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Monkey Journey to the West » Monkey Journey to the West: Opera

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Monkey Opera Reviews

(24 posts)

Started 2 months ago by monkey-king
Latest reply from CheekyMonkey

monkey-king
Monkey!

Have you been to see Monkey Journey to the West?

Here's the place to chat about what you thought of it.

Posted 2 months ago #
grumpy monkey
Member

I have been to see it.

I went on Saturday night (9/12) and the show lived up to my (very high) expectations.

From the sets to the songs, the music to acrobatics it was outstanding and extremely unusual.

However, the venue was absolutely shocking.

I can only assume that it was an accountant who thought it would be a good idea to house an opera in a tent as there's no reason other than cost cutting to do so.

The acoustics are quite appaling; the heavy, sloping fabric ceiling and fabric walls sapping the life out of all the sound and vocals. It was a shame the fabric couldn't have done the same to the noise of the fireworks, wind and rain outside that were a constant intrusion.

The concept of "Monkey World" and getting to the venue 2 hours early for the "Journey" must have been conceived by the same person. "Monkey World" is a totally under-whelming black marquee, the only concession to monkey being the lights which had a faint whiff of china about them.

I went with a group of friends and was annoyed by their poor time keeping which meant we all but missed the "Journey", arriving at the venue about half an hour before the performance began, well shy of the two hours suggested. This turned out to be a blessing as the "Journey" turned out to be an exercise for our favourite accountant to further maximise profits, as the only features of the journey were a chinese restaurant knocking out food that looked pretty grim (if you'd like to spend £30 on a chinese set menu, I suggest you do that at the quite excellent, michelin starred hakkasan instead) and a bar which we completely failed to buy any drinks from despite queuing for 20 minutes.

I'm afraid that the acoustics and the obvious penny-pinching approach to the production rather spoilt what would have been a truly unforgetable evening had it been staged in a normal theatre.

I wrote (via email) the organisers to give them some feedback on Monday but (2pm thursday) have yet to receive a response.

My advice would be to buy the CD and hope for the opportunity to see the "live" version at a proper venue.

Yours,

Grumpy Monkey.

Posted 1 month ago #
damhack
Member

I agree with some of the above.

The performance is stunning - not to be missed.

The venue is a letdown. Uncomfortable and small seats, poor acoustics and poor layout of the front rows.

Wheelchair users were having a hard time fitting in the space at the front of stage. Everyone in the front few rows (who had paid the highest ticket prices) were below stage level. This meant a limited view, strained necks and it ruined it for young kids.

I would advise people to complain so that the producers get the message and change the layout of the seating.

We ate in the Chinese restaurant. I agree that the layout of "Monkey World" was disappointing - like a badly conceived chino-goth wedding reception. It was far from inviting. The restaurant was better, with Jamie's Monkey prints adorning the walls. The floorboards shifting underfoot was a little disconcerting though.

The food, although horribly overpriced, was generally good. The only letdown was the beef noodle soup (read: warm Thames water) and the fairly clueless waiting staff. We waited 10 mind for forks so that our young kids could eat and the staff didn't think to provide spoons with dessert ( try eating coconut sago with your hands!). You are better off spending your money in one of the O2's tried and tested restaurants.

Grumbles about the organisation aside, the artists excel all expectations and have created a truly special opus. To be seen by everyone at least once. Shame the venue let's down the high standards of the artists.

Posted 1 month ago #
Monkeymoney
Member

A brilliant show ruined by being ripped off!!

I personally really am unsatisfied with the quality I was offered! I paid £60 for a seat I couldn't even see over the persons head in front?? What's that all about? That was the dearest seats available!

The chinese restaurant put you on rasions for £22.50. I'm not sure whether they was trying to imitate a chinese concentration camp but if not they was doing a good job of being one. All of our group felt like we had been robbed and we left still hungry. The amount of mistakes that they waiters and waitresses made was stupid. It was absolutely appalling.

I'd never go and see Monkey Journey to the West again if that's how I am going to be treated. It's also put me off ever seeing any shows at the 02 fullstop! I hope the venue management are satisfied they have ruined a brilliant show!

Posted 1 month ago #
Pimpernel
Member

I went to see it yesterday. Show was great, but the venue is the pits. It is not actually in O2 but in a tent outside. The seats were uncomfortable and cramped. Aircraft from London City passing every few minutes. The acoustics were ****...one of the speakers in front of me was rattling like a cheap Japanese car on every bass note. There were 7 empty seats behind me that were eventually filled with people that had paid a lot less than me, so yes, rip off. AND...they ran out of programmes........what idiot oprganised that one then? They need to take a major rethink about this show and the venue. This could be a major major show but needs to be in a a proper grown up theater!!!

