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Post by nicolaa on Jul 2, 2023 9:28:08 GMT
It is the first time I've heard it - I was in my teenage years when it originally came out and was interested in other things and sacking the best Bond of all time also put it on my naughty step.
No doubt I'll catch up on it again when I'm bored and checking Spotify for something to listen to but right now its not stayed in my head (LCE apart but that one I already knew) - apart from a couple of short bursts that appeared to clearly riffing from Evita.
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Post by wanderingranger on Jul 2, 2023 10:16:37 GMT
It is the first time I've heard it - I was in my teenage years when it originally came out and was interested in other things and sacking the best Bond of all time also put it on my naughty step. No doubt I'll catch up on it again when I'm bored and checking Spotify for something to listen to but right now its not stayed in my head (LCE apart but that one I already knew) - apart from a couple of short bursts that appeared to clearly riffing from Evita. In fairness, Roger Moore wasn’t sacked. It’s well documented he voluntarily left the production because he was extremely ill at ease with live singing. Whether he could have been supported more is a point of some debate but he wasn’t fired. |
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Post by danb on Jul 2, 2023 11:12:32 GMT
It is the first time I've heard it - I was in my teenage years when it originally came out and was interested in other things and sacking the best Bond of all time also put it on my naughty step. No doubt I'll catch up on it again when I'm bored and checking Spotify for something to listen to but right now its not stayed in my head (LCE apart but that one I already knew) - apart from a couple of short bursts that appeared to clearly riffing from Evita. In fairness, Roger Moore wasn’t sacked. It’s well documented he voluntarily left the production because he was extremely ill at ease with live singing. Whether he could have been supported more is a point of some debate but he wasn’t fired. I also take exception to the ‘Best Bond’ claim. He is ‘of his time’ but it baffles me that anyone could consider the Moore years as ‘the best’. |
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Post by theatrefan62 on Jul 2, 2023 11:24:14 GMT
It's subjective of course but Moore did have some great movies, and Live and Let Die is often voted one of the best of all time.
I really like Daniel Craig as Bond but I think his run probably has the worst movies and I'd watch a Roger Moore movie over Daniel Craig any day.
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Post by newyorkcityboy on Jul 2, 2023 11:58:29 GMT
It's subjective of course but Moore did have some great movies, and Live and Let Die is often voted one of the best of all time. I really like Daniel Craig as Bond but I think his run probably has the worst movies and I'd watch a Roger Moore movie over Daniel Craig any day. Which just goes to show how subjective these things are - I think Craig’s films are some of the strongest, especially Skyfall (which is probably THE best Bond movie ever made). And would never be caught dead watching Roger Moore! |
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Post by BVM on Jul 3, 2023 6:51:40 GMT
Well what a shame. Sad to see this closing having only completed about half of it's scheduled run. Though must admit last time I was there was so empty I was expecting the announcement.
I don't really think any of the minutiae of my personal misgivings with the current production are to blame - I think simply sung through romantic 80's/90's ALW style musicals are really not just popular these days. I absolutely adore them so I do hope their time will come again.
There are a lot of things I'd have done differently with this production but I think the writing was on the wall before anyone even saw it - it's just not a popular show in 2023. Add in the fact that it's one of the least well known ALW shows and is musically slightly more challenging than the average ALW show (I think you need to listen more than once before the melodies other than LCE really get to you). The marketing and graphics/logo were also pretty bad I think.
I do wonder if the bloggers and social media mafia can affect a show's performance. I mean they all universally hated this, but their audience aren't really the audience that would be interested in this anyway so it probably makes no difference.
I thought at the start 6 months was optimistic - maybe they should have gone for 2 or 3.
Agree with others why MB not the selling point we thought he was. He is available everywhere and his fans can see him on TV, in feel good shows, or his endless tours very easily. And you do have to have the person AND The type of show that the fanbase want. The CHF fangirls were out in their DROVES for Cinderella (honestly the last few weeks were an absolute circus). But I don't think very many went to that Caucasian Chalk Circle thing she did afterwards.
Anyway, overall it feels as if the tiny Hope Mill and Menier versions were more successful. Although in terms of overall numbers probably more peeople have seen the Lyric version, it feels as if the former two achieved what they set out to.
I sincerely hope it isn't the end for Aspects and that it can be successful again in the future. I have no issues with the plot (though I'd go back to the original and not fiddle) and the music to my ear is truly ALW at his best - love it. It will surely be a decade at least before it's ever staged again though.
Agree with others re the state of the West End musical wise. As I said on that thread, it's still doing fine overall. But the choice of shows does feel very dumbed down with the long running giants, the jukeboxes, the films, the trash (I know, matter of opinion!) all very much dominating. Chances of a new sung through sweeping musical not based on a film or a successful revival of an old one feels rather slim currently. I guess Hamilton was the last one. Pleased for it and recognise it's cultural impact though it's not really to my taste.
I hope Sunset Boulevard does better. It IS a more well known name and it probably has broader appeal than Aspects with a larger number of big stand alone songs. I really think they are making the right decision doing something completely different. This version of Aspects re-created the old versions but with every element just not-quite-as-good as before and I really felt that. It's reaffirmed my feeling that you need to not simply do this to bring in a new audience. And ultimately that is what all revivals need. There will be nostalgia visits from people who loved the original but they dry up quickly - you have to hook in a new audience to be a hit. (And indeed if Starlight Express is in the works, although it is a TOTALY different kettle of fish, they do need to think about that).
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Post by Dawnstar on Jul 3, 2023 11:34:47 GMT
As I now have a potential free slot tomorrow evening I thought I could fit in Aspects. However looking at Nimax's own website & at TodayTix everything still seems to be at full price. I thought there were supposed to be loads of cheap tickets available for this so where are they?!
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Post by BVM on Jul 3, 2023 12:45:41 GMT
As I now have a potential free slot tomorrow evening I thought I could fit in Aspects. However looking at Nimax's own website & at TodayTix everything still seems to be at full price. I thought there were supposed to be loads of cheap tickets available for this so where are they?! London Theatre Direct currently have an offer. A few others have come and gone but sure more will come. And Nimax themselves dynamically price down on day! Hope you find something :-) |
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Post by Dawnstar on Jul 3, 2023 15:04:56 GMT
Thanks. I'll have a look at London Theatre Direct. I thought Nimax did dynamic pricing but looking at tonight's performance if they have brought the prices down they're still too high for me.
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Post by richey on Jul 3, 2023 17:44:44 GMT
I've just had a friend message that on some of the sites he's on they are offering free tickets for Mondays and Wednesdays. They literally can't give them away now. I can't see it even lasting until the new closing date at this rate.
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Post by mkb on Jul 3, 2023 21:18:20 GMT
That sums up the state of marketing generally these days.
They're pushing free tickets on to people who don't want them, and someone who'd like to go but not at full price isn't getting any offers.
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Post by danb on Jul 3, 2023 21:23:03 GMT
Perhaps someone could put them in touch with each other?
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Post by jay78uk on Jul 4, 2023 9:19:59 GMT
Went for a repeat visit last night with other half. Sat in stalls row c. Previously was row j and enjoyed seeing acting and singing close up, however the scenery and lighting needs to be enjoyed a few rows further back to get the full intended effect!
Had mixed feelings second time round… all leads v strong, including David Willetts but found the pacing of the first act too fast, with little characterisation coming through and a farcical feel. For me, the second act was much stronger. Up close the lack of chemistry between Laura PP and Jamie B v apparent. Unresolved ending landed flat with audience, as it did first time.
I left feeling Aspects remains a great score in search of a better book. But an enjoyable night out and great value given the heavy discounting- mid stalls c for £25 each. Suspect others paid nowr. Only stalls and first circle occupied around 3/4 full.
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jul 4, 2023 10:50:19 GMT
Went for a repeat visit last night with other half. Sat in stalls row c. Previously was row j and enjoyed seeing acting and singing close up, however the scenery and lighting needs to be enjoyed a few rows further back to get the full intended effect! Had mixed feelings second time round… all leads v strong, including David Willetts but found the pacing of the first act too fast, with little characterisation coming through and a farcical feel. For me, the second act was much stronger. Up close the lack of chemistry between Laura PP and Jamie B v apparent. Unresolved ending landed flat with audience, as it did first time. I left feeling Aspects remains a great score in search of a better book. But an enjoyable night out and great value given the heavy discounting- mid stalls c for £25 each. Suspect others paid nowr. Only stalls and first circle occupied around 3/4 full. Where did you get your tickets from? Feeling like I need to take the plunge and see this, but do not want to pay full price |
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Post by jay78uk on Jul 4, 2023 10:54:27 GMT
Last week Tix had a 24hr flash sale with stalls either 15, 25 or 35. Suspect they’ll do again. Noticed tktsonline also discounting but to a lesser extent.
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Post by Being Alive on Jul 4, 2023 11:18:53 GMT
I'm going tonight and I genuinely can't wait 😂😂
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jul 4, 2023 11:54:54 GMT
Last week Tix had a 24hr flash sale with stalls either 15, 25 or 35. Suspect they’ll do again. Noticed tktsonline also discounting but to a lesser extent. What’s Tix? |
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Post by 141920grm on Jul 4, 2023 15:42:52 GMT
Saw Dave Willetts' George last night and really enjoyed his voice and nuances! Genuinely wouldn't mind free tickets for the next few Mondays!
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Post by 141920grm on Jul 4, 2023 15:43:43 GMT
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Post by danb on Jul 4, 2023 15:49:22 GMT
The tile for the app on your iphone just says ‘tix’ so you could be forgiven for thinking that. |
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Post by Being Alive on Jul 5, 2023 10:49:48 GMT
I had an absolute blast at this.
Sure, it's absolutely mad, but if you can view it as an operetta then you get a fabulous cast, stunning score, some nice design and a great orchestra.
Don't take it so seriously, lean into the madness, you'll have a great time.
3.5 stars - would rather watch this 10 times over than sit through Strange Loop again!
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Post by chernjam on Jul 14, 2023 15:15:17 GMT
A very, very kind soul shared an audio of this production since it isn't likely to be recorded and as much as I had hoped to travel to the UK this October to see Aspects and Sunset, with the premature closing of Aspects that's looking less in the cards for me.
In any event, have listened to the audio twice now. And after practically begging for a new recording, (it pains me to say this) after listening I wasn't as disappointed that it probably won't happen.
That is no slight to the actors or actresses. Their voices sound terrific and the new orchestrations are beautiful - and bring a nice refresh to one of my favorite scores after 30 + years of listening to the original one fairly regularly. But for all the promises of a "new definitive edition" and edits and changes, most of them seem unnecessary and I don't know the word - clumsy maybe? Maybe that's just me as such a fan who is shocked how much I've memorized the score so I'm aware of every slight lyric change (i.e. whether the housekeeper asks Alex is he still likes Omelettes or Pancakes upon each different production) - but some of the cuts to the score seem abrupt... cutting some of the verses of "A Memory of a Happy Moment" for "Love Changes Everything" just does not work at all for me. The song in that context makes no sense. George going from "life goes on, love goes free" to this philosophical treatise on "Love" at that point of the story is out of character. Just didn't like it at all. I know ALW went back and forth about the placement of it from the early days of Aspects, but for me of the two options, at the start seems to work better.
I don't mind the new ending. I know that's been controversial for many. In a lot of ways that makes more sense if the creators see it (as I have) as more of a cautionary tale of people not understanding the difference between love and pleasure. These characters are consistently finding drama because its all about self-centered pleasure with only elements of love sprinkled in here and there. So Giulietta singing "hand me the wine and the dice..." makes more sense story wise since that's what they've all been doing for 2 + hours and whatever number of years the show takes place. My only regret though is the pacing. The scenes and movements sound crazy fast and that there's not even a chance to breathe or take the scene in. The whole second act would've been more effective if they didn't rush so much.
Just some random, initial thoughts. I'll listen again since I do really love the score and enjoy the orchestrations and new voices. But must admit I was surprised at how let down I was
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Post by BVM on Jul 14, 2023 15:25:25 GMT
A very, very kind soul shared an audio of this production since it isn't likely to be recorded and as much as I had hoped to travel to the UK this October to see Aspects and Sunset, with the premature closing of Aspects that's looking less in the cards for me. In any event, have listened to the audio twice now. And after practically begging for a new recording, (it pains me to say this) after listening I wasn't as disappointed that it probably won't happen. That is no slight to the actors or actresses. Their voices sound terrific and the new orchestrations are beautiful - and bring a nice refresh to one of my favorite scores after 30 + years of listening to the original one fairly regularly. But for all the promises of a "new definitive edition" and edits and changes, most of them seem unnecessary and I don't know the word - clumsy maybe? Maybe that's just me as such a fan who is shocked how much I've memorized the score so I'm aware of every slight lyric change (i.e. whether the housekeeper asks Alex is he still likes Omelettes or Pancakes upon each different production) - but some of the cuts to the score seem abrupt... cutting some of the verses of "A Memory of a Happy Moment" for "Love Changes Everything" just does not work at all for me. The song in that context makes no sense. George going from "life goes on, love goes free" to this philosophical treatise on "Love" at that point of the story is out of character. Just didn't like it at all. I know ALW went back and forth about the placement of it from the early days of Aspects, but for me of the two options, at the start seems to work better. I don't mind the new ending. I know that's been controversial for many. In a lot of ways that makes more sense if the creators see it (as I have) as more of a cautionary tale of people not understanding the difference between love and pleasure. These characters are consistently finding drama because its all about self-centered pleasure with only elements of love sprinkled in here and there. So Giulietta singing "hand me the wine and the dice..." makes more sense story wise since that's what they've all been doing for 2 + hours and whatever number of years the show takes place. My only regret though is the pacing. The scenes and movements sound crazy fast and that there's not even a chance to breathe or take the scene in. The whole second act would've been more effective if they didn't rush so much. Just some random, initial thoughts. I'll listen again since I do really love the score and enjoy the orchestrations and new voices. But must admit I was surprised at how let down I was Am really glad you've had the chance to hear the production chernjam. I agree with your thoughts! There are some lovely voices and orchestrations but put simply, the OLC from 1989 is just much better. I also thought before this opened that I'd be desperate for a new recording - but having seen it that waned. And in the future I will be happy for this production to be simply "a memory of a happy moment" in my mind.... |
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Post by 141920grm on Jul 14, 2023 15:59:56 GMT
Has anyone tried getting the £25 day seats in person at the theatre- how is the seat selection?
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Post by magnificentdonkey on Jul 15, 2023 6:41:50 GMT
A very, very kind soul shared an audio of this production... Ngl I'd LOVE to listen to it as well... Is there any chance? |
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