19,657 posts
|
Post by BurlyBeaR on Nov 16, 2023 10:28:17 GMT
Welcome to the forum. We love a strong opinion here but a little context maybe? |
|
|
|
Post by ladidah on Nov 16, 2023 15:24:41 GMT
3hrs! wow!
|
|
8,096 posts
|
Post by alece10 on Nov 16, 2023 17:03:29 GMT
And with the 7pm start I was hoping to be away by 9.30pm but sounds like it's going to be nearer to 10pm now. Aren't the kids going to be very restless having to sit for 3 hours. |
|
|
|
Post by sophia on Nov 16, 2023 18:05:43 GMT
And with the 7pm start I was hoping to be away by 9.30pm but sounds like it's going to be nearer to 10pm now. Aren't the kids going to be very restless having to sit for 3 hours. 7pm start and last night we were leaving the theatre around 9.45/9.50… |
|
1,476 posts
|
Post by Steve on Nov 16, 2023 18:06:22 GMT
I saw it last Saturday night, and I LOVED it. Some spoilers follow. . . On the downside, the special effects really could benefit from an OMG moment, which doesn't happen. However, on the plus side, Daniel Rigby's performance as the Concierge is comedy gold, possessed of puffed up manic helium, repeatedly punctured and maniacally reinflating. From his first prancing appearance in the "Hotel Magnificent" song to the last, he remains a camp laugh riot that completely reinvents the character from the borefest that Rowan Atkinson and Stanley Tucci were condemned to perform in the films. Also on the plus side, the self-involved showman character, Bruno, is hilarious! We had Cian Eagle-Service on Saturday (the narrator character, opposite him, called Luke in this, was played with dynamic aplomb by Bertie Caplan), and Eagle-Service completely fulfilled the promise he showed in the "Love never Dies" concert, where his uber-curious mini-Phantom was somehow one of the most memorable elements of the show lol. Here he is on major comic form, making snobbish pronouncements like a character out of Oscar Wilde, a comedy coward with a gluttonous weakness for chocolate. He got to perform the showstopping "Bruno" song, which is no simple song, as it possesses, like "Bohemian Rhapsody," comic and dazzling twists and turns, the most major of which occurs when he gets a "sugar rush" from a bite of a chocolate bar. For a moment, I thought I was watching 42nd Street lol! Along with the comic masterpiece "Bruno" song, I also really enjoyed Katherine Kingsley's two big numbers as the Grand High Witch (Kingsley gives great villain, as always), one of which is a call-to-action song ("One Day is Now," or something like that) and the other of which is a more character-based I-hate-children song ("Wouldn't it be nice?" or something like that). Of the two, the second song is the one destined to be penetrate popular culture, as it doubles as a song that parents can use to tease their children and each other about how "nice" it would be if parenting didn't eat up your entire life lol. The thing I would observe about a song like the latter, and about Daniel Rigby's ecstatic comic performance, and about the show-stopping Bruno song, is how much fun there is for adults who go to this show. In that sense, it is a true family show, having something to entertain the kids and something to entertain the grown-ups. I can't imagine that this wouldn't be a massive hit over the Christmas period. Another observation I would make is that while this is more faithful to the Dahl book plot than either of the two films, it's much less dark, and much more comic, than the two film versions, particularly the 1990 one that Dahl so hated, for being too scary and for changing the ending. This means that if it's darkness you want first and foremost, you will be disappointed. By and large, I loved the comedy too much to miss the darkness (the warning states it's for "brave 8 year olds" and above), although the cardboard cutout costumes for the big "Get Up" rendition probably swung a little too much away from darkness towards a U-rating lol. Sally Ann Triplet is a terrific Granny. She drives the plot with urgency, alongside the Luke character, and the storytelling is coherent I thought. She also had one of the few songs that felt somewhat nuanced and lyrically complex. All in all, I loved this enough to vote 4 stars in the poll, and I would definitely see it again after press night.  |
|
5,795 posts
|
Post by mrbarnaby on Nov 16, 2023 18:31:55 GMT
And with the 7pm start I was hoping to be away by 9.30pm but sounds like it's going to be nearer to 10pm now. Aren't the kids going to be very restless having to sit for 3 hours. 7pm start and last night we were leaving the theatre around 9.45/9.50… Oh wow. That’s too long for a family Show. Let’s hope they are cutting like mad. |
|
7,052 posts
Member is Online
|
Post by Jon on Nov 16, 2023 21:06:18 GMT
2 hour 45/50 minutes while long isn't unusual for family musicals, Wicked is 2 hour 50 minutes as was Mary Poppins.
