3,426 posts
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Post by ceebee on Aug 25, 2020 13:30:29 GMT
shentonstage.com/can-we-start-again-please/An interesting read here from Mark Shenton. Re the middle section talking about freebies for critics, I agree with Regent's Park and fully understand why they would not be giving critics free tickets in the current climate. (Though I am of course sorry that people's income has dried up. That said, the whole area of theatre reviews had already changed so vastly pre corona that paid critique is a separate discussion not for here). But it's the last section that is striking. And he is absolutely correct. It is in fact a completely bittersweet experience. An amazing production in extraordinary circumstances. But also a gut wrenching reminder of how unsustainable this all is. He says it isn't the re-start of theatre. It's a limited experience. And when the Summer socially distanced outdoor (non profitable) shows are gone - what next? Something? Nothing? Well, we don't know. But bittersweet or not, I have booked several further trips and will be enjoying every second while it's here. For I suspect a very long Winter waits when the metaphorical curtain falls on this glorious production. As usual Dom, you're speaking my language. Like you, I've got a few trips booked and plan to enjoy them while I can. I think your winter of discontent might be a tad pessimistic; I think we might see an upturn in plans from the end of next month. |
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Post by juicy_but_terribly_drab on Aug 25, 2020 13:45:21 GMT
Has anyone been to the lawn screening of this? I'm going this evening with a couple others and I was going to bring a blanket for us all to sit on but the info hub seems unclear whether we'll be sitting together or still in the socially distanced individual 1.2sq metre spaces and I'll have to bring us a blanket each. From what I can see, bring one blanket each as the squares are clearly marked out with grass paint. That said, I didn't see what happened during the performance and people might have grouped up - OAT is being pretty strict enforcing the rules on masks etc., but in a very friendly and sympathetic way. If you can, grab a spot near one of the tables with parasols just in case you need to duck for cover (left hand side of the grid). Okay thanks for the info and I'll keep your parasol tip in mind (though it's looking pretty promising that it shouldn't rain). Hopefully we can sit together but I guess if we're all next to each other that's good enough (and it's not like we can talk or anything once we're watching). |
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430 posts
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Post by alison on Aug 25, 2020 14:08:36 GMT
Has anyone been to the lawn screening of this? I'm going this evening with a couple others and I was going to bring a blanket for us all to sit on but the info hub seems unclear whether we'll be sitting together or still in the socially distanced individual 1.2sq metre spaces and I'll have to bring us a blanket each. I went on Sunday night. Unplanned - we had the grass bank tickets for the matinee then went straight round to the box office to book to watch the evening show on the screens.
We just sat where we wanted on the area in front of the screen without worrying too much about whether we were exactly in the spaces, but there were only about 20 people there so I imagine they might be more strict if they had sold all of the spaces. We all had our own blankets/coats to sit on but there were definitely groups who were all using the same one.
One annoying thing - when we first arrived there were lots of groups of people sitting on the lawn who then moved nearer the time as they had seats in the auditorium. It just meant that we were then able to move into a better (read: more grass, less dry ground) space after they'd gone, but really they should have clearer signposting to discourage people who don't have lawn spaces from sitting there, so everyone can get in and settled before the show.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2020 14:10:14 GMT
shentonstage.com/can-we-start-again-please/An interesting read here from Mark Shenton. Re the middle section talking about freebies for critics, I agree with Regent's Park and fully understand why they would not be giving critics free tickets in the current climate. (Though I am of course sorry that people's income has dried up. That said, the whole area of theatre reviews had already changed so vastly pre corona that paid critique is a separate discussion not for here). But it's the last section that is striking. And he is absolutely correct. It is in fact a completely bittersweet experience. An amazing production in extraordinary circumstances. But also a gut wrenching reminder of how unsustainable this all is. He says it isn't the re-start of theatre. It's a limited experience. And when the Summer socially distanced outdoor (non profitable) shows are gone - what next? Something? Nothing? Well, we don't know. But bittersweet or not, I have booked several further trips and will be enjoying every second while it's here. For I suspect a very long Winter waits when the metaphorical curtain falls on this glorious production. As usual Dom, you're speaking my language. Like you, I've got a few trips booked and plan to enjoy them while I can. I think your winter of discontent might be a tad pessimistic; I think we might see an upturn in plans from the end of next month. Thanks. I really hope so :-) I was planning a trip to Vienna for early Autumn as they have full scale indoor musical theatre going on - but then Austria was added to our quarantine list grrrrr. I do so hope we get some West End fare back this year though! |
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Post by juicy_but_terribly_drab on Aug 26, 2020 10:21:29 GMT
Has anyone been to the lawn screening of this? I'm going this evening with a couple others and I was going to bring a blanket for us all to sit on but the info hub seems unclear whether we'll be sitting together or still in the socially distanced individual 1.2sq metre spaces and I'll have to bring us a blanket each. I went on Sunday night. Unplanned - we had the grass bank tickets for the matinee then went straight round to the box office to book to watch the evening show on the screens.
