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Post by wickedgrin on Oct 29, 2016 13:37:58 GMT
I don't understand why they are not up to speed with this first preview. The show ran at Chichester, it has been re-rehearsed for London largely, I think, with the original cast. It is not that technically demanding a show either....
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Post by Honoured Guest on Oct 29, 2016 14:51:31 GMT
Don't show up, and no refund?? That is correct. You'll be refunded if you attend the dress rehearsal. The alternative option is to exchange your original ticket for another preview performance.
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Post by mrbarnaby on Oct 29, 2016 18:51:44 GMT
I wish they'd refunded me when I saw it in Chichester.. for it being so bloody awful.
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Post by nash16 on Oct 29, 2016 23:00:08 GMT
I don't understand why they are not up to speed with this first preview. The show ran at Chichester, it has been re-rehearsed for London largely, I think, with the original cast. It is not that technically demanding a show either.... Cameron. Mackintosh. (If you saw The Sound of Musicals on Channel 4 (available still on 4oD), you'll understand why he is a very strong reason for today's/tonight's fiasco.)
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Post by theatremadness on Oct 29, 2016 23:36:14 GMT
I don't understand why they are not up to speed with this first preview. The show ran at Chichester, it has been re-rehearsed for London largely, I think, with the original cast. It is not that technically demanding a show either.... Cameron. Mackintosh. (If you saw The Sound of Musicals on Channel 4 (available still on 4oD), you'll understand why he is a very strong reason for today's/tonight's fiasco.) Well it's a hardly a fiasco, really, is it? Extremely positive reports on twitter. Lots of "if this is just a dress rehearsal can't imagine what normal performances will be like" in various different guises. Even a mid-show standing ovation according to choreographer Andrew Wright.
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Post by notmymuse on Oct 29, 2016 23:47:02 GMT
Just booked stalls seat usually £75 for £18 thanks to TodayTix, dynamic pricing and preview prices for Wednesday evening, so hoping it's in good shape by then. I'd assumed being a transfer with most of the cast that our would already be in almost press worthy condition! I suspect there'll be much rehearsing between now and then so should be fine.
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Post by freckles on Oct 30, 2016 10:17:57 GMT
Cameron. Mackintosh. (If you saw The Sound of Musicals on Channel 4 (available still on 4oD), you'll understand why he is a very strong reason for today's/tonight's fiasco.) Well it's a hardly a fiasco, really, is it? Extremely positive reports on twitter. Lots of "if this is just a dress rehearsal can't imagine what normal performances will be like" in various different guises. Even a mid-show standing ovation according to choreographer Andrew Wright. Sounds like it was in perfect shape and this was perhaps a very clever marketing stunt? Lower expectations, give the audience free tix - and free interval wine - and a very positve atmosphere results. Just a thought. Clearly the show had to be enjoyable, which it sounds like it was. I look forward to finding out.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2016 15:43:59 GMT
I saw the first preview yesterday.I had front row seats. It was brilliant! Something went slightly wrong at the very start when what I think a small lightbulb fell on stage and there was someone from the crew cleaning it up while Charlie and Devon were doing the very first scene. Other than that everything ran very smoothly. The show has a great story and lots of funny moments. The score is wonderful too, with a few incredible ensemble songs. Outstanding performances by the entire cast. Charlie Stemp is a great leading man and I also liked Ian Bartholomew's performance a lot. I also adored Emma Williams' performance. It's just too bqd that she didn't have a song all for herself, but then again almost no one did. I'd definitely recommend everyone to see this show. It's a good old fashioned musical, but one that young as well as older people can enjoy. I hope this one stays around longer than Mrs Henderson Presents.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2016 15:59:55 GMT
The cast recording will be released on 18 November.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2016 17:18:19 GMT
