526 posts
|
Post by danielwhit on Feb 15, 2022 22:58:03 GMT
When did she have it - couple of weeks ago, right? If so this isn't long Covid yet, just symptoms which haven't cleared.
|
|
|
|
Post by isabel on Feb 16, 2022 14:27:53 GMT
Laura Pick is back on as Elphaba !
|
|
290 posts
|
Post by southstreet on Feb 16, 2022 14:46:11 GMT
Wonder if she is on for the whole day, or just doing one show this week to cover the extra matinee, so that Lucie doesn't have to do 9 shows all week and 4 in two days? I guess, especially considering she only just started and still has to get used to the vocals, they might try to avoid her wrecking her voice with no covers around? I guess we'll know more tonight. LOL
|
|
|
|
Post by aingidh on Feb 16, 2022 14:57:15 GMT
I think it’s always been the case that the standby Elphaba will do 1 show a week during the extra matinee weeks. I assume Amy is self-isolating, and the two covers will not be fully rehearsed yet. As for the Glindas, a Sophie Evans return may happen for a show tomorrow I think, as Sam is the only Glinda in the building just now I think.
|
|
290 posts
|
Post by southstreet on Feb 16, 2022 16:29:59 GMT
Well, that would make Lucie very happy, getting a show with Sophie. :-)
Also, they have now added Lucie as having a day off today on the Wicked website, so looks like Laura might be doing both shows. A friend of mine booked tickets this morning for tonight, checked the website beforehand and the day off wasn't shown yet, so he isn't best pleased about them updating the day off in the middle of that day only. LOL
|
|
487 posts
|
Post by deej4life on Feb 16, 2022 18:56:19 GMT
Laura has confirmed she is on for both shows today!
Funnily enough, when I went to see Wicked in 2014 I booked specifically to catch Willemijn on the Wednesday and Emma on the Friday. Once I arrived in London, they updated the holidays so Emma would be on for the entire week.
It's been happening for quite some time it seems!
|
|
|
|
Post by theatre241 on Feb 16, 2022 22:45:54 GMT
I have a front row ticket for tomorrow’s 7:30 performance, front row seat A25(centre) Just asking for the selling price £29.50. message me if interested!
|
|
|
|
Post by isabel on Feb 20, 2022 10:34:25 GMT
Helen is back. Glad she’s feeling better
|
|
487 posts
|
Post by deej4life on Feb 20, 2022 15:34:36 GMT
Amy Webb is on as Elphaba for the show today (20th February, 2022).
Charli Baptie was on as Glinda for the matinee yesterday, with Helen Woolf back as Glinda for the evening performance (19th February, 2022).
|
|
|
|
Post by jacob on Feb 20, 2022 22:40:43 GMT
Amy Webb is on as Elphaba for the show today (20th February, 2022). Charli Baptie was on as Glinda for the matinee yesterday, with Helen Woolf back as Glinda for the evening performance (19th February, 2022). pretty sure Helen was on for the mat - but either way, good to see her back in the show  can’t wait to be back next week |
|
|
|
Post by jacob on Feb 23, 2022 19:27:20 GMT
having just seen the matinee..
Charli as Glinda was okay, lovely singing voice but wished for more in Act 1, Popular felt a bit calculated and I wish she would’ve just let go more (I love over the top Glindas for Shiz, as seeing the contrast of mature Glinda in Act 2 works so well)
Not too sure about Ryan, not a lot of chemistry beyond Fiyeros touching / kissed. Even if Fiyero is just the love interest shoehorned in, at least make him somewhat interesting, different or mysterious .. Dancing Through Life featured an American accent at some points which was something
Lucie as Elphaba however.. voice is simply gorgeous, register switching in songs like The Wizard and I was beautiful! A few options up / gentle riffs put in place that will only sound better as she gets more comfortable. Show is looking great, always a spectacle regardless of casting. Sound was fine from first few rows of dress circle:)
|
|
|
|
Post by danb on Feb 23, 2022 20:12:00 GMT
Would’ve said hi Jacob. We were front row. Why didn’t I know about these seats before. They make for a magical experience, especially in DG. I’d echo everything you’ve said. I’m not sure what show Ryan was in but it wasn’t this one. All arse and teeth and not a lot else. Gary Wilmott was born to play the Wizard. A pretty thankless role elevated by someone with a bit of razzle dazzle & old fashioned showbiz.
