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Post by martin1965 on Apr 18, 2017 15:33:18 GMT
I've booked for 12th August matinee too. Looks like it's a popular date for the board! As you trudge along that long country lane in the pouring rain and that taxi passes you, speeding through the pothole puddle and drenching you from head to foot in Berkshire pondwater, look up to that cheery face waving at you from the back of the receding taxi, and wave back at martin1865. I will be polite and wave!😄
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Post by Dawnstar on Apr 18, 2017 16:20:21 GMT
I've booked for 12th August matinee too. Looks like it's a popular date for the board! As you trudge along that long country lane in the pouring rain and that taxi passes you, speeding through the pothole puddle and drenching you from head to foot in Berkshire pondwater, look up to that cheery face waving at you from the back of the receding taxi, and wave back at martin1865. Actually I was thinking if several people are going to the same performance we could look into taxi sharing, though obviously everyone would have to work out their train times first.
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Post by martin1965 on Apr 18, 2017 17:12:02 GMT
As you trudge along that long country lane in the pouring rain and that taxi passes you, speeding through the pothole puddle and drenching you from head to foot in Berkshire pondwater, look up to that cheery face waving at you from the back of the receding taxi, and wave back at martin1865. Actually I was thinking if several people are going to the same performance we could look into taxi sharing, though obviously everyone would have to work out their train times first. Good idea, BO lady said fare ought to be around a fiver, which is obvs ok. We could coordinate nearer the time?
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Post by Dawnstar on Apr 18, 2017 19:24:37 GMT
Actually I was thinking if several people are going to the same performance we could look into taxi sharing, though obviously everyone would have to work out their train times first. Good idea, BO lady said fare ought to be around a fiver, which is obvs ok. We could coordinate nearer the time? Oh, that's not as bad as I thought it'd be price-wise. Yes, definintely. I've had a look at possible trains but it's too early to check any engineering etc. for that particular Saturday at the moment.
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Post by Someone in a tree on May 6, 2017 17:38:13 GMT
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Post by martin1965 on May 6, 2017 20:01:54 GMT
Good cast, looking forward to first visit to Watermill😁
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Post by Phantom of London on Jul 29, 2017 17:22:59 GMT
Just on the train on the way back from Newbury.
I going to say the same as I said about Ragtime at he Charing Cross Theare, I don't get Actor/ Musician pieces, it destroys the poignancy of the piece and distract from the main acting where possible, for me actors belong on the stage and the musicians in the pit (or alternative) and never the twain shall they meet. Although I was aware of this disappointing genre before I went, as I have seen other stuff there, I thought I give it another go as it has one of Stephen Sondheim's best songs in it 'Send In The Clowns', that should send a visceral shiver down my spine, this one didn't.
Some very good performances and I wish I was that talented!!
3 Stars
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2017 11:10:06 GMT
Seeing this a week on Saturday, only ever seen the concert version they did at the palace a few years ago, so very much looking forward to seeing more of a staged version!
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Post by martin1965 on Aug 2, 2017 12:08:41 GMT
Seeing this a week on Saturday, only ever seen the concert version they did at the palace a few years ago, so very much looking forward to seeing more of a staged version! Im there on 12/8 matinee! Wasnt there mention of sharing taxi from Newbury?
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Post by David J on Aug 2, 2017 20:16:05 GMT
Well I've got to say i admire sondheims attention to character here. The first act is one big build up to the the main event "A weekend in the country" and what a marvellous song it is
Every character is gradually introduced and performed with exuberance by the cast. Everyone stands out here
There is one glaring issue for me. Anyone who is new to the musical should read up the the first 15 minutes or so because I couldn't tell a thing that was going on
I could tell there's this long melodic song before we get down to the story. But with everyone whirling around with their instruments I could not tell what was going on
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Post by crabtree on Aug 2, 2017 21:50:59 GMT
Sex, or the pursuit of sex, is generally what is going on. Every day a kittle death, the French version of which, I gather, means orgasm. watching little things grow, indeed.
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Post by tmesis on Aug 3, 2017 20:32:14 GMT
Just back from today's matinee. A few minor reservations but overall loved it. I saw Sir Trev's version at MCF and adored that but this is almost in that league and what a fantastic, near perfect, musical it is with humour and poignancy exquisitely balanced.
Design/costumes: A handsome, classy looking show.A single set, but very atmospheric and really lovely lighting effects. The auditorium absolutely matches the set in a way that is hard to explain but you'll know what I mean if you go.
That actor/musician malarkey: I'm really no fan of this but it really didn't get in the way. Just occasionally when Frederick or The Count where holding respectively a trumpet and a soprano sax and then only contributed two notes at the beginning or end you thought, why bother? Particularly as a) loads of other instruments were playing and b) they were left holding their instruments throughout the song.
Direction: Really skilfully done with seamless transitions.
Performers: No real weak links. Maybe Frederick could have had more personality but his singing was excellent. Both Desiree and the Count really strong. Dilly Keane an excellent Madame. She times her one-liners well and was better than Lipman. For Liaisons she channels her inner Gingold.
