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Post by stuartmcd on Nov 10, 2016 21:01:29 GMT
The staging of the show is flawless. No the lights don't fade. It's more a case of different set pieces slide on and off (quite often the two main staircases) and they are used for different scenes. Part 1 I thought was creatively amazing, part 2 a tad repetitive. The water and tiny swimming pool is at the very front of the stage. (Think of where the conductor would be). The whole front of the stage is covered over so it extends right to where the audience sit. At the end of act one a two meter section of the very front centre of the stage opens up and reveals what is obviously a large (hopefully slightly heated water tank - the boys come out from that. They obviously need water proof microphones and there must be a u shapes design that means they can come from underneath the stage. (Think of the show O if any of you have seen that in Vegas). The main thing I thought of - do the people on the front row get wet? Surely they must do? oh ok so do you see actors having to break character and get into position on the next set for the new scene? Sorry if this sounds naive but I haven't experienced play like this before. No they never break character and just seamlessly move from one scene to another. The scene changes are really fluid and are often treated like dance with plenty of cape swishing. |
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Post by theatrefan77 on Nov 11, 2016 8:33:20 GMT
Just saw Part 1 last night. My third visit. The show is in good shape and I enjoyed it as much as in my two previous visits which took place before the book was published. This time I had the feeling that everybody knew the story beforehand and because of that part of the magic was gone. Really missed the gasps and the unexpected surprises of my previous visits but it can't be helped. Still a great night out and looking forward to Part 2 tonight.
I noticed two understudies last night, Ginny and Moaning Myrtle. The both did a decent enough job but I missed the originals who are both great.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2016 13:17:26 GMT
I finally saw part one and two this Thursday and Friday, and wow, is there a lot to be said about this production. So firstly, it was my first visit to the Palace theatre, and boy does it suit this play.it almost feels as though it was destined to house Harry Potter. From the brickwork to the glass verandas outside which seem to match the design of the boathouse from the Deathly Hallows. Getting in for both parts was seemless, so kudos to the FOH and security teams. The queue snakes along the side of the building, but when the doors open, it moves at a brisk walking pace, so there really is no need to stand and queue for ages to avoid delays.
So on to the plays. On the whole, I much preferred the first part to the second, the on stage magic is very impressive especially on first sight. The characterisation of Ron (in particular), Hermione, Ginny, Minerva and Myrtle was all so well executed, there was no doubt who they were. Unfortunately Harry has always been lacking on the personality front, so although Jamie did very well, it's not a role with loads of scope I fear. Umbridge I thought was... ok. The first time she laughed it was very accurate, but after that she just continued to use the iconic laugh far too much and it became very characature-like, but to follow in Imelda's footsteps is no easy feat.
As for the story, I genuinely felt it a bit lacking, particularly the second part. I found it became incredibly predictable, and lacking imagination somewhat. Although this is helmed as a new story, it's really an amalgamation of most of the seven original stories and so had an air of being simply a greatest hits package for the fans. There are obvious throwbacks to the Philosophers Stone, Goblet of Fire (obviously), Prisoner of Azkaban, and the Deathly Hallows in particular. Having said that, this was still an immensely beautiful production, with elements I've not seen on a stage before.
My main highlights were:
- Moaning Myrtle.
- Scorpius Malfoy: AMAZING.
- The part one finale was jaw dropping, and gave a real sense of fear, I loved it!
- Scorpius and Albus in the lake.
- The Polyjuice Potion scene.
- Snape conjuring his Petronus.
- The movement between scenes.
- Set pieces such as the staircases.
My least being the following:
- Delphie was very shouty and monotonous, moreso as the Augury.
- Snape.
- Lack of Neville, even if he was name dropped.
I also noticed that the lighting at the front of the theatre changes between parts, which was a nice touch. I spent a fortune on merchandise too, I'm not sure if I'll be able to go back anytime soon,
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1,280 posts
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Post by theatrefan77 on Nov 12, 2016 14:57:43 GMT
I was there last night also for Part 2. Good fun again but I agree that Part 1 is much better. Still not too keen on Norma Dumezweni take on Hermione. Her Hermione is a bit one dimensional and fails to show the vulnerable side of the character, although this is probably the way she's being directed.
