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Post by d'James on Feb 6, 2016 20:49:17 GMT
Saw the matinee today. Had picked date when main cast members due to be present and no one disappointed on the day. Really enjoyed the show on so many different levels. The choreography, music, singing, humour and human touch all came through. Matt Henry stood out for me. Despite his music career side being managed by a friend I had never heard him before but thought he had a great soulful voice, and played the role of Lola perfectly. Also really enjoyed Amy Lennox as Lauren, especially her rendition of Charlie. Might have to go again. Slight aside, amazed how many transvestites were in the audience. Clearly seen as a great opportunity to get that best frock on and come out and party. That's brilliant! |
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Post by londonmzfitz on Feb 8, 2016 9:43:27 GMT
Was there Saturday evening - brilliant atmosphere in the auditorium. Minor niggles, annoying heckling from someone front stalls at the bitch Nicola, loudly shushed by those near him (not panto darling)! Fan girls front row having their own little attention seeking party. Cast are just wonderful! Chatted to two ladies next to me (middle aged woman and her mum) who were just wild about it!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2016 23:51:42 GMT
This show wobbled about more than me in a kitten heel. Very uneven! Just as I was sitting there marvelling at how the casting people had somehow managed to create a complete acting vacuum onstage around poor wonderful Killian Donnelly, Lola and her girls appeared. They were fab.
It was up and down from there on in, but by the time they were prancing about on treadmills just before the interval, they'd won me over.
Is it wrong that I want the body of the tallest drag queen? How can a bloke manage to look like Lauren Bacall?!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2016 23:33:06 GMT
Just got back from tonight's performance. I liked it, didn't love it. I did think Matt Henry was delightful as Lola if a little too panto. But on the whole just thought it was a bit flat. Just plods along without any real high points. I'm quite surprised by how I feel as I wanted to love it.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Feb 9, 2016 23:39:33 GMT
Is it wrong that I want the body of the tallest drag queen? How can a bloke manage to look like Lauren Bacall?! She was fabulous wasn't she? Perfect poise and that knowing smile all the way through. She made Marcus Collins look like a stumpy old washer woman. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Feb 9, 2016 23:41:29 GMT
Just got back from tonight's performance. I liked it, didn't love it. I did think Matt Henry was delightful as Lola if a little too panto. But on the whole just thought it was a bit flat. Just plods along without any real high points. I'm quite surprised by how I feel as I wanted to love it. I though every time the drag queens came on was a high point, but maybe that's just me  I loved the end of Act 1 where they're dancing on the moving conveyor belt. So much fun. |
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Post by djp on Feb 11, 2016 18:28:42 GMT
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Post by Stasia on Feb 12, 2016 6:13:11 GMT
Anyone knows what happened yesterday? I've read that Paul had to step in for Killian at some point, so people got two Charlies for the price of one, as he joked on twitter. Just wondering how that happened
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Post by d'James on Feb 12, 2016 11:58:49 GMT
Oh dear. Hope it's nothing serious. I guess we'll know depending on who goes on tonight. I wonder if they had to stop the show, or if they changed during the interval.
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Post by Anniek on Feb 12, 2016 12:26:34 GMT
I heard he injured his back? But not sure whether this was the real reason though.
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Post by talkstageytome on Feb 14, 2016 0:46:27 GMT
Hmmm, saw Kinky Boots for the first time this afternoon (fab front row dayseats!) and although there were some great moments, overall my friend and I were less than wowed. Some of the songs were incredible (Step One, Everybody Say Yeah, History of Wrong Guys etc.) but the story just fell flat. It seemed too predictable, and that predictability took away so much of the tension. There was no gut wrenching moment, and the one bit that did strike a cord (nursing home) felt too cheesy to me.
I must say though, having read about Charlie's act two outburst making no sense, I found that it made a lot of sense (although still wasn't justified or forgivable in the moment, of course!). To me it seemed like something said in the spur of a moment, that you are too stubborn/embarrassed to take back because you want to win the argument. He knew, based on their relationship, what would sting the most, and in a moment of anger he used it as a weapon. You could tell he immediately regretted it and for that reason it made sense. Although it still was a moment where you could almost hear the audience booing and hissing, and I totally got that!
