akh
Ensemble
Aiming to see 100 shows this year...
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Post by akh on Jul 27, 2023 1:34:18 GMT
Where to begin…unfortunately, it was raining this evening so nothing outside took place and they moved it inside. The cast went round the audience chatting to people in character, the outside bit inside. I don’t want to say too much about the show as it might spoil it for others. There were bits I loved and others not so good. I liked the staging, some clever ideas for a small theatre and the actor musicians were very good, on the whole. I did feel that the hobbits were a little big and the elves a little small. I did love Gollum, even though he had too much meat on his bones, he was very much the character. There was one character which I was disappointed in, but will let others form an opinion their own opinion. I would have cut some of the music. It started at 7:30pm and finished at 10:50pm, so quite long. When I got home I had an email telling me it was running at 3 hours 30 minutes, a little late. We did not go outside at the end as it was still raining - to be honest I was ready for it to end then. Once again they did the outside bit inside. All in all I did enjoy it and feel it is well worth going to see.
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Post by toomasj on Jul 27, 2023 14:00:03 GMT
Where to begin…unfortunately, it was raining this evening so nothing outside took place and they moved it inside. The cast went round the audience chatting to people in character, the outside bit inside. I don’t want to say too much about the show as it might spoil it for others. There were bits I loved and others not so good. I liked the staging, some clever ideas for a small theatre and the actor musicians were very good, on the whole. I did feel that the hobbits were a little big and the elves a little small. I did love Gollum, even though he had too much meat on his bones, he was very much the character. There was one character which I was disappointed in, but will let others form an opinion their own opinion. I would have cut some of the music. It started at 7:30pm and finished at 10:50pm, so quite long. When I got home I had an email telling me it was running at 3 hours 30 minutes, a little late. We did not go outside at the end as it was still raining - to be honest I was ready for it to end then. Once again they did the outside bit inside. All in all I did enjoy it and feel it is well worth going to see. I am none the wiser after this review! If you type [ SPOILER ] your review here [ /SPOILER ] but without the spaces perhaps you could go into a little more detail? I’d love to know more about the performances, the effects, what the “outside bit” would entail, everything really! like this
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2,798 posts
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Post by ceebee on Jul 29, 2023 20:21:33 GMT
My interval update (no spoilers)...
OMFG.
More details to follow but this is one hell of a preview.
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Post by toomasj on Jul 29, 2023 20:22:30 GMT
My interval update (no spoilers)... OMFG. More details to follow but this is one hell of a preview. Fantastic! Full write up later please and I’ll love you forever. I am so excited to see this I don’t care a jot about spoilers! enjoy the second (and third) act!
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Post by ruthieh on Jul 29, 2023 20:23:14 GMT
I’ve heard great things too…going Tuesday and can’t wait!
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258 posts
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Post by notmymuse on Jul 29, 2023 20:27:21 GMT
I especially want to know about the start/end but outside. I think I'll end up going alone to this one and if I have to sit with random strangers/stand alone awkwardly while actors occasionally try and talk to me, it'll all be a bit too much so I'd probably stay away...
