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Post by Dan213 on Jan 31, 2018 23:23:43 GMT
Josie Walker was on last night. She really nailed all of her songs. I have only seen the London production, so I'm surprised to hear that 'Ugly In An Ugly World' wasn't in it in Sheffield as it seemed to fit perfectly for that moment. What was there previously? Nothing at all as far as I remember, it just moved straight from the Dad's house to the kitchen scene |
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Post by prapiento on Feb 1, 2018 10:54:12 GMT
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Post by jgblunners on Feb 1, 2018 10:59:43 GMT
I was also t the matinee yesterday - I went to the box office at 1:30 and asked if they had any day seats left, and they offered me Stalls row N for £25 which was exceptional value for money as the view was perfect. The people sat next to me had been upgraded form the Upper Circle so there must've only been 2 levels open, but you couldn't tell from the audience response which was rapturous.
The show itself was breathtaking - I found myself in tears at several times. As a young gay man, the story inevitably resonated with me, but by the looks of it the show made an emotional connection with almost everyone in the audience. The book was incredibly well-written - it was funny and heartfelt but realistic and didn't reduce its characters, particularly the teenagers, to cheap stereotypes (I'm looking at you, wonder.land). The music, though, was the most impressive aspect for me. I think it's the strongest score of a new British musical since Groundhog Day as it's modern but inventive and emotive. The set design was very nice, although I agree that the lighting could've done with a little bit more colour in Act One, and the projections were a nice touch.
The cast are phenomenal. John McCrae is a superstar in the making and owns this role, Rebecca McKinnis was heart-wrenching as Margaret and delivered 'He's My Boy' superbly, and Mina Anwar and Tamsin Carroll both nail their roles. Cherelle Jay as Pritti could've done with a little more vocal power but was nonetheless very good. I didn't think that Phil Nichol was as bad as others have said - the drag shop scene didn't drag for me but I agree that the comedy is a little hit-and-miss in his hands. By the sounds of it, not many people got the Sunset reference with his 'I'm still big' line, which I thought was hilarious. Anyway, the ensemble are energetic and work their socks off with the choreography, and it's so nice that they all bring some individuality to their roles and get their own moments in the curtain call number.
5* from me - I'll definitely be returning, and hope the cast recording is on its way soon!
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Post by Dan213 on Feb 1, 2018 11:08:01 GMT
I was also t the matinee yesterday - I went to the box office at 1:30 and asked if they had any day seats left, and they offered me Stalls row N for £25 which was exceptional value for money as the view was perfect. The people sat next to me had been upgraded form the Upper Circle so there must've only been 2 levels open, but you couldn't tell from the audience response which was rapturous. The show itself was breathtaking - I found myself in tears at several times. As a young gay man, the story inevitably resonated with me, but by the looks of it the show made an emotional connection with almost everyone in the audience. The book was incredibly well-written - it was funny and heartfelt but realistic and didn't reduce its characters, particularly the teenagers, to cheap stereotypes (I'm looking at you, wonder.land). The music, though, was the most impressive aspect for me. I think it's the strongest score of a new British musical since Groundhog Day as it's modern but inventive and emotive. The set design was very nice, although I agree that the lighting could've done with a little bit more colour in Act One, and the projections were a nice touch. The cast are phenomenal. John McCrae is a superstar in the making and owns this role, Rebecca McKinnis was heart-wrenching as Margaret and delivered 'He's My Boy' superbly, and Mina Anwar and Tamsin Carroll both nail their roles. Cherelle Jay as Pritti could've done with a little more vocal power but was nonetheless very good. I didn't think that Phil Nichol was as bad as others have said - the drag shop scene didn't drag for me but I agree that the comedy is a little hit-and-miss in his hands. By the sounds of it, not many people got the Sunset reference with his 'I'm still big' line, which I thought was hilarious. Anyway, the ensemble are energetic and work their socks off with the choreography, and it's so nice that they all bring some individuality to their roles and get their own moments in the curtain call number. 5* from me - I'll definitely be returning, and hope the cast recording is on its way soon! Must have been sat right behind me. I went to the box office at 12 and got row M for £25. Definitely worth going to the box office on the midweek matinee performances if anyone wants to see this at a really great price |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 1, 2018 20:18:08 GMT
The album on amazon is now listed as the concept album. Boo.
