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Post by nash16 on Mar 25, 2017 1:11:24 GMT
I do now have this strange desire to see Hill and Poots play something together - perhaps "Oleanna." Just a feeling. That would be brilliant. Or Harrower's "Blackbird". |
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Post by callum on Mar 25, 2017 17:16:50 GMT
Wasn't this totally amazing. I was thinking about which actresses I'd love to see do George and Martha - Jessica Lange would be fantastic. Has this been revived as much as Williams/Miller etc?
And was anyone in the dress circle last night? A man whooping and gasping and groaning and clapping all the way through, he was loving it!
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Post by edmundokeano on Mar 29, 2017 13:49:58 GMT
Hot take: people want a decent ticket at a reasonable price! Newsflash: people don't have money to burn! It's staggering, isn't it?
A poster who proclaims to be the font of all theatre knowledge lacks the understanding that money doesn't grow on trees and some of us have responsibilities which either limit us to how often we can attend the theatre or what prices we are willing to pay if we do.
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Post by Tibidabo on Apr 4, 2017 12:03:17 GMT
Saw this last night and was completely blown away by what can only be described as acting masterclasses from all four of them. We were on the end of row B and it was a complete and utter privilege to be so close-up to those who surely must be the winners of many awards to come.
I do have to add, however, that I struggled to see 2 major sections of the stage. The entire drinks cabinet side was completely obscured (ok, I know it was a restricted view ticket, but I still paid £49.50x2) but, more annoyingly, there is absolutely no rake whatsoever and the 2 blokes in front of us had heads and necks as wide as a small island, so much of my view of the central sofa was obscured.
Some very minor spoilers follow.
Hill and Staunton were in a realm I cannot remember seeing before in a theatre. They were perfection, never in danger of going over the top and neither of them trying to outdo the other - they were a team and, wow, did it work! It was an honour to see such work close-up.
Some comments up-thread suggest that the part of Nick is not a great one (due to the writing) and that Luke Treadaway was perhaps cast for his prettiness. I would have to disagree here. (Well, he is pretty for sure!) I don't think anyone has mentioned the relationship between Hill's George and Treadaway's Nick. I only have the film version to compare, but George Segal was on his way to becoming a fine comedy actor and played Nick in a more light-hearted manner, constantly on the back foot to Burton's George. I preferred Treadaway's portrayal in that he'd cottoned on to George's resentment and envy of him early on and I liked the antagonism and hostility and gradual lack of respect he managed to convey in his one-liners. I really enjoyed their two-handers. (I liked his hair by the way - maybe it's been toned down from earlier in the run - you could see the dark underneath.)
I loved Imogen Poots - particularly brilliant were the subtle changes she managed to convey on each entrance, slightly drunker and more dishevelled - a touch more mascara down her face, another couple of strands of hair out of place, a slightly bigger sway to her step. She's definitely one to watch.
One thing I would like to know - has anyone seen this from higher up? There are four levels. We didn't think they were miked up and wondered if certain comments got missed.
I thought James MacDonald's direction first class. Lots of attention to detail and movement in what is a wordy play to say the least! There was a full standing ovation. The bow was brief. The cast looked absolutely exhausted.
Finally, at the risk of being carted off to the tower, I would like to be so bold as to give a note to Ms Staunton. Does she realise it's actually Luke TREADAWAY up there on stage with her that she is supposed to be snogging? Does she? Because that old theatre trick of using a well-positioned hand to hide the fact you are not actually kissing the minger you've been lumbered with night after night is really So Very Not Necessary in this instance. In fact I'd go so far as to say it's an insult to Mr Treadaway's gorgeousness. So put your hand somewhere else Ms Staunton, pucker up and ENJOY!
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Post by Mr Crummles on Apr 5, 2017 14:49:04 GMT
I am in complete agreement with Tibidabo above. Great cast. Everyone. I was pleasantly surprised with Luke Treadaway, after some of the comments I read about him here. To be honest, it was the first time in my life that I actually paid attention to Nick and Honey. In every production I saw before, the two characters always evaporated from my mind long before I reached the theatre exit door. This time, however, I still vividly recollect the smug, up-and-coming young professor and his bewildered wife.
There is something that always puzzles me about this play, though. I never really understand why the young couple don't leave George and Martha's house straightaway, when the embarrassing hostility between the hosts is so obvious from the first second they are there. It would be the case of coming up with some lame excuse (“I forgot to feed the dog”) and leave the premises as quickly as possible… But I guess there was something a bit voyeuristic about Nick and Honey in this production.
I also find it amazing how the cast manages to do two shows a day. I saw it at a matinée and I just couldn't believe that they were going to do it all over again in the evening, just a couple of hours later...
