Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 - Donmar Warehouse

[sophie92]

I’ll put some of my thoughts in spoilers, just in case anyone doesn’t want to know about set etc before they see it themselves.

SPOILER: Click to show

There’s a very minimal set - letters spelling Moscow adorn the top level, though missing an O, which starts on the stage, and is raised, lowered, and tilted during the performance. On the stage level, there’s a bench/platform running across the back of the stage, with some of the musicians at either end (other musicians are at either end of the top level). None of the acting cast are playing instruments, but the musicians do occasionally join the action. So not much set, but plenty of props (look out for one during The Opera which did make me giggle).

As I previously mentioned, the pink bears seen in the rehearsal photos are only used in relation to Natasha. She enters with a small bear & her luggage, with a large bear then being used for No One Else and after The Abduction. It worked fine for me to convey the character’s youth.

I thought the lighting work was great. The O used on stage is lit, as are the other letters on the top level. There are lightbulbs placed along every row of seating, used to beautiful effect in my opinion.

There are a couple of moments where some of the cast sing from the seating of the Circle (standing in between the front facing block and the side blocks). There is also some audience participation for those in the Stalls, but very minor.

There was one noticeable lyric change that I caught - in The Abduction, ‘Goodbye my gypsy lovers’ has been changed to ‘Goodbye my moonlight lovers’.

The cast are stellar. I wasn’t 100% sure about Declan Bennett as Pierre when casting was announced, but he was brilliant, and I was moved to tears during both Dust & Ashes and The Great Comet of 1812. Chumisa Dornford-May is a delight as Natasha, conveying high-spirited innocence and petulance befitting the character. Jamie Muscato’s Anatole was giving me New Romantic crossed with Regency rake, which was honestly perfect. I’d say it’s quite a different role for him, but he nailed it and looked like he was having an absolute ball. Maimuna Memon’s Sonya Alone was as haunting and powerful as I expected it to be. Cat Simmons was great as Hélène, sexy and mischievous with sultry vocals. I also wanted to mention Chloe Saracco, playing Princess Mary, who has a beautiful voice. Honestly though, the whole cast were excellent.

I really liked the staging, with particular highlights being Prologue and Letters.

Even with the more sombre moments, this is just a really fun show, but I think it will divide opinion. I do think it’s a show where it's better to know what you’re in for music-wise beforehand (though saying that I knew nothing before I saw it for the first time and still loved it, but the music grew on me even more afterwards).

5 Comets from me.

[lightthelights]

Great review thank you

[Afriley]

Fully agree with the review above!

I thought despite the minimal set there were some gorgeous visuals - mirrors, lamps, etc. It’s minimalist but not minimal or bare.

I’ve not seen Declan before and the man has a spectacular voice. Muscato is indeed continents away from his previous romantic hero roles here, all swagger, sheer shirts and alcohol and drug-fuelled frenzy.

The balance between the riotous Balaga and Goodbye and the emotional, poignant moments was well-hit.

No missed cues etc the sound mixing was great from front circle, started a couple minutes later and finished at 22:00 as advertised.

This wasn’t a show I’ve seen before except for clips here and there but gosh, the Donmar might really have something special here.

Only minor quip - I thought they could have done more with Anatole’s entrance. It fell a little flat I felt.

[lightthelights]

Do we think this could go to the ambassadors?

[FJ]

I gave this 2 stars last night but didn't have time to give my full rundown last night unfortunately, so here we go.

I really did like the staging, and think it was really nice to look at for the most part (the finale in particular I thought looked very well done) but I just did not connect with the piece at all.

Admittedly I went in with little to no knowledge of the background material, other than I knew it was based on a section of war and peace, and could not follow it at (I managed to follow a partial story in Act 1 but was completely lost by Act 2).

Other than the prologue, I can't really say I enjoyed any of the numbers enough to give them a second listen on Spotify afterwards. It's very rare for me not to go back to see a show more than once but I don't think I'll be back to this.

I probably would have scored it 2.5 stars, but having to pick between 2 and 3, I really didn't have a good time and was bored for most of the evening, so went with 2.

I can absolutely see that some people would enjoy it though, and I'm sure it's probably a decent production of a show that is just not for me.

[hamletothello]

I agree with the 5 Comets rating. It was a beautiful production with some joyful rousing numbers counterbalanced with moments of real pathos. The cast is outstanding and the harmonies are just gorgeous. I knew the score already and recommend that anyone new to this show gives it a listen beforehand. I hope it does transfer as more people need to see this. It is a very special show. Up there with Next To Normal for me!

[4cb]

I don't see how it would divide anyone. It's mildly entertaining at best. If you decide to ridicule one of the greatest novels, you should probably go all the way down. Now it's kind of like a horny old man who forgot his cialis - trying so hard yet never enough. Has potential though.

2nd quarter of 1st act is dull. 2nd half of 2nd act is dull. Natasha's white socks are wild. Helene's coat looks like she got it from under a dog. Feathers look quite sad. Didn't get the bottle hiding/finding thing in 1st act.

On the positive side, singing is nice, stage decorations are nice. Overall, the cast looks very strong which makes it feel even more of a lost opportunity.

[cmj]

I've been waiting for this to come to London for so long, having seen it in New York without knowing anything about it. I was intrigued to see how it would be staged as this was something I really loved in the Broadway production. The Donmar made excellent use of its small space and the cast is extremely strong. On second viewing I understood the story much more; I would recommend reading a synopsis of the storyline before a visit. This is not a traditional musical and it will definitely divide people in their opinions. Personally I loved it and am lucky enough to be seeing it again later in the run.

