Printable version of thread

Posted by: Sydney11 28th January 2019, 07:11 PM

Robbie Williams
‏
Very excited to reveal I’ve been working with @guyachambers on the music & lyrics for @davidwalliams' new musical with @TheRSC - The Boy In The Dress! Can’t wait to share some of the new music with you soon x #RSCBoyinDress









https://twitter.com/search?q=robbie%20williams&src=typd




https://www.rsc.org.uk/the-boy-in-the-dress

Posted by: Sydney11 28th January 2019, 08:16 PM

Q & A R.S.C to Mark Ravenhill

The RSC

Why did you choose to adapt The Boy in the Dress? #AskMarkRavenhill

Mark Ravenhill

When I ask kids what books they really liked, David Walliams’ books kept coming up - and when I read The Boy in the Dress I thought it was fresh, funny and very moving. I thought the theme of discovering who you were through clothing and costume was inherently theatrical.

The RSC

Where did the idea of approaching Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers come from and what do you think this partnership will bring to the show? #AskMarkRavenhill

Mark Ravenhill

I’ve always followed and enjoyed the songs that Robbie and Guy have written together since Angels and I think the honesty and wit of their writing is a great fit with David Walliams' tone.


TheRSC

What do you think Shakespeare would think of The Boy in the Dress? #AskMarkRavenhill


Mark Ravenhill

I think that Shakespeare would enjoy a comedy in which the central character discovers themselves through cross-dressing, and would delight in the richness and diversity of the characters in David Walliams' story.


https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskMarkRavenhill?src=hash

Posted by: Sydney11 28th January 2019, 08:21 PM

The Boy in the Dress by David Walliams to become stage musical



Robbie & Guy appear in the above video


https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2019/jan/28/the-boy-in-the-dress-by-david-walliams-to-become-stage-musical

Posted by: Sydney11 28th January 2019, 08:38 PM

Stage set for The Boy In The Dress musical

The musical has been in development since 2012.

By Sherna Noah, Press Association Senior Entertainment Correspondent - January 28 2019


The Royal Shakespeare Company is bringing David Walliams’s book The Boy In The Dress to the stage after more than six years in the making.

The musical will feature music and lyrics by Robbie Williams and his collaborator Guy Chambers.

RSC artistic director Gregory Doran, who will direct the show, announced the musical as part of its winter season.

The book, about a 12-year-old boy who loves football and dresses, was Walliams’s debut children’s novel, published in 2008.

The bestselling author and Britain’s Got Talent judge said the show was a “dream collaboration”.

“It’s now 10 years since The Boy In The Dress was first published and we’ve come a long way in that time,” he said.

“Ultimately, I wanted to write a story that encouraged people to recognise that difference can be celebrated, that it’s OK to be yourself.

“I’ve always loved musicals and, somehow, I’d always imagined this book to be made into a musical.”

Williams and Chambers said: “We’re beyond excited to be working with the RSC on our first musical theatre collaboration.

“We are both big fans of David’s books, so when he approached us about writing the soundtrack to a new musical version of The Boy In The Dress for the RSC, we were genuinely delighted.

“There’s a real freshness, cheekiness and heart to David’s writing which we’ve worked really hard to capture in the music.”

Public booking for our new season will open on 18 March.

If you'd like early access and a host of other benefits, join The RSC to get priority booking from 18 February. http://bit.ly/2U9a8Hd #RSCWinter19

Mark Ravenhill, who is adapting the novel, said the book was a “gripping, entertaining and life-affirming story with all the ingredients of a great stage show”.

Other productions will include Shakespeare’s King John, at the Swan Theatre, “exploring contemporary issues of nationhood”, A Museum In Baghdad by Hannah Khalil, and The Whip by Juliet Gilkes Romero.

“Like Shakespeare’s King John, A Museum In Baghdad and The Whip are plays which aren’t afraid to confront big issues and ideas,” deputy artistic director Erica Whyman said.

“What does it mean to be a post-imperial nation? Black-British? Middle Eastern-British? Fundamentally, this is a season about what it means to be ‘British’ and what responsibility must we take for our past as we embark on an uncertain future.”

The Boy In The Dress will play for 18 weeks at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon from November 2019 to March 2020.

https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/stage-set-for-the-boy-in-the-dress-musical-37755978.html

Posted by: Tombo 29th January 2019, 12:03 AM

I hope the songs are good

Posted by: Laura130262 29th January 2019, 12:08 AM

Agree.

I'd actually like to go and see this - Stratford is a bit of a way though.

Looking forward to hearing some of the music.

Posted by: Laura130262 29th January 2019, 12:19 AM

Robbie Williams
‏
Verified account

@robbiewilliams
13h
13 hours ago


Very excited to reveal I’ve been working with @guyachambers on the music & lyrics for @davidwalliams' new musical with @TheRSC - The Boy In The Dress! Can’t wait to share some of the new music with you soon x #RSCBoyinDress

Posted by: Sydney11 29th January 2019, 05:32 AM

Me also Laura , I must check it out , it's on until end of March next year , how far from London is it , I wonder where the nearest airport is They might move it to |London if it is successful, they did that with Matilda . It should do well, David Walliams books are a huge hit so I can see it appealing to kids , looking forward to hearing the songs etc

It must be very exciting for Robbie & Guy doing something different together , I think it will be good for them & broaden their horizons

Posted by: Laura130262 30th January 2019, 12:25 AM

Definitely.

Stratford on Avon is less than a couple of hours from London.

If you can do the maths and get over we could go together. I'd drive us there from London. Stratford on Avon is lovely. Lots of history.

Posted by: Laura130262 30th January 2019, 12:27 AM

David Walliams has done so well. He's so talented.

Comedian/actor/writer/presenter.


All round nice man too.

Posted by: Laura130262 30th January 2019, 12:31 AM

Posted by: Laura130262 30th January 2019, 12:35 AM

Robbie and Guy on half way through.

Posted by: Sydney11 30th January 2019, 07:11 AM

Will tie in with you Laura regarding the details. SOA is 30 mins by road from Birmingham airport which I fly in & out of on a regular basis so I am familiar with the general area . I think tickets will go quite quickly for these shows so we better get our act together in March when they go on sale

It would be very interesting to see how this works for Robbie & Guy, it's something very different & is quite exciting

Posted by: Laura130262 31st January 2019, 12:10 AM

Even better for you Tess.

I could meet you there.

Let's see how it all transpires. If it's meant to be - we'll get there.

Posted by: Sydney11 31st January 2019, 05:14 AM

We can do the maths & see how it goes, hopefully it will work out

Posted by: Sydney11 18th March 2019, 03:23 PM

Tickets have gone on sale

THE BOY IN THE DRESS

https://www.rsc.org.uk/the-boy-in-the-dress-musical/tickets

Posted by: Laura130262 19th March 2019, 12:02 AM

Good prices and loads of choice.

I'm up for it.

Posted by: Laura130262 19th March 2019, 12:04 AM

Posted by: Sydney11 19th March 2019, 08:21 PM

Yippee ...looking forward to this

Cannot wait to see what R & G have come up with

Posted by: Sydney11 21st March 2019, 06:22 PM

Posted by: Laura130262 22nd March 2019, 12:39 AM

Not only do I get to meet Tess after "talking" to her every day for the last 13 years but we get to see the show together.

Posted by: Sydney11 8th June 2019, 04:36 PM

Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers channel Britpop for David Walliams' musical soundtrack


Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers have channelled the Britpop era for the soundtrack to David Walliams' new musical 'The Boy In The Dress'.

The 'I Love My Life' hitmaker and his long-time songwriting partner have teamed up with the 'Britain's Got Talent' judge and author on the music for his new production based on his debut children's tome, which was published in 2008, and tells the story of a young boy who enjoys cross-dressing and how his loved ones reacted.

Guy – who released his debut solo album entitled 'Go Gentle Into The Light' earlier this month – has revealed their new tunes were inspired by the period in the mid-1990s which was dominated by bands such as Oasis, Radiohead and Blur and Robbie's first solo album, 'Life Thru a Lens', which he released in 1997 and saw him move away from his band Take That's pop sound and was largely inspired by the Britpop movement.

The show is by the Royal Shakespeare Company and is set to launch this November in the birthplace of late literary legend William Shakespeare; Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Speaking to m-magazine.co.uk, Guy said: "It's a musical based on David's book and basically, it's very like the first album we did, Life thru a Lens. It's got that sort of Britpop feel to it, lots of guitars and sunny pop songs, there's also some sad pop songs. And the opening night is 9 November in Stratford-Upon-Avon."