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2,798 posts
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Post by ceebee on Jul 30, 2023 0:09:39 GMT
Right... I've literally just got home after driving 120 miles, so will post a more detailed write-up in the morning... This show is in remarkable shape considering it is still in previews. Anybody who wants to doubt whether an actor-muso version of Lord of the Rings can be done needs to get their backside down to Newbury promptly. For me, the first half was almost flawless. Strong characterisations, superb musicianship, some slick theatrical tricks and techniques that I wouldn't have believed possible in such a tiny theatre like the Watermill. The design of this production... oh, wow... the design... A really simple, clever and effective set with all sorts of little secrets hidden within that reveal themselves as the show goes on. You'll get no spoilers from me - in fact, just stop reading and go buy your tickets while you still can. It's not perfect - it's previewing and they're working out what works / what doesn't. So what doesn't? The time to decant the audience from the grounds into the theatre (and then back out again at the end) was time-consuming, largely due to (and I hate to sound prejudiced when I say this...) the elderly nature of some of the audience. It takes people of a certain age just a little bit longer to mobilise. On a damp/slippy day, this would be compounded and for me the external/internal aspects are slightly laboured. The first external section works really well as it feels very immersive and there is some good interaction between cast and audience (don't worry notmymuse I went alone and you can just linger under one of the gazebos if you'd rather not sit at a table Wagamama style with strangers - there's a comfortable space for everybody and there's no enforced jollity audience participation). So, the intro works well. The final scene though, whilst really charming and magical in the balmy 20 degrees summer evening with a light breeze and no rain, might prove to be annoying for anybody standing around in light drizzle and 10 degrees early autumn evening... That said, conceptually, I love the idea that the show starts and ends in the garden area, as when you enter the theatre it does feel "other worldly", and for me a little unsettling. This show moved me in ways I didn't expect it to. It was a joy to hear the music again in a pared back folk style, yet with some good use of brass and percussion. I found some elements profoundly moving, and other elements funny - this show is less epic than the original west end version, and it is better for it. It feels earthier, more organic, less ethereal, more real. I will provide more info in the morning as I am tired after the show/drive and it's nearly 1.00am. What I will say though is that I doubt you will see a harder working ensemble. What the Watermill has managed to achieve is nothing short of a miracle with the space and the material. Certain aspects will tighten up / change during previews, and if I was part of the cast I think I would be exhausted. If this doesn't sound too daft, the Watermill has produced a small-scale hobbit sized EPIC! I really hope this production captures the collective imagination and I would love to see it evolve into something transferrable once the run finishes. The original producers of the show were watching this evening, so perhaps there is life for this new version. Oh, and for anybody who was wondering, there is a revolve. Not on the scale of the Drury Lane revolve, but definitely a revolve. Oh, and there is a lift - again, not on the scale of Drury Lane, but for anybody who is familiar with the intimate size of the Watermill, hopefully these two pieces of information will set you thinking. More in the morning - in summary, the first half was nigh-on perfect. The second half needs to be a bit tighter. I'll focus more on some of the exceptional performances in my next post. If you have even a fleeting interest in seeing this show, book your tickets because I think once word-of-mouth builds and reviews take place, you might struggle to get a seat.
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2,798 posts
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Post by ceebee on Jul 30, 2023 11:16:50 GMT
Okay, so it’s the morning after… Does this show look and feel as good as it felt last night? It feels better. So much so, that I have booked some return trips to the Shire. This is going to be a long one, so I apologise in advance if you don’t enjoy rambling posts. I will also not be putting spoiler tags in so if you don’t want details of the production, scroll down now. This is NOT a review, though it might read like one. It is simply my recollection of a fantastic evening.
To begin, I saw the original London version of LOTR at Drury Lane a few times, and fell in love with the music and the epic scale and staging. The Watermill is clearly never going to be able to match what went on in Drury Lane – it doesn’t have the space or indeed the budget! However, what I watched last night was nothing short of a minor theatrical miracle.
The show opens in the grounds of the Watermill on the lawn area by the bar to the rear of the theatre. You can mill around on the front lawn, enjoy a drink or a snack for a bit beforehand, and then go through to the main garden, which has been transformed into the Shire. (This has been featured in news coverage so it’s not a “secret”.) There is a raised circular stage with flooring that nods to the original circular stage at Drury Lane which contained multiple hydraulic lifts. This one clearly doesn’t… But it is a nice design touch and will resonate with anybody who remembers the earlier production. There are lights hanging around the garden, plenty of seating in the form of picnic tables, benches, and gazebos to stand under should it rain. The Shirefolk enter the space around ten minutes before the show starts and play outdoor games together and with willing audience members, and there is plenty of banter and laughter. The cast mingle and a really lovely touch (in my view) was Bilbo Baggins thanking individual audience members for coming to his eleventy-first birthday. Things kick off with a welcome and an intro, plus a song before the audience is invited into the theatre. I’ll give no more details of this section other than to say it is fun and is a charming way to open the show. On entering the theatre, you are faced with a “wooden” set of a large wooden knot back wall (used to great effect through the show) and celtic style patterns. The set complements the theatre so well and feels very rustic. The stage goes right up to Row A and the action at times is very close, almost on top of the audience (puppetry, stage-fight etc), and this is no bad thing! There are four long ladders that double up as towers/trees, very minimalistic. This set is a box of tricks with lots of delightful hidden features, which I will not go in to in particular detail other than to say there is a revolve and a lift, both used to excellent effect. The lighting is stunning, the sound is fantastic, and there is some brilliant use of projections and other effects (without being tech overkill) to help bring added dimension to the show.
