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Post by martin1965 on Apr 18, 2017 11:55:35 GMT
All booked for mat on 12 August, lovely lady on phone☺
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Post by Dawnstar on Apr 18, 2017 12:59:27 GMT
I've booked for 12th August matinee too. Looks like it's a popular date for the board!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 18, 2017 13:06:05 GMT
Awwww!!! I say we start a sing a long! ;-)
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Post by Deleted on Apr 18, 2017 13:35:25 GMT
I've booked for 12th August matinee too. Looks like it's a popular date for the board! As you trudge along that long country lane in the pouring rain and that taxi passes you, speeding through the pothole puddle and drenching you from head to foot in Berkshire pondwater, look up to that cheery face waving at you from the back of the receding taxi, and wave back at martin1865. |
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Post by andromedadench on Apr 18, 2017 13:48:24 GMT
I've booked for 12th August matinee too. Looks like it's a popular date for the board! As you trudge along that long country lane in the pouring rain and that taxi passes you, speeding through the pothole puddle and drenching you from head to foot in Berkshire pondwater, look up to that cheery face waving at you from the back of the receding taxi, and wave back at martin1865. Well, that's immersive-theatre for you. |
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Post by martin1965 on Apr 18, 2017 15:33:18 GMT
I've booked for 12th August matinee too. Looks like it's a popular date for the board! As you trudge along that long country lane in the pouring rain and that taxi passes you, speeding through the pothole puddle and drenching you from head to foot in Berkshire pondwater, look up to that cheery face waving at you from the back of the receding taxi, and wave back at martin1865. I will be polite and wave!😄 |
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Post by Dawnstar on Apr 18, 2017 16:20:21 GMT
I've booked for 12th August matinee too. Looks like it's a popular date for the board! As you trudge along that long country lane in the pouring rain and that taxi passes you, speeding through the pothole puddle and drenching you from head to foot in Berkshire pondwater, look up to that cheery face waving at you from the back of the receding taxi, and wave back at martin1865. Actually I was thinking if several people are going to the same performance we could look into taxi sharing, though obviously everyone would have to work out their train times first. |
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Post by martin1965 on Apr 18, 2017 17:12:02 GMT
As you trudge along that long country lane in the pouring rain and that taxi passes you, speeding through the pothole puddle and drenching you from head to foot in Berkshire pondwater, look up to that cheery face waving at you from the back of the receding taxi, and wave back at martin1865. Actually I was thinking if several people are going to the same performance we could look into taxi sharing, though obviously everyone would have to work out their train times first. Good idea, BO lady said fare ought to be around a fiver, which is obvs ok. We could coordinate nearer the time? |
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Post by Dawnstar on Apr 18, 2017 19:24:37 GMT
Actually I was thinking if several people are going to the same performance we could look into taxi sharing, though obviously everyone would have to work out their train times first. Good idea, BO lady said fare ought to be around a fiver, which is obvs ok. We could coordinate nearer the time? Oh, that's not as bad as I thought it'd be price-wise. Yes, definintely. I've had a look at possible trains but it's too early to check any engineering etc. for that particular Saturday at the moment. |
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Post by Someone in a tree on May 6, 2017 17:38:13 GMT
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Post by martin1965 on May 6, 2017 20:01:54 GMT
Good cast, looking forward to first visit to Watermill😁
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Post by Phantom of London on Jul 29, 2017 17:22:59 GMT
Just on the train on the way back from Newbury.
I going to say the same as I said about Ragtime at he Charing Cross Theare, I don't get Actor/ Musician pieces, it destroys the poignancy of the piece and distract from the main acting where possible, for me actors belong on the stage and the musicians in the pit (or alternative) and never the twain shall they meet. Although I was aware of this disappointing genre before I went, as I have seen other stuff there, I thought I give it another go as it has one of Stephen Sondheim's best songs in it 'Send In The Clowns', that should send a visceral shiver down my spine, this one didn't.
Some very good performances and I wish I was that talented!!
3 Stars
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2017 11:10:06 GMT
Seeing this a week on Saturday, only ever seen the concert version they did at the palace a few years ago, so very much looking forward to seeing more of a staged version!
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Post by martin1965 on Aug 2, 2017 12:08:41 GMT
Seeing this a week on Saturday, only ever seen the concert version they did at the palace a few years ago, so very much looking forward to seeing more of a staged version! Im there on 12/8 matinee! Wasnt there mention of sharing taxi from Newbury? |
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Post by David J on Aug 2, 2017 20:16:05 GMT
Well I've got to say i admire sondheims attention to character here. The first act is one big build up to the the main event "A weekend in the country" and what a marvellous song it is
Every character is gradually introduced and performed with exuberance by the cast. Everyone stands out here
There is one glaring issue for me. Anyone who is new to the musical should read up the the first 15 minutes or so because I couldn't tell a thing that was going on
I could tell there's this long melodic song before we get down to the story. But with everyone whirling around with their instruments I could not tell what was going on
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Post by crabtree on Aug 2, 2017 21:50:59 GMT
Sex, or the pursuit of sex, is generally what is going on. Every day a kittle death, the French version of which, I gather, means orgasm. watching little things grow, indeed.
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Post by tmesis on Aug 3, 2017 20:32:14 GMT
Just back from today's matinee.
A few minor reservations but overall loved it.
I saw Sir Trev's version at MCF and adored that but this is almost in that league and what a fantastic, near perfect, musical it is with humour and poignancy exquisitely balanced.
Design/costumes:
A handsome, classy looking show.A single set, but very atmospheric and really lovely lighting effects. The auditorium absolutely matches the set in a way that is hard to explain but you'll know what I mean if you go.
