The Rest Is Entertainment Is The Bear REALLY a Comedy?
Sep 16, 2024
Is a show about restaurant life truly a comedy? The hosts delve into this curious classification while examining the vibrant West End musical scene thriving post-pandemic. They also reflect on the challenges of launching new productions and how certain shows draw from film. The bizarre convergence of music and politics surfaces too, with Jack White suing Trump over song misuse. With a mix of humor and critique, they explore the evolving definition of comedy and the backstage dynamics at play.
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West End Theatre Trends
- The West End is thriving, with musicals based on existing intellectual property (IP) dominating.
- This reliance on established IP raises concerns about a lack of original content in theatre.
Something Rotten's Broadway Journey
- Jon O'Farrell's "Something Rotten," a musical about Shakespeare, struggled on Broadway despite critical acclaim.
- Tourists favored familiar titles like "Legally Blonde," highlighting the audience's preference for known IP.
Theatre Investment as a Gamble
- Theatre investment often attracts individuals comfortable with risk and potential losses.
- The financial model resembles gambling, with the possibility of substantial returns but also significant losses.
