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Post by Dr Tom on Feb 19, 2023 14:21:38 GMT
I didn’t managed to rush successfully today, so hope anyone there for cast change enjoys. Do report back!
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Post by oxydrive on Feb 21, 2023 0:38:21 GMT
I was there for both shows on Sunday. There was a hell of a lot of emotion from the cast and cornuts. The matinee had its usual muck-up bits. Nothing major just things like bringing out each other's croquet sticks and a big sneeze during dead gay son. I had a cheap seat for the matinee so I missed a lot of things that the audience was laughing at. The second show, in a much better seat, was fabulous. Lots of the cast struggling to get their lines out. Maddie took an age to say " You got a problem .....", one funny from that show was when V says " From what reruns?" after JD shoots the TV there was a comic drumroll from the band that broke an otherwise very tense mood. I thought the cast was all fantastic and having seen them grow throughout the run. E was sensational yesterday. I spotted Rory, Georgina, Nate, and Toby in the audience and Toby made a hilarious Steve in the second show. I thought George was a brilliant JD- plays him just like it should be- top tier along with Ben and Jrdan L Gage in my opinion. All in all a great, albeit emotional day and I look forward to seeing the new cast on Wednesday.
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Post by darreno on Feb 21, 2023 12:00:42 GMT
I was there for both shows on Sunday. There was a hell of a lot of emotion from the cast and cornuts. The matinee had its usual muck-up bits. Nothing major just things like bringing out each other's croquet sticks and a big sneeze during dead gay son. I had a cheap seat for the matinee so I missed a lot of things that the audience was laughing at. The second show, in a much better seat, was fabulous. Lots of the cast struggling to get their lines out. Maddie took an age to say " You got a problem .....", one funny from that show was when V says " From what reruns?" after JD shoots the TV there was a comic drumroll from the band that broke an otherwise very tense mood. I thought the cast was all fantastic and having seen them grow throughout the run. E was sensational yesterday. I spotted Rory, Georgina, Nate, and Toby in the audience and Toby made a hilarious Steve in the second show. I thought George was a brilliant JD- plays him just like it should be- top tier along with Ben and Jrdan L Gage in my opinion. All in all a great, albeit emotional day and I look forward to seeing the new cast on Wednesday. I'm really excited for the new cast (with respect to the exiting cast that is, because I absolutely loved them!). I am in London next week for a day but have a nice double of BTTF and The Burnt City already booked so couldn't squeeze in a Heathers. Will certainly do so by the end of March though. I did try to pick up a ticket for yesterday but was too late, you did well to get them in, well played!
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Post by andrew on Feb 21, 2023 20:57:47 GMT
Did we ever find out what happened to Toby Turley?
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Post by mkmg on Feb 21, 2023 22:42:32 GMT
Did we ever find out what happened to Toby Turley? All that’s been said is that him and Nate were out due to medical reasons.
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Post by oxydrive on Feb 23, 2023 23:15:26 GMT
Saw the new cast last night- the show is in very safe hands.
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Post by Dr Tom on Feb 26, 2023 12:05:46 GMT
Wow, incredible!
I've seen two new casts of Heathers this week (the tour cast and the new Other Palace cast). They are both very different and both give the show a new lease of life.
I was at the matinee Rush yesterday to see the almost unheard of situation with a full cast (although one person is on stage very little, I guess there just isn't room for them).
The two new leads are both excellent in their own right and both complement each other perfectly. Miracle plays Veronica very differently to anyone else I've seen, the best word I have to use is hyperactive. If you ever saw her as Christine in Be More Chill, there's a big overlap with her Veronica. With some actors this wouldn't work, but Miracle is very funny and engaging with it. Ellis as JD sounds great, has the JD look I think works best, doesn't dominate physically but is able to take control. I regret now that I never got to see his Evan Hansen.
I won't single out the rest of the cast at this point, but apart from the continuing Lewis Asquith and the returning Elliot David Parkes, I think everyone else is new. They're all very fluent. There was a couple of line flubs, but nothing major and everyone kept going so most people wouldn't even notice this.