|
|
|
|
Post by danb on Feb 23, 2022 20:21:20 GMT
Would’ve said hi Jacob. We were front row. Why didn’t I know about these seats before? They make for a magical experience, especially in DG. I’d echo everything you’ve said. I’m not sure what show Ryan was in but it wasn’t this one. All arse and teeth and not a lot else. Gary Wilmott was born to play the Wizard. A pretty thankless role elevated by someone with a bit of razzle dazzle & old fashioned showbiz. Lovely.
It was a full house today, with at least three school parties in the stalls. Loud Irish Mammy behind us switching between gushing and bossing her niece about for breathing & stuff. Its nice that this house is looked after. I guess it was made for weeks like this. Packed to the rafters.
Lucie was great as expected, the show is still the same show. I can’t really think of anyone else that would make me want to see it again any time soon.
|
|
|
|
Post by jacob on Feb 23, 2022 20:37:17 GMT
Would’ve said hi Jacob. We were front row. Why didn’t I know about these seats before? They make for a magical experience, especially in DG. I’d echo everything you’ve said. I’m not sure what show Ryan was in but it wasn’t this one. All arse and teeth and not a lot else. Gary Wilmott was born to play the Wizard. A pretty thankless role elevated by someone with a bit of razzle dazzle & old fashioned showbiz. Lovely. It was a full house today, with at least three school parties in the stalls. Loud Irish Mammy behind us switching between gushing and bossing her niece about for breathing & stuff. Its nice that this house is looked after. I guess it was made for weeks like this. Packed to the rafters. Lucie was great as expected, the show is still the same show. I can’t really think of anyone else that would make me want to see it again any time soon. Ah hello!! Would've happily sacrificed my overall circle view for front row, Wicked up close is just so gorgeous. Was with a friend however and as it was her first time seeing it, i wanted her to be able to appreciate the show as a whole ..lots of families near me too, half term shows are selling well(: Although ,matinees are never my favourite , Prosecco mums and fidgety children make me want to stay for the evening performances:/ (that means staying overnight though, which means money !!) |
|
|
|
Post by inthenose on Feb 24, 2022 3:33:14 GMT
Dreadful.
|
|
|
|
Post by ladidah on Feb 24, 2022 9:18:07 GMT
Would’ve said hi Jacob. We were front row. Why didn’t I know about these seats before. They make for a magical experience, especially in DG. I’d echo everything you’ve said. I’m not sure what show Ryan was in but it wasn’t this one. All arse and teeth and not a lot else. Gary Wilmott was born to play the Wizard. A pretty thankless role elevated by someone with a bit of razzle dazzle & old fashioned showbiz. Yd I’ll 'All arse and teeth' has made me laugh out loud on the bus.  |
|
|
|
Post by theoracle on Feb 24, 2022 20:53:59 GMT
Saw this for the first time in over a decade last night and wow, I feel like my theatre taste has definitely matured in some way. There were a lot of families in the audience and a couple of Wicked fans from what I could see. Before I go into my thoughts on the show, I do want to say seeing that map of Oz as I was walking in brought back so many memories and to be able to sit only a few rows away from the stage was a real treat. I was super excited to hear the score played live again and to be able to see the dragon move too - I felt like a kid again.
As others have mentioned, I was surprised by the sound. The first few bars of “No One Mourns the Wicked” was not as commanding as I had expected and No Good Deed felt like the only part that was at the volume I wanted it to be. Maybe I play music really loud on my headphones but this did slightly underwhelm me.
The production I’m afraid to say does feel tired. The costumes, the sets all does need an update in some way. I remember Phantom getting a sound upgrade in circa 2016 and I think this show deserves an upgrade too. Still this didn’t stop the cast from showing the most enthusiasm as they could. Sophie Louise-Dann and Gary Wilmot were the highlights for me - both proving themselves to be the pros that they are, living up to my expectations certainly. It’s a shame SLD doesn’t get as strong a singing part but her physical, stage presence is undeniable otherwise.
