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Post by shady23 on Jun 5, 2022 7:32:04 GMT
Prince Sebastian was played by Jonathan Dudley, who is the second cover.
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Post by cezbear on Jun 5, 2022 8:46:05 GMT
I don't care that it was 'only £15' - it's your £15. Complain and get a refund. This is absolutely pathetic that a West End show is run far worse than an amateur one. The contempt for the audience stinks; and if they're not aware after all this time, then it's incompetence from management. I agree with you, but honestly I just can't be bothered with the hassle for £15 even if it more for the principle of it. I just feel like some of the ensemble members have such an attitude...I won't say who, but there was an awkward moment tonight where everyone on my side stood for Carrie at the very end of the bows, but another actor thought we were standing for them and stepped out in front of her and started blowing kisses. It was a bit cringe because they totally blocked Carrie when literally everyone wanted to wave at her and Jonathan Dudley who was on as Sebastian, but the actor in question genuinely thought we had stood for them when they weren't even on as a principle role... I have to say though that Lauren Byrne is amazing! She came and stood in my block during the ball scene and started commenting on the ball in character and made us all belly laugh. Jonathan Dudley was brilliant as well, but I personally prefer Ivano.
Well, I have now spent far too much time watching bow videos from last night trying to work out who the ensemble member might be....
(I'd still have complained though, not so much even for your £15 but if it's highlighted and addressed then the next audience won't have to put up with it!)
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Post by musicbox on Jun 5, 2022 10:02:30 GMT
Saw this last night which will have been my second time. I first saw a very early preview so it was nice to see if it had changed and developed. Full house from what I could see. All the leads on apart from Prince Sebastian - don't know who played the part but he was very good. I also had an understudy for that role the first time I saw it. Thoroughly enjoyed it and the friend I went with who had never seen it also really liked it. Now without giving anything away in case there are still members due to see it before it closes next week can anyone confirm if the ending has changed as I am sure when I saw it the first time the ending was completely different. Or is my old age and memory playing games? Glad you enjoyed it, but the stepmother was actually played by second cover Alexandra Waite-Roberts, Victoria Hamilton Barritt doesn’t come back from leave until Monday. Also yeah, we talk about it the show a lot on here so I’ll just say it - the ending has changed a fair bit since reopening in February. The bows are now an extension of the wedding party with the cast dancing as they bow, it used to just be totally silent bows until Carrie/ Georgina came out and the orchestra would play. There’s also loads of subtle changes throughout that were brought in to make the show flow better - There’s too many for me to name individually, but loads of dialogue has been cut down and Cinderellas soliloquy has been almost halved in length. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jun 5, 2022 10:04:27 GMT
I don't care that it was 'only £15' - it's your £15. Complain and get a refund. This is absolutely pathetic that a West End show is run far worse than an amateur one. The contempt for the audience stinks; and if they're not aware after all this time, then it's incompetence from management. I agree with you, but honestly I just can't be bothered with the hassle for £15 even if it more for the principle of it. I just feel like some of the ensemble members have such an attitude...I won't say who, but there was an awkward moment tonight where everyone on my side stood for Carrie at the very end of the bows, but another actor thought we were standing for them and stepped out in front of her and started blowing kisses. It was a bit cringe because they totally blocked Carrie when literally everyone wanted to wave at her and Jonathan Dudley who was on as Sebastian, but the actor in question genuinely thought we had stood for them when they weren't even on as a principle role... I have to say though that Lauren Byrne is amazing! She came and stood in my block during the ball scene and started commenting on the ball in character and made us all belly laugh. Jonathan Dudley was brilliant as well, but I personally prefer Ivano. Rodney Vubya by any chance? |
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Post by FrontroverPaul on Jun 5, 2022 11:00:12 GMT
Well I watched this show again yesterday and really loved it, "this state" and all... but then I go to theatre to enjoy myself and for escapism and not to pick apart every single aspect of every single show and those in it. The theatre was full and there was a fantastic audience reaction throughout. Great to see the show has been preserved for posterity in excellent quality for anyone into learning about slime |
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8,096 posts
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Post by alece10 on Jun 5, 2022 11:42:18 GMT
