Sunset Boulevard – Savoy Theatre 2023/24

[theatrelover123]

Oct 5, 2023 19:04:09 GMT mattnyc said:

Oct 5, 2023 18:59:58 GMT theatrelover123 said:

PLEASE PUT SPOILERS IN SPOILER QUOTES!!

Is that really a spoiler..?

Did we know there was a section of video with Max and rain flecked windscreen before we go to see it? NO

Will we be expecting it when we go to see it now? YES. YES WE WILL

So of course it’s a spoiler! And this thread is full of them.

It’s not hard to learn to put things in tags so please show respect for fellow theatre makers

If spoilers aren’t a problem for people then I’m more than happy to go on other threads and spill all the details about shows 

[Deleted]

Seems like a pretty trivial detail to require a spoiler tag.

[erik24601]

Oct 5, 2023 19:04:09 GMT mattnyc said:

Oct 5, 2023 18:59:58 GMT theatrelover123 said:

PLEASE PUT SPOILERS IN SPOILER QUOTES!!

Is that really a spoiler..?

My thoughts exactly 🤣

[theatrelover123]

Oct 5, 2023 20:49:29 GMT @stevea said:

Seems like a pretty trivial detail to require a spoiler tag.

It’s not the size of the detail - or in fact your opinion on that - that matters

It’s the overarching principle of it and certain people letting their flooding of gushing opinions on certain shows on here ruin it for others 

[couldileaveyou]

I mean, I put all my thoughts on the first preview under a spoiler tag, but surely somebody who wanted to experience the production without any kind of previous knowledge about it would avoid this thread entirely? Like so many people here said they have?

[erik24601]

Given the fact that the use of screens and cameras has been widely reported i hardly think that this one new moment is going to be a deal-breaker for you enjoying that moment any less than if you hadn’t read the post…

[Deleted]

Oct 5, 2023 20:51:46 GMT theatrelover123 said:

Oct 5, 2023 20:49:29 GMT @stevea said:

Seems like a pretty trivial detail to require a spoiler tag.

It’s not the size of the detail - or in fact your opinion on that - that matters

It’s the overarching principle of it and certain people letting their flooding of gushing opinions on certain shows on here ruin it for others 

You don't get to police my opinion, and I doubt it is one that I alone share.  Half this thread would disappear if people had to omit every single detail. 

[theatrelover123]

…

[ceebee]

I saw it tonight for the fifth time in a fortnight. This show is evolving with every performance. To preserve any dainty souls I shall refrain from "spoiling" suffice to say there is a section now between Max and Joe that used to be played straight on stage but is now two off-stage big close-ups.

This kind of attention to detail is important as this show is morphing much more smoothly between stage and screen, which means those of you who haven't seen it yet are in for a better experience. Similarly the use of black and white, and lighting, has been inverted in some scenes since last week.

Why does this matter? Well, to explain would be a SPOILER, so I won't explain. However sharing nuggets of changes/improvements WILL NOT spoil your enjoyment of this show.

Please trust me - I would never deliberately "spoil" things for others, but I do also think it's healthy to discuss and share changes.

This show a week ago was directed like a theatre show. Now it is directed like a live film. With no colour, the use of black, white, light, shade, shadow, spots becomes very important.

The same can be said for the sound and effects that are applied to certain instruments and music to create a soundscape of epic proportions.

This is a show made with so much love and a forensic attention to detail, with enormous respect for the source material of the film as well as ALW's music.

It's a modern masterpiece.

[solotheatregoer]

So the hype is real guys. I was so concerned going in to this after seeing all the amazing reviews beforehand that my expectations were set too high, but this far exceeded all of them. Not much to add to what has already been said. However, I would say that I despise 'traditional' musical theatre (ALW productions specifically) but this truly was outstanding. I would have paid the same just to hear the cast stood singing.

The entire cast is exceptional. I'm so glad I booked in a trip to see Nicole - her voice is truly stunning.

To be totally honest I only really made an effort to see this because of Jamie Lloyd. I have loved every production of his that I have seen and this was no different. I will gladly see anything he is attached to.

Easiest five stars I have given this year and most probably will book again for December.

[jm25]

Was able to find one of the reduced £20 dress circle tickets today so went this evening for my second visit in a week. Just hadn't been able to stop thinking about this since I saw it last Friday!

I didn't think it was possible but I actually enjoyed it even more the second time round. As ceebee has said, this feels as much like a film as it does a stage show. The cinematography and stage lighting both feel like something straight out of The Third Man! There was no opening credit sequence when I first saw it (I did think the car chase felt very surreal!) but having now seen it, it's very effective.

I genuinely do think this may be one of the best things I've ever seen.

[jaqs]

Totally enjoyed the show tonight. Thought the whole cast was fabulous, I really loved the choreography, especially in the early numbers. The sound was great too. It was a really lively audience though I was worried they might not shut up when it started.