But this is still a great production and I will probably come back for a fourth visit before the cast change.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2016 19:43:52 GMT
Also, interestingly, legroom in stalls J23 appalling for part one. L20 for part two, perfectly comfortable, if a little snug for 6' 3".
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Post by swjw on Nov 12, 2016 20:44:12 GMT
My least being the following: - Delphie was very shouty and monotonous, moreso as the Augury. - Snape. - Lack of Neville, even if he was name dropped. I also noticed that the lighting at the front of the theatre changes between parts, which was a nice touch. I spent a fortune on merchandise too, I'm not sure if I'll be able to go back anytime soon, can I ask what was it about Snape that you'll didn't like? Was it the actor or the fact his character was even in the story? I'll admit that the scene with Scorpious telling Snape he's from another reality was one of the best moments in the whole series for me (I've only read the script). |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2016 23:19:07 GMT
My least being the following: - Delphie was very shouty and monotonous, moreso as the Augury. - Snape. - Lack of Neville, even if he was name dropped. I also noticed that the lighting at the front of the theatre changes between parts, which was a nice touch. I spent a fortune on merchandise too, I'm not sure if I'll be able to go back anytime soon, can I ask what was it about Snape that you'll didn't like? Was it the actor or the fact his character was even in the story? I'll admit that the scene with Scorpious telling Snape he's from another reality was one of the best moments in the whole series for me (I've only read the script). To be honest I found his portrayal rather bland. Which is the last adjective one thinks of in association with Snape. Granted we don't know what the character has been through up until that point to make him change, but it just disappointed. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2016 19:47:41 GMT
legroom in stalls J23 appalling for part one If you are that tall, yes, I can see it. Lucky you were no further along the row, then it's tight for everyone. Still a damn sight better than sitting in the balcony for legroom, if accounts on here are to be believed. I'll take row J over that any day. Are there any plans to release the music for digital download or CD? Imogen Heap's distinctive sound really suited the performances. |
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Post by ptwest on Nov 15, 2016 19:24:36 GMT
Painkillers are an essential for the Palace -I always have some ready just in case!
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Post by grocker on Dec 1, 2016 13:55:13 GMT
I finally got the chance to see the play last night for the second time since the last week of previews in July.
It's been almost 6 months since the very first previews, and you can tell the production is now a well-oiled machine. I found the pacing the second time around to be too rushed in comparison to the first time. Scorpius is my favourite character in the play, and while Anthony Boyle still hits the mark as Scorpius, I miss the first version of the little nuances he puts into all of his Scorp-isms. They're still there, but they have moved onto different variations from the first time I saw the play.
In regards to pacing as a whole, it felt rushed in that the characters and little moments did not have as much room/time to breathe and sink in before moving on to the next thing.
I suppose it's the very nature of the screenplay being published and time passing by, but some of the initial magic has less of a 'wow' factor with audiences than it did earlier on.
That being said, it's great to see that some of the scenes still have the ability to shock/get a reaction from the audience. Things such as the boys realising Neville's pivotal role during the Battle of Hogwarts as part of their time travel still got an audible reaction. There were some other scenes, but I have forgotten the specifics of the others.
Slightly disappointed that I didn't get to see Sam Clemmett as Albus; according to Twitter, he was in Barcelona. I asked a few staff members as to when he was due to return, but no one knows. I'm guessing at least a week if you look at his Twitter convo with a fan and with Albus alternate, Tom Mackley. However, another quick scan of Twitter reveals that today, Sam is with the cast at the What's On Stage awards, so who knows, he might be back already.
Tom Mackley was pretty good as Albus; personally, I find Albus to be slightly annoying, but I think that's meant to be part of his personality, so that aspect came across in his portrayal as well.
I think that Esther Smith's portrayal of Delphine Diggory has definitely improved. I think she has probably taken notes and/or grown into the role more. Less "panto" as mentioned in this thread previously. I think given more time, I'd like to see her bring more of the crazy Lestrange side of her parentage out.
I love Jamie Parker as Harry, and he is perfect in Part One. In Part Two, however, I still find it hard to deal with shout-y Harry. It feels a bit out of character for the Harry I have in my head, but it has less to do with his portrayal and more to do with the way Harry's been written for the play.
It was also nice seeing the play from a different perspective. At the end of June, I saw it from around Row R towards the centre of the stalls. This time around, I saw it from the Dress Circle in Row B. It was a good view, but definitely tight quarters.
