The Theatre Royal, Haymarket is showing Marguerite from 6 May to 1 November 2008. The location is right opposite Her Majesty’s theatre in the same road, where Phantom of the Opera has been playing for many years.
Marguerite - the musical for grown-ups June 14, 2008
Posted by Linda in : Theatre Royal, marguerite , 8commentsMarguerite The Musical
Marguerite is an ideal choice if you are planning a theatre break in London and fancy something a bit more grown up than the usual fare. Tempted by some of the comments on the blog we went to see Marguerite, currently playing at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket. I was hoping for a rather special treat and I wasn’t disappointed.
The Theatre Royal
The Theatre Royal, Haymarket is a gorgeous traditional theatre. As we reached the grand entrance and saw the stylish posters I began to feel quite excited. We’d allowed ourselves plenty of time to get there so were in no hurry. I treated myself to a programme and we made our way to the elegant downstairs bar. The bar was comfortably cool and surprisingly airy after the heat of the busy city. After a casual glance through the programme and a glass of my favourite dry sherry it was time to head for our seats.
As we waited for the start we spent our time people watching. It’s a very different crowd to the one you see at Wicked, that’s for sure! I think it really must be a musical for grown-ups. The audience was quiet and attentive, clapping and showing their appreciation. They seemed content to wait for the interval to eat and I didn’t see any giant buckets of popcorn, or any mobile phones.
Marguerite - The Show
Soon I was swept up in the romance of the story. Based on the Dumas novel La Dame aux Camélias it is a plot that has been used many times since, most recently by Baz Lurman in Moulin Rouge. Having said that, for Marguerite the action moves forward to wartime Paris and this adds some fresh twists and turns to the plot. Marguerite is the doomed heroine, Otto her German lover and Armand the young French muscian with whom she falls so devastatingly in love. Their love affair is echoed and contrasted with that of another pair of lovers, Annette, Armand’s sister and Lucien, her Jewish partner.
The Cast of Marguerite
Our star, of course, was Ruthie Henshall as Marguerite. She starts off as brittle and brilliant as the China Doll of the song and gradually shifts into someone much more human and sympathetic. Not an easy thing to do at all but I think she did it with panache.
Played by Julien Ovendon, Armand was everything you’d expect, rash, impetuous and obsessed. Idealistic about his love for Marguerite, he’d no time for her attempts to make him see the impossible situation and dangers they faced. His voice soared in their duets but I found it most moving when he sang What’s Left of Love? Hankies at the ready!
Alexander Hanson even made Otto almost sympathetic at times, as trapped in some ways as Marguerite, before eventually showing his darker more, ruthless side.I was a bit worried that the sight of stage Nazis might be a little too close to Springtime for Hitler, or worse yet ‘Allo Allo’! but it was skilfully avoided.
I though Annalene Beechey played Annette, Armand’s sister very convincingly and her voice was just a delight, so pure and clear, quite heart rending at times. Her voice blended so well with Simon Thomas, who played Lucien, and their duet ‘Take Good Care of Yourself ‘definitely brought tears to my eyes.
Then there’s Marguerite’s agent, Georges, a slippery character played wonderfully by Andrew C Wadsworth. In the second act Gay Soper as the Chanteuse sings a couple of songs, including one in French, in the chanteuse style which I particularly enjoyed.
The ensemble deserve a mention as their singing of some pretty complex stuff was brilliant. The song Day by Day changes gradually each time it is sung till by the end the meaning has totally shifted. Their acting was good too, portraying a group who always knew how to look after themselves.
The Music
Some people have said they didn’t enjoy the music but I loved it. The songs have filled my head for the last couple of days. I do have favourites, China Doll is so sad and pretty, Jazz Time (I’m a sucker for a bit of le jazz hot!) and I like Intoxication. This was sung as a trio by Marguerite, Otto and Armand and beautifully done I might add!