The producer – who has also worked with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Miles Kane, Mark Ronson and Tina Turner to name a few – helped Robbie achieve International success with his first five solo albums all topping the chart.

The pair reunited in 2013 for the covers record 'Swings Both Ways', which became the 'Rock DJ' hitmaker's 11th number one.

As well as working on the musical and his recently released solo album, Guy has also been in the studio with Robbie again recording songs for his next album, the follow-up to 2016's 'The Heavy Entertainment Show'.

The Ivor Novello-winner recently shared how Robbie's approach to creating new music is often quite spontaneous, and he has to make sure he's always recording just in case the singer does something "really very strong".

He said: "[Robbie] gets quite a buzz from a track already in progress. He likes a certain amount of music to ... So what we tend to do when he walks through the room is we immediately give him a mic, a handheld mic, and he immediately starts singing, if he likes the track. We record everything he does, because sometimes his first thoughts are really very strong, and I'm sort of playing along at the same time trying to interact with him.

"I like jamming with people when I'm writing. I like playing at the same time, I like getting involved, and not just watching it. I like ... I suppose directing it in a way, and that's what it's like with Rob."
https://www.list.co.uk/article/108745-robbie-williams-and-guy-chambers-channel-britpop-for-david-walliams-musical-soundtrack/

Posted by: Sydney11 23rd September 2019, 05:21 AM

Restaurant fortnight planned to support businesses

A new restaurant fortnight is being launched in Stratford next month to support food businesses amid concerns that they may suffer during the period the RSC main theatre is dark.

This year, in preparation for the RSC’s hotly anticipated show ‘The Boy in the Dress’ the main theatre will be out of action until 8th November.

It is an unusually long break between shows and Stratforward have been trying to prepare businesses for a potentially difficult period.

The organisation believes that Stratford may lose as many as 7,000 visitors per week during this time, but wants to give food orientated businesses a helping hand with its Stratford Feasts event.

The event will not involve the closure of any roads, but local restaurants are being encouraged to host events and launch special offers, which Stratforward will then heavily promote.

It will take place between 4th-20th October, while a Spring Feasts event is planned from 6th-22nd March.

Joe Baconnet, director of Stratforward BID, said: “The theatre will go dark for a long time, it’s not been that long for quite a few years. We have been talking to businesses about this throughout the year, trying to prepare them for any impact. It’s likely that the food businesses will be most affected, but I would expect it may take a few weeks to see if there has been much of an impact.

“The theatre has gone dark in the past and perhaps businesses have not looked at their takings and put two and two together before, but we decided to organise Stratford Feasts as a way of supporting businesses, particularly food businesses over what could potentially be a more difficult time. Of course with the uncertainty over Brexit, businesses may also have other worries on their mind.”

Catherine Mallyon, Royal Shakespeare Company executive director, said: “We have a busy few months ahead, with the Royal Shakespeare Theatre playing host to our Live at the RSC Comedy Festival – presented in partnership with Underbelly – featuring 22 of the country’s best comedians, between 12 – 21 September.

“In the Swan Theatre, after we say goodbye to The Provoked Wife and Venice Preserved this Saturday (7 Sept), King John will open on Friday 19 September, followed, from 11 October, by A Museum in Baghdad. The Rooftop Restaurant, the Riverside and Swan cafes, our exhibition The Play’s The Thing, together with Susie’s Café Bar at The Other Place will remain open throughout. And our popular theatre tours, along with a range of family events and activities, will also be on offer.

“Once the Comedy Festival is over, we will be preparing for the world premiere of our new musical, The Boy in the Dress, based on David Walliams’ book.

“This exciting new production, adapted by Mark Ravenhill, and with music and lyrics by Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers, previews from 8 November 2019. A musical like The Boy in the Dress is a major undertaking for the Company, and requires a longer preparation period than normal owing to the scale of the production. We keep our dark periods as short as we possibly can. Not only do we hope to have busy buildings all the time, but we also recognise that visitors and full houses are important for other businesses in the town. ( I am really looking forward to this , looks like it is going to be big production )

“Our forthcoming season promises to offer something for all, and, as always, we look forward to welcoming everyone to our theatres.”

Food businesses are currently being encouraged to submit their ideas for events and special offers during Stratford Feasts to Stratforward.

http://www.stratford-herald.com/102137-restaurant-fortnight-planned-support-businesses.html

Posted by: Sydney11 25th September 2019, 04:19 AM

Mark Shenton
@ShentonStage
GUY CHAMBERS, who co-wrote the music and lyrics of
@TheRSC
’s THE BOY IN THE DRESS with
@robbiewilliams
, says the score was written in two weeks in LA. (Two of the songs were already in the bag before they began, planned for Robbie’s last album but not used on it).

Posted by: Sydney11 28th September 2019, 10:15 PM

Guy Chambers Retweeted
WhatsOnStage
@WhatsOnStage
·
Sep 24
We're meeting the creative team for
@TheRSC
's Boy in the Dress musical! Stay tuned for all our coverage coming later...

https://twitter.com/WhatsOnStage/status/1176442666994819072

Posted by: Sydney11 2nd October 2019, 07:22 PM

Posted by: Sydney11 20th October 2019, 08:12 PM

The Boy in the Dress musical: watch the cast and meet Guy Chambers, Aletta Collins, Mark Ravenhill and more

WhatsOnStage has a first listen to one of the new numbers from The Boy in the Dress musical as the piece prepares to open in Stratford.

The show is Mark Ravenhill's adaptation of David Walliams' book, with music from Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers.

The production begins previews at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon on Friday 8 November before opening on 27 November and running until 8 March 2020. Full casting for the show was recently announced – you can see who will star in the piece and the announced creative team here.

The Boy in the Dress is Walliams' debut children's book, which follows 12 year-old Dennis, who is his football team's striker and wants to wear a dress to school.




https://www.whatsonstage.com/stratford-upon-avon-theatre/news/the-boy-in-the-dress-musical-listen-dance-williams_50115.html

Posted by: Sydney11 29th October 2019, 07:29 PM

Robbie Williams pops in to see cast of The Boy In The Dress

The musical will feature new music by Williams and his long-term writing partner Guy Chambers.

29 October, 2019 11:01

Robbie Williams paid a surprise visit to the cast of new musical The Boy In The Dress.

The show is based on the novel by David Walliams and features new music by pop star Williams and his long-term writing partner Guy Chambers.

Angels singer Williams said it was “overwhelming to be in front of such a talented cast” and watching the rehearsals brought back memories.

“I went to a lot of theatre when I was a kid and I was in a lot of theatre as a kid and I remember the overwhelming feeling of people clapping for me and cheering for me,” he said.

“It was the first time that I thought maybe I’m good at something, and to this day, that moment is still palpable.

“Looking at this young cast and seeing them perform, I feel like I know them because, I’ve been them,” the singer and former X Factor judge added.

The musical tells the story of star striker and fashion lover Dennis and is adapted by former RSC writer-in-residence Mark Ravenhill.

It opens at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon on November 8 2019, and runs until March 8 2020.






https://www.irishnews.com/magazine/entertainment/2019/10/29/news/robbie-williams-pops-in-to-see-cast-of-the-boy-in-the-dress-1751479/

Posted by: Sydney11 29th October 2019, 10:35 PM

Posted by: Laura130262 29th October 2019, 11:54 PM

Very un-nerving that he looks like a Vicar here.

Posted by: Sydney11 30th October 2019, 06:14 AM

If he started saying Mass on Sundays the crowd would flock to the churches

Posted by: Sydney11 10th November 2019, 06:47 AM

INTERVIEW: David Walliams on The Boy In The Dress

During rehearsals, David Walliams spoke to Terri Paddock about his inspiration for The Boy in the Dress, his burgeoning career as a children’s writer and how he feels having his work adapted by the RSC.


How did your collaboration with the RSC begin?

I certainly never thought, oh, one day The Boy in the Dress will be a musical with the RSC. About four years ago, Mark Ravenhill asked to adapt it. At that point, he didn’t say that it should be a musical. I thought it was going to be a play version. So I met Mark a few times. I liked him a lot, I liked his work a lot. I thought, well, he’s a proper playwright, it’s brilliant that he wants to do it.

I’d seen all of Mark’s plays – Shopping and F****** (like everyone else), Mother Clap’s Molly’s House, Some Explicit Polaroids, The Cane. You don’t think of his work as being child-friendly, especially not a play called Shopping and F****** But I knew that he’d know how to make the story theatrical, and there are issues in the book where I thought, where he’s coming from with his previous work, he’ll know how to deal with that in a sensitive way.