I loved the way they played up the bonkers ness of the story and let the score do the work.



My lottery seat was towards the back of the circle, so if local, better off with dynamic cheap seats on the day.

[solotheatregoer]

Agree regarding the audience. Lots of talking during scenes, although still no way near as bad as when I saw 2:22.

I really don’t like the Savoy either. I’ve always had trouble with the lack of raked seats in the stalls and the only dampener on my evening was the fact that I had someone sat directly in front of me (rather than a gap between two seats) blocking my view for some scenes and the bloke behind was constantly banging his legs on our seats. Thankfully his partner told him off and he stopped. I honestly don’t understand how people can have such a lack of self awareness sometimes. The leg room at the Savoy is much better than most other theatres too.

[ceebee]

Fortunately, no talking around me last night in the stalls, though there was an awkward moment when two younger women who were no trouble whatsoever decided to take a photo during "With One Look" - I kinda forgave this as the person was clearly head-over-heels in love with NS but then her friend decided film about 30 seconds of "As If We Never Said Goodbye". The video made a few heads turn her way. Normally this kind of thing irritates me immensely, but they were both enjoying it so much and were otherwise so wrapped up in it, I built my own narrative for them along the lines of them being NS fans who perhaps don't go to the theatre much. Also, it posed a bit of a dilemma - with so much crossover media happening in this show, perhaps people could be forgiven for thinking that audience phone activity is acceptable. PLus I've noticed there are no signs or requests saying "no photography or filming in the auditorium"... I would say that behaviour in the Savoy each time I have been has been far better than many other theatres I have been in this year.

[Matt]

Oct 6, 2023 7:42:50 GMT ceebee said:

Fortunately, no talking around me last night in the stalls, though there was an awkward moment when two younger women who were no trouble whatsoever decided to take a photo during "With One Look" - I kinda forgave this as the person was clearly head-over-heels in love with NS but then her friend decided film about 30 seconds of "As If We Never Said Goodbye". The video made a few heads turn her way. Normally this kind of thing irritates me immensely, but they were both enjoying it so much and were otherwise so wrapped up in it, I built my own narrative for them along the lines of them being NS fans who perhaps don't go to the theatre much. Also, it posed a bit of a dilemma - with so much crossover media happening in this show, perhaps people could be forgiven for thinking that audience phone activity is acceptable. PLus I've noticed there are no signs or requests saying "no photography or filming in the auditorium"... I would say that behaviour in the Savoy each time I have been has been far better than many other theatres I have been in this year.

Absolutely no one is thinking they are allowed to film because there’s cameras on stage.

[Being Alive]

Oct 6, 2023 8:22:09 GMT Matt said:

Oct 6, 2023 7:42:50 GMT ceebee said:

Fortunately, no talking around me last night in the stalls, though there was an awkward moment when two younger women who were no trouble whatsoever decided to take a photo during "With One Look" - I kinda forgave this as the person was clearly head-over-heels in love with NS but then her friend decided film about 30 seconds of "As If We Never Said Goodbye". The video made a few heads turn her way. Normally this kind of thing irritates me immensely, but they were both enjoying it so much and were otherwise so wrapped up in it, I built my own narrative for them along the lines of them being NS fans who perhaps don't go to the theatre much. Also, it posed a bit of a dilemma - with so much crossover media happening in this show, perhaps people could be forgiven for thinking that audience phone activity is acceptable. PLus I've noticed there are no signs or requests saying "no photography or filming in the auditorium"... I would say that behaviour in the Savoy each time I have been has been far better than many other theatres I have been in this year.

Absolutely no one is thinking they are allowed to film because there’s cameras on stage.

Hard agree with this

[Dr Tom]

An advantage last night of being right in the centre of the Circle (although at the back) was that I could see things that I hadn't picked up on from the side. The lighting effects worked much better too. I'd still rather be further forward though - and there were a few people in this cheaper section who really should have to pass a test of some kind before being allowed into a theatre.

I notice that security had ramped up, presumably in light of the Les Mis incident. They checked inside my (thin) jacket, which I can't remember ever happening before.

The second act opener is a lot of fun. Everything was largely the same as the earlier in the week, but they had photographers waiting for Tom on the Strand, no idea if they were planned or not. It is the little touches that make this moment, even watching for the cast members who are vaping out of the theatre windows.

I don't think I'd go for another lottery ticket (unless this sells so well based on the reviews that everything else becomes unaffordable). It's different with Rush where you know what ticket you're allocated before you commit. I may even treat myself next time to sit further forward.

