Week forward/back 04/09/2012

[Phantom of London]

Really, I am shocked to here the theatre was dark, I didn't kno that, retrospectively the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane is just around the corner and I know its not everyones cup of tea, but I know Shrek does a Thursday matinee. So there could of been an alternative.

Sorry I didn't know the show was dark, or I would of advised.

[rosscoe(au)]

Phantom, don't be sorry. Saw Shrek in LA. Did think that maybe I should ave gone to Phantom, but having worked on the Australian production for over 500 performances it's still too soon to see that.

As for Top Hat, the theatre is having some sort of work done on it, so no shows this week, or they might start again this weekend. Not 100 per cent sure.

I ended up at the Ritz for afternoon tea, was quiet a lovely afternoon!

[MusicalBoy]

Just realised I hadn't posted anything about this yet, but I caught the first performance of Cabaret at the Mayflower the other day (it's second tour stop, I think?).

Anyways, I lean towards the general consensus about the production, which is that the Rufus Norris production tries hard, but doesn't hold a candle to the Sam Mendes version (*spoiler alert*: the ending, in particular isn't nearly as effective and far less subtle).

Matt Rawle should certainly get higher billing as Cliff and turns in a strong performance, though due to the nature of the character he's easily upstaged by Sally and the Emcee.

Will Young is suitably eccentric and perfectly charismatic, depending on your expectations for this role (and how many takes you've seen before, I expect), you could find him anywhere between chewing the scenery or underplaying the emcee's slight mania and sacrificing some of the more poignant moments for laughs.

Michelle Ryan, however is SENSATIONAL as Sally Bowles (can you tell I'm pleasantly surprised), and though her voice isn't the biggest in the world (I wasn't sure if the ending of 'Mein Herr' was click-tracked or not), it has a lovely tone. She has Sally's eccentricities down to a t, however, and her final scene is breathtaking.

Sian Phillips is, unsurprisingly, far too good for this production and deserving of all the acclaim she should get for doing just about all that is possible with Fraulein Schneider (although fair warning, she's singing in a different key to the orchestra).


Oh, and since I seem to remember somebody once saying they had a phobia of impending gunshots or something similar, I seem to remember guns in this production which never go off (which breaks the Chekhov's gun rule, I know!)

[rosscoe(au)]

Plan on seeing a double Tuesday of Top Hat and Singing in the Rain, Sweeney again on Wednesday.

[ClapYo'Hands]

Sounds like a wonderful week to me! I saw The Lion King on Saturday night but I'm seeing nothing this week.

[SoonerOrLater]

I saw 'Without You' at the Chocolate factory, and loved it-see my comments on that thread or my blog http://phdconfessions.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/without-you-review-of-sorts_16.html

I also saw 'Chariots of Fire' mainly because tickets were fairly cheap (�25 restricted view) and I loved it! Went it with no real expectations other than it might be a nice play-some great theatricality and great performnaces.


Saw Llwyth (Tribe) at the Sherman this week. A very successful Welsh language play that's been doing the rounds for about 2-3 years. This was it's farewell performance and while I enjoyed it I didn't quite 'get' what all the fuss has been about. Maybe it's because my Welsh is appalling and I was relying on the surtitles. Possibly it's because so called 'gay plays' are what I research therefore I feel like I'd seen it all before. Still an amusing night at the theatre.

[rosscoe(au)]

Gotta love day seats, 25 pound for Singing in the rain at 3 pm today, 20 pound for Top Hat tonight..

[ClapYo'Hands]

Where are you sat? Hope you enjoy both!

[mallardo]

Day seats for Top Hat??? I was at the box office last week and was told they don't do them.

[ClapYo'Hands]

There seems to be a lot of confusion as to whether or not they actually do them.

[rosscoe(au)]

Sitting in The splash zone at singing...

As for day seats in depends on who you get, last week was told yes, yesterday no, was sold one today...not sure if Top Hat knows if it is or isn't selling them.. But hey 20 pounds is a great price...

Phantom, will be in Kuala Lumper by Saturday. Back in late Feb, we need to do a show day and catch up!

[Phantom of London]

I will be seeing Sweeney Tonight or maybe depending on how much I can get a ticket.

I hope you enjoyed your second batch of shows.

[rosscoe(au)]

Singing in the rain was great, a lot of fun. Seated in the spalsh zone, great seats for 25 pound.

The real surprise was Top Hat, a musical comedy that was an abosulte delight... Fantastic dancing and summer ( is that her name ? ) was enchanting.

Over the last couple of weeks, three great shows, Matilda, Singing, Top.

One brilliant evening of theatre that was thrilling and perfect, Sweeney

One night of pure hell , that was over staged, over produced, and had the worst hair design off any show ever. Ghost.