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Post by luvvie23 on Jan 28, 2024 1:53:07 GMT
I think they should have followed maybe the Weston-super-Mare couple, Rhys Wilkinson’s band character and Jo Foster’s character, and how Live Aid affects them. I guess Cassiopeia Berkeley-Agyepong‘s character as well! I loved Craige Els as Bob Geldof, but we sort of know his story. By the time it gets to act 2, it starts to feel rote and episodic. Who is Cassieopia in the show. Isn’t she a swing? What character would she be playing? |
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Post by greatauntedna on Jan 28, 2024 2:11:32 GMT
I think they should have followed maybe the Weston-super-Mare couple, Rhys Wilkinson’s band character and Jo Foster’s character, and how Live Aid affects them. I guess Cassiopeia Berkeley-Agyepong‘s character as well! I loved Craige Els as Bob Geldof, but we sort of know his story. By the time it gets to act 2, it starts to feel rote and episodic. Who is Cassieopia in the show. Isn’t she a swing? What character would she be playing? Sorry I’m not certain on the names. There’s a character based in Ethiopia who shows Bob around and is the voice of the impoverished in the show. I think it’s actually Amara played by Abiona Omonua. |
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Post by drmaplewood on Jan 28, 2024 10:08:19 GMT
I think Bob was in tonight He was, as was Roger Taylor. I didn't even last till the interval with this I'm afraid (we were sat right next to the circle exit on the aisle so were able to make a quick exit without disturbing anyone). The book is absolutely dire and I couldn't handle the cringe. Maybe it improved but I didn't have the patience for it last night. |
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Post by westendgirls on Jan 28, 2024 15:11:15 GMT
I saw it last night and loved it. Was only a toddler at the time so don’t remember the day itself, but the music is definitely my music!
The only thing I didn’t like was the Jemma character. I can see what they were trying to do with the character and her storyline so maybe it was just the actress’ performance but it came across quite sanctimonious to me, especially during My Generation
I did get goosebumps of anticipation knowing the In The Air Tonight drum solo was coming up and it didn’t disappoint
Overall I would recommend if you just want to enjoy the music and story of the day and not the Gen Z would have done it better message
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Post by theatrefan62 on Jan 28, 2024 15:17:07 GMT
Wait, is that the message? That another generation would have done it better?
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Post by ix on Jan 28, 2024 15:22:23 GMT
The only reason I lasted until the interval before leaving was that I was mid-stalls with no way out. This is REALLY bad, to the extent that I was squirming in my seat feeling sorry for the cast with the nonsense they were being asked to perform. Can't fault the music, but the whole thing felt like a self-congratulatory, white-saviour cringe TED talk put on by a sixth-form drama class at the end of term. How it got beyond a workshop stage is beyond me. Wooden acting, unbelievable dialogue, endless monologues to the audience, everyone rushing stage front at the end of seemingly every semi-song to punch the air. It was relentless cliche after cliche. This feels like a serious misfire for The Old Vic.
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Post by westendgirls on Jan 28, 2024 15:49:27 GMT
Wait, is that the message? That another generation would have done it better? I don’t think that is the intention - more like it doesn’t matter what charities do, nothing will change until governments do. But the performance of the young character who was questioning the purpose of Live Aid didn’t land well in my opinion |
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Post by ceebee on Jan 28, 2024 21:53:13 GMT
Wait, is that the message? That another generation would have done it better? No the underlying message at the end is "it's time for the next generation to step up and make their mark". I found the end inspiring, but it also challenges people of that generation to actually BE the difference. Less talk, more action. |
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Post by ceebee on Jan 28, 2024 21:54:26 GMT
The only reason I lasted until the interval before leaving was that I was mid-stalls with no way out. This is REALLY bad, to the extent that I was squirming in my seat feeling sorry for the cast with the nonsense they were being asked to perform. Can't fault the music, but the whole thing felt like a self-congratulatory, white-saviour cringe TED talk put on by a sixth-form drama class at the end of term. How it got beyond a workshop stage is beyond me. Wooden acting, unbelievable dialogue, endless monologues to the audience, everyone rushing stage front at the end of seemingly every semi-song to punch the air. It was relentless cliche after cliche. This feels like a serious misfire for The Old Vic. Great first post. |
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Post by n1david on Jan 28, 2024 22:28:33 GMT
The only reason I lasted until the interval before leaving was that I was mid-stalls with no way out. This is REALLY bad, to the extent that I was squirming in my seat feeling sorry for the cast with the nonsense they were being asked to perform. Can't fault the music, but the whole thing felt like a self-congratulatory, white-saviour cringe TED talk put on by a sixth-form drama class at the end of term. How it got beyond a workshop stage is beyond me. Wooden acting, unbelievable dialogue, endless monologues to the audience, everyone rushing stage front at the end of seemingly every semi-song to punch the air. It was relentless cliche after cliche. This feels like a serious misfire for The Old Vic. Great first post. Nice way to welcome a first-time poster. Thank you for your opinion ix |