Later I met Mark with Greg Doran and they said, oh, we’d like to do it as a musical and ask Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers to write the music. I know Robbie and Guy a bit and I thought, well, you can ask them, I’m not going to ask. When they said, Robbie and Guy are on board, then I thought, yeah, well, I’ll believe it when I hear the songs. Then, when I came to a workshop and I heard 18 incredible songs, I was like, oh, this is real now.

What do Guy Chambers and Robbie Williams, in particular, bring to The Boy in the Dress?

They’re brilliant. What I was really impressed with when I first heard their songs for The Boy in the Dress was how immediate they were. There’s a directness and simplicity to them. Sometimes you can see a musical and you’re listening and you can think, what were they just saying? Because Guy and Robbie are used to writing pop songs, they’re very immediate and very gettable.

Also, while their songs are obviously based on things in The Boy in the Dress, they’re not slavish to it. They’ve found their own new language, but also they’ve somehow enlarged it. They’ve made the whole thing grow and feel much bolder than it was before. Songs have that power, don’t they?

They’re all really catchy too and each song is unique to the character, that character’s voice and the emotion they’re expressing.

https://britishtheatre.com/interview-david-walliams-on-the-boy-in-the-dress/

Posted by: Sydney11 10th November 2019, 09:17 PM

Robbie Williams & Guy Chambers MUSICAL REVIEW The Boy In The Dress


Celebrity Radio by Alex Belfield







Really good review ....

Posted by: Sydney11 10th November 2019, 09:34 PM

INTERVIEW: Guy Chambers on The Boy in the Dress, now on at the RSC

First reactions to The Boy in the Dress, which opened Friday, have been hugely positive. Here Gill Sutherland talks to Guy Chambers about writing the songs for the musical with long-term collaborator Robbie Williams.


How did The Boy in the Dress come about?

I got a call from Mark Ravenhill [who has adapted David Walliams’ book for the stage show] asking me if I was interested and I said I was. So I came up here and met Bruce O’Neil [RSC’s head of music] and chatted about it. Initially they asked me if I wanted to do it and I thought I probably shouldn’t do this on my own so I called Rob and he took about five minutes to think about it and pretty much said yes straightaway.


And you knew David Walliams before this?

I’ve known David since 1995 when he was starting out. David and I had a chat about The Boy in the Dress socially – in fact he was at my studio trying to sing a duet with Rob for the Royal Variety Show as a sort of joke – he’s a terrible singer. He did mention The Boy in the Dress and that was going ahead and I said something like “that sounds interesting” and then the next minute Mark [Ravenhill] called.

Did the offer come as a bit of a curveball or do you take everything in your stride?

Not everything no. I’ve wanted to do a musical for a long, long time – 20 years. I did actually start another show a few years back which was Nowhere Boy, but I pulled out of that because it was all about a young John Lennon and because I’m such a Beatles nut I got very nervous and uncomfortable. It was a bit of a shame; now looking back on it I’m thinking I should have done it. I didn’t have enough nerve then, but I think I do now – maybe we’ll see how this one goes. It’s a risky business.

What’s the vibe so far?

It looks like it’s going to be a great success, but the critics are very powerful.

Are you a fan of musicals?

I am a fan of classic musicals largely pre-1980. Jesus Christ Superstar comes to mind and Guys and Dolls, Cabaret, West Side Story – they’re the sort of musicals I was brought up with because my mother was hugely into shows and brought me from a very early age to the theatre. I’ve always loved the theatre and theatre people, that whole eco system.

Is it living up to expectations?

Yeah, well I have very high standards of what a musical should be in terms of the songs really earning their right to be there and you should be humming the tune when you leave the theatre, that’s essential for me.

I saw a splendid one in rehearsals – Disco Symphony?

Oh yeah, that’s probably the one they’ll be singing. It’s a humdinger. That was going to be on Robbie’s last album, but for whatever reason he decided not to put on there. So when we started writing the show we realised that the song would work brilliantly at the moment in the show when Dennis first puts on the dress and it turns into a wonderful fantasy sequence. Obviously we changed the lyrics, but it was just great serendipity that we had this song that was ready to go. We had to change the key, the lyric, and the structure, but the chorus was basically the same. There were another two pre-existing songs like that. Then all the other songs were written in chronological order. We just started at the top of the show and read Mark’s script.

Did Mark leave gaps where he thought songs should be?

Yes absolutely he did. Mark’s script was very helpful. We also kept going back to the book to look for inspiration, or clues, or phrases we could use. Like Ordinary is the first song in the show and that’s based on the first paragraph in the book.

You’ve made it sound quite simple!

We tried to keep it simple, and I’m a great believer in simple songs. I like a direct message, a really obvious chorus, and songs that make people dance, laugh, or cry. The second song, If I Don’t Cry, which is when Dennis’ mum leaves, will make you cry.

Were you familiar with the book?

No, I have four kids and my youngest was 11 so she’s read most of David’s books, but for some reason I missed that one. When I was asked to do it I read the book straightaway and loved it. I love David’s books. They’re great and they’ve encouraged boys to read which is a great thing in itself.

I can imagine Robbie belting the songs out in the studio… will we ever get to hear him sing them?

He sang all of the demos so there’s a version of the whole musical with him singing which is actually great. I think if the show’s a great success that could happen – not that I’m his manager. He might think that as a fun thing to do and I know he’s very fond of the songs. What he says about them is that they remind him of our first two albums.

You’re usually the wise learned person at the back and you’re kind of stepping forwards [Guy released solo album Go Gentle Into the Light and played a show at the RSC last month] are we going to more of Guy Chambers at the front from now on?
If my manager has anything to with it then yeah. I think a lot depends on how this show does. I’m also working on another show, but I can’t really talk about it because it’s a bit top secret. If this show does well than I do plan on doing another musical.

West Endish?

Well I think Rob and I, if it all goes well, will be asked to do another one.

Do you both do the lyrics – is it a join effort, or do you have clearly distinct and separate areas?

I would say that he gets more involved with the lyrics than I do and I get more involved with the music than he does, but then again quite a lot of the melodies are his and some of the lyrics are mine. We do share roles, but we do that naturally, we don’t talk about it. We trust one another. If there are things he’s not sure about musically he will tell me and we’ll try something else.

In 1996 Robbie had just left Take That, he was a bit of a wild card and, without wanting to sound too judgey, a bit unformed. What did you think of him when you first met him back then?

He would agree with that! I saw massive potential, but I also saw somebody that was very wounded. When I first met him he was overweight and an alcoholic, doing a lot of drugs. Obviously he had been in a very successful band and then he left and he was struggling a bit – but so was I. I was struggling to pay my mortgage and I was going to lose my house. So the timing for both of us was perfect. I wasn’t doing much – it wasn’t like I was committed to anything else. I had to fully commit to him basically.

Did one of you say “shall we pursue this working relationship”?

We worked together and that went so well that we just carried on from there. It all happened ridiculously quickly. We met on 8th January 1997 and the album was done by May, and then he went to rehab. We were launching the album in September and it was Number One by the end of the year.

What are some of the most songs you are most proud of? Do you get sick of Millennium?

Rob does. I guess Feel and Angels still really have a lot of power.

And music-wise who do you admire and any favourite songs?

Growing up, my dad played the flute in London Philharmonic Orchestra and then moved to the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra so I very much grew up with classical music and going to concerts to hear Tchaikovsky and Mozart. But bands wise there’s obviously Queen. I’m a huge Queen fan, so maybe Brighton Rock. I love ABBA as well. I’m in awe of their catalogue and I can’t wait to hear their new song.

What makes a great song?

A great song is the combination of words and music so that they gel together. When you have problems in pop music it’s when the words are better than the music or when the music is better than the words. If it’s out of balance then it’s a disaster.

http://www.stratford-herald.com/103477-interview-guy-chambers-boy-dress-now-rsc.html

Posted by: Laura130262 11th November 2019, 12:05 AM

Oh my goodness - what a review

"Musically perfect"

Posted by: Laura130262 11th November 2019, 12:09 AM

I've posted that on Upfront although as apparently he's lost his password to be able to log in - he might not see it.

Posted by: Sydney11 11th November 2019, 05:29 AM

I am sure he will pick it up on YT , he should be happy with that review .. hope the show does well ..

Posted by: Laura130262 11th November 2019, 11:30 PM

Sounds promising if they all review it like that.

Posted by: Sydney11 12th November 2019, 08:25 PM

4 weeks to go Laura

Posted by: Laura130262 12th November 2019, 11:44 PM

I know Tess - and after reading that review - I'm excited to see it. And to see you.

Posted by: Laura130262 23rd November 2019, 12:51 AM

There was a nice five minute interview with Robbie and David Walliams on News at Ten tonight with Will Gompertz the BBC's Art correspondent.

