General Chat General Chat http://www.whatsonstage.com/board/index.php Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:37:48 +0000 60 General Chat http://www.whatsonstage.com/board/index.php What Should We Expect? http://www.whatsonstage.com/board/index.php?showtopic=11362
RANT

What show for you delivered real value for money? What show was a huge let down for the price you paid?

Will producers actually take note? will things get better? or with the Credit Crunch still with us will they continue to charge us high prices for very little expenditure?]]> Laughingmonsta Laughingmonsta Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:54:35 +0000 11362 Badly Behaved Audiences http://www.whatsonstage.com/board/index.php?showtopic=2984
on wedensday at the matinee of sound of music margaret preece's climb every mountain was drowned out at dress circle level by the teacher who started handing out the fun size mars bars before the interval, and they were all opened one by one, but the loud russle of the packet as it was passed along the row!

last night at blood brothers i was shocking - two women in front of me slurping on their starbucks and then they started eating crisps! there was a man seated as far as possible from the toilet who went three times in fifteen minutes (he has either an infection or an enlarged prostate!!) and the ushers spent the entire show darting round the circle telling people to stop recording the show on their mobile phones

there was an elderly woman last week at part 2 of nicholas nickleby who brought along her sandwiches wrapped in tin foil and in a russly bag - eat before the show dear, this is the theatre! she got very annoyed when i turned round and told her to stop munching! during the interval she tried a how very dare you on me, and it didnt wash! i went to town on her - telling her that the sandwich munching older generation simply had no respect!

this all plus the endless number of pre pubescent children with untrained bladders with untrained parents who do not prompt toilet visits and bladder evacuations before the curtain goes up, and largely a week of theatre going has been distrubed on a mega scale

whats the problem? a general lack of respect from these people to the audience and the performers? the wrong sort of people being attracted into the theatre by the likes of grease / maria / joseph on tv? producers like uncle bill who offer top price seats to school parties for £10 to try and get people in?

if i am paying £40+ to see a show then i expect to be able to hear the show and not have it drowned out by some old biddy munching on her walker's sensations. i also think part of the problem is that they allow food to be taken into the auditoriums of theatres - it should go back to the days of eat before the show and NO food or drink in the theatre - maybe this is something that should be added into the pre show announcments, and theatre staff doing bag checks should remove any evidence of food from people entering the theatre! either that or stay at home and much in front of corrie and eastenders - it is more of an appropriate intellectual level

call me theatre snob? yes i am and am proud of it!!]]> Millie Dillmount curzon Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:37:03 +0000 2984 Naked West End Stars http://www.whatsonstage.com/board/index.php?showtopic=9661
MICHAEL BALL in Passion (bottom in opening scene)

EMMA WILLIAMS in ZORRO (bottom- unnecessary)

KELLY REILLY in Piano/Forte and Sexual Perversity in Chicago (topless, pointlessly in both I thought)

MATT SMITH in That Face (bottom - unnecessary)

RUPERT PENRY-JONES in The Play About the Baby at Almeida (he wasn't famous then)

NIGEL HARMAN and JAMES MacAVOY in Privates on Parade

ANTHONY CALF and others in My Night with Reg

That's enough to be going on with....! Interesting to note how many times one notices nudity or partial nudity because it is so unnecessary for the show concerned.]]> BenWhoKnows Jenny_tyr Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:10:14 +0000 9661 <![CDATA['christmas In New York' Signing At Dress Circle Tomorrow]]> http://www.whatsonstage.com/board/index.php?showtopic=11356
Dress Circle are delighted to announce that Julie Atherton, Hannah Waddingham, Ashleigh Gray, Leanne Jones, Paul Spicer, Oliver Tompsett and members of the cast* of Christmas in New York will be at the shop on Saturday 21st November 2009 at 12.00pm to sign copies of the eagerly awaited album of the sell out show Christmas in New York. ]]> jessJA jessJA Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:50:40 +0000 11356 Drama School Audition Songs http://www.whatsonstage.com/board/index.php?showtopic=9740
I am a huge Sondheim fan but hear that you should avoid singing a Sondheim piece because it is generally too hard to sight read from an accompanist point of view. Does anyone know if this is true? I'm not a "Belter" as such and his music suits me in chest voice (as well as head) and if I could do one of his pieces, it would be ace, but equally I don't want to chose something that is hard for a pianst to sight read.

Also, is The Girl in 14g a really bad move for an audition piece? I need a comedic, uptempo, contemp piece and this was one of a few I was considering.

Throwing these questions out there in the hope that someone can help me out - Im completely stumped! And TERRIFIED!!!

