Saw Death Trap this evening at Theatre Royal Newcastle and have never been more disappointed. Wonderful Dancers, Great Musicians BUT leave the acting to actors who we can hear. The nauseating dialogue was a complete distraction from the dance and did the designer go home at half time and leave us with white Y Fronts to distract from the dance? Bring back the spirit of Christopher Bruce, bring back the joy and flair of Dame Marie and be a Dance Company. Do what you do well. The camera work and the MC were an unfunny device that contributed nothing but a distraction. We are now nervous of coming to see Rambert again.
One of my all time favourite shows. I absolutely love it - brilliant and sympathetic story telling
Having greatly enjoyed the Fureys over many years, and being sympathetic with regards to Paul's death, and Davey's stroke, I feel a bit uncomfortable posting this review. Nevertheless, I saw them last night in Glasgow, and can only describe the overall experience as grim. I hope I can spare others the immense disappointment I experienced.On arrival I was amazed at the number of empty seats. I was soon to realise why!Certainly, there were positives. Most of the musicians, incidentally only 2 of whom were Fureys, were clearly talented,(Of Finbar,I have to say "we missed him,the old man". I had to question though the contribution of the guy on the guitar on the left) Another positive was that some of the old favourites" were good, and well enjoyed. However, I could make out very little of what Eddie was saying, the usual warm lively atmosphere of previous years was gone, there were too many songs that weren't characteristic of the Fureys of old. In conclusion, I feel they should qualify the title of the show in some way e.g. maybe "The Fureys - Eddy,and George with some new faces"As it was, I felt I'd been tempted there under false pretences.
The show tries to build empathy by telling a story of a single displaced person, but does so in an abstract way where the audience never gets to know the character - doesn't quite meet the show's aim. The story is retold multiple times through various art forms, dance, projection, video etc. It feels like a recent graduate has tried to fit all of the techniques they've learned into the show, rather than them being additive. None of the repeated versions add anything to the narrative, except for runtime. Lastly, the use of audience participation via smartphones, lauded in other reviews, is incredibly shallow, it doesn't help us connect with the character or the story. The questions asked of the audience are leading, e.g., you're asked if you feel empathy with forced displacement three times throughout the show - the audience knows the desire of the showmakers is for empathy to increase over time, to not answer in the positive is to be a contrarian. Would suggest going back to the drawing board, and asking what is the objective behind the show - if it's truly about raising awareness and empathy for forced displacement (and not purely artistic grandstanding) then creating a show where the character and their story really shines would be better.
Brilliantly performed - a real credit to the cast and all Involved. My daughter and I loved the show
To avoid confusion, this is not the real genuine original Bowie The Bowie Experience (since 1997 with Laurence) It is a cabaret that has copied our show name and started after lock down, if you are hoping that this is The Bowie Experience you will be disappointed. contact your ticket vendor for a refund if you have bought a ticket in error.
Not funny, not interesting, just irritating, ignorant, and occasionally obnoxious. Dom's 'wit' relies on criticism and calling everything 'fucking mental'. The Northcote character is incredibly outdated, tiring and unfunny. There was nothing to redeem this show, it was painfully embarrassing in how cringe the attempts at comedy were.
Pretentious mess-up of a great play. Sound system in theatre not fit for purpose. It is all in the dialogue and it was hardly audible.
Excellent show 2nd time I have seen it brilliant performance
I felt it was generally well done on a limited stage. Some actors were not projecting their voices sufficiently and were overacting. They may have been the understudy, so I was disappointed as I expected to see the published actors on the first night.
