|
Post by thistimetomorrow on Feb 11, 2023 23:12:13 GMT
I didn't even realise there were two casts) Only 3 of the roles were double cast! Morgan would have been on regardless of which cast was on
|
|
1,197 posts
|
Post by theatrefan77 on Feb 13, 2023 1:31:40 GMT
This was really great. Saw it on Thursday and would have gone again on Saturday if it hadn't been sold out.
|
|
|
Post by FrontroverPaul on Feb 22, 2023 15:49:15 GMT
Little Shop Of Horrors : City of London Academy Southwark - tonight and tomorrow, 6pm start time.
Pippin : Goldsmiths University Of London Musical Theatre Society - tonight until Saturday 25 February at Lewisham Way site, including midday matinees on Friday and Saturday.
Only discovered these while randomly google searching for amateur and college musicals yesterday. Can't now make either unfortunately.
|
|
3,059 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Mar 3, 2023 8:56:31 GMT
I managed to catch Bare at Mountview which was performed very well, but somehow I never feel much of a connection with this musical, despite it hitting so many areas I care about. They staged this in the Backstage Theatre with the audience on three sides, making the most of the space and the intimate feel. Some excellent potential in this cast, as always.
|
|
|
Post by thistimetomorrow on Mar 3, 2023 9:16:56 GMT
Oh I loved Bare at Mountview. It's a musical I had wanted to see live for some time and had never managed to catch before now so I was quite excited.
|
|
|
Post by fiyerorocher on Mar 3, 2023 13:28:49 GMT
I also loved Mountview's Bare. They did throw me a little with the lyric changes to Plain Jane! I suppose it makes sense to change it if you can't cast the right actress for the regular version, but when you know how it's supposed to do, it does sound off. The Nadia I saw was absolutely excellent, regardless.
|
|
3,059 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Mar 21, 2023 13:27:28 GMT
The next batch of Mountview productions are on sale.
Gas Station Angel The Little Mermaid (Disney) Oh What A Lovely War Once
The booking system is struggling under the strain, but I would book now if you want seats to the more popular choices.
|
|
|
Post by thistimetomorrow on Mar 21, 2023 20:08:36 GMT
Oh no! Once has already sold out (for the evening performances, only weekday matinees left)
|
|
|
Post by FrontroverPaul on Mar 21, 2023 23:58:29 GMT
Oh no! Once has already sold out (for the evening performances, only weekday matinees left) It's in the smaller Backstage Theatre at Mountview, possibly because of the planned staging being similar to Bare. I was lucky because I wanted a matinee and that's all that was left by 4.30 this afternoon. The concert version filled 90% of the Palladium for two performances earlier this month so clearly has a substantial following.
|
|
|
Post by thistimetomorrow on Mar 22, 2023 8:18:05 GMT
I was lucky because I wanted a matinee and that's all that was left by 4.30 this afternoon. I'll just have to keep checking back for returns. It's a show I've always wanted to see live, but not had the chance to.
|
|
|
Post by FrontroverPaul on Apr 19, 2023 14:20:51 GMT
Two musicals now on sale at the Royal Academy Of Music, Susie Sainsbury Theatre in the Marylebone Road, London.
Jane Eyre from Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 June (UK premiere ?)
Carousel from Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 July.
I've booked front row stalls seats for both which only cost £10. Says Restriced View but was fine when I was last there and the show was superb.
|
|
|
Post by thistimetomorrow on Apr 19, 2023 22:28:52 GMT
Carousel from Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 July. ooh thank you for this! Will be booking this
|
|
|
Post by cartoonman on Apr 20, 2023 9:19:24 GMT
Thanks for the tip off. I have booked for Carousel. I don't know the Susie Sainsbury Theatre but from images on the internet it looks great.
|
|
532 posts
|
Post by jek on Apr 20, 2023 12:41:48 GMT
Thank you FrontroverPaul I have just booked for Carousel. I haven't been to the Susie Sainsbury Theatre but I see that it won RIBA London Building of the Year in 2018. I remember that while it was being built the RAM staged their 2016 production of Sweeney Todd at Theatre Royal Stratford East and it was terrific. So I am hopeful of good things.
|
|
3,059 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 22, 2023 10:09:11 GMT
Gas Station Angel - Mountview
An excellent production of a play from the musical theatre students (with a fair amount of dancing - although I don't recommend careers as professional skateboarders).
Josh Butler was adorable in the lead role of Ace, perfect Welsh accent too (who would have guessed?)
This isn't a play I know at all, but it's engrossing with several linked threads, all of which come together (the timelines are a little confusing, but that's probably by design - not helped by using those coloured disposable vapes that are so popular now, but weren't sold at the time the play is meant to be set in).