Also had the Director of the RSC on.

Good publicity for it.

Posted by: Sydney11 23rd November 2019, 07:23 AM

Think Robbie & David Walliams are at the RSC next Thursday ..

Posted by: Laura130262 23rd November 2019, 10:56 AM

How dare they....

Don't they know the 14th is the day to attend?

Posted by: Sydney11 24th November 2019, 10:01 AM

They will be there in spirit Laura

Posted by: Laura130262 24th November 2019, 01:47 PM

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbbc.in%2F2rhFi64%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3ROerj0Bp3xGrqK-B1JHOHRD3-t-JN5zKeURVxc8TnkN113GRKKlNqyE8&h=AT19jqeyFGuWiZSI3mmRK0C62PnCI9mlG5BO83ecpbIyKUEfnQ6ftu6x4mBUEVNIeKS6FfGwDv
zu_etZ73c3-DMRZfU3vwz59Op2xeAIp6qlm08qN8_UKN37mBcx7w60IJnRugt99cNmIhbI8bUrmTbHhY3C9JERb86Fg
W7r57HAbcyGR17vu_9CDgakRVRMh6BuztHHcFG2JExDkVynhTLUrf6vxeQY496oC_kb2b0d14UH_3vFF
dGJUrEa8uctOoUEgAfWZauxWyIlSUoUEzb4DQRCAJ5GuPXlkpG_O5DhBfRHf07kZB_hbpbYgpzn6QZnQ
WkNZ8E8N7YnqJtBe32NU_seLHlgLN17gAqdtHkeA_HjG9wPqOaTYp4LQ_qcxRMIakJnRL7_zBlWEGW9a
N8fbd_i247dU5QhJIBPmtKjGSanv7_z0ZFZbVi77PNmmAyfB_c__7j3YS5zOwUCFLnTmbo3ILaQGJDca
ew0AF9ASQHeROideEy47lcjnuJIYti_pH_yml8t_SoLq5YAFCEJHLH9YS3FnM99a6Tg8vqPkOFNejJhs
0kkDHCz3VINnorpzXGGPh7kMrD_DiHkGwJr2DIOKix21J3lSXl7L_BWJZasddECgtKm9ECLohkgdMH4w
2lMuEoJnwI2O89B-Pyl

This is the report that was on News at Ten on Friday about The Boy in the Dress.

Posted by: Sydney11 24th November 2019, 07:30 PM

David Walliams and Guy Chambers liked
Jo Williams
@williamsj34_jo
·
20h
Just seen #RSCBoyinDress, the
@TheRSC
musical version of
@davidwalliams
book. It was fantastic, music from Guy Chambers and @robbiewilliams was brilliant , and a big shout out to the set design and costume design teams

Posted by: Sydney11 24th November 2019, 07:56 PM

2 weeks to write 24 songs , well done under pressure, always works me thinks ...

Posted by: Laura130262 29th November 2019, 12:22 AM

The Boy in the Dress review – Robbie Williams has a ball with David Walliams https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2019/nov/28/the-boy-in-the-dress-review?CMP=share_btn_tw

Posted by: Laura130262 29th November 2019, 12:27 AM

https://www.whatsonstage.com/stratford-upon-avon-theatre/reviews/boy-in-the-dress-rsc-walliams-musical_50468.html

Posted by: Laura130262 29th November 2019, 12:29 AM

The Boy in the Dress review, RSC, Stratford-upon-Avon: Robbie Williams and David Walliams join forces in a musical that's not exactly haute couture https://www.telegraph.co.uk/theatre/what-to-see/boy-dress-review-rsc-stratford-upon-avon-robbie-williams-david/?WT.mc_id=tmg_share_tw via @TeleTheatre

Posted by: Laura130262 29th November 2019, 12:31 AM

BWW Review: THE BOY IN THE DRESS, The RSC https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/BWW-Review-THE-BOY-IN-THE-DRESS-The-RSC-20191128

Posted by: Laura130262 29th November 2019, 12:34 AM

The Boy in the Dress is a wonderfully warm-hearted and well-cast show - review https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/boy-in-the-dress-royal-shakespeare-theatre-review-a9224996.html

Think we're in for a treat Tess

Posted by: Laura130262 29th November 2019, 12:37 AM

Apologies for cutting his lovely Mums face in half

Posted by: elisabeth1974 29th November 2019, 05:25 AM

Very good reviews, I am looking forward to read yours ladies

Posted by: Sydney11 29th November 2019, 08:24 AM

All sounds hugely positive & good luck to them


I laughed at the bit at the end with Robbie & Guy dancing at the back trying to look cool

Posted by: Sydney11 29th November 2019, 08:34 AM

There's certainly a few catchy numbers that'll stay in your head long after the performance finishes. Guy Chambers and Robbie Williams' funky beats and pulsing soundtrack make you want to bop and clap along. Their music switches from emotional ballads, to hip-hop grime, to cheesy pop numbers. Each song fits perfectly with every story beat and alongside Aletta Collins' thrilling choreography, these moments are filled with exuberance and delight. The audience - made up of a mixture of children and adults - are buzzing throughout the entire performance. Their enthusiasm for the show is contagious and is absorbed by the ensemble, who offer so much energy and high pizazz, giving everyone in the room one heck of a show.

The auditorium is filled with love and excitement, and it makes the show a delicious treat from start to finish.

Posted by: Sydney11 29th November 2019, 01:20 PM

https://twitter.com/davidwalliams/status/1200111783547228160/photo/1


Every picture tells a story, what a story !! , well done ...

Posted by: Sydney11 29th November 2019, 08:11 PM

Guy is so happy



Guy Chambers
@guyachambers
·
8h
Words can’t express the feeling of joy at the opening of The Boy In The Dress last night. I think I may have experienced Peak Happiness 🙏🌟⚽️

#theboyinthedress https://instagram.com/p/B5creShH7rF/?igshid=1wuaxxxwu37eo



Guy Chambers
@guyachambers
·
8h
5 ⭐️ review in the independent for #RSCBoyinDress it's been a pleasure working on this show with all the cast and creatives
@TheRSC

https://twitter.com/guyachambers

Posted by: Sydney11 29th November 2019, 08:19 PM

David Walliams
@davidwalliams
·
19h
With master songwriters ⁦
@guyachambers
⁩ & ⁦
@robbiewilliams
⁩ who wrote the music for ⁦
@TheRSC
⁩ production of ‘The Boy in the Dress’.


https://twitter.com/davidwalliams/status/1200215435179941888

Posted by: Sydney11 29th November 2019, 08:28 PM

The Boy in the Dress review: A sure hit that dares to be different

****

Royal Shakespeare Theatre
rsc.org.uk

Although it features a fair bit of cross-dressing, this irresistible family show from writer and actor David Walliams and pop star Robbie Williams makes a terrific antidote to panto.

It never quite captures the sheer magic of Matilda, the RSC’s last great musical hit, but The Boy in the Dress is a bouncy, boisterous and above all humane celebration of those who dare to be different.

Gregory Doran’s production captures the quick passions and anxieties of childhood perfectly and has remarkable emotional rigour. Choreographer Aletta Collins stages the most effective football match I’ve ever seen on stage. You leave with a big smile on your face.

Our hero is 12-year-old Dennis (charmingly assured, clear-voiced Toby Mocrei the night I saw it) a star footballer stuck with an angry, wounded dad and oafish older brother after his mother leaves.

His only photo of her, in a yellow dress, sparks a sudden passion for female fashion, encouraged by the school’s teenage queen Lisa James (sparky Tabitha Knowles, who also shares her part). His decision to go to class in an orange, sequined dress provokes a typical knee-jerk reaction from teachers and classmates. At first, that is…Playwright Mark Ravenhill, adapting Walliams’s children’s book, refuses to tie himself in knots. Dennis likes wearing dresses and he likes girls: simple.

There are a few humdrum patches in the script, and if Dennis’s friendship group — Asian boy, greedy kid, cheery cornershop owner — ticks inclusive boxes, there’s nothing wrong with that.

Ultimately, the best thing about this show is its easy naturalness. All but two of the songs spring organically from the action and all of them feature lovely, loping, deceptively simple rhymes from Williams, his longtime collaborator Guy Chambers and Chris Heath.

The opening number, Ordinary, is beautifully phrased. I Hate Kids, sung by Forbes Masson’s angry headmaster, is wonderfully blunt, and the anthem You Can’t Expel Us All sounds like Robbie in his pomp. A London run for this show surely beckons next year.


https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/theatre/the-boy-in-the-dress-review-rsc-a4300061.html

Posted by: Laura130262 30th November 2019, 12:42 AM

It's lovely to read the normally so calm Guy Chambers getting really excited.

