1,470 posts
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Post by mkb on Apr 4, 2023 9:32:28 GMT
It sold out in Manchester at very high prices and went down a storm the night I went. I loved it. There is definitely a market. It's very well put together fun, no more.
My tolerance of camp stereotypes on stage has mellowed over the years, largely due to the fact that social media is full of real people who make the characters here look positively tame. They are also not set up to be laughed at either, which is how it used to be in the 80s and before.
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19,651 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Apr 4, 2023 9:33:21 GMT
Is the Mrs Doubtfire narrative strong enough to hold its own without Robin Williams or stunt casting? Maybe the appetite for nostalgia in the west end is greater than I think? I hope it’s a success of course but I doubt that Comic Relief clip is likely to provoke a stampede at the box office. I just misread Robbie Williams and thought, wow, that would be inspired stunt casting. It’s not camp enough for Robbie. |
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Post by cezbear on Apr 4, 2023 9:45:37 GMT
I have no idea if I'll like this or not before I see it (I'd guess at it not being my thing), but I'd guess there's a reasonably good market for this, audiences seem to be drawn to shows based on beloved movies. The show only has to be servicable, the appeal here is the nostalgia and familiarity. Look at Sister Act, or Pretty Woman. Neither do anything at all for me as a musical, and there are few songs, if any, that would draw audiences in on their own. It's the title that's the appeal. You know more or less what you're getting, and as long as it's not messed with beyond recognition people will come out pleased. It's not pretending to be anything more than it is.
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Post by sph on Apr 4, 2023 10:54:31 GMT
I've always said I think the movie is more popular here than in the US. It was always shown on TV and was a popular video rental back in the day. I think it'll sell very well. Will it last long? Not sure. maybe a couple of years. Will do well on tour after.
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Post by danb on Apr 4, 2023 12:04:33 GMT
Well, the Shaftesbury is firmly back on the map after ‘Hairspray’ and ‘& Juliet’ so theres no reason why this can’t find a decent sized ‘once and done’ audience to keep it afloat at least through the Summer. However much I loves me some 80’s/90’s cinema, I still only saw the movie once.
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Post by joni89 on Apr 10, 2023 21:51:39 GMT
I’m not tempted enough to see this show in London but would like to see this if it was on tour.
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267 posts
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Post by gmoneyoutlaw on Apr 15, 2023 1:25:12 GMT
I’m not tempted enough to see this show in London but would like to see this if it was on tour. I saw this multiple times on Broadway. It’s got an amazing role for the male lead. The children also impress. Also has an impressive anthem for the family. |
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1,578 posts
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Post by anita on May 11, 2023 9:45:56 GMT
Has anyone received their tickets for next week yet?
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Post by mattnyc on May 12, 2023 23:05:13 GMT
A few technical stops tonight in act two plus a mishap in the "cooking scene" where Doubtfire's costume came undone in the back, leading to the base of the prosthetic headpiece normally hidden by the costume, to be out which was so odd to see. They all did their best to fix the costume during the scene but when he could, he ran off stage to get a sweater to cover it up.
Other than that the show really is in fantastic shape and as funny as I remember it when I first saw it in 2020.
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50 posts
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Post by dannimaria on May 13, 2023 11:43:17 GMT
Great 1st London show last night, as already said there was a major wardrobe malfunction (which a dancer shoved a safety pin in) until he could get off stage and 2 show stops.
We were in the front row and I have NEVER sat in front of a stage so high, you miss half the stage, so much so you can only see his head in the 'reveal', and none of the changing during the restaurant scene. I know FR is always restricted view but this was a shocker, I wouldn't be surprised if they decide to take row A out like &Juliet, it's not sustainable and there will be a lot of complaints, I think.
That aside, we had a great night and it's a good show in good shape, I will have to go back and see it again though so I can see the half of the stage I missed ;-)
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125 posts
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Post by annette on May 15, 2023 0:07:30 GMT
I wonder if the costume malfunction is part of a deliberate piece of schtick in the show?
