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Post by Dr Tom on May 17, 2022 9:35:42 GMT
I nipped back again to see Grease last night. This wasn't planned in advance, but Rush threw up a front row ticket option, which I took. I was way off to the side, but it was largely the boys' side of the stage, so the view was good. Space next to me too.
As with many shows, I enjoyed this much more as a second viewing. I also much prefer being able to see faces and details. The sound is still rather ropey though, even at the front.
Peter Andre fans out in force again. I found the audience much better than before, fewer disruptions, although that might also be a benefit of sitting at the front.
Noah Harrison stood out to me vocally. It is great to see how he has gone so quickly from a lead role is Lysistrata Jones (which I saw) to a lead role in Grease. From his vocals, I can see him being perfectly set for a career in Jersey Boys.
Enjoyable and I would happily go back again.
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Post by Dr Tom on May 16, 2022 22:35:14 GMT
I didn't win either
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Post by Dr Tom on May 16, 2022 10:39:46 GMT
Caught the Saturday matinee for the first time in a while and managed to get a rush seat at the end of the front row (still a perfect view).
It is interesting to see other people's reactions. I had a young guy, 16 or 17, sat next to me with his parents, and he didn't seem to get the humour at all. Not that this is the type of show I'd want to see with my parents at that age. Humour now is TikTok, so I guess the target audience for The Book of Mormon now is much more likely to be in their 30s or above.
Ben Tyler was on as Elder Price and was excellent. A continual smile and he went closer to kissing Steven Webb than anyone I can remember. Excellent vocals too.
Jed Berry from the UK tour cast was in London as Elder White. Otherwise, I think the main leads were on, although the website is not terribly helpful as it suggests Haydn Oakley is still in the cast and doesn't credit anyone as the Doctor.
Anyway, I find this is one of those shows that always puts me in a better mood, however juvenile it may be!
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Post by Dr Tom on May 16, 2022 10:22:23 GMT
An Intervention - Riverside Studios (Hammersmith)
I think this is the fourth Mike Bartlett play being performed in London right now (and the second in Hammersmith), which has to be good going.
This is a one-act, 90 minute, play, performed by two recent graduates on a minimalistic set. The framing device are ropes tied up to look like a large Cat's Cradle.
It is one of these relationship dramas which I'm often quite indifferent about, but this has enough of an emotional edge to keep you interested. The two leads, Rachel de Fontes and Ed McVey, both looked perfectly in place and hopefully will have impressed the right people.
As Riverside Studios go, this was in one of the nicer studios, with tiered seating available. You can also check out the Dalek at the entrance, celebrating the history of BBC production in the venue.
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Post by Dr Tom on May 16, 2022 10:17:32 GMT
I caught Carrie the Musical on Friday at Mountview. Quite a fitting show for the evening of Friday 13th.
I'm sure we all know the story, covering Carrie's career from faking suicides through to being tied to a statue every night for ALW's pleasure.
Oops, wrong show...
This version was very good. Not a show I know, but it holds together well and as always Mountview put so much evidence in to showcase the cast's talent, with practically everyone moving between three different instruments. To me, the highlight was Samuel Brenton, playing Tommy.
The sound was good where I was sat at the front and, with no orchestra pit, there was decent leg room for a change! A very enthusiastic audience too.
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Post by Dr Tom on May 15, 2022 10:32:12 GMT
Am I missing something here? When did front row day tickets become £75? Is that the case from now on? It must be a recent change. £65 front row right now for today on the Nimax site. Well, they were a bargain before, even the wet seats.
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Post by Dr Tom on May 12, 2022 20:35:00 GMT
Tickets released today for Smile (Howard Ashman and Marvin Hamlisch) and Little Women at Mountview if anyone’s interested - I believe Smile is the UK premiere. Thanks, missed the release but have managed to book tickets. Shall be at Mountview tomorrow for the very short run of Carrie.
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Post by Dr Tom on May 10, 2022 11:06:24 GMT
This is the same trade off we all make when visiting somewhere. If you live in London, your cost of living will be high, but you have more flexibility to take advantage of offers.
If you live elsewhere and have to book hotels etc, then either you pay more for the dates you want, or you take the risk that a cheap ticket for your preferred show might or might not be available.
Even those of us who work in London can't usually disappear from work for 10am to go and queue up for day seats.
But I got a day seat online at 11:45am on Sunday. At the time, there were two available in the front row and a whole row on one of the upper levels. I suspect there were available earlier, but that was the first time I thought to check. So there are options out there.
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Post by Dr Tom on May 9, 2022 21:45:40 GMT
Final verdict is also very positive. Everything looks fantastic. Vanessa Redgrave was frail but on form, although they were sometimes struggling to get her audio levels right. The two leads are perfect together.
I think they’ve tweaked the ending again from Broadway (or my memory is going).
Running very long. End time tonight wasn’t until 10:10pm (with a 7pm start that I’m sure caught some people out).