Overall: I was quite anxious about this since I love it so much. It's a tough piece to perform, probably his hardest next to Passion and Sweeny. I thought the actor/musician shtik would compromise standards, but they are very high. Tunick's original orchestrations are masterful but it has been so skilfully re-arranged that most of the Ravel-like original remains. (Some stonking clarinet in Send in the Clowns.)
.....and is there a nicer theatre in Britain to visit?
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Post by sayers500 on Aug 3, 2017 22:36:19 GMT
Just back from today's matinee. A few minor reservations but overall loved it. I saw Sir Trev's version at MCF and adored that but this is almost in that league and what a fantastic, near perfect, musical it is with humour and poignancy exquisitely balanced. Design/costumes: A handsome, classy looking show.A single set, but very atmospheric and really lovely lighting effects. The auditorium absolutely matches the set in a way that is hard to explain but you'll know what I mean if you go. That actor/musician malarkey: I'm really no fan of this but it really didn't get in the way. Just occasionally when Frederick or The Count where holding respectively a trumpet and a soprano sax and then only contributed two notes at the beginning or end you thought, why bother? Particularly as a) loads of other instruments were playing and b) they were left holding their instruments throughout the song. Direction: Really skilfully done with seamless transitions. Performers: No real weak links. Maybe Frederick could have had more personality but his singing was excellent. Both Desiree and the Count really strong. Dilly Keane an excellent Madame. She times her one-liners well and was better than Lipman. For Liaisons she channels her inner Gingold. Overall: I was quite anxious about this since I love it so much. It's a tough piece to perform, probably his hardest next to Passion and Sweeny. I thought the actor/musician shtik would compromise standards, but they are very high. Tunick's original orchestrations are masterful but it has been so skilfully re-arranged that most of the Ravel-like original remains. (Some stonking clarinet in Send in the Clowns.) .....and is there a nicer theatre in Britain to visit? I was also at the matinee and totally agree with you. My minor quibble was Henrik who seemed to struggle through Later and Anne's piccolo playing during Now which seemed to jar.
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Post by zermatt on Aug 4, 2017 0:22:53 GMT
Adore the Watermill and adore this score. Can't wait to be there this weekend! Any advice on a good restaurant beforehand if you aren't dining at The Watermill?
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Post by martin1965 on Aug 12, 2017 17:04:33 GMT
Just waiting for train after matinee. Cant believe its nearly thirty years since my last LNM production! This was really good, all the cast very talented with the instruments. First visit to the Watermill, lovely setting. Will come again😊
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Post by Dawnstar on Aug 12, 2017 21:47:25 GMT
I too was at this afternoon's matinee. I wrote a whole lot about it on the train back to London then forgot to post it before I turned my phone off! In short: I enjoyed it (though I would have probably enjoyed it even more if it hadn't been actor-musician). I thought Josefina Gabrielle & Alastair Brookshaw were very moving as Desiree & Fredrick. Phoebe Fides (Countess), Alex Hammond (Count) & Benefict Salter (Henrik) were the other standout performers for me. It was the first time I'd been to the theatre & the location is certainly rural-idyll-esque, even if the transport links aren't idyllic: my transport cost me nearly twice as much as my theatre ticket!
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Post by martin1965 on Aug 12, 2017 23:10:01 GMT
I too was at this afternoon's matinee. I wrote a whole lot about it on the train back to London then forgot to post it before I turned my phone off! In short: I enjoyed it (though I would have probably enjoyed it even more if it hadn't been actor-musician). I thought Josefina Gabrielle & Alastair Brookshaw were very moving as Desiree & Fredrick. Phoebe Fides (Countess), Alex Hammond (Count) & Benefict Salter (Henrik) were the other standout performers for me. It was the first time I'd been to the theatre & the location is certainly rural-idyll-esque, even if the transport links aren't idyllic: my transport cost me nearly twice as much as my theatre ticket! Yes indeed! The taxi to and from Newbury was £20, much more than the BO told me! I liked the theatre and the setting but play choice and cast would have to be vgood to tempt me back.
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Post by Honoured Guest on Aug 13, 2017 11:31:01 GMT
Google Maps says the walk is 52-53 minutes, 2.6 miles, mostly flat. Has anyone done it?
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Post by martin1965 on Aug 13, 2017 12:55:34 GMT
Google Maps says the walk is 52-53 minutes, 2.6 miles, mostly flat. Has anyone done it? Going from the taxi route it looked a good 2 and a bit miles. It looked ok i.e footpaths until you left Newbury when it became lanes and would involve stopping for traffic. I dont mind a walk but when you dont know the area...
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Post by Dawnstar on Aug 13, 2017 22:10:48 GMT
Yes indeed! The taxi to and from Newbury was £20, much more than the BO told me! I liked the theatre and the setting but play choice and cast would have to be vgood to tempt me back. When booking the taxis the company told me it would be about £12 each way & it ended up as £11 each way (including tips) so that was fairly accurate. Yes, I agree. I wouldn't re-visit unless it was another piece I really wanted to see. Not just due to the cost but also it taking over 3 hours to get there. I was looking at the route as I was being driven there to assess the walk-ability but I think it might be a bit dodgy for the last part, with narrow roads with banks in places so no-where to get off the road when cars come past.