Saw this last night which will have been my second time. I first saw a very early preview so it was nice to see if it had changed and developed. Full house from what I could see. All the leads on apart from Prince Sebastian - don't know who played the part but he was very good. I also had an understudy for that role the first time I saw it. Thoroughly enjoyed it and the friend I went with who had never seen it also really liked it. Now without giving anything away in case there are still members due to see it before it closes next week can anyone confirm if the ending has changed as I am sure when I saw it the first time the ending was completely different. Or is my old age and memory playing games? Glad you enjoyed it, but the stepmother was actually played by second cover Alexandra Waite-Roberts, Victoria Hamilton Barritt doesn’t come back from leave until Monday. Also yeah, we talk about it the show a lot on here so I’ll just say it - the ending has changed a fair bit since reopening in February. The bows are now an extension of the wedding party with the cast dancing as they bow, it used to just be totally silent bows until Carrie/ Georgina came out and the orchestra would play. There’s also loads of subtle changes throughout that were brought in to make the show flow better - There’s too many for me to name individually, but loads of dialogue has been cut down and Cinderellas soliloquy has been almost halved in length. Thanks for the info about the changes, as I said I was at an early preview (possibly 2nd or third) and it was a long time ago so I couldnt remember. Also the update about who was playing the Stepmother. I was really surprised to read that it wasnt Victoria. Well she was damm good as she sounded exactly the same as when I saw Victoria play the role and even looked like her. I had a feeling the changes would have been discussed at great length on here but, to be honest, I really didnt want to trawl back through pages and pages of posts discussing the cast, their behaviour, the backstage dramas and also the constant bad critique about the show so glad you have filled me in. |
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Post by musicbox on Jun 5, 2022 12:08:35 GMT
Glad you enjoyed it, but the stepmother was actually played by second cover Alexandra Waite-Roberts, Victoria Hamilton Barritt doesn’t come back from leave until Monday. Also yeah, we talk about it the show a lot on here so I’ll just say it - the ending has changed a fair bit since reopening in February. The bows are now an extension of the wedding party with the cast dancing as they bow, it used to just be totally silent bows until Carrie/ Georgina came out and the orchestra would play. There’s also loads of subtle changes throughout that were brought in to make the show flow better - There’s too many for me to name individually, but loads of dialogue has been cut down and Cinderellas soliloquy has been almost halved in length. Thanks for the info about the changes, as I said I was at an early preview (possibly 2nd or third) and it was a long time ago so I couldnt remember. Also the update about who was playing the Stepmother. I was really surprised to read that it wasnt Victoria. Well she was damm good as she sounded exactly the same as when I saw Victoria play the role and even looked like her. I had a feeling the changes would have been discussed at great length on here but, to be honest, I really didnt want to trawl back through pages and pages of posts discussing the cast, their behaviour, the backstage dramas and also the constant bad critique about the show so glad you have filled me in. Yeah Alexandra done a great job! I agree she looks and sounds almost identical to Victoria, it’s a bit freaky actually! Also yeah I seen it quite early in it’s run and then again on the reopening night and it was very different in many ways, but I think the changes are for the better. I forgot to say as well, I thought Carrie sounded great last night! She mentioned on SM that she had been having vocal issues relating to acid reflux but was having treatment, so whatever she’s doing is working…I just wish she would keep her conversations to her dressing room! |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 6, 2022 1:17:17 GMT
Does Stage Door have to wait for her to finish signing? according to her she's technically still on theatre property so they are responsible for her I guess it depends where she stands and if a member of staff waits with her. Also has she signed out then may be the key as once she has done so I'd argue she has left building. If cast were stood around talking outside or their Uber hadn't turned up then would someone wait for them? Also could be Company Manager might even be with her so they could have to go back inside after she has been dispatched. |
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Post by musicbox on Jun 6, 2022 19:57:11 GMT
CHF is this week’s guest on Alistair Brammer and John Owen-Jones’s “The last show on earth” podcast - podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/2-carrie-hope-fletcher/id1624057588?i=1000565307019Apparently Alistair was the original Prince Charming in the workshop, I definitely wasn’t expecting that! Charming is such a short and minimal role in the show though, I feel that Alistair’s talent wouldn’t been wasted on it to be honest. |
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Post by viserys on Jun 7, 2022 3:37:23 GMT
Charming is such a short and minimal role in the show though, I feel that Alistair’s talent wouldn’t been wasted on it to be honest. In the original version he would have had to sing the kick-ass Seawitch song though. |
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Post by danb on Jun 7, 2022 5:24:32 GMT
…which I’m secretly hoping that Adam Lambert will slip into Queen’s set tomorrow night!