Very traditional. Very enjoyable.
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Post by Dr Tom on May 9, 2022 19:48:39 GMT
I got Row E in rush (after being offered some less desirable seats first). It is on the outside but the angle is good. You’re always going to be a long way back due to the orchestra pit.
Did move across a bit as it’s not full. Even some empty prime front row seats available, but I haven’t moved there.
Very good so far (interval time). There is a restless child near me, but it is a long show. Some restless adults too. But most of the audience are very respectful.
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Post by Dr Tom on May 9, 2022 19:43:26 GMT
I saw this yesterday afternoon. A great view from the front row (£15 online bargain). There a tyre in front of me for the first act, but that was moved for the rest of the show. Plus, it was the side of the stage where the audience didn't get covered with a variety of liquids, which is always a bonus! This is a fantastic production. Fresh and original and really draws you in. I presume this has been updated a bit since the original (they talk about technology that wasn't around a decade around), but nothing else seems dated at all. Plus, it has a satisfying ending, unlike so many plays which just leave you with more questions than answers. Recommended. The 3 hours and 10 minutes will fly by. Great to hear! Which side was this may I ask? Will keep it in mind when I try this week I was in A16, which was a fantastic seat.
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Post by Dr Tom on May 9, 2022 9:35:10 GMT
I saw this yesterday afternoon. A great view from the front row (£15 online bargain). There a tyre in front of me for the first act, but that was moved for the rest of the show. Plus, it was the side of the stage where the audience didn't get covered with a variety of liquids, which is always a bonus!
This is a fantastic production. Fresh and original and really draws you in. I presume this has been updated a bit since the original (they talk about technology that wasn't around a decade around), but nothing else seems dated at all. Plus, it has a satisfying ending, unlike so many plays which just leave you with more questions than answers.
Recommended. The 3 hours and 10 minutes will fly by.
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Post by Dr Tom on May 7, 2022 23:44:13 GMT
How was Olivia Moore as Sandy? I was so glad to see her announced for this, she did some great work covering Veronica in Heathers and then Jenna and Dawn in Waitress and definitely proved herself as a capable leading lady. She did great. Sang really well in Hopelessly Devoted to You (spoiled when I was there by audience members helping her out with the vocals). But otherwise, a bit anonymous, perhaps because it's hard to keep track of everyone in a vast theatre, perhaps because Sandy/Danny is only one of many stories in this version of the show, or perhaps by design. Nothing to be ashamed of appearing in.
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Post by Dr Tom on May 7, 2022 23:39:53 GMT
The backstage shenanigans are far more entertaining than the show itself. These whole past few years have all been a facade designed to allow ALW to develop a musical going behind the scenes of Cinderella.
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Post by Dr Tom on May 7, 2022 12:16:11 GMT
Saw this yesterday through rush. Fairly full. Got a mid stalls seat, on the aisle where it curves out, so excellent clear view (but further back than I’d have liked).
Believe it or not, this is the first time I’ve ever seen Grease on stage, so I can’t really compare it. This is a big production, a simple set that fills the stage, large ensemble and lots of enthusiasm.
I don’t think you’d get away with writing this now. A woman suddenly giving up all her principles to get the man. But the audience lapped this up. Biggest cheers by far for Peter Andre, who also leads the mega mix at the end.
The audience was as good or bad as you’d expect. Loud arguments or discussions during much of the second half from somewhere at the back of the stalls. Ushers running around to stop the filmers. People helping out with singing (and dancing to) the best known numbers. But could have been worse.
Sound quality mix was really not the best. Some lines were so muffled it was a case of guessing what was said.
Highlight was Jocasta Almgill, which I expect will surprise no one. Peter Andre was much better than expected, even if his accent slipped in and out. Nice to stop some recent graduates in the cast too, with the ArtsEd class of 2022 taking most of the places. Plus, there’s Zack Guest in the ensemble, who I think is destined for great things. Hopefully may get to see him covering some of the lead roles.
All in all, a good enough production. I don’t feel like I’ve missed anything not having seen this before, but I would go back. Might even risk a Jason Donovan show!
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Post by Dr Tom on May 7, 2022 11:58:45 GMT
I know there has been a lot of discussion about dodgy or terrible views from top price seats but if you've paid for a top tier seat then where is the best place to sit for this? Is it upper level? Back row of the side stalls, at the performance end (as opposed to the band end) if possible. First level might be fine too, in which case you could go for the central seats, but you’re still a fair way back due to the positioning of the band.
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Post by Dr Tom on May 7, 2022 11:56:16 GMT
Completely agree with the decision for Simon to not jump on (and off) the table. It’s not something you’d notice unless you know the show well.
This obviously isn’t at risk of closure and never discounts (apart from dynamic pricing), but you can now get a good choice of ticket prices even on the day. I feel a lot will depend on US tourist business over the summer.
