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Post by Deleted on Dec 20, 2017 22:51:14 GMT
So, you didn’t like it. Who cares? That’s why it was more than 3/4 empty I am sure the theatre cares Actually I suppose you can always call them up on that special phone you have that connects you to ADs like Vicky Featherstone who, according to one of your posts, changed the RC programme on your request. If VF listens to you then I'm sure Mr Younis will too.
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Post by NeilVHughes on Dec 20, 2017 23:02:30 GMT
Been once since it reopened, enjoyed the evening especially as it was in the Summer and could take advantage of the outside space.
Despite this it has not made its way onto my theatrical radar like The Park or downstairs at the Hampstead.
Maybe it’s because us avid theatre goers are a habitual bunch and closing for a period of time we have just moved on, it will be interesting to see if the same happens to the Tricycle when it reopens next summer.
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Post by Honoured Guest on Dec 21, 2017 3:47:09 GMT
A new writing theatre is bound to have some misfires. It's in the nature of things. But I don't understand someone saying they're considering not going because too few others attend when they do. Most people go to see things they want to see, not things that other people want to see.
The programming at the Bush is very diverse and generally very good. The first two full productions in the Theatre were of plays that had both been popular and praised in America. The Studio had a play by Barney Norris, whose Bridge commission opens in a few months' time. The current production is a co-production with an 800 seat theatre nominated for The Stage's Regional Theatre of 2017 Award. The Bush was one of the very few theatres to be awarded a significant uplift in the recent National Portfolio Organisation funding round by Arts Council England. The Bush strives to engage with and belong to London now.
J'adore the Bush.
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Post by showgirl on Dec 21, 2017 5:41:10 GMT
They're unlikely to close down so soon after a £4m refurbishment, Parsley! In all seriousness, it used to be better. I go a couple of times a year now, but eight or ten years ago I was there all the time. Not literally. The last thing I saw there that I liked a lot was Jumpers for Goalposts. I'd guess that's three years ago, maybe longer. It's a fairly nice space, I think run with a lot of heart and good intentions, but it's no longer a new writing power house. This more or less sums it up for me: I too used to see most things there and still go but less frequently. The Bush is always on my radar and I've enjoyed productions I've seen there this year (including the recent Kith And Kin) whilst not considering them - apparently along with critics and the public -unqualified successes. I agree that this venue is no longer the new writing powerhouse that it was, but the programming is now, imo, more diverse, which is probably right for the venue and target audience - indeed, though the Bush is quite unlike the Orange Tree in most senses, the recent changes in programming at both venues appear very similar to me and have had the same effect on my own attendance, i.e. more experimental and varied so overall less appealing and successful - but that's just my response and I've enjoyed a very long run as a regular at both, so if a different audience is gradually replacing me, that's only right, fair and to be expected. I'll just add that one of my most memorable nights ever at the theatre was at the Bush, back in the mid-80's, when I took an friend who had never in his life been to the theatre. Not only did we have a brilliant evening but the experience was life-changing for him. So if any theatre can do that for anyone, I'll gladly cede my opportunity to enjoy something which is a regular pleasure to someone for whom it might become one.
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Xanderl
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Not always very high value in terms of ticket yield or donations
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Post by Xanderl on Dec 21, 2017 7:17:41 GMT
I don't go there too often but it's a great space (particularly following the refurb) and the fact you can get tickets for £10 is a definite plus too.
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Post by Someone in a tree on Dec 21, 2017 8:24:36 GMT
Why then Were there less than 60 people at the show today And last time I went 70 There is something awfully wrong here It’s embarrassing for the actors The audience And the venue They should get some balls Accept the venue is irrelevant And close it down Arcola Is equally always empty Haven’t been for ages Nothing interesting For years Ultimately It’s the theatre and the programming that are rubbish Shame you missed Thebe's Land at the Arcola. One of the best of the year. Plus Trees are made of blood and Onegin - all stunning
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Post by samuelwhiskers on Dec 29, 2017 11:43:09 GMT
So basically anything Parsley doesn't personally like shouldn't exist? (99% of all theatre then.) What a horrible, bigoted attitude.
The Bush regularly sells out and has amazing ticket sales, and punches far above their weight in terms of critical acclaim. They are beloved by the local community (they run several community programmes) and exist to serve an audience demographic that is woefully underserved by the mainstream theatre industry. They do more to encourage and develop new talent and especially diverse new talent than most theatres out there. What other small theatre gives out the same number of new writing commissions per year?
