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HAIRSPRAY starring our very own Ben James-Ellis


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Old 15-10-2007, 19:40
shoequeen
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Shoey

I know many preferred Christopher Walken in the role from the movie but I couldn't get past seeing him in the Deer Hunters so Mel had a head start for me. He can sing and dance (well not like the young ones of course) and , as you would expect, his comedy timing was great. The scene with Edna and him is many people's favourite
Hi twingle

Ooh that's interesting because I wasn't so keen on that scene in the film. Sounds like they've made much more of it here.

Incidentally - which was your favourite scene?

So, basically all four leads are brilliant! *claps hands excitedly*
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Old 15-10-2007, 21:58
shoequeen
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Sshhhh..Late one night in turnpike lane tube, when it was deserted (with my friend acting as lookout on top) I went down the down and up the up escalator several times (there was one of each side) but all I came away with was very black fingers

I agree what you said about terminology btw. And tbh people can call his part what they like for all I care. For me he's one of the stars for sure (Of course some cast lists split them into Principal parts, ensemble & swing. Link is a Principal part)

Mel/Wilbur for me is one of the weakest 'links'. Thats not necessarily because of Mels talent but also Wilburs part. His part in the show is a little weak I think. Unfortunately he's the one who made the least impression on me. There are just so many big characters, what with the other main 3 & Motormouth, Seaweed, Penny, Amber, Velma, etc it's hard to take them all in really. I would need to see it again to form a fair opnion on Mel!
Hi Lula

There's a difference between ensemble and swing?? (if my computer would let me I would insert a confused smilie here!) I sort of assumed they were the same thing (I can type smilies but only some of them. Strange....)


Angels

If you happen to know of any promotional stuff that the cast of Hairspray will be doing (suspect it's most likely to be MB) could you post a note of it here or in the Ben thread please? I'm not very good at keeping up with lots of different forums and it would be nice to hear any interviews that are given.

Thanks
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Old 15-10-2007, 22:36
twingle
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Posted on Ben's fansite forum (see link in my name) by ben's Grandmother and posted here with permission



what a show I saw on the 11th October, still can't believe it now. Anyone who goes is in for a treat. The whole theatre was electric and the cast were superb, not one weak link. It's a truly magical show and you must book now! Well done to everyone who has worked so hard towards and it has all paid off. Couldn't believe that was my Ben, a star at 18, he made me the proudest grandparent in the world, he's followed his dream that hes always wanted. We miss you so much but are so proud. God bless you Ben.

Love and miss you so much,
Grandma & Grandad Ellis
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Old 15-10-2007, 23:12
lipgloss
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A swing is like an uber understudy and covers everyone.

Michael Balls doing loads of promos, dunno where the list is now Loose women and stuff though.

I loved Mel, his level of dancing and singing was right for he role. This show must be mighty demoralising for some of the cast, they're amazing but because Leanne is just so special its hard for anyone else to stand out. Michael ball manages as do Ben, Motormouth and Penny at times but the other some of whom are way way above many people in the WE atm will get less notice.

Its hard to explain just how amazingly good this cast is.
But I think come press night even Michael Ball will take a backseat to Leanne in the reviews, I bet Mel and even Ben will only get vague mentions.
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Old 15-10-2007, 23:32
theatregeek
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seems ages since I posted here but lipgloss I so agree with you about Leanne and the reviews and yes even MB will take a back seat

but I doubt the cast are demoralised about it - it must be thrilling to be part of something that is this good and to be working with such amazing professionals including the creative team.
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Old 15-10-2007, 23:33
Eryndil
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Sorry, not a review or anything but I just had to say how sweet that message from his grandparents is.

(BTW - 'not one weak link'! - unintentional? )
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Old 15-10-2007, 23:51
lipgloss
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My fave scene is I can hear the bells
But youre timeless to me is a close second followed by without love.

I'm waiting til the 31st to go again, I'm waiting til the 31st to go again, I'm waiting til the 31st to go again, I'm waiting til the 31st to go again, I'm waiting til the 31st to go again, I'm waiting til the 31st to go again, I'm waiting til the 31st to go again, I'm waiting til the 31st to go again, I'm waiting til the 31st to go again..........
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Old 16-10-2007, 00:00
twingle
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Sorry, not a review or anything but I just had to say how sweet that message from his grandparents is.

(BTW - 'not one weak link'! - unintentional? )
I know brought a tear to my eye . I met her on the preview night and what a lovely lady and so proud of her grandson and not at all like a nana jean . As a grandmother myself with baby granddaughter I worry i will end up like Nana Jean *dabs tears from eyes*

ETA to add it probably was unintentional but if not then without malice
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Old 16-10-2007, 13:37
twingle
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Some great reviews here for Ben and the cast - scroll down to the bottom

http://www.theatremonkey.com/SHAFTESBURYbooking.htm
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Old 16-10-2007, 13:42
shoequeen
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because Leanne is just so special its hard for anyone else to stand out.
Having read back through the reviews here she sounds fantastic. Was a little apprehensive beforehand because I really liked Nikki Blonsky in the film but it sounds like Leanne more than matches her.

