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Post by frosty on Jul 6, 2021 8:11:06 GMT
First night last night and it was glorious. It was great to be back in that big space seeing a big musical - cast of 30. Julian Ovenden did a speech at the end talking about what a tough time it has been, everyone was very emotional. They also gave 150 tickets to NHS staff too, which got a massive round of applause. As Julian said - Theatre in Chichester is back!
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Post by alece10 on Jul 6, 2021 8:28:36 GMT
First night last night and it was glorious. It was great to be back in that big space seeing a big musical - cast of 30. Julian Ovenden did a speech at the end talking about what a tough time it has been, everyone was very emotional. They also gave 150 tickets to NHS staff too, which got a massive round of applause. As Julian said - Theatre in Chichester is back! I'm there next week. How did it look and sound? |
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Post by frosty on Jul 6, 2021 8:45:41 GMT
First night last night and it was glorious. It was great to be back in that big space seeing a big musical - cast of 30. Julian Ovenden did a speech at the end talking about what a tough time it has been, everyone was very emotional. They also gave 150 tickets to NHS staff too, which got a massive round of applause. As Julian said - Theatre in Chichester is back! I'm there next week. How did it look and sound? Really good. It was the first preview, but I didn't notice any mishaps. They make full use of the revolve, the whole stage spins and spins, they must get dizzy! This is a very traditional South Pacific, no massive gimmicks, just a good old classic musical. Bloody Mary is hilarious and Rob Houchen is an excellent, very earnest Cable. In fact, the whole cast are certainly in fine voice. The costume dept must be having a nightmare as Gina Beck is now very obviously pregnant. I hope they've included some elastic waistbands, she's still going to be there till 23rd Aug. I'm going back next Tuesday for press night, this time with a side stalls seat, so it will be interesting to see if anything has changed and how the view differs. I think this is going to do well. |
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Post by Dr Tom on Jul 6, 2021 8:59:22 GMT
What time did this finish, please? I’m trying to work out if I can attend an evening performance and still make the last train back to London.
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Post by alece10 on Jul 6, 2021 9:39:13 GMT
I'm there next week. How did it look and sound? Really good. It was the first preview, but I didn't notice any mishaps. They make full use of the revolve, the whole stage spins and spins, they must get dizzy! This is a very traditional South Pacific, no massive gimmicks, just a good old classic musical. Bloody Mary is hilarious and Rob Houchen is an excellent, very earnest Cable. In fact, the whole cast are certainly in fine voice. The costume dept must be having a nightmare as Gina Beck is now very obviously pregnant. I hope they've included some elastic waistbands, she's still going to be there till 23rd Aug. I'm going back next Tuesday for press night, this time with a side stalls seat, so it will be interesting to see if anything has changed and how the view differs. I think this is going to do well. Thanks for the info. Julian Ovenden and Rob Houchen are 2 of my favourite singers. We have been moved from centre stalls to side stalls so will be interested to hear what the view is like from there. I wonder if they are thinking of a transfer at some point as its not been done in the westend for a long time. |
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Post by Oleanna on Jul 6, 2021 9:55:40 GMT
First night last night and it was glorious. It was great to be back in that big space seeing a big musical - cast of 30. Julian Ovenden did a speech at the end talking about what a tough time it has been, everyone was very emotional. They also gave 150 tickets to NHS staff too, which got a massive round of applause. As Julian said - Theatre in Chichester is back! Thanks, Frosty. Would you be able to list the orchestra, please? |
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Post by frosty on Jul 6, 2021 10:25:20 GMT
First night last night and it was glorious. It was great to be back in that big space seeing a big musical - cast of 30. Julian Ovenden did a speech at the end talking about what a tough time it has been, everyone was very emotional. They also gave 150 tickets to NHS staff too, which got a massive round of applause. As Julian said - Theatre in Chichester is back! Thanks, Frosty. Would you be able to list the orchestra, please? |
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215 posts
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Post by frosty on Jul 6, 2021 10:35:40 GMT
First night last night and it was glorious. It was great to be back in that big space seeing a big musical - cast of 30. Julian Ovenden did a speech at the end talking about what a tough time it has been, everyone was very emotional. They also gave 150 tickets to NHS staff too, which got a massive round of applause. As Julian said - Theatre in Chichester is back! Thanks, Frosty. Would you be able to list the orchestra, please? Sure- from the programme: Musical Director - Cat Beveridge Keyboard 3/assist musical director - Jon Laird Keyboard 1 - Dan Jackson Keyboard 2/deputy conductor - Jill Farrow Double bass - Nicki Davenport Percussion and drums - Matt French Violin - Kathryn James Viola - Rachel Steadman Cello - Llinos Richards Harp - Cecelia de Maria Flute/piccolo/alto sax and ethnic flutes - Sue Phipps Clarinet and tenor sax - Duncan Ashby Bassoon - Lully Bathurst French Horn - Richard Bayliss Trumpet - Fraser Tannock Trombone - James Adams |
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Post by frosty on Jul 6, 2021 10:39:32 GMT
What time did this finish, please? I’m trying to work out if I can attend an evening performance and still make the last train back to London. I would say about 10:30, but it started a few mins late and Julian's speech at the end was about 5-10 mins, so it's probably going to be trimmed back from that. |
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Post by stompboy on Jul 8, 2021 11:51:07 GMT
Went last night and as mentioned above this is quite glorious and is definitely West End quality and ready. Ovenden and Houchen’s voices are sublime with their tone as is Joanna Ampil as Bloody Mary. Gina B was great and delivered well but the very very obvious bump somewhat distracted from her character and almost ‘spoilt’ the performance (IMHO)… it’s a tricky one as she performed and sounded 100% but the look just jarred. The set and use of the revolve were very effective and kind of made me double sad about the lack of set and automation for Cinderella.
