The discussion about wishing to include people who don’t wish to become performers is so true. I’m a huge theatre fan. This event should be for me. But every single advertisement skews so young, so female, and so centred on “becoming a performer” that I feel like it shunned me. And older theatre fans like me. BTS on the making of shows is something that I feel is needed. And is so rare to hear about. It’s fascinating. And random that it’s missed.
Last year I went to a panel about "getting into the industry" I'm 30 and past being able to go to uni or college in spare time, but the panelists were all performers, and only talked about which courses they did and their performing experience. I was interested in backstage as there are so many different routes to go down, and nothing else was touched on. I agree it's aimed at young people who want to get into performing
@ this is the real critical thing to me. Not all theatre fans are young. Not all people *know* they want to go into theatre young. Or are able to. Shinning a light on other careers within this field will only do everyone good.
I enquired in the first year as a small theatre business and the cheapest stall was over £1k. As a small business, with travel and stock priced out a lot of people. I haven’t been but I feel if there was an artist ally it would give so much more for small businesses
I remember when Musical Con was announced, I was so excited! I love musical theatre, and theatre in general, I go to shows whenever my wallet allows and have yet to see a show in London I didn't enjoy - even small production with less experienced actors. But I got the impression that the con didn't have much to offer just from the ads. "Meet actors, do workshops, see performances" - 3 of those are at extra cost 😅 Like you, I have no interest in acting. What I want to see is the writers of the shows, I wanna hear the stage designers talk about how they developed the set, I wanna hear the producers talk about taking a Broadway show to the west end and vice versa, I wanna know how the costumes are made and why, I want to know how the music functions, leit motifs and themes and instrumentals etc. I don't need 10 talks on how to act. And while there are many performers that I do love, I don't feel as though the average theater goer goes for the performers. We go because of the shows, and if we recognize a name, that's a bonus. It should be about the SHOWS. An event like MCM Comic Con is a good example of broad variety - while it has many of the same issues, such as noise and crowds and overlapping panels, it does an amazing job of catering to a lot of interests. You've got book signings, writing panels, comics, video games, anime, kpop, boardgames, drag, cosplay, and so much more. It's all about the passion for a hobby, while I feel musical con is, like you say, about the performers. It feels like they misunderstood the average theater lover.
@MilieNopeNotHere totally agree that MCM is the "gold standard" of conventions in the UK at the moment even if it still has issues of its own. MCM has gone though the same issues as musical con and worked through a lot of them since it started, but MCM excels because nothing costs more to do than paying for your ticket to go
@@Flower.Theatre yes, exactly. I mean, Artist Alley alone took me about an hour to walk through last weekend, and that's not even 1/4 of the con space. Even if there aren't any celebs you're immediately into, you will find something interesting if you're the type of person to even consider a con in the first place. Sure, their signage sucks and it can be really difficult to find proper information - the main stage had been moved this year without any signs in the hall pointing to it, so I asked several people for help who all said "we don't know either" until I found an orange shirt person who told me to go downstairs, something that wasn't clear from the map at all - but all in all, its well worth the ticket prices. But it's been going for much longer obviously.
The backstage area was the best thing for me (other than the Cameron Macintosh exhibition). We heard brilliant talk on set design, along with a great panel discussion with cast and choreographers of The Little Big Things - which included discussions on accessibility in theatre. BUT, the positioning of it was a BIG problem. Last year they moved it to outside the main hall and it made such a difference to the noise which had been terrible in the first year. Moving it back into the main hall meant that they had to go back to using headphones. There were NOT enough headphones and every talk I went to was standing room only - and some of them with a LOT of people standing. I totally get what you are saying on the accessibility. I'm also neuro diverse and I did make use of the access pass. The noise IS insane and I was wearing my loops almost throughout the entire weekend. I do think having the speakers in the queuing hall placed right next to the accessibility queue was not a great idea! I would like to say one thing about the accessibility seating next to the stage. It wasn't great. Due to the fact that there were two massive TV screens at the front which you couldn't see unless you were right near the front, it was impossible to see the stage. And in the time I was sat there (including the closing ceremony) only ONE performer actually acknowledged that we were sat there.
