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Post by mattnyc on Jul 19, 2022 22:26:42 GMT
Security was stupidly aggressive. I wasn’t going to cause a scene but I’m going to the theater, not Iraq. Calm down. The show was so great, though. It’s a show that I saw a few times on Broadway and was always left thinking it was decent but not much more. But Saunders and Knight made it joyous. Lizzie is such a star and blew the roof off with her big number. Keala as well was fantastic, I just wish she had more to do. I can’t wait to see it again this weekend.  |
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Post by FJ on Jul 19, 2022 22:41:19 GMT
Have to say, I enjoyed the show tonight, but didn’t absolutely love it.
Beverley was absolutely fantastic, Jennifer Saunders was hilarious, Lizzie Bea’s voice is amazing, and there are some great fun numbers throughout the first and second acts.
But it was my first time seeing any production of the show and I just felt like it had some real dead songs and scenes in the middle. I think this cast and production were good, but for me I’m just not convinced the show as a piece is that good.
Think I’m in the minority as the audience reaction and discussions I heard on the way out were great.
Had a great evening, glad I saw it, but it was maybe 3.5* for me.
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Post by d'James on Jul 19, 2022 22:49:15 GMT
Do the nuns sing ‘How I Got The Calling’ or ‘It’s Good To Be A Nun?’
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Post by mattnyc on Jul 19, 2022 22:49:18 GMT
Oh there’s definitely songs that never should have made it past the first reading, primarily any song sung by any of the men. They’re all awful.
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Post by LaLuPone on Jul 19, 2022 22:56:57 GMT
I think the security is more “aggressive” there because of the nature of the venue, it’s usually concerts and comedians and lots of big names so they are going to be tighter with it. I’m sure a lot of people try to smuggle booze in at most gigs. Also at full capacity I think the Apollo seats nearly 4,000 so that automatically makes it a higher profile event than most west end shows. Sure they could possibly adjust their methods for this mostly different audience “type” but they’re probably just on auto pilot doing their jobs.
I’m sure we all remember that terrible night of the Manchester Arena attack, I personally am happy to comply with strict and thorough security searches at all entertainment venues to lessen the risk of anything like that happening again. But on the other hand yes there is a line when it comes to physical touching etc. and I don’t want to undermine anyone else’s experience if security made you feel uncomfortable.
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Post by fiyero on Jul 20, 2022 8:09:41 GMT
I think the security is more “aggressive” there because of the nature of the venue, it’s usually concerts and comedians and lots of big names so they are going to be tighter with it. I’m sure a lot of people try to smuggle booze in at most gigs. Also at full capacity I think the Apollo seats nearly 4,000 so that automatically makes it a higher profile event than most west end shows. Sure they could possibly adjust their methods for this mostly different audience “type” but they’re probably just on auto pilot doing their jobs. I’m sure we all remember that terrible night of the Manchester Arena attack, I personally am happy to comply with strict and thorough security searches at all entertainment venues to lessen the risk of anything like that happening again. But on the other hand yes there is a line when it comes to physical touching etc. and I don’t want to undermine anyone else’s experience if security made you feel uncomfortable. I remember I had a box office collection for a ticket for Nativity! and they were over the top with their demand for ID (it was a third party booking and never mentioned or I would have been ready). I get that they are used to a different type of patron but still! Actual security was a blur after that as I was so on edge. The show was great and I'll hopefully get to see it again in Birmingham after a long delay! I am so excited to see Sister Act, when full casting came out I booked a second visit too! I hope the logistics don't overshadow the show |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 20, 2022 9:32:16 GMT
Different league from Sandra Marvin. Totally. |
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Post by Being Alive on Jul 20, 2022 10:07:29 GMT
Oh I thought that trailer was pants... why is Bev opting out of belting the living daylights out of that last note?! We all know she's got the range - she's got one of the best voices in the country! - so why isn't she giving it full belt?!
Also opting down towards the beginning... come on Bev SING OUT!
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Post by musicbox on Jul 20, 2022 23:16:22 GMT
I went to see this tonight with an amazing aisle seat in row F of the stalls that cost me just £25 (very lucky!), but I have some thoughts...
