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Post by lynette on Dec 16, 2023 16:53:37 GMT
What’s on Stage: It’s flawed but feisty, and frankly, any show that can seamlessly weave “Y Viva España”, Irish dancing and Nick Lowe’s “Peace, Love and Understanding” together with such a sense of raucous, chaotic joy has earned itself an extra star. 4* Will look to catch it over Christmas, oxfordsimon second time you have motivated me to catch a play, seeing Glacier on Fri evening as was in Oxford this weekend anyway. Seeing this on 30th - Neil? I note about the seating; found it quite peculiar and yes, moves unexpectedly so beware.
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Post by lynette on Dec 13, 2023 21:36:05 GMT
Still thinking about this. The headphones both added and detracted. Added in the sense that the actors could really whisper and could use literally all of the tones in their arsenal, which were not inconsiderable (DT’s beautiful diction was amazing, his pronunciation of “rhubarb” was worth the price of admission on its own, and Cush Jumbo was stellar). Detracted in the sense that the actors were there, and acting, and we could see them, but the immediacy of live theatre was taken away a bit, for me. I tried taking my headphones off at one point (the beginning of “act 2” has some potential audience participation for those in the front row, be warned (I think you can decline by not making eye contact)) but there was too much going on to really do that for very long. The headphones worked beautifully with the witches, though. Overall I enjoyed it very much, there was some really superb acting. Thanks for posting this. Sounds like a nightmare for me. I’m not a headphones kinda gal at the best of times.
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Post by lynette on Dec 13, 2023 11:19:10 GMT
I think it's an uninspiring appointment, but I don't know who else (if anyone) was either considered or wanted the job. As most of the press coverage prioritises who she is rather than the work she's done I will say I'm concerned by her inept handling of two controversies while running the Kiln (the renaming of the theatre, and their refusal to host the UK Jewish film festival) - the NT job is very high-profile and diplomacy is one of the talents needed. On the programming side I expect she'll continue the Norris trend of tending to programme stuff of interest to Guardian readers, narrowing the audience appeal from Hytner's day. ... Here's Arifa Akbar in the Guardian: "In 2017, he {Norris} was criticised for his focus on new, forward-facing work at the expense at established classics. But that approach was vindicated when the work he chose – Tony Kushner’s Angels in America (1991) and Stephen Sondheim’s Follies (1971) – went on to commercial success with Tony award wins and Broadway transfers". So in her view two established classics from almost 50 and 30 years ago count as "new, forward-facing" work and the measure of success for NT productions is commercial success in USA. Last year, national has had a whole load of successes which have transferred to the west end or about to transfer. Dear england, motive and the Cue, crucible, e.t.c. I assume alba and the witches will be the same 50/50 (approx) new work. He's regime is clearly ending very strongly in commercial terms On indu, the kiln thing was a storm in a teacup really, no one really cared after a few months. The Jewish film stuff was more of an issue but that's all in the past now as well Commercially and artistically, she's done well at the Kilm, I'm sure she'll do well at the NT Not ‘in the past’ for everyone. Looking back from where we are now, the Tricycle refusal to host the Israeli film festival was somewhat of a canary in the mine, wasn’t it? Institutions are under pressure to cut ties with all kinds of people, things, issues and the NT will come under pressure in just the same way. Maybe being in the middle of extensive dental treatment is dampening my spirits but I am not optimistic, not at all.
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Post by lynette on Dec 9, 2023 23:12:45 GMT
Just got back after seeing the first preview. The first thing you spot is the headphones on all the seats. When you put them on they tell you which ear they should be on. I’m not sure if they added anything to the performance but you could hear everything very clearly. Certain parts of dialog only came through the headphones, for example, I heard the witches but never saw them. The stage itself is just a raised square in the middle with a large ‘window’ in the background through which you can see other members of the cast at certain times. Overall I enjoyed it but couldn’t say it was the best Macbeth I’ve seen. I enjoyed David Tennant’s performance but preferred Cush Jumbo as Lady M. I’m not very good at writing these things but I’m glad I saw it Thanks for posting. I do get a good idea of the show from this. I sent my tix back because I didn’t want to have to use the earphones. I couldn’t understand the concept. Why wear if you are supposed to be listening to what is in front of you? Still puzzled.
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Post by lynette on Nov 25, 2023 15:45:44 GMT
I’m just thinking how clever to schedule this over the Xmas holiday period. RSC take note.
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Post by lynette on Nov 25, 2023 10:42:36 GMT
Dear England is about British football, it does fine in London but it's a bit foreign for New York audiences. It's abiut English football, not British football. The clue's in the name. Not so foreign if they watch the Wrexham programmes which are very good by the way.