I’m not going to tell the story or recount the show bit-by-bit, there is waaaay too much going on to be able to do that. What I will say though is that this is a true ensemble and the musicianship is of the highest quality – nice to see actor-musicians back from previous shows (Charlotte Grayson / Elliot Mackenzie – real ‘team players’) along with people I’ve seen in other work (Geraint Downing). But this show isn’t just about the music – it requires some hefty acting chops too, and for me the cast were all very strong. A particular standout for me was Matthew Bugg as Gollum – wow, what a fantastic physical performance he gives. Amelia Gabriel’s Pippin is adorable, sweet, innocent, and permanently hungry! She complements Geraint Downing’s Merry really well and they bounce off each other superbly. Aoife O’Dea’s Arwen is enchanting, vocally strong and she plays the harp beautifully. As for Georgia Louise’s Galadriel… what a powerhouse performance she gives. Absolutely brilliantly cast in the role, with absolute mastery of her acting and vocal to deliver a precise, controlled but powerful performance. Aaron Sidwell as Aragorn and Yazdan Qafouri as Legolas both put in equally strong performances, particularly Qafouri in Lothlorien.
I found Nuwan Hugh Perera as Sam to be very lively and sprightly and a loyal companion to Frodo. Having seen him in “Life of Pi” I enjoyed seeing him in this role, particularly as the plot gets darker in the second half. Tom Giles as Elrond/Saruman brings a lot of nuance to his characters and I felt that he really lives his roles – a charismatic presence, and great casting. Similarly Folarin Akinmade as Gimli singing the lament (one of my favourite songs) is a strong singer and there is a depth to his role, yet plenty of humour between the dwarves and the elves also!
I can’t mention everybody but must call out Peter Dukes' Boromir… A lively performer in the opening outdoor scenes, Dukes has a strong presence, brilliant ad-libbing skills with the audience, and his Boromir has the gravitas required for the role. A really great performance. John O’Mahony as Bilbo charms everybody from the moment he speaks outdoors, and that carries through indoors as things become darker and more desolate. Plus he’s a whizz on the harmonica! Peter Marinker is exactly how I would want Gandalf to be – an authoritative, wise elder. I was transfixed by his performance, which despite a couple of line slips was truly excellent. A real craftsman who has clearly put a huge effort into his character. As for Louis Maskell… Well, his performance is spellbinding. A fidgety, edgy, complex and slightly resigned Frodo, which some excellent physical quirks, and lots going behind the eyes as he looks out to the audience. It is impossible to call out any particular performer as being outstanding, as this production is a sheer triumph of the power of a strong ensemble, combined with brilliant musicianship, an excellent score and story, and a brilliant creative team. I am in awe of what they have achieved with this production, which for a preview was technically brilliant. The first half for me was one of the best things I have seen in a long time; the second half needs a little tightening up in places, but I could see copious notes being scribbled down by members of the creative team, and to have mounted anything of this scale or ambition at the tiny old Watermill Theatre is something I can’t actually get my head around. No stone has been left unturned, no effort wasted, no ambition too large to be accommodated into this production. It has literally exhausted every opportunity to present this work in the very best form in the very best environment. Each and every one of the cast, crew, creatives and the Watermill theatre as a whole, should feel utterly proud of what they have achieved with this show. It is off-the-scale good. It has repackaged the most expensive show ever produced in London, and taken it from a glitzy west end epic but bombastic show to a more modest, intimate, still epic but smaller scale Shire show.
This show was made for the Watermill and it deserves to have a life beyond Newbury if possible where I could see it being scaled up or adapted further for a tour or smaller west end venue. What they have achieved is a unique, special and beautiful production that will profoundly move you, make you smile, at times make your jaw drop, and above all reinforce your faith in the power of theatre and those who go to such great efforts to ensure that theatre continues to thrive, and in the case of the Watermill – against the odds!
A six-star preview. Buy tickets while you can. This will sell out.