The new band are in. They sound good, but the sound is different. The tour has (if I counted correctly) a 6 piece band. The Other Palace band now, to my untrained ears, is a 3 piece. Hopefully someone will clarify, correct me, or tell me it's always been like that. They're certainly doing their best and, like the actors, looking to put their own stamp on things.
The amusing anecdote of the afternoon has to go to the young couple sat in the show behind. I don't intentionally listen, but often it's impossible not to hear. She clearly knew the show well, he hadn't spent much time in theatres. It was mostly teasing, preparing him to be Steve (even though he was far too young), asking him his favourite girl and boy in the cast (Martha, which the girlfriend took as a personal reference, and he was not into guys but would "do the guy in the checked trousers"). I'm not expecting this to lead to a Heather's themed wedding.
What more can I say? Excellent all around and I think this is the cast change the show needs to keep it running at The Other Palace for at least another year or two.
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Post by tonylony on Feb 26, 2023 17:11:05 GMT
Wow, incredible! I've seen two new casts of Heathers this week (the tour cast and the new Other Palace cast). They are both very different and both give the show a new lease of life. I was at the matinee Rush yesterday to see the almost unheard of situation with a full cast (although one person is on stage very little, I guess there just isn't room for them). The two new leads are both excellent in their own right and both complement each other perfectly. Miracle plays Veronica very differently to anyone else I've seen, the best word I have to use is hyperactive. If you ever saw her as Christine in Be More Chill, there's a big overlap with her Veronica. With some actors this wouldn't work, but Miracle is very funny and engaging with it. Ellis as JD sounds great, has the JD look I think works best, doesn't dominate physically but is able to take control. I regret now that I never got to see his Evan Hansen. I won't single out the rest of the cast at this point, but apart from the continuing Lewis Asquith and the returning Elliot David Parkes, I think everyone else is new. They're all very fluent. There was a couple of line flubs, but nothing major and everyone kept going so most people wouldn't even notice this. The new band are in. They sound good, but the sound is different. The tour has (if I counted correctly) a 6 piece band. The Other Palace band now, to my untrained ears, is a 3 piece. Hopefully someone will clarify, correct me, or tell me it's always been like that. They're certainly doing their best and, like the actors, looking to put their own stamp on things. The amusing anecdote of the afternoon has to go to the young couple sat in the show behind. I don't intentionally listen, but often it's impossible not to hear. She clearly knew the show well, he hadn't spent much time in theatres. It was mostly teasing, preparing him to be Steve (even though he was far too young), asking him his favourite girl and boy in the cast (Martha, which the girlfriend took as a personal reference, and he was not into guys but would "do the guy in the checked trousers"). I'm not expecting this to lead to a Heather's themed wedding. What more can I say? Excellent all around and I think this is the cast change the show needs to keep it running at The Other Palace for at least another year or two. A 3-piece band playing that score? yikes!
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Post by djdan14 on Mar 1, 2023 18:43:25 GMT
Anyone interested in seeing the film screening it’s available for free on Sky VIP
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Post by Dr Tom on Mar 20, 2023 17:11:57 GMT
Sunday matinee through Rush and this latest cast has really developed into something special. Miracle has slowed down a bit and the show is all the better for it. The sound balance is also as good as it's been, but the new orchestrations are still taking some getting used to.
A good crowd in terms of responses, but this could have done with being a bit fuller. Still, I remember crowds have dropped every cast change, then have picked up again.
Good to see the cast loving the show as well. I had the joy of being serenaded by some of them shopping while browsing in the reduced price section of Waitrose, still singing between shows. Definitely helps to end the afternoon with a smile!
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Post by djdan14 on Mar 21, 2023 18:20:50 GMT
Sat in the cinema waiting for the Sky VIP screening to begin. Very well attended! (Was free after all) proper mix of people be interested to see the reaction!