[ceebee]

Oct 6, 2023 8:22:09 GMT Matt said:

Oct 6, 2023 7:42:50 GMT ceebee said:

Fortunately, no talking around me last night in the stalls, though there was an awkward moment when two younger women who were no trouble whatsoever decided to take a photo during "With One Look" - I kinda forgave this as the person was clearly head-over-heels in love with NS but then her friend decided film about 30 seconds of "As If We Never Said Goodbye". The video made a few heads turn her way. Normally this kind of thing irritates me immensely, but they were both enjoying it so much and were otherwise so wrapped up in it, I built my own narrative for them along the lines of them being NS fans who perhaps don't go to the theatre much. Also, it posed a bit of a dilemma - with so much crossover media happening in this show, perhaps people could be forgiven for thinking that audience phone activity is acceptable. PLus I've noticed there are no signs or requests saying "no photography or filming in the auditorium"... I would say that behaviour in the Savoy each time I have been has been far better than many other theatres I have been in this year.

Absolutely no one is thinking they are allowed to film because there’s cameras on stage.

Unless perhaps you don't go to the theatre much (or at all) and you have only ever seen Nicole Scherzinger in a stadium/arena environment where phones are used more freely.  And clearly my experience last night proved that some people do feel it is okay to take photos and film mid-show.  That was my point - perhaps subliminally they think it's okay.

[mrbarnaby]

Finally seeing this tonight and beyond excited/nervous

[Being Alive]

But there's signs up saying no photos or filming. The usher's have signs at the front of the auditorium saying no photos or filming.

Like, it LITERALLY couldn't be clearer so I think that's a load of baloney

[happysooz2]

Oct 3, 2023 22:07:43 GMT ceebee said:

Fourth time in tonight - I intended to see this production once, accept or dislike, then move on.

The audience response says it all each time - most people are loving it.

I've noticed some interesting cinematic reverb effects on some instruments, particularly the brass. The sound design on this show is incredible.

Fun story. The night I went (27th) two people in the middle of the front row dress circle (priced £245 now, they might have been
£225 at this performance) got up and left at the interval ‘because it’s just not an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical.’

I still can’t decide if this is going to be loved by the critics.

[alece10]

Does anyone think the public areas of the theatre are a but like a rabbit Warren? I was sat in the dress circle and it's all narrow corridors and stairs and tiny little bar area. There was a delay opening the house for first preview and it got quite clostrophobic and very hot as more and more people kept arriving. I was starting to panic a bit.

[max]

Oct 6, 2023 11:33:51 GMT happysooz2 said:

Oct 3, 2023 22:07:43 GMT ceebee said:

Fourth time in tonight - I intended to see this production once, accept or dislike, then move on.

The audience response says it all each time - most people are loving it.

I've noticed some interesting cinematic reverb effects on some instruments, particularly the brass. The sound design on this show is incredible.

Fun story. The night I went (27th) two people in the middle of the front row dress circle (priced £245 now, they might have been
£225 at this performance) got up and left at the interval ‘because it’s just not an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical.’

I still can’t decide if this is going to be loved by the critics.

They want to try the one where a bloke gets nails hammered through his hands, while bloodied from being lashed with a whip 39 times.
Or the one where she dies of cancer at the end, and her body gets nicked.
It's so funny/crazy the way the general reputation of musicals remains 'tap dancing' and 'songs that end with the entire cast with their hands above their heads'.

[theatrefan62]

Oct 6, 2023 11:57:51 GMT max said:

Oct 6, 2023 11:33:51 GMT happysooz2 said:

Fun story. The night I went (27th) two people in the middle of the front row dress circle (priced £245 now, they might have been
£225 at this performance) got up and left at the interval ‘because it’s just not an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical.’

I still can’t decide if this is going to be loved by the critics.

They want to try the one where a bloke gets nails hammered through his hands, while bloodied from being lashed with a whip 39 times.
Or the one where she dies of cancer at the end, and her body gets nicked.
It's so funny/crazy the way the general reputation of musicals remains 'tap dancing' and 'songs that end with the entire cast with their hands above their heads'.

I didn't get the impression that's what was meant? More that it wasn't a usual lloyd webber musical production (e.g. elaborate sets and costumes, realistic direction etc).

[max]

Oct 6, 2023 12:00:36 GMT theatrefan62 said:

Oct 6, 2023 11:57:51 GMT max said:

They want to try the one where a bloke gets nails hammered through his hands, while bloodied from being lashed with a whip 39 times.
Or the one where she dies of cancer at the end, and her body gets nicked.
It's so funny/crazy the way the general reputation of musicals remains 'tap dancing' and 'songs that end with the entire cast with their hands above their heads'.

I didn't get the impression that's what was meant? More that it wasn't a usual lloyd webber musical production (e.g. elaborate sets and costumes, realistic direction etc).

Fair enough, that is a different complaint.  But still, what was the original 'Evita'?  It was a stark black-box production, mainly Black and White, with black and white projections, and very representational staging. One review in 1978 complained it didn't capture a sense of Argentina, having instead "all the colour of an NCP car park".   But yes, 'Whistle Down The Wind' and 'Sunset Boulevard' original production would set up different expectations I admit.