Shenton saw the first preview - he says he didn't make his comments on that one though!!!!

Oh, I'm sure it didn't! He goes to the same press night where the other critics come away writing good things about Darius and the only word he can think of is wooden?

 

Maybe he didn't fancy eating a tiny sliver of humble pie?

 

He wrote a nasty piece about casting people from (reality) TV in theatre back in 2005. Darius being cast as Billy Flynn seemed to be the catalyst for him to express his frustration with the growing trend and he hated Chicago making Musicality possible.

 

 

 

 

I dont think the critics went in to see a show, they went in ready to pick evry detail to bits, already muttering about debuting novice writers on the WE - I dont know how Shenton came up woth wooden, when no one else did - unless he only took notice of Darius during the only two scene, where he staggers due to being drunk,

I'll agree with that, pip. We already knew they were gunning for Margaret and trevor. What a waste.

I dont think the critics went in to see a show, they went in ready to pick evry detail to bits, already muttering about debuting novice writers on the WE - I dont know how Shenton came up woth wooden, when no one else did - unless he only took notice of Darius during the only two scene, where he staggers due to being drunk,

 

I thought Darius's acting in all the drunken scenes was far from wooden, particularly in the Just Two! scene where he kept up his Southern accent and drunken rage while singing a difficult song totally in character. That is quite remarkable.

 

Who knows? Maybe Mr Critic might have thought his fellow critics were of the same opinion as he was about famous non-WE names in lead roles and thought they were bound to have fun at Darius's expense, so he'd kick him a bit harder to keep his tough reputation.

At least most of them could see just how good he was. For the last three scenes, Jill was sobbing and Darius struggled but kept control. I do feel sorry for her but, having seen her in this, I'd go and see her again in whatever she does - well, if it's in England.

There are a lot of the cast I might do a quick raid on London for and would definitely go to see in Central Scotland.

 

I'm still considering catching Louise Dearman in Evita but I really don't like Evita as a show so I'm still in two minds.

I would like to see her again and I think she's be excellant in 'Evita' but, I just wouldn't want to sit through that show again.

I saw it a few years ago when it was touring.....passable. Aspects of Love was worse.

I didn't like the film either.