Murder Ballad

[nataliealana]

Posted: 6/20/16 at 9:45am

Now this is quite the cast announcement!

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Ramin-Karimloo-Will-Join-Kerry-Ellis-More-in-UK-Premiere-of-MURDER-BALLAD-20160616

I already bought tickets as I love Kerry and opening night also happens to be my birthday.

Anyone else planning to see this?

 

[homeimp2]

Posted: 7/9/16 at 9:16pm

I saw this off-Broadway and could hardly make out any of the lyrics. Nor can I on the YouTube videos. What a disappointment. 

[nataliealana]

Posted: 7/10/16 at 11:00am

I have the cast recording from the US run but haven't listened to it yet as I prefer to see the show first. Might give it a spin before I go.

[ErinDillyFan]

Posted: 7/11/16 at 11:12am

Had been planning to see this my last day in London.  Actually, moved my trip to one week later to see this, but hadn't gotten around to buy tickets.  Just did now.  Very surprised any left after the Karimloo announcement...

[Theatrefan2]

Posted: 7/11/16 at 12:36pm

That is because though many go actually hysterical at the idea of Ramin in anything and everything, and  suggest him for the same, for a show that runs 90 minutes they are very high prices.  There is plenty of availability.

[songanddanceman2]

Posted: 7/13/16 at 3:58pm

Saw the NY one and loved it and could make out all the lyrics fine.

[nataliealana]

Posted: 7/14/16 at 1:26pm

Opening night has been postponed Have extended my London trip to see it but so disappointed.

[busylizzie238]

Posted: 10/9/16 at 4:53pm

Hi @nataliealana I hope you got the chance to see it in the end? If so I'm curious to hear your views on it and whether it lived up to your expectation. If you're interested, I did a little blog post where I share my views on it https://healthywholemealbread.wordpress.com/2016/10/09/review-murder-ballad-arts-theatre-london/ 

[Posner11]

Posted: 10/9/16 at 5:40pm

Hoping to see this next week but glad didn't book ahead as the feedback is due to the increased stage height you need to be at least 5 rows back to get the full view and they have changed the prices of the first rows down to band C from band B  - about £17 difference. Pity for any early bookers who most probably wanted to be as close to Kerry/Ramin as possible and paid higher price.

Despite press night being the 6th have seen few reviews for the show but they seem to have got their merchandise up and running with individual posters of the four cast, mugs and T-shirts pics showing on twitter and that feedback seems to be good if not as raved up as the recently departed and much missed American Idiot build up in its run.

Can anyone confirm the one and half hour run time - with the mat at 5pm want to confirm can get to my evening show at 7.30

[busylizzie238]

Posted: 10/10/16 at 2:22am

Hi @posner11 I can confirm that it is definitely no longer than 1.5hrs and that the mat starts at 5, so you should be able to get out for 6.30PM and make your evening performance if it's close! I definitely agree with the restricted view feedback, if you get the chance to go to the box office ahead of the show they've taken pictures of what the view would be like at the very front and you miss half the stage.

[nataliealana]

Posted: 10/10/16 at 4:02am

Yes, I went on the second night. I loved it! Currently plotting another London trip to catch it again.

I was originally second row centre but they cancelled the first performance and moved me to third row at the side which annoyed me. I'm now glad because 3rd was probably a better view and I felt I could see fine.

I got out at around 9.20 from an 8pm show.

[steven22]

Posted: 10/11/16 at 7:24am

How was Kerry Ellis?

[nataliealana]

Posted: 10/11/16 at 7:41am

She was fab- it was great to see her take on a more gritty role.

I really like Kerry Ellis so already expected good things but I was totally floored by Victoria Hamilton-Beckitt, she's amazing!

[Posner11]

Posted: 10/26/16 at 5:36pm

They got the t shirt mug and posters for sale - they got star names  - the snazzy adverts to plug on paper and the net  - pity they didn't bother to check if murder ballad was worth the effort.

Even two weeks after seeing it I cannot believe anyone thought this effort was worthy of west end and certainly not the prices they are charging. Its not that its complete rubbish - the performers have enough wattage to keep some interest and theres the odd directive flourish but with forgettable music some strange direction choices and a surprising lack of sexual bang despite the names and clothes coming off and on it will leave most wondering what went wrong and being left very disappointed 

The roles ( you cannot call these characters) are highlighted in one bit as a king an queen and and jack and thats about how detailed it gets - the program lists how it was a sudden workshop creation and it maintains that low level

Kerry comes out Ok  - I certainly don't think it does Ramin any favours and both he and the other three seem to have been told to sing some parts with a Grrrr as if they are auditioning for the Frosties tiger advert . At least few people will see it and the two leads are sure to recover in 2017

To balance some people did stand and were whooping and it does have its admirers on the web but little of the feedback they would have hoped for and tickets are freely available which considering the run and names it should be standing only if it had anything going for it. 

The biggest crime and twist of the show is calling this a musical when at best its a puffed up audition piece . As wooden as the club which features as well

 

Updated On: 10/26/16 at 05:36 PM

[busylizzie238]

Posted: 10/27/16 at 3:53am

Oh dear! Did you at least make it to your second show for the night? 

 

[Posner11]

Posted: 10/27/16 at 6:02pm

Thanks to your previous feedback (&nataliealana) on the timing it does run short at 1hr 20 mins and with stalls half filled and only two others in my row it was easy to escape at the end - sadly it was tipping down with rain at that point so posner a bit soggy but in plenty of time for show 2

[bwaygirl142]

Posted: 11/4/16 at 2:40pm

I absolutely loved the show! I think the music is great and very catchy, it's been stuck in my head for the past month now. Victoria Hamilton-Barritt's voice is exquisite and she kills her role, as does everyone on stage (and I beg to differ - they are most certainly characters). 

The plot is interesting and has a GREAT twist at the end. I totally recommend it to anyone who enjoys rock-musical theatre. Bummed that some people on this thread didn't enjoy it & took away something different, but hey - everyone has an opinion!

Definitely check it out if you're in London and have the time.