Pickman's model
Starry Wisdom
To the national theatre to see twelfth night. Very very funny, with tamsin grieg out of friday night dinner as malvolia.
This year at the theatre....
- Thread starter belboid
- Start date
Winot
I wholeheartedley agree with your viewpoint
Leaden dialogue coupled with ridiculous melodrama. No real plot line. The actors looked embarrassed tbh.
belboid
Exasperated, not angry.
Went to see it again tonight, and it was still bloody marvellous. We were in the gods this time, so could lean down and see the entire stage this time, albeit rather less close up. Made the chorus look much more impressive.
redsquirrel
This Machine Kills Progressives
Away - by the Malthouse theatre company. Classic Australian play (no I'd not heard of it either) from the 80s but set in the 60s. The plot has three families going on holiday over the summer, and uses that construct as a way of looking at grief, it's a sort of comic drama. I was mostly attracted to it by the director, Matthew Lutton, who directed an absolutely brilliant version of Antigone that I saw some years ago. This wasn't in the same league as that unfortunately but it was enjoyable enough - decent performances, interesting sets and the perfectly solid, if not outstanding, play.
T & P
|-o-| (-o-) |-o-|
Just watched Mel Brooks' new Young Frankenstein musical. Not perfect but pretty enjoyable. Lesley Joseph is just brilliant as Flau Brucher, and despite my reservations I was rather impressed with Ross Noble's performance as Igor.
At certain times it follows the film a bit too close, literally line by line, which I don't think works very well as one keeps thinking back to the film. But when it deviates a bit from the film it is very funny. I'd certainly recommend it to any Mel Brooks fan.
At certain times it follows the film a bit too close, literally line by line, which I don't think works very well as one keeps thinking back to the film. But when it deviates a bit from the film it is very funny. I'd certainly recommend it to any Mel Brooks fan.
Silas Loom
Hated by both sides
Punchdrunk's Kabeiroi last week. A walking tour, then a treasure hunt, then a theatrical thrill ride. They've moved away from what perhaps they do best - astounding set dressing - although of course where there were props, they were wonderfully detailed. However, they still gesture at stories, rather than actually telling them. You don't meet any other audience members, which is all very Bum Bum Train, but Punchdrunk doesn't have YMBBT's massive volunteer cast. This means there's slightly less interaction than one would hope for, and it's all one way, and on rails - participants don't need to improvise or do anything bar what they are told. Still, the encounters with the cast are all exciting and unsettling to great effect, and the whole thing was definitely worth it.
Hellsbells
World's best procrastinator
Saw Sweet Charity on Friday. Singing & dancing quite entertaining but a very strange storyline. It seemed to come to an abrupt end that didn't really make much sense.
redsquirrel
This Machine Kills Progressives
Uncle Vanya - at HOME in Manchester, based of a version by Andrew Upton (Cate Blanchett's other half). First time I've ever seen Chekov live. It's obviously a good play and the adaptation was very good, with some excellent performances. That said I found it one of those things you admire rather than love. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood for Chekov (bit down).
blossie33
trailer trash
Sorry about that, I love Chekov
and have seen most of the plays at least once 
I went to see Insignificance at the Arcola in Dalston a couple of week ago https://www.arcolatheatre.com/event/insignificance/
Loved it - it says it's 'comedy' but it's much deeper than that - very cleverly written script.
Went to see Coriolanus at the Barbican as part of their Rome MMXVII season. It was amazing. I've ambitiously booked tickets for Anthony and Cleopatra, Julian Caesar and Titus Andronicus too. They have £10 tickets although the noise level is not the best at the back. I think I'll collapse and sleep for about a month after seeing all of that.
Leafster
.
I went to see Jack Thorne's adaptation of A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic on Tuesday.
Rhys Ifans is a great Scrooge and the stage setting in the middle of the auditorium with hundreds of suspended lanterns provides a great atmosphere. Free warm mince pies (or satsumas) handed out by "Victorian street-sellers" and having snow dumped on us (twice!), along with handbells and singing added to the Christmas feel.
If you can get cheap tickets (ours were just a fiver with a discount code) it's well worth a look.
Rhys Ifans is a great Scrooge and the stage setting in the middle of the auditorium with hundreds of suspended lanterns provides a great atmosphere. Free warm mince pies (or satsumas) handed out by "Victorian street-sellers" and having snow dumped on us (twice!), along with handbells and singing added to the Christmas feel.
If you can get cheap tickets (ours were just a fiver with a discount code) it's well worth a look.
belboid
Exasperated, not angry.
Just got tickets to see We Are The Lions Mr Manager - about Jayaben Desai and the Grunwick dispute in 1979.
