It has been pointed out to her by quite a few Jay fans (not me as I was not there to judge). She was quite defensive in response and I think better to leave alone.

Like you I am quite pleased with that review especially the acting part cos we all know Jay has cold and bad throat (eh up.. mother instinct kicking in) needs to wear a coat after the show and scarfe/hat etc

thanks janetshep

Oh! Then I think it quite unfair of her to mention "raspy" voice and not qualify this statement.

Up to you obviously but I really think better to just ignore.

So, waiting for it to start, the theatre's very nearly full as far as I can see which is amazing since the big bonfire and fireworks display are starting at the same time. Luckily no explosions interrupt the show! Nervous!

The stage looks amazing and that's before before any scenery has been brought on. The 'backdrop' is a floor to ceiling curved lighting screen that creates the changing environments brilliantly.

Technology's come on in the 20+ years since my last musical!

The opening scene sees....


Often when I go to the theatre, it takes me 10 or 15 minutes to get over the fact that I'm watching real people doing make-believe on a stage in front of me. I usually feel a bit of second-hand embarrassment until I become immersed. Occasionally that moment never comes 😬😳 . On Saturday the show kicks off with such energy and vigour and everyone is so on point, I never have that moment of doubt and am involved from the first moment!

Yay!

The scene changes romp along and the stage transforms before our eyes every few minutes (it really is so very slick); the singing and dancing is great; the kids are excellent - and 'kids-doing-the-acting-thing' is another thing that usually makes me twitchy! - there are laughs - so much so, that by now I'm so thoroughly immersed, I've actually forgotten we're there to see Jay....

Jay? Who he?!!

So in the scene that takes place 'next morning'...





..tbc..

Weird that she should be defensive. Why feel you are being criticized and stick to your guns when you are simply being informed of something you did not know about and could not have found out about by simple personal observation?

Anyway, thanks everyone for the reviews. It's been really great to read all of them and am looking forward to anything that anyone else might add. In the same way as with the Tour, all is welcome, not just the more in-depth reviews.

ETA: fab report fridgesoup - I am on the edge of my seat for the next part!

Fridgesoup
Thank you!
I am being so restrained and not reading your spoilers because I am still dithering about the Saturday matinee.
Can't get to the Thursday matinee.

How long will it last????

I think she thought her professional integrity was being challenged. As we know, easy to misinterpret things on Twitter.

Easy enough to misinterpret things on here, let alone a medium where you can only post a few words at a time.

Just seen ad on STV for Keep Dancing in Edinburgh - Jay and Aliona being trailed as star attraction!

Wow - advertising. What is this new and strange thing?!

Quite! Wonder if they're having difficulty filling theatre. It came on before Dark Angel so should get a big audience for that.

Thanks for all of the reports about Saturday night - I've really enjoyed them. I can't wait for your next instalment fridgesoup!

I seem to remember that it is the biggest of the three theatres they are in and none of the other two were full.
Manchester without them was no where near full.
I think the mistake (apart from lack of publicity) was doing so many shows in each place. The other Strictly pros and even the SCD tour only do one or two days per venue.

Amusing blog on SCD:

http://www.dancing-times.co.uk/categ...ctly-speaking/

Hee, hee!

Fingers crossed you get to Saturday's show x

A review being someone's personal view of a particular performance at a particular time in a particular place, in this case I'd say it's a pretty reasoned assessment with some very nice comments. The reviewer has taken the trouble to be inclusive in the review, which doesn't always happen.

The reviewer is only echoing what several people here have already said. Jay's voice has been a bit croaky, and we all know why, but the reviewer didn't. Therefore to get the kind of feedback that's been mentioned would be a bit of a surprise, and if some of the stuff I've seen elsewhere 'in defence' of Jay is anything to go by, written in a rather hectoring tone of voice. Nobody enjoys having a finger wagged at them, electronically or otherwise.

The reviewer has said they hope that things get better as the show goes on, which of course they will - this is a preview, after all. So in my view, nothing to worry about at all.

It's a good piece, the reviewer's probably very happy with it. And I expect J and the cast are too. That's it, really.

fridgesoup - torturer! Dying to know what happens next....

I e-mailed her and explained (nicely) and she has added a disclaimer to her review stating that J had a cold when she saw the show.

Fridgesoup......you teaser..... (reaches for another cup of coffee) I will stay awake......I will stay awake

Me too Fridgesoup, what happens next??? And I was there I'm loving reliving every moment and I bow down to you, and your phenomenal memory!!
Just lets not try and clap in time to music again

Nicely done Korky

Good point Jayfan. In my naivete and knowing nothing about show biz I assumed they would have based these decisions on some kind of rationale!

I just like fairness.

Well done Korky

Well, this is it...!



Our boy can act!! Phe-yew-eee!!




Think that's it for tonight. Might have more to say tomorrow