1,561 posts
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Post by showtoones on Jul 28, 2024 21:10:39 GMT
does anyone know who is staying/leaving? I believe we're getting a new JVJ, Cosette, Eponine and Enjolras (maybe more but not sure). A lot of the ensemble are leaving too. Stewart is staying? |
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Post by bobbievanhusen on Jul 29, 2024 2:10:53 GMT
I've heard that Bonnie did the splits. Don't know if it was a one off or she is going to do it every night. I hope she does it every night, though i hope she slides down into it slowly, like she's tipsy or something, rather than leaping off a table and landing full splits!God bless Bonita. Her resurgence in recent years has been fantastic to watch. |
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Post by thistimetomorrow on Jul 29, 2024 9:06:09 GMT
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Post by marob on Jul 31, 2024 11:47:10 GMT
I did end up booking, but only at about 6.00PM yesterday once some of the decent stalls seats reduced in price a bit. Still cost a lot more than I’d like, but not paying much for Mischief Movie Night or the Hello Dolly front row takes some of the sting out.
I’ve only seen it once, the summer theatres reopened and hotels were dirt cheap. Usually time in London is limited and short runs have priority, but then I was able to stay for nearly a fortnight and saw a bunch of the long-runners. Even though I’m not religious I remember I found it incredibly moving.
Expecting to be similarly affected second time around is a mistake as I wasn’t. I still enjoyed it a great deal, but it hits differently when you’re waiting for everyone to die.
But the main reason I booked: Bonnie and Jac. Bonnie looks like she’s having a ball up there, loads of mugging throughout, has her leg stretched up in the air when she’s hauled off on the cart and does the splits at the wedding. It’s all very OTT, but weirdly it works and the audience absolutely love her.
I really like Jac Yarrow’s voice and he gives a good performance. But, and I feel unkind saying this, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables could do with being more anguished IMHO. Possibly nitpicking though as that’s the song I was most looking forward to, and a vague memory of Eddie Redmayne in the film might be colouring my perceptions of what that scene ‘should’ be. Regardless, hope to see him in something again soon. Bit of extra fun spotting him popping up as random background characters throughout act one.
Covers on for Javert, Eponine and Thenardier. I know it’s the way of live theatre, but I was disappointed not to see Luke Kempner. It must be 10 years ago now, but one of the very first things I saw in London was his show The Only Way Is Downtown, downstairs in the old Trafalgar Studios. Was really nice seeing Adam Pearce back on stage though.
Had a great night. I’d give it 4 stars.
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165 posts
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Post by Paulw on Jul 31, 2024 14:39:11 GMT
I did end up booking, but only at about 6.00PM yesterday once some of the decent stalls seats reduced in price a bit. Still cost a lot more than I’d like, but not paying much for Mischief Movie Night or the Hello Dolly front row takes some of the sting out. I’ve only seen it once, the summer theatres reopened and hotels were dirt cheap. Usually time in London is limited and short runs have priority, but then I was able to stay for nearly a fortnight and saw a bunch of the long-runners. Even though I’m not religious I remember I found it incredibly moving. Expecting to be similarly affected second time around is a mistake as I wasn’t. I still enjoyed it a great deal, but it hits differently when you’re waiting for everyone to die. But the main reason I booked: Bonnie and Jac. Bonnie looks like she’s having a ball up there, loads of mugging throughout, has her leg stretched up in the air when she’s hauled off on the cart and does the splits at the wedding. It’s all very OTT, but weirdly it works and the audience absolutely love her. I really like Jac Yarrow’s voice and he gives a good performance. But, and I feel unkind saying this, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables could do with being more anguished IMHO. Possibly nitpicking though as that’s the song I was most looking forward to, and a vague memory of Eddie Redmayne in the film might be colouring my perceptions of what that scene ‘should’ be. Regardless, hope to see him in something again soon. Bit of extra fun spotting him popping up as random background characters throughout act one. Covers on for Javert, Eponine and Thenardier. I know it’s the way of live theatre, but I was disappointed not to see Luke Kempner. It must be 10 years ago now, but one of the very first things I saw in London was his show The Only Way Is Downtown, downstairs in the old Trafalgar Studios. Was really nice seeing Adam Pearce back on stage though. Had a great night. I’d give it 4 stars. I saw the Eponine cover last week, Rosy Church I believe is her name and she was amazing and very nearly stole the show for me |
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Post by katherinelesmis on Jul 31, 2024 15:44:37 GMT
does anyone know who is staying/leaving? I believe we're getting a new JVJ, Cosette, Eponine and Enjolras (maybe more but not sure). A lot of the ensemble are leaving too. Is Will staying? That's a bit surprising, because even though he's amazing in the role his attendance has been far from perfect... I hope he's OK and can be on more next year. |
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Post by thistimetomorrow on Aug 1, 2024 8:45:04 GMT
I'm not sure about Marius I'm afraid. |
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1,379 posts
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Post by BVM on Aug 1, 2024 10:04:20 GMT
I believe we're getting a new JVJ, Cosette, Eponine and Enjolras (maybe more but not sure). A lot of the ensemble are leaving too. Is Will staying? That's a bit surprising, because even though he's amazing in the role his attendance has been far from perfect... I hope he's OK and can be on more next year. I do agree. Will is a fantastic Marius - probably one of the best I’ve seen. But yes he’s off for large amounts of time. In the year on tour and the year in the west end he was off for about two thirds of my trips to the show. Hope he does stay though. As well as being great in the role he comes across as very sweet and humble. |
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Post by heneedshishat on Aug 1, 2024 18:46:53 GMT
Went with a friend to see this again while Jac and Bonnie are still on, and Bonnie is indeed darker now than she started. Still brighter and bubblier than Madame T is often played, but she is miserable and mean enough now when she needs to be. Blocking all still in place and the delivery more assured. Not that she ever lacked confidence but it’s just a more settled and nuanced performance now.