I felt the same thing about the lack of performances compared to last year. I literally saw 4 songs the whole weekend because they scheduled a master class at the same time as the opening. Most of the main stage shows were just talking, and most of it was absolutely tedious. Also I paid the extra for VIP, because last year VIP had seating where you could see the main stage, but this year there were only 15 chairs in VIP. So i def feel ripped off for that. The singing master classes were honestly terrible. Again I paid for VIP so I booked the workshops early...and people were being allowed in very late for the erin Caldwell workshop and I had to sit on the floor hunched over while trying to sing heart of stone. What is the point of booking early if you aren't allowed in until 7 minutes after the class has already started, and they way oversold the seating. In at least 3 singing masterclasses, the same tone deaf girl with a knit frog jumped up to sing. Literally tone deaf. In total because of how they scheduled these workshops, I saw 4 songs performed total the whole weekend. So I saw almost more of tone deaf frog girl than actual West end performers. I will not be back next year!!
I went to musical con last year, I can't remember what level I paid for it, and I was sorely disappointed. They claimed they were drawing some focus to the behind the scenes elements of musicals, but that was only directors, choreographers and designers. No acknowledge of the lighting, sound, stage management, automation technicians and WHAM who are very under represented. If they truly want. to celebrate musicals, they need to take into account everyone backstage who makes a show happen. So was nice to hear CamMac did something towards that. Also in regards to the masterclases, I struggled to find where they were initially and so missed out on one of them due to lack of staff to ask and clear directions to them and so I lost out on it and was out of pocket. Even messaging the performer who ran it got no response.
Completely agree on most points from an outside view as someone who has been to both years prior but couldn’t this year due to my panic disorder. As a regular at The Mousetrap, it really upsets me to see such amazing plays be cut short of any praise or chance for fans of them to meet! Mischief too would be so fun in this setting! And yes, it just seems so lazy and boring compared to things they could easily manage FOR the fans. Doesn’t seem for the fans and mainly for advertising and marketing. The stalls are being given to the same 10/15 odd small businesses because it was simply SO much money so others can’t even have a chance! Glad I didn’t go for a high price for something so small; MCM London CC this year was almost half price than this on Saturday alone for so many stalls and panels.
I agree with a lot of your criticisms. A lot of my disappointment, having attended all 3 now, is down to which companies choose to attend to promote their shows. Because that's what MusicalCon is - it's a big advertising gimmick. The CamMack bit was the best and I enjoyed the Andrew Lloyd Webber section with their photo mirror, but there felt like a lot missing. Nothing from AGT at all, which was VERY weird considering they have Mean Girls (again, young demographic) and WICKED which is getting a movie this year! I know Disney have discontinued a lot of their shows now, but... NOTHING from the Lion King at all? No Moulin Rogue? The first year you could have a photo with the Delorian from BTTF! I guess it must cost a lot to attend for these companies and they consider the investment not worth the reward. It feels like an over-priced event aimed at 13-21 year-olds who believe that they can be the next Heather Chandler. I think I'm too old for this. Theatre tickets are expensive so how these kids are affording to see these shows I have no idea. A lot of the stalls were selling things like pins and hair bows which, let's be honest, don't appeal to anyone over the age of 25. I feel like a true Musical Theatre convention would celebrate the entire history of musical theatre and all aspects of it. But don't dare mention a show that's not currently/due to be on a West End stage, aimed at those youngsters! The closest they came to musical theatre diversity was the Cosplayers and only then because it's fan's choices what show they want to represent. Also the sound quality was BAD because everything was so close together again. A least last year it was more spaced out. Will I go again? Yeah, probably, because for all my whining about feeling left out, I did enjoy it, mostly because I was around people who love musical theatre as much as I do.