It's touring all over for the next month - WE ARE THE LIONS MR MANAGER - TOWNSEND THEATRE PRODUCTIONS
It's touring all over for the next month - WE ARE THE LIONS MR MANAGER - TOWNSEND THEATRE PRODUCTIONS
belboid
Exasperated, not angry.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest last night
It's always hard when there has been a classic film of the same show (although the scripts are totally different, the play having been written some ten years before the film, straight after the book came out), and it hardly any easier when the lead actress falls over and breaks her ankle the day before the press showing (which it was last night). Fortunately, Nurse Ratched often has to carry a folder around with her anyway, so she just about got away with that. Unfortunately, she couldn't do anything about the basic problem of the play, which is that it is pretty damned misogynistic. Everything is women's fault, and women don't really deserve to be fully rounded characters. This is a well recognised problem with the play, and director Alipoor has clearly made attempts to face up to them - Nurses first big speech, and the way she is undermined by the male Doctor, is neatly done. She is right, but not listened to. Unfortunately, I don't think she was rehearsed enough to convey her descent into cold, controlling bitch, as anything other then just her being a bit of a bitch.
I wasn't wholly enamoured of the guy who played McMurphy either, possibly because he just kept reminding me of Huey Morgan playing the Fonz too much. He is meant to be both a charmer and a man with a dangerous edge to him (he's a rapist, ffs), but here, he just came across as a bit of a childish asshole.
The rest of the cast, the physical staging, and the soundtrack were all excellent though. If Jenny Livsey grows into the part, it could be very well worth seeing, if not....get the film out again.
It's always hard when there has been a classic film of the same show (although the scripts are totally different, the play having been written some ten years before the film, straight after the book came out), and it hardly any easier when the lead actress falls over and breaks her ankle the day before the press showing (which it was last night). Fortunately, Nurse Ratched often has to carry a folder around with her anyway, so she just about got away with that. Unfortunately, she couldn't do anything about the basic problem of the play, which is that it is pretty damned misogynistic. Everything is women's fault, and women don't really deserve to be fully rounded characters. This is a well recognised problem with the play, and director Alipoor has clearly made attempts to face up to them - Nurses first big speech, and the way she is undermined by the male Doctor, is neatly done. She is right, but not listened to. Unfortunately, I don't think she was rehearsed enough to convey her descent into cold, controlling bitch, as anything other then just her being a bit of a bitch.
I wasn't wholly enamoured of the guy who played McMurphy either, possibly because he just kept reminding me of Huey Morgan playing the Fonz too much. He is meant to be both a charmer and a man with a dangerous edge to him (he's a rapist, ffs), but here, he just came across as a bit of a childish asshole.
The rest of the cast, the physical staging, and the soundtrack were all excellent though. If Jenny Livsey grows into the part, it could be very well worth seeing, if not....get the film out again.
Virtual Blue
ready
Talking about films into a show - saw Killer Joe the other week - it was better than the original.
Gonna catch Blueberry Toast in the next week or so...
Gonna catch Blueberry Toast in the next week or so...
not-bono-ever
meh
lieutenant of inishmore
more fun that is sounds. wasted on the kids with the Airey Neave references and INLA jokes but good fun.
and full of Middle aged women as I was warned
more fun that is sounds. wasted on the kids with the Airey Neave references and INLA jokes but good fun.
and full of Middle aged women as I was warned
Winot
I wholeheartedley agree with your viewpoint
It’s been a busy few weeks theatre-wise as have been taking advantage of the kids being away.
Julie - not great (and Vanessa Kirby was ill).
Translations - Brian Friel play. Good but mumbling from some actors made it difficult to hear.
Allelujah! - new Alan Bennett. Fun but lightweight.
The Lehman Trilogy - seeing this Wednesday. Has got excellent reviews.
Julie - not great (and Vanessa Kirby was ill).
Translations - Brian Friel play. Good but mumbling from some actors made it difficult to hear.
Allelujah! - new Alan Bennett. Fun but lightweight.
The Lehman Trilogy - seeing this Wednesday. Has got excellent reviews.
Winot
I wholeheartedley agree with your viewpoint
First play of 2019 - Nine Night at Trafalgar Studios (NT transfer).
Incredibly assured debut play from Natasha Gordon. Reminded me of Arthur Miller. Excellent ensemble acting.
Good Time Out review here:
Nine Night review: Natasha Gordon’s powerful family drama hits the West End
Incredibly assured debut play from Natasha Gordon. Reminded me of Arthur Miller. Excellent ensemble acting.
Good Time Out review here:
Nine Night review: Natasha Gordon’s powerful family drama hits the West End
wtfftw
melting like a toastie
My Name is Lucy Barton
I feel like the lighting people should also have come out for some applause at the end .V good.
I feel like the lighting people should also have come out for some applause at the end .V good.
Treacle Toes
Time
redsquirrel
This Machine Kills Progressives
The Animals and Children Took to the Streets - by 1927 at HOME
I saw this about 6/7 years ago in Perth, loved it then so I was a bit worried going in whether seeing again would not live up to expectations but it was every bit as good as it was the first time. If anyone hasn't seen 1927 before I definitely recommend going to see them, all the sets and backdrops are animations they project onto white screens with the actors acting in front. It's one of those things that could be very much a gimmick but they never let it become so.