I know brought a tear to my eye.
It was a lovely message. They must have been so nervous before the opening show!

EDIT - Just read the reviews on Theatremonkey *applauds whole cast*
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Old 16-10-2007, 16:37
tvqueen1905
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has micheal been on any tv shows yet

if not when is he on

is ben on anywhere
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Old 16-10-2007, 17:13
Lula Mae
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Angels
If you happen to know of any promotional stuff that the cast of Hairspray will be doing (suspect it's most likely to be MB) could you post a note of it here ...
Thanks
Just for you Ms Queen

Michael Balls up coming appearances*:
[LIST][*]18/10/07 Interview and performance on LK Today, ITV 1, 8:35 am - 9:30 am
[*]22/10/07 Interview on Loose Women, ITV 1, 12:30 pm - 01:30 pm
[*]25/10/07 Guest on This Morning, ITV 1, 10:30 am - 12:30 am
[*]29/10/07 Hairspray PR on BBC Breakfast News, BBC 1, 6:00 am - 9:15 am[/LIST]
*subject to change I'm sure!

eta. Hi tvqueen. Michael was on the Jonathan Ross show a couple of weeks ago (is probably on youtube) and as above for future appearances that we know of.

~ The whole cast are due to appear at the Royal Variety Show on the 3rd Dec in Liverpool. Televised soon after I believe.
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Old 16-10-2007, 17:16
shoequeen
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Just for you Ms Queen
*hugs Lula*

Thanks
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Old 17-10-2007, 07:18
Miffy290580
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I'm loving the reviews everyone it sounds amazing! Can't wait until 17th November

Anyway what I really came here for lol was to say that Mel Smith is on Paul O Grady today according to my Sky planner
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Old 17-10-2007, 09:14
lipgloss
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Are you going on the scarborough trip Miffy?
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Old 17-10-2007, 16:52
Miffy290580
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Are you going on the scarborough trip Miffy?
Scarborough trip?

I live in London so am going to the matinee on the 17th...is that what you meant or something else
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Old 17-10-2007, 17:11
lipgloss
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There a lot of scarbourgh people going that day, wondered if you were one.

You'll have a great time however you get there
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Old 17-10-2007, 19:04
tvqueen1905
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Just for you Ms Queen

Michael Balls up coming appearances*:
[LIST][*]18/10/07 Interview and performance on LK Today, ITV 1, 8:35 am - 9:30 am
[*]22/10/07 Interview on Loose Women, ITV 1, 12:30 pm - 01:30 pm
[*]25/10/07 Guest on This Morning, ITV 1, 10:30 am - 12:30 am
[*]29/10/07 Hairspray PR on BBC Breakfast News, BBC 1, 6:00 am - 9:15 am[/LIST]
*subject to change I'm sure!

eta. Hi tvqueen. Michael was on the Jonathan Ross show a couple of weeks ago (is probably on youtube) and as above for future appearances that we know of.

~ The whole cast are due to appear at the Royal Variety Show on the 3rd Dec in Liverpool. Televised soon after I believe.
thankyou *sets tape for tomorrow trys not to make same mistake as today*

i saw him on jonathon ross

i can watch this morning and loose women in the holidays

result

i will have to tape bbc news though

is there no london performance on the 3rd december then?
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Old 17-10-2007, 19:06
tvqueen1905
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what about bens upcoming appearences i don't want to miss him
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Old 17-10-2007, 19:12
twingle
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Hiya TV Queen

If we hear anything we will let you know but think it will be just mel and Michale doing the rounds. The show is on the Royal Variety in front of the Queen so we will get a bit of ben on the tele than
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Old 17-10-2007, 19:25
tvqueen1905
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on the 3rd december will there be no evening performance in the west end
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Old 17-10-2007, 19:27
tvqueen1905
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what did mel smith say on paul o grady

is there any clips i missed it
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Old 17-10-2007, 19:36
twingle
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I missed it too but someone who saw it said it wasn't very much and also yes there is no performance on 3rd of December - the cast will be in Liverpool performing in front of our Lizzie!!

We have fingers crossed for children in need too - they usually have a lot of the shows on very late after they come off stage and I know Joseph is performing
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Old 17-10-2007, 20:06
tvqueen1905
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whats lizzie doing there

how does she get to go
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Old 17-10-2007, 20:46
Miffy290580
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There a lot of scarbourgh people going that day, wondered if you were one.

You'll have a great time however you get there
Oh LMAO I'm so thick I read that on the Ben forum and now I realise what you meant Sorry
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