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Post by stageydan45 on May 1, 2024 20:38:40 GMT
Wasn’t a huge fan of the Pet Shop Boys in my youth. But have grown to love their work over the past few years, and they’re everywhere at the moment, so seems the perfect time to bring this back. I have tickets to see them at the Royal Opera House this summer also, so very clever to have this playing at the same time.
Glad to see this isn’t a biopic. And very intrigued into how their club inspired tunes lend to a musical. Understand it’s not their actual jukebox songs but still very much in their unique style.
That said, I’m very excited by this cast so will make my first trip to the Turbine to see them. Big Fan of Courtney & Glenn, great voices and comedy bones, and saw Frances in Les Mis way back in my youth too so excited to see her again all these years on!
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Post by fleshpuppet on May 1, 2024 20:56:09 GMT
I adore Paul Keating; have done since Tommy (Kim Wilde: double yay) and his transformation into the star of the original Closer to Heaven (I might even give his RestN range a chance). I preferred the Southwark revival over Above The Stag’s, saw Francis Barber loosely reprise her role at Leicester Square, have endured Vocal over Positive Role Model and STILL CANNOT WAIT to see what they do with this. Frances Ruffelle sounds fabulous and once again…I’m all in! (And stageydan45, the ROH is my favourite PSB venue to date after 35 years of concerts!)
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Post by BVM on May 2, 2024 2:49:10 GMT
Oh my God he was cute - literally never made the connection that this was the same person. Interesting fact of the day :-)
He's in this clip
Gosh. Very clearly him. Consider my mind blown! |
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Post by bobbievanhusen on May 2, 2024 5:14:28 GMT
Glad to see this isn’t a biopic. And very intrigued into how their club inspired tunes lend to a musical. Understand it’s not their actual jukebox songs but still very much in their unique style. The PSB album 'Nightlife' has a few songs on it that are in the show, Vampires, Closer To Heaven (which was used in a few of their concert tours) as well as the Kylie Minogue duet 'In Denial' They later released an album called 'Further Listening 1996-2000' which included quite a few demos and earlier versions of songs from the show 'For All of Us' 'Call Me Old Fashioned' 'Friendly Fire' and 'Positive Role Model' I loved Positive Role Model and was surprised that they swapped it out for Vocal, but I must admit that the lyrics of Vocal do work better in the show. |
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Post by Deal J on May 2, 2024 7:45:53 GMT
[...] I loved Positive Role Model and was surprised that they swapped it out for Vocal, but I must admit that the lyrics of Vocal do work better in the show. Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat? They swapped out Positive Role Model? But I want a Positive Role Model! |
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Post by n1david on May 2, 2024 8:06:23 GMT
I understood that it was switched for the revivals because of the cost of the Barry White sample/extract from "You're my First, my Last, my Everything" - that song's writers, Barry White, Peter Radcliffe and Tony Sepe get a co-writing credit for 'Positive Role Model',
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Post by Deal J on May 2, 2024 8:23:02 GMT
Very interesting, thanks n1david. I presume that means the same will happen for this production... at least I've been warned in advance now, that would have been quite the disappointment on the night! |
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Post by distantcousin on May 2, 2024 10:25:36 GMT
[...] I loved Positive Role Model and was surprised that they swapped it out for Vocal, but I must admit that the lyrics of Vocal do work better in the show. Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat? They swapped out Positive Role Model? But I want a Positive Role Model!That song is so EPIC! What a finale! |
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Post by max on May 2, 2024 10:55:46 GMT
I've found my original Billie Trix promo which gives more of an idea of Billie's era; it's her fictional single Run Girl Run listed as the "original 1971 single version" and "1981 post-apocalyptic nightmare mix". It even comes with a fictional potted history: That's a great find Deal J. I saw the original production at the Arts Theatre, and it didn't quite gel yet; particularly the integration of Billie Trix. The sense of time period felt off, but perhaps that will matter less now. So interesting to see they had such a well worked out back story for her. Perhaps they had Marianne Faithful in mind to degree, whose voice certainly gained a new much-admired distinctiveness with age and tough life experiences (something they attribute to Billie Trix in that potted history). Plus their own promotion of a Dusty Springfield revival after a long period in the wilderness for her. The early 70s was an odd one for British female pop singers - Cilla Black sang with Marc Bolan (cool) and did light entertainment shows for BBC1 (not so cool); Lulu was admired by Bowie for a while (they nearly recorded an album together) but did Eurovision in one of the periods when it was pretty naff. From memory only Suzi Quatro stood apart (American, but British based), but a rocker first more than the chanteuse that Billie Trix seems to be. |
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Post by QueerTheatre on May 2, 2024 11:03:28 GMT
What are the chances of discounts on this? I refuse to pay £40+ for something in this dinky theatre when we all know it'll be done on a mega budget....
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Post by n1david on May 16, 2024 10:57:58 GMT
They're posting that this is 75% sold which is not bad going this early. The dates don't work for me but very interested to see whether this production is one that captures the spirit and style of the original.
