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Post by alicechallice on Nov 8, 2023 13:37:58 GMT
From Arifa Akbar's two-star Guardian review, her line "the epitome of theatre as light entertainment" could probably be borrowed as a publicity quote. Of course, God forbid anybody enjoys themselves at these ticketed spectacles. |
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7,052 posts
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Post by Jon on Nov 8, 2023 13:40:34 GMT
From Arifa Akbar's two-star Guardian review, her line "the epitome of theatre as light entertainment" could probably be borrowed as a publicity quote. Of course, it depends on whether you consider there is a place for light entertainment in theatre, or whether it always must have some more worthy or intellectual ambition. I honestly think they should use it to annoy the reviewer much like how Legend used the 1 star reviews in their marketing to great effect. It does feel at times that The Guardian doesn't like anything. |
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5,139 posts
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Post by Being Alive on Nov 8, 2023 14:31:44 GMT
From Arifa Akbar's two-star Guardian review, her line "the epitome of theatre as light entertainment" could probably be borrowed as a publicity quote. Of course, it depends on whether you consider there is a place for light entertainment in theatre, or whether it always must have some more worthy or intellectual ambition. Akbar seemingly hates everything on offer this year so this is hardly surprising. |
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4,955 posts
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Post by Someone in a tree on Nov 8, 2023 16:00:31 GMT
After so much misery i cant be bothered to read AA's reviews anymore
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1,477 posts
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Post by Steve on Nov 8, 2023 18:49:38 GMT
From Arifa Akbar's two-star Guardian review, her line "the epitome of theatre as light entertainment" could probably be borrowed as a publicity quote. Of course, God forbid anybody enjoys themselves at these ticketed spectacles. "You're so silly Backstairs Billy You made the audience laugh Theatre should be serious Never so delirious So I'll cut your stars in half"  |
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99 posts
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Post by emilytemple on Nov 10, 2023 20:03:45 GMT
Yes I saw there were discounted tickets for last night’s performance on TKTS so definitely worth a look if no luck with rush! I hope maybe some discount will be show up soon er of date perf. I looked at week before date i can go and same seat seem in different price "box". Cheap one. Never been at tkts 😐 (I wake up and 3 weeks before London trip and i had only 2 show ticket 😶) Edit. I looked at website and grabed first row Ticket for 10 pound! I know i will need look up but this is a pain by on budget Also my every vist at duke of york i end up in firsts row 🙈 |
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Post by showgirl on Nov 11, 2023 4:35:46 GMT
Well done with the front row ticket, emilytemple, as I've searched in vain for one of these at a matinee and the system lists them but not whether any are actually available, making searching very frustrating. |
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Post by seasider on Nov 11, 2023 19:31:50 GMT
Saw this today and thought it was very good. Can see why you might either love it or hate it but I was genuinely in stitches at times.
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307 posts
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Post by jm25 on Nov 11, 2023 22:03:07 GMT
Watched this during the week and thought this was nice, harmless fun. 3 stars. It's certainly a high stage, though! Had a front row seat and my neck was aching by the interval!
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1,280 posts
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Post by theatrefan77 on Nov 12, 2023 1:31:02 GMT
I also thought that the stage was too high but still found the front row great value for £10. Wouldn't mind seeing it again but I think all the front row seats are now gone.
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781 posts
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Post by rumbledoll on Nov 12, 2023 6:12:30 GMT
The stage is indeed high but for 10 quid there’s no point in complaining, isn’t it? Always fancied seeing Luke Evans on stage, but rather thought it’d be a musical. Yet so happy to get this as he has a perfect coming timing and just nails the part! So does Penelope Wilton, they share some beautiful moments together and wonderful chemistry throughout. Young lads the servants from supporting cast were both very good as well!
I got a bit distracted when a corgi had been put on the lime spot on the sofa I gotta admit! Such a sweet pup!
Not so sure about THAT scene at the end like many mentioned it’s s bit too much (though it makes sense when you think how it had played), but still giving the show the highest score cause it made me laugh so hard my cheekbones ached long after.
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Post by sallims on Nov 12, 2023 11:35:11 GMT
I saw this in a birthday double bill theatre trip on Saturday. I loved it, very funny and I’m always in awe in Penelope Wilton. If you are going in for an interesting commentary on the royal family and their life behind the palace doors this is not it. It’s a fun comedy with lots to love. My husband was a little bemused by the final scene and I did think it was something they should cut. 4 stars from me.
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Post by westendboy on Nov 12, 2023 16:24:11 GMT
Saw this last night. After being disappointed with 'King Lear' at the Wyndham's, I wasn't sure how I'd react to 'Backstairs Billy'. Would it be the same as 'Lear', better, or worse? I have to say however, I did enjoy myself last night.