Posted 1 month ago #
chipmonkey
Member

Opera was great but DO NOT EAT AT THE VENUE. Food is meagre and so overpriced it infuriated me. We paid for 2 kids meals which were not provided in any form, despite us asking for them, so 4 of us shared the meal meant for 2 (eg a bowl of rice which would not pass for one serving in any other restaurant). Oh, except the staff hurriedly brought us an extra plate of squid 'for the children' - none of the mini-dishes advertised. The manager refused to refund us for the meals not supplied. Tantamount to theft, in my opinion.
Monkey was a fantastic show and despite the strangeness of the venue, it was quite moving to see so many people (including us) who were unable to go to the Royal Opera House transfixed by this opera.

Posted 1 month ago #
Holly
Member

On the positive side - wow, what a show! Excellent music and acrobatics. On the not so positive side: overpriced food (tiny portions) and drinks; poorly trained staff (we saw so many people around us complaining about the restaurant service); very uncomfortable seating; plane sounds overhead; and a very long a walk to and from the tube. "Get there 2hrs before to enjoy the journey?" What journey? The long walk from the tube...?

Posted 1 month ago #
tracey1
Member

Went to see the show yesterday. The venue is apalling, the seats which we paid £45 for, were cramped and uncomfortable and were so far from the stage and at such an angle we couldn't see three quarters of the action on the stage and totally missed the blue buddha at the end! In fact, we only knew about that scene because of the picture in the programme! It's really poor that a purpose built auditorium would have so many seats which such a dismal view. Make sure you pick your seats very carefully if you are planning on going. Monkey World is a let down, don't get their early there's very little to see. On the plus side, the show was good and the music and singing excellent. I'm in a very good position to say that as well, we had the best view of the orchestra of anyone in the house!!

Posted 1 month ago #
The-Violent-Tango
Member

I thought the show was amazingly beautiful. Even though some parts didn't completely makes sense, but hey, I like things that don't make sense. (: Its better than normal. The best part was with the animation on the screen, more shows should do that. The seats were alittle bit uncomfortable & then tent kept making flapping nosie's from the wind. But apart from that, I thought it was insane. Good job to the people who created the opera.

Posted 1 month ago #
Cheeky Monkey
Member

I saw Monkey last Saturday, 22 Nov. Yes, the O2 tent was rubbish - Yes, the price of beer was extortionate - BUT HEY what a feast for the senses the show was!! Best thing I've ever seen! I agree with Tango about the animation - TRULY AMAZING. And Damon is a very clever monkey indeed. What an ear for opera he has! To top it all I was lucky enough to meet Jamie and got my programme signed. He's a real sweetie. I'm still up in the Heavenly Banquet with the Fairy Maidens, eating peaches! Must collar the other fellah next time!

Posted 1 month ago #
Happy Monkey
Member

Well, I must say having read the reviews above I was not looking forward to seeing Monkey today (Sat 29 Nov 3pm). However, most of you must have been to a different venue to me. OK we took the advice not to eat in the restaurant opting for Pizza Express instead, OK the seats were a bit hard BUT we saw everything, my 4 and 5 year olds loved the performance. We read the story before we went and understood every part. The acrobats and dancers are amazing, the whole show was a complete hit in our house. The toilets were clean, the bar staff and retail sellers were polite and helpful. I really struggle to fault the event apart from the ticket saying it started at 2.30pm and the actual start time being 3pm. Well done to all involved!

Posted 1 month ago #
xiaomei
Member

I saw this fabulous production yesterday afternoon with my two children who are half-Chinese and I am so happy that they had the chance to see the stories that I grew up with, in an accessible and spectacular way. I think they felt really proud of their heritage after watching the skills of the Chinese performers and the Western influence appealed to their upbringing.

I had read with some trepidation the complaints about the seats and venue, having bought seats in the top left corner but was really pleased when See Tickets sent me a second lot of tickets for upgraded seats last week so obviously someone in charge has taken heed of the complaints about the venue. However, my friend who went with me, bought her tickets from Ticketmaster and not only did they not arrive until the day before the performance but they were the original seats (which would have been poor)and she didn't know what was happening until she got there yesterday and the usher moved her. That aside, we had better seats than we originally booked.

The signage to the tent wasn't great. We followed the decals on the floor though there were no arrows on them. I think also, that it isn't clear enough to people that the opera is in Mandarin. Some people behind me were astounded when the singing began that it wasn't in English!

The programmes are expensive at £10 each and the CD works out to better value in my opinion as that's £9 on Amazon! The programme also does not have photos of the cast members which I think is a real shame and gives them insufficient credit.

In all, a mixed bag. A brilliant concept, great music and fantastic performance BUT the organisers don't seem to have met the same standards and I think a one month run is a disservice to this wonderful production.

I can only hope for a DVD soon...

I

Posted 1 month ago #
blind monkey
Member

My daughter and partner treated me and my husband to Monkey-Journey to the West for our Christmas pressie. I have been so looking forward to it having been totally inspired by the documentary on its creation earlier in the year.
I liked the quirkiness of the venue and the music and singing were wonderful. However I really went to see the show and as the performance progressed and the stage went further back with each scene I was completely unable to see what was going on except for a triangle at the left side front of the show (when most of the scenes were acted from the right or back of stage). I could not see the backdrop through the second half of the performance and so missed all the story.
I cannot believe that the organisers are deliberately selling tickets that do not allow the audience to see the show and getting away with it - you would hardly be expected to buy a book with half of each page cut off!
I think you should reimburse all tickets of those whose seats were out of view of the majority of the stage or allow us all back so that we can enjoy the show properly as a goodwill gesture.
Our seats were BC12-15. Performance 29.11.08 3pm
Yours Blind Monkey

Posted 1 month ago #
China_Monkey
Member

I went to see MJTTW on Saturday (29th Nov) and thought the show was amazing. I would say it is the best live peformance of any kind that I have ever seen.

I was recently on holiday in China and saw Acrobatics, Kung Fu and Chinese Dancing / Singing shows and I thought Monkey Journey combined the best elements of all of these. Add some amazing animation and I can't really think of a way that this show could be improved. The performers on stage and in the orchestra were all excellent.

The same can not be said of the venue.

The idea of a purpose-built tent sounds great when you read about Monkey Journey online, the sad reality is that it felt like it had been put together on a very low budget, with no thought for the comfort of the viewing public.
The seats are tiny and cramped, and the tiers too shallow, so people with large heads in front of you completely block the view of the lower part of the stage.
The seating goes far beyond the edge of the stage, so anyone not in the central blocks of seats will have a severely restricted view as the action retreats further back on the stage throughout the performance.
The English translation of what is being sung is shown on low quality screens either side of the stage, so you constantly have to take your eyes off the action to understand what is going on (why no sur-titles?)
There was a lot of noise coming from other areas of the tent (restaurant staff clearing up bottles by the sound of it) and from outside throughout the performance.
Finally - directions when you leave Greenwich North tube station are pretty much non-existent. We eventually noticed some stickers on the floor when we'd walked about three quarters of the way around the O2, but even these do not have arrows to tell you you are going in the right direction.

So all in all MJTTW is a great production with some truly world class performers, but go and see it somewhere other than the O2.

Posted 1 month ago #
samr
Member

I agree 150% with all the people above in regards to the venue - very poor and definitely much less than you expect for £55 upwards. I also noticed that the disabled amenities looked like an afterthought as they put the wheelchairs right at the front where it was very difficult to watch the show and read the subtitles even without a disability. The poor man in front of us had no chance of doing both as he had limited movement. And they lost what impact there was for this very mediocre show. Not very well thought out.

Yes I also thought the show was incredibly mediocre for the price of the ticket. It was colourful and the sets and costumes were quite good but in general I expected much more for my £55 (which was one of the cheapest). The acrobatics were good but there was not enough of it to blow you away. I saw a similar even in China when I was there which was on par with this one and free - put on by a local village! I do have to say the orchestra was good and the singers were fantastic. They did a good job in a trying venue.

I would definitely recommend people not to spend the extortinate ticket price to see this and use the money elsewhere which is much more deserving of that price. If the tickets were £20 then it would be worthwhile but it's a bit criminal that they are charging such rates for a sub-standard venue and show.

Posted 1 month ago #
kelly dibbert
Member

I am frankly appalled as I went to see the show on the 22nd of November for my friends 37th birthday. Our seats were £35.00 each and with a booking fee on top. We came from Brighton especially.

We were right in front of the Surtitles screen!!!! With a view of about 1/2 of the stage. A BLIND MONKEY could have designed the stage better!!!!! We were not told they were restricted viewing and to be honest in my local 400 year old theatre I would expect there to be some restricted viewing AND THEY DO BUT THEY CHARGE ACCORDINGLY. I expect better from a highly acclaimed money making artisitc event at a specially designed arena!!!!

So we saw about 1/3 of the show and all had extremely cricked necks by the end of it! Our seats were not the worst either...we had about 10 people to the left of us and there were about 4 rows in front of us! Poor them is all I say! Please please please show your audience some respect!!! And if you're going check you have centre seats!!!!

