The London production 1

Ah yes, I do agree Simon does have an "air" about him that sets him apart (even from previous Raouls) but like you say the London production isn't short of talented Raouls at the moment. I like both Simon and Will, although Simon is definitely the one I prefer, I think he expresses himself slightly better. I would love to see what Will would do with the role part time however I think it would be a few years before he'd get that opportunity.

Must add I am ridiculously excited about seeing Scott this weekend as The Phantom! Haven't felt like this in a while...

I'm looking forward to seeing him too, and Will Barratt. It's been Simon as Raoul the last few times I've been. Am I correct in thinking that it should be Gina as Christine on Friday?

dolly-ry wrote:

Must add I am ridiculously excited about seeing Scott this weekend as The Phantom! Haven't felt like this in a while...

What day are you seeing him?

Saturday.

And yes Helen it will be Gina on Friday.

ETA: You are more than welcome to join Scorp if you have no plans... will be my last trip until cast change... which is scary to be honest! (Okay I know cast change is still ages away but still!)

dolly-ry wrote:Saturday.

And yes Helen it will be Gina on Friday.

ETA: You are more than welcome to join Scorp if you have no plans... will be my last trip until cast change... which is scary to be honest! (Okay I know cast change is still ages away but still!)

Can't do Saturday, I'm afraid. Not sure I want to see the show either until summer at the earliest. Or maybe I won't bother until they get rid of that LND sign from outside Her Majesty's and ALW does his typical U-Turn and says that he was never happy with the sequel anyway and the story didn't work.

Might be waiting a while, I somehow get the feeling he might dig his heels in with LND, but who knows how much longer the sign will be there? What is the actual point of it really? How many people do you think actually know what it is for in passing to enter the theatre?

dolly-ry wrote:Might be waiting a while, I somehow get the feeling he might dig his heels in with LND, but who knows how much longer the sign will be there? What is the actual point of it really? How many people do you think actually know what it is for in passing to enter the theatre?

Who knows... And anything's possible. If it's possible to go from 'It's the best score I've ever written' to 'I shouldn't have written it' (WIW) and 'I don't see how it could be any better' to 'Not fully satisfied' (PoTO movie), then...

I have Scott dates:

Tomorrow until next Tuesday.
18th to 20th May.
17th - 19th June.
1st - 10th July.

I hope you enjoy the show, dolly-ry Scott is amazing! Look forward to hearing your thoughts..

dolly-ry wrote:I have Scott dates:

Tomorrow until next Tuesday.
18th to 20th May.
17th - 19th June.
1st - 10th July.

Ooooh, most interesting... Thanks for sharing!

Katy Treharne will be Christine next Monday.

ETA: This means there are a lot of combinations to be seen this week Scott/Tabitha/Will Scott/Gina/ Will Scott/ Gina/ Simon and Scott/Katy/ Simon don't think there has been so many combinations for a while!

dolly-ry wrote:I have Scott dates:

Tomorrow until next Tuesday.
18th to 20th May.
17th - 19th June.
1st - 10th July.

Aw shucks...I'm a week too late, I'm going on the 30th. Ah well, it's still Phantom for the first time in over a decade! Thanks for the info dolly-ry.

Don't worry you never know what might happen, this is only his planned dates he has been on plenty times with short notice, but like you say it is Phantom You'll still enjoy it no matter who you get!

Oh dear, I totally got discovered on here... might leave the reviewing to others from now on put it that way!

PMB1034 wrote:

dolly-ry wrote:I have Scott dates:

Tomorrow until next Tuesday.
18th to 20th May.
17th - 19th June.
1st - 10th July.

Aw shucks...I'm a week too late, I'm going on the 30th. Ah well, it's still Phantom for the first time in over a decade! Thanks for the info dolly-ry.

And I'm a week to early - I'm in London on the 10th May.

Brilliant show last night, Scott and Gina were incredible. Will post more when I get home tomorrow.

What a show! Not going to say too much unless anyone really wants me to it was full cast apart from Scott as Phantom and not one person annoyed me. Especially after a certain "other" Giry on Friday night (cough Love Never Dies cough) I even really liked Nicky she even did something I actually liked when Gina's voice was cracking during the beginning of TOM she motioned her hand upwards as though directing her, it was similar to what the Phantom does actually. But Scott, an amazing Phantom, very different, quite creepy actually but also mysterious and a very operatic voice, couldn't really fault him if I am honest. He unfortunately badly hurt his ankle during the Masquerade trap door so I hope it doesn't affect his next three shows as he was quite visibly limping during curtain call. But yes,great show all round!

If I've got time tomorrow, I'll do a proper review, but I'll make a few comments about Friday's show now. No Ellen Jackson, which was disappointing. Understudy OK, but not as good. I didn't think it was possible, but Rebecca's got even better since the last time I saw her. She's a truly wonderful Carlotta. Nicky was great as Madame Giry. I didn't really notice her the last time I saw her, she's really improved. The curtain didn't come down properly after Masquerade. From where I was sitting, I could see the staircase being moved through the gauze. Scott and Gina were both brilliant. Will Barratt was very good, especially in the first act.

