Post by marion on Aug 4, 2024 8:43:01 GMT
So my friend managed to get cheap tickets yesterday and we trailed “up West” in the crowds and heat to Oxford Circus. It was grim!!! And it was really busy as well, with thankfully no demonstrators or rioters about.
The theatre was absolutely packed for this performance. Hello Dolly isn’t that great a musical in its own right, but of course people only really wanted to see Imelda Staunton, the pocket rocket with the mega voice. Now I thought she gave a more belting performance in Gypsy (she gave me a headache she was so loud) but that was super exceptional and as Dolly she really did a very good job. She is only about 4’ 10” but talk about stage presence, and completely on the money for her performance. Her love interest was played by Andy Nyman, very good, and his original love interest by Jenna Russell. Now she played the recast Michelle in EE and I didn’t think that worked, but she has a terrific reputation in musical theatre and was very good indeed.
As a company they worked very well, and the male dancers were exemplary. About 10 of them, they had some extended routines (more balletic than a lot of more modern shows) and never ever missed a beat. All landings were together, it was exceptional really.
The only annoying thing was the bloke I sat next to. He was a big unit and think he found the space a bit constricting. I thought the seats were generous and I’ve got long legs. Anyhoo, he decided to start manspreading and his left leg was up against mine the whole time. In fact if I moved over, his leg took up the relinquished space! And he fidgeted throughout. I planted my leg very firmly for act 2 so he was squidged up! It was really odd, but I think he was oblivious.
The theatre was absolutely packed for this performance. Hello Dolly isn’t that great a musical in its own right, but of course people only really wanted to see Imelda Staunton, the pocket rocket with the mega voice. Now I thought she gave a more belting performance in Gypsy (she gave me a headache she was so loud) but that was super exceptional and as Dolly she really did a very good job. She is only about 4’ 10” but talk about stage presence, and completely on the money for her performance. Her love interest was played by Andy Nyman, very good, and his original love interest by Jenna Russell. Now she played the recast Michelle in EE and I didn’t think that worked, but she has a terrific reputation in musical theatre and was very good indeed.
As a company they worked very well, and the male dancers were exemplary. About 10 of them, they had some extended routines (more balletic than a lot of more modern shows) and never ever missed a beat. All landings were together, it was exceptional really.
The only annoying thing was the bloke I sat next to. He was a big unit and think he found the space a bit constricting. I thought the seats were generous and I’ve got long legs. Anyhoo, he decided to start manspreading and his left leg was up against mine the whole time. In fact if I moved over, his leg took up the relinquished space! And he fidgeted throughout. I planted my leg very firmly for act 2 so he was squidged up! It was really odd, but I think he was oblivious.
Anymore to come?
