7,050 posts
|
Post by Jon on Apr 28, 2022 21:39:39 GMT
When Bonnie did 42nd Street she did loads of great promo for that. They performed for This Morning by the river, they performed outside BBC television centre, I remember a one show appearance where they filmed her running out afterwards to the car to whizz across London to the theatre plus there was another This Morning appearance where Bonnie and the ensemble girls tapped all corridors to the studio. All were memorable and lots of fun. No reason they can't do similar for Anything Goes. The ensemble boys could be tapping around the Albert Dock, at the top of the Radio City Tower etc. It shows everyone what the show is about and is far more memorable than "I am in a show come along and see it". Especially when someone watching could think that looks good I will book to see it tomorrow. It isn't on tomorrow. I suspect it's because they've already had Anything Goes on This Morning. |
|
5,794 posts
|
Post by mrbarnaby on Apr 28, 2022 21:57:48 GMT
I've always been a bit disappointed with the anything goes number itself as i seems a bit formless. If you want a great beautifully constructed number with sailors, and much wit, catch the opening of Act Two of HMS Pinafore from ENO and showing on sky arts twice this weekend. Oh dear. That’s depressing. |
|
|
|
Post by hannechalk on Apr 28, 2022 22:28:26 GMT
Here goes the review for Anything Goes at the Liverpool Empire - it is a very lovely show! A very enjoyable night out.
It is a feast for the eyes, with the choreography and wardrobe.
A feast for the ears, because of the excellent orchestra and songs.
Kerry Ellis is great, a joy to watch. I overheard her say to someone she is doing much better, so if she is poorly, I certainly couldn't tell.
I saw some remarks on Denis Lawson - I enjoyed him in the role. He may be a bit OTT, but I felt it suited the role. He missed a few steps in 'Blow, Gabriel, Blow', but I think that was more noticeable to me because of the angle I was sat in.
Simon Callow was good too, but he doesn't have an awful lot to do.
The whole cast were great, the dance numbers were a real treat. 'Blow, Gabriel, Blow' seemed to get a bigger (louder) reception than 'Anything Goes', although several people gave a standing ovation for the latter.
It is just a shame it's not doing so well, as it is just a great night at the theatre.
It's more of a gentle funny endearing old style musical, and I enjoyed it.
Another great thing to watch - a woman and her young son came to sit next to me, at the end of the third row stage right (if you know the Empire, basically next to the steps). I realised that due to his lack of height, even with a booster seat, he'd just be looking at the top of the stage extension. So I swapped seats so he was more central of the row, and could see the action. He loved every minute of it! He was very well-behaved, but it was just wonderful to see a child soaking up theatre.
|
|
|
|
Post by marob on Apr 30, 2022 23:12:50 GMT
I was in two minds about seeing this again, was annoyed that either the theatre or producers would rather it play to nearly empty houses than offer any kind of deal. Had it not been one of the highlights of last year I wouldn’t have bothered. Very glad I did though.
I’ve never seen any of the new main cast before. I thought Kerry Ellis was great, and should silence any doubts on here about whether she can dance the part, though she maybe seems a little clean-cut for a vampish nightclub singer. Also thought Dennis Lawson was pretty good, but he did make me appreciate Robert Lindsay’s performance last year even more. It was like he (RL) had the audience eating out of his hand, got far more laughs, and made it look effortless. Was nice to get to see Simon Callow and Bonnie Langford on stage too, not that either has too much to do.
Obviously it was far from a sellout, but the audience was very appreciative. Very good afternoon out, not sure it’s quite as good as it was at the Barbican, but if I could rate it again I’d still give it five stars.
|
|
|
|
Post by marob on Apr 30, 2022 23:20:03 GMT
After people saying the other day that people wouldn’t notice Bonnie missing a performance as she’s barely in it, it made me laugh hearing two women talking at the end -
Woman 1: Did you enjoy it?