It was really creepy and cool seeing the Dementors flying towards the circle and balcony.
I get to see it again tonight for Part One and tomorrow for Part Two, so it shall be interesting to see the differences again the third time around.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2016 14:54:12 GMT
I love Jamie Parker as Harry, and he is perfect in Part One. In Part Two, however, I still find it hard to deal with shout-y Harry. It feels a bit out of character for the Harry I have in my head, but it has less to do with his portrayal and more to do with the way Harry's been written for the play. In fairness, Harry was PRETTY SHOUTY in the books, especially Order Of The Phoenix.  |
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Post by grocker on Dec 1, 2016 17:29:59 GMT
Fair point, Baemax. I haven't read the books in a while, so perhaps I have blocked out just how shouty he can be.  |
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Post by Jon on Dec 1, 2016 18:02:59 GMT
I love Jamie Parker as Harry, and he is perfect in Part One. In Part Two, however, I still find it hard to deal with shout-y Harry. It feels a bit out of character for the Harry I have in my head, but it has less to do with his portrayal and more to do with the way Harry's been written for the play. In fairness, Harry was PRETTY SHOUTY in the books, especially Order Of The Phoenix. Shouty Harry is one of the reasons why Order of the Phoenix is my least favourite book of the series. |
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Post by daniel on Dec 2, 2016 12:51:34 GMT
Broadway transfer is confirmed for Spring 2018, the theatre is booked...announcement should be made soon!
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Post by wickedginger on Dec 2, 2016 14:42:14 GMT
I finally got the chance to see the play last night for the second time since the last week of previews in July. It's been almost 6 months since the very first previews, and you can tell the production is now a well-oiled machine. I found the pacing the second time around to be too rushed in comparison to the first time. Scorpius is my favourite character in the play, and while Anthony Boyle still hits the mark as Scorpius, I miss the first version of the little nuances he puts into all of his Scorp-isms. They're still there, but they have moved onto different variations from the first time I saw the play. In regards to pacing as a whole, it felt rushed in that the characters and little moments did not have as much room/time to breathe and sink in before moving on to the next thing. I suppose it's the very nature of the screenplay being published and time passing by, but some of the initial magic has less of a 'wow' factor with audiences than it did earlier on. That being said, it's great to see that some of the scenes still have the ability to shock/get a reaction from the audience. Things such as the boys realising Neville's pivotal role during the Battle of Hogwarts as part of their time travel still got an audible reaction. There were some other scenes, but I have forgotten the specifics of the others. Slightly disappointed that I didn't get to see Sam Clemmett as Albus; according to Twitter, he was in Barcelona. I asked a few staff members as to when he was due to return, but no one knows. I'm guessing at least a week if you look at his Twitter convo with a fan and with Albus alternate, Tom Mackley. However, another quick scan of Twitter reveals that today, Sam is with the cast at the What's On Stage awards, so who knows, he might be back already. Tom Mackley was pretty good as Albus; personally, I find Albus to be slightly annoying, but I think that's meant to be part of his personality, so that aspect came across in his portrayal as well. I think that Esther Smith's portrayal of Delphine Diggory has definitely improved. I think she has probably taken notes and/or grown into the role more. Less "panto" as mentioned in this thread previously. I think given more time, I'd like to see her bring more of the crazy Lestrange side of her parentage out. I love Jamie Parker as Harry, and he is perfect in Part One. In Part Two, however, I still find it hard to deal with shout-y Harry. It feels a bit out of character for the Harry I have in my head, but it has less to do with his portrayal and more to do with the way Harry's been written for the play. It was also nice seeing the play from a different perspective. At the end of June, I saw it from around Row R towards the centre of the stalls. This time around, I saw it from the Dress Circle in Row B. It was a good view, but definitely tight quarters. It was really creepy and cool seeing the Dementors flying towards the circle and balcony. I get to see it again tonight for Part One and tomorrow for Part Two, so it shall be interesting to see the differences again the third time around. Can i ask how you have managed to get tickets for the show three times? |
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Post by meridius on Dec 2, 2016 23:31:20 GMT
I too would have liked Delphine to be abit more crazy but she is still a young adult discovering her true character. She is still discovering herself and who knows what she may have become if her plan succeeded. Perhaps new found power would have created a very interesting character indeed similar to that of her mother. Her character is pushed to the limits in defeat when she even suggests they wipe her memory. I would have liked to see that there was some innocence in her interaction with the students, perhaps her even taken aback by it and reconsidering her actions momentarily but that was not seen in the play. Her determination to see her father dominated her character and seemed to play a part of her 'curse'. At the end of the play the audience had no remorse for the Delphine, throughout all three viewings, though one dimensional for me just meant she played her role exceptionally well.