|
|
5,139 posts
|
Post by Being Alive on Nov 16, 2023 21:18:05 GMT
Same with Totoro (which I still argue could have an hour cut out of it and it would be a much better show but what do I know...!)
|
|
4,171 posts
|
Post by anthony40 on Nov 16, 2023 21:32:30 GMT
Caught this last night.
I haven’t read the book but have seen the Angelica Huston film, only once, many years ago.
It was a full house with audience members of all ages, young and old. I was in Row C at the front, on the aisle. For £20, I wasn’t complaining! The compromise was limited leg space; not so much a problem for me in an aisle seat.
I had a very enthusiastic American couple with their 5 year-old son between them. They had bought The Witches T-shirts that they were wearing proudly.
I am trying to not give away too many spoilers.
The set is very ‘Into The Woods’. However there is a large revolve that is used more in the second act, than the first.
When at the Bournemouth hotel, the whole set are varying shades of crimsons, magenta, maroon and pink.
Except for the leads, every adult on stage played multiple roles.
(In truth) I’m not a huge fan of kids on stage but for this kind of show, it really unavoidable.
This is a very family friendly show. Lots of colour, action and comical characters for the kids but also enough adult humour.
The timings quoted in the previous post were pretty accurate.
There are two big dance numbers, with tap dancing and ‘jazz hands’.
There are quite a few costume changes for all and multiple wigs for nearly everyone on stage.
Every Witch removed her hair and had purple fingers and toes.
The costumes were excellent, especially for the Grand High Witch- at one point in the second act during one big solo number I couldn’t help but think drag queens would go crazy!
The stage trickery was excellent, especially for that of the Grand High Witch.
All of the cast are working extremely hard, especially all of the females, making each Witch her own character. There are (at least) 15 Witches!
However, for me there were three stand out performances.
Sally Ann Tripett as the Norwegian Gran- cigar smoking, feisty, tough as nails, yet also very vulnerable.
Daniel Rigby as Mr Stringer, running a hotel in Bournemouth suddenly overrun with mice. He plays it for laughs, and it works!
Katherine Kingsley as the Grand High Witch. Her costumes were great and to my ear, her accent which she maintained throughout, sounded like a fusion of Russian and Swedish!
In the second act, there is an elaborate kitchen sequence; very amusing!
The only thing that ruined it for me was when the set was revolving, from the dining area where the Witches were eating to the kitchen, you could clearly see the backstage staff ‘sandwiched’ between the two sets.
I noted the ending was different from the film. Not having read the book, I don’t know which ending- the ending in this show, or the movie was more true to the book.
4 stars from me
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 16, 2023 21:50:24 GMT
So, lots to say about this show (and would love to say more after they've opened, only fair to give it a chance to bed-in a bit more).
As others have said, some lovely bits, and some great performances (Gran, oh yes. Stringer, yes please. Bruno, one to watch), but overall surprisingly underwhelming. Especially given how long it's been in the making (the un-special effects compared to say Cursed Child are just, well, where did the budget and ingenuity go?!).
And not just on the production side: some very, erm, questionable story/script/character choices that just seem tortuous (and painfully overly-directed).
But all that's for another time. And they are still in Previews after all, and have had to contend with show-stops and set malfunctions and three casts of kids, which must pose its rehearsal challenges.
So fair play and all that and wish them well and have already booked to see the show two more times at least.
But what I will say (and yes, having been an avid "guest" on this forum to soak up all the lovely wisdom and inisghts over the years, I have finally joined specifically to make this post, so forgive the alarming virgin outburst)... for the LOVE OF LARRY can someone reading this post from insde the production please just do this ONE THING?!
Lots to work on, but this ONE THING is just an absolute car-crash (and, spoiler alert, there's an actual one of those and it's done brilliantly) - CAPS LOCK TIME...
