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Post by bimse on Jul 28, 2023 17:09:13 GMT
Gloria Swanson was 50/51 when she starred in Sunset Blvd. So I'd guess the ideal casting age range for the actress to play Norma would be 45 to 55. Some were a lot older such as Petula Clark who was over 65 and Glenn Close 2nd time round was nearer 70. Nicole is a bit older than Patti when she first played the role but they are different types of women and we see all those glamourous and beach photos of Nicole so maybe we all assume she is a younger than she is. When I saw the UK Tour I must admit Faith Brown was pretty good in the role having always seen her on the TV as a comedy performer and doing impressions she had a good singing voice and carried the part off well. Faith Brown was sensational as Norma. I saw the original with Patti LuPone who was great, but Faith was superb, pity she never did the Adelphi production .
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Post by bimse on Jul 9, 2023 17:24:35 GMT
Mrs Potts and Bert’s love child. My thoughts precisely!
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Post by bimse on Jun 20, 2023 14:05:03 GMT
Just had an email about Oliver from the Leeds Playhouse. Not sure what to make of this news tbh. I chose our seats to get a good view of the stage set. Now when tickets have been on sale for a few weeks they’ve suddenly decided to create an in the round production (I wonder why? This late in the day) presumably with a similar view from all sides. Had I known (looking at the reconfigured seating and prices) I could have chosen cheaper seats with the same view as the dearer ones I’ve already bought. At least there’s an option to amend my booking .
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Post by bimse on May 17, 2023 17:23:54 GMT
Really like it; quite a unique quality to her voice. (I don't think she was really known for being a singer was she?!) She did singing impersonations- Barbra Streisand was a popular one. I think she sounds a bit like like Ria Jones in the Salome clip. Thanks for posting these @burlybear I saw Faith Brown in Sunset Boulevard and she was stunning, easily the best Norma Desmond I’ve seen (including Patti LuPone who was fantastic) . Faith lived the part, with incredible acting and singing, she deserved the standing ovation at the Blackpool Opera House when I saw the show. Memorable performance.
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Post by bimse on May 14, 2023 13:42:47 GMT
I enjoyed this yesterday at the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford, where I first saw this same production on its very first tour all those years ago. Still very powerful, and good to see it doing good business.
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Post by bimse on May 14, 2023 8:25:29 GMT
I think it was the mad combination of camp, Latin dancing, fetish costume - the epitome of Eurovision being bonkers The exact reason why this isn’t a song contest anymore. I think there is an increasing situation where the entries are taking the piss, just to see how far it gets them. Croatia being another example. It’s a shame. Croatia was just awful, sounded and looked horrid, if that got through it’s time to change the voting system . I agree it’s a shame for those who make an effort but lose out.
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Post by bimse on May 8, 2023 16:02:34 GMT
The music is fantastic, and Pretty Yende singing wonderfully while wearing that huge yellow creation… fabulous. Pretty Yende was (as expected) magnificent, singing Sacred Fire by Sarah Class, with brilliant orchestrations , the highlight for me.
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Post by bimse on Apr 28, 2023 21:42:15 GMT
Kate Winslet in What The Butler Saw, at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, 1994.
Years later, when the film Titanic was made, I was in a taxi, in Luxor, Egypt, going to the Valley of The Kings. The driver was a huge Kate Winslet fan and had newspaper cuttings of Kate and the film sellotaped all over the inside of his taxi windows. I asked if I could remove one or two so I could see out. He agreed, and I mentioned to the driver and my travelling companion, who were both suitably impressed, that I’d seen Kate Winslet in the above Joe Orton play in Manchester. However the driver didn’t quite understand I was in the audience at a play, and hadn’t actually met Kate in person. Despite my protestations to the contrary he took it that I knew Kate personally, and could affect an introduction for him. For the next week, every time I left my hotel he was there, waiting to see if I’d been in contact with Kate , and if I’d mentioned him . I had real trouble shaking him off .
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Post by bimse on Apr 28, 2023 17:41:41 GMT
Any advice for seating in Manchester? I plan to book my seats in the stalls, but are there any problem areas that should be avoided? Rear stalls and rear circle should always be avoided at the Palace, the view is like looking through a letterbox, so much of the upper stage is missing. The grand circle or tier (I can’t remember what they call it) is a way better option than rear stalls or circle, for a full view , in my opinion , especially nearer the front and central . As for the front stalls , I don’t think the stage is as high as in some theatres, but I’d go a few rows back just to be sure (I’m sure others will be able to advise ).