Still a few days left for the show so if you're in the Manchester region I recommend buying a ticket.
I saw this about 6/7 years ago in Perth, loved it then so I was a bit worried going in whether seeing again would not live up to expectations but it was every bit as good as it was the first time. If anyone hasn't seen 1927 before I definitely recommend going to see them, all the sets and backdrops are animations they project onto white screens with the actors acting in front. It's one of those things that could be very much a gimmick but they never let it become so.
Still a few days left for the show so if you're in the Manchester region I recommend buying a ticket.
brogdale
Coming to terms with late onset Anarchism
blossie33
trailer trash
redsquirrel
This Machine Kills Progressives
Wise Children - by Wise Children, Emma Rice's new company at HOME.
Absolutely bloody fantastic adaptation of Angela Carter's book, despite being 2 1/2 hours the time just flew. The style of the play was very reminiscent of Kneehigh with lots of music, puppets, plays within plays, side-jokes, etc and also some Knee-high personnel, and so very suited to Carters work. I should imagine tickets have sold out but if there are any remaining I can't recommend it highly enough.
Absolutely bloody fantastic adaptation of Angela Carter's book, despite being 2 1/2 hours the time just flew. The style of the play was very reminiscent of Kneehigh with lots of music, puppets, plays within plays, side-jokes, etc and also some Knee-high personnel, and so very suited to Carters work. I should imagine tickets have sold out but if there are any remaining I can't recommend it highly enough.
belboid
Exasperated, not angry.
We went on Friday. And, I thoroughly agree. A rather bewildering family saga, full of dubious parentage (and parenting), Shakespearean comedy, tragedy and genderfluid casting - all of whom were excellent. That final rendition of Girls Just Want To Have Fun was surprisingly moving.
redsquirrel
This Machine Kills Progressives
Yes, very much so.
belboid
Exasperated, not angry.
Standing on the Sky's Edge
A history of Park Hill flats through the medium of Richard Hawley songs,by the woman who wrote The Assassination of Katie Hopkins.
The songs string together a tale of three families who lived in one of the flats over the years. From the first to move in, full of optimism and hope, through the steel strikes and that woman, to the estate becoming run down and distinctly unwelcoming, and then today when it is (partially) redone as yuppie flats. The story works well enough, it has been well researched based on stories from actual residents, although it is all a bit obvious. An attempt at an Our Friends in the North for Sheffield. Not sure how well it would travel, there is a lot of Sheffieldness in there (the biggest cheer of the night came for the appearance of a bottle of Henderson's Relish).
As to the songs and dancing....the problem with Richard Hawley, is his best songs are the slow, plaintive, love songs. So they are the ones that get chosen. But even he knows you have to break a set up and put some more uptempo rocking numbers in, two and a half hours of plaintive love songs gets a bit much. There are a couple of bits where they do break it up, the finale to the first half is brilliantly done, even if it is ten minutes too late, and there is a bit at the beginning of the second half that is lively, but it feels quite out of place really. The dance is mostly very good, end of the first half especially so again. It captures the hustle, bustle, and sometime fear, of the place, but sometimes you do watch one of the ensemble and wonder 'wtf are they meant to be doing?'
Cut a couple of the songs, trim some more down a bit, and you could have a really good two hour piece, I reckon.
A history of Park Hill flats through the medium of Richard Hawley songs,by the woman who wrote The Assassination of Katie Hopkins.
The songs string together a tale of three families who lived in one of the flats over the years. From the first to move in, full of optimism and hope, through the steel strikes and that woman, to the estate becoming run down and distinctly unwelcoming, and then today when it is (partially) redone as yuppie flats. The story works well enough, it has been well researched based on stories from actual residents, although it is all a bit obvious. An attempt at an Our Friends in the North for Sheffield. Not sure how well it would travel, there is a lot of Sheffieldness in there (the biggest cheer of the night came for the appearance of a bottle of Henderson's Relish).
As to the songs and dancing....the problem with Richard Hawley, is his best songs are the slow, plaintive, love songs. So they are the ones that get chosen. But even he knows you have to break a set up and put some more uptempo rocking numbers in, two and a half hours of plaintive love songs gets a bit much. There are a couple of bits where they do break it up, the finale to the first half is brilliantly done, even if it is ten minutes too late, and there is a bit at the beginning of the second half that is lively, but it feels quite out of place really. The dance is mostly very good, end of the first half especially so again. It captures the hustle, bustle, and sometime fear, of the place, but sometimes you do watch one of the ensemble and wonder 'wtf are they meant to be doing?'
Cut a couple of the songs, trim some more down a bit, and you could have a really good two hour piece, I reckon.
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