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Post by Jon on Jul 24, 2019 23:42:10 GMT
When I saw Fiddler, there were kids around so I think it does attract families but probably with older kids
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Post by Dr Tom on Aug 2, 2019 6:50:01 GMT
You know how your enjoyment of a show is directly related to the quality of the seat?
I can't recommend Row A of the Dress Circle. I was off to the side, courtesy of a TodayTix Rush, but although you're near the stage and there's a clear view of much of it, you lose the front due to a wide bar blocking your view. It would be less of a problem with the normal (unextended) stage. The seats are also cramped already and I had someone who needed a lot of extra space to one side and even then still couldn't sit still, to the extent that I felt it every time he foot tapped (including to the slow sad songs) and almost had items fall out of my pockets due to the odd angle he was gyrating at.
For the Rush price, I can't really complain, but these seats are definitely Restricted View.
There were also phones going off and various extra loud audience members in the Upper Circle, probably having had a few drinks and thinking they were attending a comedy.
A good size crowd, but for some reason most of the front row of the Stalls was empty. They also moved people from the Dress Circle Slip seats (and I presume the Dress Circle box too).
Otherwise a decent show. The cover noticeboard only showed the two young girls (even after the show), but there were at least two covers on that I know of.
Adam Linstead was on as Lazar Wolfe. A much more restrained performance than Dermot Canavan. Not as distinctive on stage without the long beard.
Robyn McIntyre was on as Tzeitel. Perfectly fine, but she didn't stand out.
They got through the bottle dance scene without any drops.
After the show, Andy Nyman paid tribute to Hal Prince, the original producer of Fiddler, which was a nice touch.
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Post by theatre241 on Aug 6, 2019 9:28:49 GMT
God! This was such a stressful rush!!! I got D 2-3 Circle, they say they are restricted but I dont know why?
Has anyone sat in these seats? Or know why they are restricted
Thanks in advance
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Post by Dr Tom on Aug 6, 2019 9:57:23 GMT
God! This was such a stressful rush!!! I got D 2-3 Circle, they say they are restricted but I dont know why? Has anyone sat in these seats? Or know why they are restricted Thanks in advance I think they're in a side block and you have some mini rails right in front of those seats. Then there's the thick rail at the front of the Circle. So, you'll have one or more of those in view. |
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Post by theatre241 on Aug 6, 2019 10:03:19 GMT
God! This was such a stressful rush!!! I got D 2-3 Circle, they say they are restricted but I dont know why? Has anyone sat in these seats? Or know why they are restricted Thanks in advance I think they're in a side block and you have some mini rails right in front of those seats. Then there's the thick rail at the front of the Circle. So, you'll have one or more of those in view. oh! That seems okay thank you! does the action take place on the extension at the front a lot because im gonna miss that I think, anything near the proscenium I will see clearly I think. Just seen a photo. |
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Post by Dr Tom on Aug 6, 2019 11:05:55 GMT
oh! That seems okay thank you! does the action take place on the extension at the front a lot because im gonna miss that I think, anything near the proscenium I will see clearly I think. Just seen a photo. There is action towards the front, but I presume they've considered the viewing angles when arranging the staging. So I don't think you'll miss much. |
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Post by Dr Tom on Aug 7, 2019 8:20:26 GMT
After the less than pleasant experience last week, I went back last night to see the show from a decent seat.
First time sitting in Row A Stalls, practically central (one off the centre, but there was no one in the next seat). A perfect view and too good a deal to turn down at £20 (thanks to dynamic pricing, combined with a flash sale).
A warning about Row A Stalls. Due to the curve of the stage and the seats, leg room is very variable. For some seats, it's shockingly bad. Mine was decent.
Ed Wade was on as Perchik (and, amazingly, the cast notice was correct). I've seen him play the role before and he does a good job, something of a softer Irish tone to how he plays Perchik. Otherwise, all the leads were on.
A few annoying audience members, not least two women sat in one of the Stall boxes who were doing selfies during the pre-show and chatted loudly during the first 15 minutes. I could hear it clearly, so it must have been annoying on the stage. Those boxes are not soundproof! I presume someone must have had a word with them, because they stopped and started behaving soon after.
An odd reaction next to me with a man who clapped absolutely everyone during the show apart from Andy Nyman. He sounded German. Don't know if this was a similar deal to someone sat near me a few weeks ago who was seemingly taking great offence at how Andy said some of the Jewish terms.
For those keeping score, a hitch free bottle dance.
Don't think I will be back now until September, although I presume this is a good time of year to catch covers. This continues to be my strongest London recommended show.
