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Post by sph on Aug 20, 2021 21:43:27 GMT
I wonder if they, like some on here, underestimated the movies popularity a bit. People have said it isn't on tv much but it is on usually at least once a year, usually Xmas time but unlike Poppins it's less prime time. Often the morning or on bbc2. Yes I think that too! It's a movie that everyone seems to know and fondly remember somewhat. It doesn't have the same huge presence as Poppins so often falls to the wayside as the "lesser" version, but as a standalone property it has always been a household name. |
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Post by phantom1986 on Aug 20, 2021 22:33:26 GMT
Wish I could agree with all the positive reaction on here but came away rather disappointed by this last night. Yes some of the stage trickery is brilliantly done (the bed and Eglantines first flight in particular) but some of it is slap dash and a little cringe worthy. There were also lots of mistakes last night with missed cues, props being dropped and visible errors in some of the illusions. The ensemble work very hard with numerous bits of delightful puppetry but the constant pushing of the set around the small stage space was very distracting and clunky. Harry Potter this is not. The stage space also seemed to be cramped and when the whole company are on stage it becomes quickly overcrowded with many cast members bumping into set and each other.
After an abrupt and shaky start - it really does takes a long time to get going - it finally sputters into life after the gloomy prologue, with the arrival of Ms Price. Diane Pilkington is clearly very talented but doesn't yet seem to know how to play the wit and eccentricities of the character... if anything she's a little dull. There's also a distinct lack of chemistry between her and Charles Brunton's Emellius Browne so you never buy their romantic relationship. Hopefully some more interesting choices will happen once they settle in and the tour progresses. The child actors are currently giving by far the best performances in the show and its a shame they disappear a bit in an overlong Act 2.
As has been mentioned earlier in the thread the ending is very dark and everyone around me was confused by it. This didn't stop an almost full standing ovation so maybe people won't care but it definitely needs work. A missed opportunity in my mind but will probably visit again as interested to see how it tightens up and improves over its tour.
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Post by Boob on Aug 21, 2021 22:25:59 GMT
I’ve noticed there is a ten day gap early in the tour (between Southend and Milton Keynes). I wonder if this is to give them a chance to go back into rehearsals?
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Post by shady23 on Aug 21, 2021 23:49:23 GMT
Folks I assume were the creators were in tonight taking note of the audience reaction at the end. It was a pretty loud reaction!
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Post by Mark on Aug 22, 2021 3:45:32 GMT
I’ve noticed there is a ten day gap early in the tour (between Southend and Milton Keynes). I wonder if this is to give them a chance to go back into rehearsals? Isn’t that due to the Dublin dates being moved as their restrictions didn’t ease? |
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Post by Figaro on Aug 22, 2021 8:01:46 GMT
I’ve noticed there is a ten day gap early in the tour (between Southend and Milton Keynes). I wonder if this is to give them a chance to go back into rehearsals? Isn’t that due to the Dublin dates being moved as their restrictions didn’t ease? Yes |
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Post by christya on Aug 23, 2021 19:22:41 GMT
I saw the last night of this in Newcastle. Mostly really enjoyed it, but there were some bits I just didn't like.
The ending. The ending is dreadful and sucked all the joy out of the room. I actually heard a few people protesting - someone about three rows behind me let out an audible "Noooo..."
Why rename the island? For the stupid peepee jokes? Not worth it, put it back, remove stupid jokes.
Charlie. He was very good, but way too old.
Paul not being the one to remember the spell? Why? Pointless change again.
All quite minor annoyances except for the ending. The music was glorious and Dianne Pilkington makes a great Miss Price. The magical effects were mostly excellent, and I loved the puppetry, especially the lion. The kids were excellent, if a little too posh, and the ensemble seemed to be having an absolute blast.
Overall it's a great night at the theatre and if they'd only sort out that dreadful ending it would be even better.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2021 20:59:32 GMT
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Post by dennisthemenace on Aug 24, 2021 14:36:11 GMT
My tuppenuth worth:
Although the show is fantastic anyway, Newcastle, I presume, was the review venue and the chance to iron out the niggles and bumps. This show will get even better, smoother and slicker as it settles down into it’s run. The tricks and illusions will become second nature and seamless.
The ending, in my opinion, is far superior than the film and quite clever really. The film is ‘huh’ and no way to end a live show. There are plenty of subtle messages throughout the show and if picked up along with the final shot of Miss Brown as the curtain drops it should leave you wondering ‘Was it?’ Or ‘Is it?’ Clever really.
Diane Pilkington is superb in the role of Miss Price.
