339 posts
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Post by stuart on Jan 25, 2020 6:48:20 GMT
I'm not too surprised as it's been discounting for quite some time. Will be curious to see what's replacing it. I reckon they’ll move Magic Goes Wrong across town. It will free up the Vaudeville for the 3rd show in Mischief’s year long takeover. |
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Post by JJShaw on Jan 25, 2020 11:25:54 GMT
I'm not too surprised as it's been discounting for quite some time. Will be curious to see what's replacing it. I reckon they’ll move Magic Goes Wrong across town. It will free up the Vaudeville for the 3rd show in Mischief’s year long takeover. I believe that their residency in the Vaudeville ends when Magic Goes Wrong as they have now extended it twice. Not sure what happened to the third show. The title was never announced so perhaps they weren't able to write it in time. |
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Post by Dawnstar on Jan 25, 2020 12:20:41 GMT
Also I'm not sure that MGW could be fitted into the Criterion. Given the Criterion has no fly tower & very limited wing/backstage space, I suspect that some of the MGW scenery & magic apparatus wouldn't fit, & trap doors might also be a problem.
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Post by stageyninja83 on Jan 25, 2020 14:00:16 GMT
I reckon they’ll move Magic Goes Wrong across town. It will free up the Vaudeville for the 3rd show in Mischief’s year long takeover. I believe that their residency in the Vaudeville ends when Magic Goes Wrong as they have now extended it twice. Not sure what happened to the third show. The title was never announced so perhaps they weren't able to write it in time. When Groan Ups was on, I dropped by the Vaudville BO to ask about day seats and we asked if they had any news about the 3rd show. When he checked their system it was pencilled in as 'Spies'. |
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Post by Dawnstar on Jan 26, 2020 0:23:36 GMT
Today Jack Whittle was back covering Mitch so I nipped down to see him, as he's one of my favourite former cast members. I'm not sure if I'd forgotten how good he was as Mitch or if he's got even better since I last saw him over a year ago. Some excellent detailed acting & reacting. Also best ever Mitch-persuading-Caprice-through-the-door line: "I'll wear my sexy mailman outfit."
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Post by basi1faw1ty on Jan 26, 2020 18:33:14 GMT
Ah maaaaaaan, I'm genuinely sad about this! While yes, we do have a lot of Mischief Theatre about the West End and it was time they made way for something else, this play was genius and have never laughed so hard in my life. Streams of tears were coming down my face, and I liked it more than TPTGW.
With this news, I might go for a farewell viewing of this instead of Magic when I visit in Spring.
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Post by talkingheads on Feb 9, 2020 23:13:57 GMT
Finally got to see this for the first time. As a huge fan of Mischief, my initial thought after the first twenty minutes? Oh dear. Jokes that were painful and stretched even by Mischief standards and a very slow opening. But. Then it got to the bedroom scene. And any inkling of not enjoying it instantly dissipated. Farce of the highest order, I just knew what was gong to happen with the bed, but it built and built so well. Then it got into the second act and ramped up several gears, how they choreograph and perform that every day boggles the mind! And yes the central visual set piece was very impressive. I had worried being sat in the front row might be too close but it was perfect. Glad I got to see it before it closes anyway.
