879 posts
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Post by daisy24601 on Jun 30, 2018 15:05:51 GMT
Leg room isn't really a problem for me!
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2,389 posts
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Post by peggs on Jun 30, 2018 20:16:07 GMT
I'd always take front row there over anything else. Fair enough @pegs. I just always dislike having my feet forced back into that "z" shape, and the Donmar, if they use a raised stage, usually do that - and I do note a few miserable faces. Ahh z shaped feet thats what I miss now from the cheapest seats in the circle where your feet have to sort of perch instead 😉 |
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Post by joem on Jun 30, 2018 23:37:31 GMT
Right to get back to the play from marriage, seats, backs feet etc.....
It's a good adaptation. Lia Williams is a persuasive Brodie, really bringing out the tackiness behind the thin façade of sophistication, and her final transformation was, technically, quite impressive. The girl ensemble is also impressive, bringing out the differences in the characters
Irrelevant grouse about the Donmar. If Chapel Down is one of their sponsors... why on earth don't they serve Chapel Down at the bar?
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Post by littlesally on Jul 5, 2018 21:47:14 GMT
Saw it this afternoon. Loved Lia Williams, and the rest of the cast did well. Felt the script lacked the anarchic edge required, and also there is a second play just about Brodie to be written. More on my site if anyone cares. On seating, I found E9 pretty amazing for view, but if you are under 5ft 10 there is nowhere to put your feet. A and B are chairs, and cushions are available behind row E, pick up to the right as you go in. A at the sides has more space than usual, in the centre A is in a pit, again with some legroom for a change - the first seat on B doesn't have legroom due to a step. I have stalls D8-9. I’m also very short. Am I in for an uncomfortable time? |
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Post by lou105 on Jul 14, 2018 8:22:59 GMT
From Donmar Facebook page "Due to unforeseen circumstances, this afternoon's performance of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie has been cancelled. We will contact all bookers directly to discuss rebooking or refunds. No other performances are affected at this time."
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Post by lonlad on Jul 14, 2018 8:41:07 GMT
Ah, I wonder if that is due to Lia Williams's throat infection
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Post by Polly1 on Jul 14, 2018 13:46:43 GMT
Tonight's performance cancelled too, according to Donmar tweet.
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Post by schuttep on Jul 16, 2018 9:09:13 GMT
Yes was due to see this last Saturday. It's always disappointing when a putative sold-out show cancels performances but if it's illness, it can't be helped when they don't do understudies. I don't hold out much hope for a re-booking!
Second time it's happened to me in 12 months. Don't let me buy tickets for you!
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3,320 posts
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Post by david on Jul 16, 2018 23:08:42 GMT
Well, with both the Saturday performances cancelled, I waited with everything crossed that tonight’s performance would go ahead. So after checking my emails about a million times ( ok maybe not that many times) to see if it would go on as planned, thankfully it did, and what a performance by Lia Williams. Over the 2.5hrs she had the audience transfixed the entire time. For me she struck a great balance between the comedy of the subversive teacher at the beginning to the tragic figure she becomes by the end of the play. The journey she takes with the character was amazing and I’m glad she took a more reserved approach to her downfall rather than going full on crazy as I think it helped show how far she had fallen by the end.
Not having read the novel or seen the film prior to tonight’s performance, I went in with only a basic knowledge of the plot like some of the other posters who have already seen it so didn’t have anything to compare it to in terms of its overall tone and approach to the JB character. After tonight I’m now tempted to watch Maggie Smith’s portrayal just as a comparison.
With the staging, I really liked the bells hung up above the stage even if they where only for show rather than serving any practical function in the piece and the bell ringing at the end of each scene was a nice touch. For the seating, I liked the idea of having Rows A and B as the wooden seats rather than traditional seating. I think it gave a more school classroom feel. Though I’m glad I was sat in my Row C seat at the side in the circle, as I don’t think I would of wanted the “immersive” experience of being in those rows. Though full respect to those patrons who sat in them without cushions!
