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Post by shownut on Feb 6, 2024 10:36:15 GMT
I hated the show, but I slightly disagree here. A man next to me noisily ate a bag of crisps (and got shushed by others near the start), then tried to sort-of-quietly eat a chocolate bar, then brought a drink out (reasonable actually). By the middle of Act2 he started singing some lines by being slightly ahead of what was to come. I couldn't be bothered to tut or stop him - the show is fundamentally confused in its tone and format, so why spoil his enjoyment of what he perceived it to be, when I already loathed it? The script is awful, I found the use of three black performers/characters extremely questionable. They should have junked the script, played to its one strength - the underused but clever mash-ups** - and presented it as a stand-up-if-you-want-to gig at the Eventim Apollo. It doesn't make sense for the show to harp on about a rock'n'roll maverick who only got results by breaking the rules, and then expect the audience to sit tidily in well behaved rows. But they went and put a school play in between the songs, which does suggest a sit-down theatre experience - where you'd expect to get the different audience behaviour you talk of. ** Excellent job by Matthew Brind on these, he's the sole creative who could have raised this higher. Imagine music only, plus archive, plus verbatim memories, woven with the songs put in dialogue with eachother. Could have been good. The Old Vic is a traditional theatre and at no point is this marketed at anything other than a theatre show - while I understand what you're trying to say, I don't think the average person will see a difference between this and any other show. They will just think "oh, they didn't stop us from singing along at JFOD, so I guess we can do it at every show!". Well, our experience was not the usual Old Vic experience where I have seen more shows than I can keep track of, musical or otherwise. I have never had to have my attention to what is happening onstage compete with a singer/drummer (using her knees) sat next to my husband, the guys on my left who had a larger interest by their wine and bar snacks (can't blame them) or the couple at the end of the aisle who let their phone ring twice and seemed incapable of not pulling focus from the stage with various movement and sounds. It saddens me as I thought the show in theory was a good idea but maybe I need to be more aware of the fact that certain shows, no matter where they are produced, may attract certain audiences who could care less about common courtesy or etiquette. |
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Post by ceebee on Feb 6, 2024 13:35:32 GMT
Having seen this show three times, I've only ever seen the majority of the audience having a great time. Big cheers at the interval and bigger cheers at the end. The majority are on their feet clapping and whooping the cast and crew. It may just be that the majority of people seeing this show have no taste, poor theatre etiquette, and a penchant to bring their own picnic, virtual drumkit and air guitar. If that's the case, the Old Vic has struck gold in bringing in a different kind of punter to their quaint old theatre. People are paying their money, taking their choice, and seem to be very happy with what they are getting in return.
It does exactly what it says on the tin, and people are lapping it up and are buzzing when they leave. This show has achieved its goal before a single review has been written. Word of mouth is selling this show, and because of the quality of the vocals/music and variety of songs, it is already on many people's list to see again.
This show is a hit.
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Post by Being Alive on Feb 6, 2024 14:09:23 GMT
It's true that for the Old Vic run the reviews are irrelevant to a large extent.
But I think it needs to review well if it's to have any kind of a future life and I do predict a fair amount of negativity.
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Post by shownut on Feb 6, 2024 14:11:25 GMT
Having seen this show three times, I've only ever seen the majority of the audience having a great time. Big cheers at the interval and bigger cheers at the end. The majority are on their feet clapping and whooping the cast and crew. It may just be that the majority of people seeing this show have no taste, poor theatre etiquette, and a penchant to bring their own picnic, virtual drumkit and air guitar. If that's the case, the Old Vic has struck gold in bringing in a different kind of punter to their quaint old theatre. People are paying their money, taking their choice, and seem to be very happy with what they are getting in return. It does exactly what it says on the tin, and people are lapping it up and are buzzing when they leave. This show has achieved its goal before a single review has been written. Word of mouth is selling this show, and because of the quality of the vocals/music and variety of songs, it is already on many people's list to see again. This show is a hit. Erm...sorry, but no. I don't go to the theatre to bear witness to audiences behaving like imbeciles and I doubt I am alone here in making that assessment. If that was the normal theatre experience then my income would go more towards ballet, opera and non-musical theatre. There is a lot wrong in what you wrote in that last paragraph, so much so that I can't commit to taking it apart, but as far as 'what it says on the tin' you are dead wrong. It wasn't Just For One Day with us, it was Just For One Act. :-) |
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Post by ceebee on Feb 6, 2024 14:27:01 GMT
Erm...sorry, but no. I don't go to the theatre to bear witness to audiences behaving like imbeciles and I doubt I am alone here in making that assessment. If that was the normal theatre experience then my income would go more towards ballet, opera and non-musical theatre. There is a lot wrong in what you wrote in that last paragraph, so much so that I can't commit to taking it apart, but as far as 'what it says on the tin' you are dead wrong. It wasn't Just For One Day with us, it was Just For One Act. :-) Sorry for your experience. I've not witnessed any imbeciles - apart from one lady mouthing along with the words enthusiastically on the opening preview and the odd person here or there trying to kick-start a clapfest, I've just seen people enjoying themselves. You're entitled to your view of course, but based on what I am seeing when I go, very many people are having a great time. Terrible, I know, when populist shows appeal to the very audience they are targetting. |
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Post by shownut on Feb 6, 2024 14:45:59 GMT
Erm...sorry, but no. I don't go to the theatre to bear witness to audiences behaving like imbeciles and I doubt I am alone here in making that assessment. If that was the normal theatre experience then my income would go more towards ballet, opera and non-musical theatre. There is a lot wrong in what you wrote in that last paragraph, so much so that I can't commit to taking it apart, but as far as 'what it says on the tin' you are dead wrong. It wasn't Just For One Day with us, it was Just For One Act. :-) Sorry for your experience. I've not witnessed any imbeciles - apart from one lady mouthing along with the words enthusiastically on the opening preview and the odd person here or there trying to kick-start a clapfest, I've just seen people enjoying themselves. You're entitled to your view of course, but based on what I am seeing when I go, very many people are having a great time. Terrible, I know, when populist shows appeal to the very audience they are targetting. To each his own. I think most people, myself included, are thrilled when those around us are having a great time. But when that 'great time' pulls focus from hard working actors and becomes more about 'having fun' at the expense of others who are trying watch the actual show, there is a problem. I pay money to see the actors sing/perform, not the fellow punters. Bully for you that you find it entertaining. |
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Post by ceebee on Feb 6, 2024 15:03:02 GMT
To each his own. I think most people, myself included, are thrilled when those around us are having a great time. But when that 'great time' pulls focus from hard working actors and becomes more about 'having fun' at the expense of others who are trying watch the actual show, there is a problem. I pay money to see the actors sing/perform, not the fellow punters. Bully for you that you find it entertaining. Likewise, I pay to see the people one stage. But I don't expect the audience to sit rigidly still in silence in a show that is played out like the concert it is based on. I don't find fellow punters entertaining, but there's a difference between somebody clearly enjoying themself and somebody 'pulling focus'. We all know what that looks and feels like, and tbh it can happen in any show if that kind of person is in the audience. I'm not a fan of air-guitar or knee-drumming, but in the same way Only Fools and Horses brought in a different demographic, if Just For One Day converts a few more people to theatre or changes the perception for some of theatre from being dusty fusty musty elitist relics to being a place of high quality entertainment, then this is a good thing. |
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Post by punxsutawney on Feb 6, 2024 15:17:44 GMT
Erm...sorry, but no. I don't go to the theatre to bear witness to audiences behaving like imbeciles and I doubt I am alone here in making that assessment. If that was the normal theatre experience then my income would go more towards ballet, opera and non-musical theatre. There is a lot wrong in what you wrote in that last paragraph, so much so that I can't commit to taking it apart, but as far as 'what it says on the tin' you are dead wrong. It wasn't Just For One Day with us, it was Just For One Act. :-) Sorry for your experience. I've not witnessed any imbeciles - apart from one lady mouthing along with the words enthusiastically on the opening preview and the odd person here or there trying to kick-start a clapfest, I've just seen people enjoying themselves. You're entitled to your view of course, but based on what I am seeing when I go, very many people are having a great time. Terrible, I know, when populist shows appeal to the very audience they are targetting. That's wonderful - I'm not sure what the passive aggressive tone is for. I'm glad to see audiences giving standing ovations for shows, even if I don't like them personally. I would never attempt to stop people expressly enjoying the show or having a good, non-disruptive time. However, when I went there was vocal singing along at multiple points, thigh slapping and clapping to the beat throughout the second act, and hand-waving at multiple points. It's a show that is encouraging negative audience behaviour, which is of course not a reason to alter the content of the show. The point I was making was solely that the OV seems to not be making any attempts to reduce or avoid that audience behaviour, not even the cursory pre-show announcement or signs at the front of the auditorium. That sort of recklessness will not only affect this show, but audiences at other shows. |
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Post by ceebee on Feb 6, 2024 15:23:22 GMT
That's wonderful - I'm not sure what the passive aggressive tone is for. I'm glad to see audiences giving standing ovations for shows, even if I don't like them personally. I would never attempt to stop people expressly enjoying the show or having a good, non-disruptive time. However, when I went there was vocal singing along at multiple points, thigh slapping and clapping to the beat throughout the second act, and hand-waving at multiple points. It's a show that is encouraging negative audience behaviour, which is of course not a reason to alter the content of the show. The point I was making was solely that the OV seems to not be making any attempts to reduce or avoid that audience behaviour, not even the cursory pre-show announcement or signs at the front of the auditorium. That sort of recklessness will not only affect this show, but audiences at other shows. Please point out the "passive aggressive tone" to me - certainly wasn't intentional. I agree it is somewhat confusing that the cast seem to be encouraging audience participation (though tbh I'm not seeing TOO much bad behaviour when I go). The FoH staff do now hold up sings saying "Please switch your phone to aeroplane mode". When I saw this on Saturday, the irony was not lost on me when somebody's phone went off during Bob's soliloquy. |
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Post by theatrelover123 on Feb 6, 2024 22:19:55 GMT
Having seen this show three times, I've only ever seen the majority of the audience having a great time. Big cheers at the interval and bigger cheers at the end. The majority are on their feet clapping and whooping the cast and crew. It may just be that the majority of people seeing this show have no taste, poor theatre etiquette, and a penchant to bring their own picnic, virtual drumkit and air guitar. If that's the case, the Old Vic has struck gold in bringing in a different kind of punter to their quaint old theatre. People are paying their money, taking their choice, and seem to be very happy with what they are getting in return. It does exactly what it says on the tin, and people are lapping it up and are buzzing when they leave. This show has achieved its goal before a single review has been written. Word of mouth is selling this show, and because of the quality of the vocals/music and variety of songs, it is already on many people's list to see again. This show is a hit. I think it’s also fair to note that it’s only just out of £10 previews and still in reduced previews. May contribute to how much people are enjoying it. Particularly as it’s not selling massively well for the rest of the run. Who knows if it’s on many people’s lists to see again? |
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Post by jaqs on Feb 6, 2024 22:22:19 GMT
I really, really enjoyed it. I was worried it would be like Blue Peter during water appeal but the preachy moments were mostly kept short and there was more than enough humour and great singing to balance it out. I liked how they used the generation gap to frame events.
It zipped along, I’m already on the tube at 10.15.
The worst thing for me were the accents, women from Weston super mare sounding like Angela Hartnett, Bob sounding very RP at times, and whatever that was for Thatcher.
Some of the vocal affects were annoying, the start of blowing in the wind was too much. But otherwise the sound, yes it was loud, was creative and the vocals excellent.
It was a good fun night, loads of nostalgia for those of us who are middle aged.
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Post by ceebee on Feb 6, 2024 22:40:37 GMT
Another very happy audience tonight who were thoroughly enjoying the show. The real Bob Geldof was in too. The chatter among people leaving was very positive - it's great seeing and hearing the buzz. Less preachy too than earlier on in previews.