I'll start off by saying I loved the show! Beverley did amazing, I've seen her a few times in other shows (And was awkwardly sat next to her in the audience at a press night show once, I was too shy to speak to her!), but tonight was the best I'd seen her. Her vocals and acting were brilliant and she totally commanded the stage in my opinion.
Jennifer Saunders was also hilarious and I was pleasantly surprised by her singing as I know that's not her thing. Lizzie Bea also has a phenomenal voice and her performance of 'The Life I Never Led' got possibly the biggest crowd reaction of the night. I've seen her in Heathers a few times so knew she was great, but she really is phenomenal in this role.
Keala was actually off tonight (Anyone know why?), so we had Caroline Beatson as Sister Mary Patrick. She did really well, but I can't help but feel that the role is so small that it's almost a but too small for Keala? I'd be interested to see her in it though.
Now to my thoughts...which are unfortunately 100% related to the venue and not the show.
I got the venue just after 7pm, thinking I was doing well with around half an hour to spare. I had just gotten off the boiling Piccadilly Line, so was feeling dizzy and dehydrated as it was, so when I seen the queue that went around the entire street my heart sank. Believe it or not I stood in this slow moving queue for around 20 minutes before getting to the totally absurd security...where it became quite obvious to me that this was the reason for the delay.
Thankfully I had read here before so purposely didn't bring anything apart from my ticket and an ID just in case, so when I eventually got to them I was only there for about 2 minutes...however pretty much everyone else seemed to be interrogated in such an aggressive way, with people having to empty their entire bags and have their items such as water bottles etc confiscated - I felt that this was ridiculous given the temperatures at the moment. This kind of security may be suitable for a concert, but it's totally uncalled for at a theatre show.
It had just turned 7:30pm when I finally got into the venue, so I sprinted to the toilets and then to the bar. Unfortunately when I got there the bar man told me they had literally just closed as I approached. I explained to him that I had been outside for half an hour waiting to get in so he asked his manger if he could get me a soft drink, to which she really coldy said 'nope' and turned her head. The bar man apologised and said 'I hope you still enjoy the show' to which I said I might not even go in as I'm totally dehydrated (I know this is a bit ratty, but I was so frustrated by this point at how rude all of the entrance staff were to everyone and was literally parched!). To the man's credit he then said sorry I'll get you a tap water, and gave me a cup of tap water with ice in it - I honestly felt like I would pass out if I didn't drink it so it was much appreciated and I plan to email the venue to give him some credit.
When I got to my seat the show didn't actually start for another 15 minutes or so (About 7:50pm), so I feel that them refusing to serve me was totally unnecessary to be honest.
To round it off, I absolutely loved the show, but my night was slightly ruined by horribly aggressive staff members and to be frank some of the worst organisation I've ever seen at a theatre. I've never been the biggest fan of the Apollo in general, but being treated with such contempt by entrance staff really kills the mood for the show and I feel that they seriously need to make some changes to adapt to a theatre audience and not a concert.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 21, 2022 4:45:26 GMT
Dreadful. You'll get no joy from an email, people on Twitter complaining about box office not responding to general enquiries. It sounds like a right outfit.
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Post by helso1 on Jul 21, 2022 8:55:30 GMT
Hi! Does anyone know the running time of the show at all? Many thanks :-)
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Post by Dr Tom on Jul 21, 2022 9:42:52 GMT
Thankfully I had read here before so purposely didn't bring anything apart from my ticket and an ID just in case, so when I eventually got to them I was only there for about 2 minutes...however pretty much everyone else seemed to be interrogated in such an aggressive way, with people having to empty their entire bags and have their items such as water bottles etc confiscated - I felt that this was ridiculous given the temperatures at the moment. This kind of security may be suitable for a concert, but it's totally uncalled for at a theatre show. It is a horrible venue. It should really be made illegal for venues to ban you from taking in your own water bottles, for both health and environmental reasons. |
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Post by danb on Jul 21, 2022 10:26:09 GMT
Maybe it’s a profitability thing? If they’re having to reduce seats to £25 the venue will need to make its cut elsewhere?
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Post by christya on Jul 21, 2022 10:45:39 GMT
Security didn't seem to give a damn about my water bottle, which is a good thing, because given the heat I'd have been prepared to do battle on the subject.