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Post by grocker on Dec 3, 2016 0:13:28 GMT
Thoughts on the third time seeing Part One:
Still quite enjoyable to watch. It was fun to really watch the technical aspects and details of the show.
Great use and remix of Imogen Heap's 'Hide and Seek' when the boys see Hogwarts in the past for the first time.
Tom Mackley was on again as Albus, so I suspect he will be for at least the rest of this week's run.
In Wednesday's show, Albus tossed Harry's blanket and it landed on the floor. In the Thursday show, he tossed it, but straight into Harry's hands. Just a fun observation between the differences of each show.
Funny moment when Draco came through McGonagall's chimney, one of his pants legs went up a bit and we saw some of his ankle. Like a pro, he tried to get it back to normal in a subtle way. I'm curious as to how often this may occur.
An amusing comment I heard on the way out after Act II between two American girls: "Voldemort day is like a preview for a world of Trump."
Thoughts on Part Two:
Part Two was fantastic. Perhaps it's because the audience and the cast have had a day to rest in between, but it didn't feel rushed like the Wednesday show. Some key moments were given time to be savoured and therefore flourished.
It's interesting to note during the final scene that during previews, Harry is more hesitant about putting his hand on Albus' shoulder, but in Wednesday's performance and Friday's performance, he does so with more ease and almost no trepidation.
Feeling like a massive HP fan, but I am keen to see it again, particularly before it opens in Broadway. Either way, I must save for flights once again and hope my timing is right to get more tickets.
And wickedginger, I managed to get tickets via the official website/Nimax. I was mentally prepared to physically line up during our visit to London, but during the previous Friday Forty, I just kept clicking on the dates I was planning to watch the show, and very fortunately, I got single seat tickets to each one. I got my boyfriend involved with trying his luck on the website too, and between the two of us we got tickets. Didn't get to sit next to each other, but that doesn't really matter when you get to watch the show.
I was quite gobsmacked we got through, and I wish the best of luck to others for the future.
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Post by maggiem on Dec 5, 2016 13:46:05 GMT
I took me a while to get through this whole thread, having finally seen the plays on 23rd November. Happy memories include....
The polyjuice transformations, and especially Jamie's version of Anthony Boyle's Scorpius. Sam did a great job with the whole "baby/holiday" gag too.
"Voldemort Day?!" and the Dementor that flew up right in front of the Upper Circle, not to mention Umbridge's announcement about phones, recording etc... before part two got underway!
Finally, the scenes (1) with Harry and Dumbledore'd portrait, when Harry breaks down, and (2) Harry watching his parent's death. Jamie Parker nailed both scenes and was heart breaking in the latter.
FYI... scene (1) above is one of the images in the colour brochure. If you look very carefully, you can see "I must not tell lies" on Jamie's right hand. Subtle and brilliant!
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Post by Rozzi Rainbow on Dec 30, 2016 21:24:33 GMT
Wow, I'm surprised this thread had got so far down the forum, time to give it a bump!
I somehow managed to get tickets to this for Wednesday and yesterday, I posted my quick thoughts in the non-spoiler thread when I got back to my hotel last night.
I loved the snow in Godric's Hollow!! (I also love the snow in Billy Elliott.) I thought the staging was brilliant, and I loved all the different uses of the two staircases. The magic in Part 1 is truly amazing. Part 2 seems a lot darker, and more shocking. I thought it was clever how they changed the logos in the foyer to the Dark Mark while Act 2 was on, and I couldn't believe they were selling Dark Mark merchandise during Part 2.
I managed not to cry until Act 3, even then it was before I cried when I read the script - the whole scene with Snape started to get me, and it was Ron and Hermione declaring they loved each other in the alternate reality that finally set me off. And Albus telling Cedric his dad loved him. I was in a bit of a state in the interval of Part 2 - the writing on the wall really shocked me and sent a shiver down my spine, I was sat quite close to the end of the row. And I was pleased I knew about the scene with Harry's parents at the end, that was bad enough even though I was prepared for it!