I saw the first preview yesterday.I had front row seats. It was brilliant! Something went slightly wrong at the very start when what I think a small lightbulb fell on stage and there was someone from the crew cleaning it up while Charlie and Devon were doing the very first scene. Other than that everything ran very smoothly. The show has a great story and lots of funny moments. The score is wonderful too, with a few incredible ensemble songs. Outstanding performances by the entire cast. Charlie Stemp is a great leading man and I also liked Ian Bartholomew's performance a lot. I also adored Emma Williams' performance. It's just too bqd that she didn't have a song all for herself, but then again almost no one did. I'd definitely recommend everyone to see this show. It's a good old fashioned musical, but one that young as well as older people can enjoy. I hope this one stays around longer than Mrs Henderson Presents. Ticket sales are APPALLING And that's exactly what they deserve for those stupid ticket prices
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2016 19:05:14 GMT
I saw the first preview yesterday.I had front row seats. It was brilliant! Something went slightly wrong at the very start when what I think a small lightbulb fell on stage and there was someone from the crew cleaning it up while Charlie and Devon were doing the very first scene. Other than that everything ran very smoothly. The show has a great story and lots of funny moments. The score is wonderful too, with a few incredible ensemble songs. Outstanding performances by the entire cast. Charlie Stemp is a great leading man and I also liked Ian Bartholomew's performance a lot. I also adored Emma Williams' performance. It's just too bqd that she didn't have a song all for herself, but then again almost no one did. I'd definitely recommend everyone to see this show. It's a good old fashioned musical, but one that young as well as older people can enjoy. I hope this one stays around longer than Mrs Henderson Presents. Ticket sales are APPALLING And that's exactly what they deserve for those stupid ticket prices What do you mean? Are tickets too expensive. I got £20 tix for front row and the other tickets didn't seem to be more expensive than other West End shows
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2016 21:20:35 GMT
Ticket sales are APPALLING And that's exactly what they deserve for those stupid ticket prices What do you mean? Are tickets too expensive. I got £20 tix for front row and the other tickets didn't seem to be more expensive than other West End shows Dayseats? What time did you get there?
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Post by notmymuse on Nov 2, 2016 23:03:38 GMT
So, on the way back from tonight's performance. In general it ran smoothly, they need to sort out the lighting as two or three times an actor was almost in darkness when speaking lines. Scenery collided with curtains at one point, and at the end the show stopped after the final scene but before the bows as the scenery seemed to have collided with the pub bar... Not sure if the motorcycle broke and was supposed to be on stage or if there was just a funny pause before the line gets delivered and it's not supposed to arrive on stage?
Overall, it's fun. An entertaining way to spend an evening. As others have said, the new songs don't add much and are quitr easy to spot. I still don't get Mackintosh's love of Stiles and Drew.
The while thing reminded me of Mary Poppins, Oliver and Salad Days all rolled into one on reflection. I doubt this will run long but it seemed very busy tonight and was well received (maybe they are papering or maybe it's just selling better as the advertising pays off?).
I'm preparing to duck behind the sofa as I write this bit as everyone on here seems to love her (me usually included) but the one bit I didn't like very much was Emma Williams...
I know her character isn't very well fleshed out in the script but it's actually a really interesting character. Does she like Arthur? Or is she just going after him for the money? Or persuading herself she likes him as she had to marry him? And at the end she's really quite in a mess given the time the show is set in, but she didn't seem to care much... None of that really came across at all, and I felt she spoke her lines in a posh voice but not much more. To be fair, the show is screaming out for a song where she tells us all her inner turmoil or something. Maybe she'll explore some more as the show continues or maybe it's just me. Rest of the cast were pretty solid.
On a final note, not sure if Salad Days was written before or after this show, but as Look At Me I'm Dancing and A Simple Song from Salad Days are basically the same as the banjo song in this, someone needs to sue.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2016 23:36:18 GMT
What do you mean? Are tickets too expensive. I got £20 tix for front row and the other tickets didn't seem to be more expensive than other West End shows Dayseats? What time did you get there? Yeah. I got there about 10 past 10 and got the last 3 day seats
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2016 23:42:59 GMT
So, on the way back from tonight's performance. In general it ran smoothly, they need to sort out the lighting as two or three times an actor was almost in darkness when speaking lines. Scenery collided with curtains at one point, and at the end the show stopped after the final scene but before the bows as the scenery seemed to have collided with the pub bar... Not sure if the motorcycle broke and was supposed to be on stage or if there was just a funny pause before the line gets delivered and it's not supposed to arrive on stage? Overall, it's fun. An entertaining way to spend an evening. As others have said, the new songs don't add much and are quitr easy to spot. I still don't get Mackintosh's love of Stiles and Drew. The while thing reminded me of Mary Poppins, Oliver and Salad Days all rolled into one on reflection. I doubt this will run long but it seemed very busy tonight and was well received (maybe they are papering or maybe it's just selling better as the advertising pays off?). I'm preparing to duck behind the sofa as I write this bit as everyone on here seems to love her (me usually included) but the one bit I didn't like very much was Emma Williams... I know her character isn't very well fleshed out in the script but it's actually a really interesting character. Does she like Arthur? Or is she just going after him for the money? Or persuading herself she likes him as she had to marry him? And at the end she's really quite in a mess given the time the show is set in, but she didn't seem to care much... None of that really came across at all, and I felt she spoke her lines in a posh voice but not much more. To be fair, the show is screaming out for a song where she tells us all her inner turmoil or something. Maybe she'll explore some more as the show continues or maybe it's just me. Rest of the cast were pretty solid. On a final note, not sure if Salad Days was written before or after this show, but as Look At Me I'm Dancing and A Simple Song from Salad Days are basically the same as the banjo song in this, someone needs to sue. They're supposed to ride off on the motorcycle at the end of the show. At least that's what happened yesterday.
I agree that the character of Helen Walsingham could do with some further development, even though I liked Emma Williams in the role. But she could really do with a good song. My interpretation of the character was that she really liked Kipps. She specifically asked for him to serve her and there was chemistry between them in her class. That was all before he got rich. And once he got rich she was still trying to look out for him.
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Post by Mark on Nov 3, 2016 9:08:51 GMT
What a great feel good show! I'd seen Half a Sixpence before many years ago on a uk tour but had completely forgotten it. This feels like Something that will appeal to both young and old audiences, although last nights audience made me feel very young.
Charlie Stemp.... what can you say? His presence on that stage is wonderful. The technique of his dancing stands out and he gives a really wonderful performance.
Definitely worth seeing.
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Post by notmymuse on Nov 3, 2016 13:26:33 GMT
Thanks for the explanation about the motorcycle. I suspect a mechanic will be working hard today to get it mended... They just walked out last night.
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Post by westendcub on Nov 4, 2016 12:01:41 GMT
Somewhat unplanned but the opportunity has come along to attend tonight's performance!
Yet another show I do not know too much about, not aware of it's score so I look forward to it and be nice to return to the Noel Coward and see Emma again as I adored her (and the show) 'Mrs Henderson Presents'.
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Post by annon on Nov 4, 2016 13:25:08 GMT
I feel so sorry for this production. The advance sales are so bad they have take the balcony off sale until Saturday next week.
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Post by daniel on Nov 4, 2016 13:48:17 GMT
I feel so sorry for this production. The advance sales are so bad they have take the balcony off sale until Saturday next week. The issue is with their pricing, it's bonkers. They need to look at Show Boat, Bend It, I Can't Sing and many others which closed early...not enough people are prepared to pay top whack for brand new shoes they know nothing about. If they'd done early bookers discounted pricing (this was enough to get me to book Aladdin), or cheaper tickets for the first few weeks to get people in, or even kept the top price around the £65 rather than £75, they may have found themselves a little busier.
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Post by The Matthew on Nov 4, 2016 15:41:23 GMT
not enough people are prepared to pay top whack for brand new shoes I don't fancy the idea of buying them second hand.
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Post by theatremadness on Nov 4, 2016 15:58:49 GMT
not enough people are prepared to pay top whack for brand new shoes I don't fancy the idea of buying them second hand. Or second foot.
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Post by bellboard27 on Nov 4, 2016 16:16:44 GMT
I feel so sorry for this production. The advance sales are so bad they have take the balcony off sale until Saturday next week. The issue is with their pricing, it's bonkers. They need to look at Show Boat, Bend It, I Can't Sing and many others which closed early...not enough people are prepared to pay top whack for brand new shoes they know nothing about. If they'd done early bookers discounted pricing (this was enough to get me to book Aladdin), or cheaper tickets for the first few weeks to get people in, or even kept the top price around the £65 rather than £75, they may have found themselves a little busier. Totally agree. Except the top price is even higher! Currently it is 25p less than £100 and it will go up to £127.25 next week! An earlier post mentioned the balcony is not for sale for the next week, but it is now back on sale again (for a couple of performances I checked at least). I've already seen this and had a great time. It would be a shame if pricing caused this production to fail.
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Post by theatre-turtle on Nov 4, 2016 16:18:07 GMT
The lead in this is rather dreamy.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2016 18:46:35 GMT
Isn't this listed as a limited run? SMart move, they can run till January as planned and no one with think it flopped.
That being said, I really want to see this show!
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Post by mrbarnaby on Nov 4, 2016 19:55:31 GMT
This won't last past Xmas- if they are lucky.
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Post by westendcub on Nov 4, 2016 23:44:57 GMT
What a lovely evening that was getting to go along to this, wasn't planned but relished at the opportunity that sprung up earlier to see it!
It's a very enjoyable yarn and Charlie Stemp is a charmer in the lead role. Nice to see Emma Williams on the same stage again (with clothes on this time!).
Sure the story is predictable but it tells a likeable story and also gives us wonderful big ensemble numbers! I thought the set design was great and all things to me ran smoothly tonight.
It's a big shame they opted for such high prices for this that is putting people off, it's a great show that deserves an audience and it's a feel-good charmer that deserves its amazing standing ovation- it's the sort of show that will would run for years and I think a limited run is wise for a piece like this.
Looking forward to the cast album!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2016 12:31:10 GMT
I feel so sorry for this production. The advance sales are so bad they have take the balcony off sale until Saturday next week. The issue is with their pricing, it's bonkers. They need to look at Show Boat, Bend It, I Can't Sing and many others which closed early...not enough people are prepared to pay top whack for brand new shoes they know nothing about. If they'd done early bookers discounted pricing (this was enough to get me to book Aladdin), or cheaper tickets for the first few weeks to get people in, or even kept the top price around the £65 rather than £75, they may have found themselves a little busier. Very true. Also it is a production that would seem to appeal more to elderly people and theatregoers rather than a whole range of people (same with Showboat). It could be a great musical with great reviews (again like Showboat) but could just not get an audience. It is a shame but it's the way shows work nowadays. They should've done early bookers discounts or even just cheaper seats during the weekday shows. It could also be the fact that there isn't really a name in the show? I know that is so sad that names in shows can effect the sales but it just seems to be happening more often now.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2016 12:32:46 GMT
Isn't this listed as a limited run? SMart move, they can run till January as planned and no one with think it flopped.That being said, I really want to see this show! That was the same with Mrs Henderson Presents though. It was marketed as limited run but people still twigged it had flopped. Again it was a decent show and didn't deserve to flop that badly - I've seen much worse!
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Post by geweena on Nov 5, 2016 16:02:09 GMT
Currently interval and I'm really enjoying this. Day seated and got front row. Stage is not massively high but a little bit of a stiff neck might occur if you are short. However fab value and would sit here again.
Charlie Stemp is great as Arthur - looking forward to the second half.
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