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Post by Someone in a tree on Apr 8, 2019 16:51:59 GMT
It's actor muusican. A concept I like and yes I am prepared for some abuse to admitting to it 😉
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Post by sf on Apr 8, 2019 16:52:10 GMT
Just had the same issue. I was able to find another seat at the same price, but I always find it irritating when theatres do this.
(After my visit-from-hell to the Nottingham Playhouse for The Madness of George III, there are very few titles that would induce me to go back there... but this is one of them. And after that visit-from-hell, I'm not going to be giving them any more of my money than is absolutely necessary.)
I emailed them. They ignored it. Nottingham is a bit difficult to get to. So I'll spend what little money I have at a venue that might value my custom. Is The Playhouse the one that keeps the animals caged in the cafe?
That's the one. And their attitude towards customers in general seems to be characterised largely by - I'll put this as nicely as I can - extreme disdain. As I said, there are relatively few titles that would entice me to go back (and I have family in Nottingham, so it's not a difficult place for me to visit) - but this is one of them, so I gritted my teeth and paid up.
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Post by Someone in a tree on Apr 23, 2019 9:11:30 GMT
Public booking has now opened for the Watermill Theatre
Mods could the title be changed to include the Watermill? Please and ta. Such a beauty it's a shame to put it in the shade, not the sun but maybe one it's beams!
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Post by Someone in a tree on Apr 23, 2019 10:30:04 GMT
Cheers my @theatremonkey star |
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Post by Someone in a tree on Jun 17, 2019 21:32:50 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 18, 2019 7:49:46 GMT
There's either going to be some serious doubling or that's not the whole cast, there seem to be some slightly weird gaps.
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Post by Someone in a tree on Jun 18, 2019 8:37:41 GMT
The recent production at The Pleasance theatre worked really well with a cast of 10.
I've recently come to the conclusion that most musicals can be staged well with a strong cast of 10 and a decent director.
Edit. Just noticed three woman are cast. It is written for 2 female assassins and 2 female bystanders. Bring on gender blind casting.
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Post by xanady on Jun 29, 2019 21:26:55 GMT
^Bring it on.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2019 14:59:15 GMT
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Post by tmesis on Sept 28, 2019 9:55:09 GMT
I was very impressed by this last night. I saw the MCF production of five or so years ago and enjoyed this just as much, if not more. The Watermill's actor/musician presentation really suits the musical material here since it's more folk/country (not to mention bits of Sousa and Joplin) than Sondheim's usual style. Since my main instrument is the clarinet excuse my anoraky comment that I was impressed by one of the actors doubling B flat, E flat and bass clarinet with saxophone, flute and piccolo. Also some great keyboard playing with many of the actors taking turns, sometimes impressively swapping in mid-number.
The set was very effective and fitted the Watermill's atmospheric space perfectly. Not sure that it will look quite as at home in Nottingham.
This was so much better than the recent disappointing Kiss me, Kate with a very strong cast, particularly the female actors.
I might try and catch it again when visiting family in Derbyshire.
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Post by learfan on Sept 28, 2019 11:40:28 GMT
I was very impressed by this last night. I saw the MCF production of five or so years ago and enjoyed this just as much, if not more. The Watermill's actor/musician presentation really suits the musical material here since it's more folk/country (not to mention bits of Sousa and Joplin) than Sondheim's usual style. Since my main instrument is the clarinet excuse my anoraky comment that I was impressed by one of the actors doubling B flat, E flat and bass clarinet with saxophone, flute and piccolo. Also some great keyboard playing with many of the actors taking turns, sometimes impressively swapping in mid-number. The set was very effective and fitted the Watermill's atmospheric space perfectly. Not sure that it will look quite as at home in Nottingham. This was so much better than the recent disappointing Kiss me, Kate with a very strong cast, particularly the female actors. I might try and catch it again when visiting family in Derbyshire. I've already booked for this in Nottingham in November. I loved KMK there last last Saturday |
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Post by bordeaux on Sept 29, 2019 12:02:51 GMT
I saw this yesterday afternoon, third preview, and loved it. I remember clearly the Sam Mendes production which opened his reign at the Donmar in 1992 and this is in a similar league. Tiny stage, superbly used, great singing and performances and the lyrics, which I know well, are clear and hit home; the relationship of Sondheim's music to popular American forms is beautifully brought out too. They have a female balladeer, who is excellent; I don't know if it is the first time that has happened. It does say 14+ age recommendation, but my 12-year-old enjoyed it. She did have the benefit of knowing the music, though, which I think always makes a difference. If you are going to listen to it beforehand, I recommend the original US production CD (blue cover with white stars) as I far prefer the singing to that in the revival, though the latter does have the song 'Something Just Broke' which Sondheim added for the UK premiere. In my view it is the only weak song in the show; it doesn't quite have the emotional power it needs.
