wickedgrin

I have been following the "ongoing" Les Mis thread with interest. I hope the contracts are for shorter periods than 12 months as hopefully it keeps the cast on their toes. The last time I saw Les Mis at the Queens I was struck by how automated it all was including the performances. The show was certainly slick - it was like someone pressed a button and it set off. The music just drove along hardly allowing any time for applause, it was like a click track that couldn't be halted. As for the performances it was like watching animatronics - move DSR here, raise arm there, emote now etc.

Perhaps this was the fault of the direction, but I just felt I was watching a well oiled machine in action. Nothing wrong with a slick show but there was no time for the show to breath, no light or shade, no performance, no feeling. I felt all the cast were under strict orders to "get on with it" and that there would be consequences if the running time was 30 seconds over.

Perhaps 12 months contracts of 8 shows a week is punishing and shorter contracts may keep the cast "fresher"?

There is huge speculation on this board about casting particular performers and that's great and I am sure very valid - some performers will be stronger than others in roles - although it is subjective. However, to the casual theatre goer to the show who may only see the show once or twice this is not relevant as the show is the star ( unless a star is parachuted in such as Matt Lucas). So perhaps to performers it's a bit thankless having to perform to the template set by the production and the original casts.

Cam Mack is renowned for keeping his shows "up to scratch" and even popping in unannounced personally to check from time to time. But the show I saw although undoubtedly slick and very professional came across without heart and just like a money making machine - which it is!

Thoughts?

I am going to receive a huge amount of negative comments for this but it is my opinion and I am entitled to it - lol. I comment on this discussion board about shows I have seen or have opinions about - it's a discussion, but I have noticed of late that lots of people have set up theatre blogs where they "review" productions they have seen. Some comments on these boards are simply links to their blogs e.g. "I loved this show, more on my blog at blah blah blah". Now these people are entitled to their opinion - everyone has them, but why should I (or anyone else) be interested in their opinion? What qualifies them to "pass judgement" on a show? I see lots of theatre and have practised it in my time and probably more qualified to comment than most but wouldn't presume that anyone would be interested in what I have to say other than the odd comments on this board which invite discussion. Of course there is no need to click the link, no-one is forced to read these peoples ramblings or worse "raves" from "fans" of particular actors who will countenance no criticism of their idols. It appears everyone wants to be Mark Shenton (who seems to have invented the 9 day week with his theatre going) without his experience, knowledge and trained eye. Theatre producers are even using twitter and audience "comments" on their publicity material now - usually when they cannot find "raves" from the legitimate critics. Why would I go to see Viva Forever because "Sharon" thought it was " bloody brilliant"? So an appeal to all these bloggers - just stop. Enjoy (or otherwise ) your theatre trips and tell your friends but the rest of us aren't interested. Rant over - lol.

They will be extending "due to popular demand" next! LOL

The future of the theatre is dependant on getting young people into it. It involves 4 factors in my view. One - Parental encouragement from a young age - panto, then musical then play. Two - Encouragement from schools with trips to the theatre which is not what it was due to cost and "health and safety" etc. Three - Cheap prices for under 25's say, as they do at Chichester. General cheap prices are just snatched up by us older folk desperate for a bargain and probably would have paid more like the Michael Grandage season at the Noel Coward. Four - and probably the most important, product that the kids and their peers want to see - "old" musicals such as the Pajama Game for example is unlikely to appeal at any price!

Not shocked its booking very well at all. It has had excellent reviews and more importantly appeals to the female ticket buyers. The prices are sensible as well without the ridiculous booking fees (other theatres take note) and it will be a massive hit.

Yes, they need to reduce prices so folk "give it a go". Avenue Q struggled until a new pricing policy was introduced and then had a long and successful run. Especially if the running cost are low for a musical which I understand they are.

Craftymiss - you should have no problem getting a "day ticket" for this as the show is not selling, but I would not leave it too long before you see it as I cannot seeing it having a long run. In the remote possibility there are no cheap tickets for this - there are plenty of other shows in the WE that do a Thurs matinee.

Apparently this adaptation of the film and production are excellent from the reviews I have read, and I understand the producers are looking to bring it into the WE. I would like to see this, but the thought of an audience full of screaming "hen parties" really puts me off.

I attended a master class with Elaine Paige Tuesday afternoon at the Haymarket Theatre which was truly excellent with some fascinating and indispensable advise regarding performing musical theatre. She had seen Once and her comments on the performances in this show were very perceptive - I will not repeat them here. Suffice it to say her comments did not lead me to beat a path to the box office for this.

Oh no.....I have high hopes for this - great film, Tim Rice lyrics and an original musical.

theatremonkey.com has an offer for Chorus Line top price seats for £42.50 - book before 10th April plus it is usually available at TKTS

Front Row Dress - completely agree with your blog review for this. The Telegraph and the Guardian gave it 4 star reviews though especially about the play. I must have missed something, to me it's like the Emperors New Clothes!

I have seen a couple of screenings of shows and always left slightly disappointed. The plays are meant for the stage and the acting style is very different for stage than for cinema. They are well filmed now with close ups etc. but again but the style of the acting is not suited to the screen. I am lucky in that I live in close proximity to London and I appreciate that others do not get the opportunity to go to London as often as I do and therefore it gives folk the chance to see plays which they might not otherwise see, but in my view it is second best.

Titan, on 22 March 2013 - 03:00 PM, said:

Yes, but the difference being that the Producers was on at Drury Lane with a seating capacity of over 2100 and the Prince of Wales where BOM is playing seats 1160 - about half, so the tickets are going to be hotter for longer!

It is a sensational show BUT the Palladium is a HUGE theatre to fill 8 times a week with a show which will not appeal to the coach parties expecting big sets and spectacle. I have to see the show again and I am not one generally for multiple viewings.