Glad to hear that Nicky Adams has improved. I think it takes a while to get that role just right -- Giry is both minor and major as a role. Heather Jackson really had it down to perfection -- but, then, she played the role on and off for nearly thirteen years!

I've booked in to this year's birthday show. Hope to see some of you there - though it is a long ways off yet!

For the most part, is the cast friendly at the stage door? Is there anyone in the main cast that would prefer to be left alone?

Also, is the stage door really that door labeled "Stage Door"?

Sure is, Viscountess! The stage door at HM is just around the corner from the front entrance (on Charles II Street).

I can't really comment on cast at the stage door myself. I've never stage-doored in my life. It's just my own choice -- I think that the cast are usually in a hurry to get home to their families (since they have to go through the same routine the next day again, unless it is Sunday). From what I understand, though, many are quite generous with their time. I've never seen a particularly large crowd gathered at stage door, either, except if it's someone's last night.

auctioneer wrote:Glad to hear that Nicky Adams has improved. I think it takes a while to get that role just right -- Giry is both minor and major as a role. Heather Jackson really had it down to perfection -- but, then, she played the role on and off for nearly thirteen years!

I've booked in to this year's birthday show. Hope to see some of you there - though it is a long ways off yet!

Nicky has definately improved. She doesn't have the air of authority and stage presence that Heather Jackson had, but she's very good. I'm hoping to go to the birthday show this year. I won't decide until nearer the time.

For the most part, is the cast friendly at the stage door? Is there anyone in the main cast that would prefer to be left alone?

Also, is the stage door really that door labeled "Stage Door"?

I'm pretty sure it is labelled "stage door." I'm sure the cast are very nice. I haven't gone to the stage door since last cast and the cast members I spoke to have left now.

Viscountess wrote:For the most part, is the cast friendly at the stage door? Is there anyone in the main cast that would prefer to be left alone?

Also, is the stage door really that door labeled "Stage Door"?

Not only is it labeled "Stage Door", it also has a hand pointing towards the door, mwhahaha. You can't miss it.

And people seem a bit shy at the stage door (goes for both cast and fans), so don't expect anyone to stop up unless you recognize them. But if you do and ask them to sign your programme or pose for a picture, they'll very often stay for a short chat, and they all seem very nice. Gina Beck is very easy to recognize and was in a very jolly mood when me and Scorp approached her. So go for it!

Thanks so much for answering, guys! It's nice to know that they're friendly people. I'm totally shy at the stagedoor and I just really don't want to piss anyone off with my fawning fangirling.

I'll be seeing the show sometime from Saturday to Tuesday.

OK, my London friends -- any reports on what we think of Mr Shannon lately? I've heard a few good reports, though points are deducted for frequent absenteeism. I'm looking forward to seeing his performance soon.

auctioneer wrote:OK, my London friends -- any reports on what we think of Mr Shannon lately? I've heard a few good reports, though points are deducted for frequent absenteeism. I'm looking forward to seeing his performance soon.

Although I haven't seen him since December, I keep reading reports of him getting better and better. Which makes me very happy. He showed lots of potential in December, and I had the feeling he could go both ways. It seemed he's "chosen the good path"... Would love to see him again - although I would love to see Scott Davies even more.

David Shannon has certainly improved. I can't go into details on such a public forum but from comments from another cast member his interpretation of the role and the aspects people criticise are in fact not his fault but are to do with how he is being directed. Won't comment anymore here.

But yes, he is certainly getting there but the aspects people criticise certainly won't change anytime soon. Also his absentee record has improved lately, and people raved about Ramin and he was frequently off ill (or LND committments.) In fact, David Shannon even went on when he was scheduled to be off one evening because Scott Davies couldn't perform (and Stephen John Davis couldn't either.)

ETA: He is no match for Scott Davies however but that seems to be because Scott doesn't seem to mind going against what he is being told to do... ha.

I also can't believe I forgot to mention to you all that I encountered Scott Davies in full costume on the Grand Circle stairs, it was hillarious and we had a good laugh about it later. I didn't realise the Phantom used the stairs as well as Raoul and Christine. Hillarious.

dolly-ry wrote:ETA: He is no match for Scott Davies however but that seems to be because Scott doesn't seem to mind going against what he is being told to do... ha.

Though I guess it's easier for standby/understudy Phantoms to do a freer portrayal than the principal.

Interesting tidbit of info, though, that the "holding back" isn't entirely David Shannon's fault (though the sometimes held-back vocals is something I guess is his choice, but I don't know if he still sound like/does that).

He isn't holding back so much but is still holding back sometimes which clearly is his decision. I was meaning more some of his acting choices (especially in act one) that people criticise are in fact not his fault.

ETA: If anyone is interested in a Scott Davies review I'll do a pretty short one.

dolly-ry wrote:In fact, David Shannon even went on when he was scheduled to be off one evening because Scott Davies couldn't perform (and Stephen John Davis couldn't either.)

David's name was still on the cast board the following day when I went to get my ticket and thought I'd made the trip to see Scott play Phantom for nothing! By the time I went back for the performance, Scott's name was there, so I was happy and Scott was brilliant!