I had the opportunity to watch two shows during this week, so two reviews...
Monday, 20 April 2015: Thomas / Tomi / Demi
This was my third show with Thomas as Billy, and he continues to impress. He's already come a long way, and you can see him developing the acting and singing with every show. Ruthie was top notch, Deka and Chris their usual powerful selves and a great show overall. David Muscat is still hilarious as Mr B, and I will be sad to see him finish up on 16 May. I love Tomi's portrayal of Michael and he got big laughs in his scene before Dream ballet.
I sat in seat E1 in Stalls and I have never been that far out, you do miss action on the side of the stage, but it's still a bargain for the price. That said, the sound is nowhere near as good, in fact at times I was straining to hear both Ruthie and Thomas - it felt like their mics weren't fully turned on at some points.
I took a friend to see the show (her first time), and she was blown away by the performances, the gripping raw storyline (she's from the north of England, so could relate far more than I can!) and the entire production. She and I work for the same (rather driven, at times terrifying) lady at work who's had a lot of success at a young age. My friend's comment was - we think what our boss has done is amazing. No, what ten year old Thomas Hazelby has done at his young age - that's amazing. A real new perspective for me, and how very true.
The audience were great, really into it from the start, and standing ovations at the end for the entire cast. I would say the VPT was at about 90% in Stalls and Dress Circle - couldn't tell about Grand Circle, which is always pleasing to see.
Thursday evening, 23 April 2015: Bradley / Todd / Connie
This one is fresher in my mind so a few more details. I had only seen Bradley once, back in December 2014 from Row P of the stalls, and have been keen ever since to see him as Billy again, and from a better seat. Many many attempts later, I was finally rewarded with Bradley walking out with Deka during The Stars Look Down (cue mini celebration from me in my seat in Row C of stalls). Now I remembered BRadley did a fantastic street Electricity the last time, but he totally blew me away yesterday. Highlights:
- his singing voice is just beautiful, right from the opening notes of 'Raise me up...'
- he acts so so well, he delivers a really mature performance as Billy, which I guess comes naturally after having done it so many times.
- Shine was fantastic, with Ruthie's voice more audible than Monday (being closer to the speakers probably helped) - the ballet girls really do enjoy ushing Billy around during this number, it's great fun to watch
- Noticed no Barnaby Meredith during Grandma's song (he wasn't around on Monday either) which meant Lee Hoy would probably be Older bIlly (I never look to see which understudies are on) - Gillian seems to be having the time of her life in this role, and she's also really making it her own - Ann Emery is a hard act to follow of course.
- Solidarity is another number that is so much fun to watch when you've seen the show a few times, to really pick up on the amount of action that takes place, that first-time watchers would miss. Bradley's ballet steps are a treat even though he is still meant to be 'learning'. Mr Braithwaite has stopped the 'Oh Jesus' reaction (when he pops back in after Dad's exit) and sees the ballet girl behind the door - noticed it in the last few performances, not sure why.
- Todd and Bradley did a great Express yourself - these two really seem to have a great chemistry, and seem very comfortable on stage together.
- I was in tears during The Letter, and all thanks to Bradley. He puts so much emotion into it, and on Thursday was visibly shaking during parts of it. That cannot be easy for a young 12/13 year old, even if it's 'just' acting. His 'don't go' is heartbreaking.
- During Boogie, I was really looking forward to Bradley's skipping, but after three skips, the handle broke off one end of the rope, and he was left clutching onto a defunct rope ... a quick glance into the wings, and he continued to dance in time with the rope quickly rolled up into his hand, while Ruthie and David M continued skipping (and Ruthie called him a loser) ... great flip off the piano. What a pro - if I were in his place and that rope broke, I wouldn't have known what to do...
- Bradley's reaction to Connie's offer in the next scene is brilliant, he really does take his time over it!
- Bradley's Angry Dance on Thursday was possibly the most raw, yet most mature, I have ever seen. He gave it his all, you could see he clearly enjoys the number because he can let loose, in a controlled sort of way, and on Thursday, it left the audience breathless and on their feet.
- I was looking forward to seeing Bradley in Dream Ballet and he did not disappoint. I do think that Barnaby is a much more natural ballet dancer than Lee, some of Lee's movements seem more forced than Barnaby't but then I couldn't dance a step, so must stop being such a critic. The last bit where he whirls Billy round and up was a bit off, which meant that not only was Bradley rotating as he was pulled up, but was also being rocked about. He looked just a tad unsteady when back on his feet (don't blame him!) but recovered nicely.
- I always wonder if Deka is wearing a padded jacket during 'He Could Be a star', because Chris G is not at all gentle while shoving him back. I do wince every time that scene takes place, I do think Chris overdoes it a bit... never seen Chris J understudy Tony, so not sure how he plays it.
- The RBS receptionist continues to show solidarity with the miners, rather than flirt with Dad, which I do think I prefer. A good change.
- Electricity - WOW. I was so engrossed in the show, I forgot that it would be a Street Electricity (only the second time I have seen it). Bradley is PHENOMENAL, the audience could not believe their eyes as he tumbled and cartwheeled and wall flipped his way through the number. It was incredible, I am considering going to the VPT every night to see when he is on next, just to see him dance this number again (though that would mean looking at the board in advance, which I don't typically do, but for this, I would).
- Ruthie seems to have changed up her goodbye scene - she seems a bit firmer when telling Billy he is really 'f***ing' special, and only tears up when he wishes her lcuk. Previous shows I have seen, her voice was already shaking halfway into the scene. Not sure I like the change...
- Once we were kings was great - I love the way Billy leaps into Dad's arms, and Bradley almost knocked Deka over !
- Todd held his ground with the bicycle until the curtain hit the ground, though the trigger happy audience were already applauding (sigh).
- A great upbeat closing number which I absolutely love. The audience were on their feet again, giving the company and Bradley a well deserved standing ovation. I must say, I get rather cross with shows where the audience are encouraged to get on their feet to dance to a closing number (Mamma Mia, The Commitments, there must be more), which results in a de-facto, yet artificially created, standing O. It's so much more deserved, when an audience stands up at the end, of their own accord as they do for BETM (and long may they continue to do so).
A word (well, a paragraph) on the audience on Thursday evening - we had talkers (to my right), who wouldn't stop despite several 'looks', we had phone users (Facebook - really?) to my right - no hesitation to reach into their bags, rustle about to pick up a phone, and then check facebook, eaters (rustling away during poignant parts of the show), not even trying to be quiet about it. I don't get it. When you pay a lot of money to come to the theatre, why not immerse yourself in it and not ruin it for others? Rant over
I'm back next week, hope to see another great show