Full reviews to come ... but for anyone wondering whether to go or not ....

Daniel in his boxer shorts ...

Say no more!

Ooh, has he a good body?!!

Ooh, I'm the first one to post saying I've seen ILYB! *is very proud*. Sadly no time to write a full review this evening (will hopefully get time tomorrow) but just wanted to say that it, and Daniel, were excellent.

Ahhh thanks ... we've been a bit bad at posting our reviews over here as they are on the kitten site ...

*bounds off to cut and paste*

Helen's Review here for you:-

Oh Kittens! Oh Kittens!! Oh Kittens!!!

Be warned, this is gonna be a very long post with lots of gushing and excitement. I had about an hour's sleep last night due to the excitement, so apologies in advance for my ramblings, but I need to let it out before I explode!

DANIEL IN HIS BOXER SHORTS SITTING TWO FEET AWAY FROM ME - I COULD SEE EVERY FRECKLE! More of that later!

I'll let Adam do a proper review because my memory isn't good enough and I don't want to spoil it for the Kittens who going. But I will say that it was an absolutely fantastic show (even disregarding Daniel in his boxers). I thought it would be good (especially after Dress Circle) but wasn't prepared for just how good it would be. The whole cast were phenomenal. They were all such good singers and actors (although of course, Daniel was the best). It was a great story, absolutely hilarious in places and also incredibly moving (Daneil's sad little face at times made Mark and I well up). The set and outfits were fun and quirky. Even people not interested in Daniel (do such people exist?) couldn't fail to enjoy this. Some musicals can be cheesy but this was just brilliant and sooo professional. I've been going to West End shows since I was tiny and this was easily on a par with the best of the West End and better than most with probably much bigger budgets (ie The Woman in White, The Sound of Music). If Kittens are wondering whether their partners/friends would enjoy it, they definitely would. I'm amazed they got such a young cast with so much talent assembled together. I just wish it was on for much longer - I could honestly see it again and again. You will all love it!

Fitzii and Ridge, swim that bloomin' Irish Sea if you have to! And Sparkle, you will faint!

OK, will start at the beginning.

We were a bit worried we might have been a bit pushy with Daniel on Sunday, so we decided beforehand that as he recognises us now, we'd let him come over to us if he had time, rather than us stalking him! We thought that being opening night, he'd probably have loads of people to speak to and probably wouldn't have much time to talk to us, which was understandable. How wrong we were!

Mark spotted Daniel talking to two male friends in the bar before the show but we didn't go over. As Daniel walked away from them, he came over to us and said hi but had to dash (we expected that cos we knew he'd have to get ready) He'd had his hair cut and was wearing a grey top and jeans. (The hair cut was cos Austin has a geeky kind of fringe.)

Mark and I made sure we stood right next to the box office, so that as soon as they rang the bell, we raced up the stairs to the theatre. We had the pick of the seats and chose the front row (obviously) towards the side in front of the bed which we thought would be a good place. There was a little set of stairs in front of the bed, which I was right in front of. I didn't realise at the time that this was the best seat in the house to see Daniel in his boxers.

The lights went down and the first actor to appear was Daniel IN A YELLOW TOWEL!!! He sat on the sofa with his legs open (if you'd been right at the end of the row, by the door, you might have been able to see up the towel! - but I refrained from leaning over to try and have a look). Mark and I sat there nudging each other constantly but we were very sensible and didn't giggle or hypeventilate. Daniel then gets behind the shower curtain, and you see his silhouette taking off the towel and having a shower. Obviously he has a pair of pants on though (so don't get too excited) and at one point pops his head round the curtain. He then puts his boxers on and comes out from behind the curtain - oh my word! Daniel in his boxers. He cutely flexes his muscles and then gets dressed. The story carries on but I won't spoil that for you.

