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The Musicals/Stage Productions Topic!!!

Bert2theSpark said:
The only glaring issue with the show is the pre-recorded sections, stuff that would play well in a cinema, on headphones or a TV screen does not mesh well with theatre acoustics and the live noise. This was quite immersion breaking, and didn’t quite translate some aspects of the TV show, however this is a broader issue with modern tech within a theatrical setting as I had the same issue with Hamilton last year. Audio acoustics in theatres are setup very differently to cinemas, and when there’s a moment designed as if it was TV or Film, it kind of falls flat.
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I saw it during its long run at The Wyndhams in London, and the section you are referring to was absolutely seamless. That's always the problem with seeing the touring versions of shows, they can never have as comprehensive and bespoke set design, effects and staging when that stage changes each night.

But most importantly, who was your specual guest?
 
pluk said:
I saw it during its long run at The Wyndhams in London, and the section you are referring to was absolutely seamless. That's always the problem with seeing the touring versions of shows, they can never have as comprehensive and bespoke set design, effects and staging when that stage changes each night.

But most importantly, who was your specual guest?
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I had Keith Brymer Jones as the special guest, who I didn’t really know but knew enough to understand that they made the show fit around the Pottery background of Stoke-On-Trent. Not as exciting as some of the other special guests they’ve had in the past few weeks but the older, largely Gen X audience seemed to love the fact he showed up!
 
Seeing Stage/Fright in Liverpool next week, really looking forward to it.

Saw Pemberton and Sheersmith when they were doing an In Conversation type discussion tour about the show back in 2021.
 
We're booked in to the production of Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy, at Riverside Studios, at the end of the month.

Not sure what to expect. The FAQ says "Is this a theatre show, or an 'immersive experience'?.... Yes!"
It has to be better than the film.
 
Bert2theSpark said:
The only glaring issue with the show is the pre-recorded sections, stuff that would play well in a cinema, on headphones or a TV screen does not mesh well with theatre acoustics and the live noise. This was quite immersion breaking, and didn’t quite translate some aspects of the TV show, however this is a broader issue with modern tech within a theatrical setting as I had the same issue with Hamilton last year.
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I saw the show at Wyndham’s a couple of times, but unsure what you mean by this? Are you referring to the projections and use of the video wall? I didn’t notice anything wrong with it and thought it was all done quite seamlessly!
 
Burbs said:
I saw the show at Wyndham’s a couple of times, but unsure what you mean by this? Are you referring to the projections and use of the video wall? I didn’t notice anything wrong with it and thought it was all done quite seamlessly!
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It’s the fact there’s a couple of parts where they go from live audio to pre-recorded audio, I thought the scrims and screen were actually really strong. The same issue was in Hamilton, with the backing tracks, you could notice what parts were pre-recorded from the original Broadway production because the audio quality was notably worse.

The issues were with the transitions between pre-recorded audio and video, not super important considering the tone of the show, but definitely notable.

Maybe it’s because I’d already heard the issue with the touring version of Hamilton, and this being the second production I’ve seen with live cameras and screens. First time I saw them was during Edinburgh Fringe a few years back, which was a much more elaborate camera setup and different use of stage space. I also didn’t know anything about the live camera trend in theatre.

It’s a bit like a B&M Dive coaster, the gimmick doesn’t hit as hard when you’ve already seen it used elsewhere.

In a side note, during the second act, I didn’t even notice the screen as part of the backdrop sitting from the circle. Really well blended in with the scenery, there must have been a lot of effort into integrating all the projections, scrims and screen blend in with the set.
 
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Saw MJ the musical Fri evening.

It has the bloody obvious issue that whoever they have in the lead isn't Michael and won't be as good as Michael. Even taking that into account, I dont think the lead was quite good enough to be honest. That's not to say he wasn't incredible, especially in his dancing, but when he was solo in the higher range it was realky quite bad on multiple occasions. He was much stronger at a lower register and in fairness did sound uncanilly like him like him during bigger numbers with backing. Pretty decent speaking voice too, just missing some of the childish playfulness real MJ would get across.

It's pretty much an impossible casting. I assume they've gone for someone who can nail the moves and compromised on aspects of the voice, much of which can be rescued by the company and the mix. That does seem like the right choice overall, but it leaves him exposed occasionally. It feels like a bit of an issue that actual MJ is probably the weakest singer on the stage. Worth a shout for both child Michael and younger Michael smashing it, and Michaels Mum (Koko Alexandra, apparently) being the standout vocalist of the whole thing.