Really worth making the trip out to Newbury. Lovely theatre too; my first visit.
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Post by stevej678 on Oct 10, 2019 20:23:50 GMT
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Post by Someone in a tree on Oct 19, 2019 20:00:45 GMT
I absolutely adored this. The direction is a wonderful blend of comedy and tragedy and boy can this cast sing, play and dance. All so talented.
The set consists of destrssed red and white stripes with some blue stars that double up as chairs and platforms. And then a vending machine that dispenses...
A clever and well thought out production - The female Ballader, Proprietor's role in Anthem and the kid are all very welcome additions.
After Nottingham this production deserves another life.
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Post by yokollama on Nov 1, 2019 19:16:28 GMT
What time does this production run to in Nottingham? I saw 1hr 40 mins quoted somewhere, but I want to make sure I make it in time for my last train at 21:40.
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Post by sam22 on Nov 1, 2019 21:42:52 GMT
What time does this production run to in Nottingham? I saw 1hr 40 mins quoted somewhere, but I want to make sure I make it in time for my last train at 21:40. I got an email from the theatre today which said 1 hour 40 with no interval |
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Post by AddisonMizner on Nov 2, 2019 23:37:29 GMT
I saw this in Nottingham tonight, and absolutely loved it! I had previously seen the Menier Production, but I think this was just as good, if not slightly better.
I loved the direction. There were some ingenious touches, such as the vending machine that dispensed the guns. The set design and use of lighting, was extremely effective. The cast really attack the material with lots of energy.
The musical itself really is a masterpiece. Serious and dark, but also very funny, and it does this on an absolute knife-edge. One moment it is extremely serious, like someone being shot, and then something funny the next. It also makes you care deeply for these assassins, and makes you understand why they felt the need to commit these terrible crimes. They have the same dreams and desires I think all humans have - a deep need to be loved, seen and most importantly remembered. It is also striking how it speaks to our current political moment. How some of these characters feel that anyone can be president is somewhat ironic when there is currently an ex-reality star in the White House. It could have been written yesterday!
The score is glorious, and extremely accessible. There are so many wonderful moments, such as The Ballad Of Booth, Unworthy Of Your Love, and Another National Anthem to name but a few. The music after JFK is shot never fails to give me goosebumps. I still remember the streams of confetti falling from the ceiling in the Menier Production. This production has a different approach. I won’t spoil it for those who haven’t seen it, but I think it is perhaps more chilling. I nearly cried!
Unfortunately, it is the emptiest I have ever seen the Playhouse. All Upper Levels were closed, the Stalls were about a quarter full, and on a Saturday night as well. It is a shame, as this really deserves to be seen.
Please go if you can. You won’t regret it!
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Post by david on Nov 2, 2019 23:51:48 GMT
I’m watching it next Saturday afternoon. After reading all the positive reviews so far, I’m looking forward to it.
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Post by learfan on Nov 3, 2019 8:24:03 GMT
Im going on 16th, i saw the Menier production and loved it, so will be interesting to compare.
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Post by david on Nov 9, 2019 17:24:06 GMT
I was at today’s matinee and had a fantastic time watching this. Having bought a £10.50 row B stalls ticket, this was great value in my opinion. I don’t know how full the circle was, but certainly this afternoon there wasn’t many empty seats in the stalls from what I could see around me.
