The Magician’s Elephant - RSC

Looks like I'll probably go and see this, lovely to see Jack Wolfe in a lead role in a musical again. Braille Legacy seems like forever ago.

Also they’ve released a video of a song (and new artwork!) “If This is True” sung by Jack Wolfe.

What a lovely voice Jack has.

Really eager to see this but I’m holding back for now because I’m not confident to buy tickets with COVID rates surging again, especially because getting to SUA is quite a trek for me.

I also saw Boy In A Dress (matinee) in November 2019 and have booked similar for The Magician's Elephant this November

I travelled Chiltern Railways on direct trains Marylebone to Stratford-Upon-Avon both ways and with my railcard the total fare was less than £15. The direct trains aren't currently running and fares have increased a bit  but a day trip for a matinee can still be done for about £22 without railcard, £15.00 with, though for the lowest fare the return journey needs to be a departure just after 7pm which isn't ideal.

Pleasant journey and it's a lovely place to visit on a nice day.

Previews opened this week! Has anyone been yet or planning to go soon?

I actually booked this last night. I will be going to the evening performance on Friday 19th November

The Guardian has published this gallery of backstage and production photos...looks interesting!

www.theguardian.com/stage/gallery/2021/oct/22/the-magicians-elephant-royal-shakespeare-theatre

thoughts

Am going tonight

What a strange beast (pardon the pun) this was.

Firstly, the show started 15 minutes late

Clearly a lot of thought and dedication has gone into this and I enjoyed it but, alas, wasn’t wowed!

I found the second half better than the first. In truth in the first half I found my mind wondering a bit.

It was all very slick, the lighting and costumes excellent.

The little choreography that was excellently executed.

There was clever use of magic.

There was also some excellent vocals.

However there were a few things that niggles.

The set- this looked like a fusion if Urinetown, Wicked and (at times) Les Miserables.

There was a bridge that rose up and down- again, like Wicked and Les Miserables.

The Elephant- although I didn’t buy the programme, an elephant has already been created for The Lion King. Why reinvent the wheel and stick with a similar design?

Jack Wolfe as the orphan Peter was vocally very strong however is costume was almost identical to that of Jack's (of Beanstalk fame in the Into The Woods movie) and rather bizarrely when he sang, tended to bend over and point his arm. Really very odd.

Summer strallen is having a ball with this. There are hints of Cruella De Ville there.

Unfortunately the songs are pretty forgettable. Usually I am unconsciously tapping my foot or my hand on my thigh, but alas, nothing.

(I swear) Alastair Parker as The Magician would make a killer Tevye!

There was also a wheelchair bound character after being crushed by the elephant- a line that she repeated with regular frequency. Now I don't know what was going on wither sound levels but I was in the fourth row of the stalls and could barely hear her.

Amy Booth Steele as the Narrator was very warm and engaging.

A couple of Swings were on last night.

Despite many children in the audience, they were clearly captivated and not making a sound whilst the show was being performed.

On the whole, enjoyable and I'm pleased that I made the journey. Stratford-Upon-Avon is so lovely isn't it?

FYI no merchandise at all, except the programme and flyers.

I enjoyed The Boy With The Dress more.

Saw this show a week ago was quite excited to see it from the photos and design etc … even enjoyed the elephant shape shortbread from the cafe 😋
Loved the design and staging lighting etc and some of the magical effects but all felt a little flat and dragged a bit .
Not sure if it was because 3 understudies were on … was gutted to see summer was off too ! 😢 was so looking forward to seeing her
And didn’t really believe or feel for the elephant I connected more with the production of butterfly lion a few years ago when me and my partner were blubbering wrecks at the end .
Songs are ok while watching but very forgettable the main lad was excellent I really wanted to enjoy it more
There were lots of children in but never heard a peep out of any of them so must enthral them
Top level was closed and rest about 1/3 full

With hundreds of unmasked, super-spreading 8-10 year olds present, I feared the worst. But they were impeccably behaved and rapt throughout.

Oh how I wish I could say the same for me! Don't get me wrong: I too was well behaved, just not engaged in this production.

Despite three understudies and the consequent juggling of actors in several featured rôles, the cast were good. I thought Jack Wolfe had particularly strong stage presence, and clearly has a bright future on stage and screen.

It's been a while since I had the pleasure of a Strallen -- there was a time when one seemed to pop up in every other musical. Here, it's Summer and she's good, but perhaps not quite as deliciously wicked as the part deserves.

I liked the set design, with its washed-out browns and echoes of Victorian fairground. The elephant -- especially its ears and its movement -- is magnificent.

So what went wrong?

The problem is the narrative. What little there is moves at a glacial pace, and, with a few exceptions, the songs reflect on what is happening rather than drive the plot forward. Characters are under-developed, and song lyrics are functional rather than witty.

Evidently, young kids love this show, but I don't think it works for the rest of the family.

Two stars.

Act 1: 19:18-20:27
Act 2: 20:48-21:56