That actor/musician malarkey:
I'm really no fan of this but it really didn't get in the way. Just occasionally when Frederick or The Count where holding respectively a trumpet and a soprano sax and then only contributed two notes at the beginning or end you thought, why bother? Particularly as a) loads of other instruments were playing and b) they were left holding their instruments throughout the song.
Direction:
Really skilfully done with seamless transitions.
Performers:
No real weak links. Maybe Frederick could have had more personality but his singing was excellent. Both Desiree and the Count really strong. Dilly Keane an excellent Madame. She times her one-liners well and was better than Lipman. For Liaisons she channels her inner Gingold.
Overall:
I was quite anxious about this since I love it so much. It's a tough piece to perform, probably his hardest next to Passion and Sweeny. I thought the actor/musician shtik would compromise standards, but they are very high. Tunick's original orchestrations are masterful but it has been so skilfully re-arranged that most of the Ravel-like original remains. (Some stonking clarinet in Send in the Clowns.)
.....and is there a nicer theatre in Britain to visit?
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Post by sayers500 on Aug 3, 2017 22:36:19 GMT
Just back from today's matinee. A few minor reservations but overall loved it. I saw Sir Trev's version at MCF and adored that but this is almost in that league and what a fantastic, near perfect, musical it is with humour and poignancy exquisitely balanced. Design/costumes: A handsome, classy looking show.A single set, but very atmospheric and really lovely lighting effects. The auditorium absolutely matches the set in a way that is hard to explain but you'll know what I mean if you go. That actor/musician malarkey: I'm really no fan of this but it really didn't get in the way. Just occasionally when Frederick or The Count where holding respectively a trumpet and a soprano sax and then only contributed two notes at the beginning or end you thought, why bother? Particularly as a) loads of other instruments were playing and b) they were left holding their instruments throughout the song. Direction: Really skilfully done with seamless transitions. Performers: No real weak links. Maybe Frederick could have had more personality but his singing was excellent. Both Desiree and the Count really strong. Dilly Keane an excellent Madame. She times her one-liners well and was better than Lipman. For Liaisons she channels her inner Gingold. Overall: I was quite anxious about this since I love it so much. It's a tough piece to perform, probably his hardest next to Passion and Sweeny. I thought the actor/musician shtik would compromise standards, but they are very high. Tunick's original orchestrations are masterful but it has been so skilfully re-arranged that most of the Ravel-like original remains. (Some stonking clarinet in Send in the Clowns.) .....and is there a nicer theatre in Britain to visit? I was also at the matinee and totally agree with you. My minor quibble was Henrik who seemed to struggle through Later and Anne's piccolo playing during Now which seemed to jar. |
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Post by zermatt on Aug 4, 2017 0:22:53 GMT
Adore the Watermill and adore this score. Can't wait to be there this weekend! Any advice on a good restaurant beforehand if you aren't dining at The Watermill?
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Post by martin1965 on Aug 12, 2017 17:04:33 GMT
Just waiting for train after matinee. Cant believe its nearly thirty years since my last LNM production! This was really good, all the cast very talented with the instruments. First visit to the Watermill, lovely setting. Will come again😊
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Post by Dawnstar on Aug 12, 2017 21:47:25 GMT
I too was at this afternoon's matinee. I wrote a whole lot about it on the train back to London then forgot to post it before I turned my phone off! In short: I enjoyed it (though I would have probably enjoyed it even more if it hadn't been actor-musician). I thought Josefina Gabrielle & Alastair Brookshaw were very moving as Desiree & Fredrick. Phoebe Fides (Countess), Alex Hammond (Count) & Benefict Salter (Henrik) were the other standout performers for me. It was the first time I'd been to the theatre & the location is certainly rural-idyll-esque, even if the transport links aren't idyllic: my transport cost me nearly twice as much as my theatre ticket!
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Post by martin1965 on Aug 12, 2017 23:10:01 GMT
I too was at this afternoon's matinee. I wrote a whole lot about it on the train back to London then forgot to post it before I turned my phone off! In short: I enjoyed it (though I would have probably enjoyed it even more if it hadn't been actor-musician). I thought Josefina Gabrielle & Alastair Brookshaw were very moving as Desiree & Fredrick. Phoebe Fides (Countess), Alex Hammond (Count) & Benefict Salter (Henrik) were the other standout performers for me. It was the first time I'd been to the theatre & the location is certainly rural-idyll-esque, even if the transport links aren't idyllic: my transport cost me nearly twice as much as my theatre ticket! Yes indeed! The taxi to and from Newbury was £20, much more than the BO told me! I liked the theatre and the setting but play choice and cast would have to be vgood to tempt me back. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2017 11:31:01 GMT
Google Maps says the walk is 52-53 minutes, 2.6 miles, mostly flat. Has anyone done it?
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Post by martin1965 on Aug 13, 2017 12:55:34 GMT
Google Maps says the walk is 52-53 minutes, 2.6 miles, mostly flat. Has anyone done it? Going from the taxi route it looked a good 2 and a bit miles. It looked ok i.e footpaths until you left Newbury when it became lanes and would involve stopping for traffic. I dont mind a walk but when you dont know the area... |
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Post by Dawnstar on Aug 13, 2017 22:10:48 GMT
Yes indeed! The taxi to and from Newbury was £20, much more than the BO told me! I liked the theatre and the setting but play choice and cast would have to be vgood to tempt me back. When booking the taxis the company told me it would be about £12 each way & it ended up as £11 each way (including tips) so that was fairly accurate. Yes, I agree. I wouldn't re-visit unless it was another piece I really wanted to see. Not just due to the cost but also it taking over 3 hours to get there. I was looking at the route as I was being driven there to assess the walk-ability but I think it might be a bit dodgy for the last part, with narrow roads with banks in places so no-where to get off the road when cars come past. |
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