|
|
Post by singularsensation10 on Oct 7, 2019 18:37:32 GMT
Just noticed the new cast date (above) of 18th November. Which would mean DURING the Southampton run, the new cast coming in for the last week. Does anyone know if this is a mistake or likely to be true? (Do recall one of the Cats tours doing a major cast change in the middle of it's Wimbledon run, but that is the only other example I can think of. It made for a very fat programme as they did one for the whole run but with both casts....) Yes likely to be true to give them a stable base to rehearse with the set and costumes etc, they’re likely to rehearse during the days before the show for 1-2 weeks before opening. |
|
19,676 posts
|
Post by BurlyBeaR on Oct 7, 2019 18:56:50 GMT
It was a treat to see such a magnificent production outside London. Sadly, it's back to the "just ok" productions playing here for the forceeable future. I will definitely be travelling to see this show again. Very rarely do I give a production five stars but five stars just doesn't seem enough for this production. It really is stunning. What would you say to the people who appear to be boycotting it at the Sondheim because there's no revolve? |
|
840 posts
|
Post by Steffi on Oct 8, 2019 6:23:08 GMT
Full casting and new dates from the official website From 18 November 2019 Dean Chisnall will play ‘Jean Valjean’, Nic Greenshields ‘Javert’, Katie Hall ‘Fantine’, Ian Hughes ‘Thénardier’, Felix Mosse ‘Marius’, Frances Mayli McCann 'Eponine', Charlie Burn ‘Cosette’, Barnaby Hughes ‘Enjolras’ and Helen Walsh ‘Madame Thénardier’.Just noticed the new cast date (above) of 18th November. Which would mean DURING the Southampton run, the new cast coming in for the last week. Does anyone know if this is a mistake or likely to be true? (Do recall one of the Cats tours doing a major cast change in the middle of it's Wimbledon run, but that is the only other example I can think of. It made for a very fat programme as they did one for the whole run but with both casts....) Definitely true.
|
|
4,361 posts
|
Post by shady23 on Oct 8, 2019 22:18:31 GMT
It was a treat to see such a magnificent production outside London. Sadly, it's back to the "just ok" productions playing here for the forceeable future. I will definitely be travelling to see this show again. Very rarely do I give a production five stars but five stars just doesn't seem enough for this production. It really is stunning. What would you say to the people who appear to be boycotting it at the Sondheim because there's no revolve? Well, I thought I was going to be one of those people. However, having now seen it four times I could not imagine how a revolve would work in this production. There is certainly nothing lacking in the staging in any way. |
|
236 posts
|
Post by undeuxtrois on Oct 13, 2019 2:01:55 GMT
Saw this again tonight in lpool - just incredible. I never had the chance to see the original, but I genuinely can't see how anyone could have a problem with the touring production? Especially with such a fantastic cast. Although my seat (circle H89) meant that I missed like half the stage at times, I really enjoyed my evening. Sadly could hardly see Katie Hall in Fantine's Death and IDAD, but her voice more than made up for it. Again Nic Greenshields blew me away - faultless in every way. Loved Killain, Harry and Bronwen, though she sang so quickly. The cover Eponine, Jessie Hart, was lovely, and I thought she was better than the main Eponine. I honestly don't know if it's just me, considering the positive audience reaction, but I just don't like Sophie Dann in this role? She just screeches, is inaudible at times and is slightly painful to listen to. I thought the same when I saw her in March too. However Martin Ball was great. Having been in hospital since July, and will be until at least November, this was a lovely evening and I can't wait to see it again in two weeks in a slightly better seat. Great production and cast  |
|
236 posts
|
Post by undeuxtrois on Oct 13, 2019 2:04:59 GMT
Did see someone taking a pic on their phone with flash on near the end though, an usher immediately escorted them out. Very distracting with the amount of people using their phones. Also the interval started a bit late due to bar queues.
