1,379 posts
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Post by BVM on Sept 21, 2023 16:44:42 GMT
I was supposed to go last night but I’m not well at the moment so had to dip out, however I thought I’d give you the feedback from my group… brace yourselves. “Brutal editing on the dancing and reconfigured lighting could have made a massive difference” ”Mary - lame. Like something from Britain’s Got Talent” ”Julian Clary was an embarrassment though some audience members seemed to love it” “Was trying to be ‘street’ but looked more like it was from the local comprehensive” ”Costumes from Primark hoodies and joggers department” There’s more but that gives you the gist. I don’t think they were fully on board. Not disappointed that I couldn’t make it after that! Had they (and indeed you) seen the OAT or Barbican versions out of interest?! As it’s a very faithful reproduction! And I thought excellent quality. Any idea if was a cover Mary (been lots of covers on this week!). FC Mary I thought had a gorgeous voice. LOL. I always like to think of the costume sponsor for this production as All Saints rather than Primark but see where they’re coming from. Agree re Clary. Unnecessary. (But the audience lapped it up). |
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430 posts
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Post by alison on Sept 21, 2023 20:21:01 GMT
Has anyone who has been so far bought a programme by any chance and could please post the cover list?
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1,046 posts
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Post by jgblunners on Sept 21, 2023 20:31:50 GMT
Has anyone who has been so far bought a programme by any chance and could please post the cover list? Jesus - Charlie McCullagh (Alternate) / Timothy Roberts Judas - Luke Street (Alternate) / Matt Bateman Mary - Louise Francis / Cassandra Lee Pilate - Charlie McCullagh / Timothy Roberts Caiaphas - Francis Foreman / Daniel Bowskill Annas - Darius J James / Stephen Lewis-Johnston Herod - Timo Tatzber (alternate) / Jordan Michael Todd / Stephen Lewis-Johnston |
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Post by intoanewlife on Sept 21, 2023 20:36:17 GMT
I was supposed to go last night but I’m not well at the moment so had to dip out, however I thought I’d give you the feedback from my group… brace yourselves. “Brutal editing on the dancing and reconfigured lighting could have made a massive difference” ”Mary - lame. Like something from Britain’s Got Talent” ”Julian Clary was an embarrassment though some audience members seemed to love it” “Was trying to be ‘street’ but looked more like it was from the local comprehensive” ”Costumes from Primark hoodies and joggers department” There’s more but that gives you the gist. I don’t think they were fully on board. Not disappointed that I couldn’t make it after that! So apart from Julian Clary it's exactly the same as the Barbican version? |
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367 posts
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Post by Jonnyboy on Sept 21, 2023 22:06:13 GMT
I was supposed to go last night but I’m not well at the moment so had to dip out, however I thought I’d give you the feedback from my group… brace yourselves. “Brutal editing on the dancing and reconfigured lighting could have made a massive difference” ”Mary - lame. Like something from Britain’s Got Talent” ”Julian Clary was an embarrassment though some audience members seemed to love it” “Was trying to be ‘street’ but looked more like it was from the local comprehensive” ”Costumes from Primark hoodies and joggers department” There’s more but that gives you the gist. I don’t think they were fully on board. Not disappointed that I couldn’t make it after that! Were they expecting something totally old-fashioned and literal?! I’ve just seen this and it’s brilliant. So well done, powerful and some real spine-tingling moments. With respect to your group, they’re wrong! 😜 |
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Post by ronnette on Sept 26, 2023 23:34:31 GMT
I saw it tonight and hated it.
Hated the hand held mics. Hated the lack of storytelling or in fact any form of acting throughout the first act.
Either be a concert or be a musical. A hybrid didn’t work for me.
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213 posts
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Post by Rozzi Rainbow on Oct 1, 2023 16:46:49 GMT
I've seen this show a fair few times over the years, and with the exception of one they've all been the Kenwright version, or similar. The one exception being the OAT, which while I loved the outdoor setting, I found very strange.