We just sat where we wanted on the area in front of the screen without worrying too much about whether we were exactly in the spaces, but there were only about 20 people there so I imagine they might be more strict if they had sold all of the spaces. We all had our own blankets/coats to sit on but there were definitely groups who were all using the same one.
One annoying thing - when we first arrived there were lots of groups of people sitting on the lawn who then moved nearer the time as they had seats in the auditorium. It just meant that we were then able to move into a better (read: more grass, less dry ground) space after they'd gone, but really they should have clearer signposting to discourage people who don't have lawn spaces from sitting there, so everyone can get in and settled before the show.
A similar thing happened with us. There was a couple who had brought a proper blanket with waterproofing on the bottom and everything sat front and centre on the lawn and then they got up and went into the auditorium 5 minutes before the show started. Just seems odd to come so prepared to sit on grass when you're not even watching from the lawn haha. And I also had a similar experience with the seating, only about 20 people total and you could mostly ignore the lines because you'd be nowhere near anyone else. |
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116 posts
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Post by alexandra on Aug 26, 2020 14:40:24 GMT
A similar thing happened with us. There was a couple who had brought a proper blanket with waterproofing on the bottom and everything sat front and centre on the lawn and then they got up and went into the auditorium 5 minutes before the show started. Just seems odd to come so prepared to sit on grass when you're not even watching from the lawn haha. And I also had a similar experience with the seating, only about 20 people total and you could mostly ignore the lines because you'd be nowhere near anyone else. How was it on the lawn - did you stick it out through the rain stop? We heard you all cheer when the stage manager mentioned you. It brought home how important those stops are when Judas slipped over and bust his microphone despite the stage having been mopped. |
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Post by juicy_but_terribly_drab on Aug 26, 2020 15:35:04 GMT
A similar thing happened with us. There was a couple who had brought a proper blanket with waterproofing on the bottom and everything sat front and centre on the lawn and then they got up and went into the auditorium 5 minutes before the show started. Just seems odd to come so prepared to sit on grass when you're not even watching from the lawn haha. And I also had a similar experience with the seating, only about 20 people total and you could mostly ignore the lines because you'd be nowhere near anyone else. How was it on the lawn - did you stick it out through the rain stop? We heard you all cheer when the stage manager mentioned you. It brought home how important those stops are when Judas slipped over and bust his microphone despite the stage having been mopped. Yes we stuck it out though it was miserable. And god so scary when Ricardo slipped but he took it in his stride and gave a brilliant performance and I was mostly there to see him again so I was so glad we got him! |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2020 14:19:53 GMT
By my records, I am going to see Tyrone and Declan tonight, as I think it was Ricardo and Pepe last night. What do you think?
I feel slightly like I am being unfaithful to Ricardo, which is ironic as it’s my wedding anniversary.
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Post by theatre241 on Aug 27, 2020 14:44:16 GMT
does anyone know what Pepe as Jesus is like?
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Post by SuttonPeron on Aug 27, 2020 15:06:31 GMT
does anyone know what Pepe as Jesus is like? Amazing. He goes super high, and has a sublime vocal technique. He also has great acting choices. |
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430 posts
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Post by alison on Aug 27, 2020 15:48:20 GMT
By my records, I am going to see Tyrone and Declan tonight, as I think it was Ricardo and Pepe last night. What do you think? I feel slightly like I am being unfaithful to Ricardo, which is ironic as it’s my wedding anniversary. I would assume so based on the last week, particularly given that Pepe and Ricardo did both shows yesterday (the first two show day where that has happened, but then also the first midweek matinee so no precedent).