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Post by irisjeregenboog on Feb 16, 2020 21:58:31 GMT
So I saw this today... I didn't really know about Mischief Theatre until a few weeks ago, when I saw their tv show. I was amused by it, but not blown away. Mainly I thought it was really forced, which made me wonder how well their concept would work on stage. Obviously there was a lot of potential and some really good ideas in the tv show, but I just kept thinking: it would probably be so much better if you saw it live...! Skip ahead to this matinee! Fortune would have it that my first choice (witness for the prosecution) didn't have any discounted tickets at the TKTS booth anymore, so The Comedy About A Bank Robbery it was. And boy am I happy about this turn of events! I didn't really know what to expect, so I went in with... no expectations, I guess? And lo and behold: it was the best thing I've seen this weekend (and there were some very strong contenders: Upstart Crow and &Juliet). But there really was no question about this: this play, this performance, this piece of pure brilliance wins this weekend! The bed scene. Tears streaming down my face. I haven't laughed so much in the theatre.. ever?! Maybe I should go to more comedies. It just was SO GOOD. Why was it so good?! Oh my god, I just didn't want it to end! And then apart from the amazing funny bits, there were so many moments that my mouth was literally hanging open because of what I was seeing on stage. The 90 degrees set. The climbing in the vents. The underwater scene (which was so beautifully done!). The gunshots scared the living hell out of me. I was mesmerised from start to finish. It is such a clever piece of theatre and they use the set so well! The talent of these people is unbelievable! They act, they are funny, they can bloody sing, they can do lots of stunts and they can even convey real emotion in the few important heartfelt moments. I loved everything about it and I think it will remain a very fond, special theatre memory for me. Sad to hear it's closing, but I like to think it's closing while it's still in its prime!  Also, I may or may not have developed a (fleeting?) crush on Seán Carey - a perfect Sam. I literally don't know what to do with myself now. Anyone in for having lengthy discussions about how amazing this is and how amazing he is and.. and.. and... I think I should stop typing now. Highly recommended! 5/5 stars! |
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Post by greeny11 on Feb 16, 2020 22:34:02 GMT
I was at the evening show tonight and the cast were on top form. Highlights include Sean Carey and Liam Jeavons started laughing in the middle of the bedroom scene, which made an already hilarious scene even funnier. Sean also broke his Mr Freeboys glasses in the scene just before the vault. David Coomber as Cooper as Freeboys is one of my favourite things ever, and Jean Luke Worrell doing his crazy dancing in Something Got A Hold On Me got a lot of laughs. I will be very sad to see this show go, it has become my favourite of the Mischief Theatre shows
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Post by Dawnstar on Feb 17, 2020 8:25:00 GMT
Also, I may or may not have developed a (fleeting?) crush on Seán Carey - a perfect Sam. I literally don't know what to do with myself now. Anyone in for having lengthy discussions about how amazing this is and how amazing he is and.. and.. and... I've had crushes on every lead Sam & most of the understudies, so I think it's the role as much as whoever's playing it! Definitely. Most of this thread is me going on about the show so if anyone else wants to join in then that's great! Incidentally, when I said it's closing soon, soon = 3rd May so you've still got a bit of time to see it again. |
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Post by irisjeregenboog on Feb 17, 2020 21:40:09 GMT
Also, I may or may not have developed a (fleeting?) crush on Seán Carey - a perfect Sam. I literally don't know what to do with myself now. Anyone in for having lengthy discussions about how amazing this is and how amazing he is and.. and.. and... I've had crushes on every lead Sam & most of the understudies, so I think it's the role as much as whoever's playing it! Definitely. Most of this thread is me going on about the show so if anyone else wants to join in then that's great! Incidentally, when I said it's closing soon, soon = 3rd May so you've still got a bit of time to see it again. Oh yes, it is definitely also very much the role of Sam! He is just so sweetly adorable and mischievous and... Oh, why are my crushes always fictional?! I should work on that  Random lovely thing about the show I just remembered: they mentioned there were flowers for me!! I don't know the exact lines anymore, but there were definitely flowers for Iris (although they were not irises, as I recall). Not a very common name here in the UK, I think, so I was thrilled to hear it! Not really a flower girl, but, you know, I'll make an exception if Sam wants to send me flowers  (although preferably not a funeral wreath ) And don't tempt me with the possibility of going again! I would be afraid it could not live up to this original, spontaneous, completely unexpected viewing! Also, it might be difficult for me to get to London again before the 3rd of May and even when I manage there are sooooo many other shows I haven't seen yet and would like to see! What a luxury problem! So, very tempted, but I probably won't see it again  But that will make it extra special, right? |
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Post by Dawnstar on Feb 17, 2020 22:31:37 GMT
