Reader Reviews
Tell Me on a Sunday (Gielgud Theatre, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | When arriving at the theatre we were told that Denise was ill and would not be performing in tonights show. Slightly dissapointed, we were asked if we wanted to swap our tickets for another night this week but they couldn't confirm that she would be better, apparently she has been fighting a cold for weeks and just reached a stage where she couldn't sing. Plus they couldn't guarentee that our seats would be the same etc..... So we decided to stay in what i think was a great decision. Julie-Alanah Brighten was amazing and should go onto much bigger and better thinks. An absolutly amazing voice, and from listening to the cd a much better one that denise van outen!!!! She had us captivated from the start and gave it her all, why she only does 2 shows a week i don't know!!! I couldn't help feeling sorry for her the theatre was not full at all, don't know if this is due to the absence of Denise of not but still she did what she was supposed to do and did it fantastic!!! The set on the revolving stage worked well as did the screens one going everytime she loses another man. Some of webbers best scores are in this and some great songs that jule gave her all. I know i keep going on about her but she was amazing and fully deserved the standing avotion that she got in-which she seemed chuffed with. A note about the orchestra as well they were fantastic and treated us to a mix of all the songs at ther very end in which many people stayed and watched and gave them their appreciation in which they thoroughly deserved. and just to say that the staff at the theatre were one of the most friendly i have ever met. To keep an audiences attention for an hour and a half is a hard job but she did it. I hope to see her in alot more in the future, well Done Julie!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.137.95.94) | 08 Jan 04 |
| Great. Just great. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.14) | 05 Dec 03 |
| Very good for the ears in comparison to tonights the night. Denise van Outen is superb. One more actor would be great. Wonderful Music - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.168.20.3) | 23 Oct 03 |
| This dreadful show reaches what might be described as an ecstasy of banality. Dreadful lyrics which would be unacceptable from a 14-year old' derivative music, empty emotion and intellectually barren - it really is the perfect mirror of our infantile and self-deluded age. The "character" is an ignorant twat, the "plot" repetitive beyond belief and the holes in the story gaping (how does this Ilford slapper actually afford to live without a job in New York?). I almost thought that it was a satire on mundanity at one point, and we were supposed to be laughing at the silly wench. But then I realised that it was meant to be taken at face value - it has no value and those behind this cheesy nonsense must be possessed of a cynicism which is as wide as cheddar gorge. Recommended for the thick and soulless only. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.137.53) | 17 Sep 03 |
| I love this show!!! I saw Denise in Chicago last year, and thought she was very, very good. Having not seen the original, I really wanted to see this production. I had heard very few of the songs, and was a bit apprehensive about the fact that it was just Denise for an hour and a quarter. I wasn't sure if she would be able to do it, as Chicago is a very different type of show, but she was so good, I've been to see it three times! Her performance has got much stronger as the run has gone on. She is a great performer, and should definitely be in line for some awards next year. You're a star Denise!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.79.49.130) | 20 Aug 03 |
| I was completely blown away by this. Her voice is just truly amazing. Even my boyfriend - who came under protest thinking it too girlie - adored it (and confessed to the odd tear...!) - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.60.124.52) | 15 Aug 03 |
| This new version of the old Lloyd Webber classic is quite simply superb. Denise van Outen's voice is amazing. Who would have thought the original "ladette" could be the star of a one-woman show and star she certainly does. The new songs are good and compliment the re-worked older songs. And as for the title track, still reduces me to tears after all these years. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.232.176.34) | 06 Aug 03 |
| ignore the score-i haven't seen it yet. can anyone tell me is it only 75 mins long--the cd lasts this long???---is there an interval? I really want to see Denise as she was fab in Chicago and I met her afterwards- great girl---would probably worth seeing the show just to see Denise --ONE STAR MAN IN MAY!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.254.0.36) | 27 Jul 03 |
| Spelbinding! Denise is London's new musical theatre leading lady. Watch out Elaine Paige and Ruthie Henshall, Denise is your match. It is such a shame that the show isn't extending until November, I'm returing to London then and I would pay Denise a visit. What happens if Denise is ill and can't perform? - USER: Whatsonstage.com (194.105.168.6) | 14 Jul 03 |
| When I heard that Denise was doing this show I made a point of booking a ticket. Having missed the chance to see her in Chicago (where she had been greatly praised) I didn't want to miss this show. I bought the CD when it came out to familiarise myself with the score (having not seen the original) and it has some really good songs. Unexpected Song is, to me, one of the most romantic songs ever. I was already impressed with Denise's vocals on the CD and she was even better on stage. The highlight would have to be Tell Me on a Sunday which was so moving. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.168.175) | 07 Jul 03 |
| I thoroughly enjoyed this show, it passed all too quickly. No doubt Denise Van Outen has a good singing voice and I thought carried the performance well throughout. I didn't know the original show, so can't compare the old to the new, but it must have had a considerable make-over going by the many modern references (to e-mail etc). I would certainly recommend this show. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.194.14) | 08 Jun 03 |
| really enjoyed it, entertaining and one of ALW's best scores. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (172.191.149.155) | 30 May 03 |