|
|
3,307 posts
|
Post by david on Oct 14, 2019 23:51:07 GMT
I was at last nights performance at the Liverpool Empire and that was 3hrs of musical theatre bliss. Both the new staging and performance of this iconic show was for me a 5⭐️ production. The orchestra was just stunning to listen to. The use of the video screen backdrop and the lighting design I thought was incredibly effective. This production I would say is just as good as the original (even without the revolve). Zac Hamilton as Valjean was just stunning. His rendition of Bring Him Home was just sublime. Nic Greenshields as Javert was just as great both in the acting and his singing of Stars was a joy to listen to. Martin Ball as Thenardier was great. For the ladies, Katie Hall was superb as Fantine with her rendition of IDAD. I’m in agreement with undeuxtrois , I wasn’t entirely convinced by Sophie Dann as Mrs T. Some great comedy, but at times there was too much screeching during the singing. Aside from watching this fantastic production, it was a rare night out the theatre where I could sit back and enjoy the on stage proceedings without people’s mobiles ringing and patrons turning up drunk and disturbing everyone else. After tonight, I’m seriously considering a trip to the Lowry next year for another watch. |
|
396 posts
|
Post by djp on Oct 15, 2019 23:21:23 GMT
Saw in Liverpool. My cunning ploy of going on press night worked and all the leads were on -which does make a difference.
Liverpool is a great venue. Audience are very responsive and the atmosphere was great. Their sound system was excellent- at least where i was.
The cast have nicely developed even more in their roles since i last saw it. Killian has if anything got even stronger and more commanding. Nic seems even more powerful and brings the house down still. Katie Hall gives an acting masterclass - as she takes us through Fantine's emotions, and decline , IDAD is a great combination of emotion and power, and it was shivers down the spine time as she sang the Epilogue. Tegan's Eponine is a great combination of character and power. Harry solves the Marius problem by combining youthful looks with a powerful vocal. And Martin Ball gives my definitive Thenardier- comic, but truly venal.
The result is that the plot continues to work , but its now punctuated by a wholes et of world class performances that get followed by long applause . its now become a show to remember with a whole set of individual gems en route.
The Sophie issue i don't think is Sophie. Its the attempt to make the comedy more obvious - that guides the whole master of the House sequence. It gets probably a bit to close to panto, some of the the old gags worked better, and there's joke overkill - both in the sense of quantity and silliness. They should have added fewer gags, and toned down Mrs T as a panto dame.
The Gavroche scene looks better when he doesn't stand on top for so long singing shoot me now - but his and Enjolras's fate still looked stronger in the original. Empty chairs still produces students blocked from view by Marius standing in front of them. And On My Own works even better if Eponine holds the applause up as she walks back stage - they should watch how Nancy Sullivan just held the audience in her hand - until she allowed them to applaud. Not everything has to be done quickly. But, on the plus side, Javerts fate, the introduction , and Turning look stronger than in the original .
|
|
4,361 posts
|
Post by shady23 on Oct 23, 2019 15:41:34 GMT
Wish I could have seen this
|
|
4,361 posts
|
Post by shady23 on Oct 23, 2019 15:42:29 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 23, 2019 17:52:31 GMT
Wish I could have seen this Same here. I was free as well but there no tickets available. |
|
13 posts
|
Post by Daytripper on Oct 23, 2019 19:03:04 GMT
Wish I could have seen this I was at the matinee today. Understudies were on for Jean Valjean, Javert, Eponine, Cosette, Enjolras and Marius. I was surprised to see so many covers on. It was a great show, only spoiled by the chap behind me who seemed to think it was OK to sing along. |
|
376 posts
|
Post by hitmewithurbethshot on Oct 23, 2019 21:29:35 GMT
The swings must have been having a collective aneurism at all those covers
|
|
4,361 posts
|
Post by shady23 on Oct 23, 2019 22:09:38 GMT
|
|
879 posts
|
Post by daisy24601 on Oct 24, 2019 0:38:04 GMT
Wow, sickness going round? I wonder how it works with only two, the student scenes must look very bare.
|
|
|
|
Post by justfran on Oct 25, 2019 12:39:32 GMT
On tonight’s episode of Mastermind someone’s specialist subject is the musical Les Mis according to my TV guide.
|
|
4,361 posts
|
Post by shady23 on Oct 25, 2019 14:31:52 GMT
Yes! Sounds fun
|
|
879 posts
|
Post by daisy24601 on Oct 25, 2019 20:42:25 GMT
I watched it, got most of them but some were very easy. Certainly didn't know that producer one.
|
|
236 posts
|
Post by undeuxtrois on Oct 27, 2019 14:15:40 GMT
Saw this once more last night and had a few covers on. Got a cute little tote bag for a tenner too. Killian, Katie and Harry were pretty faultless as usual. Helen Aylott and Lee Ormsby worked so well together, loved their energy. Jessie hart has a lovely powerful voice so really enjoyed her. Emma Warren's voice seems a bit stronger than Bronwen Hanson's but theyre quite similar IMO.