[notsotheatrical]

After the dissappointment of The Tempest, I mostly loved this. I mostly thought the staging worked but a lot of it focused to the front and parts of the stalls are potentially more restricted than advertised in pricing.

I already loved the material going into it, and it just feels so much more inventive and exciting than a lot of new musicals, loved Declan, Chumisa and Maimuna in particular although it's a mostly strong ensemble.

Given the production 4 stars although with a rewatch it could be 5 stars.

[thistimetomorrow]

Oh I hadn't realised Chloe Saracco was in this! I'd seen her as Carrie in Carousel at Royal Academy of Music in the last year and thought she was great. Can't wait to see her and the rest of the cast!!

[jackstage]

Dec 10, 2024 9:28:37 GMT lightthelights said:

Do we think this could go to the ambassadors?

This has been my hope. Not sure how feasible it is, but this would be the dream transfer. It would also carry through the Ambassadors support of new, smaller musicals.

[andrew]

Thank you all for the reviews.

My question is

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler - click to view}
Does Jamie show his Muscato?

[heneedshishat]

Those who have been, is the consensus that the content warnings are being very cautious? Nothing making it decidedly 18+?

I have a ticket earmarked for an under 18, but old enough to have been to Cabaret without problem. Please shout if I’ve got the wrong end of the stick.

Many thanks!

[Afriley]

Andrew - this made me cackle like a banshee.

Answer is no.

[elizapot]

Dec 10, 2024 15:06:58 GMT heneedshishat said:

Those who have been, is the consensus that the content warnings are being very cautious? Nothing making it decidedly 18+?

I have a ticket earmarked for an under 18, but old enough to have been to Cabaret without problem. Please shout if I’ve got the wrong end of the stick.

Many thanks!

I don’t have the answer I’m afraid but also very keen to know - seeing this with the family at Christmas!

[Afriley]

I am no prude but anyone ok with Cabaret will be fine.

Some lewd jokes and suggestive gyrating but that’s all.

[max]

Dec 10, 2024 10:35:19 GMT 4cb said:

I don't see how it would divide anyone. It's mildly entertaining at best. If you decide to ridicule one of the greatest novels, you should probably go all the way down. Now it's kind of like a horny old man who forgot his cialis - trying so hard yet never enough. Has potential though.

2nd quarter of 1st act is dull. 2nd half of 2nd act is dull. Natasha's white socks are wild. Helene's coat looks like she got it from under a dog. Feathers look quite sad. Didn't get the bottle hiding/finding thing in 1st act.

On the positive side, singing is nice, stage decorations are nice. Overall, the cast looks very strong which makes it feel even more of a lost opportunity.

You made me Google 'Cialis'.  Have bookmarked - for later in life, of course.

[parsley1]

Let us not forget

How much of a financial flop this was on Broadway

And from 12 Tony nominations

It won best set and best lighting

Both of which are production specific and entirely unrelated to the score

I think it very unlikely this will transfer

It should not

If it does it will be greed and arrogance

Sic Tammy Faye

[c4ndyc4ne]

i think there are some pretty significant reasons why this 'flopped' on broadway - though i agree the broadway producers overestimated its potential.

the donmar version is significantly downsized so would have fewer overheads, so could be very commercially viable by comparison if it did a limited season in a less ambitious space

[hadeswasking]

Dec 10, 2024 19:17:37 GMT parsley1 said:

Let us not forget

How much of a financial flop this was on Broadway

And from 12 Tony nominations

It won best set and best lighting

Both of which are production specific and entirely unrelated to the score

I think it very unlikely this will transfer

It should not

If it does it will be greed and arrogance

Sic Tammy Faye

Have you
Seen it
Parsley?

[phantom13]

Can anyone sitting in the left side stalls (from audience perspective), explain what the staging is like as viewed from that area (in terms of restriction)? Bit nervous about my seats if most of the action is directed towards the central block.

[mrbarnaby]

Dec 10, 2024 19:38:07 GMT phantom13 said:

Can anyone sitting in the left side stalls (from audience perspective), explain what the staging is like as viewed from that area (in terms of restriction)? Bit nervous about my seats if most of the action is directed towards the central block.

Have you never been to the Donmar?

[phantom13]

Dec 10, 2024 19:46:33 GMT mrbarnaby said:

Dec 10, 2024 19:38:07 GMT phantom13 said:

Can anyone sitting in the left side stalls (from audience perspective), explain what the staging is like as viewed from that area (in terms of restriction)? Bit nervous about my seats if most of the action is directed towards the central block.

Have you never been to the Donmar?

Yes, I have but I’ve only sat in the central stalls and central circle. I imagine how impacted you are viewing from the sides would change from production to production dependent on how it’s been directed and staged?

[BurlyBeaR]

Dec 10, 2024 19:46:33 GMT mrbarnaby said:

Dec 10, 2024 19:38:07 GMT phantom13 said:

Can anyone sitting in the left side stalls (from audience perspective), explain what the staging is like as viewed from that area (in terms of restriction)? Bit nervous about my seats if most of the action is directed towards the central block.

Have you never been to the Donmar?

Many people interested in this show have NOT been to the Donmar before. Being helpful would be more appreciated than being dismissive. 

[sophie92]

Dec 10, 2024 19:38:07 GMT phantom13 said:

Can anyone sitting in the left side stalls (from audience perspective), explain what the staging is like as viewed from that area (in terms of restriction)? Bit nervous about my seats if most of the action is directed towards the central block.

If you’re right on the end closest to the back of the stage, I think there might be some restriction. Further over, I don’t think it will be too bad. I was in the central block of the circle, but a handful of scenes aside, I felt it was directed at all sides fairly well.