Woman 2: Yes, it was very good. I thought Bonnie Langford was supposed to be in it though.
Woman 1: … She was.
Woman 2: Was she?!
|
|
4,361 posts
|
Post by shady23 on May 17, 2022 7:25:51 GMT
I travelled up to Edinburgh to see this on Saturday with someone who has never seen the show before. We both absolutely loved it.
This is still a five star production and an absolute joy in every single way.
Also lovely to sit near the front for a very good price and see all of the mannerisms when I could only dream of doing this at the Barbican. Bonnie was hysterical and Kerry Ellis absolutely outstanding. I am a huge fan of hers and she did not disappoint. It was a pretty flawless performances.
Highly recommended.
|
|
|
|
Post by hannechalk on May 28, 2022 9:39:10 GMT
|
|
5,794 posts
|
Post by mrbarnaby on May 28, 2022 10:03:29 GMT
Oh dear! Still, I can’t wait to see this again at the Barbican. Very much looking forward to seeing Kerry Ellis in the role. Have heard only excellent things about her. Bonnie on the other hand. 😂 |
|
19,650 posts
|
Post by BurlyBeaR on May 28, 2022 10:04:04 GMT
I can see Manchester getting pulled if they don’t shift some tickets this is the map for opening night where there were some offers   And it’s even worse for the Saturday evening performance  Update on sales for the same two nights in Manchester - upper circle is now closed. Opening night  And the first Saturday night  |
|
5,794 posts
|
Post by mrbarnaby on May 28, 2022 10:06:44 GMT
There will be more people on stage than in the audience judging by that. Shocking.
|
|
324 posts
|
Post by barrowside on May 28, 2022 10:16:27 GMT
I saw it in Dublin last night and it's glorious. Such a wonderful evening.
|
|
19,650 posts
|
Post by BurlyBeaR on May 28, 2022 10:17:10 GMT
Looks like for opening night several blocks of seats in the stalls are off sale with ATG, possibly with agencies? Who else is ATG selling through for Manchester venues? It’s not Manchester Theatres because if you follow their offer you end up at the same seat map with the same seats off sale.
|
|
|
|
Post by marob on May 28, 2022 10:50:09 GMT
I know it’s selling poorly, but could they have taken the upper circle off sale because of the multi-level set? When I saw it in Liverpool it really filled the stage vertically in a way that I don’t remember seeing before, so I’d imagine it would be restricted view right up the top. Not that theatres care particularly about the view, but still…
|
|
|
|
Post by hannechalk on May 28, 2022 19:45:29 GMT
I know it’s selling poorly, but could they have taken the upper circle off sale because of the multi-level set? When I saw it in Liverpool it really filled the stage vertically in a way that I don’t remember seeing before, so I’d imagine it would be restricted view right up the top. Not that theatres care particularly about the view, but still… When I got my ticket for Liverpool, circle was closed off from sale. However, on the night about 20-30 people were sat there, so they must have been given the option to either sit in stalls (there would have been space), or keep their original booking. It's a shame it's not selling well, it is a lovely show. |
|
4,361 posts
|
Post by shady23 on May 28, 2022 19:56:37 GMT
Are there no offers about for Manchester?
|
|
|
|
Post by marob on May 28, 2022 20:11:21 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by sph on May 28, 2022 21:58:06 GMT
I know it’s selling poorly, but could they have taken the upper circle off sale because of the multi-level set? When I saw it in Liverpool it really filled the stage vertically in a way that I don’t remember seeing before, so I’d imagine it would be restricted view right up the top. Not that theatres care particularly about the view, but still… I can't imagine so. If it was actually selling out they'd be more than happy to sell the upper circle view or no view! |
|
19,650 posts
|
Post by BurlyBeaR on May 29, 2022 6:01:13 GMT
ATG’s website has the same prices as the Manchester Theatres offer. Top price £60 seats are going for £35. Second price are £20. |
|
|
|
Post by mrnutz on May 30, 2022 9:21:00 GMT
Clicked into a few random Friday / Saturday nights and this seems to be selling really badly at the Barbican! This, for example, is Saturday 9th July: -   |
|
|
|
Post by theatrelover82 on Jun 2, 2022 10:39:18 GMT
Although I didn’t actually sit my bum in a seat at the actual Barbican, I viewed this show when it was released in cinemas here in the U.S. this past spring. Absolutely loved every minute of seeing Sutton Foster perform and it and felt like I was actually there.
