I thought there were no critics this week? (Preview week)

Good Heavens, TT. I was just writing a "Where is Toad" ode, and......whoosh! There you were.....as if by magic. I was having a bit of a wrestle with the final line. So I'm relieved I can put it away, and forget about it.

I don't know much about these things, but I thought that critics reviewed shows during the first week. People can then buy tickets if they like the sound of it: although they'd have to be quick about it, in Plymouth - it's only on for a week. Presumably there will be Irish crits in Dublin (well-known, and trusted ones, who write regularly for particular newspapers, I mean). And then the same thing, again, in London. This might be late-night rambling, of course. Let's hope there's someone on the thread, who knows about these things, and can tell us.

Glad you're back...

Yes think you are right there Rafferty,
I always thought shows were always reviewd the first week, in front of a paying audience,usually the seats are a cheaper price, don't know if this is still the norm, or what happens when a show is only on for a week, sure all will be good though.

Morning everyone!

Today's the day.

Hope everyone travelling today has a safe and easy journey

Can't wait to hear about it all.

Thinking about the reviews, I think that in the past, preview weeks would not be reviewed in the press.

I wonder though whether Jay's profile and social media will mean that there are some reviews from Plymouth.

Hi TT - wondered where you were

Morning All,

Just popping in to wish all those who are travelling to Plymouth today a safe journey, especially NellieK. I hope all your plans go smoothly.

I hope you all have an amazing time tonight. The build up has been amazing so it really sounds like you are all in for a treat. I'm just a bit jealous although I don't think my nerves could take it!

Hope you get to see Jay afterwards too - please pass on our good wishes and extra hugs to him if you get the opportunity! Xx

Sorry Toad it was an assumption that there would at least be local critics. I don't know what happens in Review weeks.

Bridget mark five here. J was flying kites on The Hoe this week. I'm sure I'll get them back eventually.....

Re dd, you're very kind

I am very envious of those going to see Big tonight. Have a lovely time. Reports desperately needed!

Had to be said, BB - so, it's my pleasure....

Really kind of you to provide Jay with his kite. You must have known that he wouldn't have thought to bring his own. Selfless, that's you......selfless.............
Don't think we've got a Jaykite Wrangler, have we? Sounds like a job for you, BB.

I'm out for the day, so will pop back in this evening. Meanwhile: Best Wishes to all who are travelling to Plymouth today. The show will be brilliant: I have absolutely no doubt about that. So looking forward to hearing any news you tell us - once you've recovered from all the excitement, that is!.....

I know that it is, in essence, a preview week but it hasn't been billed as such (European Premier ) and I'm sure that the 'press night' will be later, but I'd be amazed if the local paper at least doesn't review it. (Flipping ticket prices are not preview prices, that's for sure!). A similar thing is happening with Matthew Bournes The Red Shoes in a couple of weeks: a week in Plymouth and then the Lowry then onto Sadlers Wells for December/January. I'd think the press sprango will be at SW, but reckon the local press will review it here and in Salford. What do you think?

As Gary Wilmot said (and I can testify ), Plymouth audiences are very generous. If there are any giltches I'm sure they'll be forgiven. I wonder how nervous cast and crew are feeling now . It's great for Jay to be around Gary, I think. He's so experienced and calming

My thoughts too. Also if anyone does get to see the lovely Jay, please ask him if he is going to stay with Big for the whole run in the West End. Thanks

I agree Fridgesoup.
With KD, there was a proper press night in Wimbledon but also earlier local, mainly online reviews. Sure the same will happen with Big.

I certainly have butterflies in my tummy so can't imagine how the cast and crew are feeling. As you say, Gary and Jessica are very experienced so that must be a help to steady the nerves.

Hope you all have a fantastic time tonight.

Butterflies are good, they get the adrenalin pumping and have the good manners to fly away the moment the curtain opens!

J's not up before that ridiculous panel tonight. The theatre will be stacked to the rafters with people anticipating great enetertainment. What a great buzz there'll be, and the cast will feed off that.

It'll be a great night !

I guess some of the bloggy type reviews are to be treated with a bit of caution and a pinch of salt

Thanks for the good wishes. With people travelling from far and wide, our meet up is a little dependent on the traffic and trains, but it should come together over a pizza . (Any lurkers who are going, come and say hello in Wildwood to the right hand side of theatre. Will be there from 5-ish).

I think that's probably true of some professional reviewers too. There's always the temptation to take a different tack to draw attention, and there's a few of those who succumb to that from time to time!

I think social media is so powerful these days that the word soon gets round if a show's great, despite everything.

Safe journeys everybody, and enjoy the show!

Good luck to Jay and cast of BIG on opening night, break a leg

Please do not wibble
Or worry or fret.
For a long time J's heart
Has on musicals been set.
He's surrounded by friends
Helping him to pursue
His career as a Big star:
It's his dream come true.

https://mobile.twitter.com/TheMusica...359744/video/1

I'm channelling jayfan as I'm writing this on the train. Now en route to Castle Cary?
Assistance fell down at Victoria but everywhere else was fine.
Having decided that my new padded coat was a bit OTT I wore my jacket but am bitterly regretting it as I'm absolutely frozen. Carriage door is taped open and the windows on the outer doors are down (probably people having to lower them in order to open the doors when they get off), and the outside temperature isn't that hot either! Another two hours to go.

Oh no nelliek.

Hope a hot drinks trolley comes around soon - it doesn't always taste great on the train, but at least you can warm your hands!

Beautiful sunny day in Plymouth, but a very chilly wind.

Enjoy the show this evening.

Have good rest of the journey Nelliek and hope you do not arrive too frozen. Fingers crossed.

Hope this new short video will help warm you, Nellie!

https://youtu.be/Py0g88GdJ1U

Oh Nelliek
Hope you have some extra jumpers in your bag!
Good luck with the rest of the journey.
🚂

It's a dream that he's worked on
For many years past
Now this is his moment
Of happiness vast
So here's wishing him well
On this magical night
When the spotlight's on him
And the future is bright
The cast is terrific
The orchestra set
Just how much more perfect
Could this moment get?

Hope you don't arrive completely frozen.
Still, watching Jay should warm you up nicely!!

Just popping head around door to say good luck Jay and the all the cast tonight, break a leg I am sure it will be great and you will all have blast