YOU CANNOT CANNOT CANNOT HAVE THE GRAND HIGH WITCH CALL A CHILD IN THE AUDIENCE (however obviiously a [spolier] plant) an "ASSHOLE" (and certainly shouldn't entertain the notion of the child misbehaving out of "boredom", a state many geniune audience members were edging towards as the show wended its way thorugh a quite heavy almost 3 hours, but that's another matter). And the whole mobile phone thing is done somewhat clinkily in any case, but again that's for another time.
Yes the show is 8+, but deploying actual swear-words was utterly inept and crass. And totally unnecessary. And I personally love swearing. It didnt make us detest the GHW, but rather made us cringe as if watching a stand-up lose the crowd. (And to have children repeat this aterwards ad nauseum on the way home is, well, not my point, just an added sh*te-cherry on top of the w*nk-cake). Plus it's an Americanism (there were a few of those peppered thoughout, quite jarring, but no doubt eyes on Broadway transfer one day). If you're gonna go there, in Blightly it's "Children are little Sh*ts sometimes".
But just NO. All that is just wrong. Take a leaf out of Miss Trunchbull's book and deploy "Maggots" or similar. There are so many Dahl-esque concoctions to use. "Squiggle-munchers" or "Piggle-pogglers" or similar. Or use the Norwegian for "A**hole". Or use an insult that kids would find funny: "Butt-Munch" "Bogey-Breath", whatever. Something, ANYTHING.
If anyone is out there who would kindly like to pass this onto the Creatives before it is needlessly folded into the Press Reviews next week then I shall die happy. Or at least shall not cringe-cruch into my seat when I next see the show as the dreaded moment approaches.
More to follow in the days to come. Thanks void for allowing me to scream into you. xxx
|
|
1,053 posts
|
Post by David J on Nov 16, 2023 22:11:33 GMT
Hmm. Agree “A-Hole” isn’t exactly Dahl-esque
Something like “Stinking little carbuncle” comes to my mind
Oh to go through the books for more insults
|
|
3,426 posts
|
Post by ceebee on Nov 16, 2023 22:18:41 GMT
(And to have children repeat this aterwards ad nauseum on the way home is, well, not my point, just an added sh*te-cherry on top of the w*nk-cake). For an alarming virgin outburst, you said it like a pro. |
|
19,657 posts
|
Post by BurlyBeaR on Nov 16, 2023 22:21:13 GMT
If anyone is out there who would kindly like to pass this onto the Creatives before it is needlessly folded into the Press Reviews next week then I shall die happy. Or at least shall not cringe-cruch into my seat when I next see the show as the dreaded moment approaches. More to follow in the days to come. Thanks void for allowing me to scream into you. xxx I’m in no doubt that there are people reading this who could pass that on, but won’t. |
|
1,470 posts
|
Post by mkb on Nov 16, 2023 22:22:05 GMT
Now I'm angry. I waited until several nights had passed before booking my 22:03 train home next week. Even now the NT is listing 2:30 as the running time. Why is the NT so inept at simply telling people what time a show is coming out? So that's my Advance train fare money down the drain for the last train back to my hometown. Will have to book a later train to Coventry instead and then £30 Uber. This is on top of the NT's policy of regularly cancelling shows and refusing to transfer your ticket to another night. You are expected to swallow all involuntary price differences. I was all set to renew my Priority membership at the full price of £80, but that swings it. I'm doing a second year without the charitable donation. This is the only way to get these clowns to start treating theatregoers with respect. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 16, 2023 22:23:33 GMT
OK - Dahl-esque insults. Twitvengers Assemble. Let's Go. We can SAVE THE SHOW from it "Ratner moment". And not real ones - only made-up ones that sound like they must be real. Boggle-Bumpers. Cudgle-Munkers. Finkle-Frottles. Flaffen-grubers. More fun with Wine... ;-) xxx
|
|
|
|
Post by thistimetomorrow on Nov 17, 2023 9:59:08 GMT
I thought this was very sweet. The set was lovely and elaborate and the big ensemble numbers were all very fun, but the show is definitely way too long. With a show stop last night we didn't end up getting out until maybe 22.15?
