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Post by sph on May 14, 2021 12:18:06 GMT
Maybe, but why rain on their parade? There are West End venues sat there vacant and more accessible to lesser-known shows than ever before. If I was a producer who could get my show in the West End for a short run at a (presumably) reduced rate than what I'd normally have to pay you bet I'd do it!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 16, 2021 18:36:37 GMT
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Post by Phantom of London on Jun 16, 2021 19:07:48 GMT
Be More Chill will always be a social distanced audience in the Shaftesbury.
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Post by danb on Jun 16, 2021 19:11:29 GMT
Respect and a saucer of milk to POL 😂
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Post by sph on Jun 16, 2021 22:15:03 GMT
True true! But I'm still happy to see these smaller shows taking an opportunity to get into the West End. So good for all the cast and creative team!
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Post by LaLuPone on Jun 29, 2021 17:40:15 GMT
There are ticket offers again for this over on TodayTix. Is it worth seeing? I’m 20 so I guess I’m probably the target audience for the show but it’s never appealed that much to me and I’ve not heard any of the music.
Also did anything happen high up when the show was at The Other Palace that might be missed from sitting right at the back of the stalls at the Shaftesbury?
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Post by Dr Tom on Jun 29, 2021 17:42:38 GMT
There are ticket offers again for this over on TodayTix. Is it worth seeing? I’m 20 so I guess I’m probably the target audience for the show but it’s never appealed that much to me and I’ve not heard any of the music. Also did anything happen high up when the show was at The Other Palace that might be missed from sitting right at the back of the stalls at the Shaftesbury? It is a very small scale show, so I'd want to sit near the front. But you should be able to follow it from anywhere. I'm going tomorrow, although I've just had notification of a seat move due to social distancing, so slightly further back than my original seat. |
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Post by Dr Tom on Jun 30, 2021 23:07:45 GMT
Got to say, this was brilliant tonight. So good to be at a lively musical which leaves you in an uplifted mood at the end.
I think they've upscaled this a bit. Bigger screen in the background and action towards the front of the stage.
The original cast were all on form (but not all with their original hair colours - there again, the audience had quite varied hair colours as well).
I was say just behind the Squip Zone, in what must be the prime seats for the view and angle. The Squip Zone seats are looking up. The Squip Zone gift is a small exclusive poster, plus the ushers talk to you about your favourite show moments for a while. Most of the Squip Zone seats were taken by regulars (or their family members).
The highlight, as usual, was Blake Patrick Anderson, who was on form. Scott Folan has been really working out and building up his abs too! And so many of the cast got to make their West End debuts tonight. They got a well-deserved full house standing ovation at the end.
Celebrity spotting, I saw Nicholas McLean in the audience and I'm sure one of the ushers was in the 2018 Palladium Panto.
Anyway, go watch this! It has transferred really well to the larger theatre. I'll be back to see it again.
