[Backdrifter]

I saw this pleasingly entertaining undemanding production at a less-than-half-full Rose. It runs until Saturday. Good performances and positive reactions from the audience, but without the verve and energy of a much fuller house this sort of farce lacks that extra something to really carry it along.

It's the only thing in the current repetoire that attracted me so unfortunately I won't be adding to the numbers for the rest of this season. As a local, I really wish there was more to entice me.

Had a very nice pre-show meal at Jamie's Italian, just over the road. You won't have tasted tiramisu quite like it - luscious but deadly.

[Backdrifter]

Yes, I think they have badly misjudged this whole project. I reckon the needs of theatregoers in that catchment area are served by Richmond Theatre and the Orange Tree. The Rose was conceived as an ambitious producing house with that Elizabethan auditorium and a studio, but has turned out an awkward and unfocused mix of received productions with a smattering of in-house stuff. I don't believe there's much diversity in the cultural leanings of Kingston residents, and what little there is isn't being served by the Rose's repertoire. I don't have a feel for how much travelling trade they get. Plus, that Elizabethan auditorium is so limiting in terms of staging. I think it was a mistake to go for that layout.

I hate to be pessimistic, especially as a keen theatregoer who is local to the Rose, but I just can't see the way forward for it.

[MrsDoyle]

Yes, I think they have badly misjudged this whole project. I reckon the needs of theatregoers in that catchment area are served by Richmond Theatre and the Orange Tree. The Rose was conceived as an ambitious producing house with that Elizabethan auditorium and a studio, but has turned out an awkward and unfocused mix of received productions with a smattering of in-house stuff. I don't believe there's much diversity in the cultural leanings of Kingston residents, and what little there is isn't being served by the Rose's repertoire. I don't have a feel for how much travelling trade they get. Plus, that Elizabethan auditorium is so limiting in terms of staging. I think it was a mistake to go for that layout.

I hate to be pessimistic, especially as a keen theatregoer who is local to the Rose, but I just can't see the way forward for it.

Having been brought up in the area that's sad to hear though I have to admit I haven't as yet left the stix to see the Rose. WTaW is coming to Guildford soon and although I have a morbid fear of farce I am tempted to see it as I have enjoyed everything I have seen by the ETT.

[Laughingmonsta]

I saw this in Liverpool have to say what a complete load of utter direness.