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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2018 9:36:20 GMT
Great news, @ryan and westendcub ; could you say roughly where you sat, please? Following on from the discussion about the £10 deal applying only to the rear stalls. I was in the rear stalls too (can't remember the row, maybe last but one or two) but I agree with westendcub, the rake is fantastic and my view was terrific. Depending on where you sit, you may miss a teeny bit that goes on in the front row of the auditorium but it wouldn't be enough to ruin anything. Emma Rice was there when I patronised the establishment too. I recognised her hair. |
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Post by jamb0r on Mar 8, 2018 10:01:39 GMT
Well thank you for the tip off about the £10 previews! I'm not sure if it's dynamic pricing at work, but there were £10 tickets available throughout the stalls for this evening, not just the rear. Picked up row E (which it says should usually be £39.50) for tonight for £10.
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Post by fiyero on Mar 9, 2018 13:03:42 GMT
Well thank you for the tip off about the £10 previews! I'm not sure if it's dynamic pricing at work, but there were £10 tickets available throughout the stalls for this evening, not just the rear. Picked up row E (which it says should usually be £39.50) for tonight for £10. Thanks for the heads up about them dynamically adding more. I didn't do quite as well as you but have rear of the front block at the side for £10 on the 17th which can't be sniffed at. |
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Post by jadnoop on Mar 9, 2018 13:39:42 GMT
Hmm. Is the £10 code thing finished? When I go to the OldVic website, the promo code shows up, but the prices seem unchanged for Brief Encounter.  |
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Post by fiyero on Mar 9, 2018 14:44:45 GMT
Hmm. Is the £10 code thing finished? When I go to the OldVic website, the promo code shows up, but the prices seem unchanged for Brief Encounter. Still showing for me- you have to hover over the seats. On the date I'm going it is K&L 1-5 and the same the other side as well as what is left of the rear block |
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Post by jadnoop on Mar 9, 2018 15:00:36 GMT
Hmm. Is the £10 code thing finished? When I go to the OldVic website, the promo code shows up, but the prices seem unchanged for Brief Encounter. Still showing for me- you have to hover over the seats. On the date I'm going it is K&L 1-5 and the same the other side as well as what is left of the rear block I don't know what was going on, but I tried again, and it worked. Thanks  |
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Post by jampot on Mar 10, 2018 21:48:49 GMT
What a splendid evening this was with my absolute steal of £10 ticket from ‘Old Vic’ PWC previews. I loved the fantastic mix of theatre with its cinematic moments & invention theatre magic!! Just wonderful!! Couldnt agree more...quite magical...bravo! |
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Post by Steve on Mar 10, 2018 23:23:02 GMT
I loved this ten years ago. I love it still. Emma-Rice-world really is the most loving, tender, generous open-hearted and poignant place to visit, and revisit, Jos Slovick is a fantastic singer, Lucy Thackeray is comedy gold, and the central duo are heartbreakingly lovely. Some spoilers follow. . . I prefer this to the film, as the interpolation of comedy and music and song and human kindness (that you always get with Emma Rice) just makes this an irresistible confection. And it's not like it has no hard edges, framing all joy, hope, love and life itself as ephemeral, temporary, and, consequently, profoundly precious. I agree with Ryan's assessment, so I'll just add that:- (1) Jim Sturgeon and Isabel Pollen have wonderful chemistry, and give emotive heart-breaking performances; (2) When Jos Slovick sings over any scene, it becomes ten times better; and (3) Lucy Thackeray, who mugged up a comic storm as Rita Quince in Rice's Globe, here is even better. She does not know how to be not funny. I was laughing in anticipation of her every move, which is a surefire sign a comedy performer has won absolute trust, which I have for very few comic actors (eg Lizzy Connolly, Patsy Ferran lol). And like the similarly effortless Sophie-Louise Dann, she can really sing. She will undoubtedly go far. This production is an oasis of big hearted musical and comic bittersweet joy. I laughed, I cried, I recommend it. 5 stars PS: It also has the funniest fake dog-on-a-lead prop you ever will see lol. |
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Post by jadnoop on Mar 11, 2018 1:23:52 GMT
Not much I can say, except to add to the chorus of praise. This probably won't be to everyone's taste, but I loved it. Asolutely wonderful.
Big thanks to those who posted about the £10 deal.
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Post by QueerTheatre on Mar 11, 2018 9:52:01 GMT
Now this has opened, anyone know how high the stage is? I booked front row as it was the cheapest i could find at £20, but now i'm hearing about those £10 bargains im a bit annoyed at myself for not waiting!