Towards the end of the first act, Daniel and Marcy get undressed and get into bed (Daniel in his boxers and socks!). The action then switches to the other couple on the sofa but keep watching Daniel as he rummages in his trousers on the floor for his phone for the next scene. It all goes dark and I could see someone sitting on the steps in front of me. The lights go up and DANIEL IS SITTING ON THE STEPS TWO FEET AWAY FROM ME IN HIS BOXERS, SINGING A SONG. He then walks around the bed in his boxers whilst singing the song - you get to see his front, back and side and it's all marvellous! YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN A BODY AS BEAUTIFUL AS THIS IN YOUR LIFE! Forget the waxing, Sparkle - his body is absolutely perfect as it is. I'm glad he's grown his chest hair back - I don't reckon he's vain enough to wax. It really annoyed me that they made all the Josephs on ADWD wax their chests to try and make them all look like little boys - Daniel's a man! Contrary to some previous comments I read, I don't think he has been working out, cos his body is naturally beautiful enough he doesn't need to. He looks so good because he's normal and not some beefed-up muscle-man (which is what put me off Lee - all that "body for life" and press-ups and steak rubbish - yuk!). Daniel's a good down-to-earth guy, I reckon. I may be completely wrong though. But I digress!

Sorry to keep on about Daniel's body (I know Kay gave you updates last night) but I still haven't got over the shock of seeing it SO CLOSE.

There was only a little bit of dancing which was a really funny, deliberately cheesy dance routine which all the guys did, with jazz hands and everything. Daniel was hilarious in it. He also gets to wear some hideous clothes (as he's playing a geek) but that just makes you want to rip off his clothes and ruffle up his hair even more!

The audience was invited back into the theatre after a break at the end to mingle with the cast and crew. (unfortunately, Daniel later told us this was only for the frist two nights, as lots of important people would be going). Again, Mark and I thought we'd let Daniel come over to us and agreed befroehand not to ask for photos or autographs. We were chatting to a lovely woman who was obviously really into musical theatre. She hadn't heard of Daniel but thought he had a beautiful voice (we liked her!). She asked if we were friends of his and we said we were only fans but that we try to go to everything Daniel does. She was impressed.

We then realised that sitting on the row of seats next to us were Daniel's two friends we'd seen in the bar before the show and in the row of seats behind them was Daniel! Can't believe we didn't spot he was so close. We told lovely lady we wouldn't go over to Daniel as he was chatting to his friends but she went over instead and said to him: "Two of your fans are here". Sheepishly we looked up (worried that Daniel might be wondering why we're always hanging around) and all three began chatting to us. As Daniel's friends were right next to us, they were very friendly and seemed keen to talk to us about Daniel, and we told them we'd followed Daniel right from ADWD and had been to pretty much everything he's done since. Mark started up a conversation with Daniel by saying: "You should have warned us about the boxer shorts, Daniel". He laughed and we told him it was our favourite bit of the show. We told him how much we enjoyed the show and the lovely lady told him how beautiful she thought all the harmonies were and what great singers they all were, which pleased Daniel. Daniel said he was really worried about having to wear boxer shorts in such an intimate venue. He'd apparently asked the Director if he could wear a vest as well as the boxers, and fake tan but he couldn't because one of the characters comments on how "pasty" he is. He seemed really self-conscious about his gorgeous body - so modest! We chatted for a while and then Daniel went off to mingle.

We carried on chatting to the lovely lady and then realised that Daniel was again standing behind us. He then moved away from the people he was chatting to and came to talk to Mark and me. He spent AGES with us and we got to have a proper chat with him up close, just the three of us. We told him again how fantastic the show was and that we be posting great reviews. He said he'd been so nervous and worried about it and that he'd told his friends he felt he wasn't really getting into the character. I looked gobsmacked and said: "Why would you think that? You were brilliant". But he's just so modest and doesn't seem to realise how talented he is. He seemed relieved at how well the opening night had gone, but we weren't surprised at his brilliance! He also said he'd never been in the audience of such a small venue and asked whether it felt awkward for the audience being so close. But we said it made us feel like we were part of the story. He also said he thought Jeff's character was the more likeable, because he was the funnier character. We told him that Austin was the heart of the story and was just so loveable and that we found some of his scenes really emotional! I honestly thought Daniel's character was just as funny as Jeff's, cos everyone loves a geek. There is a scene where Marcy is trying to make up with Austin and he just keeps ignoring her whilst reading a magazine - Daniel said he was worried we would think the character wasn't very nice at that point, but I told him we could see how much Austin was hurting!

