Brokeback Mountain - @sohoplace

[gmoneyoutlaw]

May 22, 2023 18:08:51 GMT A.Ham said:

Yes, I was thinking the same. I assumed day seats would continue, or they’d perhaps do Rush tickets to fill those unsold seats on the day. I’d like to see it, but not got the budget for the decent seats at the mo.

My £25 was brilliant tonight. If I needed a pair it may not have been as good. You must see this show.

[showgirl]

Even when £29.50 seats are available in advance, they're RV, so day seats at £25 seem essential to me to enable more people to attend, though it's still not ideal if you have to wait until 11 am and then visit the venue in person to book as that means you have to commit to going to London, travel there first and have a back-up plan.

[dlevi]

I saw this last night and for me it was a disappointment in every department. There was no detail in Jonathan Butterell's direction, everything was broad strokes from the performances ( Martin Marquez's accent as the rancher who sends the guys onto the mountain was an embarrassment and unintelligible. The two leads had zero chemistry or sexual heat. The dialogue was flat and the songs were ineffectual and repetitive. This might have a further life in regional theaters and maybe a tour - but an extended life in the West End or a Broadway transfer? Very doubtful. And there were plenty of empty seats last night on all levels.

[ilovewemusicals]

Brokeback was great. Mike Faist is such a charismatic actor that I’m glad I got to see him in such an intimate theatre. None of the cast have mics but all did a great job of projecting their voices. Eddi Reader helped to show time passing between scenes by singing some country and western songs. She also had a small part as Jack’s mother. Martin Marquez is a great actor, switching seamlessly from old grumpy cowhand to lovely shopworker. Emily Fairn also did a great job of playing Ennis’ wife who has to come to terms with the fact that her husband loves someone else. I’ve never been to this new theatre before and the legroom in the front row left something to be desired. But the set was amazing, with scenery coming out of every part of the floor and from the ceiling.

I went to the stage door after and Mike Faist was signing but not having selfies because he had his dog in toe. I know he has had selfies with fans after some evening shows though. Eddi Reader made a quick getaway after the matinee too. I know stage door isn’t a guarantee but just wanted to let people know.

[ilovewemusicals]

Also someone needs to cast Mike Faist as Huey Calhoun in Memphis the musical; immediately.

[mattnyc]

May 25, 2023 19:32:09 GMT ilovewemusicals said:

Also someone needs to cast Mike Faist as Huey Calhoun in Memphis the musical; immediately.

That’s not a nice thing to wish on anyone lol

[thistimetomorrow]

Got some fantastic day seats from the box office today. Quite enjoyed this, it was a nice one act straight through, but didn't feel like it dragged. Actually thought the timeline went a little too quick because suddenly 4 years have passed or 10 years have passed. Really liked Mike Faist and Lucas Hedges in their roles too.

[max]

Day Seats are now officially available for this - according to the Soho Place website.

[When I looked a few days ago it was still showing Day Seats ending at the end of previews].

Latest info:
"in person at the box office from 11am on the day of performance". No price listed.

[thistimetomorrow]

Jun 1, 2023 21:40:46 GMT max said:

"in person at the box office from 11am on the day of performance". No price listed.

I went around half 11 yesterday and got them for £25

[jamb0r]

There was only a few of us in the queue when the box office opened at 11 this morning. Got row C in the stalls which is usually £85

[mkb]

I managed to extract much enjoyment from this tale despite many flaws.

The positives were the excellent acting from the two leads, from Emily Fairn and from Martin Marquez who is always good value.

The bluesy country music fitted in perfectly and I loved Eddi Reader's vocals.

The framing device of having older Ennis reflect back on his life, as a largely silent observer, was misjudged. If he had had something meaningful to say, and was not so static, blocking views of main characters for prolonged periods, it could have worked.

It felt as if the set designer and director had little experience of working on an in-the-round staging. Much of the action took place in a corner directly in front of me, but well away from most, and I was vicariously anxious for the people whose view was obstructed by the erected tent for 35 minutes.