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Post by foxa on Mar 11, 2018 10:23:05 GMT
We used the £10 deal and were in Row P, so quite far back but very clear view and particularly good for the film sections.
As soon as you arrive at the Empire Haymarket, the mood is set. Roses frame the doorways, mirrors and box office. 1930s ushers guide you in, then pick up instruments and begin singing. It is a perfect Valentine of an evening.
The two leads, Isobel Pollen and Jim Sturgeon, play it absolutely straight, and Emma Rice (who we caught sight of before the play began) underscores their relationship with water imagery to express their underlying and overwhelming passion. As Steve mentioned, Jos Slovick (Stanley) raises every scene in which he sings. There are some incredible effects and one or two that don't quite come off (the flying looked awkward last night - hardly matching their poster image.) But I would highly recommend. It's an evening to which you could confidently take anyone, your mum, your lover, a school group. All would find something to enjoy.
Theatrebass- I think front row might be fun as there are some bits of action that take place down there. You will be looking up a bit - particularly for the sections that take place on the bridge.
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Post by fiyero on Mar 17, 2018 21:30:33 GMT
I caught the show this afternoon. I had never seen the film (I have a habit of seeing adaptations without seeing the source - Lord of the Rings, The Bodyguard, From Here to Eternity, Hairspray). I really liked it but as others have said I wasn't sure if the slapstick matched the story, luckily I didn't think it was overdone and am not sure how it would have worked straight. The actors were all brilliant and I liked the little interactions before the start (though a lot of people filmed the little songs and even with the announcement thought it was OK to take photos in the play!)
I'm glad I braved the snow for it
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Post by showgirl on Mar 17, 2018 23:24:37 GMT
I had high hopes of this but less of everything would have added up to more: too much business, too many similar scenes and too long a running time for the material. Everything was fine at first, but before too long I developed a fidgety sense of deja vu and was sorely tempted to check my watch. Yes, the performers were great and multi-talented and the staging was inventive but with hindsight, I prefer the straightforward story without the frills and furbelows.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2018 9:53:29 GMT
Well I saw this last night and really enjoyed it. Was front row so felt amongst the action with the actors walking past and interacting with other people. I have never seen the film so went in quite blind but really love Emma Rice as a director and this did not disappoint. It was just filled with her theatrical magic and joy. All the performances were very good espidally Isabelle Pollen and Jim Sturgeon who had great chemistry and supporting cast were all very good at doubling and delivering the comedy. Liked the set a lot as well and the use of projections interweaved with the on stage action. Loved the Noel Coward songs as well and just personally loved everything about it all.
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Post by Dr Tom on Mar 18, 2018 10:40:13 GMT
I caught the show this afternoon. I had never seen the film (I have a habit of seeing adaptations without seeing the source - Lord of the Rings, The Bodyguard, From Here to Eternity, Hairspray). I really liked it but as others have said I wasn't sure if the slapstick matched the story, luckily I didn't think it was overdone and am not sure how it would have worked straight. The actors were all brilliant and I liked the little interactions before the start (though a lot of people filmed the little songs and even with the announcement thought it was OK to take photos in the play!) I'm glad I braved the snow for it I feel compelled to mentioned that the source for The Lord Of The Rings wasn't a film. And the photos, filming, checking phones, continually on Snapchat type behaviour is becoming a big problem. I think people are understanding they shouldn't have conversations on their phone, but have no clue the phone screen lights up and everyone behind them can see it (and I won't even get into a rant that people have no idea their screen doesn't have to be on maximum brightness all of the time). |
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Post by fiyero on Mar 18, 2018 12:36:19 GMT
I feel compelled to mentioned that the source for The Lord Of The Rings wasn't a film. And the photos, filming, checking phones, continually on Snapchat type behaviour is becoming a big problem. I think people are understanding they shouldn't have conversations on their phone, but have no clue the phone screen lights up and everyone behind them can see it (and I won't even get into a rant that people have no idea their screen doesn't have to be on maximum brightness all of the time). I haven't read the books either  Some of the stuff was certainly going straight on social media - it is tricky when shows want social media to promote them (School of Rock encourage at the end I believe) but this was specifically after an in character announcement! |
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Post by bellboard27 on Mar 18, 2018 13:26:42 GMT
There are some on this Board who, when they don’t like a production, get quite wound up about it. Most of the time, when a production does not click for me, I tend to feel bored and disengaged – deflated more than anything else.
Very rarely I have a different reaction. I saw this yesterday afternoon and gave myself time before posting to allow a bit of space to check my reaction.