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Post by showtoones on Feb 1, 2018 21:13:28 GMT
Boo that the album on amazon is a concept recording. Here's hoping the OCR is on its way soon... |
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Post by Dan213 on Feb 3, 2018 22:22:56 GMT
They hit 100 shows this afternoon. Still think it's pretty impressive that John McCrea still hasn't missed a single show yet
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Post by showtoones on Feb 3, 2018 22:56:00 GMT
Is the cast recording available at the theater yet? Someone said it was.
Thanks for any help
X
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Post by Dan213 on Feb 3, 2018 23:22:38 GMT
Is the cast recording available at the theater yet? Someone said it was. Thanks for any help X Nope, still the concept album unfortunately |
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Post by ensembleswings on Feb 4, 2018 14:11:44 GMT
I've noticed there's now two concept albums, the newer one includes 'Ugly In This Ugly World' and 'Limited Edition Prom Night Special'. I'm presuming that's where the confusion over the new album's come from, equally I'm presuming the newer version is the one they are selling at the theatre.
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Post by Dan213 on Feb 4, 2018 14:24:33 GMT
I've noticed there's now two concept albums, the newer one includes 'Ugly In This Ugly World' and 'Limited Edition Prom Night Special'. I'm presuming that's where the confusion over the new album's come from, equally I'm presuming the newer version is the one they are selling at the theatre. I believe so. The packaging definitely looks slightly different to the Sheffield one. If I'd known it had the new songs on there I would have bought it. Oh well... EDIT: new concept album is already on Spotify/iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/album/everybodys-talking-about-jamie-west-end-edition/1341743634 |
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Post by distantcousin on Feb 7, 2018 10:17:28 GMT
I liked it a lot. Went on a recommendation. Reminded me a bit of Billy Elliot and to some extent, Taboo.
Thought the first act was overlong and was marking time for Jamie's appearance at Legs Eleven.
I preferred act 2, and generally the ballads chimed with me more than the uptempo songs.
Mina Anwar is a superb comic actress and her pedigree shone in spades for me.
Terrible night for understudies as those playing Margaret, the teacher, Priti and one other were all off, so I was denied seeing Josie Walker on stage for the first time in years, which I'd really been looking forward to. Oh well. All the understudies were superb.
Wasn't 100% my cup of tea - bit lacking in dramatic tension for my liking. I loved the general message of the show though, but felt Jamie didn't really have any real adversity to contend with, which made it less engaging narratively.
Thought the set was good. Lovely to see something very contemporary and British - and Northern to boot - on the London stage. Very refreshing. The dialogue was authentic. Found it midly amusing much of the time and occasionally "LOL-funny".
Would definitely give the songs more of a listen, but not something I'd want to sit through twice.
Barbara Windsor was in attendance with her Scott, and I was sat next to a middle aged New York woman who LOVED it, but wanted to know what "minger" meant! LOL
3.5 out of 5 for me, but I do appreciate it was a great strong, show and nothing actually wrong with it!
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Post by distantcousin on Feb 7, 2018 10:19:07 GMT
For me, it is just how long it goes on for. I get that it is pivatol to the story, but it just goes on too long. Like, sum it up faster people, we wanna get back to the Mum and her friend, or the school kids. I'd personally rather they further the characters of the bully or the best friend than drag out that scene. It just goes on too long for the amount it brought to the plot (for me, differing opinions are good haha). I love the scene in the drag shop and I love that song. i saw it with the original guy and then the understudy who usually plays the dad and i thought it worked much better with the understudy as he was slimer and camper. I didn't buy it as much with the original actor. I LOVE LOVE LOVE John McCrea and he is incandescent and a true star. And Josie Walker, Lucie Shorthouse and Mina Anwar really shine. I am obsessed with this show and I can't wait for the cast recording and to see it again. Fav show I've seen all year in London or on Broadway. Same - the chap playing Hugo just didn't work for me. Didn't convince. |
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Post by distantcousin on Feb 7, 2018 10:23:54 GMT
I found the whole "Legend of Loco Chanelle" sequence one of my favourites. It set up a lot of the situation to come, too, as did the rest of the scene. Wonder what I saw that others didn't? Would also point out that on Saturday afternoon a cover was playing Hugo, so maybe that helped? Yes I think the problem with that scene is Phil Nichol. He's just completely miscast and the show dips whenever he comes on. It should be this big, fabulous, show-stealing role, and he looks completely uncomfortable in the part. His accent is all over the place - Yorkshire via Liverpool, Ireland and Newcastle; and he doesn't convince as either gay or a drag queen. I don't think there's anything wrong with the scene or the song. It's just the actor.