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Post by martin1965 on Aug 14, 2017 5:53:41 GMT
Yes indeed! The taxi to and from Newbury was £20, much more than the BO told me! I liked the theatre and the setting but play choice and cast would have to be vgood to tempt me back. When booking the taxis the company told me it would be about £12 each way & it ended up as £11 each way (including tips) so that was fairly accurate. Yes, I agree. I wouldn't re-visit unless it was another piece I really wanted to see. Not just due to the cost but also it taking over 3 hours to get there. I was looking at the route as I was being driven there to assess the walk-ability but I think it might be a bit dodgy for the last part, with narrow roads with banks in places so no-where to get off the road when cars come past. Snap! Thank god the show was so good☺
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Post by tmesis on Aug 14, 2017 7:00:00 GMT
As I live on the Surrey/Berks border it's easy for me to drive there; the journey only takes me 40 minutes and there is excellent parking. I have never specifically walked from Newbury station to the theatre but have covered the the route as part of a larger walk from the same starting point. You can do it all by using footpaths and canal towpaths with only a minimal amount of road. It's a lovely walk. N.B. This is written from the viewpoint of someone who really likes walking!
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Post by Dawnstar on Aug 14, 2017 20:17:48 GMT
I have never specifically walked from Newbury station to the theatre but have covered the the route as part of a larger walk from the same starting point. You can do it all by using footpaths and canal towpaths with only a minimal amount of road. It's a lovely walk. N.B. This is written from the viewpoint of someone who really likes walking! I don't mind walking when I'm out for a walk but I'm not sure I'd want to cover a few miles before going to a theatre as turning up all hot & sweaty seems a bit unfair to the rest of the audience! I also wouldn't want to wear walking gear to a theatre.
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Post by martin1965 on Aug 15, 2017 4:40:07 GMT
I have never specifically walked from Newbury station to the theatre but have covered the the route as part of a larger walk from the same starting point. You can do it all by using footpaths and canal towpaths with only a minimal amount of road. It's a lovely walk. N.B. This is written from the viewpoint of someone who really likes walking! I don't mind walking when I'm out for a walk but I'm not sure I'd want to cover a few miles before going to a theatre as turning up all hot & sweaty seems a bit unfair to the rest of the audience! I also wouldn't want to wear walking gear to a theatre. What settles it for me is that the theatre itself does not mention a walking route on their directions page!
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Post by tmesis on Aug 15, 2017 6:52:58 GMT
Yes OS map is mandatory (and possibly a compass, Kendal mint cake and a smug attitude.)
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Post by sam22 on Sept 4, 2017 17:36:30 GMT
I've got into a nice tradition with my grandparents where we go to the Watermill every year for the summer musical, despite it being a bit of a trek.
ALNM is one of the only Sondheim shows I know very little about and I didn't get chance to listen to the vast recording before I went.
I was pleasantly surprised by the show. The first ten minutes I wasn't convinced I was going to enjoy it but it got much stronger in my view after that and I loved it. I though the cast were really strong overall, particularly Josephine Gabrielle (sp?) and the actress playing Anne. I loved 'A Weekend in the Country', songs like that show Sondheim at his best.
I'd really recommend going to see the show, not just because it was brilliant but also to experience the beautiful theatre. We had lunch before and then enjoyed the sun in the grounds so was a lovely day out. Looking forward to seeing what the next show is!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2017 18:52:16 GMT
We have the same tradition although not with grandparents... The summer musical never disappoints, and this year was no exception. It was exquisitely staged with another multi-talented cast. Add to this the joy of the setting and all you need is the warm summer sun. Unfortunately we have timed some of our visits with heavy rain which dampens the atmosphere a bit, if you know what I mean. While we there this year we saw that Stiles and Drewe are doing a matinee show (with special guest!) later in October so we booked for that too.
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Post by sam22 on Sept 4, 2017 19:01:27 GMT
Ah caiaphas that is such a shame, we have been six times now and always been very lucky with the weather. I saw the advertisement for Stiles and Drew but a bit far to go for it I think.
I think ALNM and Witches of Eastwick are my favourite shows I've seen at the Watermill.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2017 21:13:36 GMT
I think my favourite was Martin Guerre which was so much better than the large scale version I'd seen at the Prince Edward. I've just checked when that was on and am embarrassed to say that it was ten years ago now...! (Seems like only yesterday.)
I love traditions by the way and am pleased you've found one like you have. Years and years ago I used to take my Nan to see shows I'd got comps for. We saw so much together, and she'd never set foot in a West End theatre before I took her! She used to think she was the Queen!
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Post by sam22 on Sept 4, 2017 22:19:56 GMT
Ahhh that's really nice! I forgot I actuallt saw Martin Guerre back in 2007, the first time and went to the Watermill and specifically to see that show. I remember enjoying it but the details are hazy!
I didn't then go again until 2013 when our new tradition started so I'm sure I missed some great shows in that gap!
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