Daniel thanked us for the champagne (we didn't need to prompt him, he brought it up) and said it was so big he assumed at first it was from his agent and couldn't believe it was from us Kittens. He was genuinely really appreciative, especially as he said his Mum had forgotten it was opening night! He also mentioned Adam's brilliant cards and said he loved the Kitten logo thing. He said he had the card up on the top of his mirror. He specifically mentioned Adam by name! (Is there something we should know, Adam?)

We apologised if he thought we were a bit pushy on Sunday (after he told us he had to get up early on the Monday) especially as we had only seen him the day before, and apologised if he thought we were harrassing him. He seemed really surprised by this and said we weren't at all, but said he had a lot of people to speak to that night but didn't want to seem rude. I told him he definitely hadn't been rude (cos he hadn't) but we thought we might have gone too far. But he didn't think that at all and didn't mind the phone call either. I told Daniel we'd met him quite a few times and that he was always so lovely to us and always makes the effort to talk to us.

I think at one point he asked me if I was going to tell the Kittens about the boxers, because I remember saying to him that I'd already told the Kittens during the interval. Mark and I said we could see the show loads more times and I told him I was already coming back on the 29th with most of the other Kittens, although I thought there were Kittens going most weekends. He asked how many were going on the 29th and I stupidly couldn't remember but said I thought we'd fill up the first row. He seems quite keen to know this as he asked the same question at WYGIFI, although I'm not sure why. Is he scared of us?

He talked a lot about Gergia Stitt and told us she'd said she loved his fans! How sweet of her!

His friends politely then said he had to go. I asked if I could have a hug on behalf of the Kittens and of course, he obliged. Daniel always gives proper long, lingering hugs and he smelt absolutely delicious - I didn't want to let go. Mark then had a hug on behalf of the Tom-Cats. Daniel thanked us for coming and seemed genuinely pleased we'd come along. He talked to a few more people and then left at 11.20pm!

Sorry that was so long (I've probably single-handedly reached page 2000) and lingering so much on the boxers, but Mark and I reckoned it was the greatest night of our lives! Daniel just gets lovelier each time.



and


Now that I’ve calmed down just a teeny bit from the excitement of opening night, I thought I’d try and write a sensible review of ILYB (which contains no reference to Daniel’s pants or his towel!) and focus a bit more on Daniel’s actual performance, which was of course brilliant. I’m not very good at this kind of thing, so apologies. Adam (and probably all the other Kittens) will write a much better review after the 29th I’m sure, but in the meantime…

I’d never been to a pub theatre before, so wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. (I had even wondered whether it would actually be performed in the pub itself, and we’d have to put up with drunks shouting and people playing pool! Though of course it’s in a separate room, upstairs.) However, it’s actually a really good place to watch a play and it has a great atmosphere, because the front row seats are on the same level as the stage and there are only three rows, so it’s all very intimate, and you kind of feel more involved in the story because the actors are all so close to you (oh yes!) and the action is literally taking place right in front of you. There was a bit when Austin’s thermos falls off the table and it rolled right over to Mark’s feet where Daniel had to pick it up. When we spoke to Daniel afterwards, he remembered that it was Mark it rolled over to, and said they never knew in rehearsals where it’s going to end up, so you never know, some lucky Kittens might end up with Daniel at their feet! (watch where you put your drinks though!).

When I entered, I thought the set was fantastic. There are witty New York signs all over the walls of the set. (Mark, who had just come back from New York, said it felt just like the real thing!) There’s a sofa on the right of the stage and a bed on the left with two steps in front of it. Along from the bed is a bar table and stools with rainbow-coloured bottles displayed along the wall. The door the actors come through is in the middle of the stage. I didn’t notice the band at first as they were above the sofa, pretty much hidden away.

It was fantastic to see Daniel in a starring role where we really get to see not only his singing ability (we already know how phenomenal that is!) but his acting skills too, especially as he’s clearly playing someone so different from his own character. (Daniel did describe himself as “a bit of a geek” in ADWD when he went back to finish the filing, but we know he’s not really – he’s way too hot to be a geek!).

It seems to me Daniel actually has the hardest job of all the actors, not only because his is the main part and so probably has the most action on stage, but because the character of Austin, being a “stuffed shirt” (as Marcy describes him) might be tricky for some actors to make likeable. However, Daniel brings so much vulnerability as well as humour to the role, that he makes sure Austin is the emotional heart of the story around which the rest of the action revolves. You always feel for him, even at the point when he’s ignoring Marcy as she’s trying to make up with him, because we know he’s hurting inside. Wow, that guy can really do emotional depth! Mark and I were welling up for most of the second half!