| How dated and pointless. Denise (shes not playing a character so lest call her by her name) goes out with a bloke. Gets Dumped. Multiply that by 3, throw in some awful songs, and 2 good ones, a pointless set and a rip off £37.50 ticket for 1 hours entertainment....Then You get this awful show. She is ok in it- struggling with the dreadful material. AVOID. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.50.14) | 16 May 03 |
| DeVO was outstanding, I got swept along by a great little story, acted well and sung beautifully. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (199.43.13.1) | 15 May 03 |
| Denise carries the show really well, her singing voice is great and her timing too. The score has some of lloyd webber's best tunes. I really enjoyed it. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (172.189.35.223) | 10 May 03 |
| Denise Van Outen is outstanding! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (12.154.246.2) | 25 Apr 03 |
| shame this is a good work in the wrong hands and given a crude make over for 2003 that has made cheap the whole, very classy, song cycle it once was. back to the old recordings I think. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.13.129.151) | 25 Apr 03 |
| shame this is a good work in the wrong hands and given a crude make over for 2003 that has made cheap the whole, very classy, song cycle it once was. back to the old recordings I think. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.13.129.151) | 25 Apr 03 |
| I thought Denise was good (although not excellent). She has all my admiration for being able to carry the show totally on her own, but her voice is a bit nasally and she chickened out on sustaining all the high notes (especially noticable at the end of Unexpected Song!). The show istslef isn't great though. You don't feel anything for the character as it isn't at all developed (you don't even know her name! Let alone how she can afford an apartment on her own in Manhattan!). The songs are ok, although the new ones sound a lot like Beautiful Game, Sunset and there was even a bit of Evita in there for good measure. The est part of the evening were was the curtain call, and I don't mean that badly! It was so nice seeing Denise looking like all her dreams had finally come true. Now that's something you don't see often in the West End!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.78.149.11) | 23 Apr 03 |
| Couldn't agree less with this reviewer. I found the show dated and creeky. Van Outen does not have the charisma to hold an audience for over an hour and those around me were shuffling and coughing constantly towards the end. I found her performance, although not a disaster,lacking in real emotion. She gets by by shouting a great deal and can't seem to decide if shes from West London, Basildon or somewhere over the mid-atlantic. I wish she'd sing like she speaks and stop confusing us with her multi facited accent! She is not a bad singer, but from the same school of style as Martine McCytcheon - a great deal of phony stuff going on. Loudness equals anger etc. Frankly not that great, but not a bad as she could have been... - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.154.44.162) | 22 Apr 03 |
| Firstly, to comment on the most recent review. There was no need to pay full price, as there's been an offer on this site for ages. Secondly, I went fairly early on, and just walked in to the box office, and asked for a good seat at a reasonable price (3rd row Dress Circle for £20). The show itself is excellent. I had no preconceptions about Denise, neither being a fan or disliking her. However, she is a real star in this. She carries it completely. Her voice is strong throughout, and the intonation is very skilled. I think the new songs really add to it. It shows care and thought have gone into it, rather than just trying to re-sell something made twenty years ago. Denise also makes many songs her own, particularly Nothing Like You Ever Known. I found this much more moving than the Marti Webb original. My only hesitation in giving this five stars would be that visually it could have been a little more exciting. But Denise's performance certainly is worthy of that. I agree with the main WOS stage review. It's important to acknowledge when someone works hard, and earns a reputation as a major star. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (132.185.240.12) | 20 Apr 03 |
| How dare they charge £37.50 for 75 minutes of boring clapo trap. Denise is okay but not anywhere near as good as her sad little groupies or up ALW backside critics say. Dont waste your money but not your time as blink and it is over!!A discrace!Should be laws against such rip offs. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (64.12.97.13) | 20 Apr 03 |
| I Thought Denise Van Outen was absolutely Brilliant she lived, breathed acted and sang the part superbly, I saw her in Chicago and thought she was very good, but Tell me on a Sunday in my opinion has given DVO the chance to shine like a true star. She sings from the heart and displays such great feeling of emotion especially when she sings 'Tell me on a Sunday' There wasn't a dry eye in the house, there are a few laughs in there too. This girl has it all.Well done Sir Andrew forgiving us 'Tell me on a Sunday (some great songs) and Denise Van Outen. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.50.13) | 19 Apr 03 |
| Miss Van Otten can clearly sing one song her problem is she definitely cannot sing thirteen and make any of them sound different. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.79.52.107) | 18 Apr 03 |
| A wonderful show, and a wonderful performance by Denise. It's great to see that a show can consist of just one person holding the stage and still be interesting, I recommend it to everyone. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.32.5) | 17 Apr 03 |