If anyone's counting (read: if anyone else is as stubborn as me and went well if you're going to refuse to give a schedule, I'll figure it out myself), 6/8 possible Jesus/Judas/Mary combinations have now been on (not counting the understudies). The only ones that haven't happened are the two with Pepe and Tyrone together.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2020 15:48:42 GMT
I think I prefer him to Rob. His voice is less raw and rock, there is a sweetness to his tone that I enjoyed. I also really like the restaging of the ending, so I wonder how much of that is influencing my thoughts.
Agree 100% on the acting choices comment too. I’m looking forward to seeing him close up.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2020 15:49:53 GMT
By my records, I am going to see Tyrone and Declan tonight, as I think it was Ricardo and Pepe last night. What do you think? I feel slightly like I am being unfaithful to Ricardo, which is ironic as it’s my wedding anniversary. I would assume so based on the last week, particularly given that Pepe and Ricardo did both shows yesterday (the first two show day where that has happened, but then also the first midweek matinee so no precedent).
If anyone's counting (read: if anyone else is as stubborn as me and went well if you're going to refuse to give a schedule, I'll figure it out myself), 6/8 possible Jesus/Judas/Mary combinations have now been on (not counting the understudies). The only ones that haven't happened are the two with Pepe and Tyrone together.
You are my new favourite person. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2020 23:31:28 GMT
By my records, I am going to see Tyrone and Declan tonight, as I think it was Ricardo and Pepe last night. What do you think? I feel slightly like I am being unfaithful to Ricardo, which is ironic as it’s my wedding anniversary. I would assume so based on the last week, particularly given that Pepe and Ricardo did both shows yesterday (the first two show day where that has happened, but then also the first midweek matinee so no precedent).
If anyone's counting (read: if anyone else is as stubborn as me and went well if you're going to refuse to give a schedule, I'll figure it out myself), 6/8 possible Jesus/Judas/Mary combinations have now been on (not counting the understudies). The only ones that haven't happened are the two with Pepe and Tyrone together.
Rereading this after seeing Declan and Tyrone tonight. Does this mean that Ricardo/Declan has happened? Because based on tonight I would LOVE to see that. Could you predict when that pairing may occur again? |
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Post by tommy123 on Aug 28, 2020 13:41:13 GMT
Are these the correct line ups so far? Happy to keep editing so we can keep track  fri 14th - Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka sat 15th (m) - Pepe/Ricardo/Maimuna sat 15th (e) - Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka sun 16th (m) - Pepe/Ricardo/Maimuna sun 16th (e) - Declan/Ricardo/Anoushka (cancelled midway) tue 18th - Pepe/Ricardo/Maimuna wed 19th - Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka thu 20th - Pepe/Ricardo/Maimuna fri 21st - Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka sat 22nd (m) - Pepe/Ricardo/Maimuna sat 22nd (e) - Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka sun 23rd (m) - Pepe/Ricardo/Maimuna sun 23rd (e) - Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka tue 25th - Declan/Ricardo/Maimuna wed 26th (m and e) - Pepe/Ricardo/Maimuna thu 27th - Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka |
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430 posts
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Post by alison on Aug 28, 2020 14:02:18 GMT
Are these the correct line ups so far? Happy to keep editing so we can keep track fri 14th - Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka sat 15th (m) - Pepe/Ricardo/Maimuna sat 15th (e) - Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka sun 16th (m) - Pepe/Ricardo/Maimuna sun 16th (e) - Declan/Ricardo/Anoushka (cancelled midway) tue 18th - Pepe/Ricardo/Maimuna wed 19th - Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka
thu 20th - Pepe/Ricardo/Maimuna fri 21st - Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka sat 22nd (m) - Pepe/Ricardo/Maimuna sat 22nd (e) - Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka sun 23rd (m) - Pepe/Ricardo/Maimuna sun 23rd (e) - Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka tue 25th - Declan/Ricardo/Maimuna wed 26th (m and e) - Pepe/Ricardo/Maimunathu 27th - Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka
Almost right - Weds 19th and Thurs 20th are wrong - Pepe/Ricardo/Maimuna on Weds, Declan/Tyrone/Maimuna on Thurs. This Weds (26th) Pepe and Ricardo did do both shows, but Anoushka was on for the matinee.
