Re: August 2010 - Reviews - London
Posted: Fri Aug 27, 2010 11:52 am
Thursday 26th August
Ollie/Joe/Fleur matinee
Rhys/Jake/Francesca evening.
I fully concur with Billy Whiz's post re the kids so won't duplicate about their fanstic performances.
Rain meant I cancelled camping at 24 hours notice thus able to see two wonderful shows on Thursday instead. This was good news for me as it meant I was able to get a last chance to see Jake before his departure. A statistical freak meant that in my 23 shows to date I only saw him 3 times and thus felt I never got a chance to appreciate him, but his performance last night was superb, his delivery of the nutcracker joke was the most perfectly timed I have witnessed to date and overall his acting showed a fluency and ability I feel the other Michael’s will do well to heed.
After reading of many technical difficulties in the Forum this week, it appeared that we were in for another challenging day when the film didn’t start on time. Poor small boy started ginger but was turning grey as he waited and waited and was even about to send out for a replacement lolly. Thankfully Herbert Morrison eventually appeared and the only technical problems thereafter were the usual issues over the sound (or lack of it) from the YTS run booth. Tall boy ran on and ironically said “he’s heard” .Shame the audience didn’t. We heard absolutely nothing. I lost several lines from Billy and Michael and quite a few late on from the ensemble, I won’t go on, but I could.
It was nice to be sitting further back in the theatre for once. Usually occupy Row B but today it was fully occupied by a party from Last of the Summer Wine (only joking). For those Forum who weren’t sure (and there was some debate and doubt), I can confirm there is a stage floor and all the actors do have feet. Row B is nice but despite practically being on the stage there is so much that is missed. Also being among Billy virgins back in row N it was nice to hear their universal comment of appreciation – even if the 3 year old kid behind me didn’t quite get it!
Interesting to retrieve a 50p dropped on stage to find it was a genuine “old” 50p – not the current smaller 50p. Now that is impressive – with such an attention to detail from the props department. Shame I can’t use it as it is no longer legal tender.
Having got to the VPT early to get the tickets and requiring lunch – I believe I have identified the nearby establishment where Joe Caffrey learnt his cooking craft, based on the state of their all day breakfasts. I have a feeling that’s where all the old mouldy pasties end up too.
Lastly just a big thank you to all the actors. By watching two performances today I can appreciate the amount of work that they all go through on matinee days, it must be absolutely draining. I have never left the VPT without feeling total satisfaction, a feel good factor and knowing everyone gave 100%. It is obviously thirsty work!
A pleasure to meet so many Forum too, some for the first time. A great day.
Alex
Ollie/Joe/Fleur matinee
Rhys/Jake/Francesca evening.
I fully concur with Billy Whiz's post re the kids so won't duplicate about their fanstic performances.
Rain meant I cancelled camping at 24 hours notice thus able to see two wonderful shows on Thursday instead. This was good news for me as it meant I was able to get a last chance to see Jake before his departure. A statistical freak meant that in my 23 shows to date I only saw him 3 times and thus felt I never got a chance to appreciate him, but his performance last night was superb, his delivery of the nutcracker joke was the most perfectly timed I have witnessed to date and overall his acting showed a fluency and ability I feel the other Michael’s will do well to heed.
After reading of many technical difficulties in the Forum this week, it appeared that we were in for another challenging day when the film didn’t start on time. Poor small boy started ginger but was turning grey as he waited and waited and was even about to send out for a replacement lolly. Thankfully Herbert Morrison eventually appeared and the only technical problems thereafter were the usual issues over the sound (or lack of it) from the YTS run booth. Tall boy ran on and ironically said “he’s heard” .Shame the audience didn’t. We heard absolutely nothing. I lost several lines from Billy and Michael and quite a few late on from the ensemble, I won’t go on, but I could.
It was nice to be sitting further back in the theatre for once. Usually occupy Row B but today it was fully occupied by a party from Last of the Summer Wine (only joking). For those Forum who weren’t sure (and there was some debate and doubt), I can confirm there is a stage floor and all the actors do have feet. Row B is nice but despite practically being on the stage there is so much that is missed. Also being among Billy virgins back in row N it was nice to hear their universal comment of appreciation – even if the 3 year old kid behind me didn’t quite get it!
Interesting to retrieve a 50p dropped on stage to find it was a genuine “old” 50p – not the current smaller 50p. Now that is impressive – with such an attention to detail from the props department. Shame I can’t use it as it is no longer legal tender.
Having got to the VPT early to get the tickets and requiring lunch – I believe I have identified the nearby establishment where Joe Caffrey learnt his cooking craft, based on the state of their all day breakfasts. I have a feeling that’s where all the old mouldy pasties end up too.
Lastly just a big thank you to all the actors. By watching two performances today I can appreciate the amount of work that they all go through on matinee days, it must be absolutely draining. I have never left the VPT without feeling total satisfaction, a feel good factor and knowing everyone gave 100%. It is obviously thirsty work!
A pleasure to meet so many Forum too, some for the first time. A great day.
Alex