Having said that, the rest of the cast are excellent too, both in their singing and acting, and there’s a great range of characters to enjoy. The voices are all very strong and blend really well together – everyone was note-perfect. Considering it was the first preview and Daniel had told us after WYGIFI that they probably wouldn’t be completely ready by opening night, I was expecting a few little mistakes but everything went perfectly with no slip-ups.

Daniel said afterwards he thought Jeff was the funnier character but I disagree and I think the two “diametrically-opposed” brothers complement each other really well. Daniel is hilarious in the scene with Marcy where he “doesn’t want to talk about Catherine” but ends up talking about nothing else!.And when he finally lets himself go and sticks up for Marcy in the Chinese restaurant, you just want to hug him! All the characters have some really funny lines, with the two actors playing various New York characters (waiters etc) getting some of the biggest laughs.

I wasn’t familiar with the soundtrack before I went, as I wanted to hear it for the first time performed on stage (by Daniel, of course) although I had a taster at Dress Circle on Saturday. I find it can sometimes be boring to watch a musical if you’re not familiar with the songs, but these songs were really catchy and the lyrics were great, fitting in with the story really well. The story was very true-to-life and everyone, I’m sure, will sit there thinking at various points: “I’ve felt exactly like that!”. It captured the whole relationships/dating experience perfectly!

The audience gave the actors loads of enthusiastic applause at the end, even long after their final bow.

I mentioned earlier that I thought this show was on a par with, and even better than a lot of West End musicals, but forgot to mention that other people in the audience (many of whom seemed to be regular musical theatre-goers) were saying exactly the same thing too. I especially think it would appeal to a younger audience (in their 20s and 30s) who can empathise with the very realistic characters and their experiences, and I could definitely watch it again and again! Oh, and it’s way better than Joseph!!! (there’s no need for a “Megamix” latched on to the end to try and fill up time!).

and one now from a non-kitten

I Love you Because (Landor Theatre - Inner London)
24th September 2007 -
An absolute delight! Funny, charming, sexy, touching.....this terrific little musical is directed with great panache by Robert McWhir, improving even on his triumphant Follies at this theatre last year, with fabulous choreography by Robbie O'Reilly and deceptively clever designs by Andy Edwards. The script is a little like a racier version of Friends, with the same irresistible combination of laugh-out-loud lines and heart-tugging moments, the tunes are really catchy, and the lyrics are often downright brilliant, evoking William Finn at his wittiest. To top it all off, the six strong cast simply couldn't be bettered:there's no more adorable couple on the London stage at the moment than Daniel Boys and Jodie Jacobs. Not since Our House have I felt an audience rooting so strongly for the central pairing: they are just perfect. Richard Frame and Debbie Kurup are also superb as their sidekicks, while Mark Goldthorp and the amazing Lucy Williamson are hilarious as a sort of Everycouple commenting on the action. The production values on this show are worthy of the West End, and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see it transfer. Just in case though, I'm booking to go again. An unmissable treat!
ajh

The press night is tomorrow (Wednesday) so the 'official' reviews will be around Thursday.

K.
xx

So, Lee was my Joseph but I also liked Daniel from the start and his 'You give me something' remains one of my favourite performances from ADWD. I was very keen to see him in his first big production since the show (other than Sweeney Todd) and saw the Sunday matinee of ILYB on 23rd.

Unfortunately things began badly to say the least and the trip became a four hour two-trains-and-two-buses Journey From Hell. The lovely leisurely pub lunch that I had planned for OH and I at the Landor disappeared completely and we arrived only 15 minutes before the start of the show so I ended up taking my seat feeling cross, stressed and hungry. I mention this because the show had quite a challenge to put me back in a good mood. That it managed to do so is no small achievement; it proved to be an immensely enjoyable and engaging production.