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Post by lynette on Nov 12, 2023 22:20:38 GMT
My GP surgery has just changed hands and they now have a booking system of online only. I'm quite PC literate but even I couldn't figure it out. You have to choose your symptons from long list but mine (a very common one) not there so you can't go any further. Spoke to reception and 3 of then couldn't find it either. I told them that if they couldn't do it then what chance do the rest of us stand especially the elderly and those whose first language is not English. Now if you have an "inverted nipple" you are good to go but high pressure is a no no. They agreed with me and said their IT people would look into it. Good news is they have phoned me and told me my sympton is now on the list. But now even though the doctor has told me to book a follow up appointment in a months time I've been told I can only request it online 2 days before!!! So if you didn't have high blood pressure you will have after trying to book an appointment. You have my sympathy. My surgery asks you to fill in a load of boxes with the problem. There isn’t a list of symptoms thank goodness. But the point you make is important. How do people with limited IT skills manage? It took me a while to get the hang of it and I’m ok with computer, not brilliant. But what I’m thinking is how do you know what your symptoms are? The one you have that might be the key or help to diagnosis is the one you don’t know about but shows up in a way a person to person talk would show up. A doctor looking at you, seeing how you move, get up from a chair, the colour of your skin, your hard breathing etc would see symptoms you just haven’t bought about. Surgeries have become bureaucratic, tick box exercises, ‘scientific’ and careless. Yes, careless in both senses of the word. I’ve had plenty of experience with doctors. I’ve been very lucky with most and treatments but I can tell ya a few stories….
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Post by lynette on Oct 31, 2023 20:28:24 GMT
Maybe the whole point is the broadcast; on the telly it doesn’t really matter where the voice is coming from. I must say that I booked this to hear and see Tennant act in front of me. I can access him on YouTube any day if the week. As for hygiene, I take the point that any close contact is risky a la Covid but wearing something right on your face which might have been just before on the face of someone with covid or a cold doesn’t appeal. I’m not a silly person, I don’t still wear a mask and all that but I do have serious reservations which the person I spoke to at the theatre could not help me with.
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Post by lynette on Oct 31, 2023 13:13:55 GMT
I don’t have a problem with casting young. A bit more direction needed maybe. At least we didn’t need earphones….
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Post by lynette on Oct 31, 2023 13:11:31 GMT
I loved The Encounter but not certain how those techniques transfer to Shakespeare. Please tell me how it worked for Encounter because i am very wary of this. The earphones are fixed to seat, wired in and volume fixed. This much i know. How did they work for hearing aid wearers and also what about the hygiene? Not to be too paranoid we are still Covidy, and I’m not sure I want to wear something worn by someone with a cold, let alone Covid and then wiped over with a germ laden j cloth by an underpaid FOH.
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Post by lynette on Oct 28, 2023 12:31:04 GMT
I was highly sceptical and ended up won over So don't write it off Tbh we can’t fit it in. But i am concerned about the RSC’c basic programming. Hoping for better imo with new guys
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Post by lynette on Oct 27, 2023 22:07:48 GMT
All this warm weather, that’s the problem. What we need a re regular thunder storms and hail. Won’t see so many protests then. One of the ‘side issues’ of climate change is sociopolitical.
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Post by lynette on Oct 27, 2023 22:04:31 GMT
😂
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Post by lynette on Oct 27, 2023 21:46:01 GMT
I saw this end of last week, and felt it to be...fine. Brave piece of programming from the RSC, and it touched on a lot of issues/current affairs topics, but I don't feel like it did any of them particularly well, or in any real depth, and thus I came away unsure of what a lot of the point of it was. 5 stars for effort for sure (it's really quite bold for this to be in the RSC considering it's core audience) - but 3 star execution. I think I’m a core and I ain’t going.
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Post by lynette on Oct 27, 2023 21:43:05 GMT
I can’t give this all those stars , Steve. It just wasn’t that good for me. I liked the pace, the stark setting was interesting with its turning wheel references, the costumes just too dreary for me. I mean this is a kingdom we are fighting for here, lads. No sign of it. The young actors didn’t cut it for me. They were not grounded enough, they need to dig in, breathe, connect with the audience more. Edmund had a good go at this and I’d see him again. Gloucester being older, managed this. Kenny was workmanlike, not great. With luck, I might see his second go in a few years’ time. The trouble is, these days with our longevity we expect ‘old’ to mean 80s and seeing Kenny’s nice - he’s been to the gym- body didn’t cut it for me. ( in another way, it provided a pleasant distraction ) No great insights. Nothing thrilling. They all spoke clearly but I’m not sure they all understood what they were saying. 3* for me.
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Post by lynette on Oct 22, 2023 17:42:39 GMT
Sounds very interesting, thanks Steve and Anthony for your appraisals. I’m hoping I like Uthred and the Vikings. I do remember Noggin the Nog - any resemblance? 😂
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Post by lynette on Oct 22, 2023 13:38:09 GMT
😳
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Post by lynette on Oct 21, 2023 20:23:35 GMT
Boring question what time will I be out of a Saturday matinee? Need to work out eating arrangements. Website states 2hr 50mins running time and I think I cleared the theatre about 2205hrs when I saw it last week Ta. Long one, then. I can’t remember it being that long at the NT. Must have been enjoying myself. Will take extra snacks.
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Post by lynette on Oct 20, 2023 20:51:04 GMT
Had a lovely 4 day break with my partner in Amsterdam, saw all the tourist sights and had a wonderful time. Then we both tested positive for COVID the day we got home (both triple jabbed). Couped up in bed. Has anyone else had “new” covid yet? It’s really not pleasant. Going on a week now and if anything seems to be getting worse with more and more symptoms. O dear. Miserable. Escaped so far but pals tell me it isn’t fun. It never was. Wish you better.
