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Post by stevej678 on Mar 5, 2024 9:59:59 GMT
Coming to the Other Palace studio for six weeks from 10 April.
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4,171 posts
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Post by anthony40 on Mar 5, 2024 11:41:02 GMT
I saw this a couple of years ago at the Charing Cross theatre.
Clearly a lot of thought had gone Ito the lyrics, one or two of the songs were even humble; however the deliver was poor. (From memory) minimal sets and costumes.
Definitely a 'meh' type of musical.
Lets wait and see what the reincarnated version has in store.
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8,096 posts
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Post by alece10 on Mar 5, 2024 12:31:56 GMT
I saw this yesrs ago at The Kings Head theatre in Islington. I thought it was great fun.
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Post by westendfan1 on Apr 13, 2024 23:16:40 GMT
Anyone been to see this yet?
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3,325 posts
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Post by Dr Tom on Apr 13, 2024 23:54:58 GMT
I saw this at Charing Cross many years ago, then again at the Arts Theatre when they were doing late night performances. Quite a fun show if I remember. Just seen this new version has both Cleve September and Luke Bayer in, so I’m sure I’ll make a visit sometime soon.
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Post by darreno on Apr 21, 2024 11:32:03 GMT
Was at this yesterday evening and really enjoyed it. A few empty seats around so it doesn't seem to be selling too well, but the cast were still full blooded in their efforts. Cleve September in particular gives a really soft, balanced portrayal of his character Gary, the team leader. It's actually really nice to see a musical theatre character that isn't over the top for once. I've seen him in a lot of shows but he really shines in this.
Staging is minimal as you would expect from the Studio floor, but used well where it needs to be. The screen that shows the 'training clips' is a great way to move the show along, and the vignettes themselves are sometimes hilarious.
It's very, very funny, particularly for stagey people who have a sense of humour about our chosen obsession! Lots of references to more famous musicals, digs at the big names on the scene, but all done in a fun way without any real teeth.
I would certainly go again.
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343 posts
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Post by properjob on Apr 21, 2024 11:55:00 GMT
I saw it last Sunday. It was probably 2/3rds full. I thought the stuff about theatre was good and funny but I thought the love story plots worked less well.
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Post by capybara on Apr 21, 2024 14:59:47 GMT
I would like to see this but hoping for a slightly lower price point as the run progresses. Even the current TodayTix discount feels a bit much for an unknown show (to me, at least) in this sort of venue.
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Post by danb on Apr 21, 2024 15:54:06 GMT
What is the music like, in this musical? With ‘2 Strangers’ showing how relatively strong a new score can be I think that that these other quirky, smaller shows will need to raise their game. A high concept or existing IP is one thing, but they’re nothing without at least a couple of strong original songs.
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Post by darreno on Apr 21, 2024 23:00:34 GMT
What is the music like, in this musical? With ‘2 Strangers’ showing how relatively strong a new score can be I think that that these other quirky, smaller shows will need to raise their game. A high concept or existing IP is one thing, but they’re nothing without at least a couple of strong original songs. Interestingly, for something that appears to be a straightforward quirky musical, it's probably the ballads that stand out as the strongest songs. Although I particularly liked the performers doing them so that would sway my opinion a little bit. To back up your second point, I can't hum along to any of the songs right now, a day or two after hearing them, and I wasn't immediately on Spotify afterwards as I would usually be with a new musical. |
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Post by westendfan1 on Apr 22, 2024 11:15:42 GMT
I would like to see this but hoping for a slightly lower price point as the run progresses. Even the current TodayTix discount feels a bit much for an unknown show (to me, at least) in this sort of venue. At the moment you can get £20 tickets on TOP website using the code STAGEYNINJA. It was supposed to expire at midnight, but I've just used it this morning, so worth a try! |
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Post by capybara on Apr 22, 2024 12:18:01 GMT
I would like to see this but hoping for a slightly lower price point as the run progresses. Even the current TodayTix discount feels a bit much for an unknown show (to me, at least) in this sort of venue. At the moment you can get £20 tickets on TOP website using the code STAGEYNINJA. It was supposed to expire at midnight, but I've just used it this morning, so worth a try! Looks like it’s expired but hopefully another offer will come along. |
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Post by westendfan1 on Apr 22, 2024 12:32:04 GMT
At the moment you can get £20 tickets on TOP website using the code STAGEYNINJA. It was supposed to expire at midnight, but I've just used it this morning, so worth a try! Looks like it’s expired but hopefully another offer will come along. How strange. I've just checked again and it still works for me. |
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Post by capybara on Apr 22, 2024 22:25:11 GMT
Oh yes. It does work. I was just putting it in the wrong place! Thanks.
