2,421 posts
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Post by theatreian on Jan 24, 2024 23:01:16 GMT
Have to say this theatre has some of the worst views of any theatre in London. I left at the interval of Sylvia as I could barely see anything.The staff were quite rude and wouldn't move me.
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3,589 posts
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Post by showgirl on Jan 25, 2024 4:11:55 GMT
It is rubbish. They are one of the only theatres that block photographs on Seatplan, so you can’t even see what you’re getting beforehand. Theres no view from seat on their website, so you just have to believe that the views in their ‘old as the hills full of pillars’ theatre are acceptable, especially for a brand new totally unknown in form or story musical. I had no idea the Old Vic did this - or that any theatre could. It certainly looks bad for them as what positive reason could they give? And why should such behaviour inspire audience confidence and willingness to risk sometimes large sums on booking? It's enough of a gamble for a new production, but when you also have no idea whether you'll be able to see it from your seat, that's disgraceful and suspicious. Bottom line is that if the Old Vic doesn't trust its audience members with all the information they need, they can't expect the latter to trust the Old Vic with their custom. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2024 6:45:56 GMT
It is rubbish. They are one of the only theatres that block photographs on Seatplan, so you can’t even see what you’re getting beforehand. Theres no view from seat on their website, so you just have to believe that the views in their ‘old as the hills full of pillars’ theatre are acceptable, especially for a brand new totally unknown in form or story musical. Interesting I didn't know they could do that. Odd as the old vic is on View From my seat with many photos on there. Wonder what the difference is |
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552 posts
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Post by drmaplewood on Jan 25, 2024 8:18:06 GMT
I'm surprised this has a life planned after the old vic run, it doesn't seem an obvious show to have wider long life appeal (unless it gets 5 star rave reviews of course) The 40th anniversary is next year, so could tie in nicely (assuming it's a hit). |
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Post by punxsutawney on Jan 25, 2024 9:18:43 GMT
It is rubbish. They are one of the only theatres that block photographs on Seatplan, so you can’t even see what you’re getting beforehand. Theres no view from seat on their website, so you just have to believe that the views in their ‘old as the hills full of pillars’ theatre are acceptable, especially for a brand new totally unknown in form or story musical. Interesting I didn't know they could do that. Odd as the old vic is on View From my seat with many photos on there. Wonder what the difference is I presume the sole difference is that View from my Seat told them to do one... |
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5,169 posts
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Post by TallPaul on Jan 25, 2024 13:55:48 GMT
To give SeatPlan the benefit of the doubt, the Old Vic does change it's layout quite regularly, so the photo I took at Lungs, for example, wouldn't be much use to someone booking A Christmas Carol.
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3,556 posts
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Post by ceebee on Jan 25, 2024 14:05:37 GMT
I must admit, I still like Theatremonkey for seat reviews / guidance. No pics, I know, but still enough to work from (and it has the two Old Vic seating plans)!
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Post by aspieandy on Jan 25, 2024 14:10:25 GMT
Is it basically a jukebox musical with a shouty Irishman weaving a narrative thread, do we think?
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5,248 posts
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Post by Being Alive on Jan 25, 2024 14:32:23 GMT
Is it basically a jukebox musical with a shouty Irishman weaving a narrative thread, do we think? Pretty sure there's more to it than that! |
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Post by danb on Jan 25, 2024 15:06:04 GMT
I’m just terrified that people are playing the Live Aid artists in some way so that we get ‘tribute acts’, rather than an original tale told with Live Aid as its backdrop.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2024 15:06:06 GMT
I must admit, I still like Theatremonkey for seat reviews / guidance. No pics, I know, but still enough to work from (and it has the two Old Vic seating plans)! Yes I do too, but I do like Seat Plan and View From My Seat too for visuals |
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1,830 posts
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Post by stevej678 on Jan 25, 2024 16:24:31 GMT
I’m just terrified that people are playing the Live Aid artists in some way so that we get ‘tribute acts’, rather than an original tale told with Live Aid as its backdrop. Saw or read an interview with one of the creatives who was adamant it wasn't going to be that (or & Juliet style intros to the songs). |
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3,556 posts
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Post by ceebee on Jan 25, 2024 16:51:50 GMT
I’m just terrified that people are playing the Live Aid artists in some way so that we get ‘tribute acts’, rather than an original tale told with Live Aid as its backdrop. Saw or read an interview with one of the creatives who was adamant it wasn't going to be that (or & Juliet style intros to the songs). I see it as being more like a Come From Away style "individual narrative" to each character - so an authentic down the lens view at individuals, rather than tribute performances. It'll either be a smash or a damp squib, but comments on here and from others close to it suggest the former rather than the latter. |
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Post by A.Ham on Jan 25, 2024 17:48:31 GMT
Really intrigued about this now! I’d been on the fence but took the plunge and booked yesterday when they emailed about the front row seats so looking forward to seeing what it’s like.
Personally I rather like the Old Vic but other than on one occasion I’ve sat up close so haven’t had the pillars to contend with. I do recall there’s very little rake in the stalls though as I found to my cost when booking very late in the day for All My Sons.
