freckles

You're quite right, popcultureboy - sincere apologies to those concerned.  Didn't mean to be such a snob. The lesson is don't bring a bad mood with you when making comments here.

^ thats a slightly snobbish attitude. Not liking sondheim does not make you unsophisticated. Its just personal taste.

I went Wasn't too cold when we arrived but it was freezing by the time we left ! At least it didn't rain like last year! We got there about 1.30 ,saw most of the soundchecks and left after the audience award

Yes, I was there. Actually I didn't feel that cold. Four hours well spent. I got there around 3, and the crowd was just starting to build up. Saw some sound checks, the main stage show, and stayed till the audience award. Def would like to go next year.

Yes! Was very fun, but a bit too much wasted time for my liking! The Billy Elliot performance was brilliant, especially the second time after they had won the award as you could see the billy was having the time of his life! Will definitely be trying to make it again next year! (Assuming in not in the opera house picking up my best actor award)

I was at the evening performance and I know what you mean Stewart about Mark's performance appearing a little 'forced' I was trying to put my finger on how to describe it, fab nonetheless.  The best for me was Damian Humbley, totally aced it especially in the NBC Studio scene and Jenna was superb. Thoroughly enjoyed the show and had an excellent view in row H which was actually 2 rows further forward.  Loved it

Yes, I was front row just off center. Front row at the Pinter is absolutely fantastic, especially since they have removed the first two rows. So for 10 pounds, pretty remarkable. It was my second time to see the show after seeing it at the chocolate factory. Loved it just as much the second time. The tiniest bit of criticism would be that Mark Umbers seemed a little...forced is the best way to describe it. More so than at the chocolate factory but I imagine it has more to do with settling back into the role than anything else. I loved his performance at Menier but yesterday seemed the tiniest bit off; still really good though. The three leads are phenomenal in my opinion. Fantastic chemistry and Damian Humbley and Jenna Russell have only gotten better.

Rooms is subtitled A Rock Romance.  It's a two hander written by Paul Scott Goodman (Bright Lights Big City) and his wife Miriam Gordon, both of them Scots living in New York - and it's about two young Scottish singer/musicians from Glasgow and their journey toward, well, the bright lights and the big city.

If it sounds a bit self-obsessed it's not. Goodman and Gordon are exceptionally talented people and their little musical soars and resonates and, in the inventive new production just opening at the Finborough, works like a dream.  Cassidy Janson is the girl, a Scottish/Jewish princess with her eyes on the prize, and she is wonderful.  If you saw her as Amy in the Southwark's Company or in the West End in Lend Me A Tenor, you'll know that she can not only sing and act but that she's VERY funny and totally endearing. If the boy, Alexis Gerred, is not quite at her level he's very good and they have genuine chemistry. They share the tiny stage with a terrific four-piece band whose members dip in and out of the action at just the right moments in Andrew Keates's clever staging.

I have to say that, going in, I feared a rock band would blow the walls off the little Finborough but such was not the case - the sound levels are perfect - mainly because the score is so much more than "rock".  Goodman is a sophisticated and original composer able to write memorable tunes in all genres, as needed.  There is a cast recording from the New York production that is well worth hearing.

Anyway, it's great.  A full house last night gave it a rousing standing O, well deserved.

Front row must be the biggest bargain in the west end for a tenner. Rows A & B have been taken out for orchestra pit, so front is row C, loads of leg room and low stage. Snap them up.

Wasn't it magical Brumclub! Best night out I have had at the theatre this year- and I thought I wouldnt top Once easily so it was a real treat that Declan sang Leave and the duet Falling Slowly with Idina. I was on the front row of the gallery so have come home with sore knees and backache but worth it to experience her brilliance live once more. Now I have to find out how I can record it off the radio on Friday night!

Great concert tonight ... certainly worth a listen on Radio 2 Friday night!

great casting indeed but false. definitely false.

freckles, on 24 April 2013 - 09:03 AM, said:

Haha I'm not often referred to as being right lol. Now the thing that will make this complete for me is if Fra Fee is in it. He's in a show near me which opens tomorrow through until mid May so there's a possibility there too.
Let's hope they get their act together with their twitter profiles

Yep Ive bought a ticket in Stalls and I'm willing to give this a go. I think it will be far better than Viva (but I havnt seen it so can not comment, just a gut reaction).  I'd love to know who they'll cast. Killian Donnelly is about to leave Billy in 3 weeks so he could be a possibility, he's got an excellent voice and can carry off a bit of comedy I'm sure.  Does anyone have any info on this?

Anthony, on 17 April 2013 - 08:01 PM, said:

I'm ridiculously excited. I went to the Box Office to buy our tickets and came out feeling like Charlie with his golden ticket, all butterflies and smiles.