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Post by Stephen on Nov 22, 2023 23:15:05 GMT
Thank you for hyping up the 14 piece orchestra earlier and getting me excited. Wow did they deliver…sounded FANTASTIC! Alfonso not conducting this evening though.
It wasn’t full but the cheers were as loud as if it were.
Just a really special well-executed tribute. I was sat feeling like each person around me had a special connection with different moments in the show - lovely. Plenty of tears and sniffles…and laughs! It’s often funny as it is moving!
I much preferred the less ‘tv star casting’ version tonight that watching the BBC tv concert version. There were moments tonight so we’ll staged that I had to remind myself it was a revue and not a full production eg Sweeney Todd!
There were several moments (mostly during Bernadette) where I just closed my eyes and was fully immersed. Sometimes it’s hard for me to be really present otherwise (I get very anxious)
If there is a show which can really sum up the breadth of this man’s work it’s this fitting tribute. Just wish this was the sell-out west end show!
But boy, that band! Hummammummaammuble melodies!
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Post by Stephen on Nov 22, 2023 12:43:30 GMT
Looking to see this show late next week. Aside from TodayTix - are there any legit ways to buy discounted tickets for the show in advance (not rush)? We are unfortunately not eligible for the Under 30 discount. There were plenty of £20 tickets available in reasonable seats for the price eg Rear stalls and dress circle boxes/slips a few days before performances this week. Delfont's dynamic pricing will Kick in at some point over the next few days and seats will reduce on the website for next week. Probably be able to book a £20 on Sunday/Monday for most shows next week! Good luck!
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Post by Stephen on Nov 21, 2023 20:16:57 GMT
Anyone remember if this show finishes around 10pm? I have a tight train schedule! Thanks My last curtain call picture of Lea & Bernadette walking off stage is marked at 10:07 and I was out on Shaftesbury by 10:10 for a photo of the theatre. Final question from me!…is filming and photography allowed at the end? I’ve seen a LOT online on Instagram etc. it feels like something I would film but only, of course, if it’s permissible from the theatre?
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Post by Stephen on Nov 21, 2023 11:42:46 GMT
Excellent. Thank you! I've taken advantage of the Under 30s deal and booked central dress circle for this!
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Post by Stephen on Nov 21, 2023 1:59:55 GMT
It keeps bugging me that Laura Donnelly has been cast in this.
Controversial one here but I think that both of his ‘hit’ plays are massively overrated, overhyped and overlong.
A friend and I recently had a conversation about the best filmmakers and one thing they have in common is writing and directing very ‘lean’ pictures. Butterworth is the antithesis of this.
I have no doubt that this will sell out but I also have no doubt that alongside the ‘we see all great theatre at £150 per ticket’ wealthy west end crowd will be a lot of people there to say they’ve seen the play or because of the hype (or both)
Most come out of his plays confused and pretend to understand what the hell was really going on having sat through hours of meandering, dreary, and often pointless dialogue.
That said, there have been some well directed moments, nice stage performances and design elements in his plays but for me that’s about it.
I understand this could all sound a bit on the bitter side but I’m just not enthused at all by another new Jez Butterworth play.
Just my one opinion though and it will remain in the unpopular minority!
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Post by Stephen on Nov 21, 2023 0:36:13 GMT
I'm planning on a last minute ticket for Wednesday night. I can't find a breakdown of the orchestra anywhere? Is it a decent size and sound or will I be underwhelmed?
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Post by Stephen on Oct 26, 2023 15:32:26 GMT
Posters now up on the show's website for £10 - they're signed by the full company including alternates too, nice little touch!
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Post by Stephen on Oct 4, 2023 12:59:40 GMT
Excited for this and the venue as it's local to me in Putney. Also really happy that Sam's Riverside, the restaurant in the studios, will likely be busy as a result. It's my favourite restaurant...in the world! Highly recommend! The food and ambiance are second to none and it's perfect for a pre-theatre meal! I reckon that Woody and cast will become regulars...
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Post by Stephen on Sept 19, 2023 10:39:34 GMT
It very much sounds as though the whole thing will be black and white. Costumes, set, lighting, the lot. Can see this ties in with the artwork they’ve released, the rehearsal photos and of course the fact movies were all in b&w when Norma was starring in them… Think it would be a cool decision to have this all black and white until Norma returns to the studio. Could be a nice contrast to the grey before!
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Post by Stephen on Sept 12, 2023 23:14:23 GMT
What are the dates then? A mid April opening? Given Plaza Suite is currently running until 31st March?