This isn't a play that's groundbreaking, nor will it leave a lasting impact, but I thought it was a decent 'comfort show'. Luke Evans was very damn good as Billy, having some of the best lines in the piece, but it was Penelope Wilton who really stole the show. Her comedic timing and moments of warmth drew me to her characterization of the Queen Mother. The rest of the cast also did their jobs well.
I also did like the more heartfelt moments, such as the flashbacks to when Billy first started working for the Queen Mother at a young age. I thought they were handled pretty well.
Despite these positives, there were some issues with the play. A gripe I had with it was it's handling of more serious social issues that were going on in 1979. The piece brings up things such as views of homosexuality back then, as well as the Southall protests, but I don't feel these were handled that well. And of course, THAT moment towards the end. Yeah, I didn't like it either. All these made me question what stance was the play taking? On the one hand, it's highlighting social issues that were present at the time it's set, but then it either brushes these to the side, or gets confused in what it is trying to say. But then again, I'm probably just looking too deeply into a play that is clearly just there to make audiences laugh, which it most certainly succeeds at.
Overall, I enjoyed 'Backstairs Billy'. It's definitely not up there with one of the greats, but if you want a good night, or afternoon out, it will certainly treat you. A solid 3 1/2 stars from me.
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Post by cat6 on Nov 19, 2023 12:18:07 GMT
Just saw this on a quick visit to London last week. I thought BB was good. I felt the compression of the royal household, almost asylum-like especially when compared and contrasted with the QM's guests (who were all very funny) and free to leave, even pushed to leave. The roles were very well played. Regarding that final scene: it was as if it wasn't the first time that would have been played out in the QM's household.
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Post by happysooz2 on Nov 20, 2023 8:52:32 GMT
Could someone who has seen the play kindly explain ‘the jarring scene’ to me on a DM or in spoiler tags please? I’m intrigued. Not enough to buy tickets but I have entered for Rush.
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1,470 posts
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Post by mkb on Nov 20, 2023 9:02:43 GMT
Could someone who has seen the play kindly explain ‘the jarring scene’ to me on a DM or in spoiler tags please? I’m intrigued. Not enough to buy tickets but I have entered for Rush. The Queen Mother insists that Billy remove some excrement dropped by one of the corgis using his bare hands, which he duly does. |
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Post by happysooz2 on Nov 20, 2023 18:07:17 GMT
Crikey. ETA - thank you for the reply.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2023 18:42:02 GMT
Do they have method acting corgis in the play too?
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2,848 posts
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Post by couldileaveyou on Nov 20, 2023 19:17:17 GMT
Do they have method acting corgis in the play too? Two, Pumpkin and Tring |
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1,470 posts
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Post by mkb on Nov 21, 2023 1:13:12 GMT
Do they have method acting corgis in the play too? There's a clever bit of misdirection and sleight of hand. It's actually Billy who deposits the offending material on the carpet as he kneels. |
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Post by greatauntedna on Nov 26, 2023 14:24:15 GMT
Saw this last night. After being disappointed with 'King Lear' at the Wyndham's, I wasn't sure how I'd react to 'Backstairs Billy'. Would it be the same as 'Lear', better, or worse? I have to say however, I did enjoy myself last night. What’s the link with King Lear? |
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Post by westendboy on Nov 26, 2023 15:30:18 GMT
Saw this last night. After being disappointed with 'King Lear' at the Wyndham's, I wasn't sure how I'd react to 'Backstairs Billy'. Would it be the same as 'Lear', better, or worse? I have to say however, I did enjoy myself last night. What’s the link with King Lear? I was referring to whether 'Billy' would be better, or worse than 'Lear' quality wise. |
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Post by Rory on Nov 27, 2023 15:55:48 GMT
I have returned two front row £10 tickets on two separate dates as follows:
Thursday 30th Nov 7.30pm
Wednesday 24th Jan 2.30pm
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Post by solotheatregoer on Nov 29, 2023 23:28:34 GMT
I didn’t think I’d enjoy this at all but what a great matinee today. I was really impressed with both Luke and Penelope. Both had great chemistry and comedic timing. Nothing too complex here and I agree it won’t win awards but still a fun (and in some parts, touching) play overall. Quite light hearted after all the heavy themes in the shows I’ve seen this year. Four stars.
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Post by mattnyc on Dec 1, 2023 23:34:48 GMT
Saw this tonight and really had a great time, save for the last couple minutes that I thought were bizarre and seemed completely out of left field. But that's not enough to change my view on it and I'd absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants some theatrical comfort food.
The Corgi absolutely did not want to be on stage tonight at the end, which was adorable. Wilton excused herself from the conversation and led it offstage. Dogs and kids, right...?
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