The use of the actor-musician format worked really well here to deliver a great score. I’m always amazed with this sort of format how the different actors can seamlessly move from different types of instruments during the show. One minute it’s a trumpet, next drums and then piano. Vocally, all were great though Lillie Flynn as they Balladeer was the standout for me. Despite the dark proceedings, Sara Poyzer brought some nice comedic touches to lighten the mood.
The actual staging worked really well combined with some great lighting effects during the assassinations. This is the type of production I would love to see Manchester’s Hope Mill have a shot at (pun intended!) and I think would work well there.
Overall, a worthwhile trip to Nottingham and a definite recommendation to see it if you can.
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Post by learfan on Nov 9, 2019 19:30:39 GMT
I was at today’s matinee and had a fantastic time watching this. Having bought a £10.50 row B stalls ticket, this was great value in my opinion. I don’t know how full the circle was, but certainly this afternoon there wasn’t many empty seats in the stalls from what I could see around me. The use of the actor-musician format worked really well here to deliver a great score. I’m always amazed with this sort of format how the different actors can seamlessly move from different types of instruments during the show. One minute it’s a trumpet, next drums and then piano. Vocally, all were great though Lillie Flynn as they Balladeer was the standout for me. Despite the dark proceedings, Sara Poyzer brought some nice comedic touches to lighten the mood. The actual staging worked really well combined with some great lighting effects during the assassinations. This is the type of production I would love to see Manchester’s Hope Mill have a shot at (pun intended!) and I think would work well there. Overall, a worthwhile trip to Nottingham and a definite recommendation to see it if you can. Excellent, im there next Saturday. |
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Post by Dr Tom on Nov 9, 2019 21:48:18 GMT
Nipped to Nottingham last night to see this and it was excellent.
I was very nervous about the guns, particularly when they were being spun and thrown about. I'm not a fan of gunshots and the loud bangs, particularly when they're pointed at the audience. That's what's always put me off seeing this show before.
It turned out there are no gunshots, despite the warning on the website and the one that comes through email.
There are gunshot sound effects, which I'm perfectly fine with. If only shows could differentiate between the two. They weren't overly loud either, even on the front row (excellent value).
The gunshots are quite cleverly done as well, starting very quiet (just dull thuds) and getting progressively louder as the show goes on, until the climax.
This is a very clever show. I watched a bootleg recently just to prepare myself for where the bangs were and much preferred this version. Even without knowing the story behind some of the characters, everything flows well until the moving climax.
As others have said, this is led by an impressive crew of actor-musicians, all moving seamlessly between instruments, sometimes mid song, often with a gun in one hand and an instrument in the other. Really pleased to spot the talented Simon Oskarsson there, although only really as ensemble, at one point managing to bang drums with one hand and play a trumpet with another.
Fairly full last night too.
I would love to go back, but won't have time before this closes. I suspect there's little chance of this touring, but I would definitely see it now that I know it's free of guns being fired. Unfortunately, having seen the sheer number of places where gunshots are needed, this has rather put me off seeing any version that does use blanks.
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Post by learfan on Nov 16, 2019 17:16:40 GMT
Saw the matinee, pretty good, not enough to dispel memories of the Menier production but always good to see Sondheim. Sadly only about half full. Enthusiastic applause at curtain. Will book for Piaf next Spring if only to see Jenna Russell.
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Post by Scswp on Nov 16, 2019 17:38:50 GMT
Saw the matinee, pretty good, not enough to dispel memories of the Menier production but always good to see Sondheim. Sadly only about half full. Enthusiastic applause at curtain. Will book for Piaf next Spring if only to see Jenna Russell. I was there this afternoon too. I enjoyed the production, having never seen one before. I thought the ending was moving and the very end tableau quite chilling. How true the themes of this show are, particularly in this day and age of social media - the need to be seen, noticed, acknowledged, remembered etc... |
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Post by juicy_but_terribly_drab on Nov 16, 2019 18:46:18 GMT
Was also at the matinee today and apart from some technical difficulties with the sound at the beginning I thought it was brilliant.
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