18,774 posts
|
Post by BurlyBeaR on Oct 20, 2021 22:09:59 GMT
Layton has been “off” vocally for weeks it would seem. If he’s not up to it due to a health problem or whatever he should just take some time off and recover. If he thinks he’s doing anyone a favour offering a sub standard performance he’s wrong. I wish the understudy had been on when I saw it.
|
|
4,361 posts
|
Post by shady23 on Oct 20, 2021 22:21:47 GMT
I am also not a huge fan of the Covid references. One would be fine. But there are about 3 new covid jokes in the opening scene, and then almost every other scene added a new covid joke, whether it be a gag about, LFTs, designer masks, social distancing or Sanitising. Like we get it, but why is the it a new running thread from start to finish? Yes and very few of the audience will probably be doing any covid measures at all... Honestly do not want to be reminded of this nightmare at the theatre. I would like to escape from it. |
|
|
|
Post by jacob on Oct 20, 2021 22:57:15 GMT
I saw it tonight in Bristol also. Loved this in the West End. Something isn’t right with Layton though as I found his singing fine in London but tonight he struggled and couldn’t even finish his ending riff without taking a second deep breath. I am also not a huge fan of the Covid references. One would be fine. But there are about 3 new covid jokes in the opening scene, and then almost every other scene added a new covid joke, whether it be a gag about, LFTs, designer masks, social distancing or Sanitising. Like we get it, but why is the it a new running thread from start to finish? agreeing on the virus jokes, one or two are funny and in context, showing how relevant the story is, but the others feel forced He picked it up slightly in act 2, but showed distress / eye wiping as the show started - potentially relating to Jamie’s character but most likely Layton’s personal health struggles … was fully expecting a Jamie swap UITUW worked great with the raspiness, however Mimi Me sounded deeper than her Dad .. also to note , Amy Ellen is immaculate and Shane is surprisingly good at Hugo |
|
|
|
Post by eggemann on Oct 20, 2021 23:14:26 GMT
I saw it tonight in Bristol also. Loved this in the West End. Something isn’t right with Layton though as I found his singing fine in London but tonight he struggled and couldn’t even finish his ending riff without taking a second deep breath. I am also not a huge fan of the Covid references. One would be fine. But there are about 3 new covid jokes in the opening scene, and then almost every other scene added a new covid joke, whether it be a gag about, LFTs, designer masks, social distancing or Sanitising. Like we get it, but why is the it a new running thread from start to finish? agreeing on the virus jokes, one or two are funny and in context, showing how relevant the story is, but the others feel forced He picked it up slightly in act 2, but showed distress / eye wiping as the show started - potentially relating to Jamie’s character but most likely Layton’s personal health struggles … was fully expecting a Jamie swap UITUW worked great with the raspiness, however Mimi Me sounded deeper than her Dad .. also to note , Amy Ellen is immaculate and Shane is surprisingly good at Hugo Some of the covid jokes were terribly forced! One good example was a line along the lines of “Only you could pull at a drag club” now being “only you could pull at a drag club during covid”. Like what does that add? Nothing. |
|
528 posts
|
Post by drowseychap on Oct 21, 2021 0:41:31 GMT
Layton has been “off” vocally for weeks it would seem. If he’s not up to it due to a health problem or whatever he should just take some time off and recover. If he thinks he’s doing anyone a favour offering a sub standard performance he’s wrong. I wish the understudy had been on when I saw it. I felt exactly the same In Wolverhampton seen the show live 7 times and that was the first time I came away underwhelmed really spoiled it for me |
|
|
|
Post by westendfan1 on Oct 21, 2021 12:58:03 GMT
Layton has been “off” vocally for weeks it would seem. If he’s not up to it due to a health problem or whatever he should just take some time off and recover. If he thinks he’s doing anyone a favour offering a sub standard performance he’s wrong. I wish the understudy had been on when I saw it. He's definitely suffering with a cold at the moment, and therefore should let Adam Taylor take over and do his job as understudy. Personally, I think the fact he's clearly ill just exacerbates the greater issue, which is that he's not up to it vocally even when in perfect health. |
|
|
|
Post by jacob on Oct 21, 2021 16:48:37 GMT
Layton has been “off” vocally for weeks it would seem. If he’s not up to it due to a health problem or whatever he should just take some time off and recover. If he thinks he’s doing anyone a favour offering a sub standard performance he’s wrong. I wish the understudy had been on when I saw it. He's definitely suffering with a cold at the moment, and therefore should let Adam Taylor take over and do his job as understudy. Personally, I think the fact he's clearly ill just exacerbates the greater issue, which is that he's not up to it vocally even when in perfect health. Cast sickness is quite common, especially in a touring show that requires a lot of movement between cities where actors may want to browse in public .. so I wouldn’t put it down to the fact that he’s ill is because he’s not fit for the role - albeit the high notes for several songs are non-existent, but that’s possibly just Layton’s vocal range. Yesterday, you could see him struggling throughout which sadly changed the show for me a bit. Dialogue wasn’t natural and he seemed to be bracing himself for the larger numbers .. Understudies are there for a reason  |
|
528 posts
|
Post by drowseychap on Oct 22, 2021 0:58:41 GMT
Just read some post on Facebook tonight saying how fabulous Layton was sassy and perfect vocals ? They had been to the last night of west end also ... but we’re saying how fabulous the tour was tonight and Layton ? He must have made a remarkable recovery
I really wish I had seen the understudy’ when I went as my memories of the show were spoiled the other week
|
|
2,379 posts
|
Post by robertb213 on Oct 22, 2021 9:03:21 GMT
I never rated Layton even at full health. He could do sass and attitude in spades, but had no vulnerability whatsoever, and Jamie doesn't work without that.