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Post by anthony40 on Mar 22, 2023 20:25:44 GMT
DVD/Blu-Ray release date June 5th
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Post by cezbear on Mar 23, 2023 10:08:43 GMT
I managed to catch a (rare?!) full cast for this last week and was really quite impressed with the new cast. It feels as though they've breathed new life into it and I enjoyed much more than the previous cast, who were all fine but nothing particularly special for me. I'm not sure if there is new direction or if the changes are all down to new actors interpretations but it felt quite different and much funnier in many places. I liked everyone to varying degrees but the standouts were: Miracle, who took me a beat to get used to but was just a ball of energy and fun. Olivia, who was a fierce and sometimes terrifying Heather Chandler, I was surprised to see this was her debut. And Ellis who I think might be my favourite JD at this point, quite different to those I've previously seen, but really wonderful.
I'm not a fan of some of the practices going on behind the scenes and I know lots of people like to complain the theatre should be freed up, but taken for what it is, I had a great time and would be sorry to see it go just yet (which I would not have said up until this cast).
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Post by thistimetomorrow on Mar 23, 2023 14:39:42 GMT
Megan Hill (western surfer punk) seems to have left only about a month into the contract. Replaced by Carly Burns who apparently only had 3 days to learn the show.
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Post by anthony40 on Mar 23, 2023 15:32:54 GMT
Its continued success makes it seen like this show will never die!
Despite have that statement nay read, that's not a criticism- anything that gonna get a younger audience in- male or female- I'm all for.
I'm sure it's outplayed its original run in the States.
If memory serves me correctly, wasn't there about three productions playing? The one at the Other Palace, one at Theatre Royal, Haymarket and a touring production.
I'm sure it's exceeded all expectations
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Post by darreno on Apr 6, 2023 16:27:20 GMT
And for the third time, I am picked on as Steve! I must possess a very 'Steve' quality when sitting at The Other Palace.
First time seeing the 'new' cast and absolutely loved it, as always. I knew Miracle Chance would make a great Veronica having seen her so many times as Christine Canigula.
Georgia Iudica Davies did the absolute best 'Kindergarten Boyfriend' that I've heard in all my times at the show.
Lewis Asquith was in as well, he's always absolutely superb playing any part.
Ellis Kirk is a superb JD. Such a nice voice and he gets to shine in the second half.
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Post by westendfan2 on Apr 29, 2023 18:04:18 GMT
Has heathers lost its spark? Since cast change the hype around this show has seemed to have died down significantly. Heathers relies heavily on its cult following to keep it going. And especially on socials I’m not seeing that same level of engagement that previous casts have had. Could this see the show closing in September?
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Post by Dr Tom on Apr 30, 2023 9:57:25 GMT
Has heathers lost its spark? Since cast change the hype around this show has seemed to have died down significantly. Heathers relies heavily on its cult following to keep it going. And especially on socials I’m not seeing that same level of engagement that previous casts have had. Could this see the show closing in September? It's not selling out as it was, however it's still selling well. and always looks to be doing a good trade at the bar and in merchandise. So it's the trade off between going with a show that is relatively cheap to run and a sure thing, if unspectacular, versus gambling on something new. I also suspect that it will be pick up in the summer holidays, both with tourists and with people who are off school/college/university. Now, personally, I think this is the kind of show where you run this for six months of the year, have it be very popular, then try out another show or two for the other six months. You could keep Heathers running for years that way. However, I haven't worked out the costs of bringing new productions in and out. I feel that The Other Palace (main stage) is destined to host many of these younger hipper style productions going forward. I think The Dark Lord is in with a shout at getting a run. There was talk of Be More Chill going back in as well. An outside shot at Cheerleader and Eugenius, but neither sold well at the Turbine Theatre (if that's an indicator). But otherwise, Heathers just feels exactly right for the space.
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Post by max on Apr 30, 2023 11:19:31 GMT
"Now, personally, I think this is the kind of show where you run this for six months of the year, have it be very popular, then try out another show or two for the other six months. You could keep Heathers running for years that way. However, I haven't worked out the costs of bringing new productions in and out". Very interesting thought there. I've sometimes mused on this board about how to get New Musicals going - and something that hasn't been tried is a sort of Rep Company with a new show piggy-backing on the mainstay popular show. With an audience very invested in the sexy cast they'll be keen to fangirl/fanboy them in something else. A couple of nights a week for the new show, and the failsafe mainstay for the rest of the week, with the same cast. It's just a fact that there are good emerging shows/writers, but very few that can sustain a full production and 7 shows a week.