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Post by Dr Tom on May 7, 2022 8:59:09 GMT
It wasn’t terribly full the last time I saw Hamilton (a Thursday afternoon), but the plus was I did get to move from the slips seats to a prime seat - and still have space either side.
Of more concern was just the lack of tightness in the show. Simon-Anthony Rhoden (normally perfect) was back as Burr, lost his way in a song and skipped a verse to recover. He also no longer jumps on the table during Room. There were covers on as the Schuyler Sisters, one of whom managed to introduce a new figure to US history, the great Tom Adams. Those kind of things.
I am looking forward to seeing the new cast. Joel will be brilliant.
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Post by Dr Tom on May 6, 2022 14:40:26 GMT
I think I can name five. But I won't say which five!
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Post by Dr Tom on May 6, 2022 14:09:57 GMT
And if you do watch who is the bloke on just before Layton Jon Robyns? I didn't have the patience to go through it all. I hate videos without controls.
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Post by Dr Tom on May 4, 2022 9:18:45 GMT
Just don't sit downstairs, unless you are at the back on the sides. Many of the other views are horribly restricted.
I nipped back last night as I'd booked a £10 ticket before seating was allocated (then grabbed an extra bargain £5 ticket for first night).
The £10 ticket was at the top level. It's a single row of raised (folding) seats with only a single route in and out, very tight. You sit in the order you arrive as there's just no access otherwise. There's also quite a maze of corridors to get to the seats. Not terrible for the price, but it does get rather warm, especially as this is a long show (still running until 10:40pm).
The positive is that there's a very clear view, apart from having to dodge the railing. You're really not that far back. I got quite lucky as well and ended up quite central.
There were quite a few seats free in the lower levels, but they didn't proactively upgrade anyone. I did hear some people complaining during the interval and they got moved elsewhere. I know people are talking about this transferring to a larger theatre, but I don't know if it will sell that well. With that said, the reviews aren't out yet.
I did feel that this was tightened up a bit and the sound better, although that may, of course, depend on where you're sitting. I have great admiration for anyone who can perform this once or twice a day. I still think there are some ideas that should be rethought for a UK audience, but I appreciate the director will want to stick with the original vision.
Very marmite, but still worth seeing. I'm there again in a few weeks with a lucky dip.
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Post by Dr Tom on May 3, 2022 8:28:55 GMT
The time must be right for Cats to return!
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Post by Dr Tom on May 1, 2022 18:08:33 GMT
Anyone been to the natural history museum recently? It's webpage directs you to book free entry tickets to guarantee entry, I assume this means if you don't and turn up and it's busy you might not get in but it doesn't actually say. Due to visit with sister and nephew and there's about zero change of us getting there at a set time as they are always late for everything but obviously don't want to get there and not get in. Anyone have any knowledge please? I walked past earlier today (and have done several times recently). There always seem to be long queues outside for security checks, but it doesn't look like they turn anyone away there. Now, that doesn't mean there isn't a further entry checkpoint, but I can't imagine them turning people away once they get through security. Personally, I would book a slot about an hour later than you're aiming for, with the idea it's always easier to get in earlier than later. If you can go for a quiet day (not a weekend or half term) than even better. Please let us know how you get on. I've considered going in but the queues have put me off.
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Post by Dr Tom on May 1, 2022 16:48:34 GMT
Ended up catching both matinees this weekend, with the full cast on apart from Benjamin Karran.
Both excellent, bud different, shows. I did spot plenty of the regulars in the first few rows.
Saturday had a Steve who was with his family, who I heard telling some other people he felt "humiliated" after the show. Sunday had a younger Steve who was very excitable and enthusiast, even letting off a screech of surprise after the punchline, which earned him a round of applause.
It was a very enthusiastic audience all round, with applause on many of the lines and several standing ovations during the show.
There were a lot of muckup matinee elements, but not as many as some shows. Mostly just a lot of overacting and subtle movement/line changes. So the final explosion was caused by an "earthquake", Tom and George were more playful than usual with each other throughout, everything from fingering at the start, to getting close to lip kissing later (rather than just a kisson the cheek), lots of cast giggles at moments you wouldn't expect (I'm sure there were changes I didn't spot from the angle I was sat at) etc. Jermaine had a grin on his face almost the whole show.
Lizzie had added a blue flashing light to her cart and also had a pink guitar for the finale.
Steven did a spinaroonie during the dad's party introduction.
Then the highlight came with Tom and George changing some lines and revealing their matching underwear during the graveyard scene, which now said Kurt and Ram on the back in matching fonts. That one really brought the house down!
All good fun and very glad I went again today (hadn't originally planned to, but managed to rush and even got a better ticket than usual, second row and a few seats in).
Hope everyone at the final show (with the current cast) tonight has an excellent time. I'm sure it will be emotional.
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Post by Dr Tom on May 1, 2022 13:20:20 GMT
Just think how exciting it will be to be Steve (or Sharon) at the filmed performance. Your guest role immortalised for all time. Plus, presumably you’ll be entitled to royalties!
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