|
|
4,955 posts
|
Post by Someone in a tree on Nov 17, 2023 10:07:58 GMT
Hmm. Agree “A-Hole” isn’t exactly Dahl-esque Something like “Stinking little carbuncle” comes to my mind Oh to go through the books for more insults Thinking of a Dahlesque insult how about something antisemitic? |
|
1,053 posts
|
Post by David J on Nov 17, 2023 10:54:07 GMT
Hmm. Agree “A-Hole” isn’t exactly Dahl-esque Something like “Stinking little carbuncle” comes to my mind Oh to go through the books for more insults Thinking of a Dahlesque insult how about something antisemitic? Seriously? Ever heard of the phrase 'separating the art from the artist' or 'death of the author' If thousands of people can play Hogwarts Legacy without worrying about what JK Rowling has said, and the children this musical is aiming at have no idea about what Dahl expressed outside the books, then I think we can discuss this musical without worrying about that. Found another quote: "You festering gumboil! You fleabitten fungus! … You bursting blister! You moth-eaten maggot!" |
|
|
|
Post by vickyg on Nov 17, 2023 12:59:44 GMT
I saw this on Monday and really did enjoy it, primarily due to the excellent performances of the adults, but it's very ropey at the moment for an NT production. I think I enjoyed it to a 4.5* level but thought it was (only just) a 3* show for now. Hopefully there are improvements and I definitely give a lot of leeway for being in previews and having a lot of children to work with, but in general it's just not slick. The tricks are terrible and completely visible from way back where I was sitting. Some people have commented positively about the costumes which I thought were noticeably bad in many cases, not only cheap looking, but lots of the hotel staff costumes were horrendously creased.
Of course there is no avoiding children in this production but I did think they seemed under rehearsed and the scene where they are all on stage dressed as various household items particularly made me cringe. Costumes were again, not good, and it seemed more school play than national theatre production.
The witches were all great. Funny, unnerving and as someone else said above, each their own character. Mr Stringer - also great. Katherine Kingsley is a total star, vamping and camping it up. Loved her. She got a 'whooo' when she came on in her bedroom outfit and the look she gave the audience was so subtle but so hilarious.
The end time of 9:50pm does pretty much seem to be standard. We had a very short show stop to reset the revolve and I thought the interval possibly seemed a bit longer than normal so maybe they can shave 10 mins off but there would have to be cutting to actually get to 2hrs 30.
Overall I look forward to seeing how this develops and will definitely go at least once more.
|
|
8,096 posts
|
Post by alece10 on Nov 18, 2023 10:35:42 GMT
Saw this on Friday night and enjoyed it very much.
I have to say I expected it to be a more lavish production based on previous experiences at the NT but that didn't spoil my enjoyment of the show.
I thought it was very funny with some great one liners. Loved the idea how the humour was on 2 levels, funny lines for the adults and some slapstick visual comedy for the kids.
Katherine Kingsley and Sally An Triplet as the Grand High Witch and Gran were excellent and I just loved their bizarre accents.
The rest of the witches were great and I especially liked Daniel Rigby as Mr Stringer.
I am not sure which of the kids we had as Bruno but he was brilliant. That is such a great role, very, very camp.
I enjoyed the music although I can't remember any of the songs now. But, in all fairness, that happens a lot with me when I am hearing songs for the first time.
I believe there have been show stops in previous previews but none tonight. Just a couple of minor mishaps including someone falling over a tree on the revolve.
It started about 10 minutes late and finished at 9.50pm. I do feel that some time could be shaved off the run time and found that act 2 dragged a bit for me. My friend also felt that the show didn't really get going until they arrived at the hotel.
Lots of kids in the audience but being the NT they were very well behaved and seemed to be really enjoying it.
I've given it 4 stars - I would say its currently at 3.5 but I am sure by the time it opens any changes will bring it up to 4.
Stage looked high and i noticed some kids standing in parts especially when the mice were running around to see what was happening.
Programme at £5 was great value with lots of puzzles for the kids at the back and I also bought the customary fridge magnet which was £3.95 - best value fridge magnet ever.
Oh and Matt Lucas was sitting a few rows in front of me.
|
|
70 posts
|
Post by TheOneOnTheLeft on Nov 19, 2023 18:28:25 GMT
I had high really hopes for this, being a huge admirer of Dave Malloy’s work so far (also, it is based on one of my favourite children’s books), but was quite disappointed when I saw it yesterday.