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Post by Dr Tom on May 1, 2023 10:38:50 GMT
After not having visited for over a month, I've seen Heathers twice in the past week. Tuesday evening was pretty full and Sunday evening was packed. People just aren't getting their phones out and filming at the end like they used to do, so I think that explains the lack of social media activity. I was on the front row both times and it seemed like many of the people around me were first time visitors, which surprised me a bit with the exposure this show has had, in London, on tour, and on film. So people don't really applaud or cheer at many of the memorable show moments like they used to do. I think I started the applause several times on Sunday when the majority of the audience couldn't tell if the songs had ended.
I have to say how impressed I am with the current cast. The previous cast had their moments, but just didn't have the energy the current cast has (especially considering Sunday evening is their fifth show in 48 hours). Lots of audience laughs and some longer pauses than usual, so the show went about five minutes longer than normal.
A warning for anyone travelling to Victoria. I walked down from Newsies in Wembley, which is tight time wise, but should get me there with about 10 minutes to spare. I hadn't anticipated much of Green Park and St James Park being closed off, one way systems in place, and lots of crowds trying to get near Buckingham Palace. So avoid that route if you can. It wasn't quite Marathon/Pride level challenging, but it's going to get really busy this week.
After never having seen a cover with this cast, I did get to see Georgia Anderson as Heather Chandler yesterday, in what was her debut day (second performance). She did great. Now they have the extra female cover, the stage never seems empty.
I think Heathers is pretty safe to keep running.
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Post by capybara on May 4, 2023 9:44:05 GMT
Made a return visit to see this last Tuesday evening. My third time seeing the show and my first time seeing the new(-ish) cast.
As others have said, the show appears in good health and while the auditorium wasn’t sold out, it was certainly respectful for a mid-week performance.
Having seen and loved Alisa Davidson as Veronica on my previous two visits, I was intrigued to understand how Miracle is portraying her. It takes a short period of adjustment and then you find yourself totally on board with this new hyper-active Veronica. I never saw Erin Caldwell but it’s certainly refreshing to see leads bringing new personalities to the character.
I also really enjoyed Olivia Barnett-Legh as Heather C. As much as I enjoyed Maddie Firth’s vocals, I never totally connected with her robotic portrayal on her, whereas Olivia brings new depths.
As has been mentioned, the audience was fairly tame but for one group in the front row cheering at the right moments!
Still a five star show for me.
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Post by nick91 on May 23, 2023 16:52:02 GMT
After seeing the show for a second time this Saturday I must say few things. Ellis Kirk is a great talent and I am sure there are many awesome roles waiting for him. His JD is kinda casual and very believable, his Meant to Be Yours is brilliant. When I saw the show two months ago I had a slight problem with Miracle Chance and her hyperactive attitude to Veronica and was hoping she would take her foot off the gas eventually. And I'm very pleased to admit she actually did. Her voice is still awesome and acting more natural. I honestly don't think she's ever gonna be my fav Veronica but seeing her is definitely interesting and pleasant experience. But most importantly, I totally love Katie Ramshaw as Martha. I've never thought Kindergarten Boyfriend could be the absolute highlight of the show but Katie is killing it in a way I never imagined. I really hope we will be able to see her in some fantastic role someday.
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Post by properjob on May 24, 2023 21:43:39 GMT
After seeing the show for a second time this Saturday I must say few things. Ellis Kirk is a great talent and I am sure there are many awesome roles waiting for him. His JD is kinda casual and very believable, his Meant to Be Yours is brilliant. When I saw the show two months ago I had a slight problem with Miracle Chance and her hyperactive attitude to Veronica and was hoping she would take her foot off the gas eventually. And I'm very pleased to admit she actually did. Her voice is still awesome and acting more natural. I honestly don't think she's ever gonna be my fav Veronica but seeing her is definitely interesting and pleasant experience. But most importantly, I totally love Katie Ramshaw as Martha. I've never thought Kindergarten Boyfriend could be the absolute highlight of the show but Katie is killing it in a way I never imagined. I really hope we will be able to see her in some fantastic role someday. I agree as this also isn't my favourite portrayal of Veronica but I prefer the new Heather Chandler so swings and roundabouts and I really like how much each actress is allowed to vary how Veronica is played. I saw it on Sunday evening and there were a few empty seats so I don't think it is quite as popular as it was but it still seems to be doing good business especially as it is also on tour. Based on audience reaction I don't think it is just superfans as the jokes in the dialogue were getting bigger reactions than those in the songs which I think is a sign of lots of the audience having heard the soundtrack but being new to the actual show.