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Post by ceebee on Jan 28, 2024 22:33:42 GMT
Nice way to welcome a first-time poster. Thank you for your opinion ixApologies for the lack of manners. Welcome to Theatreboard ix. Great first post - always good to get alternative perspectives on new work. |
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Post by luvvie23 on Jan 28, 2024 23:07:54 GMT
The only reason I lasted until the interval before leaving was that I was mid-stalls with no way out. This is REALLY bad, to the extent that I was squirming in my seat feeling sorry for the cast with the nonsense they were being asked to perform. Can't fault the music, but the whole thing felt like a self-congratulatory, white-saviour cringe TED talk put on by a sixth-form drama class at the end of term. How it got beyond a workshop stage is beyond me. Wooden acting, unbelievable dialogue, endless monologues to the audience, everyone rushing stage front at the end of seemingly every semi-song to punch the air. It was relentless cliche after cliche. This feels like a serious misfire for The Old Vic. Sad to hear about the wooden acting at the Old Vic. I know it’s got lots of brand new talent. But some of the older actors are highly experienced. National and RSC level. But it’s all down to personal opinion. |
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Post by ceebee on Jan 28, 2024 23:44:54 GMT
The only reason I lasted until the interval before leaving was that I was mid-stalls with no way out. This is REALLY bad, to the extent that I was squirming in my seat feeling sorry for the cast with the nonsense they were being asked to perform. Can't fault the music, but the whole thing felt like a self-congratulatory, white-saviour cringe TED talk put on by a sixth-form drama class at the end of term. How it got beyond a workshop stage is beyond me. Wooden acting, unbelievable dialogue, endless monologues to the audience, everyone rushing stage front at the end of seemingly every semi-song to punch the air. It was relentless cliche after cliche. This feels like a serious misfire for The Old Vic. Sad to hear about the wooden acting at the Old Vic. I know it’s got lots of brand new talent. But some of the older actors are highly experienced. National and RSC level. But it’s all down to personal opinion. Immediately after seeing this on Saturday, my hunch was that those who remember Live Aid will appreciate this show for the nostalgia. However, looking around me there were quite a few people who were clearly too young to have witnessed the concert as a moment in time, and they looked quite bemused. Craige Els as Bob is excellent, as are a number of others. I think some of the criticism of very early previews is jumping the gun and would recommend this show. If I had any criticism it would be that it's a little too earnest at times and is trying to cram a lot in. Less of the character intros and greater differentiation of the Ethiopa narrative would help. I agree with ix that less air punching would help. However, the 'white saviour' comment is (rightly or wrongly) kind of how it was at the time. "Africa" was spoken of as if it was Wales rather than a huge continent. People need to approach this show as less of a commentary and more of a moment in time. It was a different era and Britain was far less culturally diverse or aware than today. This is a story about a man who saw stuff happening on TV and decided to try and do something about it. One four minute song idea turned into a charity juggernaut that raised (in today's money) the equivalent of nearly £500million. I agree with others - the book is the weak point, which is odd because the story really should sell itself. |
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Post by luvvie23 on Jan 29, 2024 0:37:20 GMT
Sad to hear about the wooden acting at the Old Vic. I know it’s got lots of brand new talent. But some of the older actors are highly experienced. National and RSC level. But it’s all down to personal opinion. Immediately after seeing this on Saturday, my hunch was that those who remember Live Aid will appreciate this show for the nostalgia. However, looking around me there were quite a few people who were clearly too young to have witnessed the concert as a moment in time, and they looked quite bemused. Craige Els as Bob is excellent, as are a number of others. I think some of the criticism of very early previews is jumping the gun and would recommend this show. If I had any criticism it would be that it's a little too earnest at times and is trying to cram a lot in. Less of the character intros and greater differentiation of the Ethiopa narrative would help. I agree with ix that less air punching would help. However, the 'white saviour' comment is (rightly or wrongly) kind of how it was at the time. "Africa" was spoken of as if it was Wales rather than a huge continent. People need to approach this show as less of a commentary and more of a moment in time. It was a different era and Britain was far less culturally diverse or aware than today. This is a story about a man who saw stuff happening on TV and decided to try and do something about it. One four minute song idea turned into a charity juggernaut that raised (in today's money) the equivalent of nearly £500million. I agree with others - the book is the weak point, which is odd because the story really should sell itself. Very good post. I agree with you. This musical is based on a time when England was an entirely different place. |
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Post by ceebee on Jan 29, 2024 6:10:01 GMT
I would add, I paid full price for my tickets on Saturday (rather than the £10 PWC preview price). I found think this makes a difference in that I chose to invest in the show as a customer rather than take a punt on a £10 virtual 'freebie'.
