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Post by TallPaul on Sept 1, 2021 17:09:18 GMT
Reopening tonight...not back home in Sheffield, but in Salford.
The Lowry was being used as a 'Nightingale' court, so as one group of performers with fancy gowns and funny wigs moves out, another moves in!
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Post by hannechalk on Sept 10, 2021 23:20:10 GMT
I went tonight at the Lowry in Salford, and it was excellent!
You can say what you like about Layton Williams, but he certainly is a gifted performer!
Shane Richie and Shobna Gulati were brilliant too, with great comedic timing.
Amy Ellen Richardson's rendition of He's My Boy was very emotional and gave me goosebumps.
The whole cast and band were great!
There were quite a few people at stagedoor - I didn't go close, but apparently there was a sign stating the cast would not stop for pictures and autographs. Layton came to the door and gave a lovely little speech thanking everyone. He came across as quite endearing.
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Post by hannechalk on Sept 10, 2021 23:28:35 GMT
I am seeing this at the Lowry later in the year, but I have to say I'm not too thrilled about seeing Layton. I hope I'll be proven wrong. Ooooh, I forgot about this comment on mine! I was proven wrong! 😀 |
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Post by shady23 on Sept 11, 2021 4:22:10 GMT
apparently there was a sign stating the cast would not stop for pictures and autographs. Layton came to the door and gave a lovely little speech thanking everyone. He came across as quite endearing. While that is great, it will just encourage more people to go along. |
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Post by hannechalk on Sept 11, 2021 8:11:18 GMT
apparently there was a sign stating the cast would not stop for pictures and autographs. Layton came to the door and gave a lovely little speech thanking everyone. He came across as quite endearing. While that is great, it will just encourage more people to go along. Everyone seemed to know the deal and kept their distance. One man tried to stop Amy Ellen for a picture and photograph as she was walking to her car,and she very politely declined. |
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19,656 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Sept 11, 2021 22:38:09 GMT
Well that’s a different show to the “brilliant original” I saw in Sheffield. Cast were fine, Shane Richie was off (unscheduled according to the website) and I’m not sure who we had instead but he was great. Margaret was great, Shobna Gulati’s Ray was great, even ‘ickle George Sampson made a decent bully. So who wasn’t great?
Dear oh dear Layton Williams. Weak vocals from the outset, I actually thought there was something wrong… maybe there was but in that case don’t go on. Weak, weak, weak. He certainly camps up the acting but it was pretty OTT and lacking in vulnerability and I’m afraid after seeing John McRae he was a huge disappointment. The staging also lost the impact of being on the Crucible’s huge thrust. The band sounded underpowered. It all felt a bit low budget and meh.
Looking forward to the film now.
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Post by drowseychap on Sept 12, 2021 1:42:52 GMT
Oh no I’m finally seeing the tour after all the set backs next month ... seeing west end for last performance ... an a bit nervous now about seeing the tour esp after like yourself seeing it in Sheffield all those yrs ago now .
