The Book of Mormon - Prince of Wales Theatre, London

[sph]

Even if the bars are busy I'm not sure that helps with refunds though. I think the theatre itself gets the bar revenue whereas ticket refunds will come from the producers.

[anthony]

Feb 6, 2024 11:52:45 GMT Dr Tom said:

I was also there and really it was quite shambolic to wait until after the official end time of the show to announce the cancellation. They did do a roaring bar trade, so that should offset some of the money lost through the refunds.

Plenty of people had already left before the official cancellation.

It is a difficult situation and really it was the lack of information and the false announcement of 20 more minutes that didn't help. I know these things happen. Everyone I saw was being polite to the ushers thankfully, who have a difficult job, but much as I may be tempted to say "I don't get paid enough to deal with that", there are better forms of wording to use with frustrated customers.

Up to the show stop, it was an excellent high energy show, with the cast having a lot of fun. Still, I can get back another time easily enough.

I did wonder if it was cast illness; Conor Peirson was carrying a water bottle around during Man Up - he kept putting it down before decided he needed another drink. He also decided to skip some of the notes in the song completely. Timing would perhaps make sense - thought he could continue, opened act 2 and then realised he couldn't? I'm just not sure what could go technically wrong in the show? The set is literally so basic and most is manually moved. 

Audience did handle it REALLY well though - especially considering the length of time we were waiting. 

[Dr Tom]

I did wonder about illness at first, although I picked up on someone else in the cast. Perhaps there is a bug going around? Dionne Ward-Anderson was on as Nabulungi too (doing really well), which was odd as Beatrice Penny-Toure only started in the role a couple of weeks ago.

However, that wouldn't really explain why they stopped at that point, and they should have enough people available to complete the show. Maybe we'll be able to work out more if everything goes ahead without a hitch tonight.

[ladidah]

I wonder what happened, an hour is a long time to wait.

[qwerty]

Feb 6, 2024 13:26:55 GMT anthony said:

Feb 6, 2024 11:52:45 GMT Dr Tom said:

I was also there and really it was quite shambolic to wait until after the official end time of the show to announce the cancellation. They did do a roaring bar trade, so that should offset some of the money lost through the refunds.

Plenty of people had already left before the official cancellation.

It is a difficult situation and really it was the lack of information and the false announcement of 20 more minutes that didn't help. I know these things happen. Everyone I saw was being polite to the ushers thankfully, who have a difficult job, but much as I may be tempted to say "I don't get paid enough to deal with that", there are better forms of wording to use with frustrated customers.

Up to the show stop, it was an excellent high energy show, with the cast having a lot of fun. Still, I can get back another time easily enough.

I did wonder if it was cast illness; Conor Peirson was carrying a water bottle around during Man Up - he kept putting it down before decided he needed another drink. He also decided to skip some of the notes in the song completely. Timing would perhaps make sense - thought he could continue, opened act 2 and then realised he couldn't? I'm just not sure what could go technically wrong in the show? The set is literally so basic and most is manually moved. 

Audience did handle it REALLY well though - especially considering the length of time we were waiting. 

When I saw it last summer, he was carrying a water bottle in Man up as well maybe he just normally requires water

[francistheatreboard]

Feb 6, 2024 14:13:30 GMT ladidah said:

I wonder what happened, an hour is a long time to wait.

The show stop was due to a curtain not being able to drop, and then something went wrong with the pole that its connected to

[gcbf]

Went to this tonight for the first time. Full house which surprised me - couldn't see a single free seat from the middle of the stalls. Not sure it's a show for me but I certainly appreciated the talent, Colin Burnicle was a real standout for me, and Blair Gibson & Connor Peirson were just excellent. A few people nearby were just howling with laughter throughout.

[Dr Tom]

I finally managed to see Sam Glen on as Elder Cunningham last week and I thought he brought freshness to the show. Lots of differences to the norm with his performance and such a sweet voice. This show is in a great place right now, with all the current cast well established in their roles.

[BurlyBeaR]

Opened 11 years ago this week (after a month of previews). Can’t believe it’s still running. Surely it’s time for something new at the PoW?

[Dr Tom]

Mar 19, 2024 13:04:51 GMT BurlyBeaR said:

Opened 11 years ago this week (after a month of previews). Can’t believe it’s still running. Surely it’s time for something new at the PoW?

I think this has a few years of life left yet. It's still selling well. With that said, it has started to appear on TKTS occasionally.

[punxsutawney]

Mar 19, 2024 13:04:51 GMT BurlyBeaR said:

Opened 11 years ago this week (after a month of previews). Can’t believe it’s still running. Surely it’s time for something new at the PoW?

It still rarely struggles to sell. Obviously it'd be nice to have another theatre in the rotation, but it's hard to justify booting something that brings in full auditoriums most days of the week!

[Dr Tom]

I wonder if they’ll edit the OJ reference tonight?

[christya]

The only edit I'd be tempted to do there would be to have OJ actually on the stage. Make it clear where he went.

[Dr Tom]

Start of the matinee today delayed by a technical issue.

And there I was looking at the cast board and the unthinkable has happened. After 20 or so times in a row seeing Richard Lloyd-King as Mafala Hatimbi, Kirk Patterson is advertised as being on.

[Dr Tom]

30 minutes in and the Associate Director has been on the stage to say there are sound issues, but they are working on it. His microphone worked. Mass exodus to the bar now. Still, more information than last time I was here with a show stop, which is appreciated.

[Dr Tom]

Did start about 15:10 (perfect sound). The show is having a religious effect on people near me. The woman behind keeps saying “Oh God”. The woman to the side is now doing the same, but with the odd “On Jesus” thrown in for good measure.