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Post by Dr Tom on Jul 1, 2021 8:26:24 GMT
They got a well-deserved full house standing ovation at the end. Confused!Are they not doing social distancing at this theatre? A socially distanced standing ovation. Full house is the wrong term at present (apart from those theatres where they've removed half the seats). |
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jul 1, 2021 20:22:11 GMT
Got to say, this was brilliant tonight. So good to be at a lively musical which leaves you in an uplifted mood at the end. I think they've upscaled this a bit. Bigger screen in the background and action towards the front of the stage. The original cast were all on form (but not all with their original hair colours - there again, the audience had quite varied hair colours as well). I was say just behind the Squip Zone, in what must be the prime seats for the view and angle. The Squip Zone seats are looking up. The Squip Zone gift is a small exclusive poster, plus the ushers talk to you about your favourite show moments for a while. Most of the Squip Zone seats were taken by regulars (or their family members). The highlight, as usual, was Blake Patrick Anderson, who was on form. Scott Folan has been really working out and building up his abs too! And so many of the cast got to make their West End debuts tonight. They got a well-deserved full house standing ovation at the end. Celebrity spotting, I saw Nicholas McLean in the audience and I'm sure one of the ushers was in the 2018 Palladium Panto. Anyway, go watch this! It has transferred really well to the larger theatre. I'll be back to see it again. Who on earth is Nicholas McLean?! |
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Post by theatrelover123 on Jul 1, 2021 20:41:59 GMT
Got to say, this was brilliant tonight. So good to be at a lively musical which leaves you in an uplifted mood at the end. I think they've upscaled this a bit. Bigger screen in the background and action towards the front of the stage. The original cast were all on form (but not all with their original hair colours - there again, the audience had quite varied hair colours as well). I was say just behind the Squip Zone, in what must be the prime seats for the view and angle. The Squip Zone seats are looking up. The Squip Zone gift is a small exclusive poster, plus the ushers talk to you about your favourite show moments for a while. Most of the Squip Zone seats were taken by regulars (or their family members). The highlight, as usual, was Blake Patrick Anderson, who was on form. Scott Folan has been really working out and building up his abs too! And so many of the cast got to make their West End debuts tonight. They got a well-deserved full house standing ovation at the end. Celebrity spotting, I saw Nicholas McLean in the audience and I'm sure one of the ushers was in the 2018 Palladium Panto. Anyway, go watch this! It has transferred really well to the larger theatre. I'll be back to see it again. Who on earth is Nicholas McLean?! Ya know. Nicholas. Nick. McLeany. McLeanooooo www.nicholasmclean.co.uk/ |
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jul 1, 2021 20:53:49 GMT
He’s a ‘celebrity’?
Christ alive.
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Post by fiyero on Jul 1, 2021 21:52:09 GMT
He’s a ‘celebrity’? Christ alive. I’d be more likely to recognise him than a lot of the celebrities who attend press nights! I got a bit giddy when I spotted Samuel Morgane-Grahame in the street on my way to Les Mis so I may not be the best judge |
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jul 1, 2021 22:33:02 GMT
He’s a ‘celebrity’? Christ alive. I’d be more likely to recognise him than a lot of the celebrities who attend press nights! I got a bit giddy when I spotted Samuel Morgane-Grahame in the street on my way to Les Mis so I may not be the best judge Whatever works for you! I don’t know who that is either and now feel very old and uninformed! |
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Post by david on Jul 17, 2021 17:15:30 GMT
As my penultimate show of my London trip, what a great way to start my double show day. Being not very familiar with the score except with “Michael in the Bathroom”, I really didn’t know what to expect. Having got a great stalls row F ticket via Today Tix for £35, this show really was great fun to watch this afternoon. As a teenage angst show, I certainly got more out of this production than when I saw DEH.
Whilst there wasn’t much in the way of sets, though great use of the large video screen at the back of the stage, I actually was more emotionally invested in the characters and their individual journeys than I was with the DEH characters. With a really good and often funny set of musical numbers delivered by the cast and the orchestra of 7, I walked out of the Shaftsbury theatre on a high that I never felt with DEH.
Csst wise, all the principal cast were on at this performance, and what a great cast. BPA’s “Michael in the Bathroom” bringing a massive round of applause at the end of the song. His entire performance today was worth the ticket price alone along with Stewart Clarke as the Squip who was the other standout for me.
A really fun filled afternoon at the theatre. Definitely worth 4⭐️ in my opinion.
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Post by Dr Tom on Jul 22, 2021 21:59:01 GMT
Another great show this afternoon with all the leads on.
Good to see Covid-19 awareness still in force at the venue. I was kept well separated from other patrons on the way in and they'd kept a lot of rows completely clear to aid social distancing.