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Post by Stephen on Sept 9, 2023 15:58:30 GMT
I very nearly collapsed at work today because of the heat and stresses that come with it. Home now. Think a trip to the pool and the cinema at the hottest parts of tomorrow will just about get me through. I never realised how sensitive I am to it until now.
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Post by Stephen on Sept 8, 2023 10:38:36 GMT
One of the best things about seeing the Glenn Close production on Broadway was the 'largest orchestra on Broadway' how will they replicate that at the Savoy? Space for all those strings!?
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Post by Stephen on Sept 5, 2023 22:50:41 GMT
Interesting hearing the mixed opinions. Not enough to make me buy a ticket to be honest. The few songs released on the album so far seem unmemorable, poor lyrics and very 'generic' sounding.
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Post by Stephen on Sept 2, 2023 22:18:10 GMT
It’s interesting hearing the more positive responses about this here. I saw it on press night and thought it a load of drivel. A production which really missed the point and was let down by some seriously poor casting. Oh well!
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Post by Stephen on Sept 2, 2023 22:16:08 GMT
These are great and this is really fun! You’ve chosen cool theatres to model too. I always look at both the Old Vic and Cambridge as I pass and think ‘how does the theatre fit in there!’
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Post by Stephen on Aug 28, 2023 20:03:18 GMT
Do we know anymore about this yet? Dates and maybe a theatre? When might tickets go on sale? Feel like it would fit in the Noel Coward!
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Post by Stephen on Aug 24, 2023 23:48:47 GMT
Please could someone who has seen this give some insight on... {Spoiler - click to view} How graphic the 'post suicide attempt' moments are/is? The is a trigger warning on the Donmar site about it saying there is blood cleanup involved too?
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Post by Stephen on Aug 18, 2023 17:13:48 GMT
Just listened to the clip of Adam Pascal singing from the musical Death Note and began picturing him as Dan in this. Think he'd sing the part very well!!
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Post by Stephen on Aug 18, 2023 16:55:52 GMT
I wouldn't be surprised if an announcement was made on a Wednesday as 'On Wednesdays We Wear Pink' is one of the most famous Mean Girls quotes Smart thought. I bet you're right. Or at the very least, once this opens, there will be some sort of lottery, rush, tombola on the Stand on Wednesdays!
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Post by Stephen on Aug 17, 2023 10:21:05 GMT
‘Wider audience’ - a tour then!
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Post by Stephen on Aug 17, 2023 0:42:35 GMT
It is… they’re currently auditioning actors for a workshop for later this year Well- I’m taking back my words. This is about to be announced. A theatre is booked. I’m amazed.. but very happy- I loved this show on Broadway. Friday?
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Post by Stephen on Aug 13, 2023 1:06:15 GMT
I'm going a little off topic here but to me, the revivals only make sense when they improve on the previous production or bring something very fresh to it (rare) EG I saw Alan Cumming and Emma Stone in Cabaret in NYC in 2014 and thought that production was excellent. Having since seen the current West End revival it's not a patch on the Mendes version. I fear the same will apply to this new Sunset 'BLVD' having seen Glenn Close in the Broadway revival with a full orchestra, this just won't compare.
Obviously, as I'm always keen to point out, these are just my opinions and many clearly love the new Cabaret and will likely enjoy the Savoy BLVD. Unfortunately, I likely won't.
Wasn't there a joke on one of the Forbidden Broadway numbers about 'welcome to the Revival of the revival of the REVIVAL of...' Ironically, I think it was about Cabaret.
I'll sit down. Worried I'm rocking the boat.
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Post by Stephen on Aug 13, 2023 1:00:07 GMT
Really hoping to see this show but can anyone who has experience with Regent's Park open air tell me if it is true that they don't offer refunds (only credit) for shows that are cancelled due to poor weather? This policy seems really unfair to people who live outside of London who may not get an opportunity to use that credit. The credit never expires so could be used years later.
