I ALMOST WALKED OUT... | FROZEN THE MUSICAL (LONDON) REVIEW

[@thomasconnolly6742]

I completely agree about the Oliver thing! During the bows I just cheered at the top of my lungs because he gives such an amazing performance!

[@stagetopage]

Me too! He absolutely deserved it 😍

[@AndrewMarney]

Went to watch the show today with me family and the fact that Samantha barks was not playing Elsa on the day was disappointing especially when she is on all forms of advertising for the show the stand in was ok but when the big song of the show Let it go was on it didn’t suit her voice she was singing it too deep what a shame. her chemistry with the lady playing Anna wasn’t good We found ourselves waiting for Anna to come back out and perform she was brilliant carried the show and the guy playing Han and of course Olaf.

[@thomasconnolly6742]

@@AndrewMarney you do realise that Samantha was on holiday like everyone with a job is entitled to. You can’t expect her to perform every show. Also Danielle Fiamanya is an incredible talent and an actress who is making history. There is no specific way this role should be played and her take on Elsa will be different like everyone else’s. She wasn’t singing too deep that’s just her singing voice.

[@AndrewMarney]

@@thomasconnolly6742 I didn’t realise she was on holiday had the theatre mentioned that on the booking for that date I would of waited till she was back. I never said Danielle was a bad performer. And as you said her voice is deeper and in my opinion for the main song let it go I didn’t think her voice was suited for it but that’s just my opinion I’m taking nothing away from the lady that she’s a good performer.

[@longtallshaz]

I've been to see Frozen in London twice. The first time was about 8 months ago and it was amazing. There were children in the audience but they were very well behaved. However the second time i saw it, a few months ago was completely different. Despite the booking page saying children under 4 would not be admitted, there were babies on laps and toddlers with dummies and one baby near me screamed throughout the whole first half, and some other children were singing and rustling sweet wrappers the whole time. We complained to an usher and got moved to different seats for the second half which weren't surround by noisy children. The other thing I didn't like that was different in the second show was the lack of continuity. Don't take this as a racist comment, it's not, but in this production, when the princesses were children, Elsa was black and Anna was white. Fine. Haven't got a problem with that and they were both incredible actresses and singers with great futures in musical theatre. BUT when they grew up, Elsa was white and Anna was black, and it took me a while to get my head round who was who., Kept thinking 'I thought she was one with the magic powers' because I expected the black child to become a black adult and the white child to become a white adult. Call me old fashioned, but that was confusing and wron

[@celestialcat1171]

i went a few weeks ago and as a massive frozen fan (embarrassing but true) i was so excited to see the show. it was completely incredible, the singing, acting, set design, costume design, special effects were all done really well and it brought so much life to the story. the theatre was packed with young children, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially considering that it is a frozen show at the end of the day and many children love frozen. but the atmosphere inside the auditorium was not like any other west end show i had ever been to, like you say it felt more like a pantomime especially with the audience booing the actor for hans at the end which is absolutely not the right way to thank an actor for their performance. the constant chatting, rustling, singing, i think one of the children even wet themselves mid show!! i think they should do a few shows with only older audiences, eg 13 and up, so that people can enjoy the show with an audience that knows what theatre etiquette is

[@brigittamrs3805]

I'm a frequent theatre visitor in London and a couple of weeks ago I went to see the Prince of Egypt which is one of the best musicals I've ever seen. I quite like sitting in the stalls but this time it was so annoying that people kept getting up and going in and out constantly. People behind me being loud with their bags of crisps, even saw 4-5 beer bottles left by the seat on my way out. It's not a bloody pub...

[@mayboo6490]

Must say I was also disappointed. Took my 10 yr old daughter and other than when she hit side and stage lit up. Nothing breathtaking but still magical and performers still deserve cheering. Had a women in front with plastic wine glass (obviously bought from home which is weird) drinking her wine CONSTANTLY I went November 21 so masks for adults still compulsory. Usher told her to put if on as she hadn’t at all due to drinking wine so embarrassing but she couldn’t have cared less. What’s happened to the theatre?

[@trainsofbritain3954]

You must have been INCREDIBLY unlucky. Myself and my BF went on a Friday night (when you would more expect this kind of behavior). It was perfect, the kids mumored some of the lyrics but the adults (even the drunk ones) were silent and we were not disturbed. I feel so sorry that your experience was ruined.

[@stagetopage]

From everything I've seen, it seems to be this ways at most of the Frozen performances. I'm so pleased you were one of the lucky ones! I'll definitely be back to enjoy the show again :)

[@ala6329]

What I want to understand is why or how they allow drunk people through the doors

[@ellie1981]

I'm seeing Frozen in April, but this exact thing happened to us with the audience recently at Mary Poppins. It was the adults too, not the kids.

[@charlottesreadsthings211]

I really want to go and see this show but I've been put off by the fact that so many people have had bad experiences of people singing etc in the audience.

[@stagetopage]

It really is terrible. If you can bear the noise and chaos around you, it's definitely worth a visit because the show is truly incredible 😭❄

[@zoestheatreantics7942]

it really annoys me when people start to ruin the shower others around them eg getting stupidly drunk, talking, singing etc so I totally understand your frustration! you would think after what the theatre industry has been through this past year that people would show a lot more respect towards the performers and to the audience. personally I say why book a show if your gonna have 0 respect and talk all the way through. children yes I understand but adults should know better. I had a similar experience when I saw the show but with people constantly sat texting and taking selfies with the set during the actual show which is just disrespectful. hope you enjoyed the show regardless of all the horrible disruptions

[@stagetopage]

Agreed, it's like audiences have forgotten how to act since the pandemic!

[@leslittleeinsteins811]

Wait a sec, they booed at Oliver Ormson? OK I understand he plays an evil character but during the bows it's not about the character himself, you're saying thank you to a person that played a role and without that role the whole show couldn't go on, come on.... So rude

[@stagetopage]

That's exactly what I thought. Bows are not a time to boo, it's a time to appreciate the cast and show how awesome they were - which he was! Really was so rude.

[@Show_Guide]

I disagree...the George Asprey who play Scar in the Lion King Musical said that the louder the Boo at the curtain bow the better, as it meant he was a very good badie...he never took it personally and actually felt he did a good job if he was booed at the end.

[@weckyfifi]

I saw it last night and it must be the norm to boo him, I still clapped but did feel sorry for him - must not be nice to be booed after every performance

[@CymruEmergencyResponder]

This is the problem when popular animated films are turned into stage productions. The audience is not your regular theatre going audience, and they clearly don’t understand that theatre audience requires a certain level of etiquette. I now avoid any show that is an adaptation of a popular children’s animation. It’s not worth paying for.

[@xojitosx]

The FROZEN musical is amazing. It's a great show. The problem is the society specially in London. They cannot enjoy without drinking alcohol and also they don't have etiquete. Talking about the Musical one of the best I have ever seen.

[@stagetopage]

Agreed. There really needs to be stricter rules, especially at shows like Frozen. I'm excited to see it again as the show really is incredible 😍

[@Kirsty-tz2cx]

I saw the show in Feb and they ask you not to sing and luckily no one did. It happened at Mummia Mia when I saw that and that was all drank middle aged women. They also were singing the wrong lyrics which was really annoying.

[@gooner1ization]

That happened to me at Phantom a few years ago. I was fuming. Good on you for calling them out.

[@stagetopage]

You wouldn't expect it at a show like Phantom! What a shame. It's so frustrating, isn't it?!

[@gooner1ization]

@@stagetopage I was furious. Especially as I only get to London a couple of times a year. It spoilt an expensive weekend

[@MrZola1234]

Thanks for sharing. I was considering coming out from Southern Ca. to see Samantha Barks... loved her since she played Eponine. I would be livid if I came out for a couple of days and had to deal with drunk adults singing.

[@emotionallychargedtowel]

Yes, Obioma radiated such command, strength and warmth as Washington. He's my favourite to date.

[@stagetopage]

I wish I'd got the chance to see him as Washington!

[@Sean-ff9rh]

Love your commentary. Totally agree with you. It's the same thing here in Australia. The cast and show is absolutely fantastic here also . I have been a few times and will never go to a matinee again. Parents and children alike think it's fine to talk, sing, eat and drink during the show. I go only on a Sunday night now so hardly any kids. It is probably one of my favourite shows ever. Absolutely outstanding scenery, staging, costumes, vocals, orchestration and I adore Sven. I would recommend trying to go again. It's worth it.

[@Sabrinajaine]

I'm so sorry you had such a bad experience! I had some annoying people around me too (late arrivals, people talking) but it wasn't *too* bad so I was still able to enjoy it. I agree with you about booing Oliver Ormson, I think it's pretty rude and stupidly pantomime-y as well, but hopefully he doesn't mind too much and at least knows he must have done a good job at being the villain!

[@bernadetteroberts1268]

I've seen the show 3 times so had 3 separate experiences. 1st experience Sept 2021 performance flawless, to be honest all three times the performance was flawless. Anyway 1st time people knew how to behave and was genuinely adults and very respectful etc and knew the right times to clap and stand up at then end. 2nd time however I know kids are kids but there was one little girl before the performance in the loos screaming and crying her lungs out obviously in distress, to my shock her mum had just left her due to her crying. I'm not blaming the kid, I'm blaming the mum as she should know how her child acts and of she is gonna be stressed or cry etc then maybe best not to of brought her along. 3rd time again not really anything to complain about, cute girl next to me singing really low but that was fine as she was a kid and was not really affecting the performance. At the end through I did think people where a little rude as other 2 performances ive seen people clapped and stood up to show appreciation and standing ovations have always been a thing. I got up and my mum and sister did only to be looked at like we had 2 heads but looked up (as we where in the stalls) and the rest of the theatre where standing and clapping. So yeah I do feel as though theatre behaviour has gone done.