As I love the music, I thought I'd give this another go, now I had more of an idea of what to expect. I still think it's strange, but Ian's Gethsemane was amazing and received a lot of cheers and applause. I've seen stronger Judases. I didn't mind Julian Clary too much - his scene was actually the least strange for me given how weird the Kenwright staging was for that bit.
I preferred the ending to the OAT version, it felt more defined. I see it's coming to Sunderland next summer, I'm note sure yet whether I'm planning a repeat visit or not. It will probably depend on whether there are any other options for local shows at that time.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 1, 2023 19:46:48 GMT
I preferred the ending to the OAT version, it felt more defined. I see it's coming to Sunderland next summer, I'm note sure yet whether I'm planning a repeat visit or not. It will probably depend on whether there are any other options for local shows at that time. What are the differences between the touring and OAT productions? |
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213 posts
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Post by Rozzi Rainbow on Oct 1, 2023 20:39:49 GMT
I preferred the ending to the OAT version, it felt more defined. I see it's coming to Sunderland next summer, I'm note sure yet whether I'm planning a repeat visit or not. It will probably depend on whether there are any other options for local shows at that time. What are the differences between the touring and OAT productions? I wouldn't class this as a spoiler as such, but I'm attempting to use the tags in case anyone doesn't want to know. {Spoiler - click to view}
From what I can remember of the OAT production, Jesus just got off the cross and sat down with the others.
This time, he is lifted off the cross and then walks to the front of the stage and stands opposite Judas. They both look at each other and it feels a bit significant, and like there is some closure to the story. There were a few gasps from the audience. |
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Post by david on Oct 26, 2023 19:58:12 GMT
A few thoughts from Tuesday's visit to the Liverpool Empire. JCS at the OAT was one of the first shows I went to watch when theatre's started to reopen during COVID and was absolutely blown away by what director Tim Sheader and his team did with this ALW classic. A really good set design and fantastic cast. It worked really well in the open air with the light design lighting up the night sky.
When the tour was announced, I didn't have any hesitation in booking for this one and based on my visit on Tuesday, this touring version for me was just as good both in its stage design and cast. Ian Mcintosh as Jesus was sensational. Brilliant vocals from him all evening. His "Gethsemane" was the standout moment for me. Hannah Richardson as Mary was a joy to listen to. Overall, a really watchable cast has been assembled all giving strong performances. The only exception I would make would be for Juian Clary. Oh dear that was not good and thankfully he was only on for 5 minutes. I really didn't rate him in this show I'm afraid.
With a great sound mixing the band of 9 sounded great alongside the cast to bring the ALW / Tim Rice score to the stage, nobody I overheard post show had any complaints from what they had just watched.
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Post by marob on Oct 28, 2023 22:07:45 GMT
Sorry, long rambling post. Saw today’s matinee. Only booked the other day, so had a seat near the back of the stalls, which turned out to be both incredibly low and incredibly cramped. Virtually everything starts 5 minutes late at the Empire, but after 10 minutes a voice came on the tannoy and said that the show would start in 20 minutes and to remain in your seats, which of course prompted a mass exodus for the loos and bars. The show started about 35 minutes late, no reason given (maybe Norman Lamont was in?) meaning I’d have to hang around at least another hour instead of jumping straight on the train home like I’d planned.
So, not in the best mood. I’m not sure whether that coloured my perceptions of the first act or not, as I’m usually quite easily pleased, but I had very mixed feelings.
Heaven on Their Minds used to pop up on Spotify quite regularly. It’s not at all what I’d have thought an ALW song ‘should’ sound like. It’s the song that made me want to see the show. And it was disappointing TBH. It’s a big song to sing, and I don’t think the Judas was quite up to it. Good singer, but that role needs someone exceptional. Jesus and Mary were great however. I think all the main cast were on but not sure as the programmes had sold out.