Super cast with most of the swings on, and an equally enthusiastic audience.

[Dr Tom]

For anyone curious, the OJ line got almost as much cheering and applause as the Nigel Farage line. A full and instant standing ovation at the end as well, which I haven't seen at BoM for a while.

I also saw Sam Tutty afterwards walking a little dog, along with a female friend. Impossible to say which of them was the cutest!

[christya]

Shared by the Book of Mormon Twitter page earlier, looks to be done for fun by some Korean musical theatre folk - their version of 'Hello'.

Looks really good fun and very well done!

[ilovewemusicals]

From 35 mins 36 seconds in, sounds a bit like Tobias Turley could be the new Elder Price. A sly wink etc. and talking about not knowing what’s on the horizon after talking about Book of Mormon.

[Dr Tom]

It's been a few months since I've remembered to write a show report. I guess mostly because this remains on the most watchable shows in town, but the current cast are very solid in their roles now, so there's not so much new to add until cast change.

The London cast has restored my faith in this production having seen the rather lacklustre Broadway cast. The London cast may mess around more than the Broadway cast, but the whole production is just so much more alive and fun.

I did get to see a very rare Jed Hoyle as Elder Cunningham show earlier this year, one of very few times he was on. That was quite tight from noticing the announcement, to booking a ticket, to just making it to the theatre with minutes to spare. Jed is one of the most talented swings and I loved his different take on the role.

I was at a loose end yesterday (Saturday) afternoon, didn't get Rush initially, but then checked again about 11am and managed to get my favourite seat (front row, one of centre to not be behind the conductor), so my luck was definitely in. Even better, Dionne Ward Anderson was on as Nabulungi. I've seen her once before, but the show was cancelled part way through, so good to see her reach the end. She sings Sal Tlay Ka Siti beautifully.

There's been a mini cast change with some of the cast joining the tour. Robin Simoes Da Silva is now Standby Elder Cunningham. I'll be keen to see Robin's take. Myles Hart had also popped in to join the ensemble, which was a nice treat, but he can't be around for long as he's joining Moulin Rouge soon.

Sean Parkins, who is also a talented swing, was covering Dionne's usual track, which was interesting. He makes for a very caring mother. This does make for a rather funny Joseph Smith American Moses. There is a word about the sexual activity he was enjoying with Shak at the end of the song, but I suspect it's one that shouldn't be used on Theatreboard.

There was also a very funny "Making Things Up Again" where poor Connor Peirson was fed completely the wrong line (a repeat of an earlier one). No amount of hunting through The Book of Mormon let him find a line that would bring things back on track. After an eternity, the show resumed a few lines later, making absolutely no sense, but some of the cast still managed to keep a straight face. That was rather the feel for the show.

So, still one of the strongest shows in London. Let's see what happens with cast change and if the rumours about Tobias are true. I still haven't managed to see him in Mamma Mia as he's been off when I've attended, but I'm sure he'll be an excellent Elder Price. It would, however, be a shame to lose Blair Gibson after only one year.

[alece10]

A return visit last night to take a friend who had never seen it before. Still funny as hell even though I've seen it many times.
Great cast who gave 100%.
At the end of the show they had a collection for Acting For Others which included selling cast posters for £25 so I got one to add to my poster collection.

[danb]

Signed cast posters?

[alece10]

Sept 28, 2024 7:45:00 GMT danb said:

Signed cast posters?

Yes and it's rather colourful and cool as they have all used different coloured sharpies.

[lewjohnny96]

Saw this this evening and still absolutely love it. I think I’ve seen every cast except for the original in London. Blair and Conner are great, but I cant help but miss some of the previous casts…

Everyone does such a great job but I found myself yearning for the Dom Simpson Tom Xander combo and of course the incomparable Steven Webb. For me that was when this show was at its greatest.

This is by no means to say anything negative about anyone in the slightest. I just feel that as they did it for so long each of them, they would have had time to finesse every little aspect of their shows and I miss watching them be so fabulous.

But regardless, I loved the show this evening and I’m so grateful it’s lasted so long and truly hope it continues to last and last.

[yuzu]

Some belated thoughts from visits during the last two months:

Colin Burnicle as Elder McKinley: The first time I saw him, I was sad that Steven Webb was gone, but his utter commitment to the role immediately sold me. Aside from obvious things like the tap dancing in "Turn it Off" and his utter sincerity in "I Am Africa", so many little things when he's not the focus of the scene, like his reluctant jiving along to the villagers' performance in "Joseph Smith American Moses", crack me up every single time. (As a general note, I see those moments, actors, and I appreciate them so much!) I would honestly be devastated if he's going to be replaced in the upcoming cast change.

Conner Peirson as Elder Cunningham: I know it's literally his job, but how is he still so consistently funny after so many years in this role?! Of course he's playing a geek, but it's still very apparent he's got a lovely, warm voice and great movement. I would also be sad to see him go, but I would love to see what he could do in another musical too.

Blair Gibson as Elder Price: Beautiful voice, of course, but the way he sends the audience into fits of laughter just by widening his eyes feels like a magic trick.

Dionne Ward-Anderson: I looked forward to how she would deliver her frog line in one of the final scenes every time, especially the way she bolts away from the General like a kid playing tag. She also sounded lovely as Nabulungi.

Char Burnett: Shoutout to her terrifying yet hilarious expression in "Hasa Diga Eebowai" - it's quite an experience to have her staring right at you as she's yelling. Fingers crossed I'll get to see her as Nabulungi someday.

I think the cast will look very different the next time I visit London, but of course that's theatre. I never really thought I'd love it so much as I'm not the target demographic, but that makes me appreciate the appeal of live theatre all the more.