Jac really plays into the friendship with the students and it’s a lovely bit of characterisation that makes it his own. Not sure what potential there is for it transition to the concert staging, but good for the Sondheim at any rate.
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Post by katherinelesmis on Aug 3, 2024 19:43:35 GMT
Milan just announced that his last show in Les Mis will be 12/10, which is kind of weird since the presumed last date would be 21/9, a year from when the 2023/2024 cast began performances. Does anyone know if it's just him or if they are delaying the entire cast change?
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Post by elfman1 on Aug 3, 2024 19:53:33 GMT
Milan just announced that his last show in Les Mis will be 12/10, which is kind of weird since the presumed last date would be 21/9, a year from when the 2023/2024 cast began performances. Does anyone know if it's just him or if they are delaying the entire cast change? Its the entire cast change on that date |
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Post by A.Ham on Aug 5, 2024 10:13:52 GMT
Blimey! I’ve a long-standing booking for the following week so it’ll (hopefully!) be good to see the new cast, although I’m sad to be missing Milan.
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Post by SuttonPeron on Aug 5, 2024 14:39:37 GMT
Blimey! I’ve a long-standing booking for the following week so it’ll (hopefully!) be good to see the new cast, although I’m sad to be missing Milan. How could you book standing so long in advance? Asking for a friend (aka myself) |
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Post by FrontroverPaul on Aug 5, 2024 17:02:48 GMT
Blimey! I’ve a long-standing booking for the following week so it’ll (hopefully!) be good to see the new cast, although I’m sad to be missing Milan. How could you book standing so long in advance? Asking for a friend (aka myself) I'm not sure if this is a pun/joke but in case it isn't - long-standing usually refers to an arrangement or agreement made a while ago. Nothing to do with standing tickets in theatres. |
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Post by A.Ham on Aug 5, 2024 18:02:54 GMT
How could you book standing so long in advance? Asking for a friend (aka myself) I'm not sure if this is a pun/joke but in case it isn't - long-standing usually refers to an arrangement or agreement made a while ago. Nothing to do with standing tickets in theatres. Yes, long-standing as in I booked them ages ago, rather than I've booked the standing tickets. Sorry! |
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204 posts
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Post by argon on Aug 5, 2024 23:50:56 GMT
Anyone else think this altered production i.e minus the revolve is just way too dark. I watched it the other week and it felt like the stage was perpetually in darkness for most of the scenes. The most illuminated scene "The wedding banquet" I remembered being very bright in the revolve days. Not now, I suggest they use a few more candles.
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Post by SuttonPeron on Aug 6, 2024 10:16:32 GMT
It is very dark. Personally, it´s one of the things I love the most about this production.
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Post by 141920grm on Aug 6, 2024 11:17:20 GMT
soon: entire theatre being listening seats
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Post by A.Ham on Aug 6, 2024 12:45:22 GMT
It is very dark. Personally, it´s one of the things I love the most about this production. Likewise. It’s not as though it’s a happy and bright story is it, so the lighting fits the themes. |
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1,379 posts
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Post by BVM on Aug 7, 2024 15:48:13 GMT
Haha - so I thought the original production was even darker - you could barely see beyond the middle of the stage most of the time.
