[Lyle]

I love this forum!

Many of us (Myself not excluded) often pop on here and rave about how good whatever production is we're currently involved in. It's not advertising, some of us are just so passionate about what we do we can't help but try and spread the joy. Some of us know when we're doing a turkey, some don't. It really doesn't matter. We all do our absolute best and love what we do. The rest of the world is entering a depression/recession - whatever you want to call it, and we're all quite happily trundling along in our own little place, entertaining the people who need it now more than ever.

The point of my post...

Can't we keep it positive?

If you need cheering up... Go and see 'Hairspray' - It's hysterically funny and a fabulous show.

If you've seen that already... Try 'Never Forget' - You really don't have to be a 'Take That' fan - it's impossible to watch and not come away from with a big fat smile on your face, let's be honest, we all secretly love a bit of 'Take That'.

If you prefer a play... 'Female of the Species', just hysterical. Sophie Thompson is worth every penny.

If you're after something a little more highbrow... (And can travel) The most stunning production i've ever seen of 'Il Trovatore' has just opened in Bilbao/Spain. *(Secret Identity Giveaway)

If you really love musical theatre and want something to look forward to... The film 'Nine' - Out for general release late next year and destined to be an absolute classic. The cast list in itself is enough to blow you away. Who'd have thought Daniel Day-Lewis had such a stunning singing voice? Never mind Nicole, Penelope, Marion, Sophia, Kate, Fergie and Her Majesty Dame Judi (In no particular order) - More talent on one stage than I ever dreamed of seeing, every one of them not only beautiful, but charming polite and friendly.

Back to my point. Positive energy produces positive results. Negative energy produces nothing.

I love this forum, but the undercurrent of negative energy really is dull.

Those of you who come on here to bitch: Get over it, be positive about life, strangely you'll find you get what you give.

Keep it positive!

PS... I don't have money in any of the above, just spreading the joy!

* Not that my identity has ever been secret, Lyle is my middle name.

[Michael H]

Here's a clue to my secret identity:

My first name is Michael. And my surname begins with an H.

And good points, Lyle. I will rave if I think something's worth raving about. And I'll try to be as polite as possible, with a shade of self-deprecation thrown in, if there's something I don't like.

[Weez]

I am the same as Michael. If I like it, I will tell you so. If I dislike it, I will try to be as polite and tactful as possible when saying so. I find people are more likely to listen to you when you say "personally I don't feel this aspect worked as well as the director might have liked" as opposed to "OMG THAT SUKKED!!!".

[Tintin]

I love this forum. It means I can be bitchy about the rubbish I find myself sitting through.

[seanaydon]

one of the main reasons i come on the forum is to discuss my opinions on something or to find out what other people think. i love theatre but that doesn't mean i cant criticize the absolutely shocking pieces out there. For example i feel obliged to let people know about the abomination that is WWRY. also i cant believe your recommending never forget. i will never forget it: for the wrong reasons. i did not leave with a big smile. but on the other hand i did think that rain thing where they spelt out never forget was absolutely awesome. so ill take something from it. please don't feel like im bitching at you. i just think forums are for opinions WHATEVER they may be.