Broadway versus West End

Hi there

I'm keen to understand if anyone thinks a show is different whether it is performed on Broadway or the West End. Is the atmosphere different, are the performers better in one versus another, is there a big price differential or is it harder to get tickets in one place versus another.

Not wanting to start a war here, just healthy opinions from those who have experienced both.

Douglas
US Theater TV

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well, they are expensive on either side of the pond.

I think it is an atmosphere thing. I know that West End auds. are generally more reserved, not prone to clapping or sceaming to often, as we yanks are every chance we get, which I sometime think is annoying, and prefer the more reserved and respectable approach. but then again, it depends on the style of the show. also, certain shows have a "feel" that can't be duplicated in another country.

for example, haven't seen Mary poppins or chitty, but I have a feeling they were much better in the west end, becuase the story itself is british, and the actors have british accents. the authenticity of the production, (mary poppins) will probably not translate as well, even though Poppins is beloved throughout both countries.

but with "Chicago", the feel of the piece is so american and is about the american culture, that I don't think the brits got that one quite right. I have not personally seen it over there, but every one I know that has seen it in the West End say that it has lacked something. I am sure that something is the authenticity of the american story, atmosphere, and attitude.

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Updated On: 6/30/06 at 12:58 PM

I agree about the audiences. Otherwise, not sure there is much difference. I hope MARY POPPINS plays better on Broadway, because I thought it was pretty awful in London.

Magic ! Great comments so far, liked the ice cream comment I had no idea that was a difference, good idea during the hot summers. On the location front, "Theatreland" in London, as its becoming known, has a lot of investment and focus to make it easier to connect between one theatre at Leicester Square and another at Piccadilly. They are a few blocks apart so I can understand how easy it is to get a little confused.

I haven't personally seen Mary Poppins but it is getting great press over here and is the number 1 show. I will be reviewing it in a couple of weeks and see what all the fuss is about.

Chicago ? Yeah and with my fellow Scots, Marty Pellow and Darius Danesh in the lead roles, trying to believe they are American is not always easy

On the advertising front, I know that UK Theatre in general doesn't always know how to build up the razamatazz like Broadway so I would have to agree with that one as well.


Fantastic feedback, I am learning lots already.

Keep 'em coming....

Douglas

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Updated On: 6/30/06 at 01:13 PM

I love west end theatre, but it is true the audience is much more subdued, and there is only a tepid applause after most numbers. Funny Story: I was seeing Woman in White in London and after All For Laura I cheered really loudly, as the rest of the audience quietly applauded and I think people just stared at me, so I was a bit softer the rest of the show, hehe. But it is nice to see, even after all this time, that blood brothers still gets a standing ovation when the show is over! And the ice cream is a plus! Who else sells dutch chocolate ice cream at intermissions other than London Theatres? hehe!

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I want ice cream!!!!!

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I may get flamed for this, but I think the quality of acting in the West End is overall better than on Broadway. I'm not saying every show is better acted, but I think the training for actors is generally more rigorous, so from top to bottom, you tend to get better acting in plays from the smaller roles to the big ones.

I wish they would sell ice cream here! If people brought it back to their seat(even though they shouldn't) it would be quieter. Unlike people who see a broadway show think it's all right to bring popcorn and candy while crinkiling the wrappers loudly.

"I may get flamed for this, but I think the quality of acting in the West End is overall better than on Broadway."

I agree. I think Broadway rushes to find a star that will sell tickets, whether the person can act the part or not.

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I like that they call it Theaterland. Cute.

I love the West End theaters more. Just the look of the marquees and the theaters themselves are just so classy. The Broadway marquees are so clunky and eyesores. I wish the big producers would just strip them all down to something really nice and clean - like Disney has done.

Really interesting comments. What about the size and style of theatres, air-conditioning, size of stages, investment in set. Are these all the same ? Do Broadway production gross more than West End and therefore able to invest more in actors, set and promotion ?

Keep posting. I'm learning lots, hope you are too.

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I have a feeling they catch us Yanks on all sorts of "wrong-isms" with our British accents too.

WE think we're doing much better at their accents, because we can't spot all the bad pronunciations.

We can sure spot the "oopses" in their American accents though.

Is it my imagination, or do Aussies have a better track record with American accents? I find they hold them better than Brits.

Not to make this an "accent thread"...

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Updated On: 6/30/06 at 02:40 PM

There are times on some London Cast Recordings, where the performers are trying to stick with their American accent, but at some points the British accent just pours out.. (Ruthie Henshall in Chicago comes to mind, though I love her dearly)