106 posts
|
Post by highonahill on Apr 14, 2019 14:06:47 GMT
Is there anyone on this forum who has seen both this and the Chichester production in 2017? I like the show, and like seeing different versions of things, but thought the Chichester one was pretty near perfect and don't want to destroy my memories! 😉
Thoughts welcomed....
|
|
264 posts
|
Post by squidward on Apr 14, 2019 14:17:04 GMT
Yes, I've seen both and in my opinion, the Chichester production was far superior in every way to the Menier version.
I was doubtful about Omid Ddjalili playing Tevye but was proved wrong - he was great, as was Tracey-Ann Oberman. There was so much more warmth to their performances compared to the current incumbents at The Playhouse and Djalili's accent stayed in one country throughout!
I preferred Lez Brotherston's design (he is a genius) and there was no comparison between Daniel Evans's intepretation/staging of the show and Trevor Nunn's rather stodgy version.
I guess if you love the show it's always worth taking a look at different versions, but as Fiddler's go (and I've seen a few), I'd say the Menier version is my least favourite.
|
|
5,812 posts
Member is Online
|
Post by mrbarnaby on Apr 14, 2019 16:29:15 GMT
I was brought up listening to the OBC of Fiddler and my family way back were shtetl dwellers from a small village near Odessa. The first musical I ever saw was Fiddler with Topol in the lead back in the sixties, so this show feels like part of my DNA. Many years later, I saw the version at The Savoy with Henry Goodman as Tevye and Beverley Klein as Golde which I thought was pretty much perfect. I enjoyed the Chichester production too, though not as much as the Savoy version. After everything I'd heard about the Menier production I couldn't wait to see it, but I found it deeply underwhelming. Andy Nyman's portrayal of Tevye left me stone cold. His accent seemed to cover a wide global territory including Scotland, the USA, France, Turkey and North London. The entire cast seemed to have accents from various locations across the globe too. Nyman's singing was shaky (to put it nicely) at times, the Sabbath Prayer being a real humdinger and it really looked to me like he was generally marking the show - maybe he was having an off-night, but if so, it was REALLY off. Judy Kuhn's Golde was pretty pallid for my taste. Great voice, but not much else going on there. I have no idea what T.Nunn's thinking was with the dream sequence. A few cast members milling about in what appeared to be circus costumes from a school production, then Fruma Sarah appearing to be minutely elevated via on a pogo stick plus a 6ft lip-syncing male playing Grandma Tzeitel? Nightmarish yes, but not in the way it was intended I think. At the performance I saw there were at least three bottles went adrift during the Bottle Dance followed by what I thought was an incredibly lame, underpopulated disruption of the wedding ( three actors neatly kicked over some boxes and a ripped pillow). The choreography wasn't as tight as it needed to be and I'm wondering if not enough effort was put into scaling the show up in that department. I remember the dream sequence in the Posner/Savoy version being genuinely spooky and the end of Act One being very harrowing. There was no dramatic tension in either part of the show for me in Nunn's version. I thought the set looked great when none of the cast were on it, but the decision to have the actors all clad in a dark palette against the very dark set didn't work for me at all. I know they were going for a darker version of the story, but to literally take all the colour out of the stage and costumes seemed counterproductive. Overall I was just not moved by this production at all and that is a first for me with this particular show being so close to my heart. I'm very glad I didn't pay an extortionate price for our tickets. I'm genuinely confused by all the praise that has been heaped on this production. Of course it's all subjective, but for me, this version was workman-like at best and painful to watch in some places. I know the Menier formula is to move some of their shows into the west end so they can then be transferred to Broadway, but I'd be very surprised if this production follows that trajectory. You pretty much sum up my own thoughts on this production with every word you said. The pogo stick dream sequence is a real low. I also thought the daughters very underpowered and Louise Gold was just useless as usual. The environment itself is very successful I think and the songs are always a joy to hear- even when accompanied by a small tiny orchestra as they are here. |
|
27 posts
|
Post by cmj on Apr 14, 2019 17:57:35 GMT
I too agree with the Irish accent to the extent that I came home and researched to see if Nyman was of Irish descent.