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Post by OnTheMarquee on Apr 23, 2024 16:04:03 GMT
I have already re booked to see it. This show isn't aiming for high drama; it's pure, campy fun! It's delightfully stagey and a comedy. But what surprised me was the sweet romance between the gay couple. It was refreshing to see a gay couple on stage who weren't a punchline. Loved the manager's performance, and his performance had a real panto vibe.
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8,096 posts
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Post by alece10 on Apr 23, 2024 16:37:29 GMT
It will interesting to see if the musical has changed from when I saw it years ago at The Kings Head Theatre. I thought it was great fun and the music wasn't bad either.
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Post by max on Apr 23, 2024 17:57:02 GMT
I wonder if this has already sold very well, or if they're holding back Gallery and Standing Seats until the Seated Studio Floor is full. 'Tickets from £29' it says, but then when you click only £35 tickets are available. Makes the studio a more pricey option at The Other Palace than the Main House (which would also be true at that lower £29 level).
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Post by max on Apr 23, 2024 18:14:51 GMT
Good to see the venue back on a run of new musicals with Babies and Ushers.
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Post by westendfan1 on Apr 25, 2024 22:29:23 GMT
I really enjoyed this! Light-hearted and fun, with a ton of up-to-date stagey references. Great cast too.
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Post by OnTheMarquee on Apr 29, 2024 11:43:03 GMT
I wonder if this has already sold very well, or if they're holding back Gallery and Standing Seats until the Seated Studio Floor is full. 'Tickets from £29' it says, but then when you click only £35 tickets are available. Makes the studio a more pricey option at The Other Palace than the Main House (which would also be true at that lower £29 level). I was there yesterday matinee and there wasn't any empty seats available including the gallery. Defeinetly recommend to get there for doors opening as it is free seating to get the best choice in seats (there isn't really a bad seat as it is the studio though) |
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Post by capybara on May 9, 2024 22:01:25 GMT
I really enjoyed Ushers and thought it gave a genuinely witty, satirical insight into the world of front of house theatre staff. There were some really funny moments and references (presumably the book is being continuously updated as there were even nods to the Opening Night and Priscilla The Party closures!). It’s even based on the fictional Love Island The Musical at Another Palace, which is clearly one of ATG’s houses..
The company give a lot in this, with a couple of real standout performances. But the problem is that I’ve seen this exact style of parody done better and sharper by I Wish My Life Were Like a Musical.
The issue here is the book. The stagey references are great and the fact they are crowbarred in actually adds to the campness of it all. But the inclusion of a love story doesn’t really fit the rest of the show tonally. Best off keeping the focus on the upcoming visit of Andrew Lloyd Mackintosser, I’d say!
Bethany Amber-Perrins was hilarious as Rosie, the usher obsessed with leading men (she is admonished for filming Jordan Luke Gage’s pre-show yoga rituals) and she really is the heartbeat of this show. Luke Bayer also stands out as Ben, even if his performance is a little lost in the subplot. I’d like to see him shine elsewhere.
Daniel Page gives a huge comic performance as theatre manager Robin, whose camp villainy could even rival the meat inspector in Betty Blue Eyes. He left Cleve September (Gary) in stitches at one point.
Overall, it’s a nice little show but, for me, this sort of thing works better as a revue rather than attaching story narratives to the piece. Well worth a visit though for anyone stagey enough to get the most deep cut of MT references though.
Three stars.
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Post by matttom0901 on May 14, 2024 21:49:54 GMT
Saw it tonight and thought it was great fun!
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Post by robertb213 on May 17, 2024 17:12:49 GMT
Is the running time definitely 1hr 50 as it says on the website? Hoping to go on Sunday.
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Post by westendfan1 on May 17, 2024 19:50:42 GMT
Is the running time definitely 1hr 50 as it says on the website? Hoping to go on Sunday. I'd say nearer to 2 hours. No more than that though. |
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Post by robertb213 on May 17, 2024 20:56:00 GMT
Is the running time definitely 1hr 50 as it says on the website? Hoping to go on Sunday. I'd say nearer to 2 hours. No more than that though. Thank you 😁 |
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