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Post by filendile on Jun 7, 2022 22:37:19 GMT
Saw this tonight for the first time. Two understudies - Caught Lauren Byrne’s (probably) last show, and Michael Hamway was on for Prince Sebastian. Both were great, audience was really responsive to Sebastian’s big song (I forget what it was called). Overall found the material itself a little disappointing, the only songs that stuck with me were So Long and Bad Cinderella.
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Post by max on Jun 7, 2022 23:00:22 GMT
Also saw this tonight for the first time. Lauren Byrne was terrific, great voice and likeable characterisation; Mike Hamway also very good.
Act 2 felt stronger than Act 1; the setting up in Act 1 feels a bit laboured. Act 2 would truly riproar if the Sea Witch song for Prince Charming was back in. To make space there is sooooo much that could be trimmed from elsewhere in the show still. Cinderella's 'Far Too Late' was beautiful in the hands of Lauren Byrne, but it's 'far too long', and needs a middle eight to make it more complex and then fall back into the melody. Other songs aren't anywhere near so brilliant that they deserve reprises, or to be someone's theme song that often recurs.
I think the reality level is what didn't work for me. However good the performances of the grotesque characters I think it would land better if it was played (and designed) more 'real'. Songs / moments need to do double or triple duty; 'Man's man' works but I had no interest in the dance break; as the Wedding day has been declared that could have been in parallel with wedding planners getting the court and Sebastian fitted up. After all Lloyd Webber has written a couple of standout songs about dressing up/manufacture of image: 'Rainbow High' in Evita, and 'The Lady's Paying' in Sunset Boulevard. A director could have forced more out of the moments, but way better if it was fully written that way. Instead what you see is what you get, too often, and for me it was just 'there' in front of me. It really did need someone to say: "we can do so much more here, let's work it harder, use our craft".
Not sure what the future of the show will be. It's not THAT different to a trad 'Cinderella' really is it? Not much filthiness left in the current script so the objection that it confuses audiences taste/expectations wise has largely gone (if you can cope with a gay Prince Charming). But now it's calmed down I'm left with how I felt when the show was first announced: do I really want to see a version of Cinderella when there are so many. Other than following in the footsteps of Rodgers and Hammerstein the mission and need just isn't clear, and doesn't seem to have ignited the creatives to spend their greatest talents on something ephemeral.
