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Post by bimse on Dec 10, 2022 13:01:31 GMT
“If that can't be done, then surely you retain single sex spaces for women and make the men's loos mixed. I know that isn't ideal for all men, but it seems to be the least worst option in terms of public safety and customer wishes.”
Why is this “least worst option” ok ? Why is it ok for men to have to search for a single sex loo , or not go at all, if it’s not ok for women? Totally unjustifiable . I would not be comfortable using a urinal next to women queuing for a cubicle , embarrassing all round , and especially this is potentially a dangerous situation for women . I’m afraid I’m at an age where I can’t , for example , have to leave a theatre and search for the nearest pub to use the loo. This mad idea is causing unnecessary inequalities and putting women in danger.
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Post by bimse on Nov 18, 2022 18:36:42 GMT
The last two challenges were (for me) disappointing. the puddings all looked inedible, and the final constructions were just ugly and messy. Not the spectacular baking I expected from a final.
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Post by bimse on Nov 13, 2022 18:08:42 GMT
Wrong seats, wrong performance, wrong day, wrong theatre, but how about trying to find a theatre that doesn’t exist? I’ve posted this elsewhere , but a few years ago I was walking near the Piccadilly Theatre and was asked for directions by an American couple who said they were looking for the Dress Circle Theatre. They showed me a ticket, for the Piccadilly Theatre, admittedly the theatre name was in small type at the top of the ticket , with Dress Circle written in large type across the centre of the ticket. I tried to tell them that they needed to be at the Piccadilly Theatre, and I pointed them towards the nearby theatre, and advised that the dress circle is where they would sit. They gave me a bewildered look , and wandered off in the opposite direction. I often wondered if they got there . I’m sure they had paid to see Judi Dench in Filumena.
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Post by bimse on Nov 12, 2022 17:29:03 GMT
I saw South Pacific in Leeds on Saturday and it was fabulous. The cast, orchestra the staging, lighting, direction all spot on. I thought a 1 and 1/2 hour first half was going to be difficult but it flew by. Happy Talk was the stand out number for me and left a lump in my throat. I adore Rob Houchens voice and seeing him was main reason for attending this production and I certainly was not disappointed he was amazing and touching and sad. I loved every minute. I also saw this in Leeds, and thought the performances were some of the best I’ve ever seen in a musical. Superb singers, with Joanna Ampil’s interpretation of Bloody Mary being a refreshing change and a highlight (I saw Bertice Reading in this role at the Prince of Wales years ago. She gave a more traditional interpretation of course). I can well see Joanna making a great job of the Engineer next year. I liked the set too. I can see how it would fit on to Chichester’s thrust stage, where it would be seen to its advantage. It certainly filled the Leeds Grand Theatre stage and looked a bit cramped at times to me. I found Rob Houchen’s acting to be very wooden, but a good singer nevertheless. Memo to self : never sit in the front stalls at the Grand, the stage is high, and with a revolve on top, even higher . From row D the floor was out of sight , I’ll sit further back in future .
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Post by bimse on Nov 12, 2022 17:14:00 GMT
I once had someone trying to evict me from my seat, it turned out he had definitely bought a ticket for my seat, but for the day after. They offered him the chance to stay (the show wasn’t full, Petula Clark in Sunset Boulevard) or to return on the correct day. What option did he take? He stayed, sat a few rows behind me. I remember he wanted to keep his ticket, but the usher insisted on taking it , I guess so he couldn’t return the following night . I felt it was a good solution, the usher was very helpful.
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Post by bimse on Nov 12, 2022 13:54:34 GMT
The TV spin-off film of “George and Mildred” is currently available on ITV Hub. It is absolutely breathtakingly bad from the very first minute to the last . Here’s one of the more positive reviews: “Released on 27 July, less than a month before the death of star Yootha Joyce (who died on 24 August 1980), the film was neither a commercial nor a critical success. One critic has described the film as "one of the worst films ever made in Britain . . . so strikingly bad, it seems to have been assembled with a genuine contempt for its audience.” Enjoy. The film version of “Are You Being Served” is desperately poor, and yet it’s more or less the same story/script that played a summer season on stage (prior to the film being made) at the Blackpool Winter Gardens Pavilion in the 70s. I saw the stage version, it was hilarious, very well performed, and sold out for months. Maybe a live audience is needed for such performances, ready and willing to enjoy the show and have a laugh. Interestingly , George & Mildred did at least one summer season (Bournemouth Pier Theatre) and a lengthy tour in a stage version of the tv show. On stage they were a big success. I saw that too. I’ve never seen the film, so don’t know if it’s the same or similar script as the stage show, which was a one set farce , as I remember.
