Free Theatre/Concert Tickets Discussion Thread

[Rainey]

Finally saw Blood Brothers last night, right before it's about to close after 20+ years in the West End, and what a brilliant musical it is. I had very low expectations and wasn't too interested ins seeing it, but it was phenomenal. The first act was mostly very funny whereas the second act was the complete opposite (depressing, sad, heart-breaking); both strong acts in their own right though, However, I was mostly impressed by the amazing cast. Sean Jones (Mickey) in particular (and Eddie and Linda to a lesser extent) got to show a wide range of emotions and almost different characters throughout the show, going from a carefree and generous little kid to a depressed and drugged up mess at the end, really impressive. And Lyn Paul (Mrs Johnstone) had an absolutely stunning voice. I feel very fortunate I got to see some of the best BB cast members throughout the years which have come back to do the final two weeks of the show. 9.5/10

This was the first musical I ever saw, I went with school when I was 11, there was a few spaces left on a trip for a couple of years above which were offered to the younger classes. It has remained one of my favourite shows, even at 11 I cried at the end.

[MrD]

Uncle Vanya - this made me laugh...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-20204709

[valda]

Finally saw Blood Brothers last night, right before it's about to close after 20+ years in the West End, and what a brilliant musical it is. I had very low expectations and wasn't too interested ins seeing it, but it was phenomenal. The first act was mostly very funny whereas the second act was the complete opposite (depressing, sad, heart-breaking); both strong acts in their own right though, However, I was mostly impressed by the amazing cast. Sean Jones (Mickey) in particular (and Eddie and Linda to a lesser extent) got to show a wide range of emotions and almost different characters throughout the show, going from a carefree and generous little kid to a depressed and drugged up mess at the end, really impressive. And Lyn Paul (Mrs Johnstone) had an absolutely stunning voice. I feel very fortunate I got to see some of the best BB cast members throughout the years which have come back to do the final two weeks of the show. 9.5/10

After all the faffing around yesterday, the film was cancelled so I could have come.

I love this show, it always has me crying my eyes out, even when I listen to the cast recording. I wish I'd seen Mel B in it, but every cast I've seen have been phenomenal vx

[canadian_turtle]

If only we'd known right? We could've totally gone to the film, claim some vouchers and then go to the musical lol. At least you got some Odeon vouchers? :)

[fetta]

Uncle Vanya - this made me laugh...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-20204709

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-enter ... 81294.html

This is excellent! I saw it on Saturday, and had I been a world renowned director in my eighties I would've done the same. I guess by the end his patience had run out!
Saying that I loved Ken Stott as Uncle Vanya while Anna Friel simply never seemed to get in the mood, she just blurted out her lines and in-between seemed to be thinking about her xmas shopping list. The rest of the cast were just ok, while the set was just dreary. I've never seen such an uninspired set design, its supposed to be a country mansion with x amount of rooms yet it looked as a run down bungalow that's about to collapse. The text also seemed a bit odd at times, I wonder which translation they used?
Anyway I cried at the last line of Uncle Vanya, but I always cry there and Ken Stott was breathtaking, but unfortunately one brilliant actor can't make a difference.

I am really looking forward to tomorrow as I managed to grab a couple of tickets for the Russian production at the Noel Coward. Looking at their promotional video I don't think I'll be reading the subtitles much!

[ladylivvie]

I saw 'A Chorus of Disapproval' last night at the Harold Pinter, and got excellent seats in the stalls, row K! Good solid bit of Ayckbourn, directed by Trevor Nunn. Rob Brydon was very much at home doing what he does best: playing a proud welshman, wanting to be in charge. Ashley Jensen and Nigel Harman both gave decent performances, as did some of the other players. It was an entertaining, if slightly predictable production, but nonetheless enjoyable. The sort of thing to take your parents/relatives to see. 7/10.

[Timbo]

Loserville has posted closing notices for 5 Jan. Wasn't that keen on it myself but it is such a shame that new musicals just don't seem to last. Most people only seem to like jukebox shows.

[jojojoanne]

Thanks to c_t for the "Long Live the Mad Parade" Code. I saw it this afternoon at the Ashcroft Theatre. It was better than I expected. Funny in parts. There was a lot of empty seats. I enjoyed the play, but wouldn't urge people to go and see it.

[Ms Thrifty]

Thanks to c_t for the "Long Live the Mad Parade" Code. I saw it this afternoon at the Ashcroft Theatre. It was better than I expected. Funny in parts. There was a lot of empty seats. I enjoyed the play, but wouldn't urge people to go and see it.

Yet this received a 4-star review (on a 5-star scale) on The Public Reviews!

[jojojoanne]

Thanks to c_t for the "Long Live the Mad Parade" Code. I saw it this afternoon at the Ashcroft Theatre. It was better than I expected. Funny in parts. There was a lot of empty seats. I enjoyed the play, but wouldn't urge people to go and see it.

Yet this received a 4-star review (on a 5-star scale) on The Public Reviews!

A couple in front of me left at the interval. There was a fair bit of laughter, but no comments from people chatting on the way out about how good it was. Perhaps I'm being a bit harsh!!