Once Apon A Time In Wigan

[Guest James Trouble]

I saw this on Friday in Southand, what do people think of it?

I enjoyed it, the actors were very good, amphetamine jokes rather humourous, the musical score was fantastic, but it was frustrating hearing onyl 20 seconds of some of the tracks and, as Rob Messre put my young self straight on during the interval, many of the tracks featured were never played at Wigan (a bad thing?).

I would say that the underlieing theme of a weekend religous spiritual event based on blind faith and masochism giving purpose to the duldrums of the 9 to 5 monday to friday routine is better presented in the scrpit to "Saturday Night Fever" and "Fever Pitch" and if you are not into Northern Soul your time would probably be better spent reading Fever Pitch or watching Saturday Night Fever, but as I will assume that no one reading this post fits into that bracket, all in all, I'd say that if you get a chance get out and grab a ticket if you have not seen it yet.

Good stuff!

[grant]

yeah saw the play last year and we also spotted a few post-wigan tunes (researcher slip-up?). anyway didnt really matter as the spirit of the thing was there and like u said the actors were brilliant, and it is a good and funny portrayal of those great time at the casino. well recommended, wish i'd go the chance to go and see it again when it re-visited manchester. they should make a 'made for tv film' at least of this paly!!

grant

[Guest ShaneH]

I thought the play was excellent and would recommend it to anyone. We took a couple of friends who knew nothing about the northern scene and they loved it as much as us if not more.

It's very fast moving with plenty of detail and lots of humour. Also quite sad in parts.

JTrouble said earlier he would have prefered more than the brief intervals of music but this would have made the play a bit lengthy. I think they did well by just implying many songs.

I am not sure if it would carry well to the screen because like many good plays/books they end up being a bit naff and incorrect. I think this applies to many music and sport related films with the odd exception. I would like to remember it as a play and I don't think it could be bettered. Not heard a bad word said about it although I am sure many people were dying to get onto the stage and dance at the end.

Shane.

[Guest]

Not seen it yet, on in widnes on sat looking forward to it i was reading a article on manchester on-line from paul sadot(i think)about they know there`s some things that soul fans would notice errors as such,sounds that weren't played at wigan but they know about this and just claimed creative license or whatever its called.........neilb

[Guest]

i actually flew from jersey to see this on the last night of the first run in manchester,like a twat i left everything till the last minute booked flight THEN phoned the contact...sold out! i explained to the guy where i was traveling from and he said hed do his best to get me a returned ticket so i took a chance and went anyway.sure enough the guy got me a ticket!

all in all with all travel expenses it cost me more than 250 quid,was it worth it?...i smiled all the way home!