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Post by stevej678 on Nov 11, 2017 9:11:24 GMT
Very responsive audience watching this last night with raucous laughter one minute and audible gasps the next. I thought we were in for a mid show standing ovation at one point, such was the fevered reaction to Pritti's rant at the school bully towards the end!
I really wasn't sure what to expect beforehand but I loved so much about this show. Bursting with heart, humour and catchy, memorable songs, it's a show where the cliche that it will make you laugh and make you cry really does ring true. A fabulous evening in every sense, with a message about fitting in, being yourself and being accepted for who you are that I think everyone can relate to in some respect. It certainly struck a chord with me.
The writing is laced with so much rich humour and brilliant one liners. The staging and choreography feels fresh and contemporary, and the three central characters of Jamie, his best friend Pritti and mother Margaret are all exquisitely played. I really enjoyed Lucie Shorthouse as best friend Pritti in particular (gorgeous vocals on It Means Beautiful) while Harriet Payne has the classroom banter to a T as Bex.
I'm so glad that Jamie has received the West End transfer it deserves and with so many of the Sheffield cast on board, 15 of whom are making their West End debuts. The energy and excitement they bring stepping out into the spotlight on the Apollo stage is infectious. I suspect a raft of rave reviews are heading their way later this month and rightly so. I'd go again in a heartbeat (or a fabulous pair of heels).
Word of mouth will ultimately decide whether this can sustain a lengthy run but personally I hope that everybody is talking about Jamie on Shaftesbury Avenue for a long time to come. If you haven't got a ticket yet, you're missing out on a treat (and you don't even know it).
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Post by hulmeman on Nov 11, 2017 9:29:44 GMT
stevej678 said: "..... .If you haven't got a ticket yet, you're missing out on a treat (and you don't even know it)." I see what u did there!
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19,677 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Nov 11, 2017 10:40:16 GMT
So in the Sheffield version a few of the gags used local references. A huge council estate called Parsons Cross was definitely mentioned, I think meadowhall May have been aswell. Presumably they’ve taken these out or changed them? We’re there any jokes where you thought “Eh?”
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Post by terrylondon79 on Nov 11, 2017 11:09:33 GMT
So in the Sheffield version a few of the gags used local references. A huge council estate called Parsons Cross was definitely mentioned, I think meadowhall May have been aswell. Presumably they’ve taken these out or changed them? We’re there any jokes where you thought “Eh?” When it was in the crucible, the line about watching snooker got a large laugh, which it didn't get in the lyric |
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Post by stageyninja83 on Nov 11, 2017 12:18:24 GMT
So in the Sheffield version a few of the gags used local references. A huge council estate called Parsons Cross was definitely mentioned, I think meadowhall May have been aswell. Presumably they’ve taken these out or changed them? We’re there any jokes where you thought “Eh?” They definitely still mentioned Meadowhall and there was a joke about the trams that still got a laugh. Don't remember the Parsons Cross one though so maybe they've cut some of the more obscure jokes. |
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Post by drowseychap on Nov 11, 2017 23:15:42 GMT
Full house tonight very responsive audience throughout jokes all went down well ... sound from dress circle was fine ....was difficult to desiphere some of the vocals in e b t a j after interval ...... so glad the drag queens do more this time round .... a couple of new songs ... set Same as Sheffield with introduction of great projections really work well ... and the end of first half loved the projection of Jamie walking on stage ...... the ending worked quite well lots of song and dance .... full standing ovation it’s in good shape ... was a real buzz from people leaving ....
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541 posts
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Post by drowseychap on Nov 13, 2017 0:54:49 GMT
Noticed the song @16 no longer in the show love that on the download too .... bought the programme which is pretty good and substantial... the new concept album is £10 too has the new songs in it ... limited edition I wasn’t sure about ugly worked well though .... the last song isn’t on the cd though which is a shame .... inside the cover it does say West End cast album on its way
Couldn’t get a programme in Sheffield as had sold out so difficult to tell exactly what’s cut and moved around anyone else know ?
Really hope the cast are on children in need this year
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Post by jamb0r on Nov 13, 2017 23:13:30 GMT
Really loved this tonight! Wasn’t expecting it to be so hilarious, the songs were catchy and the cast were great. Seeing pictures of the stage I wasn’t expecting much from the set, but thought it worked really well.
