Wind in the Willows - UK Tour & London Palladium

[Boob]

The problem is, Toad is such a toad, it's hard to see why she'd take a shine to him in the first place, or offer to help. And then he just exploits her kindness anyway!

[Phantom of London]

Thinking of seeing this Friday.

Anyone knows the running time and any offers about please?

[Anniek]

I really don't get all the negativity. Yeah the story isn't very strong, but the music was rather catchy, some performances we're really good and enjoyable (the Wild Wooders, the horse, the hedgehog (well me and my friend thought it was funny) there was lots of references to other shows (toad4601 when Toad is in custody)

I thought the set was nice, as well as costumes and singing-wise I thought there was no weak performances. It might not be the most 'serious' product, but what they have done in my opinion is a serious attempt for a fun (kids) show.

p.s anthony40 too bad I couldnt find you anymore after the show. Hope you enjoyed it! 

[Boob]

TodayTix has big discounts too...

[Phantom of London]

Just had a look at TodayTix App for this show and the night I wanted had 5 different price ranges for the stalls, so thought I investigate via here.

So the most expensive one first.

£98 - Will get you Row I - Seat 24 (Pretty Dead Centre)- (Theatrempnkey advises that these are "premium seats". marked light green)
£45 - Will get you Row E - Seat 7 (Right Hand Side)-(Theatremonkey advises that seat is "generally unremarkable", marked white)
£33 - Will get you Row X - Seat 14 (Pretty Dead Centre, but back row next to sounddesk)- (Theatremonkey advises that "better seats can be had, at the same price" seat marked red)
£24.50 - Will get you Row V - Seat 1 (Very Right Hand Side, Second to last row)- (Theatremonkey advises that "better seats can be had, at the same price" seat marked red)
£20 - - Will get you Row S - Seat 27 (Pretty Dead Centre) - (Theatremonkey advises that seat is "generally unremarkable", marked white, row behind (row T) offers noticeable value)

I posted this as it points out, if you are willing to sit 10 rows back, you can save yourself a eye watering £78, in a seat that is quite decent, would normally be a £67.50 seat.

[theatrefan77]

Saw this last night from the Dress Circle row D. I've never seen the Palladium so empty. Upper Circle was shut and the Dress was only around 30% full. Stalls looked a bit busier but still no more than 50%. Really felt sorry for the cast.

The show seemed heavily papered. In the area where I was seating everybody got comps. If things don't improve soon I don't see this lasting much longer.

The show itself is just passable imho, at times a bit dull and boring. The performances are good in general and the design is decent enough, but it's not a very exciting production. It never reaches a climax, there's no big number, no wow factor. There are a couple of catchy songs but that's about it.

Overall, a disappointing night at theatre. Glad I saw it though, mainly because of the performances.

[ellegarret]

Well...., I saw this on the official opening night in Plymouth last October (I think it was) with my Theatre School. Very disappointing. I seriously hoped for a darker twist or at least more angst in the storyline. I'm so glad I managed to get discounted tickets because the maximum I would want to pay would be £10.

[Phantom of London]

Okay saw this earlier on.

This show proves 2 things, 1 - never walk out at the interval. 2 - the critics are only one persons opinion.

This got a slew of 2 star reviews and at the interval I thought the critics were more than generous and frankly I hated it, but as my golden rule never walk out on a show and really thought this dramatically improved for the second part and ended up enjoying it.

However I do agree that the score is a bit clunky and insipid but saying that there were several numbers that were enjoyable, I think Stiles and Drewe are generally top of the class composers and hit the post on this one.

The acting I hated in the first half and did give Rufus Hound room, but he improved in the second half. I also thought Gary Wilmot gave a good performance. The others were okay.

[CG on the loose]

A few good songs (loved Spring and the second act opener was strong too) but book? What book? And I'm afraid I also found the performances below par from most of the cast (compared to other things I've seen them in). Strongest for me was Mr Lipkin. Liked the costumes.

Seen it. Won't be seeing it again.

[anita]

Well I enjoyed it!

[alece10]

I'm going to be a bit controversial now but I enjoyed it. I actually knew I would so wasn't really that surprised. Had a bit of a musical weekend with some family visiting and we had already done Matilda the night before and Kinky Boots in the afternoon. The Wind in the Willows ticket was a present from them and the show was their choice. They had actually booked in advance and paid full price so I kept quiet that there were offers on the show.
I thought it was a very sweet, British musical to appeal to the target audience of families and children. There were certainly lots of children there who seemed to love it. They were so well behaved and the show kept their attention throughout.
Sets and design were lovely as were the costumes. Good cast as well. OK Rufus Hound was OTT but got the biggest cheer from the audience so they obviously liked him. Stand out for me was Simon Lipkin who was very funny, but then I am a bit of a Lipkin fan anyway. Even Denise Walsh (who is no singer) put in a good performance.
I always like Styles and Drew's music so knew exactly what to expect. No I cant really remember any of the songs but if I listed to them 2 or 3 times then several would remain in my head. However I did come away humming "messing about on a boat in the river".
Now most of us on the theatre board go to the theatre a lot and see a huge variety of shows and, especially if you live in London, get the chance to see the biggest names and the best shows. But I would think that a high percentage of the audience here do not go the theatre often so this is a treat for them and a lot of them wouldn't know Sondheim if it bit them on the bum. My family is a perfect example. They live in Cornwall. A visit to the theatre in London is a treat, they are not newbies to the theatre as go a few times a year to Theatre Royal Plymouth so have seen great shows. Now they really enjoyed it and not in anyway disappointed. They had also not read any reviews so had not seen the negative comments. I think they are typical of the audience for this show.
The very sad thing was how empty the theatre was. I would say the stall were not even half full, could not see how busy it was in the dress and I think the upper circle was closed and this was a Saturday night. Must be awful for the cast who work so hard. Its a shame to see any show not doing well. Just hope things pick up with the kids go on holiday.
So all in all an enjoyable evening and if scoring then I would give it 3.5

