Hogfather
Fri, 7 Dec 2001, 01:40 amWalter Plinge19 posts in thread
Hogfather
Fri, 7 Dec 2001, 01:40 amNot a proper review, I know, but I've just arrived home from the show, and must go sleep.
I enjoyed 'Hogfather' so much I recommend all to go see it - very enjoyable night out!
Well done to all involved!!
I enjoyed 'Hogfather' so much I recommend all to go see it - very enjoyable night out!
Well done to all involved!!
Walter PlingeFri, 7 Dec 2001, 01:40 am
Not a proper review, I know, but I've just arrived home from the show, and must go sleep.
I enjoyed 'Hogfather' so much I recommend all to go see it - very enjoyable night out!
Well done to all involved!!
I enjoyed 'Hogfather' so much I recommend all to go see it - very enjoyable night out!
Well done to all involved!!
LindaFri, 7 Dec 2001, 12:58 pm
RE: Hogfather
I went last night and also enjoyed it. Bolldy late night tho'.
I have 2 concerns:
Couldn't understand Death due to all the reverb etc on its voice.
Why, when Susan used "the voice", didn't she also get the reverb thing?
Apart from them, the timing was generally very good, the casting fine (loved the crow, sorry, "quoth" the raven) (but I think Mel shoulkd have got the lead but then I'm biased) and the music was great.
Linda
Oh, and I didn't like death's shoes. (picky, picky, picky)
I have 2 concerns:
Couldn't understand Death due to all the reverb etc on its voice.
Why, when Susan used "the voice", didn't she also get the reverb thing?
Apart from them, the timing was generally very good, the casting fine (loved the crow, sorry, "quoth" the raven) (but I think Mel shoulkd have got the lead but then I'm biased) and the music was great.
Linda
Oh, and I didn't like death's shoes. (picky, picky, picky)
Walter PlingeFri, 7 Dec 2001, 12:59 pm
RE: Hogfather
That was supposed to be bloody, not bolldy! Should proof read before posting.
Amanda ChestertonFri, 7 Dec 2001, 07:18 pm
RE: Hogfather
SHOW: Hogfather written & directed by Nick Donald
WHO: Blak Yak
WHERE: Nexus Theatre, Murdoch University, Perth, WA
WHEN: Thursday, 6 December 2001
Sorry to post a review so late in the run, chaps, but better late than never what, what?
I must say, that I have never read Terry Pratchett nor have I ever seen the famous Blak Yak renderings of his tales. Hogfather was my first experience and it was...an experience.
I'll get my first major poo-poo out of the way first - Hogfather has at its heart a really grabbing story line. But this was just too darn long. Running from 8pm until just after 11pm I sympathised with the little brat playing hopscotch up and down the stairs. What needs cutting? I don't know. I kept thinking of the 'Too many notes my dear Mozart', 'But which notes need cutting' quote from 'Amadeus' (but then that may just have been the presence of Shenandoah Bruce on the stage). But it really was too long, and at times became a little too convoluted. I was lost (for example) for the first 15 minutes or so, not being familiar with the book. Perhaps this could have been shortened and simplified? Also, while the Cheerfulness Fairy was bloody funny, she seemed to exist simply as a comedic device and to contribute only as a very minor plot point (i.e. she, along with a the other extraneous gods and fairies, disappears once Teatime has been vanquished). Again, could have been cut/shortened/simplified?? I realise Nick probably cut a lot more from the novel for the sake of staging than he would have liked, but more cuts or even just tightening up is in dire need for future performances.
Having said this, one of the best parts about Hogfather was the humour in the script, and with the laughing loonies of the ITA present in this particular audience (the Mighty-Mouth Malcoms and Mr Jarrod 'Jovial' Buttery in the back row) they weren't lost on anyone. The cast's obvious enjoyment of these gags and the enormous energy they dedicated to their delivery only enhanced the experience of the audience. Troy Hall just had to walk on stage and I was away - the understated genius of that boy's delivery was unmatched. Other notables in the cast included Tim Edwards as the Oh God of Hangovers (he was a major character, so it was hard not to notice him but hell he was good) and Rayann Condy as the child puppet. Laugh, I thought I'd spew.
The 'Mel Should have played the lead' controversy? I dunno...Jemma Gurney has a lovely deep voice (for a girl) which only reinforced the 'Death's Granddaughter' connection. Also, she had a delightfully dry delivery which suited the part to a T. I last saw Melissa Merchant in 'Don's Party' and I noted then her superb comic timing. This skill was wonderfully showcased in her various roles in the show. I don't agree that because you're in a smaller role, you're a lesser actor - sometimes you need great performers in the smaller parts to make the most of the show, and I think this was very much the case with Mel's casting.
The 'Death' voice...this unfortunately was another downer in the show. I am well aware of the Neil McDonald claim on the role, and Blak Yak obviously went to great lengths to preserve this fine and well deserved tradition by getting Neil to record his dulcet tones all the way up in sunny Scotland, then casting a tall person in the part and giving them a mask. Hmm. For the clarity of the recording, Neil might just as well have been on a dodgy line direct from Scotland, doing the show live. The reverb on the recording was nasty and obscured some awfully good lines. Was this poor recording, or an over-enthusiastic sound person putting too many effects on? It was a brave attempt, but didn't work. Bouquets to the timing of the sound-guy however (Nick?). They didn't seem to miss a cue - and believe me, after the fireworks in the piano for Summer of the 17th Doll I appreciate a prompt and accurate sound cue. I really liked the Death shoes by the way.
A standing ovation must be given for the design of the show and the soundtrack. Someone's got to do something about that Eliot Mc - the professional sphere is going to discover him soon and then we'll lose his contributions to community theatre which are nothing short of genius (and don't think I didn't notice the Brian May inspired guitar chord progressions in those Christmas Carols, El ;-) Maahhvellous. The black and white set with the primary coloured costumes were some of the most effective I've ever seen.
I could say packs more but I've gotta go...good luck with your last two shows guys and keep having fun! It makes the show very special.
Amanda Chesterton
WHO: Blak Yak
WHERE: Nexus Theatre, Murdoch University, Perth, WA
WHEN: Thursday, 6 December 2001
Sorry to post a review so late in the run, chaps, but better late than never what, what?
I must say, that I have never read Terry Pratchett nor have I ever seen the famous Blak Yak renderings of his tales. Hogfather was my first experience and it was...an experience.
I'll get my first major poo-poo out of the way first - Hogfather has at its heart a really grabbing story line. But this was just too darn long. Running from 8pm until just after 11pm I sympathised with the little brat playing hopscotch up and down the stairs. What needs cutting? I don't know. I kept thinking of the 'Too many notes my dear Mozart', 'But which notes need cutting' quote from 'Amadeus' (but then that may just have been the presence of Shenandoah Bruce on the stage). But it really was too long, and at times became a little too convoluted. I was lost (for example) for the first 15 minutes or so, not being familiar with the book. Perhaps this could have been shortened and simplified? Also, while the Cheerfulness Fairy was bloody funny, she seemed to exist simply as a comedic device and to contribute only as a very minor plot point (i.e. she, along with a the other extraneous gods and fairies, disappears once Teatime has been vanquished). Again, could have been cut/shortened/simplified?? I realise Nick probably cut a lot more from the novel for the sake of staging than he would have liked, but more cuts or even just tightening up is in dire need for future performances.
Having said this, one of the best parts about Hogfather was the humour in the script, and with the laughing loonies of the ITA present in this particular audience (the Mighty-Mouth Malcoms and Mr Jarrod 'Jovial' Buttery in the back row) they weren't lost on anyone. The cast's obvious enjoyment of these gags and the enormous energy they dedicated to their delivery only enhanced the experience of the audience. Troy Hall just had to walk on stage and I was away - the understated genius of that boy's delivery was unmatched. Other notables in the cast included Tim Edwards as the Oh God of Hangovers (he was a major character, so it was hard not to notice him but hell he was good) and Rayann Condy as the child puppet. Laugh, I thought I'd spew.
The 'Mel Should have played the lead' controversy? I dunno...Jemma Gurney has a lovely deep voice (for a girl) which only reinforced the 'Death's Granddaughter' connection. Also, she had a delightfully dry delivery which suited the part to a T. I last saw Melissa Merchant in 'Don's Party' and I noted then her superb comic timing. This skill was wonderfully showcased in her various roles in the show. I don't agree that because you're in a smaller role, you're a lesser actor - sometimes you need great performers in the smaller parts to make the most of the show, and I think this was very much the case with Mel's casting.
The 'Death' voice...this unfortunately was another downer in the show. I am well aware of the Neil McDonald claim on the role, and Blak Yak obviously went to great lengths to preserve this fine and well deserved tradition by getting Neil to record his dulcet tones all the way up in sunny Scotland, then casting a tall person in the part and giving them a mask. Hmm. For the clarity of the recording, Neil might just as well have been on a dodgy line direct from Scotland, doing the show live. The reverb on the recording was nasty and obscured some awfully good lines. Was this poor recording, or an over-enthusiastic sound person putting too many effects on? It was a brave attempt, but didn't work. Bouquets to the timing of the sound-guy however (Nick?). They didn't seem to miss a cue - and believe me, after the fireworks in the piano for Summer of the 17th Doll I appreciate a prompt and accurate sound cue. I really liked the Death shoes by the way.
A standing ovation must be given for the design of the show and the soundtrack. Someone's got to do something about that Eliot Mc - the professional sphere is going to discover him soon and then we'll lose his contributions to community theatre which are nothing short of genius (and don't think I didn't notice the Brian May inspired guitar chord progressions in those Christmas Carols, El ;-) Maahhvellous. The black and white set with the primary coloured costumes were some of the most effective I've ever seen.
I could say packs more but I've gotta go...good luck with your last two shows guys and keep having fun! It makes the show very special.
Amanda Chesterton
Eliot McCannFri, 7 Dec 2001, 11:54 pm
RE: Hogfather
Amanda Chesterton wrote:
*(and don't think I didn't notice the Brian May inspired guitar chord progressions in those Christmas Carols, El ;-)
Inspired??? Blatantly stolen is nearer the mark...
But it had to be done. Glad it pleased you.
Eliot
*(and don't think I didn't notice the Brian May inspired guitar chord progressions in those Christmas Carols, El ;-)
Inspired??? Blatantly stolen is nearer the mark...
But it had to be done. Glad it pleased you.
Eliot
LindaSat, 8 Dec 2001, 05:51 pm
RE: Hogfather
The bit about Mel was blatant sucking up to a friend and past cast buddy. And yes I thought Jemma was great too.
Walter PlingeSun, 9 Dec 2001, 04:20 pm
RE: Hogfather
Thanks for the review, Amanda - forewarned is forearmed as they say and so I made sure I listened hard during Death's scenes last night. The reverb did make it a little hard to understand at times but it was very effective.
One quibble, I'm afraid, and it's a whopper.
Why did Blak Yak get a gorilla to play the Librarian? When you work in a Zoo with orangs and you're sitting with an orang expert who introduced Terry Pratchett to our lot when he was in Perth a few years ago, you notice these things. Was Hsing Hsing's agent demanding too much money?
8-)
The music was brill, the performances wonderful and the production a lot of fun. And thanks to Terry P (whom I sure reads this forum) for donating his royalties to our orang appeal.
Pamela.
Thou pribbling doghearted bladder!
One quibble, I'm afraid, and it's a whopper.
Why did Blak Yak get a gorilla to play the Librarian? When you work in a Zoo with orangs and you're sitting with an orang expert who introduced Terry Pratchett to our lot when he was in Perth a few years ago, you notice these things. Was Hsing Hsing's agent demanding too much money?
8-)
The music was brill, the performances wonderful and the production a lot of fun. And thanks to Terry P (whom I sure reads this forum) for donating his royalties to our orang appeal.
Pamela.
Thou pribbling doghearted bladder!
KimberleySun, 9 Dec 2001, 05:54 pm
RE: Orang
Blak Yak's orang, is an orang...
He was made many years ago when the closest fur colour you could get was an orangey/brown. I saw the show this week and thought "Hey, in this light, from this angle, he looks like a gorilla." He definately is NOT a gorilla.
He was made many years ago when the closest fur colour you could get was an orangey/brown. I saw the show this week and thought "Hey, in this light, from this angle, he looks like a gorilla." He definately is NOT a gorilla.
Walter PlingeSun, 9 Dec 2001, 09:23 pm
RE: Orang
Soooo......he was an orang impersonating a gorilla? Damn tricky these Great Apes.
May I tell an orang true story? Hsing Hsing, our male, likes magazines. The keepers give them to the orangs as behavioural enrichment. Hsing was leafing through a women's magazine, stopped and tore out one of the pages. The keeper peered over his shoulder and saw that it was a photo of a ginger kitten.
Hsing continued leafing through his mag, stopped again, screwed up the picture of the kitten and tore out a second page.
Again the keeper looked to see what this one was.
It was Nicole Kidman.
Librarians have taste. 8-)
Thou pox-marked rude-growing bladder!
May I tell an orang true story? Hsing Hsing, our male, likes magazines. The keepers give them to the orangs as behavioural enrichment. Hsing was leafing through a women's magazine, stopped and tore out one of the pages. The keeper peered over his shoulder and saw that it was a photo of a ginger kitten.
Hsing continued leafing through his mag, stopped again, screwed up the picture of the kitten and tore out a second page.
Again the keeper looked to see what this one was.
It was Nicole Kidman.
Librarians have taste. 8-)
Thou pox-marked rude-growing bladder!
Walter PlingeMon, 10 Dec 2001, 03:21 pm
RE: Orang
Orangutans have big round sad faces - it was definitely a gorilla.
Walter PlingeMon, 10 Dec 2001, 05:15 pm
RE: Orang
Terry Pratchett once described baby orangs as looking like startled coconuts.
Pamela.
Thou paunchy rump-fed malt-worm!
Pamela.
Thou paunchy rump-fed malt-worm!
LouiseCCTue, 11 Dec 2001, 08:54 am
Hogfather - Orang
Pamela wrote:
-------------------------------
One quibble, I'm afraid, and it's a whopper.
Why did Blak Yak get a gorilla to play the Librarian? When you work in a Zoo with orangs and you're sitting with an orang expert who introduced Terry Pratchett to our lot when he was in Perth a few years ago, you notice these things. Was Hsing Hsing's agent demanding too much money?
Blak Yak's Librarian is certainly not a gorilla, but strictly speaking (you're right) he's not an orang either. When he was made - back in 1997 - Geraldine and I did the best that we could, being of a dress-making persuasion, rather than animal-facsimile-creators. The fur is too dark for an orang and not long enough either, but that is all that was available (and in our price range) back then.
We did have an opportunity to hire an orang suit from one of the fancy dress places round Perth - but that one doubled as a wookie - so we would've been in the same boat.
Anyway - he serves a purpose. And he's cute. And the actor loses a lot of weight during a season, by sweating it off.....
As with all Pratchetts, whether they be books or shows, you need to suspend your belief in a lot of things. We were just hoping like crazy that we would never get an expert in the audience that would notice!
And Hsing-Hsing's agent wouldn't return our call. :(
If you have any suggestions on how to turn our hairy suit into something that looks a lot more like an orang, (the sort of orang that would pass muster) please email me and let me know. All ideas will be listened to.
LouiseCC
(God! Do you think that means someone has noticed that DEATH is not really a skellington?)
Walter PlingeTue, 11 Dec 2001, 01:00 pm
RE: Hogfather - Orang
Blak Yak's Librarian is certainly not a gorilla, but strictly speaking (you're right) he's not an orang either. When he was made - back in 1997 - Geraldine and I did the best that we could, being of a dress-making persuasion, rather than animal-facsimile-creators. The fur is too dark for an orang and not long enough either, but that is all that was available (and in our price range) back then.
I think it was more the sound than the look of the critter. Orangs are pretty quiet animals, apart from the occasional "Ook" of course and I think if the Librarian hadn't made his presence known with gorilla-type noises, we may have missed seeing the hairy arm reaching towards to the chimbley.
We did have an opportunity to hire an orang suit from one of the fancy dress places round Perth - but that one doubled as a wookie - so we would've been in the same boat.
In the words of the Librarian in, (I think) Lords and Ladies, "Somebody would pay for this." Being portrayed by a Wookie????
Anyway - he serves a purpose. And he's cute. And the actor loses a lot of weight during a season, by sweating it off.....
Hmmmm....I see a unique marketing opportunity.
As with all Pratchetts, whether they be books or shows, you need to suspend your belief in a lot of things. We were just hoping like crazy that we would never get an expert in the audience that would notice!
You mean the world really isn't suspended on the backs of four elephants? The expert didn't actually comment at all.
And Hsing-Hsing's agent wouldn't return our call. :(
Hsing is currently supervising the construction of new quarters and keeping an eye on the workmen from his tower. Actually, I wouldn't fancy being the poor soul who had to sweep up all that hair from the stage. And I'm not really sure you'd want something that only weighed 40kg+ plus but had the strength of somebody four times the size systematically taking apart the scenery. Which is what he did to his bunk one night. He'd been observing workmen removing a bunk from across the night quarter raceway and did the same to his own bed. Only they needed equipment and he just used his fingers.
If you have any suggestions on how to turn our hairy suit into something that looks a lot more like an orang, (the sort of orang that would pass muster) please email me and let me know. All ideas will be listened to.
Dreadlocks! Long orange dreadies. Actually, I'm not really sure if Pratchett portrays the Librarian as a fully grown male with cheekpads and dreadlocks. Maybe you could just change the colour a little with that spray on temporary hair colouring.
Pamela, who loved the God of Rats and the Raven and the kids!
(God! Do you think that means someone has noticed that DEATH is not really a skellington?)
Yes he was! I saw his bony feet.
I think it was more the sound than the look of the critter. Orangs are pretty quiet animals, apart from the occasional "Ook" of course and I think if the Librarian hadn't made his presence known with gorilla-type noises, we may have missed seeing the hairy arm reaching towards to the chimbley.
We did have an opportunity to hire an orang suit from one of the fancy dress places round Perth - but that one doubled as a wookie - so we would've been in the same boat.
In the words of the Librarian in, (I think) Lords and Ladies, "Somebody would pay for this." Being portrayed by a Wookie????
Anyway - he serves a purpose. And he's cute. And the actor loses a lot of weight during a season, by sweating it off.....
Hmmmm....I see a unique marketing opportunity.
As with all Pratchetts, whether they be books or shows, you need to suspend your belief in a lot of things. We were just hoping like crazy that we would never get an expert in the audience that would notice!
You mean the world really isn't suspended on the backs of four elephants? The expert didn't actually comment at all.
And Hsing-Hsing's agent wouldn't return our call. :(
Hsing is currently supervising the construction of new quarters and keeping an eye on the workmen from his tower. Actually, I wouldn't fancy being the poor soul who had to sweep up all that hair from the stage. And I'm not really sure you'd want something that only weighed 40kg+ plus but had the strength of somebody four times the size systematically taking apart the scenery. Which is what he did to his bunk one night. He'd been observing workmen removing a bunk from across the night quarter raceway and did the same to his own bed. Only they needed equipment and he just used his fingers.
If you have any suggestions on how to turn our hairy suit into something that looks a lot more like an orang, (the sort of orang that would pass muster) please email me and let me know. All ideas will be listened to.
Dreadlocks! Long orange dreadies. Actually, I'm not really sure if Pratchett portrays the Librarian as a fully grown male with cheekpads and dreadlocks. Maybe you could just change the colour a little with that spray on temporary hair colouring.
Pamela, who loved the God of Rats and the Raven and the kids!
(God! Do you think that means someone has noticed that DEATH is not really a skellington?)
Yes he was! I saw his bony feet.
BabarTue, 11 Dec 2001, 02:26 pm
RE: Hogfather - Orang
>Dreadlocks! Long orange dreadies. Actually, I'm not really sure if Pratchett portrays the Librarian as a fully grown male with cheekpads and dreadlocks. Maybe you could just change the colour a little with that spray on temporary hair colouring.
Pratchett has said that the Librarian is a fully grown male, but without the cheekpads that would indicate that he is the dominant male in the group... after all, that would be the Archchancellor. This is just from my memory of the Discworld Companion, which I can't be bothered fishing out of the temperal vortex that I nest in.
The "Startled Coconuts" comment reminded me of something I had sitting on my hard drive (no commentary necessary Jarrod/Paul/Everyone)... I've uploaded it to the following URL:
http://l-space.tripod.com/babies.jpg
Incidentally, does anyone else think that the one on the left bears a passing resemblance to Shennandoah? I swear that's the same cheeky grin.
Troy "oook" Hall
Pratchett has said that the Librarian is a fully grown male, but without the cheekpads that would indicate that he is the dominant male in the group... after all, that would be the Archchancellor. This is just from my memory of the Discworld Companion, which I can't be bothered fishing out of the temperal vortex that I nest in.
The "Startled Coconuts" comment reminded me of something I had sitting on my hard drive (no commentary necessary Jarrod/Paul/Everyone)... I've uploaded it to the following URL:
http://l-space.tripod.com/babies.jpg
Incidentally, does anyone else think that the one on the left bears a passing resemblance to Shennandoah? I swear that's the same cheeky grin.
Troy "oook" Hall
BabarTue, 11 Dec 2001, 02:58 pm
RE: Hogfather
Just wanted to drop a note to say that your flattery was much appreciated, to be honest, when I spotted Big Tony and yourself in the audience I thought "Oh dear, there goes any scrap of respect I had there,". Glad you enjoyed the show.
Troy
Troy
Walter PlingeTue, 11 Dec 2001, 06:08 pm
RE: Hogfather - Orang
Actually, there are no dominant males in orang society. They don't live in groups. Males live with their mothers until they're about 7 or so and then move out to live on their own. And all adult males have cheek pads.
Females live with their children until they kick them out.
All the book cover drawings of the Librarian show him as a sub-adult so I think Louise's costume, with a bit of orang hair mousse through it, should do the trick.
Thou mammering rump-fed pignut! Good god!
P.
Females live with their children until they kick them out.
All the book cover drawings of the Librarian show him as a sub-adult so I think Louise's costume, with a bit of orang hair mousse through it, should do the trick.
Thou mammering rump-fed pignut! Good god!
P.
Walter PlingeThu, 13 Dec 2001, 02:47 pm
RE: Hogfather
Not bad. A bit long for the kids. Death in Arena's Wyrd Sisters back in April was more realistic I thought.
Walter PlingeThu, 13 Dec 2001, 11:34 pm
RE: Hogfather
Hey Amanda,
Your comments are the ones I often pay most attention to when I am flitting about the ITA site from the northern hemisphere, so thanks for the honest review of "Hogfather," painful as it was to hear that the recorded voice was anything less than an astounding success. Ah, the trials of complacency!
I do, however, have one major criticism, Miss Chesterton. Why is it you waited until I had left the country before you thought it appropriate to see a Pratchett show??
First it was Mr. Malcolm's Hamlet at the New Fortune, and now this....
*sigh*
You're just lucky that I'm not paranoid. Well... not much, hardly at all in fact, not so's anyone who was watching would notice....
Neil
P.S.
If I can find a review of my recent show in Glasgow (Howard Barker's "Hated Nightfall"), you'll see it on this page.
Your comments are the ones I often pay most attention to when I am flitting about the ITA site from the northern hemisphere, so thanks for the honest review of "Hogfather," painful as it was to hear that the recorded voice was anything less than an astounding success. Ah, the trials of complacency!
I do, however, have one major criticism, Miss Chesterton. Why is it you waited until I had left the country before you thought it appropriate to see a Pratchett show??
First it was Mr. Malcolm's Hamlet at the New Fortune, and now this....
*sigh*
You're just lucky that I'm not paranoid. Well... not much, hardly at all in fact, not so's anyone who was watching would notice....
Neil
P.S.
If I can find a review of my recent show in Glasgow (Howard Barker's "Hated Nightfall"), you'll see it on this page.
melissaFri, 14 Dec 2001, 11:00 pm
RE: Hogfather
Thanks for the sucking Linda (keep your mind out of the gutter Jarrod and Dean!) it's always nice to hear even if it really isn't true! I enjoyed playing the smaller roles, I've never had the chance to indulge in my split peronalities before. And thank you Amanda for your kind words, I don't believe we have ever met but I like you already!
Melissa
Melissa