4,021 posts
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Post by Dawnstar on Jun 15, 2024 21:46:43 GMT
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Post by bobbievanhusen on Jun 16, 2024 2:06:40 GMT
The show is loosely based around Cinderella?! I'd literally never have got that in a million years - but tbh I had very little idea what was happening at all 😂 That's how it started out, anyway
ALW has said "Starlight' was supposed to be a little animated cartoon about Cinderella, in which the steam train would be Cinderella and the diesel and the electric were to be the ugly stepsisters and the Starligt Enxpress was the fairy godmother" Pearl would be the Prince Charming type character
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Post by digne on Jun 16, 2024 10:09:13 GMT
I didn't expect much - I saw this in '95 or so in the West End as a teen and it didn't really leave a lasting impression, except for the spectacle of the skating. When I saw it at the Other Palace workshop a few years ago, I thought it was a bit boring in parts, and there wasn't a single stand out song for me. But with the dynamic pricing, I picked up a single first class carriage seat for £29 a few days ago and had a really good time. Being right inside the action was a lot of fun, and for the first time I actually found myself caring about the characters. I didn't care much about the Rhusty and Pearl romance they tried to sell us, but I fell in love with Greaseball who was really charismatic up close, and I adored Electra. But my surprise favorite was Hydrogen - his storyline was the most interesting to me, and I loved that little story arc about him getting to prove himself and Rhusty converting to hydrogen steam. If anything, I felt like he would have deserved a little bit more of the spotlight at the very end, instead of it all wrapping up with Rhusty and Pearl's rather shallow lovestory. The first class carriage seat I had last night is usually priced £195, and that absolutely wouldn't have been worth it for me. But for £29, being right inside the action made this a wonderful spectacle that positively surprised me with its changes. Why are you calling him Rhusty? Because a friend has a dog called Rhusty and it's muscle memory at this point? 🤷♀️ I see typos in every thread on the board and usually don't assign deep meanings to them... |
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1,481 posts
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Post by steve10086 on Jun 16, 2024 16:35:37 GMT
I’ve given this 3 stars (skates!).
I can only assume the characters misheard exactly which race they were entering and thought they were turning up for RuPaul’s Drag Race.
I suppose for a show based in a child’s imagination the set/costumes are appropriate, given the soulless shiny crap kids watch/play these days.
I expect I would enjoy this more on a second viewing knowing what to expect, and it is still a lot of fun. But just like the Joseph revival at the Palladium, this confirms to me that production values have fallen since the 80s/90s.
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Post by luvvie23 on Jun 16, 2024 18:49:28 GMT
I enjoyed it! Mainly for the arrangements. I REALLY want it to do well and succeed. I feel so old. And I hate to go on about the Apollo Victoria and Bochum production-BUT if you look at the speed of the races and the original choreography- especially the content of the choreography, this new London production just isn’t quite up to that standard in my opinion. The step digs with overhead clapping looked a bit basic and rushed. The switching of genders didn’t bother me. But there is a lack of full out showbiz glam that the show needs to cover the lack of story.
Electra moved with such fluid energy in the original. Where as this Electra is a very still drag queen. Nothing wrong with that of course. However, it smacks of a performing arts college production. You forget how a few years experience on a performer changes the vibe of a show. This director is obsessed with youth. This Starlight has health and safety-and a lack of time in skate school front and centre. Whereas the original had edge, ridiculously amazing skaters and phenomenal singers. In the original- Pearl was a mixture of A Royal Ballet dancer on skates-with a Mariah Carey vocal in Marissa Dunlop and many others. Here we get an unsteady skater who looks terrified. But I’m sure she will improve. It’s early days. The goosebumps for the Momma and Rusty duet didn’t come in the same way with Poppa and Rusty. I would say it doesn’t quite sit right vocally. So many great songs missing. Again, I want the show to do well but Bochum is the place to be for OG Starlight fans. Arlene just knows what the show needs and she hires the right team around her to make it work. To think we could watch the original for a fiver! I am really excited to hear from people who have never seen the original who are looking at the show with fresh eyes. Maybe I’m just too attached to the show that made me fall in love with musical theatre.