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Post by Mark on Jul 21, 2022 11:01:57 GMT
They had tumblers of water laid out on the bar for us on the way out on Tuesday - was very grateful for it.
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Post by musicbox on Jul 21, 2022 11:06:17 GMT
Dreadful. You'll get no joy from an email, people on Twitter complaining about box office not responding to general enquiries. It sounds like a right outfit. Yeah I've decided not to email them now as I doubt I'll get anywhere, but the venue are dreadful. Thankfully I had read here before so purposely didn't bring anything apart from my ticket and an ID just in case, so when I eventually got to them I was only there for about 2 minutes...however pretty much everyone else seemed to be interrogated in such an aggressive way, with people having to empty their entire bags and have their items such as water bottles etc confiscated - I felt that this was ridiculous given the temperatures at the moment. This kind of security may be suitable for a concert, but it's totally uncalled for at a theatre show. It is a horrible venue. It should really be made illegal for venues to ban you from taking in your own water bottles, for both health and environmental reasons. I agree, I have a health issue that affects my hydration so I literally carry a water bottle everywhere I go - I'm not usre if I could've went into the venue if I hadn't have been given the tap water at the bar. Security didn't seem to give a damn about my water bottle, which is a good thing, because given the heat I'd have been prepared to do battle on the subject. You're very lucky! One of the things that held me up at security was the guard making a woman down her water bottle in front of me as she wasn't allowed to take it in - disgraceful! |
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Post by frauleinsallybowles on Jul 21, 2022 11:29:42 GMT
I'm seeing this tomorrow and am wondering how early to arrive to deal with security queues? I usually arrive half an hour before curtain but am thinking to potentially plan on being there earlier after hearing reports on here...
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Post by musicbox on Jul 21, 2022 11:31:14 GMT
I'm seeing this tomorrow and am wondering how early to arrive to deal with security queues? I usually arrive half an hour before curtain but am thinking to potentially plan on being there earlier after hearing reports on here... I'd say get there closer to an hour before to be honest, I got there half an hour before. |
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Post by danb on Jul 21, 2022 12:24:47 GMT
Just mentioned on Loose Women that Lesley Joseph takes over as Mother Superior for the tour dates. I didn’t know this.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 21, 2022 12:29:04 GMT
Just confirmed on Loose Women that Lesley Joseph takes over as Mother Superior for the tour dates. Really? She was pretty bad as Mary Lazarus in Manchester. I wouldn’t give her a promotion! |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2022 12:32:39 GMT
I thought that was confirmed ages ago?
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Post by Figaro on Jul 21, 2022 12:34:20 GMT
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Post by vdcni on Jul 21, 2022 17:16:06 GMT
I went last night. Arrived at the venue around 10 past 7 and although the queue was long we were in our seats with, insanely expensive drinks, by 7:30pm. The show didn't start until 7:50pm in the end with all the people still coming in.
Didn't take bags so didn't encounter security, main issue seemed to be problems scanning tickets.
And then suffered one of the worst shows I've ever seen; terrible script, panto level acting with only Saunders able to sell the lines, instantly forgettable songs. Not helped by being in that terrible old barn of a venue. We and many others left at the interval relieved to escape.
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Post by mattnyc on Jul 21, 2022 17:38:14 GMT
Keala is out again tonight.
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Post by musicbox on Jul 21, 2022 18:02:49 GMT
I went last night. Arrived at the venue around 10 past 7 and although the queue was long we were in our seats with, insanely expensive drinks, by 7:30pm. The show didn't start until 7:50pm in the end with all the people still coming in. Didn't take bags so didn't encounter security, main issue seemed to be problems scanning tickets. And then suffered one of the worst shows I've ever seen; terrible script, panto level acting with only Saunders able to sell the lines, instantly forgettable songs. Not helped by being in that terrible old barn of a venue. We and many others left at the interval relieved to escape. You’re extremely lucky! I’m wondering if I was just very unlucky with my place in the queue as I was behind many people with full bags and had to wait forever whilst they were all searched. I really enjoyed the show though, I’d happily see it again if it were in a different venue. |
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