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Post by westendboy on Jul 30, 2023 13:14:48 GMT
Okay, so it’s the morning after… Does this show look and feel as good as it felt last night? It feels better. So much so, that I have booked some return trips to the Shire. This is going to be a long one, so I apologise in advance if you don’t enjoy rambling posts. I will also not be putting spoiler tags in so if you don’t want details of the production, scroll down now. This is NOT a review, though it might read like one. It is simply my recollection of a fantastic evening. To begin, I saw the original London version of LOTR at Drury Lane a few times, and fell in love with the music and the epic scale and staging. The Watermill is clearly never going to be able to match what went on in Drury Lane – it doesn’t have the space or indeed the budget! However, what I watched last night was nothing short of a minor theatrical miracle. The show opens in the grounds of the Watermill on the lawn area by the bar to the rear of the theatre. You can mill around on the front lawn, enjoy a drink or a snack for a bit beforehand, and then go through to the main garden, which has been transformed into the Shire. (This has been featured in news coverage so it’s not a “secret”.) There is a raised circular stage with flooring that nods to the original circular stage at Drury Lane which contained multiple hydraulic lifts. This one clearly doesn’t… But it is a nice design touch and will resonate with anybody who remembers the earlier production. There are lights hanging around the garden, plenty of seating in the form of picnic tables, benches, and gazebos to stand under should it rain. The Shirefolk enter the space around ten minutes before the show starts and play outdoor games together and with willing audience members, and there is plenty of banter and laughter. The cast mingle and a really lovely touch (in my view) was Bilbo Baggins thanking individual audience members for coming to his eleventy-first birthday. Things kick off with a welcome and an intro, plus a song before the audience is invited into the theatre. I’ll give no more details of this section other than to say it is fun and is a charming way to open the show. On entering the theatre, you are faced with a “wooden” set of a large wooden knot back wall (used to great effect through the show) and celtic style patterns. The set complements the theatre so well and feels very rustic. The stage goes right up to Row A and the action at times is very close, almost on top of the audience (puppetry, stage-fight etc), and this is no bad thing! There are four long ladders that double up as towers/trees, very minimalistic. This set is a box of tricks with lots of delightful hidden features, which I will not go in to in particular detail other than to say there is a revolve and a lift, both used to excellent effect. The lighting is stunning, the sound is fantastic, and there is some brilliant use of projections and other effects (without being tech overkill) to help bring added dimension to the show. I’m not going to tell the story or recount the show bit-by-bit, there is waaaay too much going on to be able to do that. What I will say though is that this is a true ensemble and the musicianship is of the highest quality – nice to see actor-musicians back from previous shows (Charlotte Grayson / Elliot Mackenzie – real ‘team players’) along with people I’ve seen in other work (Geraint Downing). But this show isn’t just about the music – it requires some hefty acting chops too, and for me the cast were all very strong. A particular standout for me was Matthew Bugg as Gollum – wow, what a fantastic physical performance he gives. Amelia Gabriel’s Pippin is adorable, sweet, innocent, and permanently hungry! She complements Geraint Downing’s Merry really well and they bounce off each other superbly. Aoife O’Dea’s Arwen is enchanting, vocally strong and she plays the harp beautifully. As for Georgia Louise’s Galadriel… what a powerhouse performance she gives. Absolutely brilliantly cast in the role, with absolute mastery of her acting and vocal to deliver a precise, controlled but powerful performance. Aaron Sidwell as Aragorn and Yazdan Qafouri as Legolas both put in equally strong performances, particularly Qafouri in Lothlorien. I found Nuwan Hugh Perera as Sam to be very lively and sprightly and a loyal companion to Frodo. Having seen him in “Life of Pi” I enjoyed seeing him in this role, particularly as the plot gets darker in the second half. Tom Giles as Elrond/Saruman brings a lot of nuance to his characters and I felt that he really lives his roles – a charismatic presence, and great casting. Similarly Folarin Akinmade as Gimli singing the lament (one of my favourite songs) is a strong singer and there is a depth to his role, yet plenty of humour between the dwarves and the elves also! I can’t mention everybody but must call out Peter Dukes' Boromir… A lively performer in the opening outdoor scenes, Dukes has a