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3,427 posts
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Post by ceebee on Jun 16, 2024 19:59:05 GMT
I saw this today a week on from last week and they are definitely moving quicker and with more confidence. The experience in first class is very different to trackside - a better experience in my view.
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3,334 posts
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Post by Dr Tom on Jun 16, 2024 21:39:03 GMT
I can't fault this as a spectacle. There isn't a lot of plot, even compared to (say) Cats, but it's relatively easy to follow. I'm sure there are some subplot details I missed, like why we were routing for Rusty in the first place, why steam is best, and not knowing the plot too well, I did rather expect Rusty to end up with one of the non-binary engines, but it doesn't really matter. There is skating and spectacle.
My Rush ticket for the matinee was in First Class Carriage 4, back row, an absolutely perfect seat to take everything in, although there are some skaters directly behind you who I'm sure are trying to see how close they can risk getting to you without hitting you in the back of the head. Carriages 1 and 4 are much better raked than 2 and 3. A man near me with two young boys was incredibly excited to see the show. The boys seemed to enjoy it, but they didn't quite share his level of enthusiasm.
Jaydon Vijn is the clear standout as a skater. He does all kinds of tricks and moves that no one else attempts, and you get the impression he is holding back. It helps that the two people who kept catching my eye were both wearing green, but there are a lot of recent graduates in the cast, and being near the front I could work out who several of them were, even with the costumes and make-up.
The songs are enjoyable. There's more rap than I expected. For a lot of this, I was close enough to tell it was being sung live, but there was the occasional sound oddity. It's unusual to not have screens up around the building showing the conductor. The skating quality is very impressive to me as someone who can barely stay standing up wearing skates, but there were some scrapes. One of the skaters lost the cloth part of a small flag she was waving, another skater tried to pick this up, grabbed it, and just managed to avoid going over. It does make me wonder how they deal with the inevitable times when skating goes wrong.
Overall, very much enjoyed it. So nice to have a reason to go to Wembley. There are a few points where I do hope they can speed things up a bit and add a few tricks, but this is all coming along well. I'll be back when an affordable option appears.
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5,812 posts
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jun 16, 2024 21:41:24 GMT
Why are you calling him Rhusty? Because a friend has a dog called Rhusty and it's muscle memory at this point? 🤷♀️ I see typos in every thread on the board and usually don't assign deep meanings to them... Makes absolute sense dhigne 😘 |
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Post by iantheknow on Jun 16, 2024 22:07:06 GMT
Ok I am so disappointed in this production, the lack of artistry when it comes to the entire show is weak I can only
compare it to a slightly higher budget college production. The skating is a huge let down. Yes I know they had huge
boots to fill with the original and German productions. But I question why this show was even thought if they did
not have excitement that taking this show on requires.
I am getting very bored of watching the work of this director. Yes his one hit wonder in '& Juliet' was enjoyable, but
everything since has been a huge let down and this once again he delivers that disappointment. I can only think
what Jamie Lloyd or Alex Timbers would have done with it? now that would of been Starlight Express I would of
loved to of seen.
What Arlene Phillips created originally was exhilarating, a spectacle and so ahead if it's time, this time it feels dated.
I am sad to write this because I wanted it to work so well.
I am sure it will gather its fans (with Sheppards casting of the young will make this a social media a hit) And I wish it
well, it just wasn't for me.
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Post by Being Alive on Jun 16, 2024 22:21:12 GMT
A Jamie Lloyd Starlight Express would have been set in an asylum where everyone thought they were a train - I'd watch this!
