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Post by zak97 on Nov 24, 2017 8:08:16 GMT
I hope you are proved wrong. It is not perfect but we should be embracing new talent and new musicals in the U.K. We don’t produce enough and have relied heavily on America too much over the past two decades. Remember the eighties? It was the other way round! It was a brave decision to transfer Jamie and I loved it. May it have a healthy run and may it be a new benchmark for other regional musicals to move into town. Yes, and whilst it's not a show on my list to see, I respect Sheffield for taking the gamble - especially as the tour of Anything Goes, two years ago, and last year's Showboat have both had their respective runs cut short. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Nov 24, 2017 8:15:43 GMT
If something like We Will Rock You can run for over 10 years in the West End then I think any claims about Jamie being “just not good enough” are moot. It’s obviously not about quality, but whether something finds an audience. Showboat’s early closure is further evidence of that.
Thats not to say i think it will have a long run, I don’t think it will. I do hope it goes far enough to recover its costs and for the creative team to have enough clout to be able to write another one. That’s what success should be measured by surely?
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19,679 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Nov 24, 2017 8:21:33 GMT
Real talk though, am I the only one who thought it was so innapropriate for Jamie to kiss the straight guy against his will at the start of Act 2? I don't know what it was about it, but it hasn't sat right with me ever since I saw the show. I like to see guys kiss eachother as much as the next guy, but when it is against one of their will. I get the guy is a bit of a dick, but still. Just me? |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 24, 2017 8:39:08 GMT
Real talk though, am I the only one who thought it was so innapropriate for Jamie to kiss the straight guy against his will at the start of Act 2? I don't know what it was about it, but it hasn't sat right with me ever since I saw the show. I like to see guys kiss eachother as much as the next guy, but when it is against one of their will. I get the guy is a bit of a dick, but still. Just me? Its nothing like that situation, and I'm not even joking with my feelings on this one. I actually think it promotes a negative stereotype on gay people when he does that in the show. Sorry. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 24, 2017 8:55:04 GMT
If something like We Will Rock You can run for over 10 years in the West End then I think any claims about Jamie being “just not good enough” are moot. It’s obviously not about quality, but whether something finds an audience. Showboat’s early closure is further evidence of that. Thats not to say i think it will have a long run, I don’t think it will. I do hope it goes far enough to recover its costs and for the creative team to have enough clout to be able to write another one. That’s what success should be measured by surely? Exactly- these things are all relative, and as much as you can research and plan nobody can really predict what audiences will take to until it's up and running. I also think we're too quick to dismiss something as 'failed' if it doesn't become a 10 year long running smash. As Burly says, if it recovers costs and gets decent reviews (which it has) that'll allow the creators to write another one, and hopefully another and another and so fuel our musical theatre in the UK with new voices and ideas. Also this is their first production, even 'God of Musical Theatre' Lin Manuel didn't come up with Hamilton on his first shot (pardon the pun). And re: critics argument. Tiger Bay, another new British musical got critical reviews from some, proving that critics aren't blinded by 'new' 'British' and 'The theatre gave me lots of free wine'. So while some might be sycophantic about it because of it's origins, or subject matter I think it's unfair to critics to say across the board they're just saying it's great to look good. |
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Post by mrbarnaby on Nov 24, 2017 10:46:29 GMT
I hope you are proved wrong. It is not perfect but we should be embracing new talent and new musicals in the U.K. We don’t produce enough and have relied heavily on America too much over the past two decades. Remember the eighties? It was the other way round! It was a brave decision to transfer Jamie and I loved it. May it have a healthy run and may it be a new benchmark for other regional musicals to move into town. I hope I’m proved wrong too by the way . I’d rather this show in that theatre than some Bill Kenwright dross. I just wish it was actually the 5 star show like the reviews are making out. It’s just proof that yet again, the great British original musical is an endangered species. |
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Post by bimse on Nov 24, 2017 11:41:50 GMT
Just listened to the real Jamie and his mum on “women’s hour” as I was driving , they played Josie Walker singing “he’s my boy” from the show. This was the first song I’ve heard and i must say I was impressed with the lyrics and the performance . Jenny Murray confessed to shedding a tear at the press night .
Jamie and his wonderful mum gave a really good account of their experiences . They said their story resonates with all teenagers in general, most of whom have differences to contend with . They were amazingly generous in recognising what most people go through as they grow up . . I must admit I thought the original documentary wasn’t as incisive as it could have been , but it’s nevertheless opened a talking point of prejudice, bullying etc of all kinds.
A follow up documentary would be good, and I hope the show has a good long run . I doubt I’ll see it , but who knows?