|
|
8,103 posts
|
Post by alece10 on Apr 14, 2019 19:06:14 GMT
It's funny that when it was at the Menier most people seemed complementary about the show and now it's in the west end everyone seems to hate it. Has it changed that much in its trip across the river?
|
|
4,786 posts
|
Post by Mark on Apr 17, 2019 14:34:05 GMT
Any rush experiences for this yet?
|
|
544 posts
|
Post by amp09 on Apr 18, 2019 1:39:10 GMT
Saw this tonight thanks to the tips earlier in the thread about the cheap back of stall seats. Was sat in N19 stalls, and was shocked at how good the seat was for only £20. Felt in amongst the action, and sobbed through the end. Definitely up there with the greats. What a fantastic piece of theatre. Although agree with those who have complained about the Tevye’s accent.
|
|
736 posts
|
Post by dippy on Apr 18, 2019 9:32:11 GMT
Any rush experiences for this yet? If I'm not busy at 10 I try and remember to have a quick look and see roughly what's available as research for when I do eventually have time to get a rush ticket for it. At the start it seemed to be pretty much just rear dress circle but today I've seen a more varied selection of seats from a seat in row C of the stalls, one in row H of the stalls, various ones in the dress circle including a seat in a box. So a bit of a variety seems to be going at the moment which is good to see, but tricky in knowing when to decide you have a seat you want because there could be something better turning up? |
|
879 posts
|
Post by daisy24601 on Apr 20, 2019 20:34:06 GMT
Any rush experiences for this yet? I got one today, I tried once before and they were gone immediately so I took first thing I got today, which was F1 in the Dress. Restricted view but it was okay, I felt I could see everything well enough. But the legroom, as others have mentioned is not great. I'm tiny and I was uncomfortable. The show was alright, I didn't love it. Act I just dragged on a bit for me (and that dream sequence was just weird and felt so out of place), I preferred Act II. Being on the far side I could see the people in the stage seats the whole time and it was really weird. It was quite distracting. I'm glad I've seen it though, I mostly enjoyed several audible gasp moments from the audience in the second act! |
|
96 posts
|
Post by tommy on Apr 21, 2019 19:47:08 GMT
Setting, atmosphere and musical arrangements top, but wasn't 100% blown away by this show. Some great performances but also some less impressive moments. Can believe it must have been great at the more intimate Chocolate Factory, being so close to the action, although they also tried to recreate this setting at the Playhouse Theatre, it certainly felt closer than most West End musicals.
|
|
4,786 posts
|
Post by Mark on Apr 23, 2019 9:08:35 GMT
Got row E stalls through rush, very pleased with that!
|
|
|
|
Post by FrontroverPaul on Apr 24, 2019 0:09:58 GMT
Dress Circle Front Row "Restricted View Due To Safety Rail" price £125. That seems astronomical. Most of stalls priced £99.50 or £125 . Front stalls are £75. For some reason there is a single seat in the stalls, N24 priced at £20 surrounded by others for £52.50, but not stated to be restricted view though there must be a reason for the lower price. I've booked it anyway. Wanted to see Fiddler again without paying too much so that will do me Only bookable by ATG Theatrecard holders at present or West End / London Theatre presales. If most or all the unavailable seats have actually already been sold the whole run is likely to sell out. I've booked that same seat too, early run and late run. Doesn't say anything about being restricted so I'll expect to be jumping on my high horse and berating ATG if it is ... Some feedback on the "bargain" N24 seat from my visit to Fiddler tonight. The legroom is AWFUL. I'm just under 6' tall but it was impossible to fit my legs in behind the seat in front. I had to apologise to the ladies either side of me and spread out a little but was still incredibly uncomfortable. I've sat in front row seats with a restricted legroom warning but none have been as bad as this. The view from the seat is fine and a bargain for a shorter person but it isn't suitable for anyone over about 5' 6" and should carry a warning. I'm sending feedback to ATG customer service about this. |
|
108 posts
|
Post by bob2010 on Apr 24, 2019 9:50:30 GMT
Anyone sat in the Dress Circle?