Overall , with the York Realist and now this piece of drama, more of the same please Donmar. No complaints and a great night out at the theatre for £10.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 16, 2018 23:18:40 GMT
Well, with both the Saturday performances cancelled, I waited with everything crossed that tonight’s performance would go ahead. So after checking my emails about a million times ( ok maybe not that many times) to see if it would go on as planned, thankfully it did, and what a performance by Lia Williams. Over the 2.5hrs she had the audience transfixed the entire time. For me she struck a great balance between the comedy of the subversive teacher at the beginning to the tragic figure she becomes by the end of the play. The journey she takes with the character was amazing and I’m glad she took a more reserved approach to her downfall rather than going full on crazy as I think it helped show how far she had fallen by the end. Not having read the novel or seen the film prior to tonight’s performance, I went in with only a basic knowledge of the plot like some of the other posters who have already seen it so didn’t have anything to compare it to in terms of its overall tone and approach to the JB character. After tonight I’m now tempted to watch Maggie Smith’s portrayal just as a comparison. With the staging, I really liked the bells hung up above the stage even if they where only for show rather than serving an practical function in the piece and the bell ringing at the end of each scene was a nice touch. For the seating, I liked the idea of having Rows A and B as the wooden seats rather than traditional seating. I think it gave a more school classroom feel. Though I’m glad I was sat in my Row C seat at the side in the circle, as I don’t think I would of wanted the “immersive” experience of being in those rows. Though full respect to those patrons who sat in them without cushions! Overall , with the York Realist and now this piece of drama, more of the same please Donmar. No complaints and a great night out at the theatre for £10. No The bells were used Not for just decoration |
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3,320 posts
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Post by david on Jul 16, 2018 23:21:32 GMT
Well, with both the Saturday performances cancelled, I waited with everything crossed that tonight’s performance would go ahead. So after checking my emails about a million times ( ok maybe not that many times) to see if it would go on as planned, thankfully it did, and what a performance by Lia Williams. Over the 2.5hrs she had the audience transfixed the entire time. For me she struck a great balance between the comedy of the subversive teacher at the beginning to the tragic figure she becomes by the end of the play. The journey she takes with the character was amazing and I’m glad she took a more reserved approach to her downfall rather than going full on crazy as I think it helped show how far she had fallen by the end. Not having read the novel or seen the film prior to tonight’s performance, I went in with only a basic knowledge of the plot like some of the other posters who have already seen it so didn’t have anything to compare it to in terms of its overall tone and approach to the JB character. After tonight I’m now tempted to watch Maggie Smith’s portrayal just as a comparison. With the staging, I really liked the bells hung up above the stage even if they where only for show rather than serving an practical function in the piece and the bell ringing at the end of each scene was a nice touch. For the seating, I liked the idea of having Rows A and B as the wooden seats rather than traditional seating. I think it gave a more school classroom feel. Though I’m glad I was sat in my Row C seat at the side in the circle, as I don’t think I would of wanted the “immersive” experience of being in those rows. Though full respect to those patrons who sat in them without cushions! Overall , with the York Realist and now this piece of drama, more of the same please Donmar. No complaints and a great night out at the theatre for £10. No The bells were used Not for just decoration The only one I saw used was the larger one at the side of the stage. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 17, 2018 16:58:58 GMT
Well. The bells. The bells! Apart from the fact that I came out of the theatre thinking I had tinnitus I rather liked it.
Lia Williams struggled manfully with what appeared to be some kind of cold or sore throat but she gave it her best shot. I wasn't entirely sold on her to be honest although she looked glorious in her red and green frocks and she has some wonderful lines ("Miss Mackay thinks to intimidate me with quarter-hours") but the betrayal left me a little cold. I'm not sure that she put enough of a stamp on it to step out of the classic Maggie Smith performance for me. Oh, what Anne-Marie Duff or Dame Katherine Parkinson would have done with it! Angus Wright on the other hand, I loved. After seeing him in some serious roles where he wasn't particularly pleasant, what a joy it was to see him be so soft and sweet. There's a moment where he playfully taps Jean on the nose and stumbles away giggling which was just delightful. He bumped into the wall last night which I don't know if it's scripted but it jolly well should be if it's not. The play does some jumping about, particularly with regards to the Joyce character, which I found a bit jarring and Sandy clearly has been held back at school because she's about 5 years older than the rest but on the whole it's rather an entertaining evening.