| I went to see this today and was absolutely blown away. From the very opening Denise manages to captivate the audience totally. I didn't find anything wrong with the lyrics or the first 20 minutes and I thought the sets worked well - could this be because I didn't know the first version? To me it all just worked and flowed - even the newer songs which didn't seem all that great on the cd. They came to life when staged. And the title song is fantastic - I loved it on the cd and could "feel" the acting there but on stage it is breathtaking.Very moving! My only criticism is that it seemed to fly by - but I did not in any sense resent paying top price for it as it was amazing. I really hope that Denise is not forgotten when it gets to the awards next year... I went to see this today and was absolutely blown away. From the very opening Denise manages to captivate the audience totally. I didn't find anything wrong with the lyrics or the first 20 minutes and I thought the sets worked well - could this be because I didn't know the first version? To me it all just worked and flowed - even the newer songs which didn't seem all that great on the cd. They came to life when staged. And the title song is fantastic - I loved it on the cd and could "feel" the acting there but on stage it is breathtaking.Very moving! My only criticism is that it seemed to fly by - but I did not in any sense resent paying top price for it as it was amazing. I really hope that Denise is not forgotten when it gets to the awards next year... - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.193.222.20) | 17 Apr 03 |
| I really enjoyed it. I liked some of the updated lyrics, they were better in terms of the story line. The set wasn't quite my way of doing it but it was effective (especially the moving sceens) - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.193.222.20) | 17 Apr 03 |
| The set and lighting were totally inappropriate, although the idea that when the big frames flew up they left a mark like an empty picture frame was interesting. The lighting was like that of a naff rock concert; "I Hate Men" could have been a "Cabaret"-esque nervous breakdown song for modern times, but instead it turns into a jump around flashy light-show frenzy. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.193.222.20) | 17 Apr 03 |
| Very good in parts, but a little too patchy. I don't think your average modern woman would take the kind of S**t handed out to Ms VO by her would be suitors so find the basic premise a bit hard to swallow but, that aside, a pretty good evening. Denise was excellent but the show is pretty slight. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.193.222.20) | 16 Apr 03 |
| I saw the show on press night last night, and this is what thought. Firstly, let me say most importantly that Deniece was phenominal throughout. Just amazing - perfect voice. But I hated the first 25 minutes - they messed about with ALL the lyrics, apparently just to clumsily update it and squash in as many pop culture references as they could plus added a couple of GOD awful new songs (particularly the aeroplane one). Then suddenly when we got to round about Unexpected Song, they left it alone. A series of beautiful and perfectly written songs (particularly Unexpected Song and Come Back With The Same Look In Your Eyes which are my favourite two - thank GOD they left them alone) and from then on I could really engage with her and the emotion of it all and actually cried several times - she really moved me. So stick with it! Sheldon Bloom is gone completely and I'm Very You has stupidly changed context, but apart from that I did really enjoy the rest. Although some of the fantastic married man lyrics are gone too. The ending has changed but that is actually the ONLY one of the new songs I do like, cheesy as it is and it did really move me. On the design front, I didn't like it at ALL. And I was surprised cos Rob Howell's set for Proof was perfect. This though just seemed to plunge you into a nightclub - garish and desperately inappropriate blue neon tubes surround projection screens. The screens are used to fairly good effect but the whole thing is crying out for simplicity. So having said all that, I did come out wanting to see it again (and crying!!) and hugely impressed by her and in awe of just how incredibly beautiful and moving some of the songs still are. But I HATED the cheesy modernization. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.193.222.20) | 16 Apr 03 |
| Karen Carpenter or Celine Dion Like!!Ha Ha Ha Mr Shenton,have you ever heard the 2 mentioned ladies live,I have and no way you could have to compare the flat warblings of Ms Van Outen with those two legends!!You really do need to get out more! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (152.163.189.203) | 16 Apr 03 |
| Sexy stage & small-screen siren Denise Van Outen ('DeVO' to her allies) takes charge of this one-woman show with the energy, pace, and grace of a blonde gazelle. She has a voice that is mint and n'er a warble in sight, and she abundantly secretes charm and poise. Which made me wonder why this became such a chore to watch in quite a few places? Happiness and elation seem easy pickings for DeVO. When she was happy, I had a smile and could easily follow her in any decision. A spring in her step brought a sway to my bum. Everything peaches. But too much happy can dull the senses; we all need a healthy dose of seething rage and twisted bitterness to once again reclaim the sweet scent of a rose. These components are all gleaned at within the songs, but never seem to come to fruition. The crosshairs choose blame between weak material, restraining the performer, or DeVO’s acting. Things seemed to transpire so fast in the narration (given in song throughout) that it’s tempting to think of this as ‘a cabaret with a few reprises too many but hey, what a cool set.’ Tell Me On A Sunday is a little too safe for my tastes. There are, however, a few moments that are fairly amiable and DeVO is remarkably self possessed on stage by herself. And yes, she can sing. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.193.222.20) | 11 Apr 03 |
| I agree with the above that this is Sex and the City meets Bridget Jones. A beautifully balanced and vulnerable performance by Denise Van Outen makes this show really rather moving despite the occasionaly superficial source material. With superb production values and the best sound in the West End I just let myself to be swept away by the sheer sentiment and emotion. Sniff. Sniff. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.169.42.68) | 11 Apr 03 |
| I thought it was brilliantly executed and Denise Van Outen was outstanding. She captivated the audience for 90 minutes and is well cast in the role of a woman falling in and out of love. She was totally believable and bought humour and emotion to the role. Would definitely recommend it for all the Bridget Jones out there! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (134.146.9.19) | 10 Apr 03 |