Yeah, agree totally. Just did not work for me.
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Post by distantcousin on Feb 7, 2018 11:10:21 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?”
Meadowhall was mentioned x
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Post by distantcousin on Feb 7, 2018 11:13:36 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!
It's ridiculous, down with the kids street-slang. I had to google it too. It just sounds like poor grammar to anyone over 25
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Post by Being Alive on Feb 7, 2018 23:04:51 GMT
Bloody loved this today. Saw the matinee and went in totally blind -not seen the documentary or any promo, purely went on what I’d read on here.
I ADORED it. Everyone has said it, but John McCrea is a revelation as Jamie. Completely mesmerised by him every second he was on that stage. Had understudy for Margaret, Pritti and someone else I can’t remember, all of whom where great. Mina Anwar made me howl with laughter - and I didn’t expect her to have such a great voice as I only know her as a comedy actress. Tamsin Carroll does wonderful work as Miss Hedges as she does with everything I’ve seen her in.
Really enjoyed the intimacy of it in the Apollo. It was only open on two levels but audience reaction more than made up for it.
It’s the best new musical I’ve seen for a while (I’m not counting Hamilton as a new musical as I’ve known it for nearly 3 and a half years) and if it wasn’t for Hamilton, this is my best musical of the year.
Will definitely try to go back! 4.5 stars from me.
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Post by showtoones on Feb 9, 2018 23:42:51 GMT
Is Josie Walker back yet? I know she has been out...love love love her and John!
I first saw Josie in Beautiful Game and thought she had the most amazing voice...she just gets better and better in everything i have seen her in, including Matilda!
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Post by Dan213 on Feb 10, 2018 1:35:05 GMT
Is Josie Walker back yet? I know she has been out...love love love her and John! I first saw Josie in Beautiful Game and thought she had the most amazing voice...she just gets better and better in everything i have seen her in, including Matilda! I know she’s been on at least once within the last week as she was pictured in the 100th show curtain call last Saturday. Rebecca McKinnis seems to have been on most/all week though. I think Lucie Shorthouse (Pritti) is still out too |
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Post by macksennett on Feb 10, 2018 8:24:52 GMT
I also saw Josie in The Beautiful Game - where did the time go?! It was great to see her again in Jamie - she still has a powerful voice and is perfectly cast as his Mum.
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Post by showtoones on Feb 12, 2018 17:54:54 GMT
Josie is fierce!
This weekend she was ut and 6 understudies were on and they cut the Vicki and Fatimah tracks as Courtney Bowman was on as Pritti. Chloe was on in the ensemble so not sure why she wasn't on as Pritti though it may have streamlined the tracks better.
Kirsti was on as Ray so that must have been fun, though Mina is AMAZING as Ray...
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Post by theatremadness on Feb 12, 2018 20:04:07 GMT
Sorry for boring ticket question....I know £20 day seats are 2 person, does anyone know if the £25 best available that they have been known to do during the day are also 2 per person? Thanks!
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Post by TallPaul on Feb 13, 2018 14:12:16 GMT
It's time to get the birthday candle out (just the one) and wish Jamie a very happy 1st birthday. Although, strictly speaking, it had been performed in front of an audience since the 9th, the official opening night of ETAJ, at the Crucible, was on 13th February 2017. It's been quite a year.  |
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Post by David J on Feb 13, 2018 18:15:15 GMT
Sorry for boring ticket question....I know £20 day seats are 2 person, does anyone know if the £25 best available that they have been known to do during the day are also 2 per person? Thanks! Are these £25 tickets appearing on the Nimax website? |
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Post by Dan213 on Feb 13, 2018 22:48:03 GMT
Sorry for boring ticket question....I know £20 day seats are 2 person, does anyone know if the £25 best available that they have been known to do during the day are also 2 per person? Thanks! Are these £25 tickets appearing on the Nimax website? I believe it’s an in person at the box office thing. |
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