The biggest issue for me was a really odd tendency for the vocalists to lag slightly behind the music, just a fraction of a beat but made the whole thing sound like it was lumbering along rather driving forward with energy. Wasn't consistently like this, but enough for me to be frustrated by it.

That all sounds a bit negative, but I did love plenty of aspects of the show. The set is dynamic, the soundsystem probably the best I've ever heard at a theatre. The bass during the breakdown of Wanna Be Starting Something is something else, hitting your chest like a mallet, and the overall sequences of Thriller and Smmoth Criminal are as dazzling and impactful as any I've seen in any show.

Overall I still really enjoyed it. I fear it's enivitable that the tour that follows will take with it the worst of the issues and leave the best bits behind at The Prince Edward, it's certainly worth seeing here before the run ends early next year.
 
I'm back from the "immersive experience" (promenade theatre) production of Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy, at (new) Riverside Studios, Hammersmith.

I have had several pan galactic gargle blasters. I shall keep this as PG and spoiler free as I can.

It does't follow a linear story so much, more you see snippets of the chaos that is the multiverse of realities that Dent Arthurdent may, or may not, have lived through. Characters that didn't exist until book five naturally crop up in scenes from radio episode one. It's not so much a story as it is a 90 minute montage of the best bits of the entire franchise.
It's delightfully new and yet faithful to everything that came before. Such a rare thing!:hearteyes:

Ford made friends with our group right from the start. A few well traded quotes between us, and we became THE people that were referred to by name whenever a cast member improvised. 🤣 And we somehow seemed to be the centre of every scene.

The casting was absolutely spot on for every single role. I couldn't pick a single fault if I tried.

I was that engaged in the show that I genuinely forgot I was in a TV studio(s) I have worked in multiple times!

Do you realise how high this level of praise is from a miserable old *** like me‽ ‽
GO SEE THIS ASAP IF TOU HAVE ANY CHANCE!
 
Bert2theSpark said:
Got to see the touring production of Inside Number 9: Stage/Fright last night, having been wanting to see this live for a while. I watched the series on Netflix and iPlayer a few years ago, including the episode they perform on stage.

It blends the horror/comedy aspect of the show really well, with there being about 4 or 5 major set pieces throughout the show, each focusing on different styles of performance. Which in a sense makes it a really good variety show, admittedly not one you’d take young children or elderly relatives though.

Seeing the creators of the show live on stage is definitely the big pull of the show, and those who know the connection between the anthology’s episodes will be happy to know that it does indeed have a role within the greater show.

The mix between the tension of horror and the absurdity of comedy is brilliant. I won’t go into too much detail because it needs to be seen with as few spoilers as possible,

The only glaring issue with the show is the pre-recorded sections, stuff that would play well in a cinema, on headphones or a TV screen does not mesh well with theatre acoustics and the live noise. This was quite immersion breaking, and didn’t quite translate some aspects of the TV show, however this is a broader issue with modern tech within a theatrical setting as I had the same issue with Hamilton last year. Audio acoustics in theatres are setup very differently to cinemas, and when there’s a moment designed as if it was TV or Film, it kind of falls flat.

Very good experience overall, please go and see it if you’re interested before the tour run ends in early January, highly recommend.
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I've booked to see the final run of Stage/Fright at Hammersmith Apollo in January so glad to hear its a good show! I missed out on tickets for the original West End run so happy they are doing a final sort-of London run.
 
IDB said:
I’m hoping to pick up a late return when it’s in Birmingham. It’s showing sold out ☹️
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Some extra tickets were just released for tomorrow performance so grabbed some. Only downside they are on the back row of the upper circle. But at least I've got some.
 
DiogoJ42 said:
I'm back from the "immersive experience" (promenade theatre) production of Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy, at (new) Riverside Studios, Hammersmith.

I have had several pan galactic gargle blasters. I shall keep this as PG and spoiler free as I can.

It does't follow a linear story so much, more you see snippets of the chaos that is the multiverse of realities that Dent Arthurdent may, or may not, have lived through. Characters that didn't exist until book five naturally crop up in scenes from radio episode one. It's not so much a story as it is a 90 minute montage of the best bits of the entire franchise.
It's delightfully new and yet faithful to everything that came before. Such a rare thing!:hearteyes:

Ford made friends with our group right from the start. A few well traded quotes between us, and we became THE people that were referred to by name whenever a cast member improvised. 🤣 And we somehow seemed to be the centre of every scene.