All info/advice greatly recieved!

xx]]> littlelottie Abigail91 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:33:38 +0000 9740 Minack Theatre 2010 http://www.whatsonstage.com/board/index.php?showtopic=11002 http://www.minack.com/theatregoers/whatson.htm

A preview of next year's programme.


minack 2010 - a preview
More pre-season events will be added as dates are confirmed.

Disney's Beauty And The Beast . . . . April 2,3,4,5 and 10,11,12 . . . [MORE]

SPECIAL EVENTS Music and Comedy events - details to be announced . . . .May 15 to 21
[/font]
A Mere Interlude . . . . May 24 to 28 . . . [MORE]
Jesus Christ Superstar . . . . May 31 to June 4 . . . [MORE]
To be announced . . . . June 7 to 11
James and the Giant Peach . . . . June 14 to 18 . . . [MORE]
To be announced . . . . June 21 to 25

West Side Story . . . . June 28 to July 2 [MORE]

Romeo and Juliet . . . . July 5 to 9 . . . [MORE]
Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme . . . . July 12 to 16 . . . [MORE]

The Bartered Bride . . . . July 19 to 23 . . . [MORE]

On The Razzle. . . . July 26 to 30 . . . [MORE]
Moby Dick! The Musical . . . . August 2 to 6 . . . [MORE]
Love's Labour's Lost. . . . August 9 to 13 . . . [MORE]
Trumpets and Drums . . . . August 16 to 20 . . . [MORE]
Lark Rise . . . . August 23 to 27 . . . [MORE]
[font="Tahoma"]Hot Mikado . . . . August 30 to September 3 . . . [MORE]
The Rover . . . . September 6 to 10 . . . [MORE]
The Gondoliers . . . . September 13 to 17 . . . [MORE]
Proms at Minack . . . . September 18 and 19 . . . [MORE]

]]> kjb Michael H Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:41:07 +0000 11002 A Very Potter Musical http://www.whatsonstage.com/board/index.php?showtopic=10792
I hope I am 'allowed' to post this here (since it has nothing at all to do with the West End - but it's musical related so I guess it should be alright), but I didn't know where else I could bring it up, so...

About a week or so ago I discovered (or actually more 'was shown') the clips of "A Very Potter Musical", a musical comedy about Harry Potter (who'd have guessed? *lol*) wholly created, produced and staged by some American university students including the characters of J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter books (many of them, at least) and with a story of it's own (well, more or less).

Now I wondered if any of you know it as well and what you think about it?
I think it's hilarious (or you might also say "totally awesome" ^^)! And for the fact that it's a non-professional production written, composed and completely made up all by some bunch of students... wow! It's great fun to watch and listen to for Harry Potter fans but also everybody else (although people who've read the Harry Potter books probably tend to understand more of the jokes). I'd especially like to mention Draco Malfoy, Quirrell and Lord Voldemort. They're fantastic! But everybody else gives a great performance, too. Well, in my opinion: Hats off! I wouldn't want to call it 'brilliant' or 'the best thing ever' but it's definitely funny and totally worth watching.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH IT IF YOU DARE!

What's your opinion? Let me know! wink.gif


Cheers,

~*MusicalTwin*~]]> MusicalTwin emkay Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:07:32 +0000 10792 Spam Through Private Message Function? http://www.whatsonstage.com/board/index.php?showtopic=10684
I'm guessing this isn't encouraged/allowed. Before I just delete, do I need to forward/report it to a moderator for their information?

Thanks

kjb]]> kjb Red Momma Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:27:37 +0000 10684 RVS Blackpool http://www.whatsonstage.com/board/index.php?showtopic=10565
Please go easy on my 1st post :-)

I am lucky enough to have tickets for the RVS in December, this is a Christmas gift for my wife who I hope will be thrilled!

I have heard there is an aftershow- does anyone know where to get tickets for this? It would be the icing on a huge cake!

Thanks]]> jb1973 jb1973 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:59:25 +0000 10565 Forthcoming Interviews http://www.whatsonstage.com/board/index.php?showtopic=10850
I am currently preparing to Interview the following people, and would love to include some of your questions in the interview.

If you have any questions for

Connie Fisher & Michael Pread - currently on tour with The Sound of Music
Dave Spikey - Will be playing the Narrator in The Rocky Horror Show in Manchester

then please feel free to send me your questions on PM

I can't promise that they will all be used but will try and include some of the best!

Cheers

Laughingmonsta]]> Laughingmonsta Laughingmonsta Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:54:56 +0000 10850 Pantomime Songs http://www.whatsonstage.com/board/index.php?showtopic=10786
We are doing a version of 'puss in boots' and there is a scene where there are two brothers who are both a bit stupid and they have to sing a song. I have thought about doing the song, 'Together' but was looking for maybe a more up to date one and i wonder if anyone has any ideas?