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19,676 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jun 17, 2024 6:42:54 GMT
I am getting very bored of watching the work of this director. Yes his one hit wonder in '& Juliet' was enjoyable, but everything since has been a huge let down and this once again he delivers that disappointment. I think one hit wonder is a little unfair. Things don’t necessarily have to be long runners to be of quality. |
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3,427 posts
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Post by ceebee on Jun 17, 2024 7:58:43 GMT
I am getting very bored of watching the work of this director. Yes his one hit wonder in '& Juliet' was enjoyable, but everything since has been a huge let down and this once again he delivers that disappointment. I think one hit wonder is a little unfair. Things don’t necessarily have to be long runners to be of quality. Having seen this twice now, the audience response both times has been very positive. Most of them probably have no idea who the director is. |
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Post by danb on Jun 17, 2024 8:09:54 GMT
I am getting very bored of watching the work of this director. Yes his one hit wonder in '& Juliet' was enjoyable, but everything since has been a huge let down and this once again he delivers that disappointment. I think one hit wonder is a little unfair. Things don’t necessarily have to be long runners to be of quality. His ‘Rent’ at Hope Mill was absolutely electrifying, and I’d agree that ‘& Juliet’ is pretty special too. |
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5,812 posts
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jun 17, 2024 9:12:58 GMT
Saw this at the weekend and sadly found it hugely disappointing.
It feels small in there and with the track being so small and the corners so tight- there was no speed to any of the skating.
I know it’s all a bit silly- but I felt absolutely no tension or excitement during any of the races. The cast just pootle around smiling, or with blank faces.
Across the board there is very little in terms of acting or singing ability- and crucially most acutely apparent in the casting of Rusty, a vacuum of charisma or vocal ability.
Julian Clary- I mean Electra, is physically imposing , but the costume is ridiculous, and none of the costumes suggest trains at all.
Best skating goes to Hydra (or is he called Hydrogen?)
Momma looked like she was going to fall over at any moment which was distracting.
One magical bit of staging aside (I am the Starlight) Lighting and staging all feel lacklustre. The only bright spots being a bit of the choreography early on.
I’m very interested to see which side the critics fall on , and whether it’s critic proof if they don’t like it. It did make me consider going to Bochum and just see it done properly.
1 star.
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1,396 posts
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Post by BVM on Jun 17, 2024 9:29:03 GMT
I think one hit wonder is a little unfair. Things don’t necessarily have to be long runners to be of quality. His ‘Rent’ at Hope Mill was absolutely electrifying, and I’d agree that ‘& Juliet’ is pretty special too. Agree, his Rent was absolutely amazing! |
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1,396 posts
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Post by BVM on Jun 17, 2024 9:35:13 GMT
Does anyone know if filming and photos are officially allowed during Megamix?
First two shows ushers were telling people (near aisles that they could reach) to stop.
Not sure if this has changed since!
(Perhaps official line remains no but they now turn a blind eye!)
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3,334 posts
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Post by Dr Tom on Jun 17, 2024 9:43:55 GMT
Does anyone know if filming and photos are officially allowed during Megamix? It seemed to be a "no" yesterday. I did spot a couple of people grabbing some quiet photos of the bows, but no obvious filming in the sections near me. |
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Post by luvvie23 on Jun 17, 2024 9:59:53 GMT
His ‘Rent’ at Hope Mill was absolutely electrifying, and I’d agree that ‘& Juliet’ is pretty special too. Agree, his Rent was absolutely amazing! And What’s new Pussycat was fab! |
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1,396 posts
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Post by BVM on Jun 17, 2024 10:08:26 GMT
Does anyone know if filming and photos are officially allowed during Megamix? It seemed to be a "no" yesterday. I did spot a couple of people grabbing some quiet photos of the bows, but no obvious filming in the sections near me. Bonkers that so many people get away with it if this is the official line! |
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Post by hadeswasking on Jun 17, 2024 10:09:42 GMT
On Saturday evening the section I was sitting in were encouraged to film the mega mix/bows after the safety announcements...