Amazing reviews - it would be something if this got to London next year. Fingers crossed.

Posted by: Sydney11 3rd December 2019, 06:24 AM

REVIEW | The Boy in the Dress | RSC
30TH NOVEMBER 2019NO COMMENTS3 MINUTE READAMY


http://amystutz.com/2019/11/30/review-of-david-walliams-the-boy-in-the-dress-at-the-rsc/


Would love to see this show travel to the West End

Posted by: Sydney11 6th December 2019, 06:10 PM

THE BOY IN THE DRESS AT THE RSC

Directed by Gregory Doran, book by Mark Ravenhill, music and lyrics by Robbie Williams, Guy Chambers and Chris Heath, based on the novel by David Walliams



A full-on musical about identity, The Boy in the Dress has arrived at The RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon and is playing until 8th March 2020. At first glance, the story is about 12-year-old Dennis (Jackson Laing), a passionate and talented footballer dealing with his mother seemingly abandoning him, his older brother John (Zachary Loonie) and his hardworking dad (Rufus Hound) who is gorging on food to cope.

Dennis’ dad tries to burn photos of his mother and Dennis becomes fixated with a yellow dress in one of the photos and hides the photo. At the local newsagents, Dennis buys a copy of Vogue with a yellow dress on the cover from Raj (Irvine Iqbal) saying it is for a friend’s birthday. At school, Dennis finds himself in detention talking to popular Lisa (Asha Banks) about fashion. Lisa gets Dennis to visit her house and encourages him to try on an orange dress she has. She then gets him to go to school and pose as a French exchange student – in a wig a French beret and the orange dress…

This is a beautifully created production with tonnes of heart and blistering energy. There is a more of a message than the previous David Walliams productions I’ve reviewed (Awful Auntie and more recently Billionaire Boy). Being yourself, expressing yourself and exploring what that means. Then sharing who you are with other people.

There are standout performances and vocals from the performers including Darvesh’s Mum (Natasha Lewis) and, the “school kids”. The football match choreography is fantastically realised with the football on a stick to ensure movements are consistent.


This is set in a grey identikit town, where on the surface, the people are all the same, The Boy in the Dress, makes great use of colour, from the moment we see Lisa’s bedroom into a fantastic dreamlike disco ball sequence. There are moments for the audience to cheer and ones where I wanted to boo panto-style. (This is a Stratford-upon-Avon audience so everyone seems rather polite!). BOO!

I’d liked to have seen even more diversity and gender role balance. In this, boys don’t cry and play football, while girls stand on the side of the pitch as St John Ambulance types. This reinforces ideas about gender roles. It is also fairly blurred what year this is set, but there are no smartphones and people read magazines and newspapers. Plus the corner shop is full of jars of sweets like the 60s to mid-late 1980s.


The golden musical partnership of Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers can be heard throughout, but it never dilutes the authentic and direct storytelling of David Walliams.

I loved every second of this vibrant and utterly charming musical and can’t wait to own (stream) the soundtrack. Well worth a visit to Stratford-upon-Avon.

The Boy in the Dress is at The RSC’s Royal Shakespeare Theatre until 8th March 2020. Book tickets here: rsc.org.uk/the-boy-in-the-dress-musical

By Dave Massey twitter.com/BrumHour

https://www.brumhour.co.uk/review-the-boy-in-the-dress-at-the-rsc-stratford-upon-avon/

Posted by: Laura130262 7th December 2019, 12:09 AM

Love the fantastic reviews this is getting.

What a month he's had - number one album, five star reviews for The Boy in the Dress and a homecoming gig.

Posted by: Sydney11 7th December 2019, 07:37 AM

The reviews have been fantastic, & we get to see it next weekend Laura

Posted by: Laura130262 8th December 2019, 12:14 AM

Really looking forward to it Tess

Posted by: Sydney11 8th December 2019, 06:57 AM

BBC Podcast - review of The Boy in The Dress

The Boy in the Dress, Turner Prize Shortlisted Artists, The First Nowell

The Boy in the Dress comes to the stage of the RSC with songs by Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers, Turner Prize nominees on their work, Zeb Soanes on new Vaughan Williams libretto

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000bs50

The Podcast can be downloaded via https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000bs50

Posted by: Laura130262 15th December 2019, 12:00 AM

Tess and I went to see this together tonight.

It's absolutely gorgeous.

A very touching story - great cast and beautiful songs.

It's very joyous but also very poignant.

If it doesn't win awards and get to London - I'll eat my hat.

Posted by: Sydney11 15th December 2019, 12:06 AM

Superb show, lovely storytelling,beautiful songs, great music, brilliant cast & delighted to meet in person the lovely Laura.

Posted by: elisabeth1974 15th December 2019, 09:05 AM

so happy for you and also for all those who created this gem

Posted by: Laura130262 15th December 2019, 08:16 PM

We had a lovely time together yesterday and watching the play was the icing on the cake.

As I was watching the play I thought - even if I wasn't "biased" towards liking the songs I would have noticed their poignancy and vibrancy. They were such beautiful songs. A couple of them were funny. I could hear some "Robbieisms" in them.

I've seen bits written about Disco Symphony and it is a lovely joyeous song.

The very first song is called "Ordinary" which becomes "Extraordinary" by the end. It reminded me of something straight out of Mary Poppins. Very empowering lyrics.

The best song for me is a song called "If I don't cry". Dennis sings it near the start after his Mum leaves them. I did wonder if Robbie based the lyrics on his Dad leaving him when he was a little boy. Near the end of the play Dennis sings that same song with his Dad (Rufus Hound). It was such a poignant moment. I was sat there

The whole cast did so well. Ten out of ten.

Also - the girl in the class that all the boys love is called Lisa James. I'm fairly sure that is the name of the girl that Robbie has mentioned several times was his first love at school.

Posted by: Lundi 17th December 2019, 09:31 AM

Wasn't that girl Lisa Parks?

Posted by: Laura130262 17th December 2019, 02:02 PM

Oh!

Posted by: Sydney11 17th December 2019, 09:25 PM

Maybe he couldn't call her Lisa Parks because of copyright

Rufus Hound is lovely, we met him at the end of the show, he was holding a bucket making a collection , he has lovely eyes

Posted by: Laura130262 18th December 2019, 12:24 AM

Would recommend the play to anyone. it was absolutely BEAUTIFUL

Posted by: Sydney11 20th December 2019, 05:42 AM

REVIEW: THE BOY IN THE DRESS AT THE RSC, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

BrumHour was invited to see the official opening night performance of The Boy in the Dress by The RSC.

By Dave Massey twitter.com/BrumHour

Directed by Gregory Doran, book by Mark Ravenhill, music and lyrics by Robbie Williams, Guy Chambers and Chris Heath, based on the novel by David Walliams



The dog was amazing

A full-on musical about identity, The Boy in the Dress has arrived at The RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon and is playing until 8th March 2020. At first glance, the story is about 12-year-old Dennis (Jackson Laing), a passionate and talented footballer dealing with his mother seemingly abandoning him, his older brother John (Zachary Loonie) and his hardworking dad (Rufus Hound) who is gorging on food to cope.

Dennis’ dad tries to burn photos of his mother and Dennis becomes fixated with a yellow dress in one of the photos and hides the photo. At the local newsagents, Dennis buys a copy of Vogue with a yellow dress on the cover from Raj (Irvine Iqbal) saying it is for a friend’s birthday. At school, Dennis finds himself in detention talking to popular Lisa (Asha Banks) about fashion. Lisa gets Dennis to visit her house and encourages him to try on an orange dress she has. She then gets him to go to school and pose as a French exchange student – in a wig a French beret and the orange dress…



This is a beautifully created production with tonnes of heart and blistering energy. There is a more of a message than the previous David Walliams productions I’ve reviewed (Awful Auntie and more recently Billionaire Boy). Being yourself, expressing yourself and exploring what that means. Then sharing who you are with other people.

There are standout performances and vocals from the performers including Darvesh’s Mum (Natasha Lewis) and, the “school kids”. The football match choreography is fantastically realised with the football on a stick to ensure movements are consistent.


This is set in a grey identikit town, where on the surface, the people are all the same, The Boy in the Dress, makes great use of colour, from the moment we see Lisa’s bedroom into a fantastic dreamlike disco ball sequence. There are moments for the audience to cheer and ones where I wanted to boo panto-style. (This is a Stratford-upon-Avon audience so everyone seems rather polite!). BOO!

