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Post by max on Feb 8, 2024 0:19:11 GMT
Was Into the Groove always in this? It’s not listed in the programme but featured very prominently in Act 2 tonight. There was a tiny fragment when I saw it last Wednesday - it was referenced briefly in a quick canter through some of the USA Live Aid acts. May have been just a couple of lines from it. |
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Post by A.Ham on Feb 8, 2024 9:10:12 GMT
Was Into the Groove always in this? It’s not listed in the programme but featured very prominently in Act 2 tonight. There was a tiny fragment when I saw it last Wednesday - it was referenced briefly in a quick canter through some of the USA Live Aid acts. May have been just a couple of lines from it. Perhaps that was one of the changes that went in from last Thursday then, as certainly when I saw it then there was a fair bit of it in Act II, led by Tamara Tare’s character. |
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Post by ceebee on Feb 8, 2024 11:05:02 GMT
Was Into the Groove always in this? It’s not listed in the programme but featured very prominently in Act 2 tonight. "Into the Groove" has been in since first preview - a great number and really well sung. One of the best tracks. "Good Vibrations" is credited in the programme but doesn't actually feature - I wonder if the wrong song was removed when credits were being listed. |
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Post by stuart on Feb 8, 2024 17:00:09 GMT
This got an easy 5 stars from me last night.
I was worried going in after reading some of the posts on here that I wouldn’t enjoy it but I was fully hooked once I got into the swing of it.
I think it did a very good job of telling the story to both a nostalgic audience but also a new modern audience - and acknowledged the issues that the Live Aid story had (white saviour complex, mainly) in a knowing but humorous way. I’m in my 30s and it never once felt preachy or cringe to me. In fact, I took the final scene to mean “1 person (Bob) made all this change in 1985. Look at all of the characters who were impacted by that 1 person. Just 1 person can make a difference - you need to make that first step.”. You could apply that logic to any situation. I think it’s a really inspiring way to link the story to a new generation - especially in a time where the Tories have been in power for over a decade, LGBTQ+ rights are under threat and climate change is about to kill our planet. Sound familiar?
Speaking of which, the only issue I had with the show is the use of Margaret Thatcher as comic relief. Thatcher’s policies are still having a major impact on people across the country. We all remember her and were impacted by her. To turn her into a posh caricature who sings, raps and dances didn’t sit quite right with me.
The music never felt shoehorned and I loved that it also flowed the natural running order of the concert. The band were super tight and every song was sang amazingly - without it ever feeling like a tribute show.
Craig Els’s portrayal of Bob Geldof was spot on, as was Joel Montague’s Harvey Goldsmith (once they gave him something to do in Act 2).
Overall, an incredible night at the theatre. This show must have a future planned after the Old Vic. I would go and see it again in a heartbeat.
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Post by Steve on Feb 8, 2024 22:50:38 GMT
Speaking of which, the only issue I had with the show is the use of Margaret Thatcher as comic relief. Thatcher’s policies are still having a major impact on people across the country. We all remember her and were impacted by her. To turn her into a posh caricature who sings, raps and dances didn’t sit quite right with me. Your review was a good read. Thanks.  Some spoilers follow. . . With regard to the Thatcher bit, which I loved and was a highlight for me, I'd say it's fine to laugh along with villainous characters in the theatre, as there is often, as here, an intentional meta element, in which it is the comedienne, Julie Atherton, you are laughing along with, her camp and mischievous and provocative rendition of the character, rather than the character herself. I mean Simon Russell Beale had me laughing along with the character of Stalin in one play, and objectively, he's far worse than Thatcher. Besides which, on another note, for about half the country, Thatcher is still regularly voted, in polls, as the best PM we ever had (and the worst by the other half, of course lol), so for them, they might object to the "villain" characterisation, whereby Geldof has to badger her into not taxing money that would otherwise feed the starving. And of course, even then, Thatcher was not wholly outrageous, as those who considered it awful that pop famine fundraiser charity money was being taxed VAT might not have considered it quite so outrageous that similar VAT was charged on an Eton College (also a charity, by law lol) fundraiser at the time. Thatcher was arguing for the equal treatment of all charities under the law, and the right to raise funds (ie taxes) that would go to benefit all UK citizens. Of course, since then, the laws have changed, and VAT would not now be taxed on even an Eton College fundraiser, I believe (I might be wrong lol). :0 |
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Post by toomasj on Feb 9, 2024 1:11:47 GMT
Utter tosh. With a modern audience in mind, I still found it preachy and offensive. It did everything wrong in terms of storytelling.