strong presence, brilliant ad-libbing skills with the audience, and his Boromir has the gravitas required for the role. A really great performance. John O’Mahony as Bilbo charms everybody from the moment he speaks outdoors, and that carries through indoors as things become darker and more desolate. Plus he’s a whizz on the harmonica! Peter Marinker is exactly how I would want Gandalf to be – an authoritative, wise elder. I was transfixed by his performance, which despite a couple of line slips was truly excellent. A real craftsman who has clearly put a huge effort into his character. As for Louis Maskell… Well, his performance is spellbinding. A fidgety, edgy, complex and slightly resigned Frodo, which some excellent physical quirks, and lots going behind the eyes as he looks out to the audience. It is impossible to call out any particular performer as being outstanding, as this production is a sheer triumph of the power of a strong ensemble, combined with brilliant musicianship, an excellent score and story, and a brilliant creative team. I am in awe of what they have achieved with this production, which for a preview was technically brilliant. The first half for me was one of the best things I have seen in a long time; the second half needs a little tightening up in places, but I could see copious notes being scribbled down by members of the creative team, and to have mounted anything of this scale or ambition at the tiny old Watermill Theatre is something I can’t actually get my head around. No stone has been left unturned, no effort wasted, no ambition too large to be accommodated into this production. It has literally exhausted every opportunity to present this work in the very best form in the very best environment. Each and every one of the cast, crew, creatives and the Watermill theatre as a whole, should feel utterly proud of what they have achieved with this show. It is off-the-scale good. It has repackaged the most expensive show ever produced in London, and taken it from a glitzy west end epic but bombastic show to a more modest, intimate, still epic but smaller scale Shire show. This show was made for the Watermill and it deserves to have a life beyond Newbury if possible where I could see it being scaled up or adapted further for a tour or smaller west end venue. What they have achieved is a unique, special and beautiful production that will profoundly move you, make you smile, at times make your jaw drop, and above all reinforce your faith in the power of theatre and those who go to such great efforts to ensure that theatre continues to thrive, and in the case of the Watermill – against the odds! A six-star preview. Buy tickets while you can. This will sell out. I was already contemplating whether to go through with seeing this or not, as I've been fascinated with this show for about 10 years now. But after reading everything you've had to say about this new production, my enthusiasm has shot up! Travel distance may be an issue for me, but I'll try and find a way to experience this show for myself!
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1,848 posts
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Post by NeilVHughes on Jul 30, 2023 13:59:31 GMT
From the above review booked for a Sat matinee in Sep, always try to catch one musical a year, ceebee has often been a good indicator in the past when I choose my annual left field option. Always loved my visits to the Watermill and this sounds like an excellent use of the space and here’s hoping for a warm, dry afternoon
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18,861 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 30, 2023 14:25:42 GMT
What a great detailed review ceebee thank you. Everyone, given the length of those posts please think twice about quoting, especially without editing the quote. If you want to refer to ceebee’s post specifically please consider tagging him instead, just type @ ceebee but without the space. Cheers!
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2,798 posts
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Post by ceebee on Jul 30, 2023 16:05:47 GMT
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Post by toomasj on Jul 30, 2023 16:19:14 GMT
Thanks for the photos ceebee Regarding the disappearing trick, is it not how I predicted a few pages back? Seems the only way to do it. Also the pre-show aspect sounds as described in the same post, but please correct me if I’m wrong. I am curious about Shelob, and the Balrog? Also how are orcs portrayed in the battle with such a relatively modest sized cast, and Ents of course? Did you spot any musical cuts or additions from the original score? Were there any changes to the book or running order? I was also wondering about accents, from the clip they released it sounds like Sam sings in his native Indian accent, and Frodo similar to the original cast. I was wondering if Boromir still Scottish, that kind of thing? Any other regional accents or is it mostly RP elsewhere?