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Post by knutinkerbell on Aug 10, 2019 11:40:14 GMT
Saw it yesterday. Nothing exiting really happens during pre show. So there's a lot time to talk, until the show starts. Unfortunately I was alone and only Japanese around me. So I talked to myself.
Also I don't know why a german should be annoyed of Jewish Terms? That was a few years ago and it was not a good time...
So while I was sitting there, analysing what all the people are doing an thinking around me, I also recognized the stage. What a nice set!
The performance was quite lesmiserablish but I liked it. The cast was great. The sound was good. The dancing was great.
Didn't like Nymans Tevye to much. Reminds me more on Dewey in School of Rock than on a 1920s milkman.
Pretty neat production. I liked it.
Sat in C1 Dress Circle. Uncomfortable seat. Was hart to sit straight cause the backrest was kind of leaned back.
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Post by grannyjx6 on Aug 12, 2019 21:50:29 GMT
We're in London for about a week later on this month and I've got shows booked for every day except for Saturday matinee which I am hoping to save for Fidler. I keep looking for offers and apart from TKTS and the faint possibility of getting a rush seat from TodaysTix, I can't see anything, so it looks like TKTS, unless anyone can suggest elsewhere? Just trying to keep costs down as I've overspent already by quite a bit.
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Post by Dr Tom on Aug 12, 2019 22:50:48 GMT
We're in London for about a week later on this month and I've got shows booked for every day except for Saturday matinee which I am hoping to save for Fidler. I keep looking for offers and apart from TKTS and the faint possibility of getting a rush seat from TodaysTix, I can't see anything, so it looks like TKTS, unless anyone can suggest elsewhere? Just trying to keep costs down as I've overspent already by quite a bit. They’ve had flash sales for weekdays, but I haven’t seen any for Saturdays. But it worth keeping an eye on the dynamic pricing on the ATG website as sometimes it throws up a bargain. |
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Post by musicalmarge on Aug 13, 2019 6:34:10 GMT
Saw it yesterday. Nothing exiting really happens during pre show. So there's a lot time to talk, until the show starts. Unfortunately I was alone and only Japanese around me. So I talked to myself. Also I don't know why a german should be annoyed of Jewish Terms? That was a few years ago and it was not a good time... So while I was sitting there, analysing what all the people are doing an thinking around me, I also recognized the stage. What a nice set! The performance was quite lesmiserablish but I liked it. The cast was great. The sound was good. The dancing was great. Didn't like Nymans Tevye to much. Reminds me more on Dewey in School of Rock than on a 1920s milkman. Pretty neat production. I liked it. Sat in C1 Dress Circle. Uncomfortable seat. Was hart to sit straight cause the backrest was kind of leaned back. Lesmiserableblish! Haha..... fabulous |
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Post by ceebee on Aug 24, 2019 18:01:38 GMT
Saw this again this afternoon. Great production. Maria Friedman really is rather special on stage.
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Post by Dr Tom on Sept 10, 2019 8:46:00 GMT
Visited last night for the first time in a few weeks.
Craig Pinder was on Tevye, meaning I think I've now seen all three actors who play the role. He had a softer portrayal.
Adam Linstead was on as the Constable, which I think makes the third different role I've seen him cover, although he was also doing a lot of his regular track too. Perfectly fine.
Taylor Walker was Mendel. Did well, flawless in the bottle dance too.
I got a seat in the stage box, which was easily the most comfortable seat I've had in the theatre. Got the box to myself and the box opposite was empty. How they release seats at the theatre is strange, as some go on and off sale, with the box being one. There were some prime front row seats which went off sale for a while then reappeared on the day.
I did overhear two people asking the box office staff about upgrades and they were told they were £20 without the staff even checking where they were upgrading from. Don't know if they took them or not, but the Stalls and Dress Circle seemed otherwise full. But might help someone who wants to buy a cheap seat in the Upper Circle, then go for a better seat.
The box view is excellent for being close up and seeing some of the acting at the back of the stage which is hidden from other seats. You are at an angle and miss some of the stage, which didn't bother me as I know the show well. You also have to try and avoid being splashed with water, at least at the side of the stage I was on. Slight downsides (or upsides depending how you look at it), you can hear the cast out of character conversations during the pre-show (but most are very good at staying in character) and you rather see the set up for the levitation effect (although you can see much of it from the front rows too). But the benefits outweigh the downsides.
Very much recommended again. Still the best show in London right now.
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Post by ruthieh on Sept 14, 2019 20:24:53 GMT
Wow! Just home from this afternoon’s matinee. Loved this! We were lucky enough to sit in a stalls box - B - and really had the full on immersive theatre experience. My 12yro loved the cast interactions and at one point we were joined by a cast member, and felt really part of this. Stunning score, arrangements, and singing. Beautiful. Highly recommended.