But the superfan of this show will be along shortly to point out, “everyone had fun; isn’t that the point?!!”. Well, to that I say only this: bread and circuses.
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Post by ceebee on Feb 9, 2024 6:15:51 GMT
I didn't find the character offensive, I found it funny.
What was offensive was the diatribe I was subjected to by somebody on this forum who proceeded to label me with political badges, having no idea who I am or what my political persuasion is.
That's another story though.
If anybody thought satire was dead, this show (and this forum) proves otherwise.
I go to the theatre to enjoy a show, not to be politically judged by people who still haven't got over Thatcherism.
(I doubt that'll be used as a strapline to sell the show, but they're welcome to use it.)
Five stars from me. Still.
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Post by mkb on Feb 9, 2024 14:23:36 GMT
Speaking of which, the only issue I had with the show is the use of Margaret Thatcher as comic relief. Thatcher’s policies are still having a major impact on people across the country. We all remember her and were impacted by her. To turn her into a posh caricature who sings, raps and dances didn’t sit quite right with me. ...With regard to the Thatcher bit, which I loved and was a highlight for me, I'd say it's fine to laugh along with villainous characters in the theatre, as there is often, as here, an intentional meta element, in which it is the comedienne, Julie Atherton, you are laughing along with, her camp and mischievous and provocative rendition of the character, rather than the character herself. I mean Simon Russell Beale had me laughing along with the character of Stalin in one play, and objectively, he's far worse than Thatcher. ... And let's not forget Mel Brooks' hilarious Hitler. But whereas Stalin and Hitler were roundly skewered in the lampooning, this show's Thatcher is such a light touch, it feels like we are being invited to warm to her. The skit felt like it might have been written for a Young Conservatives Xmas revue. |
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Post by luvvie23 on Feb 9, 2024 14:41:52 GMT
Can we all agree that the touch is Marmite with a capital M!?
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Post by luvvie23 on Feb 9, 2024 14:42:21 GMT
Can we all agree that the show is Marmite with a capital M!? |
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Post by Someone in a tree on Feb 9, 2024 16:55:29 GMT
Can we all agree that the touch is Marmite with a capital M!? Shame all this negativity can't be used in a positive like ending famine or similar ... |
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Post by ceebee on Feb 9, 2024 17:23:58 GMT
This is featured on the One Show 7pm BBC1 tonight if anybody is curious and wants to find out more.
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Post by A.Ham on Feb 9, 2024 18:34:03 GMT
This is featured on the One Show 7pm BBC1 tonight if anybody is curious and wants to find out more. It's becoming quite the place for theatre coverage - Jack Davenport was on last night to plug The Human Body (which seemed a bit pointless given it's sold out, but...) |
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Post by ceebee on Feb 9, 2024 18:39:38 GMT
This is featured on the One Show 7pm BBC1 tonight if anybody is curious and wants to find out more. It's becoming quite the place for theatre coverage - Jack Davenport was on last night to plug The Human Body (which seemed a bit pointless given it's sold out, but...) I'm glad they are featuring it so that people who are following this thread on here can see just how bad it really isn't. |
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Post by toomasj on Feb 9, 2024 18:48:48 GMT
It's becoming quite the place for theatre coverage - Jack Davenport was on last night to plug The Human Body (which seemed a bit pointless given it's sold out, but...) I'm glad they are featuring it so that people who are following this thread on here can see just how bad it really isn't. Right; couple of things. First of all, few if any people have had issues with the music choices. The incredible catalog of songs is the one thing the show has in its favour. Given it’s a promo spot on national telly, they’ll simply sing one or maybe two of the best numbers from the show. Job done. It won’t expose the poor writing, hammy characterisations and ham-fisted moralising until you’ve booked and watched the actual show. IF they nail the performance, you can say “see! I told you how amazing it is, this will prove the negative Norman’s wrong, go and book”. IF they mess up the performance, you can say “well, it’s much better in the theatre in context and they were just having an off night anyway. Go and see the real thing, it’s brilliant”. I admire your passion and love of this show; but you’re never going to “prove” to anyone the show is good and the haters are “wrong”. The show is proven to be marmite and some will see it and genuinely hate it no matter how much that irritates you… |
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Post by ceebee on Feb 9, 2024 18:58:04 GMT
 Well that's me told. I'm far too long in the tooth to be irritated by the views of others. Each to their own.