The transitions in the narrative happened far too quickly to be convincing. In particular, the jump from reticent and shy cowboys to bareback, in-tent action was hilariously and ridiculously fast.

Four stars (but only just).

One Act: 19:33-21:08

[bram]

Two excellent performances from Faist and Hedges. Lovely music from Eddie Reader and the band. Didn’t like the framing with the older Ennis. And some very intrusive furniture at times. I think the director should sit in A32 and see what he can see of the last scene.but I did enjoy the evening

[eua78]

Anyone else been randomly upgraded, bought 2 balcony seats through official london theatre and now been sent 2 stalls tickets by the theatre, worth £100 ish each. I paid £30, anyways just wondered if they’re moving people or if it’s an error ?

[thistimetomorrow]

Jun 7, 2023 12:09:39 GMT eua78 said:

anyways just wondered if they’re moving people or if it’s an error ?

when I went they'd closed the top balcony and only had the lower balcony and stalls open, so assume they're moving people if it's not sold too well

[eua78]

Jun 7, 2023 12:33:24 GMT thistimetomorrow said:

Jun 7, 2023 12:09:39 GMT eua78 said:

anyways just wondered if they’re moving people or if it’s an error ?

when I went they'd closed the top balcony and only had the lower balcony and stalls open, so assume they're moving people if it's not sold too well

Thanking yous for the reply, correct, circle and balcony were closed at the matinee today, so if you want a visit book a thursday matinee and get a brilliant seat haha.

[Steve]

Half an hour of decent drama, padded out by an hour of decent atmospherics, makes for an ok, but not great evening.

Some spoilers follow. . .

There are ten great minutes of Mike Faist being charismatically electric and twenty great minutes of Eddi Reader singing plaintively (the piano, harmonica and cello conjuring up a mournful Western atmosphere to a tee).

The campfire felt intimate, and a kiss passionate.

If you live in London and have a spare slot, a cut-price seat for this will pass the time perfectly well.

But if you have to make an effort, travel distances and whatnot, I'd rewatch the film, and see something else.

3 stars of easy listening and easy watching for me.

[gmoneyoutlaw]

Jun 10, 2023 21:28:18 GMT Steve said:

Half an hour of decent drama, padded out by an hour of decent atmospherics, makes for an ok, but not great evening.

Some spoilers follow. . .

There are ten great minutes of Mike Faist being charismatically electric and twenty great minutes of Eddi Reader singing plaintively (the piano, harmonica and cello conjuring up a mournful Western atmosphere to a tee).

The campfire felt intimate, and a kiss passionate.

If you live in London and have a spare slot, a cut-price seat for this will pass the time perfectly well.

But if you have to make an effort, travel distances and whatnot, I'd rewatch the film, and see something else.

3 stars of easy listening and easy watching for me.

I saw Brokeback twice on my recent trip to London. My full price ticket was not as good as the day seat. With that, I feel this show would be more satisfying in a proscenium production. The music is evocative and highlights the goings on. The performances are true and heartbreaking. Eddi’s interaction should increase in my opinion. I also think the older male should also be incorporated into the band and play in harmonica instead of … With more character intra-gration (sic) it will have a future. Imho

[theatreian]

Jun 7, 2023 12:09:39 GMT eua78 said:

Anyone else been randomly upgraded, bought 2 balcony seats through official london theatre and now been sent 2 stalls tickets by the theatre, worth £100 ish each. I paid £30, anyways just wondered if they’re moving people or if it’s an error ?

We were upgraded also from our 2nd balcony seat to centre first balcony last night from a £29.50 to a £69.50 seat. Really enjoyed the performance and the theatre is lovely with a couple of minor glitches. Mike and Lucas came out and signed programmes etc afterwards though this was curtailed to a quick sign as they were seeing Tom Holland back in the theatre.

[Mark]

I’ll agree with an earlier poster… “why?”.. this has nothing else really to say on top of the film, which I watched for the first time a few weeks ago. I did enjoy the music however, and thought the performances were overall very good. Just that the film is superior.