I didn't mind Brian as Javert, but he seemed weak especially having seen Nic twice. I wouldn't jump at the chance to see him again though.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2019 12:42:07 GMT
Went a couple of Saturdays ago in Liverpool.
First thing - what an extraordinary theatre the Empire is. Just vast on two enormous sweeping levels (googled after and turns out is the largest two tier theatre in the UK). Architecturally imposing and atmospheric but the epitome of faded splendour, desperately in need of a complete restoration that it probably won't get from ATG. Had been there once before for Starlight but had forgotten what an amazing theatre it is. Deffo worth a visit for any theatre architecture geeks.
Interestingly as I sat down between all the Scousers holding their pints of beer and ATG rip off Prosecco I was worried about audience behaviour - but the lights went down and there were no problems at all. Was reflecting to a friend I rarely have audience problems in Manchester (where I go a lot more) and nearly all my bad experience are in London.
Stage is vast. I did wonder how smaller tours would not be totally lost in there. But Les Mis was fantastic. Think I've already said everything I have to say about this tour. Say what you will about Cam Mack, but he can absolutely be relied upon for quality. Lights, sets, sound, orchestra, and a fabulous cast. A great Les Mis.
Looking fwd to seeing the new cast in Southampton!
|
|
3,307 posts
|
Post by david on Oct 31, 2019 13:00:03 GMT
Went a couple of Saturdays ago in Liverpool. First thing - what an extraordinary theatre the Empire is. Just vast on two enormous sweeping levels (googled after and turns out is the largest two tier theatre in the UK). Architecturally imposing and atmospheric but the epitome of faded splendour, desperately in need of a complete restoration that it probably won't get from ATG. Had been there once before for Starlight but had forgotten what an amazing theatre it is. Deffo worth a visit for any theatre architecture geeks. Interestingly as I sat down between all the Scousers holding their pints of beer and ATG rip off Prosecco I was worried about audience behaviour - but the lights went down and there were no problems at all. Was reflecting to a friend I rarely have audience problems in Manchester (where I go a lot more) and nearly all my bad experience are in London. Stage is vast. I did wonder how smaller tours would not be totally lost in there. But Les Mis was fantastic. Think I've already said everything I have to say about this tour. Say what you will about Cam Mack, but he can absolutely be relied upon for quality. Lights, sets, sound, orchestra, and a fabulous cast. A great Les Mis. Looking fwd to seeing the new cast in Southampton! Great to hear you had a great time at the Empire. Definitely agree with you 100% that it’s a great theatre, especially from an architectural point of view. I was there a few weeks ago to catch Les Mis myself. The new set really was something special and the orchestra sounded great. As the new version of this great show, it didn’t disappoint me in anyway. Certainly, I didn’t miss the revolve from the original at all and the set didn’t get swallowed up by the large stage. As a regular attendee at the Empire, this was one of the few times I been to the Empire when the audience was on their best behaviour for the entire show. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2019 13:07:52 GMT
Went a couple of Saturdays ago in Liverpool. First thing - what an extraordinary theatre the Empire is. Just vast on two enormous sweeping levels (googled after and turns out is the largest two tier theatre in the UK). Architecturally imposing and atmospheric but the epitome of faded splendour, desperately in need of a complete restoration that it probably won't get from ATG. Had been there once before for Starlight but had forgotten what an amazing theatre it is. Deffo worth a visit for any theatre architecture geeks. Interestingly as I sat down between all the Scousers holding their pints of beer and ATG rip off Prosecco I was worried about audience behaviour - but the lights went down and there were no problems at all. Was reflecting to a friend I rarely have audience problems in Manchester (where I go a lot more) and nearly all my bad experience are in London. Stage is vast. I did wonder how smaller tours would not be totally lost in there. But Les Mis was fantastic. Think