I don’t mind modernising but, as mentioned above, it looked like they’d just raided the local Primark. Could have done without the few props there were turning into microphones all the time. And I really wasn’t keen on the dancing(/movement?) which at times wasn’t very well synchronised. I only vaguely remember learning the Easter story in school, so was a bit lost at times. Probably should have read a synopsis before going. It’s not as if the crucifixion is a shock plot twist that can be spoiled.
I’ve never left at the interval, but I very nearly did today. I only didn’t because I could see on my phone that the train home was delayed as well. So I stayed, and I’m glad I did. The songs I like are in act one, but I felt act two was a lot tighter. Gethsemane was stunning. Julian was, well, Julian and had a surprisingly warm reception. Smattering of entrance applause even.
3.5 stars. There’s elements I didn’t like but I wouldn’t mind seeing it again sometime, as I think I’d probably enjoy it more second time around.
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1,995 posts
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Post by distantcousin on Oct 31, 2023 10:16:31 GMT
Saw the opening night in Milton Keynes last night. My first time seeing this - my favourite version of JCS - since 2017 in the Park. Very much enjoyed it. The choreography remains thrilling, and I definitely picked up more on the "language" and metaphors incorporated. My biggest disappointment was just how cramped the show looked on the MK Theatre stage - which I assume is a decent sized stage. There never felt enough room for full out choreography. The ensemble seemed quite small too - has this also been reduced since Regents Park, to fit touring theatre spaces? Much of the reference to the Jews resonated strongly with me, given current geopolitical circumstances. I particularly found "Poor Jerusalem" quite affecting. The leads were superb and the vocals were glorious. (I felt the ensemble either weren't mic'd well, or their diction is slipping, as a lot of their lyrics were indecipherable - unless you know them well already, as I do)
The theatre was busy, and the show got a rapturous reception at curtain call.
Quite a few young people in, as well as the usual oldies. If younger people have been mainly raised on a diet of 21st century feel-good, "situational" etc musicals, I expect this level of drama and grandiose was quite something for them!!
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3,426 posts
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Post by ceebee on Oct 31, 2023 11:39:47 GMT
Looking forward to this on Saturday.
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430 posts
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Post by alison on Oct 31, 2023 14:12:19 GMT
A whole load of singles across the week for Milton Keynes have been reduced to £13 today. I've picked one up for Wednesday and Thursday evenings to see the two alternates.
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1,995 posts
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Post by distantcousin on Oct 31, 2023 14:30:44 GMT
A whole load of singles across the week for Milton Keynes have been reduced to £13 today. I've picked one up for Wednesday and Thursday evenings to see the two alternates.
Too late for me now, but where did you find this offer, please?
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430 posts
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Post by alison on Oct 31, 2023 15:05:30 GMT
A whole load of singles across the week for Milton Keynes have been reduced to £13 today. I've picked one up for Wednesday and Thursday evenings to see the two alternates.
Too late for me now, but where did you find this offer, please?
Just on the ATG website - I'd been keeping an eye on ticket prices for this week and when I logged in this afternoon there were the singles at £13. |
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Post by robertb213 on Nov 4, 2023 11:55:24 GMT
Ian McIntosh has posted on his Instagram Stories that he was in a recording studio and tagged the show in it. Potential for a cast recording? The vocals in the tour are incredible, particularly Ian and Hannah Richardson as well.
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Post by nick91 on Nov 4, 2023 18:19:03 GMT
I had the opportunity to attend the Thursday evening performance in Milton Keynes, and Charlie McCullagh was on as Jesus. Oh my, I've seen several actors take on the role of Jesus, and Charlie is, by far, the best of them. If you have the chance, do see JCS with him; you won't regret it. Everyone else in the cast was also brilliant, but they remained somewhat in the shadow of Charlie. It's been a few days, and I still can't stop thinking about his portrayal of Jesus.
However, this production of 'JCS' as a whole feels quite average (not in a bad way, just nothing particularly exceptional). Worth seeing.