But they aren't making theatre exclusively for old white men so obviously the Parsleys of this world froth at the mouth. Nothing interesting in the Daily Mail that day, I guess.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2017 12:07:00 GMT
So basically anything Parsley doesn't personally like shouldn't exist? (99% of all theatre then.) What a horrible, bigoted attitude. The Bush regularly sells out and has amazing ticket sales, and punches far above their weight in terms of critical acclaim. They are beloved by the local community (they run several community programmes) and exist to serve an audience demographic that is woefully underserved by the mainstream theatre industry. They do more to encourage and develop new talent and especially diverse new talent than most theatres out there. What other small theatre gives out the same number of new writing commissions per year? But they aren't making theatre exclusively for old white men so obviously the Parsleys of this world froth at the mouth. Nothing interesting in the Daily Mail that day, I guess. It’s equally delusional Keep a venue open Which is never more than 50% full Even after it’s been papered Of Kith and Kin Had to sell tickets at £5 at most shows And still was not full And that play was at least reasonable to watch So loyal the locals are And I am not white And not old To state “it regularly sells out” Is factually Wrong At least over the last 2 years
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Post by samuelwhiskers on Dec 29, 2017 12:10:29 GMT
It’s equally delusional Keep a venue open Which is never more than 50% fullEven after it’s been papered Of Kith and Kin Had to sell tickets at £5 at most shows
And still was not full Those statements are complete and utter lies.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2017 12:13:30 GMT
It’s equally delusional Keep a venue open Which is never more than 50% fullEven after it’s been papered Of Kith and Kin Had to sell tickets at £5 at most shows
And still was not full Those statements are complete and utter lies. Ask Theatemonkey The offer was on his site 😂😂😂😂 Tickets were £5 for all the remaining shows with at least 2/3 weeks of the run left As the play closed it’s no longer listed on his site But I am sure he can verify from the archive
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2017 12:17:33 GMT
At the time the offer was referred to on the relevant Post
For Of Kith and Kin
Nov 10th and “wighty” thanked me for signposting me to the site
This means it was still running for at least 2 weeks under that offer (maybe this was valid before that) and the day I went at the start of the run on a matinee there were 50 people there my friend went 3 weeks into the run and it was 60% full
If not full at the start of the run And then selling for £5 at the end of the run For a 6 week show
Doesn’t bode that well
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2017 12:19:11 GMT
I rather like the Bush.
Five words my mother never thought she'd hear.
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Post by samuelwhiskers on Dec 29, 2017 12:27:34 GMT
I don't need to ask anyone, I had a play on there, I have a long professional relationship with the Bush dating back several years, and I have access to actual ticket sales info.
V amusing hearing what non-industry people think though!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2017 12:29:15 GMT
I don't need to ask anyone, I had a play on there, I have a long professional relationship with the Bush dating back several years, and I have access to actual ticket sales info. V amusing hearing what non-industry people think though! Oh dear!!! Royal court wasn’t forthcoming?? And we shall await theatremonkey To verify the £5 offer that was in place The Bush is off all major theatre radars Nothing transfers from There anymore Nothing wins any Oliviers It’s had it’s day Most of The shows are transfers from Elsewhere Or a stop on a small tour Talk About the NT having issues The AD at the Bush has no media presence or profile at all I use my eyes when I attend the Bush And you can count the number of people in the audience In seconds It’s that empty Obviously all other shows are sold out though Just when I am there it’s empty
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Post by samuelwhiskers on Dec 29, 2017 12:44:02 GMT
Oh dear!!! Royal court wasn’t forthcoming?? Yes, I've had two very small productions on at the Court, nothing downstairs but both Vicky and Ola have been extremely supportive (as they are towards so many young artists) and without them I doubt I'd have half the career I have. Why do you ask? It's certainly extraordinary that it's only when you're there that the audience is allegedly so small.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2017 12:56:09 GMT
Oh dear!!! Royal court wasn’t forthcoming?? Yes, I've had two very small productions on at the Court, nothing downstairs but both Vicky and Ola have been extremely supportive (as they are towards so many young artists) and without them I doubt I'd have half the career I have. Why do you ask? It's certainly extraordinary that it's only when you're there that the audience is allegedly so small. I would love to come and see your show at RC but I might miss it if it’s on at The Bush!!! I don’t want to argue And want to support and encourage you as a writer 100% BUT My point is that I am an ethnic minority Theatregoer And see all manner of shows a wide wide range And a show being programmed at the Bush Is now an active turn off because of the VENUE Even if I like the playwright This must say something that the venue needs to reflect on In contrast I haven’t missed at show at the RC for over a decade Perhaps now The Bush isn’t the best venue for new writing to get a good fair audience?? Compared to 10 years ago whilst the RC remains a hotbed of new work and places like Hampstead have also increased their quality and production values Happy new year to you and good wishes for your future plays
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Post by samuelwhiskers on Dec 29, 2017 13:02:29 GMT
That's extremely kind of you. I do personally feel that the Bush is doing good work in terms of commissioning new writing, and community engagement, but I am happy to feed back any suggestions for how to make the venue more welcoming to audiences. Happy new year to you also.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2017 13:07:46 GMT
That's extremely kind of you. I do personally feel that the Bush is doing good work in terms of commissioning new writing, and community engagement, but I am happy to feed back any suggestions for how to make the venue more welcoming to audiences. Happy new year to you also. Would love to know which plays were yours I must have seen them??!! I suppose I can also give the Bush more chances But the coming season is too many transfers for my liking Quite fancy Leave Taking
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Post by Honoured Guest on Dec 29, 2017 13:47:12 GMT
But the coming season is too many transfers for my liking That should suit you - You could see every Bush show at an alternative venue Win win for you And us
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2017 13:58:49 GMT
I’ll say again that this post presents a paradox: the poster claims to be an ethnic minority yet refuses to support a programme that has diversity as its main focus. I don’t get it. If you want the Theatre to fill up then book for your family and friends, put the word out for people to attend the shows. A post like this is incredibly damaging for the artists involved, especially the writers. If the original poster supports new writing then surely they should support this theatre. Parsley, I have already booked for Leave Taking. Perhaps I’ll see you there?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2017 14:52:24 GMT
I’ll say again that this post presents a paradox: the poster claims to be an ethnic minority yet refuses to support a programme that has diversity as its main focus. I don’t get it. If you want the Theatre to fill up then book for your family and friends, put the word out for people to attend the shows. A post like this is incredibly damaging for the artists involved, especially the writers. If the original poster supports new writing then surely they should support this theatre. Parsley, I have already booked for Leave Taking. Perhaps I’ll see you there? We Were supporting the Bush from many many years ago My point is Having seen the decline over 15-20 years I no longer find anything relevant for me there Compare the the RC which has a well established International playwrights scheme Many of the RC plays are not done as audience pleasers But to offer a different point of view This is why I liked Goats It wasn’t the best play But the subject matter is potent And the casting was very varied and diverse It was weird to programme it over Xmas From a commercial point of view But this is the sort of risk which for me Pays off time and time again and the RC What plays has The Bush Presented recently Which deal with such issues Parliament Square was laughable There are only so many times I will go to a venue Before they lose their nine lives I am Interested in high quality new writing Not just new writing full stop The Bush doesn’t have quality at the top of their agenda anymore There are plenty of other places to go and see new plays The Bush seem to just want to fill up their schedule It’s also interesting how not that many playwrights present successive shows at The Bush anymore As they often do at the RC
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Post by jasper on Dec 29, 2017 15:55:45 GMT
So basically anything Parsley doesn't personally like shouldn't exist? (99% of all theatre then.) What a horrible, bigoted attitude. The Bush regularly sells out and has amazing ticket sales, and punches far above their weight in terms of critical acclaim. They are beloved by the local community (they run several community programmes) and exist to serve an audience demographic that is woefully underserved by the mainstream theatre industry. They do more to encourage and develop new talent and especially diverse new talent than most theatres out there. What other small theatre gives out the same number of new writing commissions per year? But they aren't making theatre exclusively for old white men so obviously the Parsleys of this world froth at the mouth. Nothing interesting in the Daily Mail that day, I guess.
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Post by jasper on Dec 29, 2017 16:04:30 GMT
So basically anything Parsley doesn't personally like shouldn't exist? (99% of all theatre then.) What a horrible, bigoted attitude. The Bush regularly sells out and has amazing ticket sales, and punches far above their weight in terms of critical acclaim. They are beloved by the local community (they run several community programmes) and exist to serve an audience demographic that is woefully underserved by the mainstream theatre industry. They do more to encourage and develop new talent and especially diverse new talent than most theatres out there. What other small theatre gives out the same number of new writing commissions per year? But they aren't making theatre exclusively for old white men so obviously the Parsleys of this world froth at the mouth. Nothing interesting in the Daily Mail that day, I guess. I fell troubled and saddened by this post. I feel that as an old white man I am having opinions and attitudes ascribed to me on the basis of my physical characteristics alone. As I was musing on this on the train I noticed the person siting next to me was reading a copy of the Daily Mail. I suppose she would identify herself as younger than me, black, female and with a disability. It made me think that we should not ascribe to other groups opinions we do not know them to hold. It made me sad. I cannot help being old, white and male, but I do not need others to ascribe opinions to me that I do not hold. Living as we do in the 21st century we have learnt from out recent past where such attitudes lead. I am sad since this post makes me feel i would not be welcome at the Bush.