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Post by bimse on Apr 9, 2023 16:50:14 GMT
I loved this in Salford today, it’s a refreshing and very funny take on the unique British pantomime tradition . Ian McKellan and John Bishop are absolute joys, and Anna Jane Casey is a wonderfully impressive singing goose. I particularly enjoyed the kitchen scene, and the aircraft scene, so funny and in true panto style . I wouldn’t take very young kids, at the 12 o’clock show I attended, a few very young children had been brought along, but they seemed restless and I’m sure most of it went over their heads. All told , a very happy and cheerful show.
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Post by bimse on Mar 31, 2023 22:01:18 GMT
I saw this at the Blackpool Opera House (1997). It was bonkers but great fun. I will never forget Lily Savage and Bella Emberg getting stuck in a tunnel they’d dug to escape from Wentworth.
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Post by bimse on Mar 29, 2023 12:49:48 GMT
RIP Paul, such sad news. A unique performer, so very funny and an incredibly kind man who did so much good . You will be missed.
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Post by bimse on Mar 28, 2023 20:23:11 GMT
I can't wait for the chaotic casting Alison Hammond.
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Post by bimse on Mar 17, 2023 19:20:33 GMT
How incredibly disappointing …. I’ve just read that the ubiquitous, untalented, annoying nonentity that is Alison Hammond is replacing Matt. Why ? Who does she know to get so many tv jobs with no talent ? She’ll add nothing. I won’t be watching, and I enjoy this programme. And I don’t care if everyone wants a go at me, I’m unbelievably disappointed. Them’s fighting words!! The lovely Alison is a joy to watch - her interview with Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling is TV gold, and her laugh can brighten any day. 🤣 Is it that obvious ? I just find her so amateurish and over indulged , and her inclusion will genuinely spoil one of my favourite programmes (just for me of course, they won’t miss me). Susan Calman would be a good choice .
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Post by bimse on Mar 16, 2023 19:49:22 GMT
That’s a very random choice! Can I ask where you read that please? I read it on the online news, just the headline , couldn’t bring myself to read it in full, I’m devastated. She must be on some kind of contract so they’re getting their moneys worth, saves paying someone with the required presenting skills .
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Post by bimse on Mar 16, 2023 18:53:47 GMT
How incredibly disappointing …. I’ve just read that the ubiquitous, untalented, annoying nonentity that is Alison Hammond is replacing Matt. Why ? Who does she know to get so many tv jobs with no talent ? She’ll add nothing. I won’t be watching, and I enjoy this programme. And I don’t care if everyone wants a go at me, I’m unbelievably disappointed.
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Post by bimse on Mar 8, 2023 12:17:09 GMT
The Royal Exchange’s production of The Producers was one of the best musicals I’ve seen, so funny, and a fantastic production. West Side Story was a brave choice and was brilliant. Gypsy wasn’t too good in my opinion, very predictable. Guys and Dolls was ok, but a couple of disappointing performances in lead roles . I’d love to see another really good musical here, here’s hoping !
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Post by bimse on Feb 23, 2023 22:17:53 GMT
I take it Alison Hammond was not available? I did worry they’d go for the ubiquitous, untalented and over indulged Alison Hammond. Ditto Rylan Clarke.
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Post by bimse on Feb 16, 2023 23:31:21 GMT
Follies has pieces from other fictional shows in it, if that counts.
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Post by bimse on Feb 14, 2023 18:34:44 GMT
The Oldham Coliseum is to close for good at the end of March. Tragic news. The £600k a year it needs is a drop in the ocean compared to the support other ventures receive, and especially compared to the vast amounts wasted by our politicians and their crazy projects. No such thing as levelling up , it won’t ever happen.
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Post by bimse on Feb 5, 2023 16:10:46 GMT
Sarah Lancashire and Siobhan Finneran are two of the best actors ever, tonight’s finale will be an absolute classic .
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Post by bimse on Feb 5, 2023 15:47:32 GMT
I also saw this production, one of the finest casts I’ve ever seen in one of my favourite plays. You are so lucky to have observed these fine actors from your unique vantage point. I’ve seen some superb productions at the Royal Exchange, it’s a superb theatre, but I agree it’s definitely lost its way over the years. So many of the presentations these days seem to be quite strange choices and don’t (to me) promise enough entertainment value to actually encourage me to buy a ticket.
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Post by bimse on Jan 31, 2023 16:04:39 GMT
This is just so sad, a great loss. It goes without saying that so much of our money is being completely wasted in other areas. The arts have never been a Tory priority .