Agree the Wedding Feast scene was very bright though - so much so that it almost looked out of place with the rest of the design I thought.
(Still a Napier epic triumph; obvs).
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Post by knutinkerbell on Aug 9, 2024 7:14:37 GMT
Went yesterday to see it.
First, yes, she’s doing the splits. But, she owns the role and I really enjoyed to see her as Madame Thenadier.
For me the biggest surprise was Stewart Clarke as Javert. Really loved his performance. And didn’t know Jac Yarrow. He was just perfect. Loved his voice and acting.
Totally annoying was the clapping when the songs weren’t finished.
And yes, the original production was darker. It nearly played in a black box. It wasn’t possible to see the back of the stage most of the time.
I don’t like Les Misérables to much anymore. It’s just a run through the songs.
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8,094 posts
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Post by alece10 on Aug 10, 2024 7:15:38 GMT
Caught the penultimate night for Jac and Bonnie on Friday.
The last 2 visits to the show were the staged concerts so I had forgotten how long the full show is.
The show is still in great shape and they have a good cast. I especially liked Milan as Jean Valjean who had a really powerful voice. The only one I wasn't too impressed with was Enjoiras as I felt his voice wasn't strong enough.
Bonnie was having an absolute ball and you could see she was loving it, a real crowd pleaser. I was most impressed with Jac who was one of the best Marius's I have seen. Good acting and great voice. It was also fun spotting him in the background early in the show. I spotted him 3 or 4 times as different characters.
I took a friend who had never seen the musical before. She wasn't won over at the interval but by the end she really enjoyed it.
I don't have a need to see it again for a while but if the arena tour comes to London next year then I will go.
Can't believe it was 39 years ago insaw it for the first time (still have the programme).
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Post by katherinelesmis on Aug 10, 2024 13:54:26 GMT
Caught the penultimate night for Jac and Bonnie on Friday. The last 2 visits to the show were the staged concerts so I had forgotten how long the full show is. The show is still in great shape and they have a good cast. I especially liked Milan as Jean Valjean who had a really powerful voice. The only one I wasn't too impressed with was Enjoiras as I felt his voice wasn't strong enough. Bonnie was having an absolute ball and you could see she was loving it, a real crowd pleaser. I was most impressed with Jac who was one of the best Marius's I have seen. Good acting and great voice. It was also fun spotting him in the background early in the show. I spotted him 3 or 4 times as different characters. I took a friend who had never seen the musical before. She wasn't won over at the interval but by the end she really enjoyed it. I don't have a need to see it again for a while but if the arena tour comes to London next year then I will go. Can't believe it was 39 years ago insaw it for the first time (still have the programme). Shame you didn't like Djavan... I think he's a great Enjolras, though I guess it comes down to taste. What did you think of Stewart as Javert? (I've heard only great things about him and would love to catch him live) |
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Post by alece10 on Aug 10, 2024 15:02:10 GMT
Caught the penultimate night for Jac and Bonnie on Friday. The last 2 visits to the show were the staged concerts so I had forgotten how long the full show is. The show is still in great shape and they have a good cast. I especially liked Milan as Jean Valjean who had a really powerful voice. The only one I wasn't too impressed with was Enjoiras as I felt his voice wasn't strong enough. Bonnie was having an absolute ball and you could see she was loving it, a real crowd pleaser. I was most impressed with Jac who was one of the best Marius's I have seen. Good acting and great voice. It was also fun spotting him in the background early in the show. I spotted him 3 or 4 times as different characters. I took a friend who had never seen the musical before. She wasn't won over at the interval but by the end she really enjoyed it. I don't have a need to see it again for a while but if the arena tour comes to London next year then I will go. Can't believe it was 39 years ago insaw it for the first time (still have the programme). Shame you didn't like Djavan... I think he's a great Enjolras, though I guess it comes down to taste. What did you think of Stewart as Javert? (I've heard only great things about him and would love to catch him live) Stewart was very good indeed. I do feel a big bad saying I didn't like Djavan especially as I saw him today at West End Woofs and he seemed a lovely young man. I just didn't think his voice had the power especially towards the end of phrases and, maybe wrongly, I'm comparing him with Bradley and Ramin who I've seen in that role. |
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Post by katherinelesmis on Aug 12, 2024 10:19:51 GMT
I've been trying to figure out why they're delaying the cast change this year and then I had this thought: the old cast's final show is on the 12th of Octoher, meaning it's after the 8th, meaning after the anniversary. So the new cast that comes in will be the 40th anniversary cast (8/10/2025), which is kind of a big deal. What do you all think?
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