Showboat August closing

[Posner11]

Posted: 5/10/16 at 5:07pm

Really shocked to see they have brought the limited run to close from Jan 17 to Aug 16 - from the rave reviews and social media this looked like a show which would build great word of mouth and support and seemed to be getting good bookings - seems odd to stop it mid summer with the holidays and tourists season and very sad to see a show which had critics and audiences raving announce early closing so soon after opening - is it just down to low bookings or anything being planned to come in early to the New London?

[CathyFromLex]

Posted: 5/10/16 at 8:39pm

I saw the show a couple of weeks ago and loved it and it got 5 star review after 5 star review.  From what I gather though, it just wasn't selling well.  I hope everyone that can takes advantage of any opportunity to see it before the end of August.  It really is a hell of a production with a first rate cast.

[mkmswain]

Posted: 5/11/16 at 10:58am

Apparently it's had lots of half-(or worse)empty houses, which is a real shame. The marketing might be the issue - seems to have been packaged as a cosy old-fashioned musical, but I actually think it would be a great one for young and diverse audiences. Definitely worth catching while it's still on!

[candydog2]

Posted: 5/11/16 at 8:08pm

I live in London and work in theatre and can't say that I've seen any advertising around generally for it, nor have I heard much in the way of general "buzz" that popular shows get.

Perhaps there has been and I just haven't noticed. The show is also one of the great classics that just isn't as well known or loved nowadays. I'm sure it's a fantastic production though, but I can understand why it isn't selling.

[CathyFromLex]

Posted: 5/12/16 at 6:47am

When I was there I saw quite a bit of tube advertising and a good size ad in the Evening Standard. All of the big newspapers gave it 5 star reviews and I saw reviews and interviews on the major online theatre sites, including this one.  I'm really not sure what more there was to be done.

 

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 5/12/16 at 8:58pm

It seems like school of Rock will be taking over the new London.

[Posner11]

Posted: 6/7/16 at 1:46pm

Definitely try to catch this if you can - a really truly great ensemble piece with all the cast having moments to shine - powerful singing and acting - the show book seems more disjointed than I remember especailly in act two but some superb songs and imaginative staging - book the stalls and really be on the quayside!

Hopefully we will see Chris Peluso back in the UK soon  (Gaylord Ravenal) and as Julie La Verne  - Rebecca Trehearn was the standout with a haunting version of Bill but all the cast are of top quality and it really will be a lost to the West end when this closes