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Post by Jon on Nov 25, 2017 0:25:20 GMT
If something like We Will Rock You can run for over 10 years in the West End then I think any claims about Jamie being “just not good enough” are moot. It’s obviously not about quality, but whether something finds an audience. Showboat’s early closure is further evidence of that. Thats not to say i think it will have a long run, I don’t think it will. I do hope it goes far enough to recover its costs and for the creative team to have enough clout to be able to write another one. That’s what success should be measured by surely? Exactly- these things are all relative, and as much as you can research and plan nobody can really predict what audiences will take to until it's up and running. I also think we're too quick to dismiss something as 'failed' if it doesn't become a 10 year long running smash. As Burly says, if it recovers costs and gets decent reviews (which it has) that'll allow the creators to write another one, and hopefully another and another and so fuel our musical theatre in the UK with new voices and ideas. Also this is their first production, even 'God of Musical Theatre' Lin Manuel didn't come up with Hamilton on his first shot (pardon the pun). And re: critics argument. Tiger Bay, another new British musical got critical reviews from some, proving that critics aren't blinded by 'new' 'British' and 'The theatre gave me lots of free wine'. So while some might be sycophantic about it because of it's origins, or subject matter I think it's unfair to critics to say across the board they're just saying it's great to look good. TBH Anything that runs 5+ years is the exception and not the rule and a lot of people forget that 18 months to 2 years is actually decent, I suspect if Jamie runs a year it'll be considered a success because if you start comparing to the likes of Les Mis, Matilda etc then yes it's not going to look as good in comparison but if every West End musical was a long runner then they'd be no room for new musicals or plays. |
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Post by karloscar on Nov 25, 2017 8:02:05 GMT
Its life depends on what happens after the original production closes. Will other groups want to perform this show, does it resonate in other countries? At least it's not just another poor adaptation of a movie, and has its own voice. New York Times just reviewed Jamie and Follies in the same article pretty favourably. Nice line about hoping Jamie doesn't end up like a disillusioned Follies girl.
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Post by Mark on Nov 25, 2017 8:22:44 GMT
TBH Anything that runs 5+ years is the exception and not the rule and a lot of people forget that 18 months to 2 years is actually decent, I suspect if Jamie runs a year it'll be considered a success because if you start comparing to the likes of Les Mis, Matilda etc then yes it's not going to look as good in comparison but if every West End musical was a long runner then they'd be no room for new musicals or plays. I was under the impression that this was a limited run until April. I can't really see it extending unless it starts selling out - that's a very big cast for the size of the venue. |
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Post by popcultureboy on Nov 25, 2017 9:41:48 GMT
Real talk though, am I the only one who thought it was so innapropriate for Jamie to kiss the straight guy against his will at the start of Act 2? I don't know what it was about it, but it hasn't sat right with me ever since I saw the show. I like to see guys kiss eachother as much as the next guy, but when it is against one of their will. I get the guy is a bit of a dick, but still. Just me? Yes, it's just you. Firstly, it's hardly "against his will". Dean is about to punch Jamie in that moment, so that quick peck on the lips from Jamie enables him to get out of that situation unharmed, using his flamboyant personality to do so, rather than his fists (which is clear wouldn't work against people like Dean). And for me it neatly referenced what every gay in the audience was thinking (that the most loudly homophobic are often the most tightly closeted). I had zero problems with that moment. |
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Post by bramble on Nov 25, 2017 14:18:57 GMT
I thought this was ok. Its good to see different kind of musical in the West End. Bits of it were too mawkish for my taste but other bits were truly moving. And its very funny. Very well choreographed and acted.And good to see a mixed full house .
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Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2017 14:48:48 GMT
Real talk though, am I the only one who thought it was so innapropriate for Jamie to kiss the straight guy against his will at the start of Act 2? I don't know what it was about it, but it hasn't sat right with me ever since I saw the show. I like to see guys kiss eachother as much as the next guy, but when it is against one of their will. I get the guy is a bit of a dick, but still. Just me? Yes, it's just you. Firstly, it's hardly "against his will". Dean is about to punch Jamie in that moment, so that quick peck on the lips from Jamie enables him to get out of that situation unharmed, using his flamboyant personality to do so, rather than his fists (which is clear wouldn't work against people like Dean). And for me it neatly referenced what every gay in the audience was thinking (that the most loudly homophobic are often the most tightly closeted). I had zero problems with that moment. Fair play, just me then. It didn't sit with me, but I interpreted it differently to you and most of the gay people in the audience clearly (being the one gay person in the audience who did apparently). But again, power of theatre, different opinions.  |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2017 7:08:31 GMT
I've not seen the show so can't comment on this particular scene, but there can be a double standard when it comes to how some gay guys treat straight guys. It wouldn't be ok if it was a straight guy and a woman
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Post by HereForTheatre on Nov 26, 2017 7:57:27 GMT
All i know is when i went the scene received a mix of laughter and cheers. I never sensed any air of discomfort, people loved it.
Personally, i found nothing wrong with it and thought it was quite a good moment.
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Post by popcultureboy on Nov 26, 2017 9:32:39 GMT
I've not seen the show so can't comment on this particular scene, but there can be a double standard when it comes to how some gay guys treat straight guys. It wouldn't be ok if it was a straight guy and a woman Context. It's ALL about context. And in this particular context, if it were a straight guy and a woman, there would be no problem with how it played out either. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2017 12:50:39 GMT
As I said, it may of just been me out of every, single audience member who has seen this show who felt it a bit dodgy, and thats absolutely fine. |
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Post by ali973 on Nov 26, 2017 22:27:31 GMT
I saw this again on Saturday and took a friend. Audience seemed to even love it more than they did during the preview.
