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Post by bimse on Nov 6, 2017 18:37:39 GMT
The worst panto appearance I ever saw was Frank Bruno [/quote]Jarred Christmas. Catalogued several times on here, won't repeat it. But, ugh. [/quote]
Never saw Jarred Christmas , but heard about him , sounds horrendous. Sorry for reminding you !
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Post by bimse on Nov 6, 2017 16:07:35 GMT
The worst panto appearance I ever saw was Frank Bruno , in Bradford . I can’t call it a “performance” because he simply didn’t do anything , he just appeared on stage every now and then , looking bewildered , to shouts of BRUUUNO! BRUUUNO! from the kids in the audience. The hard working comic who was holding the entire show together (Paul Squire, a joyous performance ) made everyone laugh , Bruno went “HU HU HU HU” in his deep voice , and walked off. Talk about money for old rope , pointless.
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Post by bimse on Nov 6, 2017 15:57:36 GMT
I love pantomime, but there are so few true panto performers left these days. It’s a very special art, if done properly . Christopher Biggins is playing Dame in Richmond, in what might be his last panto. Sadly I won’t be able to get to Richmond.
That’s a good enough cue for a Biggins story which amused me greatly ....... When Biggins won “I’m a Celebrity...” he was asked what training could possibly have prepared him for being deposited into a strange place, made to do silly things, and forced to spend great lengths of time with people who might annoy or irritate him. Biggins replied that he’d done panto with The Krankies .
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Post by bimse on Nov 6, 2017 15:41:43 GMT
What I really want to see is the Sondheim version of Sunset, which he was going to write for Angela Lansbury in the early seventies before deciding it was a bad idea. Can't help thinking it would've been a much better show. I hate Angela Lansbury singing , her Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd sounds so strained. Even though it’s a speak/sing kind of role (not sure what the correct term is) I still find it uncomfortable to listen to. Same as I find Glen Close uncomfortable to listen to as Norma Desmond, even though she’s a good actress, but having said that I wouldn’t say she’s a GREAT actress, her Norma Desmond is (for me) way over the top and not an enjoyable performance at all. I think for me, the key word is MUSICAL. It’s a musical, which requires a musical performance, not a rasping , pretend to sing and act like crazy performance .
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Follies
Nov 5, 2017 14:09:04 GMT
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Post by bimse on Nov 5, 2017 14:09:04 GMT
I hated the guys in drag, it didn’t fit, wasn’t well performed. Glad they’ve changed it , but it’d be interested to know why .
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Post by bimse on Nov 5, 2017 9:05:37 GMT
Saw the matinee yesterday (4th November) at the Palace Theatre, Manchester. Superb performance from Ria Jones, now my favourite Norma (I saw Patti LuPone, Petula Clark, Faith Brown). She has an amazing voice , and really does justice to what I think are some of ALW’s best songs . Fact is, she SINGS beautifully, and impressively. I’ve seen clips of Glen Close in this role, and to be honest, I found her uncomfortable to watch, yes she’s a better actress, but in this she’s way over the top, and her singing is not good enough for many of these songs. Just my opinion of course.
Danny Mac, who I had no prior knowledge of, was a revelation, perfect for Joe Gillis. Just one slight flaw (as a previous poster has observed) was his constant pronunciation of “ booo-leeeee-vard” in the second act opener was jarring , but these are two really fine principal performers . Adam Pearce was wonderful as Max, what a voice! Molly Lynch gave a lovely performance as Betty , in fact all the ensemble were well cast .
The set was well thought out, busy at times, good projections , but I would have liked to see a bit more gothic bling for the mansion interior, it was a bit too dark, and I wasn’t keen on the way Norma kept getting stranded at the top of the stairs , in view of the audience , before either returning back down stairs, or wheeled off on a tower .
Overall , I absolute loved this show , memorable performances all round , and I’ll try and see it again , maybe in Bradford . Liverpool is on the tour , but I’m not keen on the Empire.
On the merchandise front , I’m glad I was at the matinee, as programmes were selling out, and I noticed photocopies being prepared for the evening audience.
I sat in the front circle (I hate the overhangs at the Palace , in the rear stalls and circle , which make it appear like you’re looking through a letterbox, they should sell these seats as restricted view, the top of the set is rarely visible, not always an issue for some shows I know). The circle was about 2 thirds full, and the gallery was open , so I guess not a bad matinee audience .
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Post by bimse on Nov 3, 2017 22:27:52 GMT
5* from The Stage? Really?
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Post by bimse on Oct 29, 2017 15:37:22 GMT
Wow @burlybear that Young Frankenstein magnet is the mother of all souvenir magnets. I like a nice handbill myself , they look good framed , the fold out half sized ones aren’t as good somehow , lots of information but not as good to frame .
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Post by bimse on Oct 28, 2017 21:46:50 GMT
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Post by bimse on Oct 28, 2017 15:50:33 GMT
Not surprised either, I agree it’s a dreadful production of a great opera . Some really pretentious and self-indulgent ideas which totally ruin the piece . I’m surprised it’s been brought back . This is the second consecutive production of Lucia di Lammermoor which has massacred a beautiful opera .
