Manners maketh man.

... or so says the motto of Winchester College.

However, after a trip to Her Majesty's theatre in London last year, to see The Phantom of the Opera, I was left undeniably shocked at how much some people lack these.

Knowing that the Olympic and Paralympic games had yet to close, I knew there was likely to be a more diverse range of people in the audience. Everybody has the right to experience the delights of London's West End... right?

Being nineteen years old, I'm in the age group that is stereotypically classed as bad mannered. Even at Norwich's Theatre Royal, I have been spoken down to by theatre staff who made me feel like I was there watching simply for a laugh. Whether this was because I was attending alone, or because I was considerably younger than the majority of the audience, I am uncertain.

Having travelled down to London with a friend, we took our seats in the Grand Circle, in the centre of row C - I booked these with the knowledge that they had been well reviewed on 'TheatreMonkey' and would offer a great view for a great price.
The theatre quickly became full and we found the two rows in front of us were almost completely occupied by those visiting from outside of the UK. At this point, it pleased me enormously to know that these people had come, just like me, to marvel at the theatrical talent and experiences that London has to offer.

Little did I know that as soon as the overture started and the chandelier swings into life, the front row of people would be practically hanging over the rail of the Grand Circle, with the second row having to follow suit to get a view of the stage. Now, sitting in the third row, this meant that we would either have to lean forward too, or be denied a view of part of the stage. The former being uncomfortable and the latter being simply annoying.

I am aware that the railing does somewhat restrict the view, but I did not realise that sitting three rows back, my view would be compromised also.

I was also shocked by the lack of etiquette shown by the gentleman to my left. Not for a moment do I dispute that the production is funny in places, especially during scenes were Carlotta and/or the Manager's are present. I pleases me enormously to hear and join in with the titters in appreciation of the actors' interpretations. But to heartily cackle during the solemn, "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again"? If there is comedy in this heart-wrenching song, I certainly have yet to find it.
Another thing, which didn't affect me at this particular performance, but has done previously is people turning up late. I remember seeing Les Miserables last year, and having to stand to allow people to take their seats the other side of me. Considering we were row C stalls, having to do this affected a very large proportion of the audience, not just our row!

I've even been in the Norwich Theatre Royal, during the UK Tour of Goodnight Mister Tom, to hear a man nearby  incessantly talk on his mobile phone! If you've paid for the experience of what was an excellent piece of live theatre, why would you ruin it for yourself and others, by taking a phone-call?

The majority of theatre goers are not like this at all and I love to share my experiences and views with those chatty people nearby, but at appropriate times. By this I mean at the interval and the stage door!

I'm sure those of you who also have theatre-related blogs on here will have similar stories to tell, and in all honesty, it saddens me to think that people can be so unappreciative of the actors, musicians and technical crews who have spent hours to create enjoyable theatrical experiences.

REVIEW: Richard O'Brien's Rocky Horror Show

The Rocky Horror Show
Tuesday 4th June 2013
Norwich Theatre Royal
*****

You can tell Rocky Horror is in town on approaching the Norwich Theatre Royal.
Dedicated fans clad in suspenders, stockings, feather boas, and in a few cases just a pair of gold hot-pants (and plenty of body glitter) mingle outside and at once I feel more comfortable in my own get-up. Those arriving at the theatre in their jeans and t-shirts were definitely in the minority!

The cult classic musical has returned to Norwich, celebrating the show's 40th year anniversary with this all new 'party' production.

With this being the second time I have seen the show (the first being in 2010 - when the previous touring production visited Norwich), I am certainly in agreement with the frequently used phrase that Rocky Horror is 'the most fun you can have with your underwear on'.
The story follows self-proclaimed 'Sweet Transvestite' Frank N Furter (Oliver Thornton), deflowering newly engaged, nerdy couple Brad and Janet (Sam Attwater and Dani Harmer), who stumble upon his castle on a fittingly dark and stormy night which rapidly evolves into one of insanity and debauchery.

With experienced Rocky Horror theatre-goers knowing the script as well as the cast, Philip Frank's Narrator is exceptionally witty and thrives off the audience's participation, offering quick and hilarious come-backs.
Abigail Jaye and Ceris Hine as Magenta and Columbia respectively, are also excellent in their roles with Dani Harmer as Janet having most definitely shed the skin of her children's television past, and Sam Attwater having a wonderful voice, accented characteristically of Brad.
Kristian Lavercombe sang the best version of the Time Warp I have ever heard, getting everyone up on their feet to dance, but it was Oliver Thornton as Frank N Furter who stole the show.
With legs to die for, accompanied by a lascivious voice, his portrayal is devilishly flirtatious and full of energy and charisma (comparatively more smooth and seductive than David Bedella's more dominant portrayal in previous productions).

With the band set on a mezzanine, as opposed to under the stage in the orchestra pit, they become of higher importance, as the most crucial element to this rock and roll musical. The lighting design by Nick Richings is also to be commended, ranging from vibrant neons over the ripped pink curtain, to lasers circulating the auditorium as the 'floor show' is announced.

This over-the-top B-movie and sci-fi send-up oozes with filth, comedy and a party atmosphere - a perfect combination, along with an exceptional cast, for it's 40th year.

Beginnings are usually scary

Although no outlet for my daily musings, to me, will replace my leather journal and  glittery pen, welcome to my blog.

Being in my final year at sixth-form at the time of writing this, the offers are gradually filtering in (2/5 so far!) to study English Literature and Drama and Theatre studies at university.
Starting my A-levels with the aspiration of entering into the musical theatre profession, I hadn't anticipated  the imaginative roller-coaster ride I would be taken on in my English Literature classes (mainly thanks to an extraordinary and hugely inspiring teacher).

Now into what hopefully won't, but may, be my last few months in Norwich (UEA, if you're reading this... hurry up and reply to my application?!) I intend to immerse myself in, and share with you amongst other things, every possible literary and theatrical experience from and within this beautiful UNESCO City of Literature.