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Post by mattnyc on May 15, 2023 0:21:03 GMT
I wonder if the costume malfunction is part of a deliberate piece of schtick in the show? No. It was obvious that Gabriel was angry and struggling with it. I can’t imagine what that must be like to have your entire costume literally falling off in the middle of a scene. He kept looking offstage as if to say “Stop the show”. |
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Post by FrontroverPaul on May 15, 2023 9:18:57 GMT
Great 1st London show last night, as already said there was a major wardrobe malfunction (which a dancer shoved a safety pin in) until he could get off stage and 2 show stops. We were in the front row and I have NEVER sat in front of a stage so high, you miss half the stage, so much so you can only see his head in the 'reveal', and none of the changing during the restaurant scene. I know FR is always restricted view but this was a shocker, I wouldn't be surprised if they decide to take row A out like &Juliet, it's not sustainable and there will be a lot of complaints, I think. That aside, we had a great night and it's a good show in good shape, I will have to go back and see it again though so I can see the half of the stage I missed ;-) This is most concerning. I book front row stalls, and am on my own, for over 90% of the shows I see, and accept that can mean looking up to a high stage, reduced legroom, narrower seats (NT), conductor in front, even the occasional "spit" experience ! For me being right at the front usually makes up for any negatives - plus, as with Mrs Doubtfire, there is often a price advantage. However missing so much, including key moments, from a £60 seat is a restricted view too far and unacceptable. I'm booked front row early next month but with my partner and she is six inches shorter than me. I saw Mrs Doubtfire from the front in Manchester - no high stage there - and if I was going alone I wouldn't worry too much but I'm minded to contact the Shaftesbury with my concerns. The performance I've booked is almost sold out and there are no pairs of seats at the same price so have to willing to switch date. Is anybody else seeing Mrs Doubtfire from the front row in the next couple of weeks to offer a second opinion ? |
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1,578 posts
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Post by anita on May 15, 2023 10:08:04 GMT
Great 1st London show last night, as already said there was a major wardrobe malfunction (which a dancer shoved a safety pin in) until he could get off stage and 2 show stops. We were in the front row and I have NEVER sat in front of a stage so high, you miss half the stage, so much so you can only see his head in the 'reveal', and none of the changing during the restaurant scene. I know FR is always restricted view but this was a shocker, I wouldn't be surprised if they decide to take row A out like &Juliet, it's not sustainable and there will be a lot of complaints, I think. That aside, we had a great night and it's a good show in good shape, I will have to go back and see it again though so I can see the half of the stage I missed ;-) This is most concerning. I book front row stalls, and am on my own, for over 90% of the shows I see, and accept that can mean looking up to a high stage, reduced legroom, narrower seats (NT), conductor in front, even the occasional "spit" experience ! For me being right at the front usually makes up for any negatives - plus, as with Mrs Doubtfire, there is often a price advantage. However missing so much, including key moments, from a £60 seat is a restricted view too far and unacceptable. I'm booked front row early next month but with my partner and she is six inches shorter than me. I saw Mrs Doubtfire from the front in Manchester - no high stage there - and if I was going alone I wouldn't worry too much but I'm minded to contact the Shaftesbury with my concerns. The performance I've booked is almost sold out and there are no pairs of seats at the same price so have to willing to switch date. Is anybody else seeing Mrs Doubtfire from the front row in the next couple of weeks to offer a second opinion ? I'm going to the matinee on Wednesday in the middle of the front row. I'm only 5 Ft 2 ins. You've got me worried now. |
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Post by leanne23 on May 15, 2023 12:04:47 GMT
I'm 5ft 3 and sat in Row B at &Juliet and if I sat back comfortably in the chair I could see from the knees upwards I'd say.
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Post by apwl on May 15, 2023 12:39:03 GMT
I’m front row tomorrow night and can report back.
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50 posts
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Post by dannimaria on May 15, 2023 12:46:50 GMT
Great 1st London show last night, as already said there was a major wardrobe malfunction (which a dancer shoved a safety pin in) until he could get off stage and 2 show stops. We were in the front row and I have NEVER sat in front of a stage so high, you miss half the stage, so much so you can only see his head in the 'reveal', and none of the changing during the restaurant scene. I know FR is always restricted view but this was a shocker, I wouldn't be surprised if they decide to take row A out like &Juliet, it's not sustainable and there will be a lot of complaints, I think. That aside, we had a great night and it's a good show in good shape, I will have to go back and see it again though so I can see the half of the stage I missed ;-) This is most concerning. I book front row stalls, and am on my own, for over 90% of the shows I see, and accept that can mean looking up to a high stage, reduced legroom, narrower seats (NT), conductor in front, even the occasional "spit" experience ! For me being right at the front usually makes up for any negatives - plus, as with Mrs Doubtfire, there is often a price advantage. However missing so much, including key moments, from a £60 seat is a restricted view too far and unacceptable. I'm booked front row early next month but with my partner and she is six inches shorter than me. I saw Mrs Doubtfire from the front in Manchester - no high stage there - and if I was going alone I wouldn't worry too much but I'm minded to contact the Shaftesbury with my concerns. The performance I've booked is almost sold out and there are no pairs of seats at the same price so have to willing to switch date. Is anybody else seeing Mrs Doubtfire from the front row in the next couple of weeks to offer a second opinion ? I'm 5'1 and was sat at the end of the left front row, my nieces next to me needed booster seats and still struggled. I was tempted to get a booster seat myself! Maybe closer to the centre will be better but it is a very high stage. |
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Post by apwl on May 17, 2023 7:58:29 GMT
I saw this last night and was completely fresh to the show. I enjoyed it. Not sure how memorable the songs are. I’ll have to listen to the cast recording and maybe do a rush ticket return visit at some point. I thought all the cast were top notch and it had a decent amount of laughs.
