41 replies to this topic

[xanderl]

Very positive reviews in the Guardian and Telegraph, but the Independent isn't impressed

[RH1234]

WOS 2 star review very similar to my experience. Similarly says it was un-theatrical, under-energised, lazy and dull. Glad I'm not the only one... maybe my opinion wasn't quite so invalid.

http://www.whatsonst...64126/Gatz.html

[xanderl]

Your opinion was always valid! Seeing it next week, looking forward to it.

[drmaplewood]

4 stars in Time Out

http://www.timeout.c...t/17206/gatz?ss

[DrP]

Has anyone tried getting a day seat for this? Was thinking about trying for Sunday but would like to know roughly what the queue is like, where the seats are etc. anyone tried?

[theatreliker]

Saw this on Friday. Found it very interesting as a piece of theatre, but not the most entertaining time I have spent in a theatre. You have to be really committed to it, and unfortunately I found myself drifting in and out of concentration. The theatre was thankfully air-conditioned but my legs and backside were hurting by the end. I had a balcony ticket but was upgraded down two tiers to the Royal Circle. Great view.

[Lynette]

I dunno, but it seems a bit self indulgent to me. At the moment I couldn't sit for so long  anyway so won't be going but am not getting awesome vibes from you guys so not too sad.

[KevinUK]

I'll wait for the film version, based on what I've heard here and else where - too much of a commitment for a lacklustre payoff. Plus Di Caprio looks hot in the film

[drmaplewood]

It really really isn't lacklustre.

[kjb]

I saw this yesterday and agree, in parts, with all of the opinions on this thread.

I had read half the book about 3 years ago so despite the 8hrs total running time, I booked as it saved me having to finish the book, and I am a sucker for a gimmick.

Am I glad I went?  Yes
Would I go again? No
Would I go to a similar event? Not sure

It is split as follows:

First act:  2.30 - 4.30
break: 4:30 - 4:45
Second act: 4.45 - 6:00
dinner break:  6:00 - 7.30
3rd act:  7.30 - 9:00
break:  9:00 - 9:15
4th act:  9.15 - 10:45

Having only had about 4 hrs sleep the night before, and having read various reports that the first 40 minutes are quite slow, I was fuelled by caffeine for the start.  I'd agree with the slow start, although overall it didn't feel like 2 hours.

I'd say the first 2 acts were my favourite, and the party and reunion, as already mentioned, were very well done - clever and inventive.

Over the dinner break I was very excited about what I'd seen and how they'd do the rest of the play (plus of course, finding out what happened as I hadn't read the end of the book)

The 3rd and 4th acts were a disappointment. The inventiveness seemed to wear off and it became much more of a reading of the play.  

I saw Susie Sokal as Jordan and I didn't warm to her at all.  I think this was because she reminded me of Kathryn Hunter who I don't warm to at all either.  There are some photos in the programme of Annie McNamara in the role and she seems to better match my perception of the character of Jordan.

I spent much of the 2nd half try to work out who Lucy Taylor reminded me of.  I didn't work it out so if anyone has any ideas, please let me know as it's still annoying me!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0852806/

That said, I did give them a standing ovation even if only for the first half, and their stamina.  Although I think I deserved some sort of praise, as my bum was definitely numb at the end of it. The audience definitely requires some stamina themselves, and I'm not sure I could do it again.

Oh, and I must mention the sound. I thought it was excellent. The Sound designer/operator, Ben Williams, was on stage as he also acted in some of the smaller roles.