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Post by bimse on Nov 12, 2022 8:41:43 GMT
What baffles me is when people end up in completely wrong sections of the theatre. Surely they must know when they book their tickets whether they are in the Stalls, Dress Circle or wherever? Never mind the wrong section....one poor lady at 'The Upstart Crow' on Saturday found herself in the wrong theatre. She was supposed to be at the Lyric to see 'Get up, stand up'. Cue a very entertaining discussion with people sitting in 'her' seat and much hilarity when the penny dropped! How does that even happen with all the ticket scanning nowadays? I once had someone trying to evict me from my seat, it turned out he had definitely bought a ticket for my seat, but for the day after. They offered him the chance to stay (the show wasn’t full, Petula Clark in Sunset Boulevard) or to return on the correct day.
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Post by bimse on Oct 18, 2022 17:06:06 GMT
If a known queen was cast, audiences would be expecting to see the queen rather than Zsa-Zsa. This might be problematic if their style was at odds with the tone of the material/character. So for it to work, it would have to be one of the old school queens who have done well in the DR franchise. Bendelacreme, Jinxx Monsoon and Ginger Minj would all be on my list. Bianca Del Rio has done a musical in the UK and can act the role. Of the UK queens, Vinegar Strokes is currently playing Lady Bracknell and has musicals experience. But I don't see her as having the fragility to capture Albin. We shall see. The late Danny La Rue played Albin, briefly. I didn’t see the performance myself, but I’ve read that it wasn’t a big success. Danny’s drag persona seemed at odds with the role, plus he wasn’t the greatest actor, and it seems he couldn’t carry it off. His legions of fans didn’t take to him playing one of them there gays either and stayed away in droves. Similarly when he did Privates on Parade, it was not a success. His appearance in full drag (gowns supplied by Mr La Rue himself) supposedly in the middle of the jungle, interrupted the production rather than enhanced it. (As a side note, I saw him on tv in Charley’s Aunt, and again the role isn’t right for an established drag performer. The character he played is supposed to be reluctant to don the disguise of Charley’s Aunt , whereas Danny came into his own at this point, making it appear as if the character couldn’t wait to get the frock on, no surprise value, as per the plot, in fact it was expected. John Inman was a great farceur, and had more success with Charley’s Aunt , but was still not entirely convincing). I guess my musings here are making me feel an established drag performer would have to be an excellent actor to carry off the role of Albin . I saw George Hearn as Albin at the London Palladium. He was totally heartbreaking, so memorable . We’re overdue a production of the original play, La Cage aux Folles. That would require interesting casting. Ian McKellan would be great, but he’s tied up giving his Mother Goose.
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Post by bimse on Oct 11, 2022 17:05:03 GMT
Mystery of Edwin Drood, Savoy Theatre 1987
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Post by bimse on Oct 10, 2022 6:47:21 GMT
The judges marks and comments seem so very random to me, no consistency whatsoever, and certain judges seem biased towards and against certain contestants . The public vote is a joke, it’s a popularity contest , not a dancing competition. The two in the dance off this week should not have been there, at least 3 others were just awful but were kept in due to popularity and/or political correctness. It’s not a fair competition, no way. Just my opinion, before the woke brigade start fizzing .
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Post by bimse on Oct 3, 2022 16:22:40 GMT
That was Aladdin, Ian McKellan was Widow Twankey You are right. I didnt think a Chinese washer woman fitted right in Mother Goose. Thanks. 🤣 I’m sure they’d shoehorn it in somehow if they wanted to. It’s panto after all !