I went last year and this year. I think the layout last year was a lot better, you had more space to escape my daughter has ADHD and found not the quiet space but a side. My daughter is now 18, 17 at musicalcon. She is hoping to go to performing arts uni, she is at a performing arts college at the moment. Her top 2 choices are performers and bird so she was happy to chat to them. We did a talk on choreography on a off chance and it was really good,.she also did a workshop on confidence for auditions. We did 2 days well 1 and a half. As we had to leave early on the Sunday to get home. Performance wise I felt it was lacking I was so excited when it said about spotlights on the shows, I thought that it would be like the Lion King last year where they sand a few songs. Instead we got 1 maybe 2 songs from the shows. Pricewise I wouldn't of paid the price if I was paying for 2 tickets being disabled I get a free carer and to me this makes it more affordable. As a wheelchair user I used the disabled queue, opposite the queue you where in. The wheelchair platform was terrible, it took about 16 wheelchairs at that and no carers where allowed into the platform. If you where on the backrow Everytime someone wanted to leave it meant that if you where on the backrow then you had to all go down the ramp to let them out then back up the ramp. 2nd day we went to the side seating, better but the big screens meant you only got to see the side of the stars heads, so you sat and watched the TV. We where meant to do the cosplay but we never got my chair decorated so I did email and withdraw. We still went in some cosplay, on the 1st day my daughter was in a red dress and white gloves for pretty woman, I went as Mary from Jesus Christ superstar. 2nd day we did legally blonde and we where Paulette and her dog. Getting around the shops wasn't fun in a wheelchair and same with the mackintosh area which was so good. I didn't even know what why am I so single was about or where it was on whereas at least Hadestown gave out the flyer for the show and flowers. All in all we enjoyed it, we came home each day with headaches. I am not going next yr but that's more because of going on holiday. If I wasn't I would go back with a free carer. I think the opening dancers where bird college 3rd years. With the schools it was lovely surprise to see Courtney that had gone to Napa and my daughter had done shows with taking one of the solos in performers . Sorry long post . Also last year I said about the viewing platform and it was much smaller then last year, I always dread if there was a fire that it would be bedlum trying to match carer to wheelchair and then getting them all down the ramp.
@lizlilliman3644 this is so informative, thank you so much for sharing your experience of the event. I am so glad your daughter got to chat with the schools she's interested in and I wish her all the luck with getting in too!
I agree with some of what you say. I’m 33, not a performer (I take dance classes for enjoyment but for nothing else) and a huge MT fan. This was my third year. I don’t want to see dance students perform to be honest. I want to see MT stars I love and admire. I don’t need all those dance colleges to be there - it’s not for me. I enjoyed the WHAM panel this year and the puppetry panel last year. I’d enjoy a panel on lighting/sound etc. I missed the cinema this year - it was a good place to have some time out. Lack of seating for the main stage area - I can’t be standing all day long. I enjoy seeing all the cosplayers and the effort that went into it as well the star of musical con section.
Even the WHAM panel was mostly Dominic Skinner (and friend) taking 40 minutes (!) to do a smokey eye and a red lip while chatting about a show that hasn't made it to the West End yet (Manchester and Glasgow). They had Lucy Bird, key MUA for The Phantom of the Opera right there, and didn't talk about one of the most important prosthetics in musical theatre??
Also regarding VIP specifically, the first year, everyone got a lanyard and pass, but then second year and onwards it was just a paper wristband which just felt so cheap compared to the first year. I only did the Sunday this year, but I thought it was much poorer than previous years. Also it seemed like there were a lot of tech issues which obviously happen, it’s a hard venue to work in, but for the price paid by some, even in the closing ceremony, Sophie Evans’ track didn’t play on cue and she said “I knew this would happen” which I think says a lot.
@eddiecomerford8307 totally agree about the wristband suitation. I showered between days and mine didn't seem to like that but they wouldn't give me another one bc they claimed they were waterproof. Likewise I just felt so conscious of the fact that I was underwhelmed with what I was experiencing and I was there for free. 200£ for VIP and i would have wanted a refund
So, USA dude here. Nice episode BTW. My local comic con is called Comic and Toy Con. There are also movie stars. Cartoon shows. It's not in the name, but when the word con is added, us nerds add all the things so I'd assume there would be Westend plays included. BBC stars (eventually, again, American nerd here- I know nothing).... Anyway, I agree it would be wise to add more than musicals. Partner with colleges. I helped found a music festival in Kentucky. There are so many creative partnerships that are all theater related. Ok I'll shut up. Thank you for letting me voice my foreign opinion lol
If the producers see your review, a great tool would be to look at other cons (comic, toys, whatever) and look at their partners. A bank sponsored a quiet room to get away. So many many things
Its the ticketing that put me off. Why couldnt they just do what MCM does, and just 2 sets of tickets, proirity and general with everything else included like panels etc.