I can easily see this having a limited run in the West End… a proper R&H classic presented as it should be is over due. Recommend those that can to tale a look or watch the stream.
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Post by juicy_but_terribly_drab on Jul 8, 2021 12:04:48 GMT
All sounds very promising! I'm seeing the livestream a week before Carousel so should be interesting seeing such seemingly different ways of tackling R&H so close together. To be fair though from what I know South Pacific has definitely held up to modern standards better than Carousel, even if it's still a bit outdated.
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Post by newyorkcityboy on Jul 8, 2021 12:26:03 GMT
I loved the National production of this a few years back & was surprised it never transferred to the WE. Philip Quast made a great lead. Will be interesting to see how this compares.
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Post by marob on Jul 8, 2021 12:38:21 GMT
So this is a traditional production? There was a promotional video a couple of weeks back that mentioned this being South Pacific “with a twist” or something similar.
I want to see it either way, I just don’t get why they were talking up putting a new spin on it if they haven’t.
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Post by frosty on Jul 9, 2021 8:37:57 GMT
So this is a traditional production? There was a promotional video a couple of weeks back that mentioned this being South Pacific “with a twist” or something similar. I want to see it either way, I just don’t get why they were talking up putting a new spin on it if they haven’t. It looked very traditional to me, I didn't notice any twists! |
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Post by notmymuse on Jul 10, 2021 8:15:01 GMT
So looking forward to the live stream.. We're really lucky to have such voices in it. How do we start a campaign for a cast recording?
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Post by danb on Jul 10, 2021 8:18:08 GMT
It’s the voices that made me book. I’d never had an interest in it before.
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Post by FairyGodmother on Jul 10, 2021 23:07:10 GMT
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Post by frankubelik on Jul 15, 2021 6:26:26 GMT
This was a disappointment. I have to agree with the previous poster in that Ms Beck's pregnancy is a distraction and hampers the somewhat over-enthusiastic performance. Emile de Becque is a bass-baritone role which of course Mr Ovenden isn't and for me he lacked the necessary acting weight. Thanks to Rob Houchen for providing the best vocals of the night. I thought the direction somewhat sloppy and missed the big lush sound of the orchestra. The male ensemble were certainly lacking in most departments (although perhaps we've been spoiled by the CINDERELLA hunks) and ultimately I cared nothing for the characters or their dilemmas. I know we should all be grateful that "theatre is back" but please let's not start settling for such sub-standard work.
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Post by alece10 on Jul 15, 2021 7:05:29 GMT
I'm going to see the show this afternoon and very much looking forward to it.
All the reviews I read yesterday were very good and didn't reflect the poster aboves view so going with an open mind.
But we can't all like the same things.
Only my 2nd trip outside of London since the start of Covid so will be nice to have an away day.
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Post by frosty on Jul 15, 2021 7:39:16 GMT
I'm going to see the show this afternoon and very much looking forward to it. All the reviews I read yesterday were very good and didn't reflect the poster aboves view so going with an open mind. But we can't all like the same things. Only my 2nd trip outside of London since the start of Covid so will be nice to have an away day. And what a glorious day for it! Enjoy the sunshine and the show. |
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Post by alicechallice on Jul 15, 2021 9:09:00 GMT
I'm going to see the show this afternoon and very much looking forward to it. All the reviews I read yesterday were very good and didn't reflect the poster aboves view so going with an open mind. But we can't all like the same things. Only my 2nd trip outside of London since the start of Covid so will be nice to have an away day. And what a glorious day for it! Enjoy the sunshine and the show. Myself, Mrs Lovett and Aunt Sally are all going tonight, picnic blanket is already in the car! |
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Post by david on Jul 15, 2021 9:12:13 GMT
I’m on my now to Chichester for the matinee. What a glorious day to spending at the CFT.
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Post by Dawnstar on Jul 15, 2021 12:07:48 GMT
This was a disappointment. I have to agree with the previous poster in that Ms Beck's pregnancy is a distraction and hampers the somewhat over-enthusiastic performance. Having read several reviews, I'm surprised none of the reviewers mentioned that. When the production pictures were released I was surprised at quite how obviously pregnant she is. It's made me reconsider whether to buy a ticket for the streaming, as I think I will find it pretty distracting given the character is very clearly not supposed to be pregnant. |
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Post by alece10 on Jul 15, 2021 12:28:03 GMT
Just having lunch in the theatre restaurant. Myself and my friend are no spring chickens but I swear we are the youngest people here.
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Post by FairyGodmother on Jul 15, 2021 12:32:09 GMT
I suppose she's slim so she's showing more. I'd definitely be a bit worried if I were in the costume department though! http://instagram.com/p/CQ-pn8AJzyx Having said that though, I once went to an local amateur panto where Dandini was visibly pregnant and we all just ignored it.  |
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