I do think this makes a difference, as this show will not be for everybody (just as I would never go and watch "Six").
Very many people (including a family of twelve on my row) paid full whack for their tickets and seemed to love it.
The standing ovation at the end by the very enthusiastic majority, plus the fact the cast seemed quite moved/taken back by the strength of the audience response suggests this show will find its place.
One more thought - they need to bin off the bows for crew/stage management. It's unnecessary and kills the moment because by the end, in the eyes of some of the audience, the actors are pop 'heroes' and the 'Let It Be' finale indulges us one more time. We want to leave on a euphoric concert 'high', rather than feel we've just been entertained. It's that crossover vamp/ramp between theatre and jukebox entertainment. Thanks to all the crew, but we don't need to see you.
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Post by Being Alive on Jan 29, 2024 8:24:31 GMT
Wholely disagree with the above (and am a bit staggered at what you're insinuating too)- just because I paid £10 doesn't mean I'm any less invested in the show than you are because you paid full price - I was super excited for the show and really wanted to love it - I'm not disappointed because I paid less than you did 😂...
Also, I say keep the tech bows - the sound is a massive part of the bits of this show I enjoyed so getting to see the people who made that bit happen is great IMO
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Post by ceebee on Jan 29, 2024 8:44:09 GMT
Wholely disagree with the above (and am a bit staggered at what you're insinuating too)- just because I paid £10 doesn't mean I'm any less invested in the show than you are because you paid full price - I was super excited for the show and really wanted to love it - I'm not disappointed because I paid less than you did 😂... Also, I say keep the tech bows - the sound is a massive part of the bits of this show I enjoyed so getting to see the people who made that bit happen is great IMO Each to their own. There are far more important things to be staggered about in life than an innocuous comment on a chat board, but stagger on... |
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Post by Being Alive on Jan 29, 2024 8:48:50 GMT
Just don't like the insinuation that you're more invested in this than other people because you bought an expensive ticket and others didn't - have a nice day!
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Post by ceebee on Jan 29, 2024 9:53:10 GMT
Just don't like the insinuation that you're more invested in this than other people because you bought an expensive ticket and others didn't - have a nice day! Fair enough - it wasn't meant as an insult. It was borne of two people (c. 16-20) in front of me with PWC tix who seemed really puzzled by the whole thing. Perhaps the consensus will be that the music is good but the story is not so hot - hopefully previews will iron out any issues. |
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Post by MoreLife on Jan 29, 2024 10:34:00 GMT
I was at the first preview on Friday and had been able to grab one of the £10 seats for it - one of the circle ones where a pillar is in the way, but you know it will be since the moment you make your booking, and it's thin enough that it doesn't disrupt the experience all that much (especially when you've only paid a tenner!).
In fact, I have to say, to me the £10 ticket has the opposite effect to what suggested above by another poster. Because I have paid so little, I am really keen to give the production a chance and open to being entertained. Even more than that, as I'm fully aware it's a preview and I've not been ripped off, I am more inclined to let them get away with things that don't go as smoothly as they should, or even to tolerate flaws in the material. On the other hand, when I've paid charged full price I become really demanding, question every little flaw and have no mercy for poor performances!