This is played in the Backstage Theatre, with the audience on two sides. No issues with hearing any of the lines. There are loud noise warnings, but unless I missed something (and I don't normally like loud noises), this was just music and thunder, with relatively quiet sound effects. There's also a gunshot warning, which always puts me on edge, but again this is just background sound (and light effects), so nothing to worry about.
Final two performances today and there are still tickets left. Run time is 2 hours 15 minutes, including an interval. The plays at Mountview never seem to sell out, so there were lots of other Mountview students and staff in last night (plus some students I think I recognised from other theatre schools). Still, this shows there's more to this group than just signing and dancing.
|
|
258 posts
|
Post by notmymuse on Apr 23, 2023 15:59:39 GMT
|
|
258 posts
|
Post by notmymuse on Apr 23, 2023 16:14:26 GMT
And also:
Trinity Laban has Amour (19-20 May), Our House (26-27 May) and Loserville (20-24 June), all at The Albany I think.
RAM are doing Jane Eyre 15-18 June
25 April - 3 May LSMT are doing SOMA (a new musical)
|
|
|
Post by thistimetomorrow on Apr 23, 2023 16:47:45 GMT
Thanks for this! Just booked
|
|
|
Post by FrontroverPaul on Apr 23, 2023 17:14:08 GMT
Some good tips there thank you.
I've booked Company at RADA and Trinity Laban's Amour at the Albany Theatre Lewisham. I tried to book Loserville too - which is at Blackheath Halls - but it's either sold out or not yet on sale as there's no Book Now button against any of the dates.
|
|
3,059 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 23, 2023 17:27:13 GMT
Trinity Laban has Amour (19-20 May), Our House (26-27 May) and Loserville (20-24 June), all at The Albany I think. Loserville is at Blackheath Halls, but booking doesn't seem to be open yet (unless it's already shared out). Thanks, I've booked Company (and had already booked Jane Eyre), may well book some others. Mostly now just waiting for ArtsEd to announce, as there next productions are meant to be in May, and they normally go in the blink of an eye.
|
|
887 posts
|
Post by max on Apr 23, 2023 17:28:35 GMT
Thanks for the tip off re. 'Company' at RADA. I see from their website it's the version with female Bobby.
|
|
3,059 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 23, 2023 21:13:25 GMT
Performers College are performing Kipps and Made In Dagenham in May, both at the Broadway Theatre in Barking. I can't work out how to book online, but there's more information here: performerscollege.co.uk/college-productions/
|
|
4,594 posts
|
Post by Someone in a tree on Apr 24, 2023 6:20:45 GMT
Thanks for the tip off re. 'Company' at RADA. I see from their website it's the version with female Bobby. I thought it was the male Bobby as its BobbY and not BobbI
|
|
887 posts
|
Post by max on Apr 24, 2023 9:09:56 GMT
Thanks for the tip off re. 'Company' at RADA. I see from their website it's the version with female Bobby. I thought it was the male Bobby as its BobbY and not BobbI I hadn't clocked that the spelling was changed for the female version in the West End and on Broadway. A line on RADA's website says: "Bobby tries to decide whether marital bliss is in her future." Perhaps this is yet another innovation. After all, there is a third way (at the very least number).
|
|
4,594 posts
|
Post by Someone in a tree on Apr 24, 2023 17:40:48 GMT
I thought it was the male Bobby as its BobbY and not BobbI I hadn't clocked that the spelling was changed for the female version in the West End and on Broadway. A line on RADA's website says: "Bobby tries to decide whether marital bliss is in her future." Perhaps this is yet another innovation. After all, there is a third way (at the very least number). Apologies. Jessica Revell is cast as Bobby and they are using the 'male' script. Sounds interesting. Sold!
|
|
3,059 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 24, 2023 18:39:04 GMT
ArtsEd have announced their 23/24 shows, which I presume are next academic year. Not on sale yet.
Made in Dagenham Drowsy Chaperone Sweet Charity Rent
|
|
|
Post by QueerTheatre on Apr 25, 2023 14:13:39 GMT
I saw Mountview's The Little Mermaid last night & the cast were universally excellent. My first time in The Mack but it struck me how much it looks like the Arts Ed theatre - do all drama schools have the same architects!?
The show was lovely, despite some questionable directing decisions, like mermaids on office chairs etc but the cast sold it enough and it was a joy to hear the full score live for the first time.
|
|
3,059 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Apr 25, 2023 14:54:02 GMT
The Little Mermaid - Mountview
I caught the first performance of the Land Cast yesterday, which started about 20 minutes late (very unusual). I think this is meant as rather a send-off of the show, but as I've never seen the film (or the stage version), it's hard to say.
As so often happens at Mountview, the theatre was packed with other students, many of whom were very enthusiastic. Thankfully, no hecklers this time. They're all very supportive of each other. Well done to Josh Butler for recovering from a nasty trip as well.
