Big Fish

[Steve]

Nov 4, 2017 13:30:19 GMT mallardo said:

Well, I saw the Broadway version and I don't recognize it from what you've written here, Steve. This must be one of the most comprehensive rewrites in MT history. I guess I have to see it now.

Nov 9, 2017 19:13:02 GMT @cardinalpirelli said:

Nobody’s opinion is of worth to anyone else other than in how it reveals things about the person holding the opinion. A poor review of something I liked (or vice versa) makes me realise how little I have in common with the reviewer, it doesn't change any opinion I hold.

I haven't had time to read the reviews yet, but Cardinal Pirelli's point is well taken.

We are all reviewing ourselves, as well as a show, when we write a review, exposing our values. I'm a cryer, and even if I know a show's sentimental, if I cry, I'll rate that show highly. Same goes for other emotions, as I want to FEEL something at a show. When a show makes me feel nothing, I usually don't bother writing about it at all.

I remember that tedious show about climate change at the Royal Court, which said nothing a million tv documentaries haven't already said, but less concisely. Billington gave it 5 stars because it told the truth and said something important, even though it said nothing new, and said it in an unoriginal way. Billington's core review value was not related to how entertaining or engaging the show was, but how important it's message. And that's completely valid for him. For me, the show was 2 stars, because even though I thought the message true and important, I was bored (the cardinal sin, for me), and felt like I'd heard the message already from more engaging sources.  For me that was 2 stars. But there was nothing "intrinsically 2 stars" or "intrinsically 5 stars" about that show. Those ratings are just a comment on the person giving them.

This show moved me so much more than the film, which left me colder than a dry dead fish. For me, this show is a warm vibrant living fish, soppy but great company from start to finish. I never stopped smiling.

As for reviews, whether I agree with him or not, the one I want to read is Mallardo's, because one of his core values is understanding storytelling, and I learn a LOT from what he has to say. Bring it on, Mallardo! Please.

[Someone in a tree]

Loved Matthew S-Y and Claire Burt. ‘‘Twas nice to see KG on stage but the show is poor. I really didn’t care for the characters and score is a poor mans Jason Robert Brown. I am in agreement with the negative reviews

[mrbarnaby]

Nothing I’m reading is making want to see this. So thanks for saving me some cash!

[Deleted]

I get that you are making that choice based on what you are reading on here, but it does make me sad that some will read the professional reviews, or just look at the star rating and not go. Because for those who liked it, they really liked it and I think for some, there is really something to gain from watching this show. Just my opinion of course, but it does make me sad.

[Jon]

Nov 11, 2017 17:09:57 GMT danieljohnson14 said:

I get that you are making that choice based on what you are reading on here, but it does make me sad that some will read the professional reviews, or just look at the star rating and not go. Because for those who liked it, they really liked it and I think for some, there is really something to gain from watching this show. Just my opinion of course, but it does make me sad.

But it would be the same thing if a show got rave reviews and someone goes and absolutely hate it. Everyone has different opinions and reactions to shows so you can't say it's sad that someone disliked something you loved. 

[stevej678]

Just out from the matinee which received a full standing ovation from a pretty much sold-out audience this afternoon.

It took me a little while to fully get into it but from when the story switched to the circus I was sold. Great zany fun and then an ending that packs quite a punch. I guess in that moment Kelsey Grammar represents someone different to each of us.

Not the greatest score in the world by any means but Little Lamb From Alabama and Red, White and True are worth the admission alone. Really nice performances from Matthew Seadon-Young, Jamie Muscato and Laura Baldwin too.

I'm not sure what show the reviewers went to see but despite a few flaws I thought Big Fish was quite the catch.

[Deleted]

Nov 11, 2017 17:21:21 GMT Jon said:

Nov 11, 2017 17:09:57 GMT danieljohnson14 said:

I get that you are making that choice based on what you are reading on here, but it does make me sad that some will read the professional reviews, or just look at the star rating and not go. Because for those who liked it, they really liked it and I think for some, there is really something to gain from watching this show. Just my opinion of course, but it does make me sad.

But it would be the same thing if a show got rave reviews and someone goes and absolutely hate it. Everyone has different opinions and reactions to shows so you can't say it's sad that someone disliked something you loved. 

I didn't say I was sad about their opinion, I said I was sad it would put people off going.

This is why we need a wider variety of reviewers (in my opinion!).

[Phantom of London]

I was at the same performance, in fact I am just having soup and tea in M&S opposite.

It could be said this was gloppy or leaden, but I would also offer this is strangely very enjoyable. A big improvement then the version on Broadway several years ago, where all I recall from that is Norbet Leo Butz giving a tremendous performance, Daffodils and a big fish being hauled out of the orchestra pit. However this story is what it is and really it is a simple story of man loving his wife, but also a few tales on the way, if you said this is far fetched, then I would say "guilty as charged" - but what musical isn't, it wouldn't be a musical if it didn't stretch the truth?

Kelsey Grammar who I have seen several times before gives his best performance to date, with a touching and earnest performance, even Matthew Seyton Young who I started thinking wasn't that good, even grew on me.

4 Stars

[Deleted]

Nov 11, 2017 17:35:12 GMT danieljohnson14 said:

Nov 11, 2017 17:21:21 GMT Jon said:

But it would be the same thing if a show got rave reviews and someone goes and absolutely hate it. Everyone has different opinions and reactions to shows so you can't say it's sad that someone disliked something you loved. 