Back in London
By the end of the show I was emotionally wrung out and snivelling, along with many of the audience. We wandered into the night amazed to find it wasn’t even dark yet and we were in London not Paris, sadly! Still there was time for a stroll round the West End, soaking in the buzz, talking about our favourite bits. We ended up having a quiet drink in the pub opposite Jersey Boys and watching as the crowd came out, wandered off in search of supper or climbed into the waiting rickshaws. They looked as if they’d had just as entertaining an evening as we had and after a bit of discussion we decided there has to be room in the West End for both a ‘jukebox’ musical like Jersey Boys and more original productions like Marguerite. As I said at the start, Marguerite is an ideal choice for more sophisticated musical theatre in London’s West End.
Oliver - Jodie gets two extra performances on a Saturday! June 2, 2008
Posted by Linda in : I'd do anything, Musicals, Oliver, Theatre Royal, dates , 1 comment so far
** Oliver Theatre Breaks **
Jodie Prenger, winner of BBC’s I’d Do Anything, has already been given an extra two performances a week. This turns it into an almost full schedule. According to the official site:
Sickness and holiday permitting, we have decided that Jodie Prenger is scheduled to perform on Monday and Tuesday evenings, Wednesday matinees, Friday evenings and both performances on Saturday. Until the show opens in December we cannot make a final decision on any additional performances.
So someone clearly has confidence in Jodie’s ability to cope, despite what might have have been said during the show. There’s been a huge outcry about the small number of performances initially allotted to the winner. If you want to explore the full range of reactions just have a look through the seventy odd comments on my Jodie Prenger Wins I’d Do Anything blog post!
This looks like a good move on their part given the strength of the popular vote, Jodie’s personal popularity must be capable of translating into ticket sales so they’ll want to use her as much as possible.
I wonder if they had set the level so low in case one of the youngsters won. Let’s be honest, I can’t imagine 17 year old Samantha Berk sustaining more than 4 performances a week or Jessie, for that matter, at all of 18. I know Nancy’s not an enormous role but it has some taxing songs and her performance is pivotal to the success of the show. If we don’t care about Nancy nothing else makes sense.
So now you can be sure of seeing Jodie Prenger as Nancy on your Oliver weekend theatre break. Just one thing, book soon, as weekend dates are filling up fast!
Jodie Prenger is Nancy but can you be sure of seeing her? June 1, 2008
Posted by Linda in : I'd do anything, Musicals, Oliver, Theatre Royal, dates , add a comment
Jodie Prenger was revealed on I’d Do Anything last night as the nation’s choice for the role of Nancy in Cameron Macintosh’s new production of Oliver at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. The production starts previews from December 12th and Oliver theatre breaks are already on sale.
What Nights Will She Play?
Please Note - Updated Post - Jodie is now playing 6 shows a week.
So Jodie is Nancy, but how can you be sure of seeing her? The official web site for the show now says:
Sickness and holiday permitting, we have decided that Jodie Prenger is scheduled to perform on Monday and Tuesday evenings, Wednesday matinees, Friday evenings and both performances on Saturday. Until the show opens in December we cannot make a final decision on any additional performances.
So if you want to book Oliver theatre breaks now, to be sure of getting tickets you need to pick your days with care.
It may be that once rehearsals get going and they see how she copes more performances will be added. Currently Jodie Prenger will play 6 houses a week.
Christmas Oliver Theatre Breaks
It might still be possible to book a theatre break to see Oliver during the Christmas holidays. If you are going to go for that you will need to act quickly. I think Oliver will be a massive draw over the Christmas period. We all love a bit of Dickens at Christmas and Oliver is a perfect family show.
Oliver Christmas Performance Dates and Times
Sickness and any holidays permitting Jodie’s proposed performances are marked in red:
Mon 22nd December - 7.30pm
Tues 23rd December - 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Wednesday 24th December - 2.30pm
Thursday 25th December - No show
Friday 26th December - 7.30pm
Saturday 27th December - 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Monday 29th December -7.30pm
Tuesday 30th December -7.30pm
Wednesday 31st December - 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Thursday 1st January -7.30pm
Friday 2nd January- 7.30pm
Saturday 3rd January- 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Update - Jodie gets Saturday performances
See our latest post -Jodie’s playing both Saturday performances as well now, possibly due to public demand.
What about Oliver?
