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Post by learfan on Dec 14, 2019 18:23:11 GMT
Saw today's matinee, Rebecca Thornhill on, dont know if she all mats. She was amazing, a real tour de force, the whole cast was excellent. It was just over 3 hours but didn't feel like it. Recommended.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Dec 16, 2019 16:30:53 GMT
Tonight’s show cancelled due to cast illness.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Dec 18, 2019 11:38:54 GMT
Trailer just released
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 19, 2019 8:50:04 GMT
Made the trip to Manchester last night. Not the best night to go as there were various train delays and cancellations, but got to the Royal Exchange with about five minutes to spare. And I had booked well in advance.
Turned out I didn't need to book well in advance as the theatre wasn't full (although the trains and hotel would have cost a lot more had I booked last minute). And I had a good second row seat with a space in front (although it is was also an entrance aisle so I couldn't stretch out too far).
This is a very good production, running just over three hours. The musicians are visible on the second level, which is good. It's impressive how they've staged this in the round. It's taken a bit of innovation to make some of the scenes work (I'm thinking when the Newsboys age into the Farmboys and during the second half, tastefully done, burlesque), but they manage it.
Ria Jones gives her usual star performance, hurt only slightly as her voice sounded strained, possibly as a result of the bug that caused the show to be cancelled earlier in the week. She really nailed Rose's Turn.
The highlight has to be Melissa James as Louise, showing the complete development of her character, from second fiddle to confident performer. Lots of potential for the future.
I won't get the chance to go back before this closes, but another in a line of strong musical productions from the REX.
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Post by FrontroverPaul on Dec 19, 2019 19:23:03 GMT
From your description of your seat I wonder if it's the same one as I have tonight - B56. I chose it as no banquette seat directly in front. My train from Sheffield was on time so avoided the stress you must have felt yesterday. Starts in 10 minutes and not even a quarter full yet, very different to my previous visits here.
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 19, 2019 21:08:46 GMT
From your description of your seat I wonder if it's the same one as I have tonight - B56. I chose it as no banquette seat directly in front. My train from Sheffield was on time so avoided the stress you must have felt yesterday. Starts in 10 minutes and not even a quarter full yet, very different to my previous visits here. I was in B49, but it will be a very similar seat. The main downside is some items lower right in your sight line including the window, but I’m sure there are small problems with all the seats. I hadn’t realised until last night how low down the front row day seats were. I saw some taller people really struggling, it’s a really bad angle on your knees as you can’t stretch your legs. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Dec 21, 2019 9:24:57 GMT
Those banquette seats are a total no-no unless you’re small and nimble or a child. Equally the back row of the ground level is stools which are hellishly uncomfortable.
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Post by FrontroverPaul on Dec 21, 2019 10:07:59 GMT
Those banquette seats are a total no-no unless you’re small and nimble or a child. Equally the back row of the ground level is stools which are hellishly uncomfortable. I did feel for a middle aged somewhat plump lady who had to be helped out of her banquette seat by her friend and an usher at the interval on Thursday evening. They moved for act two. |
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Post by distantcousin on Dec 23, 2019 18:34:55 GMT
Those banquette seats are a total no-no unless you’re small and nimble or a child. Equally the back row of the ground level is stools which are hellishly uncomfortable.
I can't think of the word "banquette" without thinking of the late, great Victoria Wood!
I don't think I've ever actually heard anyone say the word before of since...!
"for £2.50 you can have a bonk-ette"
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Post by bimse on Dec 31, 2019 22:36:57 GMT
I thought this production was disappointing , and not up to the Royal Exchange’s usual standard. Nowhere near as good as The Producers or West Side Story. Ria Jones acts the part of Rose very well , but her singing was very strained (Ria and others in the cast have recently been ill, resulting in at least one cancelled performance) . I thought she was fantastic in Sunset Boulevard, but Gypsy didn’t seem to suit her at all, except for Rose’s Turn. The opening scene with the children was slow and not funny, it should set up the humour and pace of the show. Also I didn’t like the staging of Gypsy’s strip scene. It was messy and involved too many people . Overall , I was disappointed .