The panels were included, the masterclasses and workshops weren't. And it was very clear that those people who were involved in both saved all their interesting stuff for their paid bits and talked in general terms in the free panel. I kind of get why you'd need to ticket the masterclasses and workshops, it's a space/capacity issue, and charging for them (hopefully) means some arsehole can't just scoop them all up and scalp them later, but still... too expensive.
looking at the map. So is this reading right there's only 2 separate looking panel rooms. I can get main stage being in the same space as like venders an anime con I went to used to do that... but like they had panel space in the hotel next door. I'm not sure how this building is set up but it sounds like they don't use the room dividers to form rooms to dampen sound.
They have previously had the backstage panel and workshop spaces in a separate room to the main stage- that's what the did last year- and It worked much better sound wise in my opinion. I didn't know why they changed it, possibly due to cost.
I do not want to watch colleges perform…. 🤨 that’s what “Move It” is for …. Sorry but not my vibe! 😖 I want to see more history on musicals and theatres, I agree more technical theatre as well would be great! ❤ thanks for your review I feel it’s quite accurate. 😅
@@Sophieeeeee-ln f1 x musical theatre... the best combo! I work in motorsports outside of the theatre stuff so I'm glad it's not just me who's obsessed with both
@joyuna yeah it is, it's what I get for not editing with headphones 🤣 turns out a setting on my mics had been switched to dual channel audio. I've fixed it for future videos!
The closing and opening ceremony was definitely a highlight for me. This was my first time going and I really enjoyed it. I also had a great time in the 2 workshops/masterclasses I did.
After watching a 45 minute video of Musical Con by a well known theatre reviewer's RUclips channel, I think the critical review here comes from how young you are. Not old enough to be a seasoned musical Theatre fan. 😊Very interesting to see how the young generation sees things. Just seeing someone like Andre De Sheilds in person would have been worth it to me, but I am very old! :)
The discussion about wishing to include people who don’t wish to become performers is so true. I’m a huge theatre fan. This event should be for me. But every single advertisement skews so young, so female, and so centred on “becoming a performer” that I feel like it shunned me. And older theatre fans like me. BTS on the making of shows is something that I feel is needed. And is so rare to hear about. It’s fascinating. And random that it’s missed.
@lewispowell6015 completely agree that the event alienates older attendees
Last year I went to a panel about "getting into the industry" I'm 30 and past being able to go to uni or college in spare time, but the panelists were all performers, and only talked about which courses they did and their performing experience. I was interested in backstage as there are so many different routes to go down, and nothing else was touched on. I agree it's aimed at young people who want to get into performing
@ this is the real critical thing to me. Not all theatre fans are young. Not all people *know* they want to go into theatre young. Or are able to. Shinning a light on other careers within this field will only do everyone good.
"this is for the fans" only applies when the fans are 15 year old triple threat performers interested in six and heathers :')
Ain’t that the truth. Such a shame.
I enquired in the first year as a small theatre business and the cheapest stall was over £1k. As a small business, with travel and stock priced out a lot of people. I haven’t been but I feel if there was an artist ally it would give so much more for small businesses
I remember when Musical Con was announced, I was so excited! I love musical theatre, and theatre in general, I go to shows whenever my wallet allows and have yet to see a show in London I didn't enjoy - even small production with less experienced actors. But I got the impression that the con didn't have much to offer just from the ads.
"Meet actors, do workshops, see performances" - 3 of those are at extra cost 😅
Like you, I have no interest in acting. What I want to see is the writers of the shows, I wanna hear the stage designers talk about how they developed the set, I wanna hear the producers talk about taking a Broadway show to the west end and vice versa, I wanna know how the costumes are made and why, I want to know how the music functions, leit motifs and themes and instrumentals etc. I don't need 10 talks on how to act.
And while there are many performers that I do love, I don't feel as though the average theater goer goes for the performers. We go because of the shows, and if we recognize a name, that's a bonus.
It should be about the SHOWS.
An event like MCM Comic Con is a good example of broad variety - while it has many of the same issues, such as noise and crowds and overlapping panels, it does an amazing job of catering to a lot of interests. You've got book signings, writing panels, comics, video games, anime, kpop, boardgames, drag, cosplay, and so much more. It's all about the passion for a hobby, while I feel musical con is, like you say, about the performers. It feels like they misunderstood the average theater lover.