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Post by Lemansky on Sept 15, 2019 8:28:24 GMT
We were there last night & both absolutely loved it! Andy Nyman wasn't on but I'm not 100% sure who played Tevye, although he was fantastic. Neither of us had seen the show before, or the film, but I'm so glad we were able to get to see this production.
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Post by Dr Tom on Sept 22, 2019 11:56:07 GMT
On Friday evening, I got to try out the other Stalls box (stage right). The second seat had been booked and was taken by a chatty lady from Iowa, who already had the table area neatly laid out ready with her needs for the show, with a bottle of white wine, a glass, a bucket of ice and various snacks. As the evening progressed, she helped me expand my world view by sharing her opinions on various matters, after first volunteering that she was a Trump supporter. The amusing character actor Fenton Gray (the Rabbi) did come over and talk to us for a few minutes, which helped to break things up, let's say his pre-show language wouldn't have made the original book.
The whole theatre seemed pretty full.
The view from the box I was in is nowhere near as good as the other one, although it didn't matter too much having seen the show before.
Three covers on:
Tania Newton as Golde - I had realised that Maria Freeman was away in concert when I booked, although it wasn't noted on the booking page. She is almost impossible to replace, but I always like to see her cover. Tania did an excellent job and has a pleasant voice.
Ed Wade as Perchik - This is the third time I've seen Ed in this role. He plays it much softer than Stewart Clarke. Perfectly fine.
Ellie Mullane as Fruma Sarah - Quite a small role and it was unusual to see this part being played by someone young. I had quite a restricted view during the levitation scene, so I could only see the top half, but it seemed to take longer to get her in position than usual. But she did a good job.
I did notice two bumps during the show, one where a box was slightly misplaced and got hit by a dancer, another where Fenton banged his head into the light right by the box. It just shows how much difference a few inches makes (and that wasn't one of the pre-show lines, but could well have been!)
The sound quality wasn't great where I was sat either. For some actors, it was perfect. For others, it was slightly muffled, perhaps only coming through one channel. I didn't notice the problem so much in the second half, so perhaps it got corrected.
Not much more to add to my previous reviews. It's an excellent show and the whole thing holds together remarkably well even with covers on. And if you treat yourself to a Stalls box, you may well end up with a whole new perspective on things.
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Post by Dr Tom on Oct 2, 2019 7:53:04 GMT
Monday evening, made a late decision to nip to the Playhouse and got a ticket online a couple of hours before the show start. I got to sit in Ed Wade's house and he visited me for a while.
A bit more context. The theate site uses dynamic pricing (coupled often with their coupon codes), but this is selling incredibly well in the closing weeks. The box on Dress Circle Stage Right had had three seats available in the morning, but this suddenly dropped to one, which I grabbed to try out another box. But I ended up having the box to myself. Random seats do seem to go on and off sale in this theatre.
It turned out that the lower two levels were full, with the Upper Circle looking fairly full. I was glad to be away from the Stalls as a family had split itself across part of the first two rows and the two young girls really shouldn't have been there. They were talking loudly (I could hear them), climbing on who I assume were their parents and grandmother and moving between the two rows. The cast must have heard them. The mother left with one of the daughters about half an hour before the end.
The box is pleasant. Roomier than the Stalls boxes with three seats at the front and a row of two more raised behind. They only sell the front three. There's no curtain at the back, so this opens straight to the Slips. You can see most of the stage from the front seats and I was able to angle myself for a good (and comfortable) view.
Three covers advertised on the way in:
Craig Pinder as Teyve - the second time I've seen him and I appreciate his clear diction. He got a deserved standing ovation from the audience at the end.
Gaynor Miles as Yente - very glad to have seen Gaynor have a meatier role. Played a bit more formally than Anita Dobson, sang very well.
Adam Linstead as the Constable/Avram - again I've seen him cover these roles before and he's absolutely fine
Ellie Mullane was on as Fruma Sarah (last time this made the cast notice, but not this time) - perfectly fine
Very odd to see two of the three advertised leads off on the same date. Not something that bothered me though as
With people being away, there were various ensemble covering different tracks. Most notably Ed Wade covering Miles Barrow's track, so he got to flip around the stage, cover himself in white make-up, balance a bottle on his head (successfully) and, as I mentioned, exchange a few words with me during "I Just Heard". A talented guy and only just realised I also saw his Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. Hope I get to see his Motel cover before the show closes next month.
If you've not seen this, go, before it closes!