[@stephhilditch]

Really enjoyed watching this review video. I would really like to see Frozen but you have defo confirmed some of the concerns I have about it being full of kids/rowdy. That said the show itself sounds amazing and I am defo going to see if I can get some tickets.

[@meggsb]

I'm surprised they don't have an announcement about singing along. I've been to see We Will Rock You on their UK tour and they have posters around and an announcement asking the audience not to sing along and that seems to work.

[@stagetopage]

I was really surprised too! They did have one about phones and photos, so it would be so easy to add a bit about singing along - and would make the whole experience so much better for everyone.

[@andrewstorm8240]

But I suppose parents have sang along with their children for years to the film so hard to stop

[@heartofstone_]

Even if it's been a year since you posted the video (great review by the way). I saw the show beginning of February 2023 and they had an announcement at the beginning of the show to not sing along. So I guess they added it. I do think it helped. I didn't notice anyone singing along (and I had a biiig class of school kids sitting behind me). Or maybe I was just so captivated by the show - which by the way was truly phenomenal ;)

[@danl.2626]

I got really lucky. Kids were really noisy but the adults were very restrained.

[@hannah-qr4qe]

totally agree with you on the etiquette thing, i was really lucky the first time i went (opening week so i assume more avid theatre people) but the second one was defo louder with a lot more people singing along, its such an incredible production and so magical wish there were some signs up or something to stop it! the booing also irritated me and i defo made sure to cheer loudly for oliver ormson at the end!! also yes kristoff supremacy :)

[@jasonliu718]

I went today and people were still booing Hans. Which was unpleasant but yet predictable as a large proportion of the audience were children. But it really annoyed me when the father sitting in front of me was effectively leading the booing of his family. As he was not only vocal but also gestured a thumbs down towards Hans whilst looking at his family as if signaling them to do the same.

[@mark_preudhomme]

Sorry to hear about your disappointing experience at the show caused by the audience. I blame the pandemic for these examples of social dysfunction. Between lock downs and mask mandate, social distancing, etc. People have gone a bit mad. Now that they get a little bit of freedom instead of just being grateful they take it as an opportunity to do just about anything that comes to mind. Hopefully we continue to defeat the pandemic and we are able to return more and more to our old normal life and that over time these examples of bad behavior will fade away. Anyway it's good that you were able to look past all the negatives and still manage to get some enjoyment out of the show.

[@stagetopage]

I completely agree about the pandemic - it's almost like we've forgot how to function as human beings, which I completely understand. I also think that many of the people attending Frozen haven't been to a theatre show before, so maybe don't know the etiquette. That's why I think a little message beforehand would be great. I'm definitely going to try again, because it really was an amazing show.

[@miathomas6476]

I completely agree with you about theatre ettiequte because I know it’s a different show and not one necessarily you would take a child to but Wicked I expected some of the younger children around me to sing defying gravity which didn’t bother me but as Laura pick got to her “it’s me!” Riff there were so many adults singing along which was pretty annoying as it was a first time watching the show for me.

[@Asham-yk1ue]

For me i went to see it and the only thing that was annoying me was the parents talking loud to their kids during the show and people giving their kids lots of drinks and them getting up and down to go to the toilet and when i went some of the parents booed the guy who played hans for their kids but there were alot more cheers luckily but overall it was brilliant

[@stagetopage]

Agreed. The production itself was sensational. Hoping the audience gets better with time.

[@Asham-yk1ue]

@@stagetopage agreed

[@rebornsinwonderland8163]

OMG agree with everything you’ve said!! Loved monster!! So touching. Hygge is awsome and has been stuck in my head since hahah. (watched beginning of October). We paid £45 for tickets and we’re quite disappointed by the other audience members. Thankfully didn’t experience drunk adults, but audience etiquette was awful. Kids & some people singing- it’s not the movie, the lyrics and tune are different at parts. Toddlers watching!! Constant talking, moving, or crying. People using phones & taking photos/videos. Or phones going off loudly. Then behind us was a very stereotypical gypsies family (the ones that give gypsies a bad name.) two toddlers, constantly singing, or talking in normal voice, parents talking back to them, rustling food bags. Left a huge mess of rubbish and food all over the floor. But to what really boiled me was right at the start, to hear the adults say ‘why is (young) Elsa black’ 😡 as soon as the show had started. This young girl is so talented! And it’s not the movie, the cast all varying ethnicities. For anyone curious of taking kids to see frozen the musical- It’s a musical!!! Not the movie, and it’s not a live version of the film like you may see in Disney theme parks. It’s a musical. It will not be word for word, characters will not be identical to the movie, and there are new songs. Most importantly you should respect performance, the cast & crew. I’d suggest if your kids can’t sit quietly through a movie at the cinema don’t take them to a musical. You’ll just distract and ruin it for people around you. I think Disney should offer adult only performances (for any of their musicals). I understand their musicals will attract children and families, that’s their target bracket, but in terms of a musical, there should be an option every so often for adults, true theatre lovers to enjoy without distractions of children, and the adults that are only there because they’re with their kids.