As for the leads - both were technically very strong. Lucie and Helen both making great efforts in their portrayals of the two witches. Lucie in particular I do feel is still very much a singer more than an actress but her facial expressions and body language stills looks very Elphaba and of course vocals were on top form where they needed to be. However, I felt like I was watching Lucie and Helen playing Elphaba and G(a)linda more than I was watching Elphaba and G(a)linda. There was something that felt unconvincing about their performances and the fire that Kerry Ellis and Diane Pilkington had back in the day just doesn’t seem to be here. For first time goers, it might’ve passed, but for me, something missed the mark. Vocally and visually, it seemed fantastic but I didn’t connect the way they I had hoped. I wanted more…
Lastly, SINCE WHEN was popcorn sold in a theatre?!? Why oh why would you let that crunching happen during a live performance?? I also had a child beside and behind me and the mums seemed very keen to allow their child to ask questions throughout the show whilst the mums explained (albeit quieter) to their daughters. The girl next to me even exclaimed “Let it Go” in song during the scene just before For Good. Can we also ban smart watches? Every time the mother next to me raised her arm to comfort her daughter, an LED light flashed in my eye and it happened often. Similarly, the woman next to me also kept checking her phone during the show when “a hit song” wasn’t being played. Also, hardly a mask in sight…
Overall, I’m glad I got to revisit this show but I left feeling emptier. Maybe I’ve been spending too much time watching “prestige theatre” and straight drama but for a long running west end musical I definitely left wanting more. I got my ticket during the NY sale so didn’t spend the £££ others did. Still, full standing ovation and I enjoyed No Good Deed in particular as well as other scenes. Maybe I’m too old for wicked now?
|
|
1,046 posts
|
Post by jgblunners on Feb 24, 2022 22:20:06 GMT
I assume that Gary Wilmot will either leave before the next cast change or take an extended break from the show because he’s due to return to the Palladium Panto again this year.
|
|
|
|
Post by jacob on Feb 24, 2022 22:36:30 GMT
Saw this for the first time in over a decade last night and wow, I feel like my theatre taste has definitely matured in some way. There were a lot of families in the audience and a couple of Wicked fans from what I could see. Before I go into my thoughts on the show, I do want to say seeing that map of Oz as I was walking in brought back so many memories and to be able to sit only a few rows away from the stage was a real treat. I was super excited to hear the score played live again and to be able to see the dragon move too - I felt like a kid again. As others have mentioned, I was surprised by the sound. The first few bars of “No One Mourns the Wicked” was not as commanding as I had expected and No Good Deed felt like the only part that was at the volume I wanted it to be. Maybe I play music really loud on my headphones but this did slightly underwhelm me. The production I’m afraid to say does feel tired. The costumes, the sets all does need an update in some way. I remember Phantom getting a sound upgrade in circa 2016 and I think this show deserves an upgrade too. Still this didn’t stop the cast from showing the most enthusiasm as they could. Sophie Louise-Dann and Gary Wilmot were the highlights for me - both proving themselves to be the pros that they are, living up to my expectations certainly. It’s a shame SLD doesn’t get as strong a singing part but her physical, stage presence is undeniable otherwise. As for the leads - both were technically very strong. Lucie and Helen both making great efforts in their portrayals of the two witches. Lucie in particular I do feel is still very much a singer more than an actress but her facial expressions and body language stills looks very Elphaba and of course vocals were on top form where they needed to be. However, I felt like I was watching Lucie and Helen playing Elphaba and G(a)linda more than I was watching Elphaba and G(a)linda. There was something that felt unconvincing about their performances and the fire that Kerry Ellis and Diane Pilkington had back in the day just doesn’t seem to be here. For first time goers, it might’ve passed, but for me, something missed the mark. Vocally and visually, it seemed fantastic but I didn’t connect the way they I had hoped. I wanted more… Lastly, SINCE WHEN was popcorn sold in a theatre?!? Why oh why would you let that