Groundhog Day the Musical - Old Vic

[ceebee]

This thread is turning into Groundhog Day... we all have different views - personally I absolutely love this show and simply pity those who don't. ;-)

[annette]

Jun 25, 2023 7:58:07 GMT ceebee said:

This thread is turning into Groundhog Day... we all have different views - personally I absolutely love this show and simply pity those who don't. ;-)

Umm, isn’t the whole point of this board for theatre lovers to discuss shows? Invariably we’re all going to have different opinions. There are plenty of people in the world to pity if that’s even the right word ( people living in war zones, extreme poverty and places where they could be executed for just wanting to live their lives honestly, to name but a few). I don’t think anyone who doesn’t absolutely love Groundhog Day is in the same category, although maybe us dissenters should consider forming some sort of support group 😏.

[ceebee]

Jun 25, 2023 12:05:49 GMT annette said:

Jun 25, 2023 7:58:07 GMT ceebee said:

This thread is turning into Groundhog Day... we all have different views - personally I absolutely love this show and simply pity those who don't. ;-)

Umm, isn’t the whole point of this board for theatre lovers to discuss shows? Invariably we’re all going to have different opinions. There are plenty of people in the world to pity if that’s even the right word ( people living in war zones, extreme poverty and places where they could be executed for just wanting to live their lives honestly, to name but a few). I don’t think anyone who doesn’t absolutely love Groundhog Day is in the same category, although maybe us dissenters should consider forming some sort of support group 😏.

The little winky face at the end was the giveaway that I was joking...

[annette]

🤦‍♀️

[stallsfrontrow]

So, there's been some talk of a West End transfer - I know Tim Minchin has hinted at this recently, not sure if there's been anything else I've missed. Do we think that's likely to happen? And what are the chances Andy Karl will stay with the show if it does?

[jamb0r]

In the Empire film podcast from 8th June Tim, Danny & Matthew talk extensively about how they made this new production specifically so that it could tour, and their ultimate hopes are for an extended West End run, a tour and international productions (Tim said there are Australian producers that are interested). They also discussed how initially they can't imagine anyone else playing Phil but they are sure they would find someone else, similarly to how they never imagined anyone else could ever play Matilda but there have since been hundreds.

Would definitely recommend giving the podcast episode a listen!

In other news, looks like the £40 'day rate' is no more ☹️ They weren't offering it on any of the days I checked last week, and it's not available today despite about a quarter of the stalls still being unsold.

[ceebee]

Jun 26, 2023 9:26:42 GMT stallsfrontrow said:

So, there's been some talk of a West End transfer - I know Tim Minchin has hinted at this recently, not sure if there's been anything else I've missed. Do we think that's likely to happen? And what are the chances Andy Karl will stay with the show if it does?

I have no knowledge of whether it will or not, but ticket sakes at the OV are sluggish (possibly due to some ambitious initial pricing) with the expensive central stalls block only shifting when prices drop. Can definitely see a tour but others in the know seem to doubt a west end transfer.

[ceebee]

Jun 26, 2023 9:47:06 GMT jamb0r said:

In the Empire film podcast from 8th June Tim, Danny & Matthew talk extensively about how they made this new production specifically so that it could tour, and their ultimate hopes are for an extended West End run, a tour and international productions (Tim said there are Australian producers that are interested). They also discussed how initially they can't imagine anyone else playing Phil but they are sure they would find someone else, similarly to how they never imagined anyone else could ever play Matilda but there have since been hundreds.

Would definitely recommend giving the podcast episode a listen!

In other news, looks like the £40 'day rate' is no more ☹️ They weren't offering it on any of the days I checked last week, and it's not available today despite about a quarter of the stalls still being unsold.

Day rate was active Mon, Tues, Weds last week. Fri/Sat shows are seeing top tier prices lowered to 70-85 where availability is high. Where low, the 100/140 prices are sticking.

[stallsfrontrow]

Thanks, both, for your perspectives. I've been looking at ticket prices and availability over the last few days and (with the caveat that I don't have the full picture, just anecdotal evidence, and this is only my view as an audience member) I'm a little baffled as to what's going on.

Looking back at 2016, I paid between £60 and £67.50 to sit in the best seats in the stalls each time I went, apart from one PWC preview. I know ticket prices have gone up (although isn't this new version supposed to be cheaper to run?) but it seems bizarre to me - looking at the next performance I'm going to, which isn't far away, a huge chunk of the stalls is unsold at £140 and £110. Wouldn't it be better to drop the prices a bit and build some excitement? Or at least, drop them earlier than a day or two ahead of time? Or even have weekly rush tickets or something - I've seen a lot of comments on social media from younger people who want to go but are put off by the prices. I remember last time it was pretty much always sold out, plus people were queueing for day tickets from the early hours.

