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Post by duncan on Jan 18, 2019 14:59:03 GMT
Just looked at the Old Vic website (shockingly bad, btw) and it doesn't list any dates. Does anyone know when the anticipated run is set? June 2020 according to the Old Vic website, which is a delay of a year from what was originally announced. I thought it was going in after "All My Sons" but the website currently just now definitely says June 2020. A musical adaptation of the hit 1983 film, Local Hero, adapted by David Greig and Bill Forsyth, directed by John Crowley and with music and lyrics by Mark Knopfler, will come to The Old Vic in June 2020 following its world premiere at the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh in 2019. |
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Post by ali973 on Jan 18, 2019 15:05:11 GMT
^ Oh, good GAWD. Is programing at the Old Vic that thing to warrant advertising a show that far in advance?!
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Post by talkingheads on Jan 19, 2019 0:07:35 GMT
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Post by Rory on Jan 19, 2019 0:33:10 GMT
Just looked at the Old Vic website (shockingly bad, btw) and it doesn't list any dates. Does anyone know when the anticipated run is set? The Old Vic's branding and design is very very poor. The American Clock and All My Sons should have gorgeous artwork by now, but no. |
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Post by ensembleswings on Jan 19, 2019 7:43:40 GMT
Was going to wait for this to transfer to the Old Vic before I booked but I’ve now decided to make a weekend out of it and travel up to Edinburgh. Looking forward to it, though as someone who’s never even stepped foot in the city let alone this theatre has anyone got any advice over seats?! Any I should be avoiding whilst booking or do majority give you a good view (relative to the price I’m paying)?
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Post by NeilVHughes on Jan 19, 2019 9:06:47 GMT
Negativity dissipated, phone box is in the cast photo. Now all that is needed is the confirmation of the Old Vic transfer, may even think about doing an ensembleswings as it has been too long since I last went to Scotland and maybe a quick trip to Pennan and some of the other locations to experience the full Local Hero experience. |
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jan 19, 2019 10:36:59 GMT
The old vic transfer isn’t until late 2019/early 2020
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Post by duncan on Jan 19, 2019 20:52:08 GMT
Was going to wait for this to transfer to the Old Vic before I booked but I’ve now decided to make a weekend out of it and travel up to Edinburgh. Looking forward to it, though as someone who’s never even stepped foot in the city let alone this theatre has anyone got any advice over seats?! Any I should be avoiding whilst booking or do majority give you a good view (relative to the price I’m paying)? Anything central on any level will give appropriate viewing. The Lyceum is small enough to ensure that even the Upper Circle doesn't feel that removed from the action. Personally I'd avoid the front row on all three levels and the Stalls C-E middle and Upper Circle C15-17 are my seats of preference. The one problem I do have with the Lyceum is that the front of house is miniscule and if you are in the front stalls these are accessed through the bar, which as this show is selling well will generally be busy and can be a pain in the behind to get through. Its my favourite theatre in Scotland, its the theatre I've been to the 2nd most times anywhere in the world and you can go from the front door to a lovely view of a castle within 30 seconds. |
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Post by ensembleswings on Jan 20, 2019 16:38:15 GMT
duncan Thanks. Booked myself a relatively central stalls row d ticket, more than I'd usually spend but then I don't usually bother travelling this far for a show.
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Post by duncan on Mar 14, 2019 13:47:05 GMT
Apparenty there was going to be a live rabbit in the show BUT after receiving several complaints from the Rabbit Welfare Association and its supporters, they decided the rabbit would no longer be included in the show.
Who knew there was a RWA!?!
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Post by david on Mar 14, 2019 13:50:13 GMT
Apparenty there was going to be a live rabbit in the show BUT after receiving several complaints from the Rabbit Welfare Association and its supporters, they decided the rabbit would no longer be included in the show. Who knew there was a RWA!?! Are the complaints from a Mr B. Bunny by any chance? |
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Post by ceebee on Mar 14, 2019 16:14:30 GMT
"That rabbit had a name. Two names."
(Obscure quote from the film, for anybody who is confused.)
