Reviewer name
Dan
Performance rating
Seat rating
Show performance date
Seat
Dress Circle K4
Thoughts on show
This seems to be getting rave reviews in public comments but I was left a little bit cold. On the positive side, the performances were great, there were some nice (minor) adaptations from the plot of the film to make it both feasible and more contemporary and the special effects really are special. There is no doubt that you are seeing something never before seen on a West End stage. One small technical hitch with a curtain did detract slightly from the 'wow' factor of the most spectacular sequence but apart from that it's astounding. Also, the costumes are incredibly faithful to those seen in the film. However, if you know the script well, then there is very little mystery or surprise. While it's fun to hear those lines repeated (along with occasional whoops and cheers from the audience), it makes for a rather overfamiliar evening. In addition to that, the music doesn't really pack a punch and I am struggling to remember anything the day after except the familiar songs from the film. Everyone around me seemed to be having a good time and I admit I laughed a lot, but I was left feeling that this is a case of style over substance.
Thoughts on venue
Nice theatre, nice staff. Air conditioning was set way too high and we were actually cold for the majority of the performance (not really a complaint as it was a hot day and I was expecting the worst in the dress circle).
Thoughts on seat
K4 in the Dress Circle (my friend was in K5). It's a big circle and a large-ish head two rows in front did block part of my view, but it didn't affect my enjoyment. I was lucky that there was no one in the row immediately in front for the first half and no one behind for the whole show, so I didn't feel bad moving around a bit when necessary. I do think that further forward in the DC or somewhere in the stalls would put you more in the action, so that's worth considering for people who want the absolute best experience of the effects. Legroom in K4 is a huge luxury and I always like aisle seats anyway. Given that I paid £25 for a rush ticket on the day of the show, I have absolutely no complaints and felt I got very good value for money.