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Post by Deal J on May 16, 2024 16:57:45 GMT
That post seems to have worked for them - a few of their Saturday evening performances are now sold out. Going on the matinee of the 1st so it will still be in previews, I was hoping to go to the evening show but I snoozed and losed!
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Post by BVM on May 16, 2024 20:16:07 GMT
Just bought for a second night. Am hopefully this is gonna be amazing!
(Though remain traumatised at the thought of the unallocated seating!)
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Post by distantcousin on May 17, 2024 7:04:34 GMT
I wish this was on for more than a month! June is mega-busy for me, and doubtful I'm going to get to see it
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Post by stageydan45 on May 31, 2024 21:50:11 GMT
Saw this tonight. First preview.
Was slightly worried what I was letting myself into after seeing the promo shots. After seeing the show tonight, I don’t think the promo does it any justice. The photos showcase such a tiny part of it - but obviously they’ve chosen the elements they think will sell it. I just think the performances are worth more than just being reduced to topless bodies.
Some great performances on display. It’ll tighten up and develop along the run I’m sure so hope to see it again. But it was absolutely packed the rafters and the audiences were loving it.
Frances Ruffelle was a tour de force. Though seemed more in control of the show in act 1, than act 2 but again that will come. Audience went gaga for her performance of Friendly Fire. She can still really move. Glenn Adamson and Courtney Bowman were exceptional - both funny and heartbreaking. ‘For All of Us’ by Adamson, is particularly beautiful. David Muscat as ‘Bob’, was a standout. He managed to squeeze every possible laugh out of that script. Worth seeing it for him alone.
A few hairy moments with costumes, mics and lighting. A lot of malfunctions, mics falling off heads etc, but I quite like seeing a show in its infancy.
Despite loving the Pet Shop Boys I’m not a massive fan of the score. Needs a song to end act 1 and I’d love to get some of their back catalogue in there atleast. Finale should be ‘it’s a sin’. It would fit much better x
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Post by FJ on May 31, 2024 21:58:28 GMT
Saw this tonight. First preview. Was slightly worried what I was letting myself into after seeing the promo shots. After seeing the show tonight, I don’t think the promo does it any justice. The photos showcase such a tiny part of it - but obviously they’ve chosen the elements they think will sell it. I just think the performances are worth more than just being reduced to topless bodies. Some great performances on display. It’ll tighten up and develop along the run I’m sure so hope to see it again. But it was absolutely packed the rafters and the audiences were loving it. Frances Ruffelle was a tour de force. Though seemed more in control of the show in act 1, than act 2 but again that will come. Audience went gaga for her performance of Friendly Fire. She can still really move. Glenn Adamson and Courtney Bowman were exceptional - both funny and heartbreaking. ‘For All of Us’ by Adamson, is particularly beautiful. David Muscat as ‘Bob’, was a standout. He managed to squeeze every possible laugh out of that script. Worth seeing it for him alone. A few hairy moments with costumes, mics and lighting. A lot of malfunctions, mics falling off heads etc, but I quite like seeing a show in its infancy. Despite loving the Pet Shop Boys I’m not a massive fan of the score. Needs a song to end act 1 and I’d love to get some of their back catalogue in there atleast. Finale should be ‘it’s a sin’. It would fit much better x Thanks for the review stageydan45I’m going tomorrow night and really looking forward to it. How did the unallocated seating work? |
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Post by stageydan45 on May 31, 2024 23:03:00 GMT
We were asked upon entry to the house if we wanted to sit in theatre style seating or table style. I opted for theatre style, but most wanted tables. Tables do put you right in the action / lots of time with Frances! Those of tables were also given cards and they could turn them to green if they were happy to have an immersive experience or red if they wanted to be left in peace. Basically red means - don’t come near me Frances. And if you’re on green - you might be lucky enough to have her sit at your table at points! Saw this tonight. First preview. Was slightly worried what I was letting myself into after seeing the promo shots. After seeing the show tonight, I don’t think the promo does it any justice. The photos showcase such a tiny part of it - but obviously they’ve chosen the elements they think will sell it. I just think the performances are worth more than just being reduced to topless bodies. Some great performances on display. It’ll tighten up and develop along the run I’m sure so hope to see it again. But it was absolutely packed the rafters and the audiences were loving it. Frances Ruffelle was a tour de force. Though seemed more in control of the show in act 1, than act 2 but again that will come. Audience went gaga for her performance of Friendly Fire. She can still really move. Glenn Adamson and Courtney Bowman were exceptional - both funny and heartbreaking. ‘For All of Us’ by Adamson, is particularly beautiful. David Muscat as ‘Bob’, was a standout. He managed to squeeze every possible laugh out of that script. Worth seeing it for him alone. A few hairy moments with costumes, mics and lighting. A lot of malfunctions, mics falling off heads etc, but I quite like seeing a show in its infancy. Despite loving the Pet Shop Boys I’m not a massive fan of the score. Needs a song to end act 1 and I’d love to get some of their back catalogue in there atleast. Finale should be ‘it’s a sin’. It would fit much better x Thanks for the review stageydan45I’m going tomorrow night and really looking forward to it. How did the unallocated seating work? |
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Post by bobbievanhusen on Jun 1, 2024 0:51:41 GMT
Despite loving the Pet Shop Boys I’m not a massive fan of the score. Needs a song to end act 1 and I’d love to get some of their back catalogue in there atleast. Finale should be ‘it’s a sin’. It would fit much better x Some of their back catalogue is in there, just not the most popular ones that people know. Closer To Heaven ends on a positive note and the last song has always reflected that. 'It's A Sin' isn't uplifting. First it was 'Positive Role Model' (the Almighty Mix will always be on my playlist) then it was changed to 'Vocal' which was fitting as Dave wanted to be in a boyband and also it was about being out dancing and having a grea time. Now i hear they have changed it again. Apparently the final song is now 'For Every Moment' which is on the Musik EP, about the character of Billie Trix. It's definitely got uplifting lyrics, but was written for that character so i'm intrigued to see if it's her or Dave who gets the final song. I'm seeing it on Sunday. |
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Post by Deal J on Jun 1, 2024 1:47:15 GMT
Ooh, I’m excited. The promo pics did surprise me a little in how lo-fi it all looked, given the pre-booking hype about it being a club setting. I’m at the Saturday matinee which I was a bit worried about seeing as it’s only the 2nd preview, but the comments here have reassured me.
I only saw the original production (twice), so I’m still shocked that “Positive Role Model” isn’t in it anymore, but thanks to you wonderful TB folks at least that won’t be a disappointing surprise!
My husband is new to the show, I’ve had the “Friendly Fire” promo on repeat several times lately, so at least I know we’ll both enjoy that!
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Post by BVM on Jun 1, 2024 4:54:41 GMT
So excited about this!
Can I ask how many rows of “normal” theatre seats are there now? And do they still have the centre aisle?!
Thanks.
(Am really not a fan of unallocated seating!)
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Post by stageydan45 on Jun 1, 2024 7:18:35 GMT
No central aisle. The entire thing is thrust staging. I’d say maybe ten rows of theatre style. More choice if you opt for table. I was worried about it being unallocated but it didn’t bother me on the night. It was nice to be able to decide based on how up for it I was once I’d arrived. It’s certainly an event regardless of where you sit. If I went again (which I will) I’d go for a table, you get a different show from every angle. Thanks for the knowledge on the finale  it’s a great ear worm finale it just fell abit flat in comparison to the previous two hours. Short run time. Was out by 10pm and that was with a late start for both Acts. Which is welcome in Battersea as it’s a bit of a shlep. X |
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Post by bobbievanhusen on Jun 1, 2024 13:29:30 GMT
Can I ask if it is Billie Trix or Dave that sings the final number?
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Post by Deal J on Jun 1, 2024 16:43:46 GMT
Can I ask if it is Billie Trix or Dave that sings the final number? Billie sings the first verse sat with Dave who joins in for a bit, and then Billie takes centre stage to take over the song proper. Just out of the show now - it’s a good production, still a few teething issues but again it’s only 2nd preview. I’ll post my thoughts tomorrow, generally very good though and really glad to see the show again after 23 years! |
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Post by BVM on Jun 1, 2024 18:05:01 GMT
No central aisle. The entire thing is thrust staging. I’d say maybe ten rows of theatre style. More choice if you opt for table. I was worried about it being unallocated but it didn’t bother me on the night. It was nice to be able to decide based on how up for it I was once I’d arrived. It’s certainly an event regardless of where you sit. If I went again (which I will) I’d go for a table, you get a different show from every angle. Thanks for the knowledge on the finale it’s a great ear worm finale it just fell abit flat in comparison to the previous two hours. Short run time. Was out by 10pm and that was with a late start for both Acts. Which is welcome in Battersea as it’s a bit of a shlep. X Interesting! Going a few times, some with mates, sone alone. Did you see any single people sharing tables? Can I ask roughly how many seats per row in the theatre style seating? Oh and has the script/book been changed much? Thanks :-) |
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Post by Deal J on Jun 1, 2024 18:18:35 GMT
I’m not sure whether this is because of previews or that people have called ahead, but when we got into the auditorium many of the tables were reserved, which I didn’t think was possible. I can’t say with certainty, but it believe there were some 1-2 groups sharing a table of 4-5.
The raked theatre seats were around 7 or 8 wide at the front. Unless I’m mistaken I think they were like that all the way up.
I don’t think there’s a bad seat in the house given the way they’ve staged it, although perhaps avoid the seats closest to the wall/sound desk as they might be a little too much to the side.
I was hoping to get a table, but in retrospect I think I might have had a better view from the raked seats as the principle actors did seem to play to the front more.
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it’s a great ear worm finale it just fell abit flat in comparison to the previous two hours. Short run time. Was out by 10pm and that was with a late start for both Acts. Which is welcome in Battersea as it’s a bit of a shlep. X