Cast was a bit of a mixed bag. I expected to love Matt Henry but felt let down to be honest. I'm convinced it must have been an off day for him given the praise he's received, because really he just came off as too over the top, and not in a good way. So many moments fell flat and it often sounded like he was reading from a script. Very odd. His voice however, was fab. Loved some of the ensemble, Michael Vinson and Chloe Hart stood out, and of course, ALL of the Angels were fantastic. Liked Amy Lennox as Lauren, and History of Wrong Guys was fantastic. As were all of her scenes with Charlie in act 2!
For me though, without a doubt the standout was Paul Ayres as u/s Charlie. As a fan of Killian I was looking forward to seeing him, but he was still off after the accident a few nights before. Some fans in the dayseat queue warned that Paul wasn't as likable, but I couldn't agree less. I honesty can't imagine the role being played any better. I loved everything, his characterization, his likability, his moments of comedy which felt natural, his chemistry with every other character, and mostly his voice which was faultless and just overall pleasing to listen too. Looking at his bio I'm surprised I've not seen him anywhere else but I'd definitely be interested in seeing him elsewhere based on this vocal performance along. I'm surprised by how rant-y this post is, but really, he was fantastic!
Sadly though, I don't think I'd see this show again unless someone I really loved were to go into the cast. It was, in my opinion, just okay. Such a shame.
That being said, I would be interested in a UK cast album. Any news on if that's happening? I've lost track!
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Post by talkstageytome on Feb 14, 2016 0:47:43 GMT
Anyone knows what happened yesterday? I've read that Paul had to step in for Killian at some point, so people got two Charlies for the price of one, as he joked on twitter. Just wondering how that happened Oh and I heard from someone in the dayseat queue who was there on the night that Killian's voice just totally disappeared mid song, as in he just couldn't make a sound. Very odd. Hope he's okay. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 14, 2016 16:25:58 GMT
I think I saw someone teasing him on Twitter recently about 'manflu', so that sounds likely. 'Tis the season...
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Post by boq1984 on Feb 14, 2016 22:06:18 GMT
What are the day seat queues like for this? Want to try for Wednesday, 2 show day but also half term! What do you think? Could always enter the lottery as well I guess.
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Post by djdan14 on Feb 17, 2016 10:37:58 GMT
Won the mobile lottery on my first ever attempt for this afternoon's matinee, so looking forward to seeing what this is all about.
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Post by The Hoff on Feb 17, 2016 13:33:24 GMT
Won the mobile lottery on my first ever attempt for this afternoon's matinee, so looking forward to seeing what this is all about. I hope you enjoy! I've been three times now.you'll be strutting down the road afterwards. |
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Post by boq1984 on Feb 18, 2016 17:27:28 GMT
Dayseated yesterday for the matinee. Arrived at 8:30am and was 6 (though some were pairs) in the queue. I ended up being the 3rd to buy matinee tickets so was to the left of the stage. For me I preferred being that side of the stage opposed to the lottery seats where I have previously sat.
All the leads were on, there was no Marcus Collins and understudy for George was also on. It's half term but for a Wednesday matinee it was packed, though there was obviously a few large coach parties in as well. The audience absolutely lapped it up and were very responsive, a full standing ovation at the end and in my mind rightly so....
It was my third time and have always praised Matt Henry however I don't know what was going on yesterday as he was on a complete other level. His voice was sensational and completely blew the performance out of the water. A few goosebumps moments which I have never experienced before. Killian gave a solid performance as always and his solos were perfection. Still not convinced by some of his acting choices and I would certainly be interested to see his understudy. Rest of the class were great and I really sensed that they love the show and there is a great buzz from them. Have thought Any Lennox has always been great but not always possibly understood the mass accolade that she has received. But yesterday I completely understand why, she is perfection in the role.