Posted 1 month ago #
Sabadab
Member

What a rip off!

i agree with Kelly Dibbert. I was kindly taken to see the show on a date. The gentleman spent £110 for two tickets. We also sat at the front in front of the subtitles. We were unable to see any of the back of the stage or the left side of the stage. Our tickets were the second most expensive tickets. I dread to think what you saw with the cheapest tickets.

I wouldnt recommend this show. Especially if you buy the second most expensive tickets. I couldnt even tell you if the show was any good, because I couldnt see half of it. Apparantly there is a screen on the back of the with animations. I didnt see any of that. I only know of this from a picture I saw in th £10 programme (also a rip off).

We complained at the end of the show, however none of the staff could help us and we were given an email address to write to. Still havent heard back.

None of the staff we spoke to were even aware of the resticted view, because none of them had even seen the show.

So all in all, a complete disappointment and I wouldnt recommend it to anyone!

Posted 1 month ago #
katie beer
Member

well we thought it was great from start to finish. we attended on the 4th dec afternoon show,to get to the arena was easy,ok not in the 02 but the tent was fine. the seats were basic seats but what do you expect in a tent! i just sat on my coat. the show was fabulous,and what made it even better this was a pressi for my hubby's b.day as he's been wanting to see this for ages and he was made up as he saw jamie hewlett in the audience so was over the moon to see one of the men who created an amazing show- a huge well done and will and have recommended......i got cheapest tickets and we were sat in seats near the front as asked if we wanted to move so that was cool, and we heard 2planes to which i thought was the noise in part of the show... for 2hours it was well worth the day trip from manchester- well done to jamie and damien......

Posted 3 weeks ago #
Sabadab
Member

You only thought it was great, cos you could actually see the production from your seats.

Posted 3 weeks ago #
Cheeky Monkey
Member

OH PLEASE - stop whinging and whining and get on with discussing the creative apsects of the production!!!

Posted 3 weeks ago #
Monkeyking
Member

I disagree with lots of the above reviews.The show was great and I think the venue added to the show in a big way.
Seats were good and I could see no problem with the acoustics of the tent.
I think its true that the cast deserved more credit- at least pictures and names in the program- but they were brilliant.
The acrobatics were excellent and the fact it was in mandarin didn't make it hard understand what was happening because of the english subtitles.
All in all I think it was a brilliant show.

Age- 12

Posted 1 week ago #
plantaholic
Member

Show, enjoyable. Glad it was in Mandarin not English. Think the subtitles were well used, but wished we could've seen them better over peoples' heads! Had to keep leaning.
Glad I got the tickets via a 2-for-1 offer.The full-price would have been overpriced and a swizz considering we were all so squashed together. Too snug and uncomfortable. I had my arm over my partner the whole time just to allow an inch between us and the people either side of us.
I did wonder what would have happened if I had gone along with a disabled friend. Didnt seem well organised in that respect.

Those plate-spinner girls were amazing. Those things were not stuck on were they. they looked it, but i guess that's the whole point.

Show: 10/10 for effort and execution to musicians and performers.
Venue(the temporary marquee), comfort and seating arrangement... poor and dissapointing!
(Not impressed with the organisation at the O2 either, but whatever)

Posted 1 week ago #
monkeyarmgirl
Member

5 of us went to the Matinee yesterday rather unsure what to expect, we had 2 highly critical teens with us. I was glad we got our tickets on lastminute for £10 each - face value £35. If we'd paid the face value, I'd have been less than amused.
The 15 year old boy loved it, the 17 year old girl was underwhelmed. The adults all agreed we wouldn't recommend it. The translation screens had us in stiches at times, there would be singing and singing and about 3 words on the screens, and then 4 screens would come and go faster than you could read them - I do hope that the person who translated 'do you want some chicken and wheat based gluten to eat' meant it to be funny!
The acrobatics were fantastic, but when monkey got trapped under the hand of Budda for 500 years, we were starting to wish he'd stay there!
It was a long cold walk from the pick up point for the tickets and we worried that the tent would be cold, but that was ok. The view we had wasn't bad, it was just difficult to see what was happening on stage and read the screens at the same time. Some blocks of seats had been covered over - maybe in response to the earlier comments on here.
If you want to spend £40 on a great show that you can take older children to (about £20 for their seats), go to War Horse at the National instead.

Posted 3 days ago #
CheekyMonkey
Member

We watched Monkey last night and thought it was absolutely brilliant, from the stage performance to the LIVE music. There was so much going on that it was almost difficult to soak up every movement. Everyone on stage had a very special part and I felt almost sad I just could not watch each performance, as it deserved. The singing was fabulous; the women’s voices were angelic and the man’s pure fun.

Monkey’s story was real fun to watch and follow, loved the animations too! Watch out for the underwater scene, it’s beautiful.

I really hope The Monkey Team will work on a new project together soon.

Posted 3 days ago #

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