Oh yes, it is definitely also very much the role of Sam! He is just so sweetly adorable and mischievous and... Oh, why are my crushes always fictional?! I should work on that Random lovely thing about the show I just remembered: they mentioned there were flowers for me!! I don't know the exact lines anymore, but there were definitely flowers for Iris (although they were not irises, as I recall). Not a very common name here in the UK, I think, so I was thrilled to hear it! Not really a flower girl, but, you know, I'll make an exception if Sam wants to send me flowers (although preferably not a funeral wreath ) And don't tempt me with the possibility of going again! I would be afraid it could not live up to this original, spontaneous, completely unexpected viewing! Also, it might be difficult for me to get to London again before the 3rd of May and even when I manage there are sooooo many other shows I haven't seen yet and would like to see! What a luxury problem! So, very tempted, but I probably won't see it again But that will make it extra special, right? Definitely adorable! It also helps, if like me you have a stage door habit, that he's been played by some of the nicest actors I've ever met off-stage, including the current role incumbent. The lillies, violets & irises belong to Susan, Mabel & Jill. The rhododendrons, tulips & daffodils belong to Lily, Violet & Iris. (I know embarassing amounts of this script by heart!) I do wonder why Sam didn't think of removing the R.I.P. from the wreath while climbing the 20 floors to Caprice's apartment! I have felt that way about a few shows but generally I'm a repeat-viewer when I have the opportunity. In the case of TCAABR a considerable repeat-viewer! |
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Post by pianowithsam on Feb 17, 2020 23:31:37 GMT
Oh yes, it is definitely also very much the role of Sam! He is just so sweetly adorable and mischievous and... Oh, why are my crushes always fictional?! I should work on that Random lovely thing about the show I just remembered: they mentioned there were flowers for me!! I don't know the exact lines anymore, but there were definitely flowers for Iris (although they were not irises, as I recall). Not a very common name here in the UK, I think, so I was thrilled to hear it! Not really a flower girl, but, you know, I'll make an exception if Sam wants to send me flowers (although preferably not a funeral wreath ) And don't tempt me with the possibility of going again! I would be afraid it could not live up to this original, spontaneous, completely unexpected viewing! Also, it might be difficult for me to get to London again before the 3rd of May and even when I manage there are sooooo many other shows I haven't seen yet and would like to see! What a luxury problem! So, very tempted, but I probably won't see it again But that will make it extra special, right? Definitely adorable! It also helps, if like me you have a stage door habit, that he's been played by some of the nicest actors I've ever met off-stage, including the current role incumbent. The lillies, violets & irises belong to Susan, Mabel & Jill. The rhododendrons, tulips & daffodils belong to Lily, Violet & Iris. (I know embarassing amounts of this script by heart!) I do wonder why Sam didn't think of removing the R.I.P. from the wreath while climbing the 20 floors to Caprice's apartment! I have felt that way about a few shows but generally I'm a repeat-viewer when I have the opportunity. In the case of TCAABR a considerable repeat-viewer! I know you can’t predict the future despite your vast knowledge of the show, but how do you reckon the TKTS booth will look in terms of getting tickets for the show during two weeks that schools are off in Easter? |
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Post by Dawnstar on Feb 18, 2020 18:21:25 GMT
pianowithsam I'm afraid I can't help with that. I've never bought any TCAABR tickets via TKTS; I always book directly with the theatre.
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Post by irisjeregenboog on Feb 20, 2020 22:05:50 GMT
Oh thanks for the insights Dawnstar! It's great that you remember the actual text So, maybe you can also help with some questions about how things are done in the show that I just haven't been able to let go for the past few days. In the scene where the old intern (I forgot his name..) is repeatedly slapped with a book and a walking stick, how does that work? I get that the book is probably hollow and doesn't hurt much, but the walking stick looked fairly solid to me. And is it correct that people in the wings clap to make the noises? I spotted people making noises a couple of times, but was too focused on the actual stage to figure out exactly how it was done! And then in the 90 degree set, how does Mr Freeboy move so smoothly across the set? A right mystery to me! Still musing about this play fondly |
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Post by pianowithsam on Feb 20, 2020 22:51:15 GMT
Oh thanks for the insights Dawnstar ! It's great that you remember the actual text So, maybe you can also help with some questions about how things are done in the show that I just haven't been able to let go for the past few days. In the scene where the old intern (I forgot his name..) is repeatedly slapped with a book and a walking stick, how does that work? I get that the book is probably hollow and doesn't hurt much, but the walking stick looked fairly solid to me. And is it correct that people in the wings clap to make the noises? I spotted people making noises a couple of times, but was too focused on the actual stage to figure out exactly how it was done! And then in the 90 degree set, how does Mr Freeboy move so smoothly across the set? A right mystery to me! Still musing about this play fondly Play from about 0:36 at 0.5x speed to get your answer to the walking stick question |
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Post by theatreliker on Feb 21, 2020 9:32:42 GMT
Any word of what's going into the Criterion?