After quiet reflection I have concluded that I hated it. I mean I really hated it. Viscerally hated it. I physically reacted to it - muscles clenching, heart rate rising. At some points I had to close my eyes and do breathing exercises to calm down (I could not leave without disturbing people).
Is it meant as a parody (only Jim Sturgeon managed an accent that was not a caricature)? A poor man’s 39 Steps? If so, even that doesn’t work. If it is not a parody, then it is a travesty.
I went in in a good mood and liked the build up before curtain up, so all was set for an enjoyable afternoon. But it was not to be. I think the initial trigger was when Beverly Rudd first opened her mouth as Beryl. Everything about her performance made me want to vomit. By the end, with her last scene, I ended up closing my eyes and putting my fingers in my ears to try to blot her out. But it is not just her.
Clearly, my reaction is different to many others (both in the audience and on this Board). And I am happy for that. Maybe I'm the only one!
Afterwards I wandered through the snow to The Great Wave. Not the greatest production, but at least I had a positive end to the day.
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Post by showgirl on Mar 18, 2018 13:55:00 GMT
So you and I saw these 2 productions on the same day but in the opposite order, bellboard27, but seem to have had a similar response to both. Like you, I was happy to have liked The Great Wave & though I didn't mention this earlier, the film with which I started didn't live up to my expectations (or the reviews), but 1 hit, 1 miss & 1 grey area isn't bad. |
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Post by dippy on Mar 18, 2018 13:58:42 GMT
I saw this last time it was on in London and I don't remember anything about it other than cucumber sandwiches. I think if that's all I remember I can't have enjoyed it that much!
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Post by NeilVHughes on Mar 18, 2018 14:00:54 GMT
This is the magic of Theatre, how a production impacts us personally.
Mine was A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic last year, hated it and loved by nearly everyone else.
Seeing this in a couple of weeks because of the Emma Rice connection despite not being my usual fare.
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Post by JJShaw on Mar 21, 2018 23:51:36 GMT
I really enjoyed this show, felt like something unique and different with the staging in the beautiful empire cinema! it really is gorgeous!
I loved all the performances and really liked how t piece was put together, not 100% sure with them sometimes sitting in the audience before joining the action, didn't quite get the link or framing device behind that but it didn't detract (in fact I was sat right behind the two seats the actors use for that!)
speaking of seats I did the todatix rush (which wasn't a rush at all you could get tickets for the evening show at 6pm) and they are all in row B I think and if you get the centre block then its a fine view. Close but not too close.
TheatreMonkey, if there's an award for the worst ushering job this year it has to be for the poor girl who basically has to reseat the first three rows because "during the refurbishment, they put the seats back in the wrong place and haven't sorted it out so the numbers aren't in the right order" bless her!!
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Post by dazzerlump on Mar 25, 2018 21:54:14 GMT
Just looking at booking for this and the £20 tickets for front row seem a steal, but is it really a problem sitting there? will it be too close to appreciate it?
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Post by Deleted on Mar 25, 2018 22:05:48 GMT
Just looking at booking for this and the £20 tickets for front row seem a steal, but is it really a problem sitting there? will it be too close to appreciate it? The front row seats are good as the stage is a bit high but they are further back so you can see everything very well and feel very much part of it with actors walking around.Sometimes however you may not get the whole spectacle of the show and how they interweave the film for some scenesbut it did bit distract from my enjoyment at all. |
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Post by bellboard27 on Mar 25, 2018 22:19:13 GMT
Just looking at booking for this and the £20 tickets for front row seem a steal, but is it really a problem sitting there? will it be too close to appreciate it? The front row seats are good as the stage is a bit high but they are further back so you can see everything very well and feel very much part of it with actors walking around.Sometimes however you may not get the whole spectacle of the show and how they interweave the film for some scenesbut it did bit distract from my enjoyment at all. I would recommend the centre block rather than the sides as the row is curved and the sides are a little closer to the stage as well as being a bit to one side for the view (especially the far ends of the rows). |
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Post by freckles on Mar 26, 2018 7:26:38 GMT
Saw this on Sunday and loved it; really inventive staging and much more lighthearted than I was expecting.
It’s a lovely experience all round, from the decorations in the lobby to the pre-show entertainment, right through the ‘play’. It’s hard to discuss without spoiling the very many surprises, but I did enjoy Jos Slovick’s music particularly. Laura’s children were also a highlight. I think Beverley Rudd overdid the comedy at times, which detracted a bit from the sophistication and style associated with the film, but only just - I found most of the humour fitting, especially when combined with creating on-stage effects.
A really enjoyable experience. Unfortunately was on the end of a row at the extreme rhs, and we did miss some things, so choose to be central if you can.
No interval.
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