Follies in London 2017

[Leighton]

Ooooh so we're all there together on September 9th?!

[AmyG]

That's so cool that you will all be there on the same day. Enjoy!

Turns out we are coming into London a day earlier (10/14) so we booked one night at a place near the Tower of London since our airbnb was already booked that night. Is that anywhere near where you live Gordon? Regardless, if lunch is preferred by all on the 15th, that would probably be best for us at the point.

[Gordonb]

That's so cool that you will all be there on the same day. Enjoy!

Turns out we are coming into London a day earlier (10/14) so we booked one night at a place near the Tower of London since our airbnb was already booked that night. Is that anywhere near where you live Gordon? Regardless, if lunch is preferred by all on the 15th, that would probably be best for us at the point.

Right, shall me make that a date? Lunch chez nous Sunday 15th? You 2 obviously and anyone else who can be or is in town on the day. Getting to us from Tower Bridge area is reasonably easy - train or Uber.
We can discuss timing and dietary quirks nearer the time.  

[Vera Charles]

​I'm afraid that it's next to impossible for me to be in London on 15 October.   
I've got to be in North Somerset for a rehearsal that afternoon and since the show is the following week, I really can't miss it.I am free on Saturday 14th, though ...

[Gordonb]

​I'm afraid that it's next to impossible for me to be in London on 15 October.   
I've got to be in North Somerset for a rehearsal that afternoon and since the show is the following week, I really can't miss it.I am free on Saturday 14th, though ...

Oh well I'm sure we can do Saturday instead; dinner would suit us better but lunch works too.

[AmyG]

14th works for us. We are taking the train in from Edinburgh that day. I wonder if we should move this discussion as it really has nothing to do with Follies at this point. 

[Gordonb]

14th works for us. We are taking the train in from Edinburgh that day. I wonder if we should move this discussion as it really has nothing to do with Follies at this point.  

Why not? To the "Chris and Amy Grand Tour of UK" thread

[Bobster]

I'm hugely envious and expected a LOT of posts and comments about this and tons of details with any dialogue and lyric changes and so.

When you're there you have to think "What would Bobster want to know?  What details must I remember to tell him???"  

[Vera Charles]

When you're there you have to think "What would Bobster want to know?  What details must I remember to tell him???"  

I feel a Facebook live coming on ...
I can be Bobster's eyes and ears - feel free to send me a list of things to report back on! 🕵🏼‍♀️

[Chris L]

I'm hugely envious and expected a LOT of posts and comments about this and tons of details with any dialogue and lyric changes and so.

When you're there you have to think "What would Bobster want to know?  What details must I remember to tell him???"  

WWBWTK will be our mantra the whole time.  

[Bobster]

I'm already in agony, checking everywhere for anything!!!

[Gordonb]

I'm already in agony, checking everywhere for anything!!!

Ask away!

[Gordonb]

[AmyG]

Cool. Can't wait to hear all about it.

[Gordonb]

I don't want to say too much about last night as it is still in previews; there was one technical glitch mid-way through "Loveland" which forced a 10 minutes or so break in proceedings but otherwise (to my eyes anyway) it all seemed to go smoothly. It was, as you'd expect, a full house and I got the impression that Sondheim aficionados were out in great numbers; Steve was there and made an appearance in one of the aisles during the closing bows and he was identified/pointed out by Imelda Staunton with a warm "thank you to our composer" - he did his nonchalant shrug of the shoulders (around which he had tied his sweater) but was beaming - she also called out for "3 cheers" which I don't believe I have ever seen in a theatrical context - he did seem very delighted.

I think it is fair to say that this is a no-expense spared production - 35 or so actors and a 21 musicians; a beautiful and crumbling revolving set and the vastness of the Olivier was well used. There was a very good sound balance with the orchestra; I noticed 2 occasions when 2 actors seemed to "lose" a phrase or 2 but I don't know whether that was due to them forgetting the line or a microphone problem.

It's hard and unfair to single out individuals but one highlight was the Buddy of Peter Forbes (a hitherto unknown name to me) - he was quite heartbreaking and very naturalistic and he was in fine voice too in his solo numbers. Staunton was Sally to a T; much more restrained than her 2 most recent Sondheim outings; I got quite misty-eyed at "if you don't kiss me Ben, I think I'm going to die".

Janie Dee and Philip Quast were as polished as you'd expect; there might have been a little too much Garland-chanelling in Tracie Bennett's "I'm Still Here" but Di Botcher nailed "Broadway Baby". Of the "younger selves" quartet I couldn't take my eyes of Zizi Strallen (Young Phyllis).

I've said more than I had planned,  but I think it is fair to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the performance last night, and I'm looking forward to seeing it again next month with others so we can talk about it and they can tell me how wrong I am in my assessments; I'm talking to you @Vera Charles