[TallPaul]

It's taken me a while to get around to reading it, but there's a very interesting interview in last week's Stage with Jamie Hendry, one of the producers of Wind in the Willows. Although the interview must have been given before the opening night, and all those indifferent reviews, he's remarkably frank and open.

It was Julian Fellowes who recommended Stiles and Drew, over breakfast at Claridge's. (Where else?)

He thinks the show has been improved since Plymouth. "It's in a wonderful place at the moment."

The budget is £4.5 million, and can recoup at 70% capacity.

"This is just the start of the show's journey, not it's only destination"

More than 400 people have invested in the show via crowdfunding, putting in between £1,000 and £5,000.

[TallPaul]

I'd be interested to know @theatremonkey, do you think the problem is that this is a top-down production, rather than a bottom-up one? Perhaps I'm being naive, but don't composer usually write a show, or at least have an idea, then find a producer?

[adrianics]

Jul 13, 2017 15:11:59 GMT @theatremonkey said:

Jul 13, 2017 13:15:11 GMT TallPaul said:

This is just the start of the show's journey, not it's only destination

We'll all rave about the Union's revival come 2027...

I did say to the wife on the way back to the tube that I expected the amdram rights to be out within three years... Not an insult because I think it'll be very well suited to that arena!

[tmesis]

Love Quentin Letts's (not words often heard from me) damning with faint praise review in the Waitrose free rag (where else?) -

'The whole thing is easy enough to sit through...'

[Mr Wallacio]

Going to the matinee today. I like Stiles and Drewe, so we'll see how I find it.

I didn't have much choice in seeing this though as it's the only matinee this afternoon I could find that I haven't already seen.

[Mr Wallacio]

Didn't hate it.

Story is pants, but it's a kids show so forgiven. Plus I quite like Neil McDermott, I've a thing for a bad boy, even if he's playing a weasel.

[fiyero]

I saw this last night and as mentioned above I think it is worrying that the stalls are half full on a Saturday night. I had seen the show in Southampton and while it does have its faults it is still a good fun show and it is clear they have put a lot of effort in. I could tell from Seeing it in Southampton it wanted to be a big show, so the Palladium makes sense, but wonder if it could have done better if it was smaller.
Also does anyone know how many children are supposed to be in the show, I'm sure at the start I saw at least one girl but then later on only 2 boys (the cast board showed a girl and a boy so maybe a mid show change?)

[Deleted]

Well. I do love a small production of lesser known musical in a fringe venue but it's lovely to be reminded of a big splashy show with fancy sets and costumes and big casts and an orchestra every now and again. I really rather liked this one. Granted, the story is slight at best but it's all very well done and the cast are great. I loved the set (it's smashing) and it's got the best curtain in London's glitzy West End after the sparkly Dreamgirls one.

And what you also get for your money is one of the loveliest, cuddliest, warmest, sweetest duos around in Simon Lipkin as Rat ("oh, we're sticking with Ratty are we?") and especially Craig Mather as Mole. Although James Gant does almost steal the show as Mr Hedgehog.

It was very empty last night. Kids well behaved. Parents not so much. Where is your taser gun when you need it eh?

[jampot]

I saw it in soton and enjoyed it up to a point...I thought Neil McDermott was the driving force in it...he was excellent...

[TallPaul]

I'm getting worried about Ryan. He's gone all serious again!

[lynette]

I'm not a musical maven as you know but I loved this. Took the grandkids and was expecting to be bored. "We're taking the Hall" a real number. I appreciated the attention to detail of the choreography and clarity of the sound of the speech. Yes, for kids but no compromises in quality I thought. And I was quite surprised and thrilled by the last entry of Toad. No idea who the actors were, but enjoyed them all. Perhaps a special mention for the horse.

[benny20]

Closing in three weeks time....shame but I wasn't thrilled by it. Just did nt see who the target audience was

[TallPaul]

If it's as empty as everyone says it is, and closing early, why do the figures in The Stage have it as almost a sell out? I used to think they were reasonably reliable, but now I'm not so sure.

[TallPaul]

Aug 9, 2017 17:19:27 GMT @theatremonkey said:

Two points: first, the run was shortened by one week on 19th July - if you read back the thread I mentioned that.

Second, "The Stage" counts off seats from live online seating plans showing availability. Producers are well aware of this, and may well manage how those plans look, shall we say...

I never look back TM, only forward!!

I knew you'd know, but if you know, then surely The Stage also knows it's being manipulated, shall we say?  Good figures are also being reported for Lady Day, but presumably only because the top half of the theatre is closed for many performances.