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Post by Tibidabo on Apr 5, 2017 15:10:25 GMT
I also find it amazing how the cast manages to do two shows a day. I saw it at a matinée and I just couldn't believe that they were going to do it all over again in the evening, just a couple of hours later... Honestly, they looked completely shattered at the bow. They didn't really smile and just looked sort of bewildered! And that was after a one-show day so I cannot imagine... |
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Post by viserys on Apr 5, 2017 15:22:07 GMT
There is something that always puzzles me about this play, though. I never really understand why the young couple don't leave George and Martha's house straightaway, when the embarrassing hostility between the hosts is so obvious from the first second they are there. If they did, we wouldn't have a play though, would we? Seriously, I wondered the same the first time I saw the movie, but yea - if they left, there'd be no play. So I assume for myself that they are intrigued by their hosts and are curious to find out more about them and what's behind their fighting until they are so drawn in, they can't really walk away anymore. I saw this last Saturday and it was indeed one of the best shows I've seen in ages with stellar performances from everyone involved. The drinks cabinet was only just in view from C3 and otherwise the sight was great. |
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Post by Tibidabo on Apr 5, 2017 15:29:52 GMT
The drinks cabinet was only just in view from C3 and otherwise the sight was great. I'm confused. The drinks cabinet was on the high seat numbers side so should have been diagonally opposite from seat 3? Over on that side wouldn't it have been George's chair that was slightly obscured? |
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Post by viserys on Apr 5, 2017 16:00:39 GMT
The drinks cabinet was only just in view from C3 and otherwise the sight was great. I'm confused. The drinks cabinet was on the high seat numbers side so should have been diagonally opposite from seat 3? Over on that side wouldn't it have been George's chair that was slightly obscured? LOL, gosh, you are right. I checked my ticket, I sat in C19, so the third seat from the right side. I shouldn't have taken a wild guess! The drinks cabinet was in front of me, yes, George's comfy chair (which I envied him for) was on the other side, but it wasn't obscured for me. I think C3/C19 were the first full price seats, only just inside the proscenium arch. |
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Post by Tibidabo on Apr 5, 2017 16:02:15 GMT
Deleted - got my days mixed up.  |
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Post by Mr Crummles on Apr 6, 2017 7:45:16 GMT
There is something that always puzzles me about this play, though. I never really understand why the young couple don't leave George and Martha's house straightaway, when the embarrassing hostility between the hosts is so obvious from the first second they are there. If they did, we wouldn't have a play though, would we? Apr 5, 2017 15:49:04 GMT 1 Mr Crummles said: Probably not very different from those horror films, in which people hear noises in the basement and, despite all the dangers around, and very good reasons to stay put, they still go down to check, ALONE! :-) |
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Post by stefy69 on Apr 13, 2017 7:30:46 GMT
Saw this yesterday and was totally blown away by it, I must admit I didn't realise it had so much humour in it , all four parts played to perfection and if I had to pick the stand out performance it would be Conleith Hill.
The three hours did fly by, a sign of a good time...
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Post by wiggymess on Apr 13, 2017 22:29:32 GMT
Anyone seen the smurf in Peter Kay's car share (episode 2 of the new series)?
Jaw hit the floor when i saw the credits..
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Post by wickedgrin on Apr 14, 2017 0:02:55 GMT
Yes, indeed! What an actor!
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Post by jgblunners on Apr 15, 2017 20:59:01 GMT
Saw the matinee today and it blew me away. A truly stunning play, performed to perfection by a stellar cast. Staunton and Hill give knock-out performances, presenting their characters' journeys through the course of the night with poignant accuracy and playing off each other wonderfully. Poots and Treadaway are also wonderful, making the most of characters that I could see easily fading into the background in lesser hands.
The thing that impressed me most was the cast's delivery of the direction, by which I mean making the play absolutely hilarious (Conleth Hill is responsible for a lot of the comic delivery, and he nails it) but bringing it all crashing down with the serious moments. The contrast makes for a truly remarkable production - undoubtedly some Olivier wins here for next year. 5 Stars from me.
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Post by AddisonMizner on Apr 16, 2017 14:21:37 GMT
I saw yesterday's matinee (15th April), and can only concur with what is being said above.
Imelda Staunton offers yet another tour-de-force performance, excelling at all sides of this complicated character's personality - she can be sexy, demure, funny, frightening and heart-breaking in equal measure. There was a moment in the third act, when she gives a scream, a howl of anguish, and I had shivers down my spine. What an actress! She never disappoints. Not only have I always admired her acting since seeing her first ad Mrs Lovett in SWEENY, but her RE-acting to other characters. What she can say with just the flick of her eye is extroadinary. She makes it very difficult for you to take your eyes off of her.
She is supported by other strong performances. Conleth Hill was also a very nice discovery for me, as George, and a nice match for Staunton's Martha, and the two younger roles were also very good in their descent into the madness.
A stunning production of a play that is new to me!
5 stars.
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Post by madsonmelo on Apr 18, 2017 23:12:52 GMT
Outstanding!
The direction is top-notch, It really didnt seems like a 3-hour play, the cast is amazing. Staunton is FEROCIOUS and I cried a little in that big scream, but Hill is on par with her, what a presence. Poots is perfect cast and Treadway was to die for (what an ass).
I Just couldnt have started this trip in a better way.
Also, 29 pounds to that N7 with a restricted view was a bargain, saw everything.
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Post by alicechallice on Apr 22, 2017 18:50:17 GMT
Saw this today. Shame they cut out all the songs but still very good. Loved Imelda's silent scream/choke thing at the end. Definitely enough to put you off marriage, academia & alcohol though.
Sat in E1 in Dress Circle which was green on Theatremonkey but wasn't a great view. Could only ever see the legs of whoever was sat in the chair next to the sofa on stage left. Managed to move to A1 after the interval though which was ace. Was sad to leave behind a nice New Yorker in E2 though. He recently paid $300 to see Hello, Dolly on BW and I never got to tell him that was my going rate for the evening too! Nevermind, there'll be others.
Had a strange experience before it started where the Fire Marshall removed by rucksack from the theatre while I'd gone to the non-unisex lavatory. Apparently, you can't trust anybody nowadays, even if they are a friend of Imelda!
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Post by schuttep on Apr 24, 2017 9:41:21 GMT
Outstanding! Poots is perfect cast and Treadway was to die for (what an ass). I agree! I take it you meant "ass" with an "r" and "e" rather than literally! |
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Post by Being Alive on Apr 24, 2017 13:23:36 GMT
Just looked at my ticket and worked out why C1 stalls was £15 - restricted legroom...
Now, I'm 6ft 4, am I going to be in agony for 3 hours? and whats the view like? Help me out Theatreboard...
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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2017 13:26:58 GMT
I was in C1. I'm at least a foot shorter than you are, so I suspect you won't get on very well with the pillar. Though a cursory look at TheatreMonkey.com does suggest that taller people are able to put their legs around the pillar rather than having to tuck neatly in at the side. At least you'd only have a seat neighbour on your left, so with a bit of contortionism, there's a possibility you could put your legs out in the aisle. The view isn't too bad, you lose the back quarter of the stage on the right (and you're looking at it), but that wasn't a massive problem for me, especially at the price.
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Post by Being Alive on Apr 24, 2017 13:32:00 GMT
I was in C1. I'm at least a foot shorter than you are, so I suspect you won't get on very well with the pillar. Though a cursory look at TheatreMonkey.com does suggest that taller people are able to put their legs around the pillar rather than having to tuck neatly in at the side. At least you'd only have a seat neighbour on your left, so with a bit of contortionism, there's a possibility you could put your legs out in the aisle. The view isn't too bad, you lose the back quarter of the stage on the right (and you're looking at it), but that wasn't a massive problem for me, especially at the price. I'm quite used to having to sit on an angle so that's not necessarily a problem. Just hoping I can somehow fit round the pillar. Does it still give a good view of the majority of the stage though? |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2017 22:14:25 GMT
Is it sacrilege to say I found this a tad boring? Well I'm sorry... but I did.
Souchyboyy - I'm 5ft5 and just spent 3 not very comfortable hours wedged in C1. Yes, you can put one leg either side of the pillar (not very ladylike in my case!) but then you are slightly stuck in that position for all of the show.
If I were you, I'd get there early, try the seat, and then if things aren't looking good, ask if there are any spares better located!
I had to giggle - at the interval I overheard a couple telling FOH they were moving from their row J seats because their seats were tilting backwards. The couple behind had said they could sit in their seats for acts 2 and 3 - they'd come to see friends in the show but it wasn't their cup of tea so they were off! I'd love to overhear how they explain that away when they next meet up...
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Post by Being Alive on May 3, 2017 18:22:28 GMT
Here tonight - this £15 limited legroom seat is a bloody steal. I'm 6ft 4 and no issues at all.
I'll let you know my thoughts at the end.
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Post by callum on May 3, 2017 22:48:44 GMT
The couple behind had said they could sit in their seats for acts 2 and 3 - they'd come to see friends in the show but it wasn't their cup of tea so they were off! I'd love to overhear how they explain that away when they next meet up... I guess Imelda won't be hosting the Oliviers with Michael Ball again any time soon... |
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