The score is just okay (I suspect it will grow on repeated hearing) as is the book, but I found the direction and design totally uninspired. There is no inventive or theatrical effect for any of the magical procedings, I think. (Especially the costumes of the bewitched kids, which seem to come from a bad pantomime!)
The huge cast works hard, but it says something about the whole endeavour when the role that comes out as most interesting is Bruno.
It ran 2 hours 45 minutes last night (now also updated on the website).
I would not recommend the first row bench seats, they seem to miss quite a lot.
Three stars from me.
|
|
1,470 posts
|
Post by mkb on Nov 20, 2023 15:17:43 GMT
|
|
3,325 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Nov 20, 2023 17:45:51 GMT
I saw this on Saturday for the matinee and enjoyed it. There weren't many (disgusting ) kids in, which made it more enjoyable. It is a long show at 2 hours and 50 minutes though. No mishaps that I spotted, other than one of the remote controlled mice ending up on its back. Speaking of mice, they are often running over the stage, but I expect that the front row had no idea. I could just about see them from the third row, although they were blocked by speakers/lighting at various times. Speaking of my seat, a perfect view, especially as I had no one at either side or in front (which was a little odd, as the rest of the theatre was full). I'm glad they stayed faithful to the book. There is some updating to the language (not always sounding very Roald Dahl). Some oddities, like a plant in the audience that I doubt fooled a single person. I suspect this is designed to transfer or tour as they haven't overdone the set (the revolve wasn't really necessary) and there's little in the way of magic and illusions. I do think this could easily lose 20 minutes to make the running time appeal more to children. Overall, enjoyable, and I would see this again. But it is also based on a book that I must have read at least 20 times (although not in the last 20 years). |
|
|
|
Post by bobbievanhusen on Nov 21, 2023 1:20:48 GMT
Having never seen the films or read the book (Danny, Champion of The World was my favourite) and knowing I'm not the target audience for this, I thought it was all a bit... meh.
Where to start. The music. I dont think Dave Malloy was the right person for this. There's nothing memorable in it and if I did remember it, it's because it reminded me of something else. The opening number 'A Note About Witches' was giving me very strong 'Dirty Laundry' vibes or even 'Its An Ill Wind' from Betty Blue Eyes. the Grand High Witch's big number, 'Wouldnt It Be Nice' made me start humming 'Poor Undortunate Souls'
and the big number 'Get Up' really isn't the anthem they think it is and doesn't have the impact it should.
Bertie Caplan was great as Luke and really carried the show and Cian Eagle-Service was excellent as Bruno. Sally Ann-Triplett... I love her as a performer, but not in this. I was half convinced that Rufus Hound was in this, playing Mr Stringer, but it was actually Daniel Rigby - doing his best Rufus Hound impression.
There was a serious lack of illusion or magic in this. They're Witches, where are the transformations? Painting gloves and tights do not make Witches claws or talons.
I was confused by what was happening at the end, when the potion went into the soup. Was it Luke going in? if so why was he dropping another mouse in? It makes no sense having luke drop luke into the large saucepan. And for all the talk of him being able to hold his breath, I guess we're just ignoring how hot the soup is and him boiling to death?
With regards to a kid planted in the audience being called an @rsehole, I think that calling it a 'Ratner moment' for those of us old enough to remember, is a bit of an over reaction. Out of everything they saw and heard in the show, that's the 1 word they'll go home repeating? I'll be surprised if they remember it by the end of the show let alone when they get home. Maybe the kids will go home and want to start smoking cigars? Personally I felt the Chef dropping his trousers, forcing you to look at his crotch as a 'mouse'ran through his boxer shorts, far more dubious.
I'd give the show a generous 3* and can't imagine the critics giving it anymore. Press night is tomorrow (Tuesday)
|
|
10 posts
|
Post by holbee22 on Nov 21, 2023 7:24:58 GMT
A musical is a big, unwieldy thing. It was too much for a director unused to musical theatre. I think there might be a viable show underneath what is playing at the National. Lyndsey Turner was too inexperienced in the form to find it.
|
|