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Post by sf on Mar 14, 2019 20:23:36 GMT
Apparenty there was going to be a live rabbit in the show BUT after receiving several complaints from the Rabbit Welfare Association and its supporters, they decided the rabbit would no longer be included in the show. Who knew there was a RWA!?!
"Don't Be the Bunny."
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Post by NeilVHughes on Mar 15, 2019 9:59:24 GMT
Taken the plunge and booked for this in Edinburgh, time for an adventure.
Day return Flight from Luton and a matinee.
Timings work well, 8:55 flight arrive 10:15, return flight 21:00 arrive 22:15 allowing some time to amble around Edinburgh, living in Borehamwood a simple direct train to Luton Airport so will be home similar time to a London evening show.
Cost not too excessive, comparable to a decent seat for when it arrives in London.
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Post by learfan on Mar 15, 2019 10:38:48 GMT
Taken the plunge and booked for this in Edinburgh, time for an adventure. Day return Flight from Luton and a matinee. Timings work well, 8:55 flight arrive 10:15, return flight 21:00 arrive 22:15 allowing some time to amble around Edinburgh, living in Borehamwood a simple direct train to Luton Airport so will be home similar time to a London evening show. Cost not too excessive, comparable to a decent seat for when it arrives in London. Hope its worth it! Wish i was able to jump on a plane to Scotland just for a show. |
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Post by ceebee on Mar 15, 2019 12:57:01 GMT
I'm doing the same twice next week - though am getting train up and sleeper back (quick dash to the station after the show)… The buzz on Twitter has been positive so I'm looking forward to seeing my favourite film reinterpreted on stage.
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Post by ceebee on Mar 19, 2019 23:44:46 GMT
Saw a preview of Local Hero tonight and loved it. It's funny, immersive, capturing the essence of the film without trying to replicate it. Good characterisations - much greater insight into Mac and Stella, with a more authentic, organic, grounded narrative. The plot has been subtly tweaked to lend itself to a greater crossover between characters and sacrifices cinematic licence in favour of theatrical realism. This is a great piece of work, underpinned by a strong versatile collection of songs from Mark Knopfler. Staging is excellent, ethereal at times. The cast is strong, with the characters of Mac and Ben standing out. No spoilers, but you feel less whimsy and more empathy watching this in a theatre rather than on film.
This is a great piece of work in progress which has the potential to be a front-runner.
Some one-line nuggets from the film remain, one glaring omission ("Are you sure there are two l's in dollar?" "...and are there two g's in bugger off?").
Note to director/producer - this problem can easily be fixed by rewriting the crossword section which is a bit vague. The "Ricky" gag is used once too many. I'm not a prude but overuse of the "f" word might alienate some folk plus might make an otherwise accessible piece of theatre slightly less accessible to some. A couple of folk around me were surprised, as part of the charm of the film is that f-word swearing is alluded to but not actually done. (Happer/Shrink)
Final point - more emphasis needs to be made of Mac's rock/water transition; the misplacing of the watch needs signposting better; greater care is needed over the collective hope in the community, which currently comes across as greed/avarice.
