Dazzle

[Latecomer]

Went to see this last night and against majority opinion couldn't bear to stay for second half. The main problem was people laughing like hyenas at anything Andrew Scott's character did....so basically finding disability and tragedy hilarious......I found it excruciating. I have come across this before, when people laugh at racist or horrible bits in plays, but as this was pretty much continuous it was hard to bear. Interestingly not those on the front row but people further back (perhaps the front of the queue was similar theatre obsessives like us?) 

For those still to go, the queue to get in from the bar area inside started before 6.45pm(we were about 8th having joined then)and as soon as it had started it built up very quickly! Seats very closely packed....venue quite cold, wrap up wam! 

Disappointing 

[Zoephile]

The more I ponder last night's performance, the more I think Andrew Scott's performance was the ultimate problem. I'm not referring to his one note performances in everything I've seen him in, though I admit I find his superficial manic style incredibly tiresome to watch. But I got the sense that he was leaving the sort of pauses that felt as though they were cues for audience laughter. He seemed to be playing up to the audience (shades of Tennant in Richard II); I almost expected a ta-da! I too couldn't bring myself to stick it out for the second half, and was relieved not to be the only one.

On a positive note, thanks to all the handy tips over on the home board re queueing, avoiding the second row, and grabbing a cushion. May not have enjoyed the play, but at least it was more comfortable than it might have been.

[patterdalepip]

I am glad that I was not the only one who found this a bit of a slog. The first half was definitely better than the second. Added to that, we got the front row but the seats were very narrow, unfortunately I got three huge guys sat next to me. By the time the 3rd one sat down, he actually partially sat on me! My poor husband ended up sitting half on his seat and half on a lighting box so that I could have some room. -3 last night and it was definitely chilly in there. It was even worse when at half time they opened a door to re-arrange the stage. Apparently they have the venue until the end of the year when the building is due for demolition.

Word of warning, if you are going and want a warm drink, take one with you- the bar only serves hot mulled wine no coffee.

[Polly1]

I did make it to the end - actually thought it was a unique experience and David Dawson was superb but I'm glad it's not only me who has a problem with Andrew Scott. Yes, he has terrific stage presence but at several moments all I could think about was Stan Laurel...

[theglenbucklaird]

Jan 19, 2016 13:40:55 GMT Polly1 said:

...but at several moments all I could think about was Stan Laurel...

Both genii?

[partytentdown]

Also a bit underwhelmed but I felt it picked up in act 2.

The pre-show arrangements are terrible. The queue builds up quickly and isn't managed so people just barged in. And as the entry door to the foyer is next to these entry door to the theatre, anyone coming into the bar just walked right into the start of the queue. They've also rounded up the least comfy chairs in the west end.

Sorry to whine! An interesting play, and actually the perfect brother to Grey Gardens.... fitting as Ms Tarento was in the audience. As was Freddie Fox.

[DuchessConstance]

I agree, being disabled I had to sit down to wait on the only available seat-type object, which happened to be right next to the door leading to the auditorium, so I accidentally queue-jumped right to the front (entirely unintentionally - I thought the auditorium entrance was either at the back of the bar, or outside and up more stairs).

[drmaplewood]

I echo the arrangements in the venue were terrible - but loved the show. Thought all performances were great and left me with an unshakable disturbed feeling after.