I've already said everything I have to say about this tour. Say what you will about Cam Mack, but he can absolutely be relied upon for quality. Lights, sets, sound, orchestra, and a fabulous cast. A great Les Mis. Looking fwd to seeing the new cast in Southampton! Great to hear you had a great time at the Empire. Definitely agree with you 100% that it’s a great theatre, especially from an architectural point of view. I was there a few weeks ago to catch Les Mis myself. The new set really was something special and the orchestra sounded great. As the new version of this great show, it didn’t disappoint me in anyway. Certainly, I didn’t miss the revolve from the original at all and the set didn’t get swallowed up by the large stage. As a regular attendee at the Empire, this was one of the few times I been to the Empire when the audience was on their best behaviour for the entire show. Haha - I did wonder if the good behaviour was the norm or a Les Mis thing! Yup, deffo a theatre that suits the big shows well. Reminded me a bit of the Apollo Victoria (pre renovation) and did day dream that could see the original Starlight race tracks coursing through the auditorium hiding the peeling paintwork of the walls as they did there.... |
|
3,307 posts
|
Post by david on Oct 31, 2019 13:14:19 GMT
Great to hear you had a great time at the Empire. Definitely agree with you 100% that it’s a great theatre, especially from an architectural point of view. I was there a few weeks ago to catch Les Mis myself. The new set really was something special and the orchestra sounded great. As the new version of this great show, it didn’t disappoint me in anyway. Certainly, I didn’t miss the revolve from the original at all and the set didn’t get swallowed up by the large stage. As a regular attendee at the Empire, this was one of the few times I been to the Empire when the audience was on their best behaviour for the entire show. Haha - I did wonder if the good behaviour was the norm or a Les Mis thing! Yup, deffo a theatre that suits the big shows well. Reminded me a bit of the Apollo Victoria (pre renovation) and did day dream that could see the original Starlight race tracks coursing through the auditorium hiding the peeling paintwork of the walls as they did there.... My own experience, it that it was a Les Mis thing rather than the norm ( a Mamma Mia! audience would be the norm from when I’m at the Empire ). A SE revival at the Empire would be a good shout with the racing track weaving through the auditorium as it was at the AV. This needs to happen. Someone to speak to ALW to make it happen! |
|
1,057 posts
|
Post by David J on Nov 19, 2019 21:24:52 GMT
Here at the Mayflower for the new cast’s second night
First of all everyone gave a huge applause for Nic Greenshields Stars and rightly so. What vocals does that man have
A shame Dean Chisnall doesn’t match that. I saw him at the last queens performance and his singing was fine but not strong. Enjoyed his acting but that was it. Here it’s exposed in this big venues overshadowed by Greensshields and Katie Hall. Maybe he’ll improve as time goes on but he sounded the same as back in July
The show however really picks up when the students come on. Felix Mosse was practically a kid as Marius and I was grinning watching him. It’s clear he’s having a great time. I can’t wait to see if he develops in the second act
It made the red and black scene more dynamic as he and grantaire were the troublemakers whilst the rest were the grown ups. Quite impressed by Barnaby Hughes as Enjolras
|
|
1,057 posts
|
Post by David J on Nov 19, 2019 23:52:14 GMT
Liked Ian Hughes as Thenardier. Keeps the clowning limited to the hand gestures. He and Helen Walsh makes a good pair
Barnaby Hughes is good vocally and he has a commanding presence as Enjorlas. Hopefully he will bring more as the tour continues
Frances Mayli McCann started off well as the teasing Eponine, but she lost me at On My Own. Plays it lightly with too many theatrical arm and hand gestures that it looks like she hasn’t got to grips with the emotion or story of the song. Early days, but considering where everyone is at I watch her performance and think “seriously”
Felix Mosse brings some sincerity to his Marius by empty chairs at empty tables. Certainly my favourite newcomer to the cast. Liked the dynamic between him, Enjorlas and Connor Jones as Grantaire, even if the latter is a bit OTT with a weird drunken walk
|
|