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892 posts
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Post by longinthetooth on Jan 25, 2024 18:45:48 GMT
I was intrigued too and, being older, am qualified for their senior rate at certain midweek matinees, so am happy to have snagged a front row seat for £33.00.
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3,556 posts
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Post by ceebee on Jan 25, 2024 22:43:43 GMT
Just noticed on Today Tix that there are rush seats for this production for anybody who likes buying tickets this way.
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Post by A.Ham on Jan 26, 2024 10:35:27 GMT
Quick OV question for those in the know… I ordered a programme along with my ticket, and although it’s showing in in my order confirmation email, I’ve not been sent a QR code or ‘ticket’ to show when I collect it, like ATG do - do I just show the FOH team my order email? Thanks in advance.
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3,556 posts
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Post by ceebee on Jan 26, 2024 16:55:30 GMT
Quick OV question for those in the know… I ordered a programme along with my ticket, and although it’s showing in in my order confirmation email, I’ve not been sent a QR code or ‘ticket’ to show when I collect it, like ATG do - do I just show the FOH team my order email? Thanks in advance. Check your QR code / ticket. Should be on there. Otherwise just go to Box Office desk (on the left through main doors past main staircase up three steps to the auditorium). |
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Post by A.Ham on Jan 26, 2024 19:43:34 GMT
Quick OV question for those in the know… I ordered a programme along with my ticket, and although it’s showing in in my order confirmation email, I’ve not been sent a QR code or ‘ticket’ to show when I collect it, like ATG do - do I just show the FOH team my order email? Thanks in advance. Check your QR code / ticket. Should be on there. Otherwise just go to Box Office desk (on the left through main doors past main staircase up three steps to the auditorium). Thank you, I’ve found it! Looking forward to seeing the posts from those there tonight… |
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3,556 posts
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Post by ceebee on Jan 26, 2024 20:49:23 GMT
Interval... after a nervous opening this found its groove. A superb first half. This show feels like a hit already.
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Post by benj on Jan 26, 2024 21:32:41 GMT
Great to hear! Do let us know how the second half goes!
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3,556 posts
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Post by ceebee on Jan 26, 2024 22:59:33 GMT
Excellent second half. This show is prettty long. Two and a half hours. Some bits will tighten up, perhaps some song sections might get cut as they gauge audience reactions.
What do I think? Well, this is similar in storytelling style to Come From Away. It gets the full rock treatment - a superb band, literally hundreds of lights, it's VERY loud. If you don't like loud stadium gigs, you won't like this. If you do, you'll love it!
I think it needs to find it's audience - tonight there were a mix of people of all generations, and I sensed some of the younger end of the scale were bemused and found it disjointed. The older end enjoyed the nostalgia (though to me nostalgia is the smog that stifles the kind of proactive response that this show seeks to provoke in its audience).
The best bit for me was the end where the focus swivelled to today's generation - a handing over of the baton as it were.
Personally, I loved it. I thought it was really good. The songs are in no way "tributes" or mimics. There are distinct characters in this, some of whom are excellent. For me, the younger performers really own their songs with modern takes of some absolute classics. Thirty-eight songs are credited in the programme - not all sung through, several abridged. The best for me was one called Mrs T/Mr G, which is a Hamiltonesque track featuring... well, you work it out...
For a first preview this was stunning. It will undoubtedly be a hit and will definitely see life beyond the Old Vic.
To some, it'll be the ultimate jukebox show, but to others it'll be so much more.
Standouts for me were Craige Els as Bob, Julie Atherton as Margaret, Jack Shalloo as Midge, Olly Dobson as John and Joel Montague as Harvey.
Would I recommend it? 100%. Absolutely. It needs fine tuning and that's exactly what the preview process will do.
I don't think it's for everyone and must reiterate that it is LOUD. If you don't like 2.5 hours of thumping drums and guitars, this isn't the show for you. If you do, you will be in heaven!
A definite 'must see'.
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5,248 posts
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Post by Being Alive on Jan 26, 2024 23:14:45 GMT
I think this is a great night out.
I don't think this is a good musical because the book is just...very bad and surface level and honestly at times kinda embarrassing.
Vocals are insane though, and it's one of the best sounding shows I've seen in a long time.
It'll be a hit with audiences - I suspect it'll receive a more lukewarm reception from the critics.
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Post by luvvie23 on Jan 26, 2024 23:20:22 GMT
I think this is a great night out. I don't think this is a good musical because the book is just...very bad and surface level and honestly at times kinda embarrassing. Vocals are insane though, and it's one of the best sounding shows I've seen in a long time. It'll be a hit with audiences - I suspect it'll receive a more lukewarm reception from the critics. Are the cast good? |
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5,248 posts
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Post by Being Alive on Jan 26, 2024 23:21:42 GMT
I think this is a great night out. I don't think this is a good musical because the book is just...very bad and surface level and honestly at times kinda embarrassing. Vocals are insane though, and it's one of the best sounding shows I've seen in a long time. It'll be a hit with audiences - I suspect it'll receive a more lukewarm reception from the critics. Are the cast good? Largely yes - I really enjoyed Craige Els as Bob, and Julie Atherton is always superb in whatever she does and that's not different here. Jackie Clune is lovely and warm, and the vocals from the younger members of the cast were great, even if they're not the best actors. |
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