It's possible that I've been keeping a spreadsheet since the first night ...
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2020 14:17:55 GMT
alison I love this so much. Does your spreadsheet allow you to forecast? I’d love to know your prediction for the cast for the last show ;-)
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430 posts
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Post by alison on Aug 28, 2020 14:20:28 GMT
As it stands my guess would be Pepe/Ricardo/Maimuna for the last matinee and Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka for the evening, but they've started to mix things up a bit this week so it could be completely different. Will be interesting to see who's on this weekend.
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Post by dontdreamit on Aug 28, 2020 16:05:02 GMT
As it stands my guess would be Pepe/Ricardo/Maimuna for the last matinee and Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka for the evening, but they've started to mix things up a bit this week so it could be completely different. Will be interesting to see who's on this weekend. I did wonder if they would do Pepe/ Ricardo/Maimuna for the last evening as it was Declan/ Tyrone/ Anoushka for the very first show. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2020 17:59:11 GMT
Does anyone else think that a matinee for your last performance might be a bit of a letdown at the Open Air Theatre? I love matinees, but I have avoided them for this because I can’t imagine that you get the full impact of the show in broad daylight.
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4,177 posts
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Post by HereForTheatre on Aug 28, 2020 19:26:49 GMT
I went to see Little Shop at a Matinee and I did leave wishing I could have gone for an evening show to take in the lighting and effects. The issue for me is, and this might seem silly, I managed to get lost in the park in broad daylight so I don't really want to end up lost in a park in the dark at night time.
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1,349 posts
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Post by CG on the loose on Aug 28, 2020 19:39:21 GMT
I went to see Little Shop at a Matinee and I did leave wishing I could have gone for an evening show to take in the lighting and effects. The issue for me is, and this might seem silly, I managed to get lost in the park in broad daylight so I don't really want to end up lost in a park in the dark at night time. Don't worry about getting lost in the dark in the park - it's daylight when you arrive for an evening performance and they kick you out of a side gate directly on to the Inner Circle I've seen matinees there too and, quite apart from nearly getting sunstroke, I did think some of the impact was lost for watching in daylight. I always try to book evening shows now. |
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1,280 posts
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Post by theatrefan77 on Aug 28, 2020 23:15:36 GMT
Really enjoyed this tonight.It was so good to be back in a theatre after so many months. I still prefer the previous version to this concert one, but considering the current restrictions, they have done an excellent job. Amazing vocals, so much energy on stage. i will try to see it again before it closes
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3,426 posts
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Post by ceebee on Aug 28, 2020 23:49:14 GMT
Really enjoyed this tonight.It was so good to be back in a theatre after so many months. I still prefer the previous version to this concert one, but considering the current restrictions, they have done an excellent job. Amazing vocals, so much energy on stage. i will try to see it again before it closes Yup, it was a great show tonight. Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka were on (for the obsessives trying to second guess cast rotations). All were great, and nice to hear Tom Deering's sublime work on the keys once more. Oh, and David Thaxton was brilliant as Pilate. And what an ensemble - all so talented. Thank you for the joy you bring your audiences. |
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Post by tommy123 on Aug 29, 2020 9:17:59 GMT
Didn’t realise there was a time limit on editing posts! Here’s the updated cast rotations;
fri 14th - Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka
sat 15th (m) - Pepe/Ricardo/Maimuna
sat 15th (e) - Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka
sun 16th (m) - Pepe/Ricardo/Maimuna
sun 16th (e) - Declan/Ricardo/Anoushka (cancelled midway)
tue 18th - Pepe/Ricardo/Maimuna
wed 19th - Pepe/Ricardo/Maimuna
thu 20th - Declan/Tyrone/Maimuna
fri 21st - Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka
sat 22nd (m) - Pepe/Ricardo/Maimuna
sat 22nd (e) - Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka
sun 23rd (m) - Pepe/Ricardo/Maimuna
sun 23rd (e) - Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka
tue 25th - Declan/Ricardo/Maimuna
wed 26th (m) - Pepe/Ricardo/Anoushka
wed 26th (e) - Pepe/Ricardo/Maimuna
thu 27th - Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka
fri 28th - Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka
sat 29th (m & e) - Pepe/Ricardo/Maimuna
sun 30th (m & e) - Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka
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