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Post by ceebee on Mar 20, 2019 7:50:55 GMT
I forgot to add... full house on a Tuesday night and a deserved standing ovation. Having slept on it, I would add that you get much more insight into what makes Stella tick. The villagers comprise local ne'er go anywheres and lone stars yearning for something more. I'm very familiar with the kind of folk being portrayed, as my parents live in the highlands, and none of the characters are exaggerated. The northern lights scene is truly magical. I'd argue that it is actually better than the film itself, as the way the Aurora is done is very clever. Having seen the real thing, the effects team deserve an award. The creative blend for this show is brilliant. Simple set with a 180 arc screen for projections, which makes it feel very modern but used sparingly. The 80s feel to Knox Oil has the bombast of the era, and the comet effect works surprisingly well. The Acetones make a great ceilidh (though I feel the cast would benefit from having a real ceilidh and make a bit more noise). Mac needs bringing into the village hubbub more instead of wryly spectating, and Gordon needs to be more subtle as the fixer. Viktor was excellent and ended the first half in style. Punk lady is underused, as the actress playing her has great comic timing (borne out by a great phone sketch). There needs to be more chemistry between Stella and Mac. Fulton Mackay's shoes are hard to fill, as are Burt Lancaster's, but both Ben and Happer are delivered with aplomb. My final thought is that Gordon Urquhart is played well, but I cant help feeling Denis Lawson's clean shaven, suave, but under the thumb Gordon is more believable, especially as he becomes more disheveled in the film. In the stage version, Gordon starts off disheveled and it undermines the character. He looks like no lawyer/accountant/hotelier/cabbie that I've ever met. Sound design is immense, the band is excellent, but the show needs more music to thread the action together. Rather than being a series of songs, there needs to be more recurrence of the Local Hero theme echoing through. Also, the end needs reworking. The lights should dim down so all thats left is the phone box ringing (no spoiler as it's the same as the film) and the "Going Home" track needs to kick in as Gordon and Stella go offstage. The audience loved this tune, so make more of the bows and final curtain - the cast looked ever so serious for people who had just delighted an audience with their talents. This feedback is all based on a preview. Work in progress. Folk last night travelled from Switzerland and Australia to see the show - they weren't disappointed.
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Post by duncan on Mar 21, 2019 20:53:17 GMT
Glacial doesn't even begin to describe the first half.
It needs oooomph! The direction is letting people down, too static for me aside from the celidh scene.
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Post by FrontroverPaul on Mar 21, 2019 21:04:33 GMT
I'm doing the same twice next week - though am getting train up and sleeper back (quick dash to the station after the show)… The buzz on Twitter has been positive so I'm looking forward to seeing my favourite film reinterpreted on stage. I'm travelling to Edinburgh on a Tuesday next month and staying overnight at a Premier Inn (£35) . Booked an amateur Sweet Charity on the Tuesday evening and seeing Local Hero Wednesday matinee, then train back to London and Kent on Wednesday evening. Could just about have done it as a day trip but cost works out about the same travelling off peak in both directions and no worries about train delays. Even more excited to see this having read your comments. Love the film ! |
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Post by ceebee on Mar 21, 2019 22:10:49 GMT
Glacial doesn't even begin to describe the first half. It needs oooomph! The direction is letting people down, too static for me aside from the celidh scene. Ooommph? Like the film had? I agree that some directorial elements are questionable, but see this as a work in progress ahead of some time to tweak before it plays at the Old Vic. I see similarities to the way Groundhog Day was developed. |
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Post by ceebee on Mar 21, 2019 22:13:25 GMT
I'm doing the same twice next week - though am getting train up and sleeper back (quick dash to the station after the show)… The buzz on Twitter has been positive so I'm looking forward to seeing my favourite film reinterpreted on stage. I'm travelling to Edinburgh on a Tuesday next month and staying overnight at a Premier Inn (£35) . Booked an amateur Sweet Charity on the Tuesday evening and seeing Local Hero Wednesday matinee, then train back to London and Kent on Wednesday evening. Could just about have done it as a day trip but cost works out about the same travelling off peak in both directions and no worries about train delays. Even more excited to see this having read your comments. Love the film ! You'll love the stage version. Take an open mind and see it as a new interpretation. I won't give any spoilers but the plot is a little different to the film and works well for it! |
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Post by duncan on Mar 21, 2019 22:37:21 GMT
Glacial doesn't even begin to describe the first half. It needs oooomph! The direction is letting people down, too static for me aside from the celidh scene. Ooommph? Like the film had? I agree that some directorial elements are questionable, but see this as a work in progress ahead of some time to tweak before it plays at the Old Vic. I see similarities to the way Groundhog Day was developed. It's the lyceum landmark production this season, in no way should this be seen as a warm up for London. |
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Post by ceebee on Mar 22, 2019 18:09:46 GMT
Ooommph? Like the film had? I agree that some directorial elements are questionable, but see this as a work in progress ahead of some time to tweak before it plays at the Old Vic. I see similarities to the way Groundhog Day was developed. It's the lyceum landmark production this season, in no way should this be seen as a warm up for London. I'm not sure I called it a warm-up. As a famous producer once said "great musicals are not written, they're rewritten". There will be changes before London, as there should be. Theatre is organic and fluid, and rarely perfect. Did you enjoy the second half? |
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Post by duncan on Mar 23, 2019 10:08:01 GMT
5. Local Hero - Lyceum
Ambitious Texan oil executive Mac arrives in Scotland on a mission to buy a small seaside village and replace it with a refinery. But Mac soon finds out that putting a price on this scenic spot is more complicated than he bargained for. Before the locals get rich, they must decide what a village is worth – A million? A marriage? Or is feeling at home worth more than even money can buy?