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Post by bimse on Oct 28, 2017 14:10:44 GMT
Every year the family book a surprise theatre trip for my birthday. This year the offspring left it to Mr Tibs, who chose and booked Annie. (Will review on both Annie and Bad Behaviour threads another time.) However. After about 10 minutes Mr Tibs leaned over and the conversation went like this: Him: She seems a bit young to be wielding a gun. Me: Eh? That's not a gun. It's a scrubbing brush. Him: I know that, tch. But later she'll have a gun, right? Me: There are no guns in Annie! Him: Yes there are. It's not called 'Annie Get Your Scrubbing Brush,' is it?😖😖😖🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫 That’s priceless , I love it 🤣🤣 From your review Tibidabo that conversation was funnier than the show ? Annie is one of those shows I intend to avoid forever, and I only ever saw “Annie get your scrubbing brush” once , in New York with Bernadette Peters playing the part of Bernadette Peters . A first and last time for both the show and it’s star .
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Post by bimse on Oct 22, 2017 19:07:01 GMT
I also remember going to plays at the Opera House, usually comedies, one memorable one being a version of Nearest and Dearest with Hilda Baker, Jimmy Jewel and Madge Hindle.[/quote]
Do you have any recollection what year Hylda Baker and Jimmy Jewel did their stage play at the Royal Opera House? They did it at the Grand Theatre in Blackpool in the 1960s for a tremendously successful summer season , but as I understand they didn’t get on very well with each other , and it wasn’t repeated .
The Blackpool season had a pre season run in Bristol, maybe Scarborough was also a pre season showing?
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Post by bimse on Oct 20, 2017 6:40:54 GMT
Thanks for reminding me of this, she was hilarious , as was Olivia Colman in Beautiful People. I also loved Meera Syal as the granny in the chat show comedy .
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Post by bimse on Oct 20, 2017 6:38:21 GMT
Meera Syal ..... National Treasure if ever there was one .
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Corrie
Oct 19, 2017 16:15:11 GMT
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Post by bimse on Oct 19, 2017 16:15:11 GMT
Coronation St is definitely looking very much like Sitges in low season (from what I’m told 🤔) . I think they’re planning on relocating from Salford to Spain, they could rebrand it as Eldorado ..... on second thoughts forget that idea 🙄
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Post by bimse on Oct 18, 2017 16:17:10 GMT
I'm seeing this in about a months time. I wouldn't miss any opera at ROH with DiDonato in the cast. She's also doing a recital there, with Pappano on piano, in June 2018, so that's mandatory too. Joyce DiDonato is tremendous, saw her as Romeo in a very dark production of I Capleti e I Montecchi in Zurich , well worth seeing, it's on DVD , I'd recommend it to Bellini and DiDonato fans .
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Post by bimse on Oct 18, 2017 16:14:11 GMT
We'll be there on the final performance in two months time! Have just secured a S/H CD set of Sutherland/Horne/Bonyange for £12 and will be fully prepared. I always enjoy the Cheryl Studer/Samuel Ramey/Jennifer Larmore recording . I saw Jennifer Larmore as Arsace in Berlin, she was sensational , and it was an excellent production, very well imagined , Semiramide as a Jackie Onassis type character.
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Post by bimse on Oct 18, 2017 11:31:14 GMT
Is anyone seeing Semiramide? I must admit I'm not seeing it, I can't justify the expense of a trip to London and Covent Garden prices, not in view of the fact I watched the live streaming from Munich a few months ago.
I thought the cast were wonderful , I always enjoy Daniela Barcelona (met her once in Pesaro , she was delightful , but that's for another thread). Joyce diDonato was superb as well , as expected.
It's a difficult opera to stage , but I thought the setting was good and interesting .
If I lived locally I'd happily take a cheap seat or a standing place to see it again, but as I say the addition of transport and accommodation in London can't be justified at present.
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Post by bimse on Oct 7, 2017 20:04:07 GMT
Another vote for Lisbon. They also sell those little egg custard tarts everywhere. And they are beyond delicious! If we are throwing out capitals for a weekend break, can I also chuck in Budapest? I went over the summer, and that place is just amazing... The custard tarts are delicious, they're a must when in portugal, and I agree about Budapest too, I've had a few days there two summers running now, and just love it .
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Post by bimse on Oct 7, 2017 13:22:54 GMT
Same here, as non-Brit without a telly, I get really lost when it comes to celebrities or famous people. Usually, when I ask at work whom certain person is I get the answer "He was in Strictly/EastEnders/Corrie/etc." I'm British, have a TV and had no idea who Danny Mac is either . I'm hoping he's a revelation as an actor. I'm so looking forward to Sunset Boulevard , but I must admit my heart sank when I found out his background . I realise plenty of really good actors have been in soaps , such as Suranne Jones, Sarah Lancashire etc , but for every one of these fine actors there seems to be an over publicised one act shouty soap actor .