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3,427 posts
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Post by ceebee on Jun 17, 2024 10:42:48 GMT
Does anyone know if filming and photos are officially allowed during Megamix? First two shows ushers were telling people (near aisles that they could reach) to stop. Not sure if this has changed since! (Perhaps official line remains no but they now turn a blind eye!) The official line is "yes"! Before the show yesterday in the carriage sections our front of house person came and introduced herself and said that we couldn't leave until the interval unless it is an emergency situation due to the tracks etc. They also said no photography or filming at any point UNTIL the megamix, where she said "you are more than welcome to film and take photos". As a result, I filmed the entire megamix.  |
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Post by dazzlair on Jun 17, 2024 10:42:55 GMT
Does anyone know if filming and photos are officially allowed during Megamix? First two shows ushers were telling people (near aisles that they could reach) to stop. Not sure if this has changed since! (Perhaps official line remains no but they now turn a blind eye!) Yes, you are positively encouraged to film during the megamix - "You'll know when - it's really obvious" were the words of our usher. |
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3,427 posts
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Post by ceebee on Jun 17, 2024 10:43:50 GMT
Saw this at the weekend and sadly found it hugely disappointing. It feels small in there and with the track being so small and the corners so tight- there was no speed to any of the skating. I know it’s all a bit silly- but I felt absolutely no tension or excitement during any of the races. The cast just pootle around smiling, or with blank faces. Across the board there is very little in terms of acting or singing ability- and crucially most acutely apparent in the casting of Rusty, a vacuum of charisma or vocal ability. Julian Clary- I mean Electra, is physically imposing , but the costume is ridiculous, and none of the costumes suggest trains at all. Best skating goes to Hydra (or is he called Hydrogen?) Momma looked like she was going to fall over at any moment which was distracting. One magical bit of staging aside (I am the Starlight) Lighting and staging all feel lacklustre. The only bright spots being a bit of the choreography early on. I’m very interested to see which side the critics fall on , and whether it’s critic proof if they don’t like it. It did make me consider going to Bochum and just see it done properly. 1 star. Boooo to mrbarnaby the killjoy train... |
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1,396 posts
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Post by BVM on Jun 17, 2024 10:53:26 GMT
Does anyone know if filming and photos are officially allowed during Megamix? First two shows ushers were telling people (near aisles that they could reach) to stop. Not sure if this has changed since! (Perhaps official line remains no but they now turn a blind eye!) The official line is "yes"! Before the show yesterday in the carriage sections our front of house person came and introduced herself and said that we couldn't leave until the interval unless it is an emergency situation due to the tracks etc. They also said no photography or filming at any point UNTIL the megamix, where she said "you are more than welcome to film and take photos". As a result, I filmed the entire megamix. Oh brilliant, that's great news. That's new since I last went then. I think it's the best solution. Fact is in 2024 people wanna take photos and vids at events like this and I think the fact they know they can at the end, goes at least some way to stopping them doing it all the way through (when it is annoying/distracting to others). (And as most producers have now recognised - it's free advertising!) |
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Post by danb on Jun 17, 2024 10:58:38 GMT
Saw this at the weekend and sadly found it hugely disappointing. It feels small in there and with the track being so small and the corners so tight- there was no speed to any of the skating. I know it’s all a bit silly- but I felt absolutely no tension or excitement during any of the races. The cast just pootle around smiling, or with blank faces. Across the board there is very little in terms of acting or singing ability- and crucially most acutely apparent in the casting of Rusty, a vacuum of charisma or vocal ability. Julian Clary- I mean Electra, is physically imposing , but the costume is ridiculous, and none of the costumes suggest trains at all. Best skating goes to Hydra (or is he called Hydrogen?) Momma looked like she was going to fall over at any moment which was distracting. One magical bit of staging aside (I am the Starlight) Lighting and staging all feel lacklustre. The only bright spots being a bit of the choreography early on. I’m very interested to see which side the critics fall on , and whether it’s critic proof if they don’t like it. It did make me consider going to Bochum and just see it done properly. 1 star. Boooo to mrbarnaby the killjoy train... not really! I’m terrified that it’ll be a disappointment. Helps me prepare. |
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