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Post by musicbox on Jun 7, 2022 23:19:32 GMT
Also saw this tonight for the first time. Lauren Byrne was terrific, great voice and likeable characterisation; Mike Hamway also very good. Act 2 felt stronger than Act 1; the setting up in Act 1 feels a bit laboured. Act 2 would truly riproar if the Sea Witch song for Prince Charming was back in. To make space there is sooooo much that could be trimmed from elsewhere in the show still. Cinderella's 'Far Too Late' was beautiful in the hands of Lauren Byrne, but it's 'far too long', and needs a middle eight to make it more complex and then fall back into the melody. Other songs aren't anywhere near so brilliant that they deserve reprises, or to be someone's theme song that often recurs. I think the reality level is what didn't work for me. However good the performances of the grotesque characters I think it would land better if it was played (and designed) more 'real'. Songs / moments need to do double or triple duty; 'Man's man' works but I had no interest in the dance break; as the Wedding day has been declared that could have been in parallel with wedding planners getting the court and Sebastian fitted up. After all Lloyd Webber has written a couple of standout songs about dressing up/manufacture of image: 'Rainbow High' in Evita, and 'The Lady's Paying' in Sunset Boulevard. A director could have forced more out of the moments, but way better if it was fully written that way. Instead what you see is what you get, too often, and for me it was just 'there' in front of me. It really did need someone to say: "we can do so much more here, let's work it harder, use our craft". Not sure what the future of the show will be. It's not THAT different to a trad 'Cinderella' really is it? Not much filthiness left in the current script so the objection that it confuses audiences taste/expectations wise has largely gone (if you can cope with a gay Prince Charming). But now it's calmed down I'm left with how I felt when the show was first announced: do I really want to see a version of Cinderella when there are so many. Other than following in the footsteps of Rodgers and Hammerstein the mission and need just isn't clear, and doesn't seem to have ignited the creatives to spend their greatest talents on something ephemeral. I'm glad you mentioned this, as I've had this exact thought since first seeing the show as well. 'Man's man' is by far the weakest moment of the show in my opinion and each different person I've seen the show with agreed with me that it was really cringe, felt misplaced and made them feel uncomfortable. I've always felt that a 'dressing up' song where the queen and henchmen (Is that what they're called?) train and teach Sebastian how to be more like Charming to prepare for the wedding would work so much better. There's just something about the queen singing about her son being 'so darn ripped' that really gives me the ick. I've always felt that the whole 'Beauty has a price' scene is also too dark, and removing the surgery aspect, just focusing on giving Cinderella a makeover with a much lighter, more upbeat song would've been a much better choice. The whole putting the surgery mask on her face is just...strange. Saying that, I definitely have a soft spot for this show as I find it really amusing and fun (Sometimes for the wrong reasons). It's definitely not a show to take seriously in any way, it's just a piece of lighthearted fluff that will give you a laugh for the night - I'll be sad to see it go this week! |
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4,361 posts
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Post by shady23 on Jun 8, 2022 10:12:01 GMT
They only use the surgery mask because {Spoiler - click to view}
Carrie actually goes off stage during the song and one of the ensemble take her place on the chair while she "transforms" offstage, she then slips back on the chair later.
If it was not for the mask it would be clear it was not her. |
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Post by Oliver on Jun 8, 2022 20:49:00 GMT
Also saw this tonight for the first time. Lauren Byrne was terrific, great voice and likeable characterisation; Mike Hamway also very good. Act 2 felt stronger than Act 1; the setting up in Act 1 feels a bit laboured. Act 2 would truly riproar if the Sea Witch song for Prince Charming was back in. To make space there is sooooo much that could be trimmed from elsewhere in the show still. Cinderella's 'Far Too Late' was beautiful in the hands of Lauren Byrne, but it's 'far too long', and needs a middle eight to make it more complex and then fall back into the melody. Other songs aren't anywhere near so brilliant that they deserve reprises, or to be someone's theme song that often recurs. I think the reality level is what didn't work for me. However good the performances of the grotesque characters I think it would land better if it was played (and designed) more 'real'. Songs / moments need to do double or triple duty; 'Man's man' works but I had no interest in the dance break; as the Wedding day has been declared that could have been in parallel with wedding planners getting the court and Sebastian fitted up. After all Lloyd Webber has written a couple of standout songs about dressing up/manufacture of image: 'Rainbow High' in Evita, and 'The Lady's Paying' in Sunset