The first thing to note is the size of the venue. Tiny doesn't even begin to describe it. There is a small performance space with three raised rows of seats in an L shape; the back row is scarcely ten feet from the 'stage' and those sitting in the front row are in danger of tripping the actors up. Capacity can be no more than 75. This really does affect how you see the production. Imagine, in a 'normal' theatre, taking your seat, plonking it down on stage and saying 'I'd like to watch from here please'. The effect is to put the production under a microscope. There is no hiding place and no space between the performers and the audience in which to hide mistakes either visual or vocal. It is to the enormous credit of the show that it withstands this close scrutiny and that disbelief remains suspended.

The hardworking cast of six form two couples and another pair who perform all the minor roles. They were all excellent, really not a weak link. The heart of the piece is Daniel's Austin Bennett, a geeky character but also a sweet, vulnerable one to whom the audience immediately warms and cheers for throughout. In Daniel's hands the character is tremendously likable and appealing. It's a superb performance; subtle enough for the venue with enough emotion for you to care enormously for Austin. The other members of the cast support him brilliantly; the couples have convincing chemistry and the frequent comedy is handled with a very light touch.

Vocally they are all strong but it was here that I was slightly surprised as although Daniel sang very well, I wasn't quite as dazzled as I expected to be. Don't misunderstand - it was still lovely but his was the softest voice of the six. Whilst this might have been a character point - Austin is the quietest character - it may also have been his adjustment for an audience so close. The actors aren't miked but presumably if they give it too much welly to compensate then there is a risk of deafening the front row (I was at the back). I suspect it is probably quite a difficult balance to strike and they have all adjusted dfferently. Another point to make here is that before the show I probably didn't give the rest of the cast the credit they deserved - their voices were much, much better than I had expected.

The musical numbers are great although I am always poor at remembering scores after hearing them only once. Unlike larger, more conventional musicals, the numbers are not big set-pieces but flow out of the spoken dialogue very naturally and help move the story along. There is also an interesting mix of the emotional, upbeat and tongue-in-cheek moods. Daniel in an interview described the piece as rather like an episode of 'Friends' or 'Sex and the City' and I think he is right. For all the musical numbers it still has the feeling of a small, intimate play.

Whilst the production suits a small venue, it deserves better than a theatre above a pub in South London (no offence intended to those for whom this is their local!) and I would love to see it transfer to somewhere like the Donmar. It was a little gem; a small, highly enjoyable show that Daniel and the rest of the cast should be very proud of and the standing ovation was well deserved.

As an aside, I attempted to chat to the man sitting next to me at the end of the back row just before the second half started. He had been scribbling throughout the first half. I assumed he was writing a review but it turned out he was the director . Slightly embarrassing but I was at least able to tell him directly how much I was enjoying it!

Thanks Shoequeen for your review ... glad you enjoyed it. It's interesting you note about Daniel's singing, because in Dress Circle he was belting it out ... but they have all clearly had to adjust, as you say, to singing (without mics) in a small performance area.

Although the Landor is above a pub ... it has achieved a fantastic reputation for putting on outstanding productions under it's current Artistic Director. There is word that they want to transfer this to the West End - so fingers crossed.

The ensemble cast are all well known, quality musical theatre stars ... it's fantastic to have them all in this show.

I'm going on Saturday and am VERY much looking forward to it.

Hi NoahsArk

Glad you liked my review I'm not surprised Daniel has belted the songs out elsewhere and I'm sure he sounded fantastic! I will be interested to read your comparison of the two performances!

The cast were indeed great. I didn't know any of them beforehand but when I got a chance to read the programme they all had impressive experience. Also, I felt, they were very evenly matched. As I said earlier, there really wasn't a weak link.

I just wanted to clarify - I wasn't trying to put the Landor down in my review. I've read a little about it and it certainly seems to punch far above its weight. I really liked it! It was more a comment that the show deserved a higher profile venue - I would love to see it go to somewhere in the WE. The Donmar would be perfect.

Enjoy Saturday

The quality of picture/sound isn't great but this is from Dress Circle ...

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsPTHZX7Mms

Hi Noah

I meant to ask earlier - would you like me to post my review on the Kittens' forum?

Another non-kitten review posted on Dress Circle:-

What a delight!

At the Saturday evening performance and this really impressed me. Daniel Boys was quite talented in this role and showed us why tv casting is flawed. Far to intelligent and skilled performance in this to translate on tv and a popcorn thing like Jospeh.