@MilieNopeNotHere totally agree that MCM is the "gold standard" of conventions in the UK at the moment even if it still has issues of its own. MCM has gone though the same issues as musical con and worked through a lot of them since it started, but MCM excels because nothing costs more to do than paying for your ticket to go
@@Flower.Theatre yes, exactly. I mean, Artist Alley alone took me about an hour to walk through last weekend, and that's not even 1/4 of the con space. Even if there aren't any celebs you're immediately into, you will find something interesting if you're the type of person to even consider a con in the first place.
Sure, their signage sucks and it can be really difficult to find proper information - the main stage had been moved this year without any signs in the hall pointing to it, so I asked several people for help who all said "we don't know either" until I found an orange shirt person who told me to go downstairs, something that wasn't clear from the map at all - but all in all, its well worth the ticket prices. But it's been going for much longer obviously.
The backstage area was the best thing for me (other than the Cameron Macintosh exhibition). We heard brilliant talk on set design, along with a great panel discussion with cast and choreographers of The Little Big Things - which included discussions on accessibility in theatre. BUT, the positioning of it was a BIG problem. Last year they moved it to outside the main hall and it made such a difference to the noise which had been terrible in the first year. Moving it back into the main hall meant that they had to go back to using headphones. There were NOT enough headphones and every talk I went to was standing room only - and some of them with a LOT of people standing.
I totally get what you are saying on the accessibility. I'm also neuro diverse and I did make use of the access pass. The noise IS insane and I was wearing my loops almost throughout the entire weekend. I do think having the speakers in the queuing hall placed right next to the accessibility queue was not a great idea! I would like to say one thing about the accessibility seating next to the stage. It wasn't great. Due to the fact that there were two massive TV screens at the front which you couldn't see unless you were right near the front, it was impossible to see the stage. And in the time I was sat there (including the closing ceremony) only ONE performer actually acknowledged that we were sat there.
I felt the same thing about the lack of performances compared to last year. I literally saw 4 songs the whole weekend because they scheduled a master class at the same time as the opening. Most of the main stage shows were just talking, and most of it was absolutely tedious. Also I paid the extra for VIP, because last year VIP had seating where you could see the main stage, but this year there were only 15 chairs in VIP. So i def feel ripped off for that. The singing master classes were honestly terrible. Again I paid for VIP so I booked the workshops early...and people were being allowed in very late for the erin Caldwell workshop and I had to sit on the floor hunched over while trying to sing heart of stone. What is the point of booking early if you aren't allowed in until 7 minutes after the class has already started, and they way oversold the seating. In at least 3 singing masterclasses, the same tone deaf girl with a knit frog jumped up to sing. Literally tone deaf. In total because of how they scheduled these workshops, I saw 4 songs performed total the whole weekend. So I saw almost more of tone deaf frog girl than actual West end performers. I will not be back next year!!
I went to musical con last year, I can't remember what level I paid for it, and I was sorely disappointed. They claimed they were drawing some focus to the behind the scenes elements of musicals, but that was only directors, choreographers and designers. No acknowledge of the lighting, sound, stage management, automation technicians and WHAM who are very under represented.
If they truly want. to celebrate musicals, they need to take into account everyone backstage who makes a show happen. So was nice to hear CamMac did something towards that.
Also in regards to the masterclases, I struggled to find where they were initially and so missed out on one of them due to lack of staff to ask and clear directions to them and so I lost out on it and was out of pocket. Even messaging the performer who ran it got no response.
Completely agree on most points from an outside view as someone who has been to both years prior but couldn’t this year due to my panic disorder.
As a regular at The Mousetrap, it really upsets me to see such amazing plays be cut short of any praise or chance for fans of them to meet! Mischief too would be so fun in this setting!
And yes, it just seems so lazy and boring compared to things they could easily manage FOR the fans. Doesn’t seem for the fans and mainly for advertising and marketing. The stalls are being given to the same 10/15 odd small businesses because it was simply SO much money so others can’t even have a chance! Glad I didn’t go for a high price for something so small; MCM London CC this year was almost half price than this on Saturday alone for so many stalls and panels.
@mcflychase the comparison to MCM is such a key thing isn't it, as it offers so much more that is al INCLUDED in the price
I agree with a lot of your criticisms. A lot of my disappointment, having attended all 3 now, is down to which companies choose to attend to promote their shows. Because that's what MusicalCon is - it's a big advertising gimmick. The CamMack bit was the best and I enjoyed the Andrew Lloyd Webber section with their photo mirror, but there felt like a lot missing. Nothing from AGT at all, which was VERY weird considering they have Mean Girls (again, young demographic) and WICKED which is getting a movie this year! I know Disney have discontinued a lot of their shows now, but... NOTHING from the Lion King at all? No Moulin Rogue? The first year you could have a photo with the Delorian from BTTF! I guess it must cost a lot to attend for these companies and they consider the investment not worth the reward.