I didn't say I was sad about their opinion, I said I was sad it would put people off going.

This is why we need a wider variety of reviewers (in my opinion!).

I haven’t seen it yet (my turn next weekend!) but I know what you are saying...

But, do you know what? There’s something really special about “getting” something that a lot of others don’t. The Go-Between comes to mind. I loved that. The critics didn’t, not really, in London. But I couldn’t care less.

But it is sad for the show, I agree, when the masses are put off by reviews. 

[romeo94]

There's no TodayTix Rush/lottery or day seats for this - am I right?

[Mark]

Nov 12, 2017 15:59:25 GMT romeo94 said:

There's no TodayTix Rush/lottery or day seats for this - am I right?

Correct.

Not seen any kind of discounts yet

[sam22]

Nov 12, 2017 16:32:03 GMT Mark said:

Nov 12, 2017 15:59:25 GMT romeo94 said:

There's no TodayTix Rush/lottery or day seats for this - am I right?

Correct.

Not seen any kind of discounts yet

It is on the Todaytix app now with tickets from £45 so maybe keep checking back as other shows have had offers added at a later date.

I'm off to see this on 25 November, looking forward to it now and not been to the Other Palace since it was the St James in 2014!

[Mark]

Dynamic pricing kicked in nicely for tonight and I was able to buy a fairly decent seat for £32 in row L. Cheapest I've seen them down to

[Mark]

A very different show to what I expected.

Having loved the movie I was glad when this was announced, although had never seen/heard any of the Broadway production other than a short trailer.

My favourite parts of the show were the "fantasy" sequences, which I thought worked really well. I found the show dragged for about the first half hour or so. Found the score to be a bit "generic musical theatre", although there were some good moments. It was the end the first act when it all started coming together for me, and act two became much stronger.

Cast excellent, glad to see Landi Oshinowo back on stage, just wish she'd had more to do! Loved Jamie Muscato as Young Edward.

Recommended, but I can see why this got 3*/average reviews. For me, it's a solid 7/10.

[wickedgrin]

This is hardly a sell out even with Kelsey Grammar in a small theatre. I would have thought, perhaps, that he would have sold it on his appearance alone - seemingly not.

I gave it a 3 star review from a preview performance before the press reviews came out, but generally I was in agreement with them for once. However, to be fair the audience around me LOVED it and it did receive a full spontaneous standing ovation the night I went. Clearly though word of mouth has not sold it either. There is LOTS of availability.

[karloscar]

Kelsey Grammar was very funny promoting Big Fish on Graham Norton this morning, and the song they played made me want to check this out. I do like most Andrew Lippa scores, but they never quite hit the spot when it comes to show stopping hit songs.

[loureviews]

I thought it was fabulous, fantastic and touching. No sound issues.

[ali973]

Nov 16, 2017 22:39:54 GMT Mark said:

Cast excellent, glad to see Landi Oshinowo back on stage, just wish she'd had more to do! Loved Jamie Muscato as Young Edward.

^ This. I was very happy to see her name listed when they first announced the entire cast. 

Anyone recall her And I Am Telling You at the Dress Circle benefit gala (circa 2012?)?



 

[sf]

Was also there this afternoon, and also found it a mixed bag - although a lot of people seemed to like it more than I did. I didn't hate it, and the final scenes are genuinely moving, but the second act is better than the first and the book is (much) better than the very, very anaemic score. I loved Kelsey Grammer, Clare Burt, and Matthew Seadon-Young, and also most of the supporting performances; unfortunately Jamie Muscato's Story Edward is utterly charmless, and that's possibly an even bigger problem than the score.

[Deleted]

The only scene I had an issue with is the first, which doesn't set up the show that well and goes on for like 20 minutes of an attempt at a wedding speech? That scene needed cutting down at first preview, is it still long now? It was pretty much the only "issue" I had with the show generally.

[Mark]

Nov 19, 2017 0:10:04 GMT danieljohnson14 said:

The only scene I had an issue with is the first, which doesn't set up the show that well and goes on for like 20 minutes of an attempt at a wedding speech? That scene needed cutting down at first preview, is it still long now? It was pretty much the only "issue" I had with the show generally.

It's still very long. I can't recall many musicals which make you wait 20 mins for a song.

[Someone in a tree]

Nov 19, 2017 8:19:06 GMT Mark said:

Nov 19, 2017 0:10:04 GMT danieljohnson14 said:

The only scene I had an issue with is the first, which doesn't set up the show that well and goes on for like 20 minutes of an attempt at a wedding speech? That scene needed cutting down at first preview, is it still long now? It was pretty much the only "issue" I had with the show generally.

It's still very long. I can't recall many musicals which make you wait 20 mins for a song.

And then when the songs arrive you think it wasn’t worth the wait

[Boob]

Agreed. For once, I’m with the critics who gave it two stars. This actually has to be one of my least favourite shows of the year. But I thought the lady with red hair was very good.

[Deleted]

Oh dear... and there’s me looking forward a nice Sunday In The Other Palace with Annas. 

[manu]

I loved it, in my opinion it is a really beautiful show. In the last ten years I have seen about sixty different musicals in the west end, and this is one of those who has moved me more, and reminded me how magical a theater evening can be. I highly recommend it!