I’d liked to have seen even more diversity and gender role balance. In this, boys don’t cry and play football, while girls stand on the side of the pitch as St John Ambulance types. This reinforces ideas about gender roles. It is also fairly blurred what year this is set, but there are no smartphones and people read magazines and newspapers. Plus the corner shop is full of jars of sweets like the 60s to mid-late 1980s.



The golden musical partnership of Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers can be heard throughout, but it never dilutes the authentic and direct storytelling of David Walliams.

I loved every second of this vibrant and utterly charming musical and can’t wait to own (stream) the soundtrack. Well worth a visit to Stratford-upon-Avon.

The Boy in the Dress is at The RSC’s Royal Shakespeare Theatre until 8th March 2020. Book tickets here: rsc.org.uk/the-boy-in-the-dress-musical

https://www.brumhour.co.uk/review-the-boy-in-the-dress-at-the-rsc-stratford-upon-avon/

Posted by: Laura130262 20th December 2019, 11:56 PM

Really hope there will be a soundtrack.

Posted by: elisabeth1974 4th January 2020, 07:51 AM

Do you have an idea if this was a visitor's success? Was it sold out during the months?

Posted by: Sydney11 4th January 2020, 07:11 PM

I do not know Elisabeth, it seems to be doing well, no idea of numbers though. I hope it gets to the West End

Posted by: Laura130262 5th January 2020, 12:08 AM

No - it's definitely not sold out elisabeth.

I only know that because David Walliams tweeted a link to the play this last week so I had a look to see how ticket sales were going.

Weekends it said there were limited available tickets but week days there were loads.

I'm not sure that's unusual though.

It's on until March.

Posted by: Sydney11 5th January 2020, 06:58 AM

That's the case with most shows, weekends are always better & remember this is Stradord, not London so it's all relative when it comes to numbers

Posted by: elisabeth1974 5th January 2020, 07:22 AM

What are the criteria then to bring it to the West End? If not ticket sales? And how do they get the money out of it?

Posted by: Laura130262 5th January 2020, 08:31 PM

I think critical opinions/acclaim must play a part - as well as sales and production value? Maybe a combination of those three? I am guessing though.

As Tess said - this is Stratford in January - who knows how many tickets you are expected to sell for a play to be a hit.

The coming months will tell whether this musical will move forward. Having seen it though - it's hard for me to believe that it won't get picked up for the West End as it's brilliant.

Posted by: Sydney11 6th January 2020, 08:13 PM

I have no idea how they get to the West End, I doubt it's purely based on sales achieved outside of London as it's not comparable . Another musical based on David Walliams Billionaire Boy is already touring but did not go to the West end, TBITD may well tour but not necessarily the WE

Posted by: Laura130262 6th January 2020, 11:55 PM

David Walliams is doing so well with his books. He's such a talented man.

Posted by: Sydney11 7th January 2020, 09:10 PM

& considerably wealthy I would think ..

Posted by: Laura130262 12th January 2020, 11:57 PM

Posted by: Lundi 13th January 2020, 12:22 PM

Robbies family name in David Walliams' post sure is a Freudian slip .

Posted by: Sydney11 13th January 2020, 07:57 PM

Well spotted Lundi , I didn't see that

Posted by: Laura130262 14th January 2020, 12:02 AM

Neither did I!

Posted by: Sydney11 5th April 2020, 05:28 PM

THE BOY IN THE DRESS IS A WINNER!


Our family musical won Best Home Produced Show at the 2019 What's On Readers' Awards.



Our family musical won Best Home Produced Show at the 2019 What's On Readers' Awards.

More than 68,000 votes were cast for the awards, which cover Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire.

We won for our musical The Boy in the Dress, which played in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre as part of our 2019/20 Winter season. The show tells the story of a young boy who loves fashion as well as football, and features music from Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers.

https://www.rsc.org.uk/news/the-boy-in-the-dress-is-a-winner

Posted by: Laura130262 5th April 2020, 10:52 PM

Hope they manage to get this show to the West End.

Seeing that photo - that "dog" was amazing!

Posted by: Sydney11 21st June 2020, 02:27 PM

You could not imagine Guy getting nervous or having doubts , interesting one actually, do you think Robbie gives him a level of comfort & that is why they work well together


Songwriter Guy Chambers: 'Robbie Williams and I wanted to do a musical for a long time'

https://www.thestage.co.uk/features/songwriter-guy-chambers-robbie-williams-and-i-wanted-to-do-a-musical-for-a-long-time

Posted by: Sydney11 21st June 2020, 02:27 PM

You could not imagine Guy getting nervous or having doubts , interesting one actually, do you think Robbie gives him a level of comfort & that is why they work well together. Quiet an interesting article actually about the song writing process & how he feels about it


Songwriter Guy Chambers: 'Robbie Williams and I wanted to do a musical for a long time'

https://www.thestage.co.uk/features/songwriter-guy-chambers-robbie-williams-and-i-wanted-to-do-a-musical-for-a-long-time

Posted by: Laura130262 21st June 2020, 11:31 PM

But although he accepted, it didn’t feel right to do the writing alone. And there was only one person he could imagine doing it with. “So I decided to ask Rob to do it with me,” Chambers says. “I checked with the RSC and they were happy with that idea.”

People give each other confidence don't they - when you know that person well and trust them. I guess that confidence in each other allows creativity to flow. Didn't they say they wrote those 12 songs really quickly for the musical?

An amazing partnership they have.

Posted by: elisabeth1974 22nd June 2020, 05:06 AM

Guy always comes across as a very modest person.
I also like Rob's collaboration in the past with Stephen Duffy who was also shy and modest in my memory.
And the Aussie boys.

Rob does good choices of partners and I think that vice versa they have components the other is missing

Posted by: Laura130262 22nd June 2020, 10:52 PM

I think Guy always comes across as a lovely man.

I'm so glad he's back in RW world.

Posted by: Sydney11 23rd June 2020, 07:33 PM

I love this picture , so relaxed

Posted by: Sydney11 23rd June 2020, 07:36 PM

The 'theme' method seems to work well for them


He adds that the pair like working to a specific theme, rather than “plucking a song out of thin air”.

Posted by: Sydney11 23rd June 2020, 07:37 PM

Another collaborator, Chris Heath, helped Chambers and Williams stay “on message” and ensured that they “didn’t wander off and get too indulgent”.

Posted by: Laura130262 23rd June 2020, 11:12 PM

Chris Heath - as in writer of RW biography.

Posted by: Sydney11 24th June 2020, 05:53 AM

I did not enjoy the last book, just could not get into it , I never actually finished it ...

Posted by: Laura130262 24th June 2020, 11:28 PM

I've still got it next to my side of the bed.

I skim read it but never read it properly.

The thing now is with blogs/instas/tweets etc etc - you know al this stuff is happening before it is documented in a book.

When Feel came out - I was all a mystery what went on behind the scene and in his mind.

There's no mystery to anything anymore. You've heard the songs before an album is released, you know the best bits of interviews before you hear it you know the highlights of a gig before you even turn up. It's very hard to be surprised by anything anymore.

Posted by: elisabeth1974 25th June 2020, 05:46 AM

Very well said Laura. I feel conflicts about this over information: On the one hand I miss when there are no news, on the other hand I have not watched one podcast and only very few instas rather then reading what he has said. It is not only a time issue. It is also that most of the information is too much for me.
Sometimes I think that I should stop to follow the Rob stuff at all. He was the only ever person I called myself a fan for. The last years little of what I so much liked is left. But then I am interested again.
I wonder where he will go next and if he ever will get to legend status or to be really relevant again. The taste of the public has so much changed. and I see a lot of criticism in his own online fan base (me included :-) )

Posted by: Laura130262 25th June 2020, 11:19 PM

He will get his nostalgia time Elisabeth.

I don't think he feels ready for that yet - but it will come regardless.

Posted by: Sydney11 26th June 2020, 05:52 AM

I couldn't get my head past Chris Heath in the book, there was something weird about the way it was written, I found no connection to Robbie , You know when you read a book you can feel the character , all part of the enjoyment of reading a book but I couldn't get that with Reveal .

Posted by: elisabeth1974 26th June 2020, 05:56 AM

Feel was a great read and well written. I did not read 'reveal'

Posted by: Sydney11 26th June 2020, 06:38 AM

Reveal was different, as was said already may be down to over familiarity with the main character . In Feel I felt the real character of Robbie came through, I thought it was a more intimate book , I did not get that with Reveal & the cover did nothing for me whoever came up with that idea , Ayda maybe

Posted by: Laura130262 26th June 2020, 11:48 PM

Hey! I like that cover!

Posted by: Sydney11 27th June 2020, 06:35 AM

it was photo-shopped t death & je looked smarmy in it

Posted by: Laura130262 28th June 2020, 12:04 AM

Smarmy!!