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Post by bimse on Oct 3, 2022 13:21:50 GMT
Sorry, i didn't see another post. My phone is 5 mins slow I'm sure. I saw Ian McKellen do Mother Goose at The Old Vic, first time he had ever done panto. He was hilarious and filthy. That was Aladdin, Ian McKellan was Widow Twankey
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Post by bimse on Sept 28, 2022 15:58:25 GMT
As alternative names are getting sillier.and sillier I give you Lily Savage. Miriam Margolyes would be great fun !
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Post by bimse on Sept 20, 2022 9:10:49 GMT
I held it together right up to when I saw Emma the pony do a little bow and the corgis. That was too much for me. Also George and Charlotte, so well behaved and singing the national anthem and those pall bearers! they need to be awarded. I was very moved by the appearance of the corgis and the pony. I hadn’t realised but Emma the pony had the Queens headscarf placed on her saddle. Very poignant . A beautiful tribute.
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Post by bimse on Sept 20, 2022 9:07:12 GMT
I wonder if we'll get a statue in due course. Not sure where'd you put it, perhaps the Olympic Park in Stratford? Still think we should rename a theatre after the late Queen. I think we will get quite a few statues and Elizabeth Squares over the coming years. An online petition is in place for a permanent statue in Trafalgar Square. The empty fourth plinth would be ideal. I’ll look for this petition and sign it . Thanks for posting .
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Post by bimse on Aug 26, 2022 11:44:22 GMT
Live action Pinocchio? Without The Krankies? They’ve missed a trick here. Disappointing .
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Post by bimse on Aug 17, 2022 21:34:18 GMT
There was another ill-fated production of Billy with Jonathan Morris, which never opened. I have a flyer for it , dated 1991, from the Palace Theatre in Manchester. It’s one musical I’d like to see revived .
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Post by bimse on Aug 4, 2022 18:05:42 GMT
I think i posted this years ago, but it still makes me laugh. A mother and daughter next to me at the RSC Merry Wives musical, got up and left complaining loudly that they'd booked expecting Simon Cowell as a singing Falstaff....not Simon Callow. But there's an image to deal with. Love it ! I’ve posted before that my elderly auntie and friend went to see the superb veteran performer Ronne Coyles in Morecambe , thinking they were seeing Ronnie Corbett . My auntie complained bitterly for years after, saying they’d been “done” and he didn’t even look or sound like Ronnie Corbett , in fact she was sure it wasn’t Ronnie Corbett, and they should have demanded their money back .
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Post by bimse on Jul 25, 2022 16:39:27 GMT
Eurovision doesn't always go to capitals these days, especially where a capital has previously held the contest. Turin, Rotterdam, Malmö, Dusseldorf all in the last decade. London's done it four times so I'm pretty sure they'll go somewhere new, Glasgow is a good bet after they did such a good job of COP26; Manchester has an advantage because the BBC Eurovision team are now based in Salford; Cardiff has a shout because it's never been in Wales and the Principality Stadium is available (although the EBU don't like stadium venues and Cardiff doesn't have an airport with a lot of flights). Any of the three (and most of the other candidates) will do a brilliant job and showcase the UK. I agree, any of those three will do a brilliant job and would showcase the U.K. . Try telling that to @herefortheatre though. Sadly I’d have issues with Glasgow, from a political view, due to recent disparaging comments about Eurovision and the U.K. from the city council’s leader . Otherwise a fine job would be done there too , in conjunction with the BBC. I’d like to see Cardiff host if there was a suitable venue .
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Post by bimse on Jul 25, 2022 16:32:12 GMT
I can’t believe I’ve just read this, to be quite honest . I could respond, but I won’t trouble myself I'm sure it's not that hard to believe. What I would find more unbelievable is if you genuinely thought all our cities were fantastic and stunning and you would be proud to showcase them to the rest of the world? I thought not. Quote : “I thought not” . Don’t you dare be so arrogant and condescending as to put words in my mouth . Everywhere has something to offer in the cities and regions of this country , not just London , people and talent make this world , not merely a superficial and subjective view of something you personally consider to be “fantastic and stunning”. What I find unbelievable is you’re actually on the admin team of this site .
