Sorry in advance, because my blog is going to be a downer/semi-complaint. Blue/Orange started out very interesting and comical. The actors were convincing (especially Juliette), it was funny, I liked the subject matter, and the blonde lady yelled “LICK MY ANUS” really loudly, obviously a plus. I also liked the audience set-up and how we were literally looking into the “windows” of a mental institution. However, I have asthma and I was not informed that there would be smoking in the production. I do not judge smokers, like whatever, it is a personal choice! I have smoker friends and I really couldn’t care less what people choose to do in their personal lives. However, I am not sure how a theatre can justify smoking in an enclosed theatre production when currently, only an estimated 24% of British adults smoke. Furthermore, I think the theatre could have done a much better job at warning patrons of this fact. There were only a couple discreet signs posted where one would purchase tickets or concessions – neither of which I did. There were no signs within the theatre, and the ushers did not warn the audience (even though they did tell us how much time would pass before the intermission, which I found quite strange). A smoking warning is also not written anywhere on the website. There are so many other options they could have used, such as the faux electronic cigarettes that pose no health risks or even the cigarettes made of marshmallows. It’s a shame that I couldn’t stay to watch the rest of the production because of this poor (in my opinion) planning decision.
On the BRIGHT side, I finally decided to see Legally Blonde the Musical for the THIRD TIME tonight, and it was beyond incredible. Blog post about that coming soon!
-Tanya Joseph
I TOTALLY agree about the smoking. I found it surprisingly intrusive. OK, it was set in 2002 when there was no smoking ban in force, but this did not make for a comfortable experience. I am glad that the set made such an impression though. So, LBTM again! Can't wait to read what effect that had on you. I'm interested to hear your reaction to the proscenium arch stage presentation. Choke, splutter. Dr Q
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