Mark Knopfler and David Greig present the World Premiere of this new musical based on the Bill Forsyth film. Forsyth has been vocal about being shut out of the production process and you can see why - changes have been made to reduce the scale of the film to sit it on stage and gone are the characters played on film by Peter Capaldi and Jenny Seagrove BUT these changes remove the background plots that helped propel the film so instead we get a glacially paced first half as there is nothing going on with the supporting characters to hold our interest.
We lose our focus on the community - they aren't characters in their own right, they have become the supporting cast in a musical who are there to fill out some time. A musical of scale will normally have plots A through M to keep us going and indeed in some shows such as Guys and Dolls its the N plots that end up providing the best song and memorable moments but not here. The cast are all trying valiantly to show that they are playing different tropes within a community but with the exception of Viktor the Russian trawler Captain and Mistress Fraser his onshore love interest the supporting cast aren't really given much to do and float around as faceless characterisations in the background with the occasional number. Ten actors in search of a community. And lets get one thing straight - the community here are bastards, people seem to remember the film as being a warm hearted comedy about a man finding himself in the Highlands of Scotland but forget that essentially the community are happy to do harm to Ben to ensure they get their money.
The biggest issues I have is that the first half needs a rocket up its arse - to call the pace glacial would be an understatement, things thankfully improve in the second half but the opening 75 minutes or so are turgid. I know people will say that its based on a film that could be called languid but that film had a visual flair and that's my second big problem here, the direction. This is static, its people on a stage standing about for far too long - it needs injections of pace, punch and flair but we get far too many longueur sections that need oomph to keep the show moving, there is some decent comedy in the script most of which has been pinched from the film and a lot of the original comedy moments fall flat and the best bit of comedy in the whole thing is an exceptionally subtle press of a button that is probably missed by most people (and certainly will be if you are in Row A or B of the stalls as I could just see it from C). This is 160 minutes, 20 minute interval included, and could easily be tightened up to be a better show.
The second half is a lot more interesting and entertaining as that's when the actual story starts. People get given things to do and the drama side of things finally has a purpose. I'm not sure the Mac love story actually works but its certainly a far better 70 minutes or so than the first half.
I'm couldn't hum the score of Local Hero if asked and I'm not really a Dire Straits fan so the music on offer isn't something that stands out for me, I could name 4 Knopfler songs from his entire career and indeed best know him for the use of "Brothers in Arms" at the end of "Two Cathedrals" and part of the issue I had here is that every so often I kept thinking the score had started playing "Brothers in Arms" and then it veered off elsewhere. Its still a nice enough score that offers some variation but if you aren't a Knopfler fan this isn't going to convert you to the cause.
They also save Coming Home for the end of the show, as with the film its the accompaniment of the "credits" and the band played right on through to the end even after the lights had come up and people were leaving. There was a small number of people giving a standing ovation at the end.
Of the cast its Katrina Bryan as the Stella, the bidey-in and dance partner of the Hotel Owner, who is the most impressive - a character that can see the village for what it is and what will be lost if they sell out to Knox Oil. A character that is willing to give up everything to ensure that progress is halted and Bryan is nuanced, subtle and in your face as and when required.
Simon "Jack Meadows" Rouse is no Burt Lancaster and indeed his American accent is more Grimsby than Galveston.
If you enjoy the film, you'll enjoy this but unlike the similar drawn from existing filmic material of Tutti Frutti or the jukebox musical of Sunshine on Leith this isn't its own beast its more homage than being something that can stand on its own - 6/10. Could do better.
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