I was front row centre and I’m around 5ft 10inch and the stage is high but for me I found the view fine. There was one scene in act 2 where I only could see from the head up but other than that I didn’t feel like being front row with that stage height I missed anything.
Last night they seem to have issues getting people through security and tickets checked. There was 5 mins till showtime with still a decent sized queue which didn’t seem to move quickly. Security then told us to speed up as the show started in 5 mins as if we were the ones being slow. It’s probably not helped but the large pavement area outside the theatre being blocked off right to the pavement edge. If you’re crossing the road you don’t really have any choice but to go to the left hand queue. Probably causing an uneven amount on the entrances.
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Post by digne on May 17, 2023 16:01:35 GMT
I have a ticket for tonight, Stalls row D, but got sick and can't go. If anyone would like it, I'd be happy to give it away for free.
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4,171 posts
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Post by anthony40 on May 17, 2023 16:30:59 GMT
Taken
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1,578 posts
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Post by anita on May 18, 2023 9:09:10 GMT
Well I could see everything from the knees up except for at the very end when Mrs Doubtfire was sitting down mid stage. - Then I could only see a head. Enjoyed show. Gabriel Vick was a revalation as I've never seen him before. Only the forgetable songs let it down.
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4,171 posts
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Post by anthony40 on May 18, 2023 10:49:03 GMT
Well that was fun!
Despite the how huge a hit this film was when it was first released, for me, this was a bit id a ‘meh’ film.
This, along with Pretty Woman, Bettlejuice, Honeymoon in Vegas to name a few, along with this are the latest spate of 90’s films that have been adapted to stage.
(Possibly) I’m too narrow minded but I was surprised as to how well this worked. Maybe that’s why I work full-time in administration for a Local Authority, rather than in the theatre.
I thought the sets- especially the inside of Hillard marital home were excellent!
Gabriel Vick- I have seen him in several things over the years- Henrik in A Little Night Music, Once and in the The Kinks musical- even in the Les Mis film, to name a few so how great to have a vehicle for him to (finally) shine!
His transition into Mrs. Doubtfire is a revelation- the voice, the posture were outstanding. Though at times I tough with all the prosthetics that he looks a little uncomfortable. His glasses kept sliding down his nose.
Whilst the initial reveal is impressive on several occasions you see the Gabriel Vic down to his pants doing the change.
Although grinning throughout, he is working hard and things will be become easier.
The ensemble are working their socks off! The cooking scene is very amusing, as is the restaurant scene with the flamenco singer.
I was also impressed by Laura Tebbutt as Miranda. Very well cast and a great voice!
Cameron Blakely and Marcus Collins really have their characters down. Despite their comedy moments, all their characters do is offer love and support.
The Make Me A Woman sequence, as recently seen on BBC’s Children in Need, is a big ensemble cast number.
Look this will be a hit and I anticipate a long run. I was surprised as to how much I enjoyed it.
Finally, a HUGE thank you from digne for the complimentary ticket.
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4,778 posts
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Post by Mark on May 23, 2023 22:03:58 GMT
Its in great shape and it's a really well put together show, with lots of laughs. I've seen it in Seattle, Broadway and now London - definitely some changes, with the opening number in particular (back to That's Daniel), and Playing with Fire is different too.
Gabriel is brilliant, truly great in the role.
I think this will have a much healthier run than in New York.
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Post by esteveyb on May 24, 2023 19:29:35 GMT
Audience reaction last night was rapturous - I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it!
However, I cannot wait for the Shaftesbury to update their seats. I was seat 1 of row R - an old, sagging, sunken, snug seat with no room to move my knees at all - yet they added a new seat directly in front, row P seat 1 which was wider, with a firm cushion and more leg room. Far more comfortable.
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Ben
Auditioning
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Post by Ben on May 28, 2023 13:10:17 GMT
Hello all! I went to see Mrs Doubtfire at the Shaftesbury in Row C on Friday - it was absolutely amazing but there are some differences compared to the cast recording. Just wondering why in the West End version of Mrs Doubtfire the first song has changed from the OBC recording? It’s not ‘What’s Wrong With This Picture’ but ‘That’s Daniel’? And also You’ve Been Playing With Fire? Why would this be the case? Thanks!
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