It feels a little worrying that after such a long wait to get it back here, the pricing strategy could be causing issues. In 2016, with the momentum it had, I felt it could have immediately transferred to the West End, continued to sell extremely well, and stayed there for years. Now, I don't know. I don't want to say anything negative about the show because it's wonderful - I just hope the Old Vic can get more people in to see it, because I'm sure most of them would love the show too, and also to boost its chances of having a longer life after this run.

[mrnutz]

This doesn't seem to be selling well, and also no day rate coming up today?

[ceebee]

I've a hunch this will start appearing on TKTS around £60 to suck some of the tourists south of the river.

[jamb0r]

Still no day rate, but they've just dynamically priced all seats down for tonight. Big chunk of the stalls now £39

[BVM]

Really enjoyed this last night. First time seeing it having missed it the first time round. I am a massive impressive/lavish set geek so after all the raving about the initial staging really was sorry to have missed it.

Anyway, that aside, I thought this was sensational. Such a well constructed musical where book, music, lyrics, cast and staging all come together to produce something really special. I honestly couldn't find any weak elements.

Andy Karl is a revelation (seriously the stamina to be on stage almost the entire time in such a physical role) and Tanisha Spring is simply sensational. One of my favourite Satines in Moulin Rouge but is next level here (proof as if needed that the MR direction somehow holds their leads back rather than their ability). She shines.

I am also a music geek. I like the score and it serves the piece well - there's not that many stand out songs that I'd listen to over and over on the CD though. The Act 1 closer is my favourite melody which I adore. It's sort of a shame it's cut up on stage interspersed by spoken sections but I guess that's needed for the narrative. It's my highlight of the recording and listened to it about 10 times on the train home! And overall I prefer the music (and indeed the musical) to Matilda. I'd be interested to see what Tim Minchin does next (if anything?) musicals wise.

[mattnyc]

I asked Andy the other day if the show was getting a transfer, if he would be doing it and (take this with a grain of salt), he said he’s heard that but he’s got to get back to New York and has stuff lined up there.

So, who knows what’ll happen. But thought I’d share.

[londonmzfitz]

Being an old bird I went to the matinee yesterday - £33! - thank you very much! 3rd time this run, and I'm still finding little gems. The lighting made an impact on me this visit - it's so important to get the stage dark for the change/repeat scenes, but the falling snow too. I can't tell you just how much I'm loving this show. As BVM above, I can't find a weak spot, and for me the music, the lyrics, are in my head (and I was "1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8" stepping to the tube for ages after).

Busy matinee too, saw a bunch of school children heading towards the theatre but didn't hear a thing from them (would a few of those lines would be 15+ rating)?

Love it.

[Latecomer]

Jun 29, 2023 17:20:51 GMT londonmzfitz said:

Being an old bird I went to the matinee yesterday - £33! - thank you very much! 3rd time this run, and I'm still finding little gems. The lighting made an impact on me this visit - it's so important to get the stage dark for the change/repeat scenes, but the falling snow too. I can't tell you just how much I'm loving this show. As BVM above, I can't find a weak spot, and for me the music, the lyrics, are in my head (and I was "1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8" stepping to the tube for ages after).

Busy matinee too, saw a bunch of school children heading towards the theatre but didn't hear a thing from them (would a few of those lines would be 15+ rating)?

Love it.

I was there too! The £33 seats are a steal for a new 60yr old! 
It was fab wasn’t it! And well behaved crowd. 
So much energy from the cast (How does she just leap up onto those park benches!) and the changing of clothes skills are right up there! 
Loved the car chase. 
And second half songs genuinely moving. 

[ceebee]

It's just a great show really, isn't it?

[djdan14]

So anyone think this could potentially slot into the lyric for a limited run until Hadestown moves in? Finishes at the Old Vic the same day as Aspects closes…

[mrbarnaby]

This will transfer to the Savoy. Deal about to be signed

[mattnyc]

Seems like a big theatre for a show that’s having a tough sell at Old Vic, no?

[ceebee]

Jun 30, 2023 17:30:18 GMT mrbarnaby said:

This will transfer to the Savoy. Deal about to be signed

This has made my day, and you are rarely (if ever?) wrong.

[ceebee]

Jun 30, 2023 17:39:04 GMT mattnyc said:

Seems like a big theatre for a show that’s having a tough sell at Old Vic, no?

Tourist traffic plus it's directly opposite another film-to-stage show... I think the location is excellent.

[mrbarnaby]

Jun 30, 2023 17:39:04 GMT mattnyc said:

Seems like a big theatre for a show that’s having a tough sell at Old Vic, no?

It’s not a big theatre

[mattnyc]

Jun 30, 2023 17:47:45 GMT mrbarnaby said:

Jun 30, 2023 17:39:04 GMT mattnyc said:

Seems like a big theatre for a show that’s having a tough sell at Old Vic, no?

It’s not a big theatre

I just looked up the capacity and for some reason, i thought it was larger. Wonder if they’ll bring the revolve back. Either way, I can’t wait!

[mrbarnaby]

They wanted the Adelphi but it’s not free anytime soon