Having listened to the Broadway cast recording all morning I just really hope there is a UK cast recording which I know has been spoken about. The Broadway soundtrack really doesn't give the show justice!
I think this will stick around for a while and rightly so. Another great afternoon at the Adelphi!
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Post by d'James on Feb 18, 2016 18:05:57 GMT
Yes. I need the London Cast Recording yesterday!!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2016 18:52:42 GMT
Killian gave a solid performance as always and his solos were perfection. Still not convinced by some of his acting choices and I would certainly be interested to see his understudy. Interesting - I'm genuinely curious what you didn't like? As a shy person myself, I'm more than used to being ignored in day-to-day life! So I thought Killian Donnelly did a great job somehow portraying a believably reserved character while still retaining stage presence. |
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Post by theatre-turtle on Feb 18, 2016 19:23:35 GMT
I was quite obsessed with the show before it came to the West End, and I had gotten used to Stark Sands as Charlie, to the point where I found Killian's interpretation quite distracting.
I really loved Killian in Memphis, and Les Mis many years ago, but I couldn't find him convincing as Charlie. I think Stark's timid and silky singing voice suits the role much better, and brings out the innocence and 'everyman' quality in the character. Killian has a big powerful voice, which works better for Memphis and Les Mis (especially as Enjolras) but not Kinky Boots.
I also think he lacks a bit of sex appeal, but that's just my opinion :/
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Post by boq1984 on Feb 18, 2016 19:44:01 GMT
To be honest I just can't put my finger on it. There is no doubt his singing is fantastic and love his "Soul of a man". I think it's just some his line delivery and lacks sincerity especially when he loses his temper at the workers. To be honest yesterday was the first time I really noticed it.
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Post by d'James on Feb 18, 2016 20:45:36 GMT
I was quite obsessed with the show before it came to the West End, and I had gotten used to Stark Sands as Charlie, to the point where I found Killian's interpretation quite distracting. I really loved Killian in Memphis, and Les Mis many years ago, but I couldn't find him convincing as Charlie. I think Stark's timid and silky singing voice suits the role much better, and brings out the innocence and 'everyman' quality in the character. Killian has a big powerful voice, which works better for Memphis and Les Mis (especially as Enjolras) but not Kinky Boots. I also think he lacks a bit of sex appeal, but that's just my opinion :/ I know what you mean about Stark's voice but he looked far too American for the role. Killian looks much more convincing. |
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Post by talkstageytome on Feb 18, 2016 20:50:21 GMT
Still not convinced by some of his acting choices and I would certainly be interested to see his understudy. I know I raved about his understudy a page or two ago, but he really was very very good. My sister wants to see the show and I'm suggesting that she goes during one of Killian's holiday dates. I've loved Killian previously but thought when he was announced that he's not who I'd have picked. Still, maybe I'll return too see him if he stays on for a while... I've no desire to rush back having found the show only okay. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2016 0:48:35 GMT
I was quite obsessed with the show before it came to the West End, and I had gotten used to Stark Sands as Charlie, to the point where I found Killian's interpretation quite distracting. I really loved Killian in Memphis, and Les Mis many years ago, but I couldn't find him convincing as Charlie. I think Stark's timid and silky singing voice suits the role much better, and brings out the innocence and 'everyman' quality in the character. Killian has a big powerful voice, which works better for Memphis and Les Mis (especially as Enjolras) but not Kinky Boots. I also think he lacks a bit of sex appeal, but that's just my opinion :/ It's funny, for years I could never understand people raving about how much they fancied him - and then I saw this show, and totally got it! ;-) I did get the sense when I saw it that there were certain places he could have really gone to town on a note, but held back. I put it down to him conserving his voice if he was a bit unwell - so perhaps inadvertently I heard a more toned down take on the role...? |
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Post by HereForTheatre on Feb 19, 2016 17:25:22 GMT
Where are the seats usually if you win the online lottery?
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I loved the end of Act 1 where they're dancing on the moving conveyor belt. So much fun.