Posted by: Better Man 21st July 2020, 11:48 PM

Hey!
Remind me, have you been at this musical?
If yes and bought the programme, could you share its scans, please?

Posted by: Laura130262 22nd July 2020, 11:35 PM

Yes I went with Tess, Alex but neither of us bought the programme I'm afraid.

Posted by: Better Man 23rd July 2020, 12:19 AM

OK, I see! Then will find on eBay.

Posted by: Sydney11 23rd July 2020, 05:45 AM

I cannot actually remember seeing them for sale on the night . All I can remember is that fabulous dog greeting everyone afterwards, just unreal

Posted by: Laura130262 23rd July 2020, 11:18 PM

Yes!

and telling Rufus Hound how poignant that last scene was.

need to see it again....

Posted by: elisabeth1973 24th July 2020, 05:12 AM

For musicals Corona came in a wrong time.

Posted by: Sydney11 24th July 2020, 06:07 AM

They were pretty lucky with the timing when you think what has happened since

Posted by: Sydney11 13th August 2020, 01:32 PM

This is just brilliant news , I am thrilled for him ...

Posted by: Better Man 13th August 2020, 03:25 PM

Great news!

Interesting, why only him w/o Guy?

Posted by: Sydney11 13th August 2020, 10:28 PM

Is this particular category lyrics only !! , maybe that is the reason why ... I have not seen all the other categories yet ,

Posted by: Sydney11 13th August 2020, 10:29 PM

Here we go -------- just one category Composer or Lyricist , yes it is odd !! , gosh Poor Guy ...

The Stage Debut Awards 2020: nominations in full

AUG 13, 2020
BY MATTHEW HEMLEY
This year, The Stage Debut Awards in association with Access Entertainment will be held at a virtual ceremony on September 27. The nominations in full are below

Nominees include – top row: Wendell Pierce and Robbie Williams. Bottom row: Sam Tutty and Saida Ahmed. Photo: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg/Matthew Murphy/Kofi Dwaah

Best performer in a play – sponsored by Audible
• Saida Ahmed for Little Miss Burden at the Bunker, London
• Katie Erich for Oliver Twist at Leeds Playhouse (in a co-production with Ramps on the Moon)
• Brooklyn Melvin for Oliver Twist at Leeds Playhouse (in a co-production with Ramps on the Moon)
• Daniel Monks for Teenage Dick at the Donmar Warehouse, London
• Rachel Nwokoro for Little Baby Jesus at the Orange Tree Theatre, London
• Jessica Rhodes for The Sugar Syndrome at the Orange Tree Theatre, London
• Khai Shaw for Little Baby Jesus at the Orange Tree Theatre, London
• Bobby Stallwood for Faith, Hope and Charity at the National Theatre, London

Best performer in a musical
• Shan Ako for Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre, London
• Lucy Anderson for Dear Evan Hansen at the Noël Coward Theatre, London
• Chase Brown for Mame at the Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
• Oli Higginson for The Last Five Years at the Southwark Playhouse, London
• Adriana Ivelisse for West Side Story at Curve, Leicester
• Tom Noyes for Preludes at the Southwark Playhouse, London
• Bethany Tennick for Islander at the Southwark Playhouse, London
• Sam Tutty for Dear Evan Hansen at the Noël Coward Theatre, London

Best director – sponsored by Smith & Williamson
• Georgia Green for The Mikvah Project at the Orange Tree Theatre, London
• Martha Kiss Perrone for When It Breaks It Burns at the Battersea Arts Centre, London
• Alex Sutton for Preludes at the Southwark Playhouse, London

Best designer – sponsored by Robe Lighting
• Liam Bunster (set and costume) for The Taming of the Shrew at Shakespeare’s Globe, London
• Andrew Exeter (lighting) for High Fidelity at the Turbine Theatre, London
• Rose Revitt (set and costume) for Dr Korczak’s Example at Leeds Playhouse, Leeds

Best composer or lyricist
• Jim Barne and Kit Buchan for The Season at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich and Royal and Derngate, Northampton
• Jherek Bischoff for The Ocean at the End of the Lane at the National Theatre, London
• Robbie Williams for The Boy in the Dress at the Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon

Best writer
• Samuel Bailey for Shook at the Southwark Playhouse, London
• Mari Izzard for Hela at The Other Room, Cardiff
• Eleanor Tindall for Before I Was a Bear at The Bunker, London
• Temi Wilkey for The High Table at the Bush Theatre, London (in a co-production with Birmingham Rep)

Best West End debut performer – sponsored by Trafalgar Entertainment
• Shan Ako for Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre
• David Mitchell for The Upstart Crow at the Gielgud Theatre
• Daniel Monks for Teenage Dick at the Donmar Warehouse
• Samantha Pauly for Evita at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
• Wendell Pierce for Death of a Salesman at the Piccadilly Theatre
• Sam Tutty for Dear Evan Hansen at the Noël Coward Theatre
• Aimee Lou Wood for Uncle Vanya at the Harold Pinter Theatre

Vote here for your choice in the best West End debut category

Best creative West End debut – sponsored by the Noël Coward Foundation
• Fabian Aloise (choreographer) for Evita at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
• Nadia Latif (director) for Fairview at the Young Vic Theatre
• Benj Pasek, Justin Paul and Steven Levenson (composer, lyricist & book) for Dear Evan Hansen at the Noël Coward Theatre
• Femi Temowo (composer) for Death of a Salesman at the Piccadilly Theatre and for Three Sisters at the National Theatre
• David West Read (book) for & Juliet at the Shaftesbury Theatre

https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/the-stage-awards-2020-shortlist-in-full

Posted by: Laura130262 13th August 2020, 11:43 PM

It's brilliant that he's been nominated but it should be Robbie and Guy together.

After all - they asked Guy first and he asked if he could co-write with RW.

Posted by: Sydney11 14th August 2020, 05:27 AM

Maybe they made a mistake, I cannot figure it out . , they have nominated two people im Barne and Kit Buchan for The Season at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich and Royal and Derngate, Northampton , it makes no sense at all

Posted by: Sydney11 23rd August 2020, 12:31 PM

Virtual awards cermony be on Sunday SEPT 27th


I would love Robbiie to win, I think he deserves it

Posted by: Laura130262 23rd August 2020, 10:54 PM

How do you vote Tess?

Posted by: Sydney11 24th August 2020, 09:00 PM

Theres' no public vote Laura, a bit like the Oscars

Posted by: Laura130262 24th August 2020, 11:20 PM

Oh!

Posted by: Sydney11 29th August 2020, 02:49 PM

Just how lucky Guy & Robbie were with the timing of The Boy in The Dress , the last show was March 8th

3 months later & we had total lockdown & theaters not opening until next year if even then

some nice reviews

https://www.rsc.org.uk/the-boy-in-the-dress-musical/reviews

Posted by: Laura130262 29th August 2020, 11:30 PM

They were so lucky.

Theatres really are one of the major casualties of this pandemic aren't they.

So many out of work actors.

Posted by: Sydney11 12th September 2020, 10:05 PM

Ah !!, now we know why Guy was not mentioned in the nominations


The Stage Debut Awards nominees revealed including Robbie Williams, Wendell Pierce and Aimee Lou Wood



Among this year's nominees are Wendell Pierce, who appeared in Death of a Salesman in the West End and at the Young Vic, Robbie Williams (who is co-composer and lyricist for The Boy in the Dress with Guy Chambers – though Chambers was not making his stage debut with this show) and Aimee Lou Wood (a break-out star in Netflix's Sex Education and recently on stage in Uncle Vanya).

https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/the-stage-debut-awards-nominees-robbie-williams_52182.html


We will find out this month who the winners are !!

Posted by: Laura130262 13th September 2020, 12:26 AM

We knew there had to be a good reason didn't we.

Posted by: Sydney11 22nd September 2020, 10:25 PM

The Stage Debut Awards

September 27, 2020

19:00 - 21:00

Online event


The shortlist



Wendell Pierce (The Wire, Suits), Robbie Williams (Take That), David Mitchell (Peep Show), Aimee Lou Wood (Netflix’s Sex Education) and the stars of West End musical Dear Evan Hansen are among this year’s nominees. To see the shortlist in full, scroll down, or click here.