Friday night, while I did think that the material wasn't flawless (more about this below), I was absolutely satisfied that I'd received plenty of good quality entertainment for those £10, so I did cheer the whole cast and crew at the end - yes, the stage managers and sound people too, because to get that machine to run that smoothly at the first preview, they must have done a hell of a good job, and totally deserved their brief moment of recognition at curtain call.
Moving on to the show itself, I didn't have a close, personal connection with the moment in time when the concert took place, nor am I really a big fan of most of the artists whose music was performed. Yet many of those songs are part of a universal soundtrack to our lives, and especially some of them have become anthems, as it were, so clearly a lot of that material felt pleasantly familiar and it was performed beautifully by a cast of inspired vocalists. Most of them - especially the younger ones - have clearly been cast because of how beautiful they sound when they sing, because of their energy and because of how they move on stage, not so much because of how they act... but they're there basically to recreate the vibe of a huge rock concert, so those are exactly the qualities they need.
While I was roughly familiar with the story and meaning of the event, I didn't know all the details of how it was put together and so, while the book does have a bit of that Wikipedia/Ted talk vibe, I was pleased to learn a few things through the night. The show never tries to investigate the plight of human beings faced with hardships and famine, that's not the story it wants to tell... so to me it made sense that the best acting actually comes in the comedic moments involving Julie Atherton's character. What I found weaker, though, were the moments where the Ted talk gets slightly preachy/rhetorical - not so much because of what it's trying to say, but because of the form, which IMHO gets a little too didascalic. Injecting some more pace in some of the scenes especially at the beginning may help - I think the audience needs to be able to relate a bit more to the characters and feel what they feel rather than just learn about their stories, and the nostalgia angle alone is not always enough.
The way I perceived it, the underlying "message" - which some posters above have asked about - is an invite for the younger generation to look at what the older generation tried to to through music and getting people together, learn from the mistakes that were made at the time, and try to do better, whilst bearing in mind that a profound change can only come if the powers that be get involved. For sure, today's youth would have different tools to use, take a different approach etc. but the (maybe slightly naive, maybe tinted with rosy nostalgia lenses) core message is: look at what we did, we were proud of what we achieved even if it was a bit improvised and tentative, and we may not have changed the world but we tried, and you can and should have a go, too.
Given the response on Friday, I think this show shouldn't struggle too much to find an audience. To me it feels much more refined than the average juke-box musical, and we've seen plenty of crappy ones have a fairly successful West End run, so why not this? Of course it's not life-changing theatre, but for a night of enjoyable entertainment it hits the mark.
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Post by ceebee on Jan 29, 2024 10:59:25 GMT
Some great points and a good read - thanks MoreLife |
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Post by rumbledoll on Jan 29, 2024 11:07:35 GMT
I wasn’t even born (in a country 2500 miles away) when Live Aid ‘85 happened but I loved the show! So I don’t believe it comes down to age.. I was with two friends who, being older, remember the day and exact place where they were listening or watching.
I only got to see the recorded version about 15 years ago but it had a tremendous effect on me and needless to say I dig this kind if music much more than contemporary stuff.
It was pretty emotional.. I cried a lot, wanted to sing in full voice and jump off my seat more times than I could count. And I can’t wait to hear that version of Blowing in the wind again!
I found the whole thing endlessly inspiring and getting to know how it came about was much more entertaining than reading Wikipedia. The actor playing Geldof really impressed me with how well he did the mannerism and phasing of the famous lines. Mrs. T/Mr.G battling duo was hilarious!
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jan 29, 2024 12:02:56 GMT
Posts removed. Disagree by all means but do it with reasoned argument and civility as so many are already demonstrating on this thread.
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Post by ix on Jan 29, 2024 12:30:11 GMT
Nice way to welcome a first-time poster. Thank you for your opinion ix Apologies for the lack of manners. Welcome to Theatreboard ix . Great first post - always good to get alternative perspectives on new work. No offence taken at all. Thank you for the welcome. |
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Post by geweena on Jan 29, 2024 14:11:54 GMT
Just given back a £10 preview ticket for Thursday. Which is showing on the website if anyone is after a seat!
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