|
|
|
|
Post by aingidh on Oct 22, 2021 10:54:15 GMT
I really enjoyed Max’s portrayal in the movie. He had a bit of shyness and vulnerability to him that Layton’s portrayal seriously lacks.
|
|
375 posts
|
Post by Theatre Fan on Oct 22, 2021 12:55:32 GMT
Just read some post on Facebook tonight saying how fabulous Layton was sassy and perfect vocals ? They had been to the last night of west end also ... but we’re saying how fabulous the tour was tonight and Layton ? He must have made a remarkable recovery I really wish I had seen the understudy’ when I went as my memories of the show were spoiled the other week That may of been me lol The tour is definitely stronger for the most part, than when I saw the final day of the West End production (which was also great but definitely felt like it needed a refresh) Layton was fantastic, I've never professed that his vocals are perfect (he can be pretty inconsistent) and his vocal stylings might not be to everyone's taste but he sounded great last night. I could tell he was under the weather at the beginning of the show, dodged a couple of notes (you can see from his insta he's probably fighting a cold) but his energy levels grew as the show went on and was firing on all cylinders by act 2. I also saw him previously in the West End and I definitely felt the vulnerability and emotion more this time around. He even cried during Wall In My Head. The tour is in fantastic form, definitely recommend catching if it comes near you x |
|
3,057 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Oct 22, 2021 20:29:46 GMT
Adam Taylor is on as Jamie all week in Wimbledon. So something to look forward to.
|
|
4,361 posts
|
Post by shady23 on Nov 4, 2021 20:01:00 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by tommy123 on Nov 4, 2021 20:47:19 GMT
I imagine it’s all because it’s only a six week stop as part of the tour so would be pointless casting a whole new cast for just a few weeks of performances?
|
|
4,361 posts
|
Post by shady23 on Nov 4, 2021 21:01:23 GMT
Oh is that all. Makes sense then.
|
|
|
|
Post by jacob on Nov 4, 2021 22:59:10 GMT
Oh is that all. Makes sense then. and think of the accents .. |
|
18,774 posts
|
Post by BurlyBeaR on Nov 5, 2021 7:24:48 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by tommy123 on Nov 5, 2021 8:21:25 GMT
Although having said they - I am surprised Michelle Visage isn’t Miss Hedge in LA.
|
|
|
|
Post by ryhare on Nov 18, 2021 17:14:32 GMT
Saw this in the WMC last night. Absolutely incredible. We had Adam Taylor on as cover (planned absence). He was excellent. Amy Ellen Richardson has a superb voice. I was nervous about Shane Richie but there was no need, there was only one slip where I thought he went into pantomime dame rather than drag queen. All in all, the cast were solid.
The ending was very neat, the turn around of Miss Hedge is a bit too abrupt.
Where are the programmes? Mormon and now this haven't had tour programmes. Is this the new thing or are other stops on the tour offering programmes?
|
|
|
|
Post by jacob on Nov 18, 2021 18:45:50 GMT
Saw this in the WMC last night. Absolutely incredible. We had Adam Taylor on as cover (planned absence). He was excellent. Amy Ellen Richardson has a superb voice. I was nervous about Shane Richie but there was no need, there was only one slip where I thought he went into pantomime dame rather than drag queen. All in all, the cast were solid. The ending was very neat, the turn around of Miss Hedge is a bit too abrupt. Where are the programmes? Mormon and now this haven't had tour programmes. Is this the new thing or are other stops on the tour offering programmes? I’d assume it’s due to the theatre, ATG have involvement w programmes for shows in their venues whereas for the WMC it’s different If anything, the WMC ones are much nicer if I can remember.. my Wicked programme ended up being identical to the London ones as a big glossy souvenir book with a cast page in, rather than the ugly A5 ones supplied by ATG filled with adverts |
|
|
|
Post by hannechalk on Nov 18, 2021 18:48:13 GMT
Where are the programmes? Mormon and now this haven't had tour programmes. Is this the new thing or are other stops on the tour offering programmes? It's at the theatre's discretion - I saw it in July in Salford and got a programme. |
|
|
|
Post by ryhare on Nov 18, 2021 22:56:35 GMT
Saw this in the WMC last night. Absolutely incredible. We had Adam Taylor on as cover (planned absence). He was excellent. Amy Ellen Richardson has a superb voice. I was nervous about Shane Richie but there was no need, there was only one slip where I thought he went into pantomime dame rather than drag queen. All in all, the cast were solid. The ending was very neat, the turn around of Miss Hedge is a bit too abrupt. Where are the programmes? Mormon and now this haven't had tour programmes. Is this the new thing or are other stops on the tour offering programmes? I’d assume it’s due to the theatre, ATG have involvement w programmes for shows in their venues whereas for the WMC it’s different If anything, the WMC ones are much nicer if I can remember.. my Wicked programme ended up being identical to the London ones as a big glossy souvenir book with a cast page in, rather than the ugly A5 ones supplied by ATG filled with adverts Yes, I’ve always really liked the WMC programmes so it’s a shame they seem to have done away with them. I’ve bought a programme for every show I’ve seen and the completist in me is now having a minor life crisis! |
|
3,070 posts
|
Post by david on Nov 24, 2021 0:45:19 GMT
First night at the Liverpool Empire last night and I'll get the negative stuff out of the way first. I wasn't too keen on Layton's portrayal of Jamie. Yes, he does bring a lot of energy, sass and humour to the role and his dancing was great. What was missing for me was a bit more of emotional depth to make Jamie a more rounded character which I got when I saw John McCrea in the role in the WE. Vocally, I felt he was ok and he did seem quiet during some of the Act 1 numbers such as "Wall in my head". I don't know if it was a sound mixing issue or his voice as I was up in the Circle and really struggled to hear him sing at times.