On the plus side, you get lots of lovely Scotch accents, the likes of which I haven't heard since I once stumbled across an old episode of 'Doctor Finlay's Casebook', some lovely wigs and the joy of seeing several people arrive and smugly walking to the front row only to find that they're stuck on an old wooden chair for 2 and a half hours and staring jealously at my lovely seat with some padding.
Oh and a lovely usher on seating duty in the stalls too, multitasking to the max. Selling programmes, seating everyone and helping old people to their seat with nary a flip or a flap. The kind of person you want when the fire alarm goes off. Bravo to you Miss!
I have to say, I quite fancied a sherry and some amarrrrrrrrrretti afterwards though.
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Post by daisy24601 on Jul 17, 2018 20:49:18 GMT
I'm still checking for return tickets, there are a few days that come up as available but when you go the plan there's nothing??
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879 posts
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Post by daisy24601 on Jul 18, 2018 10:00:21 GMT
Yes I might try that, thanks. I've only seen standing ones available recently and I don't fancy that!
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879 posts
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Post by daisy24601 on Jul 18, 2018 16:21:52 GMT
Hooray I managed to snag a ticket for Saturday! There's one still available in the stalls if anybody is interested.
The standing situation sounds risky for a first time visitor, although what a bargain if you get a good seat!
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2,389 posts
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Post by peggs on Jul 18, 2018 17:00:10 GMT
For future reference are the best standing spots, as in the ones best odds to be moved from, those nearest entrance doors, plumb centre?
They don't always automatically upgrade either do they, I've been before and seen standing people refused an empty seat or left standing when there are seats. Maybe depends who is on duty as ushers?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2018 18:15:39 GMT
If I'm standing at the Donmar, then I stand at the side, between the pillar and B13/B34 (depending on which side I go to). As long as you're not actively blocking stairs, the staff don't seem to mind me being there, and I don't have to try peering over people's heads in the same way you do if you stand at the back like you're meant to.
EDIT: whiiiiich I just realised wasn't what you asked. Yes, if you want an upgrade, be as near the doors as possible.
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2,389 posts
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Post by peggs on Jul 18, 2018 18:56:58 GMT
Thanks @baemax, both answers most useful!
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Post by daisy24601 on Jul 22, 2018 15:14:43 GMT
Finally got to see this last night. My seat (D14) was really good, perfect view. I studied the book at school and have a copy but it's been years since I've read it so I couldn't quite remember the full story. I spent most of the time thinking "I'm sure there was a girl called Eunice as well?" Correct and a sixth called Rose, I guess they thought they were surplus to requirements in the play.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and thought all actors were brilliant. Character growth could be seen in every one. The only thing I think was lacking was I didn't fully feel the grasp Brodie had over the girls, I don't know if she just didn't command it or if there wasn't enough space for it to be seen. I don't really know how to explain there was just something missing from her authority, but she was fantastic nonetheless.
SPOILER ALERT: One thing I'm a bit confused about, she didn't want to marry because she'd have to leave her job yet they mention Miss Lockhart is still teaching after she has married Mr Lowther.
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Post by jbevans1234 on Jul 29, 2018 13:01:23 GMT
Saw the matinée yesterday, have never read the book or seen the movie, liked the first half but the second half really got it going, the young girls were amazing, the one who played Joyce is a star in the making, the girls came outside while we were chatting outside the theatre afterwards, so glad we could tell them how wonderful their performance was.
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Post by MrsCondomine on Aug 2, 2018 10:01:34 GMT
Thought this was beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Lia Williams was just hypnotic. Sinous and awful and dictatorial, but magnetic and bewitching.
I have never seen a weak performance from anyone at the Donmar, and this was no exception. The girls, the teachers ('spesh Angus Wright, what a squirm-inducing awkward interpretation of Lowther, amazing), even the poor guy who was saddled with the role of the interviewer... this is my favourite production so far this year.
However I thought the framing device didn't do it any favours, and luckily the adaptation left the last word to Brodie instead of getting Sandie to say, "there was a Miss Jean Brodie in her prime." I understand it's lifted from the book, and to be fair Rona Morison gave a brilliant performance in switching from schoolgirl to adult nun, but it added very little that wasn't already communicated in the main story.
Also Brodie's outfits were covetable to the max.
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