I’ve never seen Layton but have friends in the business who don’t really have anything kind to say about him 🤔 I ve seen Shobna and Shane and hoped I would be in safe hands for the tour .... time will tell I suppose 😊
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540 posts
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Post by drowseychap on Sept 15, 2021 22:37:36 GMT
2 groups groups of friends saw it today they don’t know each other .... and both text me today and both said not impressed. By the lad playing Jamie ... very weak voice ... I see it soon I wouldn’t mind seeing alternate Jamie 🤔
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Post by westendfan1 on Sept 16, 2021 10:50:48 GMT
I have always thought this about Layton Williams. Yes, he's a phenomenal dancer; yes, he works hard; yes, he's quite a character. But vocally he's just not up to it, IMO. I simply don't understand the adulation he appears to receive from some quarters.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2021 11:38:27 GMT
I have always thought this about Layton Williams. Yes, he's a phenomenal dancer; yes, he works hard; yes, he's quite a character. But vocally he's just not up to it, IMO. I simply don't understand the adulation he appears to receive from some quarters. Because he is British, black and very openly gay. People just think that is like the most ground-breaking thing ever, omigod! Personally, I don't get the impression that he does work that hard. I think he just thinks that the world owes him everything, just for breathing and existing. Ugh. I can't stand him. |
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540 posts
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Post by drowseychap on Oct 7, 2021 20:02:47 GMT
Just in interval of the tour and well ...... my first time ever seeing Layton in anything and well ... mediocre at best ... singing with his eyes closed in most songs ... songs are lowered no high notes except shouting some bits stopped singing completely in one song .... only picks up when Shane and Shobna are on stage hope he improves
Or if sick put understudy on please
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540 posts
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Post by drowseychap on Oct 7, 2021 22:44:05 GMT
Second half improved .. didn’t get programme but I’m sure some of the cast I’ve seen this year in the west end ... George as dean was ok .... Layton picked up but doesn’t sing too much in second half ... audience lapped him up though never heard such a cheer for any Jamie I’ve seen  Stayed for Q&A. Layton came on apologised he had to catch his train ... did answer one question apologied that he had a rough show and left . Lots of lines and jokes were lost ... drag queens had swapped lines etc Young loco was Called Lilka virgin tonight ? But played by tray .... who tonight did likas lines but did still play young loco very odd One of my fave lines during limited addition “rude “ was changed to that my agent calling ? Got no laughs Shane was fab as loco really lifted every time he was on and Shobna Miss hedge was good Margaret nailed he’s my boy very sad didn’t feel the show tonight first time I’ve never stood up at the end |
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Post by hannechalk on Oct 8, 2021 4:26:08 GMT
When I saw it in Salford, the one thing I did find unnecessary were the Covid-related jokes and wearing masks on stage. It didn't add anything on to the show, and I go to the theatre not to be reminded of the outside world.
I must have caught Layton on a good night - although no John McCrea, I couldn't really fault him. I went prepared to be disappointed, and I wasn't.
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Post by jacob on Oct 20, 2021 20:13:08 GMT
Here tonight in Bristol seeing the evening show just after the matinee too - Layton is clearly struggling, even apologising to other cast members.. lots of sniffing and strained voice - hoping all is ok
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Post by eggemann on Oct 20, 2021 22:05:54 GMT
I saw it tonight in Bristol also. Loved this in the West End.
Something isn’t right with Layton though as I found his singing fine in London but tonight he struggled and couldn’t even finish his ending riff without taking a second deep breath.
I am also not a huge fan of the Covid references. One would be fine. But there are about 3 new covid jokes in the opening scene, and then almost every other scene added a new covid joke, whether it be a gag about, LFTs, designer masks, social distancing or Sanitising. Like we get it, but why is the it a new running thread from start to finish?
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19,656 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Oct 20, 2021 22:09:59 GMT
Layton has been “off” vocally for weeks it would seem. If he’s not up to it due to a health problem or whatever he should just take some time off and recover. If he thinks he’s doing anyone a favour offering a sub standard performance he’s wrong. I wish the understudy had been on when I saw it.
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4,361 posts
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Post by shady23 on Oct 20, 2021 22:21:47 GMT
I am also not a huge fan of the Covid references. One would be fine. But there are about 3 new covid jokes in the opening scene, and then almost every other scene added a new covid joke, whether it be a gag about, LFTs, designer masks, social distancing or Sanitising. Like we get it, but why is the it a new running thread from start to finish? Yes and very few of the audience will probably be doing any covid measures at all... Honestly do not want to be reminded of this nightmare at the theatre. I would like to escape from it. |
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Post by jacob on Oct 20, 2021 22:57:15 GMT
