Life of Pi - Crucible Sheffield /Wyndham’s / Tour

[BurlyBeaR]

I thought it was massively more engaging than War Horse.

[Jon]

ITV News did a piece on Life of Pi:

[Stephen]

Was surprised to see less five star reviews this time around. Reviews still very positive and praising mainly the puppetry and spectacle over the text and cast.

[lynette]

Saw review said over 10s. What do you think?

[robertb213]

10 may be a bit excessive but it is quite dark for youngsters, there are various animal deaths and a couple of more 'graphic' parts which might scare them.

[gillian]

I work with children and I'd say this is a good call. It is distressing....the goat scene in particular. Young children have huge nurturing instincts (see how they play vets, with dolls, practising how to look after things) It's real when they are little. Then there comes a point when they can distinguish between reality and play.

[Jon]

10+ is about right, the film adaptation is a 12A and it's not suitable for very young kids although obviously depends on the child.

[gillian]

Yes, people see 'puppets' and 'animals' and think oooh children would like this ! But no.

[andrew]

4.5 stars from me. Really solid in many parts. I thought at times the dialogue of the interviewers could be a little bit less on the nose. The representative from the insurance company was too much of a caricature which just annoyed me, along with some slightly dodgy accents elsewhere. Puppetry on point, design on point, lighting on point, excellent central performance. Just excellent.

[londonpostie]

I assumed the insurance guy is supposed to be like the grown up at school who is unconvinced the dog ate your homework: edging a bit more towards Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton than Ernest Hemmingway.

It felt pretty similar to a Dr Who sensibility, though starting a little higher in age (iirc Dr Who shows people falling down but doesn't present overt death or physical violence)

[david]

So on a cold and wet Sunday afternoon, I’ve just spent truly wonderful couple of hours in the glorious Wyndham’s auditorium watching this epic piece of theatre. Director Max Webster and his creative team combined with a great cast have put together a really magical production that is truly a feast for the eyes and ears. Sat in one of the monkey nest seats (E26) it is a great view and I’d definitely recommend sitting here if you are on a budget. Nothing was missed on the stage and you really get the cinematic view with the sets, puppets, projections and lighting which are all stunning. I enjoyed War Horse, but Life of Pi was just on a totally different level and Pi for me was by far the better show. This show surely has to be in contention for some awards for its design in awards season next year.

Rating - 5⭐️

[juicy_but_terribly_drab]

I was also here today but sadly disappointed by it. The puppetry and stagecraft certainly lived up to expectations but the acting left a lot to be desired from much of the cast for me. I just never felt like I was watching characters, it felt like watching actors reciting lines from a script. It improved in the second Act for me (the actor playing Pi was definitely my favourite so obviously since the second Act features him mostly alone my issue with the acting was less prominent) but I still wasn't as emotionally involved as I should have been and a few of the scenes in the hospital were especially egregious for bad acting. I remember the film really touching me and this just failed to capture that spark. I was in C29 in the Grand Circle which may have contributed to my lack of investment. I got them cheaper with a Black Friday deal but the front left of the stage can't be seen and Pi spends a pretty significant amount of time there so I would recommend sitting the other end if you're looking for seats up there.

[Stephen]

This evenings performance cancelled. Reportedly 10 minutes before curtain up.

[jakobo]

Dec 6, 2021 23:05:22 GMT Stephen said:

This evenings performance cancelled. Reportedly 10 minutes before curtain up.

What was the reason?

[Jon]

I suspect the set broke before the show started which wouldn't be a surprise given the technical issues they've been having on and off

[BurlyBeaR]

What a shame they’re having all these glitches. Critics are liking it

The Stage ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ES ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Indy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Time Out ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Telegraph ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Guardian ⭐️⭐️⭐️

(it got five stars from the Guardian when it was at the Crucible) 

[Stephen]

Cancelled again tonight. Cast illness. Been given a voucher from Today Tix straight away. A little annoying since I booked on a deal. Hope the cast are ok!

[Mark]

Cancelled until the 13th (including) now.
And in return, extended to May 2022

[mrbarnaby]

Looking at the website and there is a LOT of availability around Christmas and beyond. Is this not selling well? I’m amazed if it’s not.

[londonpostie]

I suspect a particular dynamic. You don't know if unmasked kids will be sitting behind you for 2+ hours, next to you, how many .. difficult to then have dinner with elderly relatives in two weeks.

[mrbarnaby]

Dec 12, 2021 12:48:40 GMT londonpostie said:

I suspect a particular dynamic. You don't know if unmasked kids will be sitting behind you for 2+ hours, next to you, how many .. difficult to then have dinner with elderly relatives in two weeks.

You mustn’t mention mask wearing- BurlyBear will shut you down

[BurlyBeaR]

Dec 12, 2021 23:53:57 GMT mrbarnaby said:

Dec 12, 2021 12:48:40 GMT londonpostie said:

I suspect a particular dynamic. You don't know if unmasked kids will be sitting behind you for 2+ hours, next to you, how many .. difficult to then have dinner with elderly relatives in two weeks.

You mustn’t mention mask wearing- BurlyBear will shut you down

No I won’t, I’ll simply direct you to the threads in General where wearing masks is the topic rather than having a discussion about it in every thread.

[nottobe]

Was due to see Matinee today however looking at Delfont website both performances seem to be cancelled. Have not been contacted yet so am unsure. Any insight ?

[max]

I loved this tonight. If you're going to do spectacle, this is the way to do it with meaning, completely integral to the story. The storytelling, performances, puppetry, and particularly the projection animations onto the stage floor were spectacular. See it from one of the circles if you can to get the sea effects and many others. The cast looked genuinely delighted at the audience reaction, and fully earned it.

[crabtree]

oh I'm glad it's opened again. I saw it in sheffield and it was definitely a theatrical highlight for that year. brilliantly inventive.