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Post by bimse on Dec 31, 2022 21:28:40 GMT
I loved this show, some terrific performances, with Maria Friedman , Haydn Gwynn, Bonnie Langford and Imelda Staunton outstanding , for me. Petula Clark was worse than Elaine Paige singing “I’m Still Here”, and that takes some doing . It was dreadful . Bernadette Peters was, well, Bernadette Peters. Strange voice, no emotion, her face doesn’t move, anyone ever see her smile? I saw her in 1999 in “Annie Get Your Gun” on Broadway. She was over rated then and hasn’t changed .
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Post by bimse on Dec 19, 2022 0:03:38 GMT
I saw this on stage years ago (Charles Dance as guest) and got some good laughs from it, I don’t remember the first act being so manic and confusing . The set up of the Morecambe and Wise theme was lost in the frenzy. I nearly switched off , but the second act was much better. A nice and humorous tribute, just as I expected.
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Post by bimse on Dec 15, 2022 22:14:31 GMT
I’ve never seen this musical before, never read the book or seen the films, so had nothing to compare with, but I thoroughly enjoyed this production. It’s very spectacular, lovely stage sets in the first act, and surprisingly clever use of video technology (even on the floor) for many of the Chocolate Factory scenes in act two. Im not sure I’d want to see an entire show with video sets, it would never be the same as theatrical stage sets (for want if a better term) but it suited this show very well. I particularly liked how Augustus Gloop fell into the chocolate river , before being sucked up the pipe . The glass elevator could have been flown in on a darkened stage , so we couldn’t see the wires (as mentioned in a previous post), it looked good flying about. Great performances all round , especially Gareth Snook, the Charlie I saw was a little “shouty” but competent. I’m not sure why Mrs Bucket was signing as well as singing beautifully, throughout her performance, and Charlie signing back ? I hope this show does good business on its lengthy tour, it deserves to do so. The ticket prices on tour are considerably higher than in Leeds , as has been noted previously on this thread . I believe it's because the Actress, Leonie Spilsbury, is actually deaf. It's also a nice way of making a bit more of the dialogue more openly accessibly. It's not a deep set, do wonder about how it will feel on a stage like Liverpool Empire or Manchester's Palace. Thanks og Leonie Spilsbury gives a delightful performance, lovely singer , very well cast . The set will look fine on a bigger stage, I’m sure, it’s a very detailed, full and spectacular set . I thoroughly enjoyed it .
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Post by bimse on Dec 15, 2022 7:48:55 GMT
I’ve never seen this musical before, never read the book or seen the films, so had nothing to compare with, but I thoroughly enjoyed this production. It’s very spectacular, lovely stage sets in the first act, and surprisingly clever use of video technology (even on the floor) for many of the Chocolate Factory scenes in act two. Im not sure I’d want to see an entire show with video sets, it would never be the same as theatrical stage sets (for want if a better term) but it suited this show very well. I particularly liked how Augustus Gloop fell into the chocolate river , before being sucked up the pipe . The glass elevator could have been flown in on a darkened stage , so we couldn’t see the wires (as mentioned in a previous post), it looked good flying about. Great performances all round , especially Gareth Snook, the Charlie I saw was a little “shouty” but competent. I’m not sure why Mrs Bucket was signing as well as singing beautifully, throughout her performance, and Charlie signing back ? I hope this show does good business on its lengthy tour, it deserves to do so. The ticket prices on tour are considerably higher than in Leeds , as has been noted previously on this thread .
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Post by bimse on Dec 13, 2022 23:41:34 GMT
At a quick glance the vast majority of programmes especially on BBC2 are repeats. Gone are the days when you sat at home with the Radio Times circling everything you wanted to watch and then lining up your videos ready to record and then programmes overlapping so you had to choose one or the other. And your mum getting up in the middle of the night to check that the video had turned itself off from a late night recording. She always used to think the house would catch fire if the video stayed on overnight. That brings back memories! My mum used to unplug the tv and video every night (in case of fire) or if the house was empty, so we’d no chance of recording anything, not unless you were present. In which case you didn’t actually need to record , you could watch.
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Post by bimse on Dec 12, 2022 16:33:49 GMT
London commuter belt, presumably somewhere like Snow White in Milton Keynes. On a separate matter, has anyone seen Goldilocks in Richmond yet? Interesting to me that almost every pantomime advertised on ATG is 1 hour 50 minutes long. That must have been determined to be the optimal length. A good friend has seen Goldilocks in Richmond, and raved about it. Gets good reviews as well. It’s not exactly a traditional panto as such but it has a Dame role in the very capable hands of Nigel Ellacott, who incidentally writes a blog each year on www.it’s-behind-you.com which is always well worth reading , and gives details and photos of the production .
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Post by bimse on Dec 10, 2022 13:53:55 GMT
Very sad news, and so tragic after a fall. RIP Ruth, thank you for making so many people very happy .
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