What's the view like from there?
|
|
1,306 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Apr 24, 2019 11:51:43 GMT
I've booked that same seat too, early run and late run. Doesn't say anything about being restricted so I'll expect to be jumping on my high horse and berating ATG if it is ... Some feedback on the "bargain" N24 seat from my visit to Fiddler tonight. The legroom is AWFUL. I'm just under 6' tall but it was impossible to fit my legs in behind the seat in front. I had to apologise to the ladies either side of me and spread out a little but was still incredibly uncomfortable. I've sat in front row seats with a restricted legroom warning but none have been as bad as this. The view from the seat is fine and a bargain for a shorter person but it isn't suitable for anyone over about 5' 6" and should carry a warning. I'm sending feedback to ATG customer service about this. You missed my March 29th post - "There last night, can confirm that the Stalls N24 is a bargain! The last row in the stalls is "O", but it's only a very few seats running behind N25 to the side aisle, N24 (and lower numbers across) is the last row. Handy little ledge behind for coats as holy cow is there very little room for legs! I'm 5ft 5 and was Ok sitting, letting people pass was a bit tight, guy next to me had knees on the back of the seats in front. I think there's something a bit off about the rake, though ... normal size bloke in "L", normal size woman in "M" but she really couldn't see over his head and bobbed about up/down/left/right trying to find a good angle. Which meant the woman next to me was watching through bobby womans hair half the time. I sat on my jacket which gave me a few cm but honestly I'd think about taking a cushion or something (not to smother bobby woman, I mean to sit on); it is the last seat with no-one behind and you get an excellent view straight down the centre stage. So that's that about the seat! A well staged production, I’d say it’s very safe, no surprises, runs almost word to word / action to action to the film version. For me it was all about the staging, from walking into the auditorium there’s muted light and bird song. The walls are set with skinny tree trunks. Actors appear about 10 minutes before "curtain up" (there is no curtain) and move about as a village setting. Muted lighting meant every single bloody phone lights up like blooming beacons! And I couldn't read the programme .. I enjoyed the ensemble pieces, the dances were terrific! Great vocals. I've booked for what was the last performance but of course they've extended ... trying to decide if I want to go again as I love love a last night. *Oh, the bar! If you are in the stalls don't go to the main bar, head down the stairs past the loo's to the little bar down there, no queue! *edited to add, oddly less people after the interval, including the woman and her partner next to me, people at the end of the rows in front ..."  |
|
|
|
Post by FrontroverPaul on Apr 24, 2019 13:34:07 GMT
Yes I did miss that post, alas. I wish I had read it as it might have given me grounds to request a refund and not go at all.
A few weeks after booking seat N24 I received a notification from Menier that seats in row A were available and booked two there for last Thursday. They cost £52.50 each and were fabulous seats with good legroom and so close to the stage. My student son had never seen Fiddler before and absolutely loved it. As I already had a matinee in London booked yesterday I decided to use the £20 ticket and see it again.
I find generally that theatres are very good with warnings about restricted views and reduced legroom and it's usually less of an issue than I was expecting. My beef is with the lack of any such warning at the Playhouse.