It feels like an over-priced event aimed at 13-21 year-olds who believe that they can be the next Heather Chandler. I think I'm too old for this. Theatre tickets are expensive so how these kids are affording to see these shows I have no idea. A lot of the stalls were selling things like pins and hair bows which, let's be honest, don't appeal to anyone over the age of 25.
I feel like a true Musical Theatre convention would celebrate the entire history of musical theatre and all aspects of it. But don't dare mention a show that's not currently/due to be on a West End stage, aimed at those youngsters! The closest they came to musical theatre diversity was the Cosplayers and only then because it's fan's choices what show they want to represent.
Also the sound quality was BAD because everything was so close together again. A least last year it was more spaced out.
Will I go again? Yeah, probably, because for all my whining about feeling left out, I did enjoy it, mostly because I was around people who love musical theatre as much as I do.
I went last year and this year. I think the layout last year was a lot better, you had more space to escape my daughter has ADHD and found not the quiet space but a side.
My daughter is now 18, 17 at musicalcon. She is hoping to go to performing arts uni, she is at a performing arts college at the moment. Her top 2 choices are performers and bird so she was happy to chat to them.
We did a talk on choreography on a off chance and it was really good,.she also did a workshop on confidence for auditions.
We did 2 days well 1 and a half.
As we had to leave early on the Sunday to get home.
Performance wise I felt it was lacking I was so excited when it said about spotlights on the shows, I thought that it would be like the Lion King last year where they sand a few songs. Instead we got 1 maybe 2 songs from the shows.
Pricewise I wouldn't of paid the price if I was paying for 2 tickets being disabled I get a free carer and to me this makes it more affordable.
As a wheelchair user I used the disabled queue, opposite the queue you where in. The wheelchair platform was terrible, it took about 16 wheelchairs at that and no carers where allowed into the platform. If you where on the backrow Everytime someone wanted to leave it meant that if you where on the backrow then you had to all go down the ramp to let them out then back up the ramp. 2nd day we went to the side seating, better but the big screens meant you only got to see the side of the stars heads, so you sat and watched the TV.
We where meant to do the cosplay but we never got my chair decorated so I did email and withdraw.
We still went in some cosplay, on the 1st day my daughter was in a red dress and white gloves for pretty woman, I went as Mary from Jesus Christ superstar. 2nd day we did legally blonde and we where Paulette and her dog.
Getting around the shops wasn't fun in a wheelchair and same with the mackintosh area which was so good. I didn't even know what why am I so single was about or where it was on whereas at least Hadestown gave out the flyer for the show and flowers.
All in all we enjoyed it, we came home each day with headaches.
I am not going next yr but that's more because of going on holiday. If I wasn't I would go back with a free carer.
I think the opening dancers where bird college 3rd years.
With the schools it was lovely surprise to see Courtney that had gone to Napa and my daughter had done shows with taking one of the solos in performers .
Sorry long post .
Also last year I said about the viewing platform and it was much smaller then last year, I always dread if there was a fire that it would be bedlum trying to match carer to wheelchair and then getting them all down the ramp.
@lizlilliman3644 this is so informative, thank you so much for sharing your experience of the event. I am so glad your daughter got to chat with the schools she's interested in and I wish her all the luck with getting in too!
I agree with some of what you say. I’m 33, not a performer (I take dance classes for enjoyment but for nothing else) and a huge MT fan. This was my third year.
I don’t want to see dance students perform to be honest.
I want to see MT stars I love and admire.
I don’t need all those dance colleges to be there - it’s not for me.
I enjoyed the WHAM panel this year and the puppetry panel last year. I’d enjoy a panel on lighting/sound etc.
I missed the cinema this year - it was a good place to have some time out.
Lack of seating for the main stage area - I can’t be standing all day long.
I enjoy seeing all the cosplayers and the effort that went into it as well the star of musical con section.