It's always amusing being around MT students rushing out for the interval to cram in maximum vaping time!
It's a fun show. The star is really the projection artist, as so much of this relies on hand-drawn sketches showing events (rather than having these scenes acted out). Otherwise much of the action takes place with people being wheeled about on chairs and in supermarket trolleys, just like the world "under the sea". All performed with odd costumes and a variety of regional accents. It really isn't a complex plot, so it's easy enough to follow.
The highlight is Peter Lavery as Flounder, the most likeable fish puppet of all time.
Unusually, the band are on the stage and there's no orchestra pit, so there's leg room in the front row. It does make the stage seem smaller than usual.
Some of the Mountview reimagined shows work better than others. Carousel last year was a highlight. This didn't work quite so well for me, but the music sounds fantastic and the cast look to be having a lot of fun, so what's not to like?
|
|
3,059 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on May 22, 2023 9:38:53 GMT
Amour - Trinity Labon
I attended the Friday matinee and thought this was rather charming. Not a musical I know at all, but performed to a very professional standard with an excellent band. I don't think this gets produced very often. The plot is rather slight, but there's some obvious talent in this cast. I'd put this at the upper side of student shows and I'll definitely try and get along to more Trinity Laban productions.
Oh, What A Lovely War! - Mountview
Strictly speaking, I think this qualifies as a play with music. Mountview seem to dislike their students ever having a traditional production on their CVs, so this was performed in modern clothes and with about half the script thrown away. I am sure this is the first time this has ever been performed with a MC who lists the names of the male actors who "take it up the a***" at the start. It was noted that these were the Acting students, not Musical Theatre students, so the list was relatively short. Even as actors, there's some obvious singing and dancing talent there. Add to this a Chorus Line sequence, references to Arts Ed students and the like, and you'll get an idea.
Friday evening was pretty full, although I've been told that this wasn't all that busy earlier in the week (even Zach, the MC, announced the same thing, along with a call for Agents to make themselves known - but it seemed this show was mostly family and other students). I must say, I did enjoy this more than I expected. I've only ever seen this with a tiny cast before, so a full stage of people, even in their street clothes, made a big difference. Lots of opportunities for portfolio pieces from the cast too, so a good choice of play. The screen was used to good effect with visuals and statistics. I despair for the audience members who can't control themselves enough to not laugh when the Ukraine invasion is mentioned though.
Thanks also to Joey Walden for being a gentleman and holding the door for me. He was already one of my favourites of the year.
Once - Mountview
Funnily enough, when I was there on Friday, they were letting people in to see Once, even though the first listed performance was on Saturday. So I presume that was an invited Dress Rehearsal or the like.
Anyway, this is a really excellent production in the intimate Backstage Theatre, with an audience on three sides. I saw the Saturday matinee. It is performed by the Actor-Musician students, most of whom play several instruments, sit in the audience at various times, and talk to the audience before the show. According to one of the Spotlight profiles, it's also the first student production of Once, although I've not been able to verify that. Very professional and, unusually for Mountview, very traditional.
This was the last but one show I saw before lockdown and I'd forgotten both how gentle but also how poignant this is. One lady was tearful almost the whole show. Apart from suspending disbelief a bit about the ages of some of the cast, this works very well. So much so that I do have more viewings booked in. If you do go, remember to be seated about 15 minutes early. Like other productions of Once, there's a pre-show, although I don't remember being asked to join in with the singing (I had to spare the audience on this occasion).
|
|
3,059 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on May 29, 2023 12:35:21 GMT
The Mountview series of shows with their postgraduate students is booking for June and July. The musicals are Mrs Beeton Says (which I've booked for) and Emma: No One But Herself (which I haven't booked for, as I'm away). There are also some plays.
Company - RADA
I saw this recently, the first time I think, I've ever been to a RADA show. This is very good, although the students are primarily acting rather than musical theatre students. Seating is unallocated.
Most the people around me seemed to be RADA graduates with children on stage. Someone was being congratulated for recent awards. Alas, I still couldn't work out who they were. But it seemed a much more stagey crowd than many other theatre school shows (although I did spot someone who had been in the audience at Mountview with me the day before).
I see this as something of a cross between the original and gender swapped books. In this version, Bobbie is a 35 year old woman in New York who is looking for a wife. She has a very diverse set of friends. There are a few small wording changes so everything makes sense, but generally it works very well.
Once - Mountview
Just wanted to add that I did manage to see both casts (main roles double cast) and both were excellent. My favourite student production of the year so far.
Funniest thing was leaving the matinee and passing Callum Moir sat outside, then finding him sat behind me at Newsies a few hours later, but it's a small world!
|
|