116 posts
|
Post by alexandra on Jan 29, 2019 15:52:38 GMT
"I mean, does this mean that anyone looking for tickets should be refreshing the site whenever possible during working hours on the off chance that a few tickets become available?" Yes. That is how you get tickets for any sold out production. Why should this be different? Because they explicitly said that they wouldn't do that for this play. And then they decided, without telling anyone, to go ahead and do it anyway. I mean, as it stands we don't even know if they are intending to continue with online retuns sales or if that was a one-off. Don't get me wrong, I think this online sales method is better for returns, but iny my opinion they need to be transparent about what they're doing if they're changing plans after going for such an unusual means of selling the original seats. Ok. That wasn't really the thrust of your message, but fine. I thought it was obvious that there would be returns available online after the reviews. Also, does it ever occur to people to give the box office a call and ask? Works wonders - that's how I got mine. I do think they have shot themselves in the foot with the ballot, because the impression has been created for the average punter who hasn't seen the reviews that it's impossible to get tickets for. So now they probably won't try. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 29, 2019 15:55:53 GMT
You pays your money, you take your choice. That's what he said. |
|
1,861 posts
|
Post by NeilVHughes on Jan 29, 2019 17:17:47 GMT
New allocation of tickets for tomorrow night popped up, centre stalls booked.
Looks as if it is going to be a regular occurrence, couldn’t do the previously released days this week, pleased I popped back on the off chance for a few more being released for the other dates this week.
Now to get the bad taste of the ballot malarkey out of my mouth.
|
|
|
|
Post by shelbee on Jan 29, 2019 19:00:54 GMT
Because they explicitly said that they wouldn't do that for this play. And then they decided, without telling anyone, to go ahead and do it anyway. I mean, as it stands we don't even know if they are intending to continue with online retuns sales or if that was a one-off. Don't get me wrong, I think this online sales method is better for returns, but iny my opinion they need to be transparent about what they're doing if they're changing plans after going for such an unusual means of selling the original seats. Ok. That wasn't really the thrust of your message, but fine. I thought it was obvious that there would be returns available online after the reviews. Also, does it ever occur to people to give the box office a call and ask? Works wonders - that's how I got mine. I do think they have shot themselves in the foot with the ballot, because the impression has been created for the average punter who hasn't seen the reviews that it's impossible to get tickets for. So now they probably won't try. This is something people are learning. If they went to the site previously and everyday is listed as "sold out", last thing people are thinking is tickets will available onsite. |
|
5,691 posts
|
Post by lynette on Jan 29, 2019 21:07:40 GMT
The phone message for the NT says it is sold out.
|
|
|
|
Post by gingerB on Jan 29, 2019 22:05:06 GMT
with so many returns and such, are people still limited to two tickets for the whole run? what if someone wants to go again?
|
|
2,850 posts
|
Post by couldileaveyou on Jan 29, 2019 22:07:05 GMT
I always said I'd watch Cate Blanchett read the phonebook and tonight I learned it would have been preferable
|
|
|
|
Post by gingerB on Jan 29, 2019 22:08:51 GMT
I always said I'd watch Cate Blanchett read the phonebook and tonight I learned it would have been preferable LOL |
|
562 posts
|
Post by jadnoop on Jan 30, 2019 10:10:18 GMT
Given the mostly negative comments I went with some trepidation but I thought it was pretty good to be honest. I wouldn't describe it as 'enjoyable', but I found it interesting, at times blackly funny, and with a dark, occasionally nightmarish atmosphere.
The tone, lighting and way that characters slid in and out of actors brought to mind David Lynch's wonderful low-fi Inland Empire. And the set balanced nicely between mundane real life (ikea furniture and Amazon delivery boxes) and absurd dream (the ever-present karaoke lights).
I'm sure that I didn't 'get' everything that was going on (and I haven't read Pamela). But I liked the layering of layering of gender/sexual relations commentary, with what could be the psycho-sexual roleplay of an upper middle class, right-leaning couple. For me, while it was initially jarring, the overly artificial staging and use of mics fit the theatricality of the play. Especially the wonderfully meta moments, such as Blanchett debating whether or not her thoughts & actions are controlled by a man: meaning Dillane but also Crimp.
All in all, while it felt 30 minutes too long, I'm really happy to have gone. If it wouldn't be unfair on those that couldn't go even once I think I'd try to get a ticket to go again.
Incidentally, I spoke with the box office and they said that the online sales of the last few days were because of higher-than-expected levels of returns. In future online vs in-person only returns sales will be done on an ad-hoc basis.
|
|
116 posts
|
Post by alexandra on Jan 30, 2019 14:59:16 GMT
The phone message for the NT says it is sold out. It is sold out! But sometimes they get returns, so it's worth persevering. They're not going to change the phone message every time Prudish of Preston returns a ticket, and then change it back again after it's resold to Dom of Doncaster. Come on, you know how this works. |
|
4,021 posts
|
Post by Dawnstar on Jan 30, 2019 17:02:15 GMT
The phone message for the NT says it is sold out. It is sold out! But sometimes they get returns, so it's worth persevering. They're not going to change the phone message every time Prudish of Preston returns a ticket, and then change it back again after it's resold to Dom of Doncaster. Come on, you know how this works. I read it that lynette is pointing out that the NT's message may well put off your "average" ticket buyers. I'm sure that someone who goes to the theatre as much as she does will be well aware of returns. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 30, 2019 18:42:09 GMT
They are still putting seats online - currently tickets for both performances tomorrow.