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Post by theoracle on Oct 14, 2019 21:46:03 GMT
Making a return to this next Thursday. Managed to get A19 and been wanting to see this again as its certainly a highlight of 2019. Its funny how at the start of this thread, everyone rolled their eyes at Trevor Nunn directing yet another revival of Fiddler and a little less than a year down the line, its one of the most popular shows in the West End with 5* reviews. I do wish there was a cast recording though, Andy Nyman is fantastic as Tevye
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Post by xanady on Oct 14, 2019 21:49:22 GMT
^Agreed,one of my highlights of the year,too...it felt so well-crafted with a beautifully immersive design.Cannot praise it enough!
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Post by SamB (was badoerfan) on Oct 15, 2019 20:49:58 GMT
Saw this last week and had no idea what to expect - then halfway through the first half I realised I actually knew most of the songs, and had flashback memories to doing a 'Selections from Fiddler on the Roof' thing with my choir as a teen.
I basically think this is an excellent production of a good musical. Not knowing the plot, I was waiting for something more dramatic to happen - but I think I'm glad it didn't. It would have taken away from the tenderness and intimacy of the arcs of Tevye and Golde.
Very pleased to have finally ticked this one off the list.
(on a side note: are all the seats in this theatre so high? We were in Row E of the dress circle (great views!) and my feet barely touched the floor! And I'm not a tiny person...)
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Post by ABr on Oct 16, 2019 11:21:27 GMT
I basically think this is an excellent production of a good musical. Not knowing the plot, I was waiting for something more dramatic to happen - but I think I'm glad it didn't. It would have taken away from the tenderness and intimacy of the arcs of Tevye and Golde. Very pleased to have finally ticked this one off the list. Very similar thoughts to you on this one! I very much like to tick shows off the list, experience them at least once, so that I can form my own opinion on them rather then an informed opinion on other peoples views! We thought this was a great production, with some fantastic performances from all of the cast! We managed to get Rushed Tickets, so were down in the Stalls, which really immersed you in the action. I found the choreography really captivating at times, especially 'The Bottle' dance, but overall I really enjoyed the staging. I now don't need to see Fiddler again, but am glad that this is the production that was my first experience of it  |
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Post by Dr Tom on Oct 25, 2019 8:18:17 GMT
Made what will almost certainly be my final visit to this fine production on Wednesday night. Ticket prices are all heavy right now; this has to have been a financially successful production.
All the leads were on, in fact I can't recall every having seen the stage so full, as I think all the swings were on filling out the group scenes. Andy Nyman, in particular, was in fine form, really wringing the most out of every line and movement and adding some dramatic long pauses.
Only slight oddity is that Miles Barrow was on, but Ed Wade was covering all his dance scenes. That delighted the people next to me, who were there to see him and kept commenting whenever he was on (they were delightful people to chat to, but not always delightful people to sit next to). And, if they're reading this, yes Ed Wade is talented!
I got lucky with a second row seat, but two of the only free seats in the building were in front of me, so a perfect central clear view (the seats were sold and the whole place was practically sold out, so no idea why they were empty). Even though it wasn't a perfect audience (one loud person who laughed in all the wrong places), it was a great show to end with. And a perfect bottle dance which even had a few near slips for dramatic effect!
At the end of the show, Andy Nyman made an announcement that they were collecting for Acting For Others and I was very impressed that he led by example, being the first person out in the foyer holding a bucket, helped by Dermot Canavan and Tania Newton (and no doubt others who I didn't spot). Some class acts!
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Post by Lemansky on Nov 4, 2019 9:03:05 GMT
We were at the last performance on Saturday and it really was fantastic, I'm very glad we got to see it again. Anita Dobson's shawl got caught on the latch of the door when she made her exit after talking to Golde and she had to ad lib for a bit while she got untangled which was very funny.
The first time we saw it we had Robert Maskell as Tevye and so it was interesting to see Andy Nyman do the role on Saturday. While we thought he was very good, we did think that Robert's portrayal was much more gentle and more world weary than Andy Nyman, who was much more aggressive and it did bring a very different feel to the piece in certain places.
Either way, we had a great night, the cast were fantastic. No speeches at the end, although a lot of them were very emotional, and Trevor Nunn did come onstage to greet the cast, but didn't say anything.
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Post by londonmzfitz on Nov 4, 2019 9:59:14 GMT
I was there on Saturday night too - finally after 2 extensions to use my last night ticket. Front row seat 13 was lovely after the good but cramped row P in previews. It's something else to be right in the line of dropping bottles, isn't it! Hadn't realised Philip Bertioli was in the cast - he's a bit of a favourite of mine from Funny Girl and 42nd Street. I think if I'd have seen it previously from a better seat I'd have been there a lot more, but very happy with my last night and the rousing appreciation from the audience at the end.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2019 10:36:28 GMT
Great story from Jay Rayner on twitter ... In case you can't see the twitter thread ...  |
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