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Post by max on Jul 17, 2024 16:13:16 GMT
Citing 1970s public information films for kids, featuring Charlie the cat, Steve said: "The catchphrase was...... "Charley says 'Don't talk to strangers,'" or "Charley says 'Don't play with matches." Blimey, Charlie was also a mystic cat who predicted Theatreboard. |
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Post by max on Jul 17, 2024 16:21:33 GMT
Talking of cats, how do they do Pompom? I'm assuming they haven't brought in one trained at a Russian cat circus
I've got a cheap restricted view Today Tix seat and now find I may be behind the action. If puppetry I'm adjusting my expectations to an evening looking at Pompom's papier mache and felt dot bum.
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Post by danb on Jul 17, 2024 16:32:17 GMT
Charlie also asked that you ‘always tell your Mummy where you’re going’. There’s a cracking Prodigy tune that samples it.
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jul 17, 2024 21:48:27 GMT
Pompom started out as a living cat when rehearsals started, but when he read the script and saw the ticket sales , he went to Dignicat and ended his life.
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Post by wefox on Jul 17, 2024 23:12:54 GMT
Rush now available at TodayTix
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Post by westendwhistledown on Jul 18, 2024 9:23:29 GMT
Reviews aren't bad! Going tonight so shall report back! Assuming there is no air-con!!!
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Post by ladidah on Jul 18, 2024 9:28:48 GMT
Shame it's not on Rush today.
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Post by westendwhistledown on Jul 18, 2024 9:29:39 GMT
It's another press night tonight as they couldn't fit everyone in last night
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Post by Steve on Jul 18, 2024 10:01:51 GMT
The reviews so far: 4 stars The Times - "large cast is crammed with talent" The Stage - "perfect balance of rustic charm and sexual tension" WhatsonStage - "a subtle and delicate confection" TimeOut - "a beautifully judged revival that’s equal parts goofy and yearning"
BoadwayWorld - "in the Menier’s intimate space, it makes for a real treat"
LondonTheatre - "this slice-of-life musical is ultimately a celebration of the everyday" TheatreWeekly - "a delicious treat" 3 stars The Telegraph - "the plot’s lightweight and the songs so-so, but. . . an undeniably spirited revival" Financial Times - "droll and warm as it is, we could use a little more salt in the mix" PS: I wonder if today's reviewers will dock stars for not getting a ticket last night lol? |
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Post by westendwhistledown on Jul 18, 2024 10:20:34 GMT
I'm not sure if tonight is more press actually or just industry people...maybe the bloggers too?
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Post by dlevi on Jul 18, 2024 10:52:45 GMT
Saw this last night and basically loved it. It is, as many have said here, a problematic show. But thanks to the winning performances and the stylish direction and design, those issues didn't really bother me until after the show was over and in discussion with friends. I had a terrific time .
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Post by galinda on Jul 18, 2024 11:04:43 GMT
For those you have already seen this any recommendations on the best place to sit for this? Seats 6 - 17 Seats 37 - 51 Anything higher will mean you are going to be watching the actors backs as most of the show is directed face on from the "cabaret " seating I would not recommend "cabaret"seating. Looks uncomfortable and you have to keep shifting to let actors get past. book.menierchocolatefactory.com/tickets/series/BAKERSWIFE/the-bakers-wife-1013296?startDate=09-03-2024Please note the "cheaper" seats (red/orange) shown on the theatre's plans are behind a pillar Personally I would wait to see if you can get an offer on the "better" seats Thanks so much for this 🙂 |
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Post by Phantom of London on Jul 18, 2024 12:13:09 GMT
When I saw this Saturday night, it is the most beautiful show design wise I have seen at the Menier, very evocative of a small French village, top marks for that. The show itself was bittersweet, although it had great songs, especially Meadowlark which is totally earworm. The book felt flat, the acting was good. Clive Rowe is always going to be standout. Lucie Jones is pleasant.
Seeing Clive Rowe reminded me the first time I saw him perform and it hit me stone cold, he was at the Duchess Theatre, in the ill fated The Fanatastics, as how us Brits don't understand, so when I said hit me as The Fanatastics would be the perfect show to do in the Menier, as it is very much a chamber piece, so perfect venue for it..
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Post by alece10 on Jul 18, 2024 12:51:31 GMT
When I saw this Saturday night, it is the most beautiful show design wise I have seen at the Menier, very evocative of a small French village, top marks for that. The show itself was bittersweet, although it had great songs, especially Meadowlark which is totally earworm. The book felt flat, the acting was good. Clive Rowe is always going to be standout. Lucie Jones is pleasant. Seeing Clive Rowe reminded me the first time I saw him perform and it hit me stone cold, he was at the Duchess Theatre, in the ill fated The Fanatastics, as how us Brits don't understand, so when I said hit me as The Fanatastics would be the perfect show to do in the Menier, as it is very much a chamber piece, so perfect venue for it.. I remember seeingnthe Fantastics at the Duchess as well. It was one of the most boring shows I've ever seen and just couldn't understand why it had run in NY for so many years. |
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Post by westendwhistledown on Jul 18, 2024 22:15:49 GMT
Clive Rowe is so tender and loveable - brilliant casting. Lucie Jones’ voice soars - that talent is a real gift. Unsure about the Dominique…..talented but not quite right IMO. LOVED Denise. She was giving Ruthie Henshall vibes.