My only criticism would be that it’s far from polished just yet - there were a lot of stumbles with set pieces crashing into each other, flashing lighting that shouldn’t be flashing, desks round the wrong way etc. The ending could also pack more of a punch, I felt it was a bit flat until the curtain call. (Maybe I’m just finding an excuse to go back again later in the run 😀)
Even loved the contemporary dance that everyone else seems to hate!
In the pecking order of drag themed shows I’d put this above Priscilla but below Kinky Boots
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Post by musicalmarge on Nov 15, 2017 0:31:13 GMT
Saw this tonight. What an amazing new show. Josie Walker is just incredible!!
Act one is too long, father mis-cast (just not bad enough) and not sure if the teacher is meant to be good or bad (or played wrong) but I don’t think the balance was there.
That said full standing ovation. It’s contemporary, resonant, current and celebrates diversity and individuality. I loved it.
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19,677 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Nov 15, 2017 0:39:53 GMT
Saw this tonight. What an amazing new show. Josie Walker is just incredible!! Act one is too long, some of the songs are the best, father mis-cast (just not bad enough) and not sure if the teacher is meant to be good or bad (or played wrong) but I don’t think the balance was there. That said full standing ovation. It’s contemporary, resonant, current and celebrates diversity and individuality. I loved it. Oh dear. @honouredguest won’t be pleased to hear it. |
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Post by ali973 on Nov 17, 2017 23:19:08 GMT
Completely original, relevant, edgy and woke.
A fantastic British musical written and produced by a young team who are in touch with the times. Kudos for representation and inclusion. The music was catchy, humorous and the book scenes were witty and full of Easter eggs.
Cast is superb. A star is born and his name is John McCrea. Josie Walker spares no tears or snot. Mina Anwar and Lucie Shorthouse are scene stealers as non conventional side kick and fag hag prototypes.
Directorially, I think it’s really there. A few pacing tweaks could make moments land better: actors can catch a breath and wait a moment before starting a song following a co-actor’s exit; the ending of act one could land better if the music is indicative of the scene’s conclusion. Currently the moment ended abruptly and the audience didn’t know what to do. I started applauding to end the awkwardness. Lighting design isn’t quite as sharp and the stage seems a bit too lit for the majority of the show without much room for lighting to be evocative or give a sense of the drama. Scene changes in the second can be quicker and smoother. The sound during chorus number isn’t crisp, ironically even in the pre-recorded numbers.
This show cannot compete with the spare no expense Sonia Friedman or Cam Mac musical that dominate London- not the finishing or promotional efforts, but my does it deserve the recognition and support. Go see it.
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1,281 posts
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Post by theatrefan77 on Nov 18, 2017 0:24:30 GMT
Really thought I was going to love this, but unfortunately I didn't. This show is nowhere near ready for a West End run and it will probably flop big time. It would have worked better in a smaller fringe venue, somewhere like the Menier.
I enjoyed some of the songs. The choreography is quite good and the show only comes to life in the big dance numbers with the youngest cast members. The rest is rather dull and boring mainly because the book is just not very good and the pace is extremely slow at times. Part I is very long and ends up in a big anti climax, all that build up to Mimi Me's big performance comes to nothing in the end.
I congratulate the hard working cast for doing their best with the weak material given. Josie Walker has a couple of good moments and a decent song but in general she's wasted here.
Love the real story in which this is based, and I was excited to see another West End show which celebrates individuality -Billy Elliot and Hairspray are two favourites of mine- but I was ultimately disappointed.
There is definitely some potential here, but a lot work is needed to make this a successful show in the West End.
Just my two cents.
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Post by ali973 on Nov 18, 2017 0:28:22 GMT
I don't think the book is weak. I think some of the content is truly fantastic. It does need some doctoring. You can tell the creative team are young and inexperienced. But it was such a gem. I loved it. I do agree with you, much to my dismay, that I think it won't make it. Whoever produced it definitely does not have the cash to roll it out and keep it afloat if it doesn't sell well.
Hate to be a stickler, btw but Hairspray is technically not a West End.
