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Post by ceebee on Jan 28, 2024 23:28:37 GMT
I'm looking at booking some seated tickets for my family for this before the cast change––does anyone have thoughts if there is a preferred side of the round to be on if seated? Not sure if they play to one side more than others or if one side has better views of the different platforms. Any advice much appreciated. Yes - sit with the band to your right, close to the band either on the bend or the first part of the straight section in Stalls / Gallery 1. In Gallery 2 sit directly above the band, left hand side. |
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Post by AddisonMizner on Feb 17, 2024 20:37:32 GMT
Finally caught GUYS AND DOLLS at today’s matinee. I can’t believe that I’ve only just got around to seeing it. This really was an incredible experience.
My only other experience of the show was the Ewan McGregor Michael Grandage/Donmar production at the Piccadilly, which I remember absolutely loving. This new production is in a different league though, and is really inventive.
Firstly, the cast are brilliant. I went for Celinde (and she was gorgeous in this. Her Sarah Brown was a real fire-cracker - smart, knowing, sexy, vulnerable. The chemistry between her and Sky was palpable. A great actress! And my God, the voice is beautiful. I had shivers during ‘I’ll Know’. She does more with the voice here than in LOVE NEVER DIES, which is an out-and-out legit sing, and really shows other sides to it. I can’t wait to see her do other roles. She could certainly follow in Kelli O’Hara’s footsteps on this side of the pond).
However, all the cast are wonderful. Daniel Mays had a boundless energy and attack as Nathan. He was an absolute joy to watch. The same goes for Marisa Wallace as Adelaide. Cedric Neal was a cheeky presence as Nicely, and brought the house down with ‘Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat’ (3 times)! George Ioannides was a suave Sky, with the voice of an old-school crooner.
I did the immersive standing option, and can’t imagine doing anything else for this show. It is truly immersive (not like some of these other shows that have been billed as such, but then aren’t). The stage crew do an absolutely mammoth job, and it is more than deserved that they get their own bow. It really adds an extra dimension to your experience, being so close to the action, and interacting with the actors. I was mere inches away from Marisha and Celinde when they did their big duet in Act 2. I was worried that 3 hours was a long time to be standing, but needn’t have worried. The time absolutely flew by!
The piece itself is an absolute masterpiece. It is incredibly well crafted. All the songs are winners. The book is so funny too.
So glad I saw this before the cast change, although this show would reward repeated viewings (something I am not really a fan of - there is just too much else to see)! There is so much going on, and so many little interactions with audience members that are missed on a first viewing. I may well go back (plus, Celinde is staying).
An easy 5 stars (my second of the week).
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Post by theatreloverlondon on Feb 18, 2024 9:20:36 GMT
Wow finally saw this last night…. THIS DESERVES ALL THE HYPE IT GOT. Yes this is by far the best musical revival (not you Sunset sorry). Wow wow wow. I mean it was thrilling? I was sat in the stalls, but I have to admit the standing area looked exhausting, constantly being herded into new positions? But if people who have done it say it’s really not bad, then I will give it a go (I want to be in the dance party at the end). On that note- the Luck Be a Lady remix has already gone platinum for me 🤣. I was really excited to see Marisha and she didn’t disappoint, though I can see why Scherzinger has beaten her for leading actress awards. Celinde was great, but in terms of acting Daniel had to be the standout. I’ve never seen him before and he’s electric.
This show really deserves to run forever. What a moment. The whole creative team deserve everything!! I also couldn’t help but think how awful tech must’ve been for this show… those must be the busiest stagehands in of all time…
Probably my favourite theatrical experience ever. I actually felt like we as the audience were apart of the story. I also think it’s one of the few shows I’ve seen in a long time that is accessed & that I would recommend for none regular theatre goers that isn’t something basic like Disney or mamma Mia etc. It’s easy to follow but still has a major wow factor. 5 very big stars.
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Post by matttom0901 on Feb 18, 2024 10:06:47 GMT
...but I have to admit the standing area looked exhausting, constantly being herded into new positions? But if people who have done it say it’s really not bad, then I will give it a go (I want to be in the dance party at the end) If you see it again, definitely go for it! I thoroughly enjoyed the standing area as it made me feel like I was part of the performance. |
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Post by lonlad on Feb 23, 2024 0:42:59 GMT
Boy, this cast is going out on a high - tonight was my 4th viewing and every bit as riotous as the first one, which was the final preview -- very nearly sold out tonight and there was a standing ovation from the seated contingent which hasn't always been the case with this production. All 5 principals were/are on fire and the three that are leaving on Saturday - Danny, Cedric, Marisha - are giving it their absolute all, and having huge fun as they reach the finish line.
George and Celinde of course are staying on, so are rehearsing the new cast during the day and performing with the current one in the evening. They're both wonderful, and Celinde remains by some measure the best Sarah Brown I've seen in over 45 years experiencing this show onstage.
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Post by ceebee on Feb 24, 2024 23:02:43 GMT
What a blissful evening. The final performance of this cast and an absolutely brilliant one with a vibrant buzzing theatre. Life was made for nights like this.
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Post by lotster on Feb 24, 2024 23:11:56 GMT
What a blissful evening. The final performance of this cast and an absolutely brilliant one with a vibrant buzzing theatre. Life was made for nights like this. Bet it was amazing. I went for a return visit this week (saw Marisha, Daniel and Cedric before they left) and was just in awe. Such a joyous, brilliant, captivating, uplifting show. |
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Post by capybara on Feb 25, 2024 1:56:27 GMT
What an amazing, exhilarating night of high octane musical theatre.
Cedric’s final Rockin’ The Boat will live long in the memory. I’m amazed he got through it and was a sobbing wreck by the end.