Anyway I remember moaning on here a while back that this score was too samey an like the other NYC off Broadway romance shows. On reflection I think its a superior score and has a coherence to it that exceeds the competition in this sub genre.

Rest of the cast were on top form. Lucy Williams was a tad OTT in the role. Still that is clearly what the director wanted as Mark Goldthorpe was exactly the same opposite her (why must all NY waiters be camp?!)

Jodie jacobs was quite a surprise. I had heard bad things about her Eva and now wish I had caught her in that. Vocally quite excellent and fully realised character in what could so easily be a "Marta" knock off

http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/re...ve-you-because

Scott Matthewman's review is up!

So is the one from whatsonstage.com

http://www.whatsonstage.com/index.ph...ve+You+Because

Hi a Keithette here - tho my Mum loved Daniel !!

yOU MAY ALREADY HAVE SEEN THIS BUT IF NOT

http://www.whatsonstage.com/index.ph...E8821190393874

Thanks - it is over on the kitten site, but appreciate you posting it here.

K.
xx

Well, Daniel was sensational in ILYB. What a great actor he is ... we all knew he could sing brilliantly but had never really been given the opportunity to shine as an actor.

But shine he did. He gave a sensitive, moving, funny performance and couldn't have bettered it in any way. The rest of the cast were amazing, their vocals perfect, and the interaction between the characters spot-on.

The producer Josephine Buchan, came and found us, asking if we were 'Daniel's Fans' ... and chatted to us for some time, and they all really adore Daniel too ... which was lovely to hear.

We met him in the very crowded pub afterwards for a chat and some cuddles/kisses etc .. he was as always chatty and happy to put up with the kitten banter!

We didn't really get chance to chat to Twingle and her friend .. it was that crowded and noisy but I believe they loved it too ...

I'm going again next Sunday ... so I plan to sit somewhere different (although right in front of Daniel in his boxers was a pretty good seat) to get a different perspective.

Brilliant.

K.
xx

Yes my lovelee friend and I thoroughly enjoyed last night. Very witty and entertaining. I have never been to such a small theatre before and it was rather strange to say the least - I felt like I had stumbled into someone's living room.

We ate downstairs so were late coming up but still managed to get front seats on the side. We did laugh at the musicians going up the ladder - there seemed loads of them into this tiny crammed space.

I thought Daniel's vocals were amazing and technically superior to everyone else's. I even forgave him when he forgot about his american accent.

I was fascinated how they did the scene changes in front of the audience - very clever and all six cast were brilliant and played there part just how it should be played.

Due to my bad back i swapped seats with my friend (more comfortable chair) Glad i did what a treat! Daniel in one song came running over to me singing ! I was a bit worried he slipped and landed in my lap- not that that wouldn't have been a nice experience for me but not so much for him!!!

Well done Mr Boys and I so hope this transfers to the west end.

Oh and forgot to say it was a delight also to occasionally catch your kitties faces

Thank you for the ticks and sorry to whoever couldn't go - their loss was our gain !!

Glad you enjoyed it Twingle ... glad the tickets went to good homes ... it was SO hot in the pub though wasn't it and in the theatre itself.

I thought the scene changes were brilliantly done too... in fact given the limited space they had a fantastic set and the performances lost nothing because of that ... in fact it felt much more intimate.

Yes we commented about who Daniel might have fallen on as he rushed to that side of the stage!!

I'm going again on Sunday, so I hope to sit somewhere a bit different ... get a new view!

Love the reviews on here - glad everyone is enjoying it. I went on Saturday and thought it was absolutely brilliant! And Mr Boys - what a body in those boxer shorts! Phew!!! Have posted a long and rambling review over on Kitten site.

I was at the Dress Circle event and the cast sang well. I wasn't keen on the songs though as they weren't very catchy

I got to meet Daniel and he signed a postcard of the show for me.

The songs sang at Dress Circle weren't the best songs from the show. There are a couple of really catchy numbers.

It's well worth seeing if you can still manage to get your hands on a ticket.

I think I've just got my hands on the last ticket for Oct 14th! Yay!

Hope everyone who is going this weekend has a really fantastic time!

Thanks IG ... very much looking forward to seeing it again.

Can't wait for the 14th - more reviews and photos please fromthose going today.