It seemed tighter and more together than it did in previews as well.
I think they've done some cuts already. I think there was a scene when the blonde drag queen talks about a man that just dumped her, and the larger drag queen gets a Grindr ping on her phone. That seems to have been completely yanked off.
Well deserved standing ovation at the end, which I did not hesitate to give, and I'm very stingy with my standing ovations.
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Post by bellboard27 on Nov 26, 2017 22:41:14 GMT
I saw this again on Saturday and took a friend. Audience seemed to even love it more than they did during the preview. It seemed tighter and more together than it did in previews as well. I think they've done some cuts already. I think there was a scene when the blonde drag queen talks about a man that just dumped her, and the larger drag queen gets a Grindr ping on her phone. That seems to have been completely yanked off. Well deserved standing ovation at the end, which I did not hesitate to give, and I'm very stingy with my standing ovations. Always good to have the right things yanked off. |
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Post by Stephen on Nov 30, 2017 3:16:55 GMT
Heres the thing. Its a tough show to label and that could be a detriment. Because I assumed it was just a drag show, but if you look at for example this and Kinky Boots, for alot of people (meaning general public ) they would naturally go Kinky Boots over this because its know, its already had a long run qnd it still gets great word of mouth and has a large fanbase. It needs to steer more toward the Billy Eliott crowd in order to really run. Which can only be done really through promo at this point in order to get em in. How is it selling, do we know? At this point I imagine selling just above 'ok'. There were still plenty of seats left for tomorrow when I booked yesterday. Managed a fairly good seat in the Dress Circle for £35. Going with the 'lads', which I am not, I do wonder what they'll make of it all! |
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Post by Stephen on Dec 1, 2017 3:42:56 GMT
I saw Jamie tonight with some friends. We enjoyed it but it isn't anything to write home about...
There are touching moments and some funny lines but the music wasn't anything special (we thought)
It was all quite 'fun' but nothing groundbreaking.
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Post by paulbrownsey on Dec 1, 2017 10:33:39 GMT
bellboard 27 said: "I'm very stingy with my standing ovations." Good, but why not eliminate them completely, since they are selfish, forcing the people behind to stand if they want to see the finale? I think they've become a fad mainly because they've been encouraged on those TV talent contests, where the producers want a dramatic moment of a whole audience rising to its feet. |
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Post by bellboard27 on Dec 1, 2017 17:26:41 GMT
bellboard 27 said: "I'm very stingy with my standing ovations." Good, but why not eliminate them completely, since they are selfish, forcing the people behind to stand if they want to see the finale? I think they've become a fad mainly because they've been encouraged on those TV talent contests, where the producers want a dramatic moment of a whole audience rising to its feet. I did not say that! I refer to a post on another musical thread that already pointed out that there is a specific thread about standing ovations. |
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Post by Stephen on Dec 2, 2017 3:12:30 GMT
Having digested the evening spent at the Apollo Theatre I am now able to construct a better review of the musical. I went into the theatre without really high expectations due to the word of mouth that i'd heard and having gone with my three macho male friends was excited to see their reactions to a sure to be 'camp' evening. The good: I enjoyed seeing a new British musical with fairly local humour and a fresh contemporary feel. There are some good 'one liners' which the young audience ate up although many missed the lovely Sunset Boulevard reference which I found hilarious. I felt like the only gay in the theatre at that moment. Alas, I was not! The set design was simple and, for the most part I thought, effective. It has to be said though that the desks appear clunky when compared with the brilliant use of them in Matilda. The cast are talented and energetic. The not so good: Set changes occasionally seemed a bit clunky with stagehands very obvious and lingering a little too long. For me, the bigger musical numbers felt undersung in parts. The frantic choreography probably didn't help this. The music, for me, was the weakest part of the production. I was sat wondering if it would have been more enjoyable as a play! Simple repetititive lyrics and unforgettable melodies felt as though they were interrrupting the action rather than helping it along. It is annoying in a British musical to hear characters singing in a mixture of US accents and British during the same song. In the end we have unfinished stories but a strong final message about being yourself and owning it. I saw this on a £35 ticket which is about the most I would like to pay for the show. The theatre wasn't full. This is no Billy Elliot but it isn't the worst evening out either! |
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Post by Phantom of London on Dec 2, 2017 3:45:11 GMT
We know this ain’t going to win the Olivier, Tina Turner: The Musical has got this already.
But as I mentioned earlier it is on the corner of Soho, a massive area financially for the pink pound, why wouldn’t a couple in a same sex relationship, not see this and maybe go on to a club or a meal, for a perfect evening out. Being in such a small theatre it could run a bit. Surprised this is doing a midweek and Saturday matinee, I see zero appeal for this from your regular matinee crowd, they should do a early evening and a late night performance on a Friday/Saturday night, we have night tune now. Also do promotions with people like Heaven and other clubs.
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