see that change (still very impressive). One outfit on top of the other. Frozen, there was a news story a few weeks ago about when the quick change went wrong, which gives that one away. All very impressive, as is the one in Jamie.
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 18, 2021 19:59:10 GMT
Attended last night with a bargain front row day seat.
I see they had had a show stop at the matinee due to a fight in the crowd (no idea what more happened). No such issues in the evening. The evening cast was great as usual and most of the crowd even wore their masks.
The cast board is very badly placed (behind where security staff are based), so I managed to get the main cast but not the covers. The leads were all on, although the Doctor was played by Ashley Samuels, who isn't listed on the website. There were two guards listed on the website, but only one on stage, so I presume that was a late change. And I'm sure some lines were redistributed to a female cast member.
For the Mormon boys. Thomas Audibert and Luke Redmore were both off. George Grayshon and Joseph Davenport were on.
An outbreak, perhaps?. Being at the front, I did overhear the conductor allude to them having had to bring in different musicians. And both shows today (Saturday) have been cancelled. Being on the front row and close to performers who were no affected, it will be interesting to see if I get pinged by the NHS Covid-19 app.
I had an elderly American couple sat next to me. Based on their reactions, I'm not sure they chose the show they would enjoy the most (but I'm sure their options were limited). For me, this one of those shows that never fails to cheer me up.
They were collecting for Acting for Others as well, so a speech at the end from the two leads (where I was reminded that they finally have leads from the UK in this). No sign of anyone actually collecting money though, so maybe they were short of ushers to do this as well. I suspect the days of cast members themselves holding the buckets has had to go.
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 17, 2021 10:37:23 GMT
The world's first degree in pantomime has been officially announced today!
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 17, 2021 10:32:50 GMT
Is it bad that I think there's a really unfortunate typo in this tweet...
I'm looking forward to this tour. The Curve have an excellent track record for adding a new spark to shows. And here we have a show where the lead spends much of it pretending to play a piano, so an actor-musician version should work perfectly.
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 16, 2021 23:39:36 GMT
Enjoyed this tonight. Managed to pick up a front row rush ticket this morning, pretty central (well actually it was Row B and it turned out there was an extra fragmented row in front with only a few chairs and only one taken, the gaps I presume intended as wheelchair spaces, but I had no one in front and a clear view level with the stage).
Louis Smith was away, so the role of Cameron was played by Oliver Adam-Reynolds. He was on stage a lot in different roles, so based on what I've read I presume he was doing an ensemble role as well as Cameron.
Kenedy Small was on as cover Bridget and was excellent.
For me, the highlights were Vanessa Fisher as Danielle and Chloe Pole as Skylar. Fab to see Marvyn Charles, one of my Jamie cast favourites, rapping and showing off his dance moves (and his many tattoos) as well.
This is very much a high energy performance, with a young athletic cast, lots of flipping around and men throwing the women in the air. It uses the large stage in the Queen Elizabeth Hall well.
I saw the Australian premier a few years ago and also the non-professional production at the Southwark Playhouse. In terms of dance and vocal quality, this was very good. I'm still not completely convinced it is a particularly good musical (and I normally like teen high school musicals), but it really comes alive with the LMM numbers.
The theatre wasn't too full and the audience was rather spaced out. Some did move forward during the interval. This one is quite pricey and it's a short show (all done by 9:50pm with a long interview). Rush tickets are good value, but I guess most people don't know about them. This is one of those theatres where my Covid pass was checked, but the ticket wasn't, but at least the people around me were wearing masks.
Don't know if I'll be inspired enough to see this in London again (even though I missed seeing Louis Smith), but it is touring for quite a while so I may catch this down the line.
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 16, 2021 23:24:42 GMT
Company completely sold out when I tried to book earlier this evening. Carousel still has good availability for several performances. I'll be checking back for Company returns nearer the time, Carousel booked. I'm sure a few will appear when they release the tickets they're holding for agents etc. But yes, these sell so fast (or some people get to book in advance). I'm sure I booked within 15 minutes of receiving the email and the dates I checked were two thirds full even then.
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 16, 2021 13:03:57 GMT
Mountview have just put their next set of shows on sale, including Company (in the Backstage Theatre) and Carousel (in the main theatre).
Carousel doesn't have many seats left. Company is unreserved seating, so it's hard to tell.
I'm sure both will be excellent, so book quick!
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 14, 2021 23:48:41 GMT
I saw this tonight from the second row and thought the performances were excellent all around. A great view, even with the high stage. The audience was mostly well behaved as well (there was a bit of a commotion from the rear stalls in the first half, but it soon calmed down). Almost all the audience wore a mask too, so good to see them making an effort.
You certainly can't fault the music or the singing. I didn't know too much about the real story behind the Drifters, so I found that aspect fascinating, but also feel I now need to find a decent book about them to fill in all the gaps. I also had no idea how important the UK was to their longevity. This is rather short (2 hours 15 minutes with a long interval), but when the same small cast are on stage almost all the way through, that's to be expected.
I do think Tosh is a real star, but I've thought that for a long time. Such vocal talent. In fact, I got a lot of eye contact from all the male cast tonight, which is never a problem when they're all so easy on the eye. Beverly Knight was as sensational as you would expect.
If there is one flaw, it is just so strange to see so many gaps in the back catalogue (where I presume performance rights weren't granted). Most notably the songs by King, Goffin, Mann and Weil (basically anything featured in Beautiful). There might well be more to the story than that, with all the complexities in the tales of (the official and unofficial versions of) the Drifters, but I'll have to read more about it.
I would definitely go and see this again on the strength of all the performances alone.
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 11, 2021 18:59:22 GMT
Did anyone else get pinged by the NHS Covid app today who attended on Wednesday?
The app doesn't say where the Covid exposure was, but the theatre was the only place that day where I was in close proximity to the same people for more than 15 minutes.
Thankfully I have no symptoms and a negative lateral flow test, so I don't have to self isolate. And mask wearing in the venue was pretty good.
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 10, 2021 22:10:10 GMT
Got to say this looked and sounded stunning! I wasn't planning to go the first day due to the crowds, but my local cinema (Vue Westfield Shepherds Bush) had about 10 showings today. The early evening performance I went to only had about 20 people in (although I still managed to get two people who wanted to talk sat behind). Surprised to find out they have an 11:30pm showing there too.
Not much to add to what others have said. It's updated in a way that makes logical sense, but the period is captured well. The song sequence is a bit odd but this all builds to the climax and this gets very dark at times. I could have done with the lights staying off a bit longer at the end to soak it in (although I suspect the emotion didn't get to the couple behind me as they were already talking again even before the credits started rolling). But really, I don't think this could have been done any better - and it should win awards!
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