Pet Shop Boys Community

There is a new production of Closer to Heaven, launching at the Turbine Theatre in Battersea, running 31 May - 30 June. This will be the third small theatre production of the show, I really enjoyed the last two!

https://www.theturbinetheatre.com/whats ... -to-heaven

Super - I've booked the first preview. It's a shame the gala night is sold out - it's a tiny theatre, so that could be all out to sponsors and friends I guess.

Previews starting on 31st May. A bit confusing because tickets are available just until 30th June. Very likely that N&C will be attending the second preview and/or the gala opening. On 31st May they will be in Spain and on 4th June in Glasgow.

UPDATE: „Closer to heaven“ officially just until 30th June.

I posted on FB that I think this show would go down REALLY well in Toronto, Canada (and tagged Ed Mirvish Theatre)

I saw the original run and just feel like the ingredients are right to transfer that over to a city that really seems to have that same vibe that London did at that time. Bright lights, big city dreams, a tragic underbelly, a world class music scene. I do think it could have a decent run in Toronto.

Is it any good then? Asking as a younger pet.

It is very good, although Billie Trix gets on your nerves after a while. The music is outstanding.

Hmm, I wonder would they consider doing an extra week of shows in July during the ROH residency?

I'm sure there's going to be a lot of Petheads coming to London specially for the ROH shows who would love a chance to see this.

OakeyDokey wrote: Mon 26 Feb 2024, 3:28 pm Is it any good then? Asking as a younger pet.

At the time I saw it I felt a bit underwhelmed, although there were moments of brilliance in it for sure. It was still a good/fun night out though.

It's clearly got some longevity factor as it keeps popping up again and again, and I wouldn't rule out seeing it again if it were at a venue I could get to. There seem to have been some tweaks to the music numbers, and maybe to the spoken parts too (can anyone confirm?) and presumably that has helped.

That's essentially why I thought a Toronto version would be good. Straight Dave was Irish in the original, and for a Canadian version you could easily have him being from out East (Newfoundland) looking to seek his fame and fortune in Toronto. It's not an entirely crazy concept.

OakeyDokey wrote: Mon 26 Feb 2024, 3:28 pm Is it any good then? Asking as a younger pet.

That's a tough question to answer really. I've saw the original 2001 run, the Union Theatre and the Above the Stag productions and found each to be quite different. There are some great songs, some funny lines but also some clunky dialogue. Each time it's been put on I think there've been script and song changes - the addition of Vocal for example. The casting, staging and direction can make it seem so different.

I really like it as a show so will definitely be booking for this run.

OakeyDokey wrote: Mon 26 Feb 2024, 3:28 pm Is it any good then? Asking as a younger pet.

In my opinion, yes.
I'm a huge fan of CTH I even travelled to Brighton three times in the same week to see an amateur production!

Harry wrote: Mon 26 Feb 2024, 12:23 pm There is a new production of Closer to Heaven, launching at the Turbine Theatre in Battersea, running 31 May - 30 June. This will be the third small theatre production of the show, I really enjoyed the last two!

https://www.theturbinetheatre.com/whats ... -to-heaven

And one production in Dallas, Texas

Never got the negative perspective on C2H. Saw the original run and the above the Stag version and both were brilliant. The music is also great, even though some songs are not my favourites (Vampires). I found both versions very funny too.

As for the clunky dialogue, I am not a native speaker of English so not that bothered. And the main story is still timeless and definately recognizable for all who experienced the London Game from within or by observation.

Synthrobot wrote: Mon 26 Feb 2024, 3:42 pm It is very good, although Billie Trix gets on your nerves after a while. The music is outstanding.

Don't think the role of Billie Trix will be performed again by Frances Barber.

So far the cast list is not announced as I see.

Intrigued by the seating arrangements and the statement about it being transformed into Vic's Club for the night. I get the impression the line between the actors and audience will be rather blurred.

BugBoy wrote:I get the impression the line between the actors and audience will be rather blurred.

I remember the line between my face and Louie Spence’s crotch being rather blurred.