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Post by bimse on Oct 7, 2017 13:12:36 GMT
Lisbon is often overlooked and it’s absolutely beautiful. I was there every few weeks for a couple of years when a friend was working there and it’s a great weekend destination at any time of year. I agree about Lisbon, it's a lovely city and you can very easily (and cheaply) get to Sintra to see the royal palaces. I nearly went back to Lisbon in August , but decided on Porto (flights were amazingly cheap). It's a charming city, full of faded grandeur, surprisingly set on a river gorge, with some beautiful bridges over the river and gorge . Amazing buildings with coloured tiles on the inside and outside, including the most beautiful railway station I've seen . I meant to add, the Portuguese people I've met are incredibly helpful, friendly and welcoming. Always a big plus .
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Post by bimse on Oct 7, 2017 13:09:24 GMT
Lisbon is often overlooked and it’s absolutely beautiful. I was there every few weeks for a couple of years when a friend was working there and it’s a great weekend destination at any time of year. I agree about Lisbon, it's a lovely city and you can very easily (and cheaply) get to Sintra to see the royal palaces. I nearly went back to Lisbon in August , but decided on Porto (flights were amazingly cheap). It's a charming city, full of faded grandeur, surprisingly set on a river gorge, with some beautiful bridges over the river and gorge . Amazing buildings with coloured tiles on the inside and outside, including the most beautiful railway station I've seen .
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Post by bimse on Oct 1, 2017 7:40:33 GMT
Seeing the Spanish version of The Bodyguard (El Guardaespaldas) next Thursday in Madrid. I also bought tickets for the Spanish versions of Billy Elliot and Next to Normal (Casi Normales), both in Madrid as well. I'm glad they are bringing new musical adaptations to my country for a change, instead of reviving Mamma Mia or The Sound of Music again. I was in Madrid in May, and noticed Billy Elliot was due to open . I'd be interested to know if it's a success there? Do the audience "get" the background story of the miners strike ? I was surprised to see see it playing in Budapest as well, I always thought Billy Elliot would be too British in its setting for European audiences .
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Post by bimse on Sept 29, 2017 21:48:30 GMT
I'm guessing the original poster will have been to Vegas already and seen something... My vote is for 'O', the most original, breathtaking show you are ever likely to see anywhere, beating Le Reve (not Cirque but Dragone, creator of Celine Dion's A New Day at Caesar's) by a whisker or two because of its sheer size. Le Reve has been through several incarnations too, and having seen it twice, I preferred its first version! 'O' is the best. Ka is superb, and Mystere too. Love is great. Zumanity is also worth a go. Criss Angel is appalling (got a refund for inaccurate representation on Cirque's website). Not seen the Michael Jackson show- doesn't appeal. Offers for all shows on Cirque's website, depending on when you want to go. I saw Mystere shortly after it first opened, and O when that first opened , I haven't seen any other of Cirque du Soleil's Las Vegas shows, but Mystere was my favourite . I wonder who is now recreating the comedy element in Mystere , which was (I believe) created by Brian Andro. Their shows which I've seen at the Albert Hall always seem "lost" in that big space .
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Post by bimse on Sept 25, 2017 15:38:40 GMT
Gypsy Queen @ Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester tonight. Must check this Theatre out . What are the seating arrangementslike? Proscenium , in the round ?
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Post by bimse on Sept 21, 2017 16:25:45 GMT
Many years ago my late Aunt and her friend were in Morecambe and decided to see the variety show starring the late Ronne Coyles. They obviously only glanced at the posters and/or programme, or just didn't read them properly, but I distinctly remember them returning home still complaining that the star of the show didn't look like Ronnie Corbett, or sound like him , in fact they seriously doubted it WAS Ronnie Corbett , should have complained .....
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Post by bimse on Sept 20, 2017 20:09:06 GMT
Sheila Steafel as Popsy Wopsy , and as a posh lady singing "twiddly bits". Glorious ! Perfect timing !
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Post by bimse on Sept 20, 2017 18:26:41 GMT
Where does the tour go to in Europe?
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Post by bimse on Sept 20, 2017 18:23:55 GMT
^ These univercities are'nt all what their cracked up to be... (Your fighting a loosing battle there.) Well said @caiaphas, I'm really cringing now 🤣🤣
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Post by bimse on Sept 20, 2017 16:48:57 GMT
I'm just about to hit 5 years since my first day of University. My first day wasn't emotional or anything, I was excited! I had chatted to half my housemates on facebook before so I knew of them, and I showed up early to be the first one there so I wouldn't be the awkward final guy. We joined up with three other flats and had a party and went out later in the night and, to quote Donna in Mamma Mia "...". I loved University, but in hindsight I would of switched courses to one a bit more in line with what I wanted to do. Also my final year was difficult personally, with the anniversary od a specific event coming up in two days that quite literally changed my life, so in hindsight, if I could of stopped speicifc things occuring in order to make that lifechanging thing not occur, I would go back to do that in a heartbeat. That is probably one of my biggest regrets. Aw sorry, no offence, but "would OF" "could OF"? Hate to say it but that's always "would HAVE" and could HAVE" .
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