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Post by capybara on Jun 26, 2023 9:43:44 GMT
Had some time to kill before Gwen Stefani yesterday and realised Heathers has an early Sunday matinee (1.15pm) and is a short walk away from Hyde Park. Realised slightly too late for the rush sale but found a single £28 ticket in Row D on TKTS about three hours before the show.
And boy, was my spontaneity rewarded. Full disclosure it was my fourth visit to TOP for this show and second time with this cast, so I knew I was in for a good afternoon.
I enjoyed Miracle’s Veronica much more on second viewing (I liked her the first time but the energy took a while to adjust to after Ailsa). Her vocals are so impressive as well, I Say No is always worth the admission fee alone.
Elliot David Parkes was on as JD yesterday too. Very convincing and especially enjoyed how he let JD’s pent up anger and frustration creep into the usually more mellow Freeze Your Brain.
The auditorium looked maybe a third empty with most of the unfilled seats being in what I presume is the most expensive middle section. I don’t know if that’s just a Sunday matinee thing or not? I also noticed a fair few people turning up late, presumably because they thought it started at half past.
The company as a whole was excellent and I especially enjoyed Olivia Barnett Legh’s Chandler. She has really developed that character as her own after it stayed with one actor for so long previously.
Once again, the score and high octane nature of this show greatly appeals to me so it’s five stars.
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Post by Dr Tom on Jun 26, 2023 10:40:18 GMT
Had some time to kill before Gwen Stefani yesterday and realised Heathers has an early Sunday matinee (1.15pm) and is a short walk away from Hyde Park. Realised slightly too late for the rush sale but found a single £28 ticket in Row D on TKTS about three hours before the show. I was there yesterday matinee for my golden visit (across multiple venues), booked through Rush after a few weeks away. Rush tickets are usually gone within minutes. Very pleased to have finally seen Elliot as JD. He has a clear voice. He plays JD very slow and deliberate. Lots of pauses. I think he's the longest serving cover JD (over various runs). I'm not sure what is up with Ellis though, as Elliot has been on for at least three weeks as best I can tell from social media posts. Hope Ellis is okay. Sebastian Harwood was on as Kurt as well. I believe this was his third show. This one is slightly odd, as Sebastian noted he was joining the cast at the start of the week, then that he was Kurt just recently. Will Brecken has unfortunately had to leave the cast for throat surgery, so I wish him a fast recovery. Sebastian was great anyway. I remember him from Eugenius (the one of my three bookings that was not cancelled). He plays the high school jock very well, although I can't quite imagine him physically making the football team. No Kaine Ruddach, so they were rather short of people. The main problem though was that several members of the cast were rather unwell. You could see this physically and hear it vocally. I know no one wants to let the side down, but I'm rather surprised someone didn't step in in these post-Covid times, especially in a show with intimate moments and the audience within touching distance. I suspect the thought process is "get through Sunday, then there's a break until Tuesday". Friday is a singalong performance. Just mentioning that in case it helps anyone to decide to attend (or avoid). I'm on the avoid side of things, but I've already booked 42nd Street for that night.
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Post by Dr Tom on Jul 7, 2023 10:58:05 GMT
I rushed on Tuesday for a sold out performance. This was George Renshaw's return to the role of JD (previously he was a cover for the role). Ellis Kirk has continued the curse of JD and has quietly left the show.
Kaine Ruddach has also been missing in action for some time (and was absent on Tuesday), but I see he's posted on social media that he's back, which is excellent as I do hope to see his JD at some point.