For the positives, this really is a fantastic tour cast. Amy Ellen Richardson as Margaret singing "He's my Boy" was stunning and really was the highlight of the evening. It's a great song and really does pack an emotional punch. Shobna Gulati as Ray and was comedy gold.
For £20, a fun night out at the theatre.
|
|
1,901 posts
|
Post by LaLuPone on Dec 14, 2021 3:53:25 GMT
Made the journey to Brighton last week mainly so I could see Bianca Del Rio in this but the cast were uniformly strong, the show’s in great shape!
Got a great stalls seat for £15 from some random “Pros from the Shows” offer on ATG, no idea what it was but grateful for the bargain! I’d never been to the Theatre Royal and it’s a nice intimate theatre (if you’re in the lower levels anyway) but could probably do with a bit of modernising!
Enjoyed the show a lot, this was my second time seeing it live but I’ve also seen the filmed stage version and obviously the movie. Bianca can’t sing as you’ll know if you’re a drag race fan and she plays Hugo/Loco with an American accent but it’s still brilliant casting having an actual Drag Queen playing Jamie’s mentor, and the character is very similar to Bianca’s real life persona, they’re gonna love her in L.A! Shobna Gulati was hilarious as Ray, she really milks the comedy out of every line, and Sharon Phull was great as Pritti with a beautiful voice. Amy Ellen Richardson was a stand-out as Margaret, although she looks young to be Layton’s mother (and he looks too old to be 16). Her performance of He’s My Boy brought the house down, she sounded excellent and held her own against the past Margarets Josie Walker and Melissa Jacques. Layton sang fine considering I’d heard he’s sounded a bit off as of late but I found his Jamie hard to like. I think the way he plays him highlights a lot of Jamie’s negative character traits rather than his positive ones! I’m also just not a fan of Layton as a personality from what I’ve heard about him through the grapevine and some of the things he’s said on twitter, I think he got a bit too big for his boots (or heels!) when he landed the role of Jamie. He’s still very good in the role though.
I really hope the show does indeed return to London after the tour is over, we don’t have many modern British musicals and the West End is less sparkly without it!
|
|
153 posts
|
Post by james1969 on Feb 5, 2022 20:52:07 GMT
Strange request but can anyone who remembers the closing of Act One provide a picture of the style of Jamie’s blonde wig ?
Looking for a cheap Smiffys type replica for fancy dress
|
|
|
|
Post by jacob on Feb 6, 2022 10:07:47 GMT
Strange request but can anyone who remembers the closing of Act One provide a picture of the style of Jamie’s blonde wig ? Looking for a cheap Smiffys type replica for fancy dress It’s a blonde bombshell type wig, fairly long and with curls too  |
|
124 posts
|
Post by emeraldbaudelaire on Feb 6, 2022 12:11:17 GMT
Booked this on a whim for when it hits Belfast. Time will tell if I end up liking Layton's performance as I've heard he can be marmite to people.
I liked the recorded version of the show and the film so I hope it will be good live.
John McCrea was excellent in the part. Layton's Jamie seems more brash and out there than the meek portrayal of the movie and OC.
|
|
|
|
Post by westendfan1 on Feb 6, 2022 19:26:22 GMT
Yes, Layton doesn't really do subtlety/nuance! I find his portrayal of Jamie infuriating, tbh. He does seem to have his admirers though.
|
|
4,950 posts
|
Post by TallPaul on Feb 8, 2022 14:45:59 GMT
It was two years ago today that the tour began...only to come to a halt about 40 days later.
Must also be two years since I travelled by bus!
|
|
124 posts
|
Post by emeraldbaudelaire on Mar 11, 2022 16:43:57 GMT
Seeing this tonight was initially on the fence about Layton and it turns out it's Adam Taylor in the role tonight. |
|