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Post by lynette on Oct 20, 2023 20:44:35 GMT
I wish they kept the FOH cafe/bar open after an evening show. Do they think people will be eating at the places in the NT? Hmm….
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Post by lynette on Oct 20, 2023 20:39:18 GMT
Boring question what time will I be out of a Saturday matinee? Need to work out eating arrangements.
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Post by lynette on Oct 12, 2023 19:22:59 GMT
The book is called Hamnet. The stage adaptation of the book is called Hamnet. The book was wildly popular worldwide (1.5 million copies sold), received tons of media attention, and its name is very well-known. To think this is some sort of intentional effort from the theatre to mislead potential patrons makes little sense. Any marketer would wisely want to capitalize on the popularity of the book by using its name as the title for the play. Yes, sorry, bit of a wind up. But actually if you speak to the Box Office there, in the beginning there was some confusion.
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Post by lynette on Oct 12, 2023 19:18:48 GMT
Prob too late but Danny and Tamara ( I know, I’m being familiar ) should read this thread for the programming of The Swan
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Post by lynette on Oct 12, 2023 19:13:24 GMT
‘Dazzling drama, Skylight’. Who are they trying to kid? It is interesting and well written but it ain’t dazzling. So many other plays but of course this a one set, and a two hander, isn’t it? (Maybe a third ch appears?) So cheap.
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Post by lynette on Oct 12, 2023 19:10:18 GMT
If you're thinking of visiting the City Art Gallery and Museum then be aware that it is currently closed for "essential ongoing maintenance work". It’s a disgrace. They can’t afford to keep it open. No doubt nobody actually cares a toss what is inside the building.
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Post by lynette on Oct 12, 2023 19:07:02 GMT
I'd almost forgotten about this thread as it's slipped so far down, but felt I should mention the gorgeous lady (in her own eyes) in the audience of The Little Big Things a couple of weeks ago. She came in 'look at me', swishing her long blonde hair and making a futile attempt to pull down her impossibly short skirt. Having taken her seat, she made sure her skirt was so high you could almost see what she'd had for lunch, then set about sorting out her hair. Leaving it 'toss toss' loose clearly wasn't an option, as she first tried it in a top knot, which still wasn't satisfactory, so she opted then for a pony tail. All the time she was twisting in her seat, making sure that she could be 'seen'. When everything was finally to her satisfaction, she finished by taking off her shoes, only putting them back on in the interval so she could fetch wine. Granted she wasn't doing this during the show (apart from the bare feet), but it was attention seeking and distracting, as she was seated next to me. Just a side note on hair. When someone’s hair is so long it hangs back over the seat..that.
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HS2
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Post by lynette on Oct 12, 2023 19:04:39 GMT
Good on you. I strongly feel that in the long term it will be understood how the very weak Cameron, has been worse for this country than the cumulative effects of Corbyn, Boris and Truss together. HS2 was initiated by Gordon Brown. Newly converted scourge of the NIMBYs Kier Starmer campaigned against it going through his constituency in full NIMBY mode. Yes, Brown signed it off but it was in the pipeline so to speak before him. It took them ten minutes to discuss it and no projections of cost were discussed ( so I’m told)
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Post by lynette on Oct 4, 2023 17:55:58 GMT
Did anyone catch part one of this on the BBC on sunday, filmed in a studio back in the mid 60's and beautifully introduced by Dame Janet. It's almost cleared up a lifetime mystery. I was 8 as our filming went on a barging holiday through Stratford when this was on stage. And there was a buzz - remember those. In the garden up by the Dirty Duck or a bit further was a monumental sword stuck in the grass and permantly on fire. an impressive sight that everyone says i invented. I remember the texture of the metal, and there is this recording, was the smae metal work, continuing the theme. I wish someone else remembers the sword as it made such an impression I was a precocious babe in arms and saw Ian Holm in Richard III. Nuff said.
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Post by lynette on Oct 4, 2023 17:33:19 GMT
It was a silly idea in the first place. The trains are needed in the north and locally. Undoing some of the damage of a car focused Beeching destruction would be good. They ( a Brown cabinet ) took literally ten minutes to wave this project through with no discussion at cabinet level of cost and future plans. Cameron ( let’s be honest, both the big parties supported this) liked the Japanese bullet trains he saw. Give me strength. He had no understanding of how Japan got their infrastructure going, how UK lagged behind; his understanding of history and his arrogance has almost ruined this country. But not quite. If they do really improve the transport in the northern tons and the links across the country, you never know, it might help us all. The companies making money will scream and shout, the vested interest people will yell and squark. But get these workers going in the right places, people won’t suffer lack of income.
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Post by lynette on Oct 4, 2023 17:26:52 GMT
Christmas usually busy for the shows that children will like and the ‘outings’ shows. Personally I would book in advance so you can then not worry and go to a few ‘sights’, do a bit of shopping and eat knowing you are fixed up.
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