Only negative for me was their casting choice for Hope. Nicole-Lily Baisden had no palpable chemistry with Billy, and seemed to be placed in the wrong role vocally—as she struggled with some of those high notes.
Still, I give it 5*’s
|
|
|
|
Post by angelcake on Jun 2, 2022 17:19:16 GMT
Although I didn’t actually sit my bum in a seat at the actual Barbican, I viewed this show when it was released in cinemas here in the U.S. this past spring. Absolutely loved every minute of seeing Sutton Foster perform and it and felt like I was actually there. Only negative for me was their casting choice for Hope. Nicole-Lily Baisden had no palpable chemistry with Billy, and seemed to be placed in the wrong role vocally—as she struggled with some of those high notes. Still, I give it 5*’s The understudy for Hope is Georgie Ashford who is very active on Instagram and YouTube and posts a lot about what it’s like working in theatre. She did several vlogs about Anything Goes including one of the understudy rehearsal where you see snippets of her singing Hope’s songs. She sounds amazing and her voice really suits the songs - I’d be intrigued to know why she didn’t get the role. I guess there are all sorts of things to consider when casting a show and as I don’t work in the industry myself I probably don’t fully appreciate how complex the decision making process can be! |
|
19,650 posts
|
Post by BurlyBeaR on Jun 6, 2022 17:37:17 GMT
Final update. This is opening night this coming Thursday in Manc. Those crazy offers certainly did the trick. Dynamic has kicked in and prices now almost back up to normal - top price was £60, dropped to £35 and now £54. Availability description is Amber (medium) but given that the upper circle is still closed I’m not sure how they work that out. There are a LOT of seats available.  |
|
|
|
Post by anthem on Jun 6, 2022 18:00:12 GMT
Although I didn’t actually sit my bum in a seat at the actual Barbican, I viewed this show when it was released in cinemas here in the U.S. this past spring. Absolutely loved every minute of seeing Sutton Foster perform and it and felt like I was actually there. Only negative for me was their casting choice for Hope. Nicole-Lily Baisden had no palpable chemistry with Billy, and seemed to be placed in the wrong role vocally—as she struggled with some of those high notes. Still, I give it 5*’s The understudy for Hope is Georgie Ashford who is very active on Instagram and YouTube and posts a lot about what it’s like working in theatre. She did several vlogs about Anything Goes including one of the understudy rehearsal where you see snippets of her singing Hope’s songs. She sounds amazing and her voice really suits the songs - I’d be intrigued to know why she didn’t get the role. I guess there are all sorts of things to consider when casting a show and as I don’t work in the industry myself I probably don’t fully appreciate how complex the decision making process can be! Saw the show in Dublin with a friend and we both thought Nicole had good chemistry with Billy, was a fabulous dancer and had a nice presence/energy onstage. Her vocals were a little shakey at times though. She has a lovely voice when she's singing the correct note! |
|
4,361 posts
|
Post by shady23 on Jun 6, 2022 19:30:05 GMT
Clicked into a few random Friday / Saturday nights and this seems to be selling really badly at the Barbican! This, for example, is Saturday 9th July: - If they want people to come they need to advertise it is on! I was in London last week and didn't see one tube poster, an ad, a leaflet... anywhere. |
|
101 posts
|
Post by filendile on Jun 6, 2022 21:52:21 GMT
I thought it was strange they aren’t performing at West End Live to
promote it.
|
|