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Post by max on Feb 6, 2024 23:31:25 GMT
Having seen this show three times, I've only ever seen the majority of the audience having a great time. Big cheers at the interval and bigger cheers at the end. The majority are on their feet clapping and whooping the cast and crew. It may just be that the majority of people seeing this show have no taste, poor theatre etiquette, and a penchant to bring their own picnic, virtual drumkit and air guitar. If that's the case, the Old Vic has struck gold in bringing in a different kind of punter to their quaint old theatre. People are paying their money, taking their choice, and seem to be very happy with what they are getting in return. It does exactly what it says on the tin, and people are lapping it up and are buzzing when they leave. This show has achieved its goal before a single review has been written. Word of mouth is selling this show, and because of the quality of the vocals/music and variety of songs, it is already on many people's list to see again. This show is a hit. I think it’s also fair to note that it’s only just out of £10 previews and still in reduced previews. May contribute to how much people are enjoying it. Particularly as it’s not selling massively well for the rest of the run. Who knows if it’s on many people’s lists to see again? Do you reckon people judge more warmly when shows are a cheap cheerful punt, and expect more qualities if they've paid more? Or, conversely, that you can be more harsh if not much was at stake financially, but more lenient and invested when you're a virtual shareholder/investor when paying standard (i.e. expensive) prices for most shows these days? |
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Post by avfan on Feb 7, 2024 0:19:41 GMT
I think this has the potential to be a colossal hit! Loved it tonight, yes the book isn't perfect, particularly Act 1 but the music is incredible and the structure overall worked for me. It's a proper feel good show and could do a very decent West End run and Tour post the Old Vic. Highly recommend seeing this as I think it will be a commercial hit and I really enjoyed it. Nice yet slightly surrell to have Bob Geldof sitting a few rows in front. I think it will get tighter and tighter as previews continue and will definitely have a life in the West End.
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Post by marob on Feb 7, 2024 0:55:29 GMT
Interesting reactions to this, especially the poll. Don’t think I’ve noticed one so evenly spread as that. I remember Cinderella, which had no end of negative comments, still had fairly positive poll results.
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Post by theatrelover123 on Feb 7, 2024 6:40:39 GMT
I think it’s also fair to note that it’s only just out of £10 previews and still in reduced previews. May contribute to how much people are enjoying it. Particularly as it’s not selling massively well for the rest of the run. Who knows if it’s on many people’s lists to see again? Do you reckon people judge more warmly when shows are a cheap cheerful punt, and expect more qualities if they've paid more? Or, conversely, that you can be more harsh if not much was at stake financially, but more lenient and invested when you're a virtual shareholder/investor when paying standard (i.e. expensive) prices for most shows these days? Yes I do. To all of the above  |
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Post by shownut on Feb 7, 2024 9:41:56 GMT
Do you reckon people judge more warmly when shows are a cheap cheerful punt, and expect more qualities if they've paid more? Or, conversely, that you can be more harsh if not much was at stake financially, but more lenient and invested when you're a virtual shareholder/investor when paying standard (i.e. expensive) prices for most shows these days? Yes I do. To all of the above Not sure about how that works in general, but I think when it comes to a house such The Old Vic or other London theatres where a level of quality is expected (The National, Young Vic, Donmar, Almeida as examples), price and what you get for you money in terms of value (or not) is not the factor. Rather, it is the quality of the writing that matters whether you are paying £10 or £100. They have reputations they want to retain while also needing to produce works that help pay the bills. I applaud the Old Vic for producing JFOD as in theory, it isn't a bad idea. But whether I paid £10 or £100 doesn't change my opinion that the show (at least the half that I saw) is rubbish. |
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Post by ceebee on Feb 7, 2024 9:56:51 GMT
So good to see the positive comments on here from people who have sat through the whole show. There's clearly a marmite thing going on here. (The same happened on this forum with Sunset Boulevard, and look what happened there.) This show has an audience - it might not be the audience people are used to, but very many people are enjoying Just For One Day on a nightly basis. As a result, they might spend their money seeing other shows that they might otherwise have not seen.