I’m afraid there’s no way to be sure of seeing your favourite Oliver. The web site states:
Due to licensing issues we cannot decide which Oliver will perform until shortly before the performance starts.
Having said that they are all wonderful, and we shouldn’t really play favourites . I can’t help but have a soft spot for one little Welsh charmer but I know they’re all good.
I’ll be ‘reviewing the situation’ 
and I’ll post as soon as there are any more details about the cast, dates, or anything else to do with Oliver.
Check availabilty for Oliver Theatre Breaks with Show and Stay/Holiday Extras using the form below:
Marguerite - Opens Tomorrow May 19, 2008
Posted by Linda in : Theatre Royal, dates, marguerite , 3commentsThe new musical Marguerite premieres at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket on the 20 May 2008. The story is based on Alexandre Dumas’ novel La Dame aux Camelias, which has been re-worked to bring us everything from the opera La Traviatta to the film Moulin Rouge. Marguerite is set in Nazi occupied Paris, where as the mistress of a high-ranking German officer, she falls in love a young jazz musician and resistance fighter half her age.
The book is by Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schonberg and Jonathan Kent, The original French lyrics by Boublil, were re-written for this production by Herbert Kretzmer. Apparently some set changes were also made to avoid any “‘Ello, ‘Ello” echoes which might have put off a UK audience.
Marguerite stars Ruthie Henshall in the title role with, Julian Ovenden and Alexander Hanson. The production is booking at the Haymarket until 1 November 2008
The production has had a very mixed response in previews. Some people have absolutely loved it and found it a ‘very grown-up musical’, others found it a little lacklustre. Personally I definitely fancy seeing it.
Quotes from our readers:
Went to see this last night Monday 12th May and it was fantastic, the best thing I have seen in many months. The cast were brilliant, also the costumes and set. A thoroughly enjoyable performance in a beautiful theatre.
And:
I saw Marguerite last night and it was truly amazing. I particularly enjoyed Andrew C Wadsworth’s portrayal of Georges, Marguerite’s agent.
Update - Video Footage of Marguerite the Musical
Meet the Director of THE SEA February 14, 2008
Posted by admin in : Theatre Royal, the sea , add a commentThursday 21st February at 6.15pm at Waterstone’s on Piccadilly.
Acclaimed opera and theatre director Jonathan Kent will be at Waterstone’s on Piccadilly to discuss his production of Edward Bond’s play, THE SEA at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, starring the great Eileen Atkins and David Haig, one of the greatest comic actors of his generation.
Tickets are only £3, and that amount can be knocked off the price of the play text, which is also available at Waterstone’s.
To book your tickets either get them in the bookshop itself, or ring their customers services department on 020 7851 2400.
Waterstone’s, 203 - 206 Piccadilly, London W1V 9LE
For more information on the Theatre Royal Haymarket Season visit www.trh.co.uk
See THE SEA for only £29.50 (usually up to £47.50)
Valid for Monday - Thursday performances until 28 February. Subject to availability.
Call 0844 844 2353 and quote ‘Waterstones The Sea’.
Marguerite - new musical at the Haymarket January 31, 2008
Posted by admin in : Musicals, Theatre Royal, marguerite, news , 8comments** Book Marguerite theatre breaks **
Ruthie Henshall will star with Julien Ovendon in a brand new musical at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket from May 7th 2008. Marguerite the musical will be the World Premiere of a collaboration between Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg (Les Misérables, Miss Saigon and Martin Guerre) and the Oscar award-winning musical legend Michel Legrand and lyricist Herbert Kretzmer (Les Misérables).
A love story set in Paris during the Second World War, Marguerite is based on the great romantic novel, La Dame aux Camélias by Alexandre Dumas. That’s right - the exact same story as Baz Lurmans’ film Moulin Rouge! This stage version though is set against the background of occupied war time Paris.
In this tense, dangerous atmosphere Marguerite,the beautiful and notorious mistress of a high ranking German officer, falls for Armand a young musician half her age. Armand’s obsessive love for Marguerite puts them both at risk.
** Book Marguerite theatre breaks **
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