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Post by bimse on Jul 25, 2022 15:20:44 GMT
For the exposure and attention it gives around the the word it really should be an impressive city and arena it's held in. I imagine the powers that be will want to show they aren't London focused and so they won't give it to London but they really should because it's impressive and culturally known plus has impressive venues like the o2. There are many cities I'd really not want to represent us on a world stage and have images of beamed around the world to be quite honest. I can’t believe I’ve just read this, to be quite honest . I could respond, but I won’t trouble myself
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Post by bimse on Jul 19, 2022 22:25:15 GMT
Absolutely glorious! A very different book to the original London production, I don't recall all the changes from the original UK Tour which was the last time I saw it. The opening is definitely very different, and Take Me to Heaven is shortened. Cast were incredible, part. Beverly is wonderful, very much reminded me of Patina Miller, brought a fantastic vocal flair. Jennifer clearly having a lot of fun, she lost pitch on the last little bit going into Spread the Love and she ad-libbed calling Bev pitchy and they almost lost it. Lizzie Bea totally owns Life I Never Lead and is wonderful. Keala and Lesley have some hilarious moments. A great physical production too and it filled the stage of the Eventim, with no side masking which was nice when compared to other productions at the Dominion/ENO recently. Still just a great fun show, the reaction at the end was ecstatic. The “pitchy” ad-lib was in in Manchester too, with Sandra Marvin. Great show, full of fun .
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Post by bimse on Jul 7, 2022 5:26:14 GMT
Great fun , very cheerful and some great performers carrying off the singing and comedy really well. I thought Sandra Marvin was superb as Delores, both singing and acting. The sound was good too . A few bizarre touches, I’m not sure why Pope Paul looked and behaved exactly like the camp choirboy. The theatre seemed full for a midweek matinee which was so good to see . I’m glad I went .
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Post by bimse on Jul 2, 2022 11:54:49 GMT
Anyone seen Sister Act in Manchester yet? I can’t find any reviews online.
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Post by bimse on Jun 20, 2022 11:18:31 GMT
We'd like to apologise to all our viewers in the North. It must be awful for them. That line was on a banner outside Bury Museum and Art Gallery when they hosted a Victoria Wood exhibition a few years back . Priceless !
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Post by bimse on Jun 18, 2022 16:46:10 GMT
i’m pretty sure that’s an archive pic from when she did it in 2014 Oops! I think you could be right, the heading is a bit ambiguous to be fair, I may have made a big assumption there ! I do apologise if I’ve built up you hopes, and mine ! I was thinking of going too . I’ve messaged via Facebook to check it out . I got a reply, my mistake , sorry!
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Post by bimse on Jun 18, 2022 11:22:49 GMT
If there is any chance of a Scottish Independence vote next year, the BBC should probably avoid Glasgow as an option in case it gets used as a propaganda tool by either side. Given the comments of the SNP leader of the Glasgow City Council , when the U.K. got nil points last year, where she tweeted we hate the U.K. too , and her followers gleefully joined in her delight at the failure , it would seem incredibly hypocritical for that city to host. Of course I realise not everyone is of the same opinion, but I hope we will be spared Sturgeon using the event as an independence rally. We saw enough of her Eva Peron act during the pandemic , without her giving an encore as the Eurovision interval act.
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Post by bimse on Jun 18, 2022 11:09:47 GMT
Check out Mark Whitney’s Pantoland on Facebook, May 23rd. Jane McDonald as “Mother Nature” in Dick Whittington . Sorry I can’t post a link . i’m pretty sure that’s an archive pic from when she did it in 2014 Oops! I think you could be right, the heading is a bit ambiguous to be fair, I may have made a big assumption there ! I do apologise if I’ve built up your hopes, and mine ! I was thinking of going too . I’ve messaged via Facebook to check it out .
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Post by bimse on Jun 18, 2022 8:48:37 GMT
I wondered that too. I see Jane McDonald is going to Birmingham for panto this year . Is she? I cant see it anywhere, but i'd love this to be true! Check out Mark Whitney’s Pantoland on Facebook, May 23rd. Jane McDonald as “Mother Nature” in Dick Whittington . Sorry I can’t post a link .
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Post by bimse on Jun 17, 2022 18:23:59 GMT
Surprised she wasn't snapped up by crossroads for one of the major UK venues like Birmingham I wondered that too. I see Jane McDonald is going to Birmingham for panto this year .
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