We are bringing the awards ceremony straight to your home on September 27, when the winners will be announced. Register your interest to watch the ceremony online for free here.

https://www.thestage.co.uk/dynamic-forms/dynamic-forms?DynamicFormScreen=EntryForm&ccs=196&cl=7


On Facebook? Join our event for all the latest updates:

https://www.facebook.com/events/373563850298864/


The ceremony will also be available to watch on Scenesaver




https://www.thestage.co.uk/awards/the-stage-debut-awards

Posted by: Sydney11 27th September 2020, 06:41 AM

This is on tonight, I wonder if Robbie will make a virtual appearance as a nominee & maybe a winner

Posted by: Sydney11 27th September 2020, 09:39 PM

Best composer or lyricist

Winner:
Jim Barne and Kit Buchan for The Season at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich and Royal and Derngate, Northampton

Also nominated:
Jherek Bischoff for The Ocean at the End of the Lane at the National Theatre, London
Robbie Williams for The Boy in the Dress at the Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon


https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/the-stage-debut-awards-2020-winners-in-full

Posted by: Laura130262 27th September 2020, 11:07 PM

You win some, you lose some.

Posted by: elisabeth1973 28th September 2020, 06:45 AM

nevertheless nice

Posted by: Laura130262 28th September 2020, 11:35 PM

Yes!

Posted by: Better Man 12th November 2020, 03:06 PM

The Boy In The Dress Cast OST will be released on December 4!
Pre-order since November 16.

http://theatrefan.co.uk/the-boy-in-the-dress-cast-album-announced/?fbclid=IwAR1C9gng_7n_UDsFBatbYZQbTp95YCh5onz3hAGExV1hcBLmmwOwfDrLL1A

THE BOY IN THE DRESS CAST ALBUM ANNOUNCED

Posted by: Sydney11 14th November 2020, 04:40 AM

Must watch out for the livecast on DEC 5th , Guy is making an appearance

Posted by: Better Man 16th November 2020, 10:30 AM

Pre-order of CD is opening now!
Release - December 4, 2020.

THE BOY IN THE DRESS: ORIGINAL CAST RECORDING
£9.99

https://shop.rsc.org.uk/collections/the-boy-in-the-dress/products/the-boy-in-the-dress-original-cast-recording-2019

There are 20 songs and 2 of them recorded by Robbie as himself.

Posted by: Sydney11 16th November 2020, 11:55 AM

Nice surprise ...

Posted by: Better Man 16th November 2020, 04:20 PM

And you can listen all previews here
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/the-boy-in-the-dress-original-cast-recording/1539149640

'A House Without a Mum' is great one while 'Disco Symphony' is absolute musical hit, for sure.
And since a first snippet I'm in love with a chorus of 'Is There Anything More Beautiful Than Lisa James?'

Posted by: Laura130262 16th November 2020, 11:44 PM

I remember that "If I don't Cry" on the night. I'm so glad Robbie's recorded that.

It's such a beautiful song and really poignant in the show.

I'm going to buy this album.

Posted by: Better Man 28th November 2020, 11:11 AM

I've ordered two copies of CD and a programme.

Posted by: Sydney11 28th November 2020, 06:15 PM

Hope it makes it to the West End at some stage in the future ...

Posted by: Laura130262 30th November 2020, 12:16 AM

Pre -ordered my copy.

Looking forward to hearing these songs again.

Posted by: Better Man 30th November 2020, 07:25 PM

Different snippets of two Robbie's demos:
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/robbie-williams-demo-tracks-boy-212803254.html

Posted by: Better Man 3rd December 2020, 10:27 PM

Listening to the album right now.

Check on YT:

Posted by: Laura130262 4th December 2020, 12:17 AM

Beautiful!

Posted by: Better Man 4th December 2020, 09:38 AM

Many good songs on there.
I like this one because I'm having a nostalgia of Disney's Aladdin, it has been my favourite cartoon

Posted by: elisabeth1973 4th December 2020, 12:09 PM

somewhere in a tweet I read that it will go westend end 2021

Posted by: Laura130262 5th December 2020, 01:01 AM

Oh really?

That doesn't surprise me - it's a beautiful uplifting story with beautiful music.

Posted by: Sydney11 5th December 2020, 06:08 AM

That would be fab,, I hope so ...

Posted by: Laura130262 6th December 2020, 12:38 AM

My CD arrived today although now I know I have nowhere to play it - I need to get it on my Ipod before I can listen to it.

Posted by: Better Man 8th December 2020, 10:23 PM

Some more info about musical and soundtrack:
https://www.hertsad.co.uk/what-s-on/reviews/the-boy-in-the-dress-cast-album-1-6955975?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=dlvr.it

Posted by: Laura130262 9th December 2020, 12:53 AM

The album release was originally planned to coincide with a transfer for the show to the West End, but due to the pandemic this has been postponed for now.

Theatres are desperate to re-open after COVID.

This could be on sooner rather than later fingers crossed.

Posted by: Better Man 9th December 2020, 09:55 PM

Only me hear Karma Killer & Escapology sounding here?

Posted by: Sydney11 21st December 2020, 07:47 AM

Lovely song, lovely lyrics

Posted by: Sydney11 13th January 2021, 10:34 AM

Posted by: Feel_The_Fever 15th January 2021, 07:08 PM

Huge fall for the album this week down from 36 to 76

Posted by: Sydney11 15th May 2021, 07:38 AM

Wonder of this will go ahead at some stage , it was definitely in the plans


THE BOY IN THE DRESS WEST END PLANS REVEALED ( as of July 2020 )



http://theatrefan.co.uk/the-boy-in-the-dress-west-end-plans-revealed/


The Boy in the Dress Tickets
Venue To Be Confirmed, London
Beloved children's author David Walliams brings yet another one of his works to the stage: The Boy in the Dress!


https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/the-boy-in-the-dress-tickets

Posted by: Tombo 15th May 2021, 08:36 AM

Wow, somehow I totally missed out on those two Robbie songs

I’ll go and check them out

Posted by: Sydney11 15th May 2021, 08:44 AM

Guy & Robbie wrote all the songs for the musical in two weeks ..

Posted by: Laura130262 15th May 2021, 11:55 PM

I think it will still go ahead after the pause is over.

Posted by: Sydney11 22nd May 2022, 09:18 AM

Had not seen this video before from opening night . I am also tyring to find the lyrics to some of the songs from TBITD

Posted by: Sydney11 18th November 2022, 03:41 PM

Came across these today inc the bonus tracks performed by Robbie, I was trying to find the lyrics somewhere but no luck so far.


If I Don't cry

The Boy in the Dress (Original Cast Recording)

℗ 2020 RSC Enterprise Ltd

Released on: 2020-12-04






If I Don't cry - Demo performed by Robbie Williams

℗ 2020 RSC Enterprise Ltd

Released on: 2020-12-04





David Walliams said of the song

And while there are some great comedy songs in the mix, he warns that audiences need to be prepared to have their heartstrings pulled too: "There’s a song for Dennis, If I Don’t Cry, in which he sings “If I don’t cry, I’ll break inside” and that’s just so beautiful. I was blown away. When you give that material to a child to sing as well, it takes on a whole different dimension…. it just hits you in a deeper way."




Has the idea of taking the show to the West End been dropped

Posted by: Laura130262 18th November 2022, 11:14 PM

Maybe too much time has passed now? What a missed opportunity

Posted by: Sydney11 19th November 2022, 11:06 AM

Rob sings A House Without a Mum (Demo) -



Video thanks to RSC

Posted by: Sydney11 21st November 2022, 09:45 AM

I can see what you mean, It's a great tune ,

Did anyone get the booklet with the CD , would love to hear the original demo from Rob & Guy ..

Posted by: Sydney11 21st November 2022, 10:16 AM

Had not posted these before - worth looking at


Encore Radio Meets: Guy Chambers & Bruce O'Neil From The Boy In The Dress - really worth listening to Guy discuss how he & Rob worked on writing the songs for the musical

Video thanks to Encore Radio



Encore Radio Meets: Mark Ravenhill & Pippa Hill From The Boy In The Dress - interesting bit to how the process works

Video thanks to Encore Radio



Gala Night Opening

Video thanks to RSC



Robbie Williams, David Walliams and Taron Egerton at The Boy in the Dress RSC opening night - you can see Rob dancing with the cast members

Video thanks to RSC



The Boy in the Dress | Audience Reactions

Video thanks to RSC



The Boy in the Dress Musical Review RSC Stratford Robbie Williams David Walliams

Video thanks to The Break A Leggers



Fairly recent short review from YT

Posted by: Better Man 23rd November 2022, 06:41 PM

Yes, I have the CD with a booklet.
Ecluded a cover page there is the crew information, some stills from the musical and Guy's message...

Yes, it a big bad luck it's not in theaters becuase of Covid time...

Everybody liked this musical whil I really like OST...

Let's hope their next musical will be released during more bright and good time.

Posted by: Better Man 23rd November 2022, 06:48 PM

Lisa James song from 3:06 is what we need to listen as demo