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Post by Stephen on Aug 9, 2023 1:03:20 GMT
I want to see this before it closes, but it's so expensive I got £21 'restricted view' pillar seats in the dress circle, but my view was basically perfect. The pillar was to the right of my eye line so only obstructed the extreme side of the stage, but all the action happening in the middle and on stage right was totally clear I was in E 36 last night...sounds like this could be the seat to which you are referring. Back row far right by the door. There is a pillar in view but it really doesn't spoil things. It didn't for me anyway. At £21 the seat is a real bargain. For my dodgy eyesight *puts glasses on to finish typing this post* it's a little far away. I could argue that all of the central dress circle seats are quite far from the stage at the Old Vic though. Yesterday was my second and final visit of this run. (I saw it once on Broadway and will likely see it if it tours/transfers too, fingers crossed) For the first five minutes I thought the sound was a little off from my seat but this really settled in so think it's more a case of the mix being a little odd during the first few numbers. After a while things really sounded excellent and a couple of times just like the cast recording. A few thoughts on this production which I hadn't noticed on the first viewing: 1) The slower ensemble singing 'If I had my time again' towards the end of the show has a beautiful feeling to it as though closing the story. I can't remember (already) exactly where this happens but it's a lovely addition. 2) I still found the new plinky plonky piano bashing orchestration as the start of 'If I had my Time Again' a little odd and is a change I can't really get my head around. A similar opinion on the start of 'Seeing You' which begins a lone moving guitar riff rather than the more sparse original orchestration. I don't have an issue with these additions/alterations but would love to be a fly on the wall in the room when the decisions were made and find out why! I will always love Groundhog Day and hope to see this again tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrowwww...
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Post by Stephen on Aug 2, 2023 21:11:16 GMT
I think that it's important to remember that Mary Poppins is also Cameron Mackintosh, with few exceptions, his productions are gold!
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Post by Stephen on Jul 30, 2023 0:11:45 GMT
I love this show. Had a great time and think it's wonderful to have a proper new musical in the West End. But my god, it's a 'fringe style' production with a small cast, small band, small set. Incredibly cheeky to be charging £90 for a ticket in the upper circle. I know that the Fortune Theatre is small but, personally speaking, I hate heights so would feel ultra ripped off sitting up there at £90 - and again, I loved the show.
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Post by Stephen on Jul 28, 2023 22:10:09 GMT
50 five star reviews on here. Could almost call it Operation Mincemeat!
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Post by Stephen on Jul 24, 2023 23:05:33 GMT
Saw this today in 70mm film at Picturehouse Central. Having spent the past few weeks rolling my eyes at articles of Christopher Nolan explaining why this really should be seen in IMAX...I now understand. WOW. This will lose a LOT of impact on smaller screens. This really must be seen on proper IMAX 70MM Film stock! It's an intense watch. Maybe just me but definitely the most intense film I've seen in a cinema where the horror is real and not goofy. Sublime use of sound to build the incredible tension. The cast are proper top notch here too.
At the end myself and the rest of the screen looked shell-shocked leaving the screening only to be faced with the swarms of dressed-up Barbie attendees. It really was bizarre. It took me a good hour to feel back in the real world after this one.
For the filmmaking alone - 5 stars.
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Post by Stephen on Jul 22, 2023 0:48:43 GMT
I thought I would extend my thoughts on the show a little more given that it has some mixed response on here which I find interesting. I rated the show as 5 stars on the poll.
For whatever reason, there’s usually a show in my life that I become a bit obsessed with. It’s normally something that I identify strongly with for whatever reason. Mostly though, it’s a feeling of comfort that the show gives me whether listening to the soundtrack, following the insider scoop on socials, seeing others enjoy it and feel similar and simply watching it. For me, Groundhog Day is one of those, increasingly rare, musicals.
I first saw it during previews on Broadway when I had just turned 21. I loved it. Since then it has been on my best musicals rotation on Spotify playing round and round and round. Since then a lot has happened in my life from anxiety, panic attacks, real low moments, heartbreak. Musicals (and especially this one) help me feel things and they help bring me back up. I feel part of something and I find strength.
The show hit really different this time and some of it was difficult to watch (especially the first parts of act 2)
I suppose my point it that sometimes, for me, it could be a 2 star show and I’d still think of it as a 5 in my head simply because of my overall love for it.
Groundhog Day maybe isn’t a perfect musical or a perfect production but when Andy Karl looks towards the audience at the auction and sings ‘Drove out of town, took a right’ it fills my heart and I’m ‘home’
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Post by Stephen on Jul 22, 2023 0:40:01 GMT
Has anyone seen West End Producer in the flesh, as it were? I have once. It's pretty obvious that whoever it is, they're wearing a mask! I went to a Q&A with him at the original theatre cafe back around 2017. I can’t really remember what the event was for…whether it was a launch for his second book or not… anyway It was fun though very poorly attended unfortunately. My friend and I got to meet him, shake hands, ask some questions. He was affable.
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