(more seriously though, it was a shame the house wasn't fuller, but this isn't really a Thursday matinee type show - there was a big divide between front and rear Stalls where the lower priced tickets kick in - but the cast still gave it all and got a very quick Standing Ovation from those on the front row)
I managed to get a front row centre seat, which is great for being close up, but there is a horribly placed light at the front of the stage which is quite an obstruction, so the view would actually be better two or three seats off centre.
I booked this in the TodayTix seat sale a week or so ago for £35, but I notice they're now discounting on the day in the app. The same seat for the evening performance was down to £20, which is a great deal. It is the Squip Zone, but you don't get the souvenir poster unless you pay full price (the ushers have a list of who to give this out to).
The show does lose a bit of atmosphere when the theatre is quiet (and the jokes don't hit as well), but this is always a fun show designed to leave you in a good mood. You can't go wrong with this one!
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Post by fluxcapacitor on Jul 23, 2021 7:23:30 GMT
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this one! I had quite low expectations going is as so many people have downplayed it as a cheep and cheerful musical for teenagers. But the execution is brilliant (the projections in the design work really well), the score is catchy and unique, and some of the cast put in stellar performances. Scott Folan, particularly, is a standout.
And I totally agree about Covid safety being considered at the venue. I visited before legal restrictions were lifted, but found it was easiest the “safest” theatre I’ve been to. And almost all audience members were wearing masks correctly with no complaints and making an effort to distance. Compared to somewhere like the Gillian Lynne, where I found it skewed the other way with many people just disregarding the rules completely and in some cases flouting it. Maybe that says something to the audience of the show, maybe the younger skewing crowd are more aware/compliant? But probably also very likely linked to the vibe set by the theatre and its staff on entry. The Gillian Lynne definitely left a lot to be desired.
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Post by Dr Tom on Jul 29, 2021 22:51:56 GMT
Nipped into the matinee today so I could catch this again before cast change. The decision was helped by the many ticket offers around and I was able to get a £10 seat towards the back of the Stalls (although many people, myself included, did spread out a bit to help with social distancing - Covid-19 awareness and mask wearing is very good in this venue).
Gabriel Hinchcliffe was on as Jake, as I understand it only the second time he's played the role. He has a tough job covering all of three younger male roles (and possibly the two older male ones too). Nice to see him, as I remember him from Showtune. He is very easy on the eye. Would be great to see his Jeremy and Michael as well (not that anyone can replace BPA). Gabriel did very well anyway, although he comes across as very nice.
I have to mention how much I like Miracle Chance as Christine as well. The acting and improv style sequences always hit and she has a lot of talent (as do all of the cast).
I noticed on Twitter that Scott Folan mentioned he's self-conscious about his body. Scott, if you're reading this, no need to be. You keep it in great shape!
It will be a shame when Renée and Millie leave on Sunday. I wonder if the Original London Cast will get to perform together again before then (depending what is keeping Miles away). But I also look forward to seeing Grace and Nathania when they join.
As always, an uplifting show which can't fail to brighten up your mood.
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Post by amp09 on Jul 29, 2021 23:27:21 GMT
Nipped into the matinee today so I could catch this again before cast change. The decision was helped by the many ticket offers around and I was able to get a £10 seat towards the back of the Stalls (although many people, myself included, did spread out a bit to help with social distancing - Covid-19 awareness and mask wearing is very good in this venue). Gabriel Hinchcliffe was on as Jake, as I understand it only the second time he's played the role. He has a tough job covering all of three younger male roles (and possibly the two older male ones too). Nice to see him, as I remember him from Showtune. He is very easy on the eye. Would be great to see his Jeremy and Michael as well (not that anyone can replace BPA). Gabriel did very well anyway, although he comes across as very nice. I have to mention how much I like Miracle Chance as Christine as well. The acting and improv style sequences always hit and she has a lot of talent (as do all of the cast). I noticed on Twitter that Scott Folan mentioned he's self-conscious about his body. Scott, if you're reading this, no need to be. You keep it in great shape! It will be a shame when Renée and Millie leave on Sunday. I wonder if the Original London Cast will get to perform together again before then (depending what is keeping Miles away). But I also look forward to seeing Grace and Nathania when they join. As always, an uplifting show which can't fail to brighten up your mood. Also in for the matinee today. Was supposed to see this the day after theatres went dark in March 2020, so I was very happy that this is back and made sure it was my first show on my first trip back to Theatreland. So uplifting and loved the simplicity of the set with the visuals behind. |
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Post by Someone in a tree on Aug 8, 2021 8:13:31 GMT
I really liked this. My friend thinks Evan Hansen and Heather's are both stronger but I haven't seen either of those.