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Post by alece10 on Jan 1, 2020 12:20:45 GMT
Slightly off topic but I am about to book for West Side Story at this theatre and have never been before. On the date I want to go there is hardly anything available but there is a seat A33 1st gallery and wondered if anyone had sat in row A that could tell me what leg room is like. Box office is closed today and there is literally 1 seat left so I don't really want to lose it. Any advice from you folk up north would be appreciated.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jan 1, 2020 12:43:50 GMT
Slightly off topic but I am about to book for West Side Story at this theatre and have never been before. On the date I want to go there is hardly anything available but there is a seat A33 1st gallery and wondered if anyone had sat in row A that could tell me what leg room is like. Box office is closed today and there is literally 1 seat left so I don't really want to lose it. Any advice from you folk up north would be appreciated. Been years since I sat upstairs so can’t remember, although I’m pretty sure the first row is a proper seat rather than stools which is a definite advantage. Generally speaking it’s a roomy theatre. |
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Post by undeuxtrois on Jan 1, 2020 18:14:50 GMT
Slightly off topic but I am about to book for West Side Story at this theatre and have never been before. On the date I want to go there is hardly anything available but there is a seat A33 1st gallery and wondered if anyone had sat in row A that could tell me what leg room is like. Box office is closed today and there is literally 1 seat left so I don't really want to lose it. Any advice from you folk up north would be appreciated.The leg room is generally okay up there, but I'm 5'6 so maybe that's why haha. But you'll have an excellent view for the show I reckon the first gallery front row is the best place to sit for WSS |
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Post by bimse on Jan 1, 2020 18:29:01 GMT
Slightly off topic but I am about to book for West Side Story at this theatre and have never been before. On the date I want to go there is hardly anything available but there is a seat A33 1st gallery and wondered if anyone had sat in row A that could tell me what leg room is like. Box office is closed today and there is literally 1 seat left so I don't really want to lose it. Any advice from you folk up north would be appreciated. The leg room isn’t fantastic, but I’d say not bad enough to forego the only seat left. The view is good, and it’s not a high seat that you have to lift yourself into, those are on the second row. |
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Post by alece10 on Jan 2, 2020 17:11:12 GMT
Thanks for your advice about seats. I called the box office today to see what they would recommend and they actually offered me a seat with extra leg room that is not on sale - its kept back as an access seat so I have booked that. Front row on the stage level. The box office was really helpful but she got slightly confused when I gave her my address which is London. She said "you do know the show is in Manchester?" which I thought was rather funny as I know us southerners don't like to venture north. Anyway all booked and treating myself to an overnight stay at Malmaison because they do nice toiletries that you can take away and just have to wait for the advance train tickets to go on sale. A very expensive theatre trip but I am sure it will be worth it.
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Post by david on Jan 2, 2020 17:25:35 GMT
Thanks for your advice about seats. I called the box office today to see what they would recommend and they actually offered me a seat with extra leg room that is not on sale - its kept back as an access seat so I have booked that. Front row on the stage level. The box office was really helpful but she got slightly confused when I gave her my address which is London. She said "you do know the show is in Manchester?" which I thought was rather funny as I know us southerners don't like to venture north. Anyway all booked and treating myself to an overnight stay at Malmaison because they do nice toiletries that you can take away and just have to wait for the advance train tickets to go on sale. A very expensive theatre trip but I am sure it will be worth it. I did the front row seating for the The Producers in 2018. Well worth it. It’s a great theatre, both in its unique design and the Exchange building itself is lovely just to have a look around pre show. If they are available on your visit, the REX do tours both of the theatre and the backstage area. I’ve done one and was definitely worth the time. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jan 2, 2020 17:36:44 GMT
Thanks for your advice about seats. I called the box office today to see what they would recommend and they actually offered me a seat with extra leg room that is not on sale - its kept back as an access seat so I have booked that. Front row on the stage level. The box office was really helpful but she got slightly confused when I gave her my address which is London. She said "you do know the show is in Manchester?" which I thought was rather funny as I know us southerners don't like to venture north. Anyway all booked and treating myself to an overnight stay at Malmaison because they do nice toiletries that you can take away and just have to wait for the advance train tickets to go on sale. A very expensive theatre trip but I am sure it will be worth it. Good for you! It’s very nice, and is super handy for the station. However don’t let the immediate vicinity of Piccadilly and Market Street spoil your impression of Manchester. It’s not great, unless you like concrete walls and Arndale Centres. If you need any tips from the locals shout up. |
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Post by undeuxtrois on Jan 4, 2020 8:56:56 GMT
Only just noticed but is Melissa James the woman on that Gumtree advert?
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Post by Being Alive on Jan 4, 2020 21:50:25 GMT
Saw the show this afternoon and had a really enjoyable first theatre visit of the decade.
We had Rebecca Thornhill as Rose and I thought she was fantastic. She played Rose as more of a human being than others have done (a little bit more like what I remember Bernadette Peters doing) and that made Everything's Coming Up Roses and Roses Turn all the more brilliant, because she'd built up to them and they were big moments, rather than she being crazed at the beginning like Imelda played her. I can't really imagine Ria playing her if I'm honest - it feels like she'd play her larger than life like she did Norma?
Liked the rest of it a lot - thought the staging was very clever. I couldn't work out how it would work in the round but it absolutely does and is a great, fresh take on the classic.
Melissa James had a great arc to Louise, and I thought she particularly excelled in the second half.
All in all, a well worthwhile first trip to the Royal Exchange (which is a fascinating building that I'm amazed by) and a solid 4 star show.
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Post by theatre241 on Jan 4, 2020 22:17:26 GMT
Saw the show this afternoon and had a really enjoyable first theatre visit of the decade. We had Rebecca Thornhill as Rose and I thought she was fantastic. She played Rose as more of a human being than others have done (a little bit more like what I remember Bernadette Peters doing) and that made Everything's Coming Up Roses and Roses Turn all the more brilliant, because she'd built up to them and they were big moments, rather than she being crazed at the beginning like Imelda played her. I can't really imagine Ria playing her if I'm honest - it feels like she'd play her larger than life like she did Norma? Liked the rest of it a lot - thought the staging was very clever. I couldn't work out how it would work in the round but it absolutely does and is a great, fresh take on the classic. Melissa James had a great arc to Louise, and I thought she particularly excelled in the second half. All in all, a well worthwhile first trip to the Royal Exchange (which is a fascinating building that I'm amazed by) and a solid 4 star show. Ahhhh your so lucky to have seen Ria's understudy because it think Ria is the weakest link in this show unfortunately. Was it well posted that her understudy was on? |
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Post by Being Alive on Jan 4, 2020 22:38:22 GMT
Saw the show this afternoon and had a really enjoyable first theatre visit of the decade. We had Rebecca Thornhill as Rose and I thought she was fantastic. She played Rose as more of a human being than others have done (a little bit more like what I remember Bernadette Peters doing) and that made Everything's Coming Up Roses and Roses Turn all the more brilliant, because she'd built up to them and they were big moments, rather than she being crazed at the beginning like Imelda played her. I can't really imagine Ria playing her if I'm honest - it feels like she'd play her larger than life like she did Norma? Liked the rest of it a lot - thought the staging was very clever. I couldn't work out how it would work in the round but it absolutely does and is a great, fresh take on the classic. Melissa James had a great arc to Louise, and I thought she particularly excelled in the second half. All in all, a well worthwhile first trip to the Royal Exchange (which is a fascinating building that I'm amazed by) and a solid 4 star show. Ahhhh your so lucky to have seen Ria's understudy because it think Ria is the weakest link in this show unfortunately. Was it well posted that her understudy was on? Yes, signs are you went in, and a pre show announcement. I miss theatres having pre show announcements! |
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Post by crabtree on Jan 5, 2020 0:16:07 GMT
Saw this tonight, and have come out exhilarated - superbly adapted for the round, especially the famous take over from the kids to the adult performers. Lots of lovely detail (the train) and the final strip sequence is both tense and rather brilliant. Rebecca Thornhill sang with such clarity - not a monster at all. Please do go, as it was not full at all tonight. Some clever pieces of adaptable furniture and boxes......
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jan 5, 2020 5:47:31 GMT
Is Ria off sick then? I’m going with a bunch of friends today and wondering who we’ll get.
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Post by Being Alive on Jan 5, 2020 11:46:25 GMT
Is Ria off sick then? I’m going with a bunch of friends today and wondering who we’ll get. Have heard Ria is off until Tuesday so you should get Rebecca |
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Post by learfan on Jan 5, 2020 14:26:06 GMT
Saw the show this afternoon and had a really enjoyable first theatre visit of the decade. We had Rebecca Thornhill as Rose and I thought she was fantastic. She played Rose as more of a human being than others have done (a little bit more like what I remember Bernadette Peters doing) and that made Everything's Coming Up Roses and Roses Turn all the more brilliant, because she'd built up to them and they were big moments, rather than she being crazed at the beginning like Imelda played her. I can't really imagine Ria playing her if I'm honest - it feels like she'd play her larger than life like she did Norma? Liked the rest of it a lot - thought the staging was very clever. I couldn't work out how it would work in the round but it absolutely does and is a great, fresh take on the classic. Melissa James had a great arc to Louise, and I thought she particularly excelled in the second half. All in all, a well worthwhile first trip to the Royal Exchange (which is a fascinating building that I'm amazed by) and a solid 4 star show. I had Thornhill when i went just before Christmas, she was brilliant. |
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