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3,426 posts
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Post by ceebee on Nov 4, 2023 22:13:50 GMT
Ian McIntosh has posted on his Instagram Stories that he was in a recording studio and tagged the show in it. Potential for a cast recording? The vocals in the tour are incredible, particularly Ian and Hannah Richardson as well. I hope this happens. Saw it today and Ian McIntosh was outstanding as Jesus. By far the best vocal and physical performance in this role that I have seen. The whole cast is excellent - Hannah Richardson as Mary was fantastic, such a beautiful voice. Ryan o'Donnell was a superbly conflicted Pikate with a fab voice. Really enjoyed the priests who were very sinister. Shem Omari James as Judas was superb - loved his portrayal. A fantastic touring version of the OAT production - pretty perfect. |
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Post by happysooz2 on Nov 5, 2023 8:36:13 GMT
Ian McIntosh has posted on his Instagram Stories that he was in a recording studio and tagged the show in it. Potential for a cast recording? The vocals in the tour are incredible, particularly Ian and Hannah Richardson as well. Shem Omari James as Judas was superb - loved his portrayal. A fantastic touring version of the OAT production - pretty perfect. I would love an official recording. Is it usual for the touring cast to do something like though? I holding on for a miracle for them to get Declan or Rob and Ricardo or Tyrone back to record this? ceebee how does Shem compare to Ricardo? |
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Post by ceebee on Nov 5, 2023 9:55:57 GMT
Shem Omari James as Judas was superb - loved his portrayal. A fantastic touring version of the OAT production - pretty perfect. I would love an official recording. Is it usual for the touring cast to do something like though? I holding on for a miracle for them to get Declan or Rob and Ricardo or Tyrone back to record this? ceebee how does Shem compare to Ricardo? Aaah, Ricardo was special. He was a mature alpha Judas, who I thought was excellent. Shem is different - a soulfulness and rich but pure clarity to his voice, a much younger, more sensitive, pained Judas. I loved his interpretation and this cast I'd so finely balanced it works just perfectly. I was prepared to make compromises on the OAT version but I needn't have worried - this production and cast is excellent and is good as any of the previous versions. The production values are as tight as the Les Mis UK tour (I.e. indistinguishable from the West End / London version in terms of quality if acting, musicianship and tech). Oh, and the ending is better with J&J centre stage at the foot of the stage cross. Other changes I like were to the Last Supper where Jesus says "look at your blank faces etc" and instead of saying "surely not, no way, we wouldn't etc", the disciples swell forward over the cross and all say as a chorus "nooooo"... It works so much better. I'm glad to not have seen Julian Clary as Herod - this show doesn't need star casting. Little carry overs such as the cymbals work well and there's also now a big bass drum used to good effect. Ian McIntosh is the best Jesus since Steve Balsamo - possibly even better. His Gethsemane is effortless and explosive, he has several gears left in him, and I'd love to hear him do the Drew Sarich / Rob Fowler higher version of "why then am I scared to finish what I started", just for the fun of it. |
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Post by happysooz2 on Nov 5, 2023 20:22:38 GMT
You had me at ‘mature Alpha Judas.’ 😹
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Post by thistimetomorrow on Nov 6, 2023 9:50:33 GMT
Really enjoyed seeing this in Milton Keynes last week. Can't wait to catch the principal Jesus and alt Judas for comparison when the tour is next near me.
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490 posts
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Post by bimse on Nov 30, 2023 7:34:08 GMT
Seen at the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford. I thought this was superb, from singers to movement and production values, I can’t fault it . Standing ovation at a very full matinee .
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Post by evilmat360 on Dec 1, 2023 11:28:29 GMT
Julian Clary is Back as Herod for Thursday-Saturday performances at Bromley Churchill Theatre, Bristol Hippodrome, Southampton Mayflower Theatre, Llandudno Venue Cymru and Southend Cliffs Pavillion.
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