The casting was absolutely spot on for every single role. I couldn't pick a single fault if I tried.

I was that engaged in the show that I genuinely forgot I was in a TV studio(s) I have worked in multiple times!

Do you realise how high this level of praise is from a miserable old *** like me‽ ‽
GO SEE THIS ASAP IF TOU HAVE ANY CHANCE!
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Diogo… mate… how much had you drunk?!!

I saw this today, and it was… well… it wasn’t good, let’s say that. PARTS of it were good (I enjoyed the Heart of Gold and intro to the HHGTTG, that was very well done), but it was such a mess! No logical flow, no sense to why they jumped from one part of the story to another.

The attempt at making it an “immersive experience” fell totally flat at times. The worst was just under half way through when we were all shepherded into an area with a small stage, bar, merch stand and literally 1-2 other small things. 40-odd of us standing there awkwardly, wondering what happens next, whilst a couple of the actors try and interact as best they can, but with minimal material. It was pitiful.

Some of the actors, credit where it’s due, were great - particularly Arthur, Ford and Fenchurch. Others, though… Marvin was goddamn terrible. In part because, I’m sorry, the actor was just ANNOYING (think Scrappy Doo), but also because his part had just been butchered by the writers (I assume, and not the actor). Rather than merely being chronically depressed, he was actively abrasive and just damned irritating. I don’t remember Marvin going out of his way to call everyone “stupid”?! Nor do I remember him enjoying singing… badly.

Anyway, I’m sad. It had such potential to be good - the staging was minimalistic but worked well, the sound and lighting VERY well done… but what a flop. When it ended, we all just sorta stood there, until a poor tech just sorta ushered us to an open exit.

Walking past the merch stand, I couldn’t even bring myself to buy a fridge magnet to remember the occasion (which I always do)… because honestly not sure I want to 😞

Don’t waste your money peeps.
 
Blimey. Well, for a start, I believe they have at least two casts (based on the timings and throughput), so it's possible I got lucky and you didn't.
Second, I did say I had consumed several Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters. ;)

With a franchise like H2G2, where no adaptation is the same, I think they made they right choice. Don't try and tell a linear story in a live medium that cannot keep up with the infinite improbability of imagination vs practicality.

TBH, I was very happy to see the useless character of Trillian replaced with Fenchurch. I will admit though, that once Slartibartfast turned up on the catwalk, and Eccentica Gallumbits started leading a gospel choir, things get a bit hazy in my memory... ;)

I get that it made no sense in and of itself. But I also like that it was a "you have to know the plot" kinda thing.

You make a fair point bout Marvin though. Guess I just glossed over that.


....

Or maybe it was the one good thing in an otherwise horrible weekend for me that concluded in a massive fight that destroyed a 24 year friendship beyond repair, and I was desperately trying to find something positive to cling to.
 
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DiogoJ42 said:
Or maybe it was the one good thing in an otherwise horrible weekend for me that concluded in a massive fight that destroyed a 24 year friendship beyond repair, and I was desperately trying to find something positive to cling to.
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Whelp, now I feel truly the a-hole… 😶😶

Seriously though man, that’s sucks! You’re definitely allowed to disagree with me and believe it a good experience 🙂

Looking at the times today, I think there may even actually have been three casts, and tbh I may have been a bit hasty on my criticism of them (except Marvin, who was awful). Some were very good, the rest were still good.

Back in uni I was a big Hitchikers nerd, and listened to the audio plays a number of times, but for whatever reason it’s probably a good 15 years since I’ve interacted with the series (…oh god… I’m old…). So although I know it and got most the references, it’s not a story that’s fresh in my head, so maybe that’s why I struggled. And yeh, I couldn’t help feeling that if you didn’t know the story, you’d be SO lost (contrary to what the website FAQs said IIRC).

I dunno. Maybe if I’d just let my intrusive thoughts win and had drop-kicked that stupid paranoid android I’d have had a better time 🤷🏼‍♂️
 
Oh, and now I feel bad for making you feel bad. Pardon me for breathing, which I don't do anyway oh god I'm so depressed...

Nah, don't worry matey. T'was an A-holly thing for me to do, to throw that last bit in. Wasn't an intentional guilt trip. ;)
What is a forum for, if not a spirited exchange of contradictory opinions? That's what the Romans did for us!
 
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