So pleased it felt such a special night for a special cast. Marisha and Daniel were fabulous, as they have been every time I’ve seen them.
Nice to see Richard Fleeshman there supporting Celinde. Also great to see Arlene out on the floor with a sparkly glitter shaker during Havana.
Also spotted Rob Houchen and… Ed Balls.
Fifth time seeing this production and struggling to imagine it with a changed cast. Might need to have a little break from it before dipping my toe back in.
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Post by Dave B on Mar 1, 2024 16:56:50 GMT
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Post by mrbarnaby on Mar 1, 2024 23:33:33 GMT
What an amazing, exhilarating night of high octane musical theatre. Cedric’s final Rockin’ The Boat will live long in the memory. I’m amazed he got through it and was a sobbing wreck by the end. So pleased it felt such a special night for a special cast. Marisha and Daniel were fabulous, as they have been every time I’ve seen them. Nice to see Richard Fleeshman there supporting Celinde. Also great to see Arlene out on the floor with a sparkly glitter shaker during Havana. Also spotted Rob Houchen and… Ed Balls. Fifth time seeing this production and struggling to imagine it with a changed cast. Might need to have a little break from it before dipping my toe back in. I don’t think there’s a night when Rob Houchen isn’t at a musical performance where there may be cameras. |
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Post by Being Alive on Mar 1, 2024 23:35:02 GMT
He was at Priscilla The Party's invited dress tonight 😂
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Post by marob on Mar 2, 2024 7:37:57 GMT
To be fair to him though his partner was in Guys and Dolls.
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Post by budd on Mar 5, 2024 15:09:48 GMT
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Post by erik24601 on Mar 5, 2024 15:13:48 GMT
It’s a SOLT Affiliate venue. |
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Post by budd on Mar 5, 2024 15:15:38 GMT
It’s a SOLT Affiliate venue. Interesting, because as might be mentioned in this thread earlier as well, they kept not showing up in that list, so the assumption was that they didn't pay the levy. |
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Post by distantcousin on Mar 5, 2024 15:16:14 GMT
Marisha Wallace entered the Celebrity Big Brother house last night...
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Post by erik24601 on Mar 5, 2024 15:18:49 GMT
It’s a SOLT Affiliate venue. Interesting, because as might be mentioned in this thread earlier as well, they kept not showing up in that list, so the assumption was that they didn't pay the levy. Interesting. Maybe they realised there’s a high chance of the show being nominated and decided it is worth it for the longevity of the production. Would certainly help to transfer it across the pond if it had an Olivier Award attached. |
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Post by showtoones on Mar 5, 2024 18:10:19 GMT
Marisha Wallace entered the Celebrity Big Brother house last night... How can you enter the Celebrity big Brother House if you aren't a celebrity? |
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Post by Mark on Mar 5, 2024 18:22:11 GMT
Marisha Wallace entered the Celebrity Big Brother house last night... How can you enter the Celebrity big Brother House if you aren't a celebrity? She’s more of a celebrity to me than a lot of the other housemates who are only famous from other reality tv shows and famous relatives. I was at the launch last night - she got a very good reaction. |
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Post by SuttonPeron on Mar 5, 2024 20:50:21 GMT
I went to see this for the first time last weekend. I adored it, and found the immersive staging incredible. I was blown away constantly, and had the time of my life. The staging is so unique (especially for a classic!) and full of life. This is how you reimagine a show (Disney, Cameron, take note!). And the Bridge theatre is such a wonderful venue.
The new cast was spectacular. Full of energy, confident, and genuinely seemed to be enjoying themselves as well. Timmika Ramsay was a terrific Adelaide, who sang Take Back your Mink as if there was no tomorrow. George Ioannides was a charming, delightful Sky Masterson. Jonathan Andrew Hume´s "Sit Down, You´re Rocking the Boat alone" was worth the ticket cost alone. Of course, he got a full standing ovation. And Celinde Schoenmaker has the most beautiful voice, which made for a lovely take on Sarah Brown.
I would go back every week if I could. We need more shows like this one, joyous and full of life; celebrating classic musical theatre while adding a modern spin to make it even better; and less "reimagined" cheap crap. Undoubtedly, I´m giving this five stars. Though I would give it six if I could. Transfer this to Broadway immediately!
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Post by ronsdivas on Mar 7, 2024 20:49:00 GMT
According to the Bridge Theatre website...Guys & Dolls will be closing on August 31, 2024.
I am coming to London in mid September 2024. Is there any chance that they will extend the
show? Thanks for any help.
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Post by ceebee on Mar 7, 2024 21:08:43 GMT
According to the Bridge Theatre website...Guys & Dolls will be closing on August 31, 2024. I am coming to London in mid September 2024. Is there any chance that they will extend the show? Thanks for any help. I'm not aware that they've said it is closing 31 August - I think that's just the current booking period, therefore it is feasible it could extend. Having said that, brilliant show though it is, some people might like to see the theatre revert to a more varied programme after this fantastic production has run its course. Personally, I could see it running to the end of the year. |
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Post by ronsdivas on Mar 7, 2024 22:43:43 GMT
Thanks for the info. I appreciate your help
Best...
Ron
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Post by Dave B on Mar 7, 2024 23:25:49 GMT
According to the Bridge Theatre website...Guys & Dolls will be closing on August 31, 2024. I am coming to London in mid September 2024. Is there any chance that they will extend the show? Thanks for any help. I would be very surprised to see it close. New cast just on, one year anniversary and a gala press night for this coming Monday. In fact I would not be one bit surprised to see an extension announced imminently.... |
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Post by Being Alive on Mar 7, 2024 23:28:21 GMT
It's not selling all that well so...I don't think I'd be surprised to see it go after 18 months.
There's no stars in this second cast like there was with Danny Mays so like, there's no one to shove on telly for promo...
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