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Beverley Knight and Olivier Nomination

Beverley Knight and Olivier Nomination

RW3
#1Beverley Knight and Olivier Nomination
Posted: 4/21/15 at 12:13am

With Beverley getting nominated for an Olivier, do you think she will get more offers to do musicals?

ggersten Profile Photo
ggersten
#2Beverley Knight and Olivier Nomination
Posted: 4/21/15 at 9:08am

After saving The Bodyguard for months - and then leading a well-reviewed Memphis - she certainly seems like she wants to do stage work.  I don't know how Memphis is selling - though - but she did sell tickets to The Bodyguard.  So, I think it's a fair certainty that she will get offers.  The Olivier nomination is nice - but ticket sales are better!  During our London sojourn, I don't recall much advertising for shows promoting the show's Olivier nominations or wins - except for the Jeeves and Wooster show which won for best comedy.  The Oliviers just don't seem to carry the weight of a Tony nomination.   


 

Princeton Returns Profile Photo
Princeton Returns
#2Beverley Knight and Olivier Nomination
Posted: 4/21/15 at 11:42am

Memphis is struggling big time.  The Bodyguard didnt have just her selling it, she was backed up by a hit movie and a very famous pop singers songs to help draw in the crowds.  So her star power isnt huge, but she has shone in both roles and seems to have earnt respect.


She has got very good reviews, seems to be well liked and enjoys doing it.  Im sure she will do more stage work, the Dreamgirls revival must be on her radar.  

ggersten Profile Photo
ggersten
#3Beverley Knight and Olivier Nomination
Posted: 4/21/15 at 11:56am

Except The Bodyguard was supposedly struggling with Heather Headley in the lead.  Ticket sales got better when Ms. Knight assumed the role and kept the show open.  Now, my information comes primarily from message board reports - so the truth is likely somewhere in between.     


It is strange that the Knight and Donnelly duo can't sell tickets to Memphis... and a big blow to the power of the Tony Award in London.  

rjm516
#4Beverley Knight and Olivier Nomination
Posted: 4/21/15 at 4:21pm

"a big blow to the power of the Tony Award in London."


To be fair, everyone recognizes that Memphis was the worst/least deserving Best Musical in a loooong time. (Was a very weak year.)

bob8rich Profile Photo
bob8rich
#5Beverley Knight and Olivier Nomination
Posted: 4/21/15 at 5:32pm

"To be fair, everyone recognizes that Memphis was the worst/least deserving Best Musical in a loooong time."


It's rather presumptuous to say that "everyone" recognizes it - I for one thought Memphis was a really terrific show and far better than  Book Of Mormon or A Gentleman's Guide which have both won the Tony. I know some people will disagree with my view/taste - but I'm sure there are many others who rate Memphis very highly too.


THEATRE 2020: CURTAINS**** LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE GIRLS***** WICKED***** KEITH RAMSAY TAKING NOTES WITH EDWARD SECKERSON***** KAYLEIGH MCKNIGHT CONCERT***** RAGS***** ON MCQUILLAN'S HILL** DEAR EVAN HANSEN***** THE JURY***

Princeton Returns Profile Photo
Princeton Returns
#6Beverley Knight and Olivier Nomination
Posted: 4/22/15 at 8:35am

There is no power to the Tony Award in London, aside a few hard core theatre fans, no one cares about that award.  Hell even the WOS and Oliviers dont really sell tickets.


And yes The Bodyguard was struggling before, and thats my point.  It was the perfect combination of getting a known powerhouse singer, with Whitney Houston and a big movie to draw the crowds.  The public knew who would be singing those amazing songs and she was getting strong word of mouth.  Before hand there was no buzz at all. I hate the phrase, but it was a 'perfect storm' to tell tickets.


Memphis only has her name alone, and this was a true test of her star power.  And whilst she is definitely a draw (made obvious by the deals for the shows she doesnt do), she still isnt enough on her own to help a show sell out.  No one knows Donnelly, so he will only attract the hard core fans.

ggersten Profile Photo
ggersten
#7Beverley Knight and Olivier Nomination
Posted: 4/22/15 at 9:50am

Ok, Princeton, now I understand what you were saying.  While Knight did pump up the sales of Bodyguard, you think it was the combination of Knight with the source material that was the difference.  The source material alone was insufficient - and given the lack of sales at Memphis, Ms. Knight alone is insufficient.  But, together, there were sales.


So, then, you just need Ms. Knight in the right role....


And, the secondary question is whether Ms. Knight's acting has improved where she can handle a more dramatic role - because we know she can sing the heck out of any song in her range.