Even the WHAM panel was mostly Dominic Skinner (and friend) taking 40 minutes (!) to do a smokey eye and a red lip while chatting about a show that hasn't made it to the West End yet (Manchester and Glasgow). They had Lucy Bird, key MUA for The Phantom of the Opera right there, and didn't talk about one of the most important prosthetics in musical theatre??
Also regarding VIP specifically, the first year, everyone got a lanyard and pass, but then second year and onwards it was just a paper wristband which just felt so cheap compared to the first year. I only did the Sunday this year, but I thought it was much poorer than previous years. Also it seemed like there were a lot of tech issues which obviously happen, it’s a hard venue to work in, but for the price paid by some, even in the closing ceremony, Sophie Evans’ track didn’t play on cue and she said “I knew this would happen” which I think says a lot.
@eddiecomerford8307 totally agree about the wristband suitation. I showered between days and mine didn't seem to like that but they wouldn't give me another one bc they claimed they were waterproof. Likewise I just felt so conscious of the fact that I was underwhelmed with what I was experiencing and I was there for free. 200£ for VIP and i would have wanted a refund
So, USA dude here. Nice episode BTW. My local comic con is called Comic and Toy Con. There are also movie stars. Cartoon shows. It's not in the name, but when the word con is added, us nerds add all the things so I'd assume there would be Westend plays included. BBC stars (eventually, again, American nerd here- I know nothing)....
Anyway, I agree it would be wise to add more than musicals. Partner with colleges. I helped found a music festival in Kentucky. There are so many creative partnerships that are all theater related. Ok I'll shut up. Thank you for letting me voice my foreign opinion lol
If the producers see your review, a great tool would be to look at other cons (comic, toys, whatever) and look at their partners. A bank sponsored a quiet room to get away. So many many things
Its the ticketing that put me off. Why couldnt they just do what MCM does, and just 2 sets of tickets, proirity and general with everything else included like panels etc.
The panels were included, the masterclasses and workshops weren't. And it was very clear that those people who were involved in both saved all their interesting stuff for their paid bits and talked in general terms in the free panel. I kind of get why you'd need to ticket the masterclasses and workshops, it's a space/capacity issue, and charging for them (hopefully) means some arsehole can't just scoop them all up and scalp them later, but still... too expensive.
looking at the map. So is this reading right there's only 2 separate looking panel rooms. I can get main stage being in the same space as like venders an anime con I went to used to do that... but like they had panel space in the hotel next door. I'm not sure how this building is set up but it sounds like they don't use the room dividers to form rooms to dampen sound.
They have previously had the backstage panel and workshop spaces in a separate room to the main stage- that's what the did last year- and It worked much better sound wise in my opinion. I didn't know why they changed it, possibly due to cost.
I do not want to watch colleges perform…. 🤨 that’s what “Move It” is for …. Sorry but not my vibe! 😖 I want to see more history on musicals and theatres, I agree more technical theatre as well would be great! ❤ thanks for your review I feel it’s quite accurate. 😅
Agreed, I came to see professional adults perform, not talented children.
I think they said the backing dancers were from CAPA
I feel totally the same. I thought that priority would have at least a different Que line. We left early on both days.
I wonder how long they take to ask you to remove this video because it's not all postive
Did you see they removed the Facebook reviews? Lol
Girl see musical theatre and f1, girl subscribe
@@Sophieeeeee-ln f1 x musical theatre... the best combo! I work in motorsports outside of the theatre stuff so I'm glad it's not just me who's obsessed with both
@ tbf it’s very hard to find someone who likes both 😭
Is it just me or is the audio panned all the way to the right? And then the vlog is only in the left ear?
@joyuna yeah it is, it's what I get for not editing with headphones 🤣 turns out a setting on my mics had been switched to dual channel audio. I've fixed it for future videos!
The closing and opening ceremony was definitely a highlight for me. This was my first time going and I really enjoyed it. I also had a great time in the 2 workshops/masterclasses I did.
After watching a 45 minute video of Musical Con by a well known theatre reviewer's RUclips channel, I think the critical review here comes from how young you are. Not old enough to be a seasoned musical Theatre fan. 😊Very interesting to see how the young generation sees things. Just seeing someone like Andre De Sheilds in person would have been worth it to me, but I am very old! :)
Spoken like someone who wasn't there. He rambled a bunch and that was it
@@emhu2594 I watched the video of his talk and SINGING. He is a Broadway and West End legend, he can ramble if he wants too! :)
@@courdeleon No.