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Post by Dawnstar on Feb 21, 2020 19:13:29 GMT
Oh thanks for the insights Dawnstar! It's great that you remember the actual text So, maybe you can also help with some questions about how things are done in the show that I just haven't been able to let go for the past few days. In the scene where the old intern (I forgot his name..) is repeatedly slapped with a book and a walking stick, how does that work? I get that the book is probably hollow and doesn't hurt much, but the walking stick looked fairly solid to me. And is it correct that people in the wings clap to make the noises? I spotted people making noises a couple of times, but was too focused on the actual stage to figure out exactly how it was done! And then in the 90 degree set, how does Mr Freeboy move so smoothly across the set? A right mystery to me! Still musing about this play fondly Well, I do have copies not only of every published Mischief script but every edition of each! Some of the claps & thumps are done from the wings, for instance Everyone Else's 3-way fight. The noises when Warren is being hit by the objects in turn are done by whoever is playing Sam lying on the floor under the raised room part of the bank set by a small grating. There was a behind the scenes video posted on social media a while ago. I haven't got time to look for it now, as I'm at the ROH, but I'll see if I can find a link to it tomorrow. |
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Post by Dawnstar on Feb 23, 2020 12:45:30 GMT
Some of the claps & thumps are done from the wings, for instance Everyone Else's 3-way fight. The noises when Warren is being hit by the objects in turn are done by whoever is playing Sam lying on the floor under the raised room part of the bank set by a small grating. There was a behind the scenes video posted on social media a while ago. I haven't got time to look for it now, as I'm at the ROH, but I'll see if I can find a link to it tomorrow. Sorry, I completely forgot to look the video up yesterday. I've now done so. This one is with Sean Carey as Sam & was filmed during a rehearsal, as normally Sam would be in Freeboys disguise at this point. I thought there was also a video with Dave Hearn back in 2016 but can't find it.
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Post by irisjeregenboog on Feb 24, 2020 23:28:57 GMT
oh wauw this is amazing! Excuse me while I rewatch this for the rest of the evening |
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Post by daisy24601 on Mar 8, 2020 13:26:15 GMT
I've only seen this once, a couple of years back so booked to see again before it closes. I can't understand the logic behind not being able to book seats together that are in a different price bracket. I had to make two separate bookings.
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Post by fiyero on Mar 10, 2020 21:18:23 GMT
I saw this on Saturday for the first time in a long time (I think I saw the second cast). I had forgotten so much and that made it all the more enjoyable. It was such fun and I was impressed that we had 3 understudies (Charlotte Duffy for Caprice, Tom Hopcroft for Sam and Ross Virgo for Warren) who were all amazing and didn't miss a beat.
I have booked for the tour of Groan Ups when it comes local and can't wait!
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Post by Dawnstar on Mar 17, 2020 17:13:22 GMT
Tweets from various cast members confirm that the show will not re-open so sadly they've lost the last 7 weeks of the run. To borrow a line from TPTGW "Oh, how I wish this could have ended differently."
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Post by daisy24601 on Mar 17, 2020 17:19:05 GMT
Such a shame. I should've gone last week!
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Post by Dawnstar on Mar 17, 2020 18:20:09 GMT
I ditched my planned matinee on Saturday & went for the 83rd & last time, as I was pretty sure then that it'd be my last opportunity to see it. Glad I did but unfortunately I couldn't say thank you & goodbye to the cast with the WE stage dooring ban.
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(although preferably not a funeral wreath 
But that will make it extra special, right? 