I loved the various announcements for turning off phones etc, especially Umbridge saying "now sit down and be quiet" - I think we need that at all theatre shows! I thought Scorpius was a bit creepy and weird at first, he took a bit of getting used to. He reminded me a bit of Rowan Atkinson. I also thought McGonagall didn't seem to be old enough, and it seemed a bit convenient Draco just happening to have another better time-turner just as they needed it.
I loved the reference to Order of the Phoenix being a bit long and confusing. Dumbledore first walking on was great - no special effects, just him walking on stage to gasps and murmurs of appreciation. I'm intrigued by the pronunciation of Voldemort (I get that it's French, in fact I googled the translation, Flight of Death) - I assume that's how JKR always intended it to be pronounced and they Americanised it for the films.
Sorry this is all a bit random - I've just listed my thoughts as they came to me! I really did love it, it was just was I was hoping for and a lot more! So many different emotions. Hope I can go back at some point and try and take it in a bit more.
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Post by Latecomer on Jan 9, 2017 14:56:56 GMT
Saw this yesterday on Friday Forty tickets, having previously seen on July 13th last year, and show is in very good shape. We were lucky to have all the main performers (my friend would have been gutted if Jamie Parker was not on!) and woman who plays Delphine (Esther Smith?) has improved enormously....far less pantomime now! If anything Anthony Boyle needs a bit of work on his Scorpius to be as good as last July....he had a habit of rather rushing his lines and became a bit inaudible at times....shame as he was still brilliant, just somehow lost the "innocence" of his performance sometimes....I noticed the same thing when Mark Rylance brought Jerusalem back from America, it must be so hard to keep doing the same thing again and again! Dementors better than I remembered (they sort of make you chuckle with glee when they are so good!), cool dancing with cloaks splendid, struck me again how the script writer knew the characters so well....didn't put a foot wrong in how they behaved! And Jamie was great...made me cry again at the end! This play is not the best ever but I have spent all today slightly wizarded out and badly want a cloak to swirl and some Wizard music to dance to, so job done! |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2017 15:57:37 GMT
I loved the reference to Order of the Phoenix being a bit long and confusing. I'm looking forward to seeing this again in May, having re-read the books for free via Amazon Prime at the rate of one a month after seeing the play last June (just about to start the last book now). I don't know about long and confusing - but Order of the Phoenix was pretty dull! Certainly seemed far worse this time round than I remembered when I read it years ago... |
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Post by dazzerlump on Jan 13, 2017 11:21:41 GMT
Question, how are ;people managing to get tickets, Ive tried on 2 occasions when booking opened and each time had no luck.. has anyone won the friday forty?
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Post by Latecomer on Jan 13, 2017 12:38:59 GMT
Theatremonkey is right...In my house we do Friday Forty every week on 3 computers and a phone! Once had to call in to motorway services to link up tablet to wifi..It takes a seriously dedicated effort but was rewarded in week between Christmas and New year! ☺
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Post by kathryn on Jan 15, 2017 0:20:26 GMT
Well, this was fun. Jamie Parker and Anthony Boyle are definitely standouts for me - it's a shame Noma doesn't get more interesting stuff for Hermione.
I now understand where the 'fanfiction' criticisms I'd seen come from. But then again JKR has never been the greatest or most original writer (and personally I think her character development sucks - Harry SHOUTING is tedious but understandable when he's a teenager, you'd hope a grown man would have moved on from that. That Jamie Parker manages to pull it off is testament to his acting talent.). So, as a story I don't think it's great. As a piece of theatre, though, it just works! Even though I know how most of the illusions are done, they still look great.
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Post by nicnac on Jan 15, 2017 22:41:45 GMT
Hi all - I bought tickets for this once the casting was announced purely because Jamie Parker was in it. I was working in London at the time of booking (December 2015) so wasn't phased by seeing it on consecutive nights but my circumstances have changed and getting into town for two nights in a row is a major pain. I'm considering just seeing one of the shows.
In your view which of the two would you recommend? My priority is mainly seeing Jamie Parker so I'm guessing that part 1 is probably better from that perspective?
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
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