[@tiger123286]

I’ve been a few times! In the stalls and I 100% agree with the theatre etiquette. You expect kids to sing along, but adults should know better! It’s a shame as people pay A LOT of money. I think people assume it’s a pantomime. I don’t like the film but the musical is one of my favourites. Brilliant review!!!

[@stagetopage]

Thank you so much! And agreed, for the money you pay, we should be hearing the actors themselves.

[@LTMusicals]

I went on a Thursday eve and was disturbed by noisy kids and parents, but I know it can be so much worse. I know a cast member in it and he told me the best time to go is a Weds or Thurs eves - the school nights. Hope this helps!

[@stagetopage]

I think next time I go, I'll book for then. Thank you so much for letting me know!

[@remitheninjacat]

OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@danimalthefirst]

Just watched, amazing performance, well behaved crowd. Understandable the kids lead the booing of the bad character - he did such Ana amazing performance, the kids believed it! You convinced them so take as a compliment. Very cheap too, considering it a west end show and a beautiful theatre.

[@theprelovedpixie1255]

Taking my daughter to see this in January and we cannot wait! It looks so amazing!

[@stagetopage]

It really is! Hope you both enjoy.

[@Sabrinajaine]

Did you ask anyone to keep it down? I wouldn't do it personally, so would just silently seethe 😂

[@Wolfhailstorm]

So disappointing that members of the audience made it a sour time, but so glad to hear the production itself was well done!

[@stagetopage]

I'm definitely going to have to go again, so good!

[@williambudd1209]

I got extremely lucky and thankfully the children around me were very quiet! I was expecting a really noisy audience (like yourself). It can totally ruin the experience.

[@stagetopage]

It really can. I'll definitely be back (hopefully soon) and fingers crossed the experience will be better. So pleased you had a nice time :)

[@PrincessJoycieDendy]

Your not allowed to sing in frozen they do say that before the show

[@stagetopage]

They didn't have the announcement when I first went to see it and the show hadn't been opened long.

[@eklassen2939]

Had the same experience pretty much. In my opinion, they should do a few shows with an age limit of perhaps, 13 or 14, so the people who are there cause of the musical, and not Elsa as a character can enjoy it.

[@vsstud]

Excellent review! Honest, professional and informative! Totally agree that singing along shouldn’t be allowed - it is on Broadway!

[@stagetopage]

Thank you so much for this lovely comment. So pleased you enjoyed the review. Would love to see it on Broadway!

[@Satanna.avemaria]

I shouldn’t but I honestly howled when you mentioned the woman singing to the top of her lungs behind you 😂😢 like no that shouldn’t happen in a musical theatre and the booing was plain rude.

[@Aaren_B]

when I saw it on broadway they told people not to sing I think people especially non theatre goers will confuse this for a bit of a panto especially around Christmas. And this show will also attract the I go to a musical once a year crowd. I loved it on broadway I am going to see it in march I cannot wait :)

[@stagetopage]

Hopefully they do that here soon too. Completely agree - I will keep my fingers crossed it gets better after Christmas! So jealous, hope you enjoy it just as much in March 😍

[@rixkas]

We’ve just been to see Frozen, sat in the front row of the stalls and honestly the etiquette of the audience was disgusting. Before the show they did an overhead announcement “please refrain from talking or singing during the production” and the whole audience booed and groaned! Someone shouted at Olaf after “In Summer” from the row behind me! And then of course, the boos for Oliver just made me roll my eyes, I just tried to cheer as much as I could at his bow because the boos were so loud!

[@micheleforlano667]

💗💗💗💗🎬🎬🎬🎬

[@delmarleal6021]

God forbid you have children and people enjoying a production aimed ay CHILDREN. Get a grip

[@stagetopage]

They changed the age limit and now make announcements before the show that no singing is allowed, so clearly people agreed with me 😊

[@fruupke79]

Ehm...no! You're still in a theater. You pay good money to see a show. Teach your kids what the rules are in such a setting. I have taken my son to see shows since he was 3, but he always stayed in his seat and never misbehaved. Bring some quiet snacks and a drink.