Annie Get Your Gun - Lavender Theatre, Epsom

[terrylondon79]

Just seen that they opening a theatre at Mayfield Lavender. First show is Annie get your gun.
Tickets already on sale!

[TallPaul]

17 July to 5 August

More info at: lavendertheatre.com/

Looks lovely.

[Dr Tom]

A good choice for a first show. An odd set up if the picture is correct, with the audience sheltered, but no cover for the stage area.

There is a station nearby, but I don't think I'd risk an evening performance, just too many train cancellations. Might try for a matinee.

[showgirl]

This is the inaugural production at the new outdoor (but covered) 200-seat theatre at one of the 2 Mayfield Lavender sites in the Epsom area - link below.

Although I had seen the show before, this was like seeing a new one, or at least a familiar musical with a fresh look, what with the outdoor setting and proximity of the audience to the stage.  I saw the matinee on Wednesday 19 July, which was only the 3rd preview but I thought it was absolutely fantastic:  no sign of it being under-rehearsed, though the box office lady told me that the cast had had less time than usual.  The whole cast was wonderful and though I'd never heard of the 2 leads (Surie and Charlie Mccullagh), MT regulars will have heard of them and imo they had real chemistry.

Even for a matinee and a preview, the tickets were expensive by my standards (the most I'd paid so far this year), but it was absolutely worth it and what with seeing the show in fine weather, in the outdoor setting, with a full and enthusiastic audience and barbecue food laid on for those who wanted it, the whole experience was a total joy. 

If you want to risk sitting on the uncovered grass bank (side view), tix are more affordable at £15, but maybe leave that until closer to the day & see what the forecast says.

I'll post the link below.  The location isn't hard to find and there is some public transport but easier for those travelling south from the London area; coming from the opposite direction I got a bus to Epsom and walked there; then walked back to Banstead for another back, both of which were c 2 miles away but there is a London bus route which passes the entrance and Epsom Downs station is a short walk away.

Show runs to 5 August; evenings at 7.30 pm; matinees Wed & Sat 2.30 pm; running time 2 h 30.


lavendertheatre.com/

[showgirl]

Apologies for missing the existing thread for the theatre itself; I searched for the show title but didn't think to search for the venue name. Thank you to whoever merged the two.

And a dont't take my word for it re the quality of the show; here's a link to an online review:

garethjames.uk/

[jarnew]

This was so worth the short train trip from London. Epsom is such a nice place as well! The whole evening felt oh so very wholesome and cute, with the beautiful lavender fields as the setting and the kindest staff ever. This theatre and them truly deserve all the best. The audience too was in a very good mood, felt like everybody there knew eachother.

Then on to the actual show, its not reinventing itself but rather putting on the classic show in a really fresh and fun way. Lots of theatre magic in usage of set and props that I absolutely adored. I was especially impressed with some of the choreography and lighting too. They didnt need to go so hard but they absolutely did!!

The cast seemed to be having lots of fun with the material, they were all great.
Star of the evening for me was for sure Surie, who sang amazingly but acted even better. It was such a joy to watch her, the way she delivers every one of her lines. I really hope this is not the last we see of her, I fell in love with her Annie Oakley for sure. From the moment she entered the stage I was rooting for her because she was just that sweet and likable in her role.

Been a long time since ive seen a production feel so genuine and full of love, it was such an endearing evening of theatre. I was so sad when it ended and I had to leave.

[showgirl]

So glad you enjoyed the show, the visit & the whole experience as I did, jarnew, as it's hard to tell when you feel that strongly about something whether it is just personal - or you had a particularly favourable trip - or whether most people would agree. Weather would of course be a big factor. It seems such a shame that this production has so short a scheduled life; with all the joy and, as you say, effort which has been invested it it, I believe it deserves a longer one. It also feels like a wasted opportunity to have nothing else planned for the venue after this ends on Saturday; surely it would be perfect for another play/show or two or even a few live music events, simply to make the most of the rest of the holidays and set-up. I do hope they resume next year and programme a longer season, though when the box office lady told me she was thinking of a Shakespeare, I wanted to protest (No - not more bloody bard!) but tried to make polite noises.

[bobbievanhusen]

Jul 22, 2023 3:52:44 GMT showgirl said:

I'd never heard of the 2 leads (Surie and Charlie Mccullagh), MT regulars will have heard of them and imo they had real chemistry.

Surie was our Eurovision entry that got her mic nicked from her by a stage invader!