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Post by ruthieh on Jul 30, 2023 16:34:09 GMT
Anyone travelling a distance who needs to stay overnight, top tip is the Hare & Hounds in the next village..walking distance… www.hareandhoundsnewbury.co.uk/
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Post by toomasj on Jul 30, 2023 17:14:43 GMT
Anyone travelling a distance who needs to stay overnight, top tip is the Hare & Hounds in the next village..walking distance… www.hareandhoundsnewbury.co.uk/Looks lovely but £185 for B&B on a Friday or Saturday is out my price range sadly, especially when factoring in £57.50 for a theatre ticket and £40 (with a network card - £70 otherwise) on train fare. The £50 Sunday rate at the B&B looked promising as there is a matinee every Sunday, but it’s actually £150 with £100 credit at the bar/restaurant, or a flat £125 for B&B. Add a programme, interval drink and a very cheap lunch/dinner to that and it’s easily over £300 just to see one fringe show. The Travelodge London Road (£10-£15 cab or 40 minute walk to the theatre, but I think it’s a dual carriageway) is available most Sunday-Thursdays for £25-£30 for a double room. For example; Sunday 10th September is £27.99 for the room (not per person). And in the cabs and it’ll be £60 for the night tops, which is a bit more budgetable for me!
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2,798 posts
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Post by ceebee on Jul 30, 2023 17:26:09 GMT
Thanks for the photos ceebee Regarding the disappearing trick, is it not how I predicted a few pages back? Seems the only way to do it. Also the pre-show aspect sounds as described in the same post, but please correct me if I’m wrong. I am curious about Shelob, and the Balrog? Also how are orcs portrayed in the battle with such a relatively modest sized cast, and Ents of course? Did you spot any musical cuts or additions from the original score? Were there any changes to the book or running order? I was also wondering about accents, from the clip they released it sounds like Sam sings in his native Indian accent, and Frodo similar to the original cast. I was wondering if Boromir still Scottish, that kind of thing? Any other regional accents or is it mostly RP elsewhere? Hi Toomasj - it definitely isn't a two-way mirror. I must be honest and say that I don't know for sure how he disappeared. He might just have jumped off the stage and I might have missed it; more likely for me is that there is a false floor/rubber flap in the raised stage section which would enable him to fall through, though to do so would require the ground underneath to be dug out as the height of the stage is only around 1m high. I genuinely don't know! :-) There are no fireflies in the pre-show aspect, but there are rope hoopla type games, plus they all seem very curious about which way the wind is blowing... There's much more audience interaction than at Drury Lane, and it's a very informal/relaxed intro. They then begin their storytelling and tell us that they need our help, and the audience then follows the cast to the theatre in a very relaxed and jovial way. I am not going to give anything away about Shelob / Balrog - you'll have to wait and see, but it involves epic scale puppetry not dissimilar to the Drury Lane production. There is definite WOW factor and they are quite chilling effects which leave the audience feeling quite edgy. The production is unpredictable and there are some good crossovers between "haha I'm kind of a bit scared " to "woah, now I'm freaked out". The key is the closeness of the audience - the intimacy of this production means that everything is really in your face if you are in the stalls first few rows. Regarding the orcs, they are nasty b***ards in gas mask type apparel - well drilled choreography not dissimilar to the original version. Simialrly some of the hand gestures and movement from the original have been resurrected. You asked about cuts - yes, there are a couple of trims and slices, unsurprising given that the actors are also playing the instruments. But it all feels less "showy" than the original version, and thus more authentic. The audience is far more invested in this production because of the proximity to the action - we end up taking the journey with them as passengers rather than observers. There is one interval, not two (though I believe the second interval at Drury Lane was to enable the immense sets to be shifted around for the final Gollum scene (executed beautifully btw at the Watermill with as much impact as the original did, if you suspend disbelief - the end of that scene is particularly powerful). The cuts made are judicious and minor, and the pace of the production runs better by having fewer showstopping moments, and not having a cumbersome set to move around. It flows much better and the running order is accelerated as a result, though not at the expense of the storytelling. Sam sings in his natural accent (I think) - Frodo and co have that kind of country twang (if that is correct?). Boromir is not Scottish - the remaining male actors all do standard english. The set has all sorts of secrets within that gradually emerge as the show moves on - some really clever use of projection, perspective, scale, sound design, lighting left me shaking my head at times, because I can usually work the theatrical tricks out, but this show has been so well created that it is very hard to see the seams and the stitching. It just flows fluidly - even when somebody is lugging a trombone or a harp around the stage, it all feels perfectly natural, as if you are at an exclusive hobbit story telling session. Hope these answers help you build a picture - feel free to message me if you have any other questions... I'm aware that I'm writing some lengthy posts on this thread and I don't want to pee people off.