It would be an interesting challenge to describe the plot in minute detail and folk say opera is complicated!
The guy playing Squib sounded a bit underpowered, maybe having an off night?
Loved the hand choreography, Blake Patrick Anderson & Miracle Chance.
The Travel Zoo £15 seats are very good.
Great to see so many teens in the audience and all so well behaved. Chichester pensioners take note!
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Post by fiyero on Aug 8, 2021 9:28:31 GMT
I really liked this. My friend thinks Evan Hansen and Heather's are both stronger but I haven't seen either of those. It would be an interesting challenge to describe the plot in minute detail and folk say opera is complicated! The guy playing Squib sounded a bit underpowered, maybe having an off night? Loved the hand choreography, Blake Patrick Anderson & Miracle Chance. The Travel Zoo £15 seats are very good. Great to see so many teens in the audience and all so well behaved. Chichester pensioners take note! This reminded me, I look forward to seeing shows like Be More Chill at Chichester in 30 years time |
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Post by longinthetooth on Aug 10, 2021 17:39:38 GMT
Cancelled up to and inc 18th August due to a member of the cast testing positive with Covid.
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Post by Dr Tom on Aug 10, 2021 18:17:14 GMT
Yes, TodayTix have already sent me a voucher for Thursday. Shame for everyone concerned.
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Post by Dr Tom on Aug 24, 2021 10:47:28 GMT
I went along on Sunday afternoon to see the new cast (and to enjoy one of the best shows in London right now before it closes). Brandon Lee Sears was also scheduled to be on as The Squip all weekend, so I was keen to catch him.
I wasn't totally successful at seeing the new cast as cover Eve Norris made her debut as Chloe that afternoon. But that's fine, always glad to see the covers and I'll just have to make another visit to see Grace Mouat.
(the cast screen was also wrong for this show as it claimed Gabriel Hinchliffe was on as Rich, but it was James Hameed)
Very fluid as always. Respect as usual to the theatre for their Covid-19 awareness, keeping empty seats behind parties, using a one-way system and requiring masks at all times (although a few audience members will always consider that this doesn't apply to them).
This was pretty full for a Sunday afternoon as well with primarily a young female audience. I was mid-Stalls but still managed to get my seat at a good price and had a clear view. I did notice that the expensive seats at the front were unsold right before the show started but were quite full when I took my seat further back.
Glad to have seen the others. They've changed a few lines for Brandon Lee Sears (he looks like Will Smith) and he has different video, so everything is done really well. Eve Norris wasn't over-the-top as Chloe. And the rest of the cast are always excellent.
As I've said before, a real feel good show. I do think this is picking up an audience but it's a shame this is late in the run. I do hope this has a future life.
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Post by greeny11 on Aug 24, 2021 11:23:17 GMT
I saw this last Thursday and thought it was fine. Grace was on as Chloe and she was over the top, which comments above seem to indicate that is how the character is normally played. The score is pretty forgettable to be honest, but I did like the finale number. The cast were very good - I particularly liked Scott Folan, Blake Anderson and Stewart Clarke.
I was very impressed with the protocols in place at the Shaftesbury, and mask wearing was almost at 100% inside the auditorium, which compared with some of the other shows I've seen this week, was great to see.
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