Great use of the space.
It’s just a very pleasing production. Book has flaws as we have established but the music is lovely.
It’s a solid 4* from me
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Post by westendusher on Jul 19, 2024 11:47:24 GMT
I saw The Baker's Wife last night, only knowing "Meadowlark" and nothing else. I adored it. I was at one of the cafe tables. Having the extremely talented Josefina Gabrielle singing right at me was like a dream. The entire cast are PHENOMENAL. The set design is the most beautiful I've seen at the Menier, you really are transported to France.
I spoke to one of the front of house team about the restaurant and toilets, they told me that that area isn't part of the Menier and owned by a different company since the closure of the restaurant during COVID. It's a shame as it's such a great space and would love the Menier to reopen their restaurant. I admire that they have been giving their bar area a facelift and trying with the space they have.
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Post by Jon on Jul 19, 2024 12:22:10 GMT
I think the Menier should move to new premises within London Bridge that could mean they have space for a restaurant as well as the theatre, bars, toilets etc, easier said than done I admit but it has to be something to consider.
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692 posts
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Post by capybara on Jul 19, 2024 15:38:16 GMT
With a history dating back to the 1970s, the project seemed sure to be an out-of-town flop in the US but the esteemed director Trevor Nunn was able to knead it into shape across the pond decades later.
Nunn’s influence on the show still resonates today in this latest revival at the Menier, directed this time by Gordon Greenberg. One of the biggest challenges Schwartz and book-writer Joseph Stein faced was how to make this chamber piece reach beyond the wife’s narrative and to push the villagers to the forefront. That achievement is vivid here.
Lucie Jones marvels as Genevieve. The song ‘Meadowlark’ has arguably outgrown the show itself (Nunn cited its popularity in auditions as the reason he was attracted to the original London project). But Jones makes it her own. In fact, her soaring vocals and forthright character portrayal almost give the song new meaning, providing a genuinely show-stopping moment.
She is performing opposite Clive Rowe, seen most recently as bumbling cop Steady Eddie in Sister Act. Of course, he is able to turn on the comedy as is required but he also was capable of stunning the audience into a hushed silence, catching them off-guard in some of Aimable’s more exposed and tender moments. The relationship between the baker and his wife undoubtedly calls for chemistry and Jones and Rowe have found it it in abundance.
This production has a stacked cast. From Josefina Gabrielle’s pondersome Denise, to Joaquin Pedro Valdes giving a second show-stopping moment with his exquisite rendition of ‘Proud Lady’, it is absolutely an ensemble piece. The scenes with all the villagers (such as opening number ‘If It Wasn’t For You’ are real highlights.
But, of course, that was the magic Schwartz had been looking for all those years ago when he embarked on this project. Genevieve’s journey of love, lust and marital conflict really is the heartbeat of the show that allows the ensemble to breathe so wonderfully. Paul Farnsworth’s set incorporates all of Menier’s limited space and the audience would be forgiven for thinking they actually were enjoying a glass of red in a French village square. There are even moments of immersive theatre as audience members are invited to dance and take part in pentaque.
Although Stein’s book is sometimes a little lacking in depth (the morals of various characters and resolution of their stories are enough to raise an eyebrow), the atmosphere and aesthetic of the show more than makes up for any shortcomings.
Four stars.
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Post by theatre22 on Jul 19, 2024 22:47:26 GMT
Has anyone sat in the restricted view £15 seats Today Tix had on sale? I am due to see this next week in D58 and I’m a bit concerned about the pillars that have been mentioned.
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Post by ladidah on Jul 20, 2024 8:45:50 GMT
Going to try for Rush today
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Post by ladidah on Jul 20, 2024 9:02:45 GMT
Yes! Got it
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Post by theatre22 on Jul 20, 2024 10:08:03 GMT
If you are anywhere near D58 would you mind reporting back if I am going to have a big pillar in the way when I got and see it? |
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Post by ladidah on Jul 20, 2024 11:02:57 GMT
I'm right near there, will do!
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Post by ladidah on Jul 20, 2024 13:25:50 GMT
What a mad venue, no signs letting you know where to go in, and builders literally ripping out the floorboards as you pass them
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Post by ladidah on Jul 20, 2024 13:56:46 GMT
If you are anywhere near D58 would you mind reporting back if I am going to have a big pillar in the way when I got and see it? |
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