Incidentally four people near me left at the interval but by the time I realised it wasn't practicable to move. Not sure why but the interval isn't taken until about 1 hr 45 so perhaps they thought the second act would be just as long - it's actually only 50 minutes.
|
|
879 posts
|
Post by daisy24601 on Apr 24, 2019 14:37:15 GMT
Anyone sat in the Dress Circle? What's the view like from there? I did, F1 right by the wall and could see everything except the very front of the stage. They do quite a lot entering and exiting the stage through the audience so I couldn't see that, but you don't miss any action. |
|
1,306 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Apr 24, 2019 14:58:06 GMT
Yes I did miss that post, alas. I wish I had read it as it might have given me grounds to request a refund and not go at all. A few weeks after booking seat N24 I received a notification from Menier that seats in row A were available and booked two there for last Thursday. They cost £52.50 each and were fabulous seats with good legroom and so close to the stage. My student son had never seen Fiddler before and absolutely loved it. As I already had a matinee in London booked yesterday I decided to use the £20 ticket and see it again. I find generally that theatres are very good with warnings about restricted views and reduced legroom and it's usually less of an issue than I was expecting. My beef is with the lack of any such warning at the Playhouse. Incidentally four people near me left at the interval but by the time I realised it wasn't practicable to move. Not sure why but the interval isn't taken until about 1 hr 45 so perhaps they thought the second act would be just as long - it's actually only 50 minutes. I'd booked the same seat for what was the last night until they extended. So I've changed it for the "new" last night to the Row A seats, paying the extra dosh for a bit of comfort and probably cast spittle ... (oh, and registered with a new doctor, had a preliminary check over and I'm 5ft 4! I've lost an inch and not from anywhere I wanted to) .. |
|
3,427 posts
|
Post by ceebee on Apr 25, 2019 11:51:53 GMT
I got E7 dress circle for tonight through TodayTix. As a stocky 6 footer, will I struggle for legroom? It's an end seat so am hoping I can stick my legs out to the side of me if this is the case.
|
|
781 posts
|
Post by latefortheoverture on Apr 25, 2019 12:19:52 GMT
Just had a look on TodayTix to see if there was any rush left, just curious. 7 tickets for each show- they had row G at the matinee, great seats! Wish I could've made it today, deffo want to catch it.
|
|
3,427 posts
|
Post by ceebee on Apr 25, 2019 14:10:23 GMT
Do you mean 17, not 7 - 7 is mid-row. 17 is aisle with almost nothing in front. Even in 7, the legroom is excellent in the central dress circle for most, so you should be OK.
Sorry, I meant to type E1 - no idea why I put 7 in! It's right on the end apparently. Do you know if there is legroom to the side if it's a bit cramped?
|
|
3,427 posts
|
Post by ceebee on Apr 25, 2019 15:45:55 GMT
E1 isn't on an aisle - it's right up against the wall, and does have less legroom. I think you may have a problem. Oh poo... Thanks for letting me know... Maybe I can wangle a switch if it's truly unbearable. |
|
121 posts
|
Post by theatregeek on Apr 25, 2019 16:16:39 GMT
Has anyone here sat in one of the stalls boxes yet? I booked that when we were unsure of the actual seating plan and thought it would be a bit of a safe bet. I can see from videos that they have built Anatevka round the boxes and a friend said she was laughing when she watched the show knowing I would be in a house on stage in the middle of a lot of the action. In one way it's probably pretty cool but in another, I'm not a fan of being in view to everyone during the show.
|
|
3,427 posts
|
Post by ceebee on Apr 25, 2019 23:27:47 GMT
Well I thoroughly enjoyed this production this evening. Excellent in very many ways. Bought on a rush offer but I'd happily have paid full price. Extortionate bar prices though - almost unacceptably so.
|
|
527 posts
|
Post by vabbian on Apr 30, 2019 18:00:40 GMT
Went to the matinee today, stalls J16 Never seen anything like it! Fantastic show, 5 stars. Particularly loved how they changed the theatre interiors, and how the stalls were an integral part of the staging. Judy is fab, was a big fan before, am an even bigger fan now! Thematically, another reminder of the destructive force religion is in our world. There was a woman in front of me who took a phone call DURING the performance, time to bring back capital punishment |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on May 1, 2019 10:51:03 GMT
vabbian, how was the view? I'm a couple of rows behind in two weeks. Thank God for shows that have Tuesday matinees. Making the most of my (short) theatre trip.
|
|