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Post by toomasj on Jul 30, 2023 17:32:04 GMT
Extremely excited now, thank you ceebee for your write up and taking the time to answer my questions. Have a feeling this is going to be special. Thanks again!
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Post by hades on Jul 30, 2023 21:29:47 GMT
Managed to catch this yesterday and WOW, it was fantastic. I initially had some doubts about how well it would work in such a small space but it really did feel like it was written to be staged like this. I don't have time to write down my full thoughts but I agree with pretty much everything ceebee wrote. It felt intimate and magical and was everything (and more) that I was hoping for.
My only (minor) gripe is that while the outdoor sections were great, getting everyone in/out took quite a while and would not be ideal in colder or wet weather
A very easy 5 stars; I wish the Watermill wasn't such a pain to get to as I would see this again in an instant if I could
As for Bilbo's disappearing trick:
{Spoiler - click to view} I was sat at one of the sides at the start so could see what happened. He fell backwards off the stage onto a crash mat and lay there for the rest of the outdoor part.
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1,011 posts
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Post by David J on Jul 30, 2023 22:59:33 GMT
I'm expecting to miss a few things but how much happens to the sides of the stage under the slips?
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2,798 posts
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Post by ceebee on Jul 31, 2023 7:48:21 GMT
I'm expecting to miss a few things but how much happens to the sides of the stage under the slips? Depends where you are sat - are you on the balcony side slip seats? If so, on the stage right / audience left side, there's a little bit of Gollum action around the balcony... Looking side on you won't miss much as most of the action is in the middle of the stage (it's a very small stage - imagine trying to fit 20 actors on it in one go...) The areas under the slips are used for storing instruments - strings, flute, tin whistle, cello, harp tends to be stage right / audience left, and brass, piano, accordion, guitars, percussion / bells stage left/audience right. But the instruments interchange between actors so get played anywhere they are required. Entrances and exits are via both slips down each side of the stalls, plus some additional entrances/exits from the back of the stage at ground level and balcony level. If sat on the balcony you might not get the full scale of some of the effects and I'm not sure how the projections will look side-on. This is a thrilling production though and I think you will be too immersed to worry about the odd sightline issue. I imagine the puppetry from above will look fantastic and there were audible gasps at several points on Saturday at both stalls and balcony level. This really is an astonishing production.
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Post by toomasj on Jul 31, 2023 13:50:34 GMT
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2,798 posts
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Post by ceebee on Jul 31, 2023 14:21:48 GMT
These photos are excellent and certainly do the show justice, capturing the beautiful set and lighting superbly. Hopefully they whet the appetite a little more for anybody considering going. I can't emphasise how great this production is.
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258 posts
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Post by notmymuse on Aug 1, 2023 21:17:43 GMT
Thanks so much for the info ceebee . I had a quick look at tickets and that made my mind up - even before reviews are out, the day I looked at going in September, there were all of 4 tickets left across 2 shows, all singles. So if anyone wants to go, looks like you need to buy now or miss out.
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Post by ruthieh on Aug 1, 2023 22:16:01 GMT
Just home and still collecting my thoughts but I’m buzzing. That was nothing short of amazing what they have achieved in that wonderful little theatre!
(ACE should be ashamed…but the Watermill have come out fighting…)
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2,798 posts
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Post by ceebee on Aug 2, 2023 8:31:23 GMT
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Post by hadeswasking on Aug 2, 2023 9:02:52 GMT
With all the great reports I've been hearing - I've decided to pull the trigger and book myself a ticket. When you count travel and hotels this is one hell of an expensive theatre ticket but I'm very excited.
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2,798 posts
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Post by ceebee on Aug 2, 2023 11:14:08 GMT
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2,798 posts
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Post by ceebee on Aug 2, 2023 11:41:52 GMT
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2,798 posts
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Post by ceebee on Aug 2, 2023 12:52:25 GMT
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2,798 posts
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Post by ceebee on Aug 2, 2023 13:34:22 GMT
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