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Post by happysooz2 on Feb 9, 2024 22:09:03 GMT
I’m tempted to go and see it just so I can work which side of the TB debate I am on. But then I might just stay home, watch Traitors and wait for the Ryan Murphy FEUD version of the thread and see is Jessica Lange plays ceebee or toomasj. |
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Post by toomasj on Feb 9, 2024 22:41:51 GMT
I’m tempted to go and see it just so I can work which side of the TB debate I am on. But then I might just stay home, watch Traitors and wait for the Ryan Murphy FEUD version of the thread and see is Jessica Lange plays ceebee or toomasj. No feud here! Just a difference in opinion, we actually agree more often than not, we have the exact reverse positions on “Totoro”, but agree entirely about OFAH and LOTR. Don’t have to agree with everything someone says to respect their opinion and enjoy their posts. Healthy debate is normal - or at least, it used to be… |
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Post by ceebee on Feb 10, 2024 6:49:20 GMT
I’m tempted to go and see it just so I can work which side of the TB debate I am on. But then I might just stay home, watch Traitors and wait for the Ryan Murphy FEUD version of the thread and see is Jessica Lange plays ceebee or toomasj. No feud here! Just a difference in opinion, we actually agree more often than not, we have the exact reverse positions on “Totoro”, but agree entirely about OFAH and LOTR. Don’t have to agree with everything someone says to respect their opinion and enjoy their posts. Healthy debate is normal - or at least, it used to be… Totally agree. toomasj and I are often in agreement. Unfortunately, they are wrong on Just For One Day, but there's still time to change... 😁 |
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Post by danb on Feb 10, 2024 7:45:29 GMT
I must say, that this thread has totally removed any need for me to see it. I’m bored of it already. 😑
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Post by ceebee on Feb 10, 2024 9:07:13 GMT
One of the most critical judgy people I know is going to see Just For One Day today. It'll be interesting to get their views afterwards, if only to balance out my own obvious bias.
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Post by BVM on Feb 10, 2024 11:44:25 GMT
Absolutely intrigued to see this in a few weeks. Killer vocals and big production can usually make me forgive any plot shortcomings so rather hope and suspect this may be my kind of thing.
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Post by kathryn on Feb 10, 2024 14:27:28 GMT
Just settling in for today’s matinee.
Most of the audience is definitely old enough to have watched Live Aid at the time, as you’d expect of a Saturday afternoon at the Old Vic!
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Post by kathryn on Feb 10, 2024 20:45:22 GMT
I enjoyed this - found it quite funny in places - right up until
the curtain call when the woman in front decided to hold her phone above her head to record it, at which point my annoyance seriously soured the experience. I did tell her after that I didn’t want to watch it through her phone screen but she was pretty unrepentant.
WTF 😡 can’t people watch things without getting their phone out any more?!
Anyway, it’s clearly intended to be an inspirational piece but I don’t think it quite works that way, with most of the charm coming from nostalgia. Nostalgia both for the innocence of the time when people really thought they could ‘Feed The World’ and for the music.
Characters are engaging enough and I think they were wise not to have impersonations of the original artists.
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Post by kathryn on Feb 10, 2024 20:48:38 GMT
😂😂 You've got to tell us. What made it so cringe? Picture a scene where Bob Geldof is talking to a character representing "the youth of today", and metaphorically hands over the baton of helping all of the poor people in the world. Geldof exits as said character bursts into song - "My Generation". 🫠 I also thought this scene was a misfire. Not least because the song is so much older than the character singing it… |
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Well that's me told. 