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1,281 posts
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Post by theatrefan77 on Nov 18, 2017 0:36:27 GMT
Glad you enjoyed it and I wish I could share your enthusiasm. Really thought I was going to love it, but I didn't unfortunately. You know what I mean about Hairspray, even if it started on Broadway  |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2017 12:48:19 GMT
Seeing the show today... I think im more intrigued than anything, I hope I enjoy it at least.  I mean, I love Kinky Boots, so this should be a winner! |
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Post by musicalmarge on Nov 18, 2017 13:15:37 GMT
Really thought I was going to love this, but unfortunately I didn't. This show is nowhere near ready for a West End run and it will probably flop big time. It would have worked better in a smaller fringe venue, somewhere like the Menier. I enjoyed some of the songs. The choreography is quite good and the show only comes to life in the big dance numbers with the youngest cast members. The rest is rather dull and boring mainly because the book is just not very good and the pace is extremely slow at times. Part I is very long and ends up in a big anti climax, all that build up to Mimi Me's big performance comes to nothing in the end. I congratulate the hard working cast for doing their best with the weak material given. Josie Walker has a couple of good moments and a decent song but in general she's wasted here. Love the real story in which this is based, and I was excited to see another West End show which celebrates individuality -Billy Elliot and Hairspray are two favourites of mine- but I was ultimately disappointed. There is definitely some potential here, but a lot work is needed to make this a successful show in the West End. Just my two cents. Isn’t life and theatre amazing - I couldn’t DISGREE any more! |
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Post by TallPaul on Nov 18, 2017 14:39:13 GMT
Completely original, relevant, edgy and woke. No, I give up. Please put me out of my misery. I couldn't sleep last night, and I'll be like a zombie if I don't get some sleep tonight too! |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2017 15:36:26 GMT
It’s totally in the wrong place
It’s not a commercial show
It has a good message and heart
Unfortunately that would have been much audible
If this show had been at the YV or NT
Yet Again I don’t know who these stupid
And misguided producers are
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3,057 posts
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Post by ali973 on Nov 18, 2017 17:29:35 GMT
I mean, I love Kinky Boots, so this should be a winner! Not necessarily. I hated KB- but really liked this. Overall, KB is by far a more finished enterprise than Jamie, but I thought this has what it takes to make it a better show than KB with some doctoring and probably a bigger budget. |
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Post by ali973 on Nov 18, 2017 17:32:59 GMT
It’s totally in the wrong place It’s not a commercial show It has a good message and heart Unfortunately that would have been much audible If this show had been at the YV or NT Yet Again I don’t know who these stupid And misguided producers are meow..I agree. |
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Post by Dan213 on Nov 18, 2017 19:12:12 GMT
It’s totally in the wrong place It’s not a commercial show It has a good message and heart Unfortunately that would have been much audible If this show had been at the YV or NT Yet Again I don’t know who these stupid And misguided producers are So stupid that she owns 6 theatres Yawn... |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2017 20:20:33 GMT
It’s totally in the wrong place It’s not a commercial show It has a good message and heart Unfortunately that would have been much audible If this show had been at the YV or NT Yet Again I don’t know who these stupid And misguided producers are So stupid that she owns 6 theatres Yawn... Most of which are sh*t holes And full of shows which are still half full Despite papering Having 6 theatres doesn’t mean she is any judge Of what to put in them |
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Post by Dan213 on Nov 18, 2017 20:28:49 GMT
So stupid that she owns 6 theatres Yawn... Most of which are sh*t holes And full of shows which are still half full Despite papering Having 6 theatres doesn’t mean she is any judge Of what to put in them Have you got any reliable figures to show that they’re always half empty or is this just another rant with no proper backing? |
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Post by showtoones on Nov 18, 2017 21:39:17 GMT
Most of which are sh*t holes And full of shows which are still half full Despite papering Having 6 theatres doesn’t mean she is any judge Of what to put in them Have you got any reliable figures to show that they’re always half empty or is this just another rant with no proper backing? Parsley again rants to try to get a rise out of people like Donald Trump. There are shows that people like besides 42nd Street. And you wonder why you get shade thrown at you? Kudos to Nica Burns for bringing in something fresh and new. Just because you don’t like it, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t have merit. Your act is getting tired. |
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Post by JJShaw on Nov 18, 2017 21:48:29 GMT
Kudos to Nica Burns for bringing in something fresh and new. Just because you don’t like it, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t have merit. I actually really like that Nimax often transfer shows in that wouldn't get looked at by other theatre owning companies. Dead Funny, Urinetown, Hand to God, just to name a few off the top of my head were all in Nimax theatres and I like that they are given the opportunity to refresh the West End with different and unique shows, despite them not always being huge commercial runaway hits. I'd much rather constant variety than the same stagnant 'hit' shows that just make the West End look stale. Bringing it back, Im very much looking forward to seeing a original new musical and I hope its still around in January when I'm back! |
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