I'm pleased to say that everyone was on form. I've always liked George Renshaw and he has a pure voice. Some very minor timing issues, but I suspect those have all been ironed out by now. Great to see Elliot having a lot of fun in the background as well.
In the more unusual reaction category, the chap next to me had developed his own set of hand dancing movements for much of the show (he was also mouthing most of the script, but thankfully didn't sing along). I am glad he was enjoying himself, but it was a little distracting for me (and no doubt for those on stage as well, bearing in mind we were both in the front row, especially as the dancing didn't always match what was happening on stage). There was one awkward moment during Big Gay Son when the audience member audibly reacted to the reveal about 5 seconds before the cast. I don't remember that long pause usually being there, but whatever keeps everyone amused!
After the show, I nearly walked into a former cast member who was hanging around outside (I was slow leaving, so they may well have been in the audience).
I also realised this is where a lot of Newsies regulars go when that show isn't playing.
Anyway, do go and catch George. I'm glad that sales have picked up again. Hopefully, we'll hear about an extension soon.
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Post by darreno on Jul 7, 2023 13:18:03 GMT
I rushed on Tuesday for a sold out performance. This was George Renshaw's return to the role of JD (previously he was a cover for the role). Ellis Kirk has continued the curse of JD and has quietly left the show. Kaine Ruddach has also been missing in action for some time (and was absent on Tuesday), but I see he's posted on social media that he's back, which is excellent as I do hope to see his JD at some point. I'm pleased to say that everyone was on form. I've always liked George Renshaw and he has a pure voice. Some very minor timing issues, but I suspect those have all been ironed out by now. Great to see Elliot having a lot of fun in the background as well. In the more unusual reaction category, the chap next to me had developed his own set of hand dancing movements for much of the show (he was also mouthing most of the script, but thankfully didn't sing along). I am glad he was enjoying himself, but it was a little distracting for me (and no doubt for those on stage as well, bearing in mind we were both in the front row, especially as the dancing didn't always match what was happening on stage). There was one awkward moment during Big Gay Son when the audience member audibly reacted to the reveal about 5 seconds before the cast. I don't remember that long pause usually being there, but whatever keeps everyone amused! After the show, I nearly walked into a former cast member who was hanging around outside (I was slow leaving, so they may well have been in the audience). I also realised this is where a lot of Newsies regulars go when that show isn't playing. Anyway, do go and catch George. I'm glad that sales have picked up again. Hopefully, we'll hear about an extension soon. How many times have you been Dr. Tom? I think the regulars at Heathers are my favourite crowd for any show I've been to. Possibly because it makes me 'feel' far younger than I am, but mostly because their (my?) excitement is genuinely palpable.
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Post by theoracle on Jul 9, 2023 10:07:27 GMT
For anyone who missed out on seeing Freddie King or for those who’d be interested in seeing him again, he’s doing a show at the crazy Coqs later this month. The one with Jacob Fowler was very good last month and I’m expecting another very eclectic setlist and conversation with Freddie www.brasseriezedel.com/events/comparing-notes-with-freddie-king
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Post by Dr Tom on Jul 24, 2023 8:44:52 GMT
I did the Sunday evening show yesterday with a rush ticket. The first Sunday evening I've been to in a long time. Not sure if it's a regular way of ending the week, but there was some of the most exaggerated overacting I've ever seen in the theatre, especially during the first half. It worked for the enthusiastic audience (and I enjoyed it), but others here may have been more critical.
Pretty full, but I did see two women in hijabs asking about tickets and having the show described as a musical set in a high school. I'd be quite curious what they thought if they made it inside. I did also hear someone else before the show thinking this was a jukebox musical.
George Renshaw has become a really excellent JD, so is well worth seeing. Seb Harwood is really funny at Kurt. Kaine Ruddach is back too.
Still no news of an extension, but I don't think this has been officially announced as closing either.
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Post by capybara on Jul 25, 2023 8:53:37 GMT
I’d be interested to know if this is extending again. I certainly hope so.
I seem to remember it was announced very close to the ‘final show’ last time too.
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