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Post by theatrefan62 on Feb 7, 2024 9:58:17 GMT
Price paid does come into most things, including theatre. People are generally more forgiving if they haven't spent too much on it. Not to the point of whether they like it or not, but they are more likely to be less scathing (or more enthusiastic). 'It was ok, glad I only paid....', 'its OK it on offer but I wouldn't pay full price' etc etc
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Post by max on Feb 7, 2024 11:11:08 GMT
So good to see the positive comments on here from people who have sat through the whole show. There's clearly a marmite thing going on here. (The same happened on this forum with Sunset Boulevard, and look what happened there.) This show has an audience - it might not be the audience people are used to, but very many people are enjoying Just For One Day on a nightly basis. As a result, they might spend their money seeing other shows that they might otherwise have not seen. I definitely sat through the whole show. I looked around at the audience and didn't think it was very different from what I saw when I went to the first run of 'Groundhog Day'. It was quite a mix of ages, but quite a lot of young people, and trendily dressed - to the point of looking at one 'cool guy' with a topknot, and thinking 'you don't honestly think this rocks do you?'. I'm not quite so optimistic about audience transfer to other shows. It's as likely that if non theatre goers are attracted they're getting exactly what they assume the naff world of musicals is like (sadly): hackneyed dialogue and lame jokes that you tolerate in order to get to the good bits: blazing vocals and riffing like you see on TV shows. That doesn't help writers/shows that want to reach for a book music, and lyrics that are all well crafted. Then again most popular shows now go down the same route (The styles of Sondheim and Lloyd Webber woudn't have got anywhere starting today). There was a time in musicals when if a character yelped hysterically and reached the heights of their male falsetto it was because their character was facing imminent crucifixion (JCS) now they do it because someone asks if they'd like a packet of crisps. A range of audience comments I heard: Interval in the foyer: 'the cast are pushing it, but they're pushing crap'. 'It can't get bad reviews'. Before the show one woman said 'it'll be more serious, but a bit like Choir Of Man'. Walking to Waterloo Station two young women were saying 'it's like they've put all of the excuses or responses to criticism into the script, but the problems are still there'. |
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Post by max on Feb 7, 2024 11:16:23 GMT
Do you reckon people judge more warmly when shows are a cheap cheerful punt, and expect more qualities if they've paid more? Or, conversely, that you can be more harsh if not much was at stake financially, but more lenient and invested when you're a virtual shareholder/investor when paying standard (i.e. expensive) prices for most shows these days? Yes I do. To all of the above I also agree with both of my positions, lol! I rarely buy a very expensive seat, but wonder if that financial investment makes me more likely to want the evening to go well - particularly if going with someone where a good night was hoped for (though bonding over a truly dire experience is an option too). In the main though I go for deals, or day seats, so at mid range prices my critical faculties aren't swayed either way. |
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Post by jaqs on Feb 7, 2024 11:20:44 GMT
I did only pay £22 for my ticket, and getting to Waterloo from work, and home again isn’t much effort. I’d totally understand if someone travelled from a couple of hours away, paid more for a ticket, travel, overnight stay would have higher expectations.
But I would happily recommend this to friends who live a distance away, and would have those costs. I don’t think they be disappointed as others on this thread were. I do think the show must have changed a fair bit already. Or I have really bad taste.
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Post by ceebee on Feb 7, 2024 11:41:11 GMT
There was a time in musicals when if a character yelped hysterically and reached the heights of their male falsetto it was because their character was facing imminent crucifixion (JCS) now they do it because someone asks if they'd like a packet of crisps. I laughed out loud at this comment. Cheesus Crisp Superstar... The crispifixion... Can you show me now the different flavours that you're making? Show me just a little of your Frazzles Smoky Bacon. Show me there's some cheese 'n' onion flavouring on your crisps. You're far to keen on spicy Nik Naks, but not so hot on Frisps. |
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Post by ceebee on Feb 7, 2024 11:42:46 GMT
I did only pay £22 for my ticket, and getting to Waterloo from work, and home again isn’t much effort. I’d totally understand if someone travelled from a couple of hours away, paid more for a ticket, travel, overnight stay would have higher expectations. But I would happily recommend this to friends who live a distance away, and would have those costs. I don’t think they be disappointed as others on this thread were. I do think the show must have changed a fair bit already. Or I have really bad taste. It has changed a fair bit from the first preview, for sure. A huge amount of dialogue has been cut and a couple of scenes removed. You may well also have bad taste, in which case join the club! |
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Post by stuart on Feb 7, 2024 22:54:59 GMT
Was Into the Groove always in this? It’s not listed in the programme but featured very prominently in Act 2 tonight.
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