I wonder if the number that have popped up for tomorrow afternoon is somehow related to the workshop following the matinee with the sound designer?
|
|
1,861 posts
|
Post by NeilVHughes on Jan 30, 2019 22:56:12 GMT
Definitely not the play I was expecting.
An exceptional piece which totally subverts the dominance / submission dichotomy as gender specific.
The overtly sexual depiction of the role play exaggerates the gender stereotypes we continue to perpetuate.
This play explodes the myth of these stereotypes as the dominant and submissive are continually fluid dependant on the situation, ignore that the man is dressed as a woman and the woman is dressed as a man, the character is always ‘man’ / ‘woman’ only the perspective changes.
When we have sufficiently tortured each other we may just accept that we are people not the stereotypes expected of our genders.
Crimps language is phenomenal, repeated motifs subtly evolving and twisting, periods of high tension and extreme tedium mimicking ‘normal’ life and for the first time in ages am tempted to get the play text.
Kudos must be given to Blanchett and Dillane who expose themselves in a way that is both brave and liberating, Blanchett is exceptional giving one of the best performances I have seen.
Go with an open mind, watch two great actors traverse the course of their relationship from courtship to marriage and parenthood and experience what could be the play of the year.
Thank you to all the people who ‘chickened’ out following the reviews, if it wasn’t for you I would have missed out on seeing a play that will stay with me for a long time.
|
|
423 posts
|
Post by dlevi on Jan 31, 2019 9:56:58 GMT
Well I found this to be a piece of crap on all levels. Except of course the actors steadfast commitment to the production - that is to be admired. But for the rest of it? Bleah. I understood it. I "got" what they were going for, but ...it was just so damn dull. I suppose producing this is a way for Rufus to make-up for the lack of employment for Katie Mitchell in recent years - but really - did we miss her dimly lit- soft spoken - microphone wielding productions that much? At least there was no video this time. Heigh-ho!
|
|
116 posts
|
Post by alexandra on Jan 31, 2019 11:27:34 GMT
Well I found this to be a piece of crap on all levels. Except of course the actors steadfast commitment to the production - that is to be admired. But for the rest of it? Bleah. I understood it. I "got" what they were going for, but ...it was just so damn dull. I suppose producing this is a way for Rufus to make-up for the lack of employment for Katie Mitchell in recent years - but really - did we miss her dimly lit- soft spoken - microphone wielding productions that much? At least there was no video this time. Heigh-ho! Ha! You forgot the slow motion bit. I love how this is dividing people. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 31, 2019 18:03:52 GMT
Definitely not the play I was expecting. An exceptional piece which totally subverts the dominance / submission dichotomy as gender specific. The overtly sexual depiction of the role play exaggerates the gender stereotypes we continue to perpetuate. This play explodes the myth of these stereotypes as the dominant and submissive are continually fluid dependant on the situation, ignore that the man is dressed as a woman and the woman is dressed as a man, the character is always ‘man’ / ‘woman’ only the perspective changes. When we have sufficiently tortured each other we may just accept that we are people not the stereotypes expected of our genders. Crimps language is phenomenal, repeated motifs subtly evolving and twisting, periods of high tension and extreme tedium mimicking ‘normal’ life and for the first time in ages am tempted to get the play text. Kudos must be given to Blanchett and Dillane who expose themselves in a way that is both brave and liberating, Blanchett is exceptional giving one of the best performances I have seen. Go with an open mind, watch two great actors traverse the course of their relationship from courtship to marriage and parenthood and experience what could be the play of the year. Thank you to all the people who ‘chickened’ out following the reviews, if it wasn’t for you I would have missed out on seeing a play that will stay with me for a long time. Exactly how I came out of the Dorfman ths afternoon. On a jokey side thank you to all those who were returning tickets - a lady in the queue ahead of me when collecting mine returned 4 for tomorrow night BTW - but on a more serious and sincere side, thank you to those who highlighted us all to the fact that tickets were online as thats how I got mine. A great play (though reading the programme beforehand definitely increases the possibility of you finding it great) and Blanchett puts in the best performance I have had had the privilege to see in my 7 years attending theatre. Thank you! |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 31, 2019 18:15:28 GMT
Interesting round-up from Popbitch of critcs' reactions to the appendage ...
|
|
|
|
Post by orchidman on Jan 31, 2019 18:20:43 GMT
Went in with extremely low expectations and they were exceeded.
Didn't even think Blanchett was particularly good or magnetic. I don't know how she gets a free pass for this. Her lack of discernment inflicts this material on an audience who assumes her participation is a mark of quality. The last thing she did on Broadway sounded dreadful too.
Feel sorry for the supporting cast having to watch this crap everyday.
|
|
92 posts
|
Post by chameleon on Jan 31, 2019 20:36:11 GMT
Definitely not the play I was expecting. An exceptional piece which totally subverts the dominance / submission dichotomy as gender specific. The overtly sexual depiction of the role play exaggerates the gender stereotypes we continue to perpetuate. This play explodes the myth of these stereotypes as the dominant and submissive are continually fluid dependant on the situation, ignore that the man is dressed as a woman and the woman is dressed as a man, the character is always ‘man’ / ‘woman’ only the perspective changes. When we have sufficiently tortured each other we may just accept that we are people not the stereotypes expected of our genders. Crimps language is phenomenal, repeated motifs subtly evolving and twisting, periods of high tension and extreme tedium mimicking ‘normal’ life and for the first time in ages am tempted to get the play text. Kudos must be given to Blanchett and Dillane who expose themselves in a way that is both brave and liberating, Blanchett is exceptional giving one of the best performances I have seen. Go with an open mind, watch two great actors traverse the course of their relationship from courtship to marriage and parenthood and experience what could be the play of the year. Thank you to all the people who ‘chickened’ out following the reviews, if it wasn’t for you I would have missed out on seeing a play that will stay with me for a long time. Exactly how I came out of the Dorfman ths afternoon. On a jokey side thank you to all those who were returning tickets - a lady in the queue ahead of me when collecting mine returned 4 for tomorrow night BTW - but on a more serious and sincere side, thank you to those who highlighted us all to the fact that tickets were online as thats how I got mine. A great play (though reading the programme beforehand definitely increases the possibility of you finding it great) and Blanchett puts in the best performance I have had had the privilege to see in my 7 years attending theatre. Thank you! What does the programme say? |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 31, 2019 22:27:19 GMT
Exactly how I came out of the Dorfman ths afternoon. On a jokey side thank you to all those who were returning tickets - a lady in the queue ahead of me when collecting mine returned 4 for tomorrow night BTW - but on a more serious and sincere side, thank you to those who highlighted us all to the fact that tickets were online as thats how I got mine. A great play (though reading the programme beforehand definitely increases the possibility of you finding it great) and Blanchett puts in the best performance I have had had the privilege to see in my 7 years attending theatre. Thank you! What does the programme say? There was an article about the novel which provides the source material, an article about the power and politics of sex and synopsis of different opinions about sex by analysts. In my opinion I was armed with enough information to understand the play and could just enjoy it without struggling to understand what was happening. |
|
5,817 posts
|
Post by mrbarnaby on Feb 1, 2019 13:20:44 GMT
Went in with extremely low expectations and they were exceeded. Didn't even think Blanchett was particularly good or magnetic. I don't know how she gets a free pass for this. Her lack of discernment inflicts this material on an audience who assumes her participation is a mark of quality. The last thing she did on Broadway sounded dreadful too. Feel sorry for the supporting cast having to watch this crap everyday. Maybe next time she could choose her play to please you? A safe little Alan Bennett or Noel Coward perhaps? Something set in a drawing room with lovely music during the scene changes? Nothing too challenging for her or the audience. |
|
|
|
Post by bluetoothpick on Feb 1, 2019 17:03:56 GMT
Hi lovely people!
Prior to hitting the returns queue for this can anyone that's seen it tell me which side of the stage the car is on?
If offered RV seats on either side of the stalls is there a recommendation as to which side to take?
Many thanks 😁
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 1, 2019 17:42:10 GMT
Hi lovely people! Prior to hitting the returns queue for this can anyone that's seen it tell me which side of the stage the car is on? If offered RV seats on either side of the stalls is there a recommendation as to which side to take? Many thanks 😁 The car is on stage right but you can't see much in there regardless of where you sit to be honest. |
|
92 posts
|
Post by chameleon on Feb 1, 2019 18:24:08 GMT
Went in with extremely low expectations and they were exceeded. Didn't even think Blanchett was particularly good or magnetic. I don't know how she gets a free pass for this. Her lack of discernment inflicts this material on an audience who assumes her participation is a mark of quality. The last thing she did on Broadway sounded dreadful too. Feel sorry for the supporting cast having to watch this crap everyday. Maybe next time she could choose her play to please you? A safe little Alan Bennett or Noel Coward perhaps? Something set in a drawing room with lovely music during the scene changes? Nothing too challenging for her or the audience.
Alan Bennett is not that safe. As I remember, with The History Boys, he had all the right-thinking bourgeoisie cheering on paedophilia. Thats... quite transgressive. Much more so than this (slightly tedious) evening of ostentatiously highbrow soft porn..
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 1, 2019 18:28:19 GMT
Quite a few tickets for the matinee on Thursday 7th currently on sale
|
|