crunching happen during a live performance?? I also had a child beside and behind me and the mums seemed very keen to allow their child to ask questions throughout the show whilst the mums explained (albeit quieter) to their daughters. The girl next to me even exclaimed “Let it Go” in song during the scene just before For Good. Can we also ban smart watches? Every time the mother next to me raised her arm to comfort her daughter, an LED light flashed in my eye and it happened often. Similarly, the woman next to me also kept checking her phone during the show when “a hit song” wasn’t being played. Also, hardly a mask in sight… Overall, I’m glad I got to revisit this show but I left feeling emptier. Maybe I’ve been spending too much time watching “prestige theatre” and straight drama but for a long running west end musical I definitely left wanting more. I got my ticket during the NY sale so didn’t spend the £££ others did. Still, full standing ovation and I enjoyed No Good Deed in particular as well as other scenes. Maybe I’m too old for wicked now? somewhat agreeing with the sound comments, thought that some of the orchestrations could’ve been slightly punchier .. but nothing major to complain about. Funny how they’ll keep songs at that volume, but for the ‘loud’ moments in Wicked the contrast is huge (maybe that’s the reason why,,) I’ll still watch in awe over the aesthetics and music. Although despite the new cast, I sometimes thought the show looked a little .. stale( saying that as someone who claims Wicked to be their favourite musical, too:0) for a first time viewing ..it would do it. I want to fault it down to the new leads needing more time to become comfortable, but at the moment the characters are very surface level I hope I don’t sound too ridiculous, just wanting to see real layers to each of them!! Only makes it fun for a repeat visitor and enhances a first time seeing it live Not to mention that the jokes yesterday were quite flat Child in dress circle shouted “Shrek” as green baby emerged in the opening, received more laughs than some of Glinda’s dialogue later on |
|
|
|
Post by jacob on Feb 24, 2022 22:37:18 GMT
I assume that Gary Wilmot will either leave before the next cast change or take an extended break from the show because he’s due to return to the Palladium Panto again this year. Would be a shame, surprisingly really enjoyed his performance Wonderful was actually enjoyable .. |
|
4,021 posts
|
Post by Dawnstar on Feb 25, 2022 20:31:11 GMT
Overall, I’m glad I got to revisit this show but I left feeling emptier. Maybe I’ve been spending too much time watching “prestige theatre” and straight drama but for a long running west end musical I definitely left wanting more. I got my ticket during the NY sale so didn’t spend the £££ others did. Still, full standing ovation and I enjoyed No Good Deed in particular as well as other scenes. Maybe I’m too old for wicked now? This reminds me of the last time I saw Wicked, in 2018. We happened to be on holiday in Edinburgh while the tour was there, so I went. I can only liken it to when you meet an old friend who you haven't seen for years & you realise that while you have nice shared memories of the past you don't have that much in common any more. |
|
487 posts
|
Post by deej4life on Feb 26, 2022 19:35:59 GMT
Amy Webb is on as Elphaba for both shows today, Charli Baptie is on as Glinda (26th February, 2022).
Charli Baptie was also on as Glinda for last nights performance (25th February, 2022).
|
|
|
|
Post by cezbear on Feb 26, 2022 19:58:39 GMT
Seems like Charli is on constantly at the moment and Lucie also missing quite a lot of shows for so early in her run.
|
|
487 posts
|
Post by deej4life on Feb 26, 2022 21:15:39 GMT
To provide some context, Helen Woolf has only just recovered from Covid-19 and did mention she was suffering from long Covid symptoms. It is likely her absence is due to these ongoing symptoms!
As for Lucie, Elphaba is a demanding role. I have always advocated that Elphaba should be a role with an alternate, perhaps this is what we are seeing (unofficially).
|
|
|
|
Post by inthenose on Feb 27, 2022 4:06:47 GMT
Helen Woolf (lovely person) initially trained where I did (Northbrook, in Sussex) and I met her several times, despite graduating at different times and not doing shows together. She is a wonderful Glinda, but the truth is your absolute tip-top level performers don't miss shows. Not at this level. Sorry, but they don't.
I'd say, after seeing it again a month or so ago, the best thing that could happen is it closed.
|
|
can’t wait to be back next week