The glue in this show, unsung hero is Charlie (Conor O’Hara). He does his own job superbly as well as working hard to shepherd, guide and look after the younger children. Undoubtedly prompting and picking up on dropped lines, not on just two children but all the sets of kids in individual performances. Rather him than me :-) Fantastic performance!
I suppose you’ll not please everyone but this show will be a huge success for 99.9% of audiences who so far appear to love the show which results in what appears to be standing ovations and many plaudits after each performance.
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Post by eggemann on Aug 26, 2021 12:22:42 GMT
I decided to book tickets for this in Bristol as it is one of my favourite films and it only appears to be playing for three days! Surprisingly short stints
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Post by dennisthemenace on Aug 26, 2021 18:04:27 GMT
I decided to book tickets for this in Bristol as it is one of my favourite films and it only appears to be playing for three days! Surprisingly short stints Four days including matinee everyday bar one. |
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Post by Boob on Aug 27, 2021 13:02:57 GMT
The newly released production shots look great. Can’t wait to see this in Woking.
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Post by robertb213 on Aug 27, 2021 14:07:40 GMT
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Post by fluxcapacitor on Aug 29, 2021 6:17:03 GMT
A good review for this from Whatsonstage, though the reviewer seems to think “The Age of Not Believing” is a standout new song. I think the Sherman Brothers would have something to say about that…
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Post by drfootlights on Aug 29, 2021 10:52:33 GMT
“Nobody’s Problem” is written by the Sherman’s too!
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Post by shady23 on Aug 29, 2021 11:44:02 GMT
My favourite songs in this production are "step in the right direction" and "onward" plus the staging of Portobello Road is something pretty special.
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Post by fluxcapacitor on Aug 29, 2021 16:15:34 GMT
“Nobody’s Problem” is written by the Sherman’s too! Oh yes! It wasn’t in the original cut of the movie which I grew up with, but I see it’s in the restored version. In which case, it’s even sloppier research and writing in that review - especially when she introduces the movie as one we all “know and love”. She obviously doesn’t know it very well! A bit of a kick in the teeth to the writers of the new material too that the only two “new” songs she commends are… well… not new at all  Do people not proof read or fact check before publishinf reviews these days? |
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Post by Jon on Aug 29, 2021 18:08:01 GMT
I'm surprised they didn't get Richard Sherman to help write new songs but I guess he is essentially retired now as he's 93.
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Post by sprampster on Aug 29, 2021 22:08:10 GMT
Saw the show this afternoon and quite interesting as also watched Mary Poppins in town last night ! B&B is VERY theatrical and in some ways a very British show ! Was often reminded of Lion Witch and Wardrobe in terms of story line not sure who came first Norton or Lewis but def nods to both stories and worlds !
No applause for the bed and have to say the larger set pieces just need a bit more oomph and speed ! The broomstick and bed just need that bit more of a lift so to speak
Won’t post actual spoilers but the puppetry is excellent
So think the show will find a lot of fans and for me I am actually gonna go and see it again in Southend
The ensemble work their socks off the cast are all enchanting and with a little tweak in terms of the main magic it will do well !!
Plus it is NOT the film just plonked on stage you can see the creatives have a lot of respect for the original but have made a theatre show !!
Current creative for beauty and the beast take note
“Just because you can doesn’t mean you should “ theatre is at its best when you lose yourself in the storytelling and not when you think OK let stick a video screen onstage !!
Bedknobs and Broomsticks is all the stronger for being a theatre production and NOT a theme park show x
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Post by westended on Aug 30, 2021 8:53:20 GMT
Does anyone have a picture of the Understudies list?
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Post by Jon on Aug 30, 2021 9:05:05 GMT
I would point that Disney aren't directly involved in Bedknobs other than from licensing the show to Michael Harrison who is the actual producer of the show.
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Post by sprampster on Aug 30, 2021 9:42:13 GMT
One thing as well there were no programmes at Canterbury are they not avaialble yet?
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Post by richey on Aug 30, 2021 10:11:45 GMT
Just looking at tickets for Manchester, a lot of the Stalls ones left are under the overhang of the balcony. Do you think I would miss much if I got one of those seats?
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Post by sprampster on Aug 30, 2021 10:18:48 GMT
Just looking at tickets for Manchester, a lot of the Stalls ones left are under the overhang of the balcony. Do you think I would miss much if I got one of those seats? personally would say the show is best viewed from the dress if you can to avoid an overhang if you cant get front stalls. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Aug 30, 2021 14:46:33 GMT
Just looking at tickets for Manchester, a lot of the Stalls ones left are under the overhang of the balcony. Do you think I would miss much if I got one of those seats? Some photos on seatplan.. looks like you can go quite far back before losing anything. Click around, they don’t all have photos but several do. seatplan.com/manchester/opera-house-venue/seating-plan/ |
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