Got dayseat £25 row C, good view. I believe the restricted view seats may have the tent blocking the view for a good 20 minutes.

[BVM]

Just had to hunt around to find this thread - quite surprised more people on the forum haven't seen it and commented!

Anyway, don't see many plays, but went to see this last night. Have never seen the film (or read the short story) but was very interested due to the subject matter.

Have to say I thought it was fantastic. All the cast were great but the two leads (who I hadn't heard of previously) were sensational and gave powerful, intense, emotional, heartfelt (well, suppressed heartfelt) performances. Very sad last 45 mins, kind of wasn't prepared for how sad it was really.

The music was great and really helped in evoking the atmosphere of the setting and emotion of the piece. They have just released a CD of it which I bought (I always want to encourage any West End show that releases physical music!)

I'd absolutely recommend.

Also first time at this theatre so was very nice to see that. It's a decent space. Though in the first circle where I was, though the view is great, the wall in front of you allows for little leg room. I also generally find in the round unsatisfying as 50% of the time you are looking at backs.

I am going to try and go again before the end of the run and see it from a different angle!

[richey]

Jul 6, 2023 15:36:57 GMT BVM said:

Just had to hunt around to find this thread - quite surprised more people on the forum haven't seen it and commented!

Anyway, don't see many plays, but went to see this last night. Have never seen the film (or read the short story) but was very interested due to the subject matter.

Have to say I thought it was fantastic. All the cast were great but the two leads (who I hadn't heard of previously) were sensational and gave powerful, intense, emotional, heartfelt (well, suppressed heartfelt) performances. Very sad last 45 mins, kind of wasn't prepared for how sad it was really.

The music was great and really helped in evoking the atmosphere of the setting and emotion of the piece. They have just released a CD of it which I bought (I always want to encourage any West End show that releases physical music!)

I'd absolutely recommend.

Also first time at this theatre so was very nice to see that. It's a decent space. Though in the first circle where I was, though the view is great, the wall in front of you allows for little leg room. I also generally find in the round unsatisfying as 50% of the time you are looking at backs.

I am going to try and go again before the end of the run and see it from a different angle!

Interested to hear they've produced a CD of the music. I really enjoyed it when I saw the play a few weeks ago and it wasn't available then. Will have to see if I can get hold of a copy.

[BVM]

Jul 6, 2023 21:38:13 GMT richey said:

Jul 6, 2023 15:36:57 GMT BVM said:

Just had to hunt around to find this thread - quite surprised more people on the forum haven't seen it and commented!

Anyway, don't see many plays, but went to see this last night. Have never seen the film (or read the short story) but was very interested due to the subject matter.

Have to say I thought it was fantastic. All the cast were great but the two leads (who I hadn't heard of previously) were sensational and gave powerful, intense, emotional, heartfelt (well, suppressed heartfelt) performances. Very sad last 45 mins, kind of wasn't prepared for how sad it was really.

The music was great and really helped in evoking the atmosphere of the setting and emotion of the piece. They have just released a CD of it which I bought (I always want to encourage any West End show that releases physical music!)

I'd absolutely recommend.

Also first time at this theatre so was very nice to see that. It's a decent space. Though in the first circle where I was, though the view is great, the wall in front of you allows for little leg room. I also generally find in the round unsatisfying as 50% of the time you are looking at backs.

I am going to try and go again before the end of the run and see it from a different angle!

Interested to hear they've produced a CD of the music. I really enjoyed it when I saw the play a few weeks ago and it wasn't available then. Will have to see if I can get hold of a copy.

Apparently they just got them in yesterday.

Though I had a look and it’s also on Apple Music if you wanna have a listen now :-)

[richey]

Thanks- it's also now on Spotify, have found it!

[tommy]

Very clever stage adaptation I thought (in this exclusive new venue), including some outstanding performances. A production that was so touching at several points (certainly near the end), and not to forget the compelling, wonderful performed music that blended so well with the storytelling!

[mkb]

New trailer: