3,564 posts
|
Post by showgirl on Sept 29, 2019 5:03:30 GMT
Definitely seems impossible to quote a post on a mobile so apologies to Stasia for the above; what I wanted to say was that I was intrigued by the comparison with Brooklyn so rushed to listen to samples from that. So only an impression but on the basis of those and samples from this musical, my view is the opposite, ie Brooklyn's music left me cold whereas that from Angela's Ashes appealed. Don't know whether this is due to age, taste or both. |
|
642 posts
|
Post by Stasia on Sept 29, 2019 6:41:21 GMT
Definitely seems impossible to quote a post on a mobile so apologies to Stasia for the above; what I wanted to say was that I was intrigued by the comparison with Brooklyn so rushed to listen to samples from that. So only an impression but on the basis of those and samples from this musical, my view is the opposite, ie Brooklyn's music left me cold whereas that from Angela's Ashes appealed. Don't know whether this is due to age, taste or both. I did see them on the same day and paid same price for the front row seats. And expected to love them both but sadly Agela’s Ashes didn’t work for me. Glad it finds its audience anyway! |
|
3,334 posts
|
Post by Dr Tom on Oct 3, 2019 12:20:04 GMT
Another vote of confidence in this production, which has a lot of charm to it.
The refurbished theatre looks great. My first time back in the Fairfield Halls in quite a few years.
I booked the front row, which was Row F, but when I arrived there were two extra rows in front. I did end up moving to the real front row, as the theatre unfortunately wasn't too full. There were only two other people on that row, but they didn't return after the interval (they may have moved, although not sure why, the front row view was perfect with a low stage). The rake looks good throughout.
Not sure why the attendance is so low. There's lots of advertising at East Croydon station, including on the ticket barriers and I saw large adverts in the Evening Standard. And the reviews have been excellent.
This is a small cast show. I remember the book well (and the sequel 'Tis). I'd say this is a more off a nod to those books rather than a full retelling, so some of the book incidents I remember most visibly don't make the musical. The child parts are all played by adults, with the lead character going from around age 6 to 20 (then picking up the story in his later years), which looks a little odd, but makes sense. The McCourt family only ever show two children, although others are mentioned - the typical large Irish family.
This is a musical, but it could also be classified as a play with musical interludes. The music is pleasant, not overly memorable, but it works in the moment.
Running time about 2 hours 25 minutes.
As I say, I enjoyed this. Hopefully it can fit in a few more takers before it moves on from Croydon at the weekend.
|
|
|
|
Post by FrontroverPaul on Oct 3, 2019 13:31:47 GMT
I also saw this yesterday from row F but at the matinee. Very poor attendance, barely 100 people there. Could have moved but as there was nobody in the two rows in front I was concerned they may be left empty for a reason. The £15 seats just left and right of centre are excellent value. Really enjoyed the show, no darker than Blood Brothers in my opinion with some funny moments and a fine ensemble cast. Went on to Tick Tock Boom at Bridge House in Penge, a three hander also well worth seeing and as I type this eagerly waiting for..Juliet to start in Manchester Opera House from a front row seat
|
|
1,349 posts
|
Post by CG on the loose on Oct 6, 2019 17:55:55 GMT
I was there for the final show last night, when I'm glad to say there were rather more in attendance than has been reported at some performances above (though the two front rows - never on sale - remained empty, must be odd for the cast!). I found the staging incredibly reminiscent of Titanic (not surprising, perhaps). I knew the subject matter going in, and while there's no denying the grim themes, they're lightened by a healthy dose of black humour. I liked the score and when the whole cast sang... oh my, that alone was worth the price of the ticket!
I sat initially centre Row F (front row) and despite the high stage the view was great. It did however take an age to get out at the interval, so I moved for the second half to the front of the rear Stalls from where I could make a swifter exit at the end of the show. Not only did I have a 2 hour drive home, but I was on a mission to get back to my car within 4 hours as the parking price doubled thereafter!
As a side issue, I'm scratching my head trying to work out where the reported £41 million price tag for the venue's refurbishment has actually been spent... the seats in the theatre are unchanged and distinctly threadbare and there was no evidence within the auditorium of any upgrade. Hopefully the concert hall has benefited more, but reading up on the project, it seems to have been pretty disastrous.
|
|
539 posts
|
Post by WireHangers on Oct 7, 2019 2:25:03 GMT
Strange choice for a musical. Then again there’s a Schindler’s List: The Musical...
|
|
375 posts
|
Post by Theatre Fan on Aug 31, 2021 16:37:46 GMT
Angela’s Ashes – The Musical will be streamed from Dublin’s Olympia Theatre to Irish audiences from 9th September 2021 – 7.30pm & will also be available to view on demand from 10th – 12th September 2021.
I’ve been told this will also be available to stream in the UK. I will definitely be watching this, I was lucky enough to see it in London, back in 2019. It’s a wonderful production, a really beautiful show x
|
|