I saw it tonight in Bristol also. Loved this in the West End. Something isn’t right with Layton though as I found his singing fine in London but tonight he struggled and couldn’t even finish his ending riff without taking a second deep breath. I am also not a huge fan of the Covid references. One would be fine. But there are about 3 new covid jokes in the opening scene, and then almost every other scene added a new covid joke, whether it be a gag about, LFTs, designer masks, social distancing or Sanitising. Like we get it, but why is the it a new running thread from start to finish? agreeing on the virus jokes, one or two are funny and in context, showing how relevant the story is, but the others feel forced He picked it up slightly in act 2, but showed distress / eye wiping as the show started - potentially relating to Jamie’s character but most likely Layton’s personal health struggles … was fully expecting a Jamie swap UITUW worked great with the raspiness, however Mimi Me sounded deeper than her Dad .. also to note , Amy Ellen is immaculate and Shane is surprisingly good at Hugo |
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Post by eggemann on Oct 20, 2021 23:14:26 GMT
I saw it tonight in Bristol also. Loved this in the West End. Something isn’t right with Layton though as I found his singing fine in London but tonight he struggled and couldn’t even finish his ending riff without taking a second deep breath. I am also not a huge fan of the Covid references. One would be fine. But there are about 3 new covid jokes in the opening scene, and then almost every other scene added a new covid joke, whether it be a gag about, LFTs, designer masks, social distancing or Sanitising. Like we get it, but why is the it a new running thread from start to finish? agreeing on the virus jokes, one or two are funny and in context, showing how relevant the story is, but the others feel forced He picked it up slightly in act 2, but showed distress / eye wiping as the show started - potentially relating to Jamie’s character but most likely Layton’s personal health struggles … was fully expecting a Jamie swap UITUW worked great with the raspiness, however Mimi Me sounded deeper than her Dad .. also to note , Amy Ellen is immaculate and Shane is surprisingly good at Hugo Some of the covid jokes were terribly forced! One good example was a line along the lines of “Only you could pull at a drag club” now being “only you could pull at a drag club during covid”. Like what does that add? Nothing. |
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Post by drowseychap on Oct 21, 2021 0:41:31 GMT
Layton has been “off” vocally for weeks it would seem. If he’s not up to it due to a health problem or whatever he should just take some time off and recover. If he thinks he’s doing anyone a favour offering a sub standard performance he’s wrong. I wish the understudy had been on when I saw it. I felt exactly the same In Wolverhampton seen the show live 7 times and that was the first time I came away underwhelmed really spoiled it for me |
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Post by westendfan1 on Oct 21, 2021 12:58:03 GMT
Layton has been “off” vocally for weeks it would seem. If he’s not up to it due to a health problem or whatever he should just take some time off and recover. If he thinks he’s doing anyone a favour offering a sub standard performance he’s wrong. I wish the understudy had been on when I saw it. He's definitely suffering with a cold at the moment, and therefore should let Adam Taylor take over and do his job as understudy. Personally, I think the fact he's clearly ill just exacerbates the greater issue, which is that he's not up to it vocally even when in perfect health. |
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Post by jacob on Oct 21, 2021 16:48:37 GMT
Layton has been “off” vocally for weeks it would seem. If he’s not up to it due to a health problem or whatever he should just take some time off and recover. If he thinks he’s doing anyone a favour offering a sub standard performance he’s wrong. I wish the understudy had been on when I saw it. He's definitely suffering with a cold at the moment, and therefore should let Adam Taylor take over and do his job as understudy. Personally, I think the fact he's clearly ill just exacerbates the greater issue, which is that he's not up to it vocally even when in perfect health. Cast sickness is quite common, especially in a touring show that requires a lot of movement between cities where actors may want to browse in public .. so I wouldn’t put it down to the fact that he’s ill is because he’s not fit for the role - albeit the high notes for several songs are non-existent, but that’s possibly just Layton’s vocal range. Yesterday, you could see him struggling throughout which sadly changed the show for me a bit. Dialogue wasn’t natural and he seemed to be bracing himself for the larger numbers .. Understudies are there for a reason  |
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Post by drowseychap on Oct 22, 2021 0:58:41 GMT
Just read some post on Facebook tonight saying how fabulous Layton was sassy and perfect vocals ? They had been to the last night of west end also ... but we’re saying how fabulous the tour was tonight and Layton ? He must have made a remarkable recovery
I really wish I had seen the understudy’ when I went as my memories of the show were spoiled the other week
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2,416 posts
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Post by robertb213 on Oct 22, 2021 9:03:21 GMT
I never rated Layton even at full health. He could do sass and attitude in spades, but had no vulnerability whatsoever, and Jamie doesn't work without that.
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Post by aingidh on Oct 22, 2021 10:54:15 GMT
I really enjoyed Max’s portrayal in the movie. He had a bit of shyness and vulnerability to him that Layton’s portrayal seriously lacks.
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