Boulevard. A director could have forced more out of the moments, but way better if it was fully written that way. Instead what you see is what you get, too often, and for me it was just 'there' in front of me. It really did need someone to say: "we can do so much more here, let's work it harder, use our craft". Not sure what the future of the show will be. It's not THAT different to a trad 'Cinderella' really is it? Not much filthiness left in the current script so the objection that it confuses audiences taste/expectations wise has largely gone (if you can cope with a gay Prince Charming). But now it's calmed down I'm left with how I felt when the show was first announced: do I really want to see a version of Cinderella when there are so many. Other than following in the footsteps of Rodgers and Hammerstein the mission and need just isn't clear, and doesn't seem to have ignited the creatives to spend their greatest talents on something ephemeral. I'm glad you mentioned this, as I've had this exact thought since first seeing the show as well. 'Man's man' is by far the weakest moment of the show in my opinion and each different person I've seen the show with agreed with me that it was really cringe, felt misplaced and made them feel uncomfortable. I've always felt that a 'dressing up' song where the queen and henchmen (Is that what they're called?) train and teach Sebastian how to be more like Charming to prepare for the wedding would work so much better. There's just something about the queen singing about her son being 'so darn ripped' that really gives me the ick. I've always felt that the whole 'Beauty has a price' scene is also too dark, and removing the surgery aspect, just focusing on giving Cinderella a makeover with a much lighter, more upbeat song would've been a much better choice. The whole putting the surgery mask on her face is just...strange. Saying that, I definitely have a soft spot for this show as I find it really amusing and fun (Sometimes for the wrong reasons). It's definitely not a show to take seriously in any way, it's just a piece of lighthearted fluff that will give you a laugh for the night - I'll be sad to see it go this week! "Man's Man" is a highlight for me, a wonderful comic song both musically and lyrically. You mention that each person you saw it with didn't like it, do you feel your opinion needs to be corroborated? The "dressing up" idea you mention seems a bit obvious to me by comparison. |
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Post by max on Jun 8, 2022 23:39:10 GMT
And the discussion was going quite pleasantly til then, with just some points of difference between people who generally have goodwill towards the show.
Personally I've got no problem with 'Man's man' just thought that after a while it was ready to develop more of a story function. All those merchants in the first scene (nicely introduced) would have more of a through line across the story: ribbon/flag seller, milkmaids, baker etc. All seeing a new shop window for their wares due to the wedding, as the Queen herself says of the merch opportunities. It would get further characters (beyond the wannabee brides) having a greater stake in the wedding, as a way of overcoming the effects of Cinderella's sabotage. We'd see more of those superb ensemble talents too.
Still thinking about Lauren Byrne as Cinderella, but also the talent across the board.
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Post by Oliver on Jun 8, 2022 23:47:11 GMT
And the discussion was going quite pleasantly til then, with just some points of difference between people who generally have goodwill towards the show. Personally I've got no problem with 'Man's man' just thought that after a while it was ready to develop more of a story function. All those merchants in the first scene (nicely introduced) would have more of a through line across the story: ribbon/flag seller, milkmaids, baker etc. All seeing a new shop window for their wares due to the wedding, as the Queen herself says of the merch opportunities. It would get further characters (beyond the wannabee brides) having a greater stake in the wedding, as a way of overcoming the effects of Cinderella's sabotage. We'd see more of those superb ensemble talents too. Still thinking about Lauren Byrne as Cinderella, but also the talent across the board. There was nothing unpleasant about my post. I was just making the point that it makes no difference what other people think, it's what you think that matters. The 'dressing up' for an occasion idea is a bit cliché. |
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Post by musicbox on Jun 9, 2022 9:53:04 GMT
After my moaning about the constant loud chatting in the wings when I seen the show at the weekend (I didn’t complain in the end as I couldn’t be bothered with the hassle), CHF has posted a vlog which shows the cast actually doing it - skip to 8:33 to see them having a full conversation about a dictionary word in the right side wings -
Obviously I have nothing against the cast having fun and chatting, but why are they doing it literally inches from the stage? Is it a space issue at the GL?
It would be one thing is no one could hear it, but as I said I couldn’t hear parts of the show over their chatting on Saturday, I could literally hear clearly what they were chatting about over an orchestra and performers on stage with mics.
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Post by lolalou on Jun 9, 2022 11:28:18 GMT
After my moaning about the constant loud chatting in the wings when I seen the show at the weekend (I didn’t complain in the end as I couldn’t be bothered with the hassle), CHF has posted a vlog which shows the cast actually doing it - skip to 8:33 to see them having a full conversation about a dictionary word in the right side wings - Obviously I have nothing against the cast having fun and chatting, but why are they doing it literally inches from the stage? Is it a space issue at the GL? It would be one thing is no one could hear it, but as I said I couldn’t hear parts of the show over their chatting on Saturday, I could literally hear clearly what they were chatting about over an orchestra and performers on stage with mics. But did you know the meaning of the ‘word of the day’ though? 😂 Hats off to the ensemble trapped in the wings with no place to go while Carrie forces them into word games they just looked thrilled to play. I also loved the way she was waving a camera around and literally told the stage manager ‘I’m blogging today is that ok’ it was a statement not a question. Sounds like the stage manager lost control of their space a long time ago. I’m sure the crew will be relieved it’s over soon. |
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Post by theatrekiwi on Jun 9, 2022 19:45:14 GMT
Saw this for the first (and last) time on Wednesday night. Had a little chuckle at the "It's not Carrie!" gasp of horror from one audience member passing the cast board pre-show. Georgina was on as Cinderella and was brilliant, as was Michael as Sebastian. Georgina's "I Know I Have A Heart" was the moment of the show for me - stunning! Only You, Lonely You also got a huge reaction. Went in with low expectations, left having really enjoyed it and had a fun evening!  |
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Post by musicbox on Jun 11, 2022 22:12:45 GMT
I literally never go and see shows multiple times like this, but the fact that it's closing tomorrow urged me to get another cheap ticket tonight and go solo...and it was definitely an eventful trip.
First of all my seat was brilliant, dead on centre and about 10 rows form the stage in the stalls. It was all going great until the show started and the person behind grabbed the back of my chair and kept pushing me back and forward repeatedly, almost constantly. I've literally never done this before, but I left the auditorium during Man's man as I wasn't too fussed about seeing it, and went into the foyer to speak to a FOH worker. She was absolutely lovely and sympathised with me, brought out a chart and said she actually had a spare seat closer to the stage and escorted me back in to claim it - result!
I was now in the first set of stall seats that don't move so was very pleased, then after a couple of minutes looked to my side and realised that I was sitting next to Caleb Roberts who was on holiday but seeing the show in the audience, such a bizarre string of events! It was really interesting to see a lot of the cast looking his way and discreetly acknowledging him.
To top it off, I've mentioned before that this show has turned me into a huge Victoria Hamilton-Barritt fan as she's literally incredible, and by the time I got out to the street a lot of the cast were leaving and I noticed her discreetly going down the street with no one approaching her. I literally ran over to her, politely asked her if she had time to chat, had a lovely conversation and took a photo - I'm definitely an even bigger fan now!
The que to see Carrie was absolutely humungous, so although I like her I wasn't willing to wait as it went right up to the Travelodge at the top of Drury Lane, I'm also not really a stage door person to be honest. I'm pretty sure Joel Montague was there as well, I'm not sure if he was at the show or just came to pick her up.
Such an unexpectedly eventful night for a last minute purchase, but I'm glad I went and will be sad to see it close tomorrow (I've had a ticket for tomorrow for a while).
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Post by spathzthecat on Jun 12, 2022 7:25:17 GMT
Off to see the last show, I wonder will there be any protest?
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jun 12, 2022 7:32:59 GMT
Off to see the last show, I wonder will there be any protest? Bit late now I’d say. The cast and crew should have all gone on strike when it happened. |
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Post by richey on Jun 12, 2022 8:19:08 GMT
Off to see the last show, I wonder will there be any protest? Are muck-up matinees still a thing? I know technically they were during the penultimate show but now schedules have changed does it still happen? Just seen Joel's post of the queue to see Carrie last night- that looked absolutely crazy. I'm surprised it was allowed. |
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