Any help would be appreciated

Jeff]]> murakami Cada Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:33:35 +0000 10786 The Soho Sessions http://www.whatsonstage.com/board/index.php?showtopic=9825
THE SOHO SESSIONS

A night of great music stripped back to it's bare bones by the best in the West End.

Featuring:

Tom Parsons

JadeJames
(www.myspace.com/jadejamesmusic)

David Thaxton
(www.myspace.com/glasgowcomascore)

Nancy Sullivan

Rob Brennan

*********PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS!*********

Introducing:

MOUSTACHE OF INSANITY
(www.myspace.com/moustacheofinsanity)

All this for a mere £5. Tickets available on the door or by calling 0207 240 2622.

www.12barclub.com

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=1008...944&index=1]]> The BlueIron Co Amherstclane Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:08:46 +0000 9825 Theatre Studies A Level - Distance Learning? http://www.whatsonstage.com/board/index.php?showtopic=10657
Has anyone got any suggestions?

I've found the OU Introduction to Shakespeare Course which I may do instead of/as well as......

Thanks

kjb]]> kjb Weez Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:51:45 +0000 10657 The Future Of Amateur Musical Theatre http://www.whatsonstage.com/board/index.php?showtopic=9234
From speaking to many friends I gather amateur musical production is having a very hard time.

1. Rising costs of theatre hire and professional services and the expense of the orchestra and royalties etc. Costs for mounting productions can be from £20k to £80k plus! There are no subsidies and a society relies solely on it box office receipts to cover thie cost of the show.

2. With theatres far from full (apart from perhaps the Sat evening) it is difficult to raise ticket prices to keep ahead of these rising costs.

3. Finding a show with sufficient "box office appeal" is increasingly difficult with audiences reluctant to go and see anything they have not previously heard of. This is true in the professional theatre too. But really how many times can a society do Annie or Oliver? Audiences for amateur shows are on the decline.

4 Availabilty of shows is problematic. So many shows are restricted or unavailable. Lloyd Webber for example seems not to release anything to the amateur market, and as he has had many of the hit shows over the past 20 years - Sunset Boulevard, Evita, Cats, etc none of these are available, forcing amateurs back 50 years to the days of Rodgers and Hammerstien - Lloyd Webber now holds the rights to the Sound of Music now apparantly which is also restricted due to the pro tour.

So what does the future hold? Standards can very enormously which I think is a problem in itself - I have seen some amateur productions which have rivalled pro productions many times with big budgets and very high standards. I have also seen some truly appalling shows which have not been worth the price of admission!! I know many societies are struggling, are folding or merging. But if they cannot produce shows of a standard which the general public wish to see (gone are the days when a casts relatives can fill a theatre for a week) then I think the future is bleak.

I know many others on this board are involved in amateur theatre. What are your thoughts on this and your experiences? Any soloutions?]]> wickedgrin Iain Cowden Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:02:51 +0000 9234 Private Message Help http://www.whatsonstage.com/board/index.php?showtopic=10694
Any help from admin is much appreciated and feel free to delete this once it's sorted smile.gif

Thanks guys and gals of admin]]> monkeycarter89 Huge Zoe Birkett Fan Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:44:07 +0000 10694 War Horse - Documentary http://www.whatsonstage.com/board/index.php?showtopic=10621
It should be available on http://4od.com for the next month - go check it out!]]> Laughingmonsta GuestJJ Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:12:45 +0000 10621 <![CDATA[Famous People You've Seen In The Audience]]> http://www.whatsonstage.com/board/index.php?showtopic=8309
Off the top of my head:
Lenny Henry at Hairspray
Brian Paddick at a cabaret table in La Cage
John Hurt and Kilroy at His Girl Friday (NT) - they weren't together!
Tom Stoppard at ...some trace of her (NT)
James Corden at House of Bernada Alba (NT)
Anne Marie Duff watching James McAvoy in Three Days of Rain
Simon Amstell at Some Girls (watching friend Catherine Tate)
Charles Dance watching Piaf
Michael Billington watching and reviewing Entertaining Mr Sloane]]> JonnyBoy Isis Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:55:48 +0000 8309 WOS Awards Nominations http://www.whatsonstage.com/board/index.php?showtopic=10357 Austentatious.
Apparently it is an inexhaustive list-
so as it was a professional production in London is it eligible for nominations?]]> meerkat Guest_gigi_* Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:13:49 +0000 10357 <![CDATA[Children's Tickets]]> http://www.whatsonstage.com/board/index.php?showtopic=10271
]]> cindy cindy Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:54:59 +0000 10271 Michael Ball Tour http://www.whatsonstage.com/board/index.php?showtopic=8818 Meals standoff Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:00:09 +0000 8818