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Post by Honoured Guest on Dec 29, 2017 16:34:00 GMT
To return to facts from fantasy, the Bush has always had some co-productions and presented very many visiting companies throughout its forty-odd years.
But the Theatre now has an audience capacity about three times greater than the original venue so really it's a very different theatrical operation.
And it's less than a year since reopening after redevelopment, so it's a bit soon to start moaning that there haven't been successive shows by many playwrights.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2017 19:58:24 GMT
To return to facts from fantasy, the Bush has always had some co-productions and presented very many visiting companies throughout its forty-odd years. But the Theatre now has an audience capacity about three times greater than the original venue so really it's a very different theatrical operation. And it's less than a year since reopening after redevelopment, so it's a bit soon to start moaning that there haven't been successive shows by many playwrights. This is why I am somewhat mistrustful of the motives behind this post. I honestly don’t understand what the poster is going on about. I can’t see how you can compare The Bush and the RC - what’s the point? And as for the idea of repeat plays by playwrights... perhaps they want to open up to new voices. There are only so many commissions one can give each year and if they all go to the usual suspects how do you give access to newcomers? In truth, most writers would give their right arm to have their work produced at any venue in London whether it is a studio over a pub or the Olivier so I doubt very much that there are writers who refuse to have their work staged at The Bush.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2017 19:59:39 GMT
To return to facts from fantasy, the Bush has always had some co-productions and presented very many visiting companies throughout its forty-odd years. But the Theatre now has an audience capacity about three times greater than the original venue so really it's a very different theatrical operation. And it's less than a year since reopening after redevelopment, so it's a bit soon to start moaning that there haven't been successive shows by many playwrights. This is why I am somewhat mistrustful of the motives behind this post. I honestly don’t understand what the poster is going on about. I can’t see how you can compare The Bush and the RC - what’s the point? And as for the idea of repeat plays by playwrights... perhaps they want to open up to new voices. There are only so many commissions one can give each year and if they all go to the usual suspects how do you give access to newcomers? In truth, most writers would give their right arm to have their work produced at any venue in London whether it is a studio over a pub or the Olivier so I doubt very much that there are writers who refuse to have their work staged at The Bush. Addendum: I should make it clear that I am referring to the original post and not the one quoted.
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Xanderl
Member
Not always very high value in terms of ticket yield or donations
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Post by Xanderl on Apr 4, 2018 15:36:16 GMT
Took them to task on twitter for ageism but don't get the impression they see the problem. But try inserting any other group of the population instead of "elderly" in the original tweet they quoted ("Thoroughly enjoying watching 2 elderly people squirm in a sea of young people at a Wednesday matinee trip to the theatre")!
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Post by jasper on Apr 4, 2018 18:18:33 GMT
Took them to task on twitter for ageism but don't get the impression they see the problem. But try inserting any other group of the population instead of "elderly" in the original tweet they quoted ("Thoroughly enjoying watching 2 elderly people squirm in a sea of young people at a Wednesday matinee trip to the theatre")! I agree with you. I have noticed how casual references to people of an older age is seen as something that is a negative. Any mention of a mid week matinee or of certain venues like Chichester or Jermyn Street seem to bring out these sort comments. I notice mention of a younger audience seems to be seen as a positive.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 4, 2018 18:48:25 GMT
Took them to task on twitter for ageism but don't get the impression they see the problem. But try inserting any other group of the population instead of "elderly" in the original tweet they quoted ("Thoroughly enjoying watching 2 elderly people squirm in a sea of young people at a Wednesday matinee trip to the theatre")! I saw that tweet and thought it was very misjudged as well. Seriously, theatres should be trying to make paying punters feel uncomfortable because of the age bracket they are in?? Being older doesn't equal wanting to watch Miss Marple.
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Post by Phantom of London on Apr 5, 2018 12:07:02 GMT
I have to say geographically I am in the wrong part of London, any theatre that I have to make 2 changes to get to leave me cold, however I have done the 2 changes and have seen several